Cinderella: A Retelling of an Old Classic

A New Chapter - Chapter 11

Over the course of the next few weeks Adela was sent to visit Mr. Krevits many more times. Of course, the dread that she had felt when faced with the idea of parting from her father's treasures was now gone. She was careful, however to make it seem as though she hated the now regular visits. Adela knew that if her stepmother suspected what had really happened there would be little in this world that would stay her wrath.

If nothing else life in the manor house had become increasingly more difficult for Adela and Rebecca. Regina had made sure to make Adela's life as close as possible to a living hell all the while treating her spoiled, simple daughters like princesses. Ella bore these things with a presence of mind that astonished her stepmother and stepsisters but did not phase Rebecca in the slightest. She knew, if they did not, that Ella's parents taught her to respect her elders and herself by not stooping to the level of her enemies. That in itself was enough to earn her Rebecca's loyalty and love during these rather trying times.

Adela and Rebecca were in the marketplace acquiring the necessary food items for the evening meal. They had already been to the butchers, bakers and miller's shops and were heading to the last vendor on their list, the vegetable women. Fresh vegetables were difficult to find at times but she always delivered and they were frequent customers.

"I had thought of broiling a chicken for dinner but apparently your stepmother decided that red meat was more nutritious for her beautiful daughter's complexions."

Adela giggled. "Whatever stepmother says..." was all she replied.

"The stench of your stepmother's ridiculous fancies is enough to level an entire town." Rebecca said knowingly.

"Oh Rebecca," Adela laughed again. "She isn't that bad I'm sure."

"Well, I'm not!"

As they walked down the street they suddenly heard the clattering of hooves on cobblestone behind them. Turing, they behold an enormous couch barreling down on them with four horses running wildly down on them.

Rebecca and Adela quickly moved to the side to avoid being run over. The black carriage with gold trim was steadily barreling towards the vendors booths.

"Goodness! Who would be driving those four beast at that rate down this little road? They would have to be out of their mind!"

Adela agreed and looking out where the other villagers were gathering to see what all the commotion was about. Just as the carriage was about to pass them she turned her head and was horror struck.

Apparently oblivious to the danger a little boy was playing the street with his ball. It had rolled into a particularly deep ridge and his four year old hands were still too uncoordinated to easily retrieve it.

No one seemed to notice but Ella. There attention was fixed on the strange sight in front of them.

"Watch out!!" she screamed launching herself at the little boy now staring at the giant clattering wheels heading towards him. She caught him in her arms but was then horror-struck when she realized that no matter what she did they wouldn't get out of the carriage's way in time. Praying she turned the little boy's body into hers and buried his head in her chest with her back turned to the thundering contraption.

The little boy was crying and the wheels were thundering but none surpassed the pounding she felt in her heart.

She heard a whip cracking and then a desperate voice cry out, "Stop this instant!" Frantically she heard the horses whinnying and the steel clod hooves scrape desperately at the ground in attempt to halt the oncoming vehicle.

Adela squeezed her eyes shut and the background noises began to fade. She waited for the impact that she knew would end everything.

It never came. Slowly she realized there was a crowd standing around the now stationary carriage. Rebecca was beside her kneeling and crying and the little was holding her so tightly she knew without looking there were going to be bruises later on.

"Miss! Miss!" a strange voice called. "Are you alright?"

Looking up she saw an anxious looking young man peering down at her from inside the carriage.

She stood up and held her little charge in her arms. "Are you alright little one?" Adela queried.

At his nod she looked up at the young man. "Fortunately the child is well but I am not!"

Angrily she stared at him. "What were you thinking when you decided to steer that wheeled contraption into this tiny village? The road is barely wide enough for a horse and cart and you decided to prance out hear at top speed? Were you even thinking at all?"

The man that had formally been driving the vehicle began to protest but she kept speaking all the while stepping closer and closer to the stranger who had yet to leave the confines of his carriage.

"I realize that most likely you are an immensely important personage but a master is only as important as the people over which he rules. You should be more considerate of others! What would have happened if no one had noticed the little boy? Can you tell me that?"

Rebecca stared at Adela in astonishment and then smiled. She had known little Ella ever since she had worn tiny nappies and she knew better than anyone that she rarely stuck up for herself. However, when it came to sticking up for others she did not disappoint.

As for the person in the carriage he was still staring at the angry female in front of him. No one had ever spoken to him in such a manner and he found himself not completely sure of the proper response.

Of course he should apologize but would that have any effect? The girl seemed extraordinarily upset for someone so small and dainty. He left the confines of the carriage and stepped out into the bright sun.

"Forgive me my lady, I did not mean any harm. I have never been through this part of the kingdom and did not know the streets here are so small."

Adela bristled again. "Our streets are of normal width sir, perhaps your carriage is simply too large. Why would one person sit in such a large contraption? Unless it carries others as well, it seems to me to be a waste of space."

Ella noticed the man in front of her look at her in chagrin and, to her annoyance, with amusement.

"You are wonderful astute my lady. I had never thought of it that way but I am sure you are correct. Again I ask your pardon, ignorance is no excuse for stupidity."

It was Adela's turn to be uncomfortable. "Forgive me sir, I did not mean to insinuate you were unintelligent merely, inconsiderate. As for me, your apology is accepted but there is another who deserves the same courtesy."

The young man seemed puzzled. Adela smiled and he stared in wonder as she picked up the little boy she had saved and held him up to him.

"This young man is named Henry. He is four years old and very bright." at this Henry giggled. "I believe you should speak to him."

The young man looked at the bundle of joy in front of him. The once tear streaked face was now smiling and looking up at him in anticipation.

"Ahem," he said awkwardly. "I humbly apologize and erm," he looked at Adela with an air of such bewilderment she nearly laughed. By now the townspeople, having seen and hear everything they wished to see had dispersed and, excepting Rebecca of course, had all but disappeared.

"Would you like to ride in the big box Henry?" she asked looking at the young man and smiling. "I'm sure he would allow you if you asked him nicely."

"Pwease mistooooo, could I?" the little one lisped.

The young man smiled and nodded, "Of course."

Adela helped Henry into the carriage and turned to the stranger. "He lives in the last house at the end of the street. I'm sure his mother is worried about him so please, return him there."

"Of course madam." he got into the carriage and was about to drive off when he stopped. "What might be your name?"

"Adela my lord." she said with a curtsy.

"Well Adela, I hope to see you again."

With that, and a shout to the driver, they were off leaving Adela to wonder who the stranger in the velvet jacket was.

Forgive the mistakes and editing probs but I wrote this quickly and didn't proofread!! sorry guys. What do you think???