Une Nouvelle Ère [Book 2]

VII

"Did you have fun?"

Alex then asked as he and Jo then had their ice creams, just like he promised. The sun was already setting, indicating him that he needs to get her back home as soon as possible.

"I actually did, yes" Jo smiled sweetly at him "And it was even better, since I have beaten you."

He chuckles softly, and nods in agreement "Of course...I know you will be very proud of that achievement."

"Yes! And...I look forward to beating you in more challenges to come, especially during the croquet match."

"Oh, don't be too sure on that, because the croquet field is my arena. Do be careful about your confidence."

"And you be careful of your pride," she reminded "Just because it is your forte, doesn't mean you're actually good at it."

The two then shared a light laugh, before hearing thunder rumbled loudly in the sky...

...and rain suddenly poured down from above.

As the crowd immediately ran back to their houses and the nearest stalls for shed, Alex and Jo find their shelter under the tree, where their bicycles are still thankfully chained and parked.

"Are you alright? Are you wet?" he immediately asked after, checking on her if she's alright.

"I'm fine, And you?" Jo replied.

"I am quite alright as well. But tell you what, since the rain is getting harder and I really need to take you home by now, how about we bike our way back to your house?"

"Are you insane?!"

"Well we don't have much choice! And you can have my winter coat!"

"But how about you?" she looks at him, very much concerned.

Alex saw her expression, trying his best not to blush and grin like a fool "I said I will be fine! Now, do you trust me on this, or do you have any other way?"

Jo thought for a moment...and he is actually right. She then looks at him, and nods in agreement.

"Alright," she finally said "But how will we not get wet when we bike home?"

"Here. Wear these." Alex then quickly draped his winter coat and newsboy hat "Now, I know these are not enough, but it'll somehow do something to help get less wet."

"But how about you? You'll be soaking wet!"

"We'll worry about that later." he assured her as he gets their bicycles "Now, shall we head along? Or are you going to keep worrying about me?"

Leaving her no other choice, she grabs her bicycle from his grasp and hops on. The two then sped off, pedaling as fast as they can in the pouring rain.

***

"Oh dear!"

Edith said as she looks over the large window from  their mother's study. Mary was also there, writing on the desk. They were going over the estate and county papers together when they heard a loud rumble of thunder in the night sky.

"The rain is getting heavier than I thought." Mary then said, looking up from the papers.

"Do you think Alex and Miss Lewis will be fine?" Edith then inquired "They still might be stuck somewhere else!"

"They'll be alright, don't worry." her sister assured her "But I already told Andy and Mister Stark to go up to the Lewises to look for them."

"Oh, I hope they're at her house now," the marchioness said "And dry as well."