Love and secrets

Chapter one

           I was running. Twigs and thorns ripped at my hair and dress, I fell and a sharp rock dug into my hand I cried out in pain but there was no one to hear. All I had with me was the clothes on my back, a compass, a map and a small vial of brownish green liquid. I picked myself up as I heard shouts behind me, "Get the girl! We know she's here somewhere!" "Go left Tony, I'll take the right." I had to go soon or they would corner me. I stood up and took a step and collapsed in pain, my ankle was either sprained or broken I knew not which. But I had to go, the fate of the world rested on my shoulders and time was ticking. I half limped, half dragged myself through the trees. I checked my map again, no time to get my compass, I trusted my instincts and turned left. The shouts grew behind me as fear crept up my spine. Then I saw it, a beautiful old mansion with pillars, front doors about twice my height, even a Dome that sat right on top. But I had no time to take in the beautiful sights, I ran straight for the door and knocked on it. My ankle was now swollen nearly three times its size and the pain had not lessened. I knocked again praying silently that someone would come. Suddenly the door opened wide and there stood a man, butler I assumed, but no time to ponder I quickly pushed past him and slammed the doors locking my attackers outside. "Are you all right Miss?" The funny looking butler asked. I could not answer I just looked at him and collapsed on the floor, then everything went black. When I came to, sunlight streamed through a window to my left. I was laying on a bed my head propped against pillows, goose feather I could imagine, maybe swan. I fingered the sheets, they were a soft cotton, I was wearing a night gown far too big for me. I shuttered to think who put it on. If it was the butler I would have had a bone to pick with him later. I threw back the sheets and prepared to stand up but a throbbing pain shot through my leg reminding me about my ankle. I cursed silently as I got up more carefully, Then I looked about me. The room was beautifully furnished with mahogany and gold accents. The walls were warm yellow, and the ceiling high and arching, it was white also with gold accents. There is a fireplace in the corner of the room, obviously not lit as it was in the middle of summer, there was wash basin on a stool in one corner with a mirror above it. I headed for it as of not being able to wash for quite some time. As the cold water splashed against my face washing away some of the dirt and grime from my long journey. I smiled for the first time in what felt like forever. Then I took my hair down, I had discovered a hairbrush lying next to the basin and I began to work at the knots in my long, dirty blonde hair. I stepped back and admired my work. It wasn't great but it would have to do. Then I headed straight for a tall mahogany closet I had found near the right of the bed. After careful search around the closet and the floor I had discovered that my clothes were not there. I cannot very well go down in a night gown so I decided to borrow one of the dresses from the closet. as I searched through it I found that most of them were the latest style with the odd "flounce" in the back. Very fashionable I had heard from the peak of society in London. Fortunately I was not the peak of society so I chose a plain light blue gingham, no flounce. I dressed quickly and headed for the door. I opened it and caught my breath, it was the most beautiful house I had ever seen! the ceiling was high and white, there were dozens of hallways going in every direction with doors on either side, and right in front of me there was a grand white marble staircase going down. "Fuck!" I thought to myself as I looked down at my swollen ankle. Fortunately for me there was a railing along with the staircase. Looks like I would have to "hop" most of the way down.

I took a deep breath gathered my courage and gripped the railing. I took the first step and inhaled quickly through my teeth as pain seared through my ankle. So far so good, it looks like only about 40 or 50 more to go. After the agonizing walk down the staircase I was close to tears, which was saying something. I took another deep breath and began to limp down the hallway toward the light of the doorway ahead of me. By the delicious smells I assumed it was the dining room, which reminded me I hadn't eaten in almost two days. I got to the door and slowly pushed it open. Instead of the dining room I was pleasantly surprised to find it the kitchen. I crept in slowly taking in my surroundings I peeked out the balcony to see a small garden with a funny little man in an odd hat that looked strangely like an onion, maybe a scallop, I wasn't sure. He was humming to himself unawares that I was watching. He didn't look threatening but then again he may not have liked that I had barged in on his master's house. I assumed he was the chef. I smelled something burning so I turned to see if I could be of assistance but to my surprise he was already there stirring the eggs. I could not conceal the gasp that slipped out of me. Like lightning he turned and stared at me, and I at him. I slowly began to back away never taking my eyes off him. But instead of being angry he smiled, "Marmaduke Scarlet chef of all chefs, at your service guest!" He said. "May I help you with something?"