A Pledge of Survival

V

Eleanor had just completed the meticulous task of tidying the kitchen, entirely unaware of the lateness that had crept upon the hour.

As her gaze met the clock on the wall, her eyes widened in astonishment. "It can't possibly be ten o'clock already. I hope Thomas won't be overly concerned; he likely didn't anticipate me staying out so late."

With a gentle closing of the kitchen door and a graceful traverse through the corridors designated for the household staff, Eleanor found herself standing by the stable.

Rather than accept the offered accommodations at the Hayward estate, Eleanor had firmly declined, prioritizing her presence at home with her siblings. Determined to witness their growth and well-being, she willingly undertook early morning journeys to ensure her punctual return.

Leaving the estate at such a late hour was a departure from her usual routine, and she felt a mixture of curiosity and unease about traversing the premises at this time.

Nonetheless, these concerns were brushed aside as practicality dictated that she embarks on the journey, no matter how late the hour had become.

While tracing her path around the stables, the distinct sound of horses neighing filled the air, reaching Eleanor's ears with a sense of familiarity and fondness.

Horses, in her view, were more than mere animals; they were kindred spirits, companions in their own right. However, a sudden noise from the depths of the stable caused her to halt abruptly in her tracks.

An admonishment slipped past her lips in a whisper, laden with a mix of self-criticism and caution. "Eleanor, what were you thinking? Why pause now? Are you intentionally seeking danger?" Determined not to invite unnecessary trouble, she chose to continue her journey out of the stable.

Yet, before she could proceed further, the unmistakable sound of footsteps reverberated in the air, growing louder as they approached her. It was swiftly followed by a commanding voice that sliced through the night. "Who's there?"

Eleanor's heart seemed to momentarily seize in her chest, a sudden realization dawning on her.

She chided herself internally, her voice barely above a hushed whisper. "I must be out of my mind." Hastily, she retraced her steps, exiting the stable and picking up her pace as she made her way toward the expansive fields.

However, her hasty retreat was met with a demand that halted her in her tracks once more. The voice held authority, and Eleanor felt a sense of vulnerability envelope her. She pivoted her attention toward the source of the voice, her eyes narrowing in the direction of the speaker.

The approaching figure took form in the dim light, and Eleanor's initial apprehension transformed into a mix of surprise and recognition. The man who stepped into view was none other than Noah Hayward. It appeared that her presence had caught him equally off guard, a revelation that caused a series of emotions to flit across her features.

"Miss Osborne," he inquired, and Eleanor was keenly aware of the surprise lacing his words. "I beg your pardon for intruding, but what brings you near the stables at such a late hour? Are you perchance in need of assistance? If so, I could alert Miss White."

Eleanor's immediate impulse was to retreat, a familiar unease settling upon her. It seemed that encounters with him often led her into awkward predicaments.

"Lord Hayward, I apologize for any inconvenience," she responded, her voice carrying a hint of regret. "I lost track of time, and now I find myself behind schedule to return home."

"Are you considering walking back home at this hour?" Noah's tone was laden with seriousness.

Eleanor's response carried a note of determination, even as she attempted to infuse levity into the situation. "Indeed, my lord. I am afraid I must hurry; otherwise, I risk reaching home only as dawn breaks."