Pinnacle (ONGOING)

Chapter Twenty-One - Gadji

(I tried to do a lot of research on Romani culture to accurately portray it as respectful as possible. Please excuse and correct me gently it there's something I've written that is wrong or rude. Thanks!)

    I had been practically forced to partake in breaking my fast in spite of my wame's discomfit. Boiled egg with soldiers however, happened to aid the deep ache which had sent pangs of nerves into my chest. I should have recognized it as hunger, but hunger tended to twist when agitated.

     "There now, much better." Wells pronounced as I exited my room in a dress.

     It was his only condition to helping me, and I heard the voice of Mr. Turner in my mind, encouraging me to blaze trails without hiding who I was. He was right of course, after all, how was I to pave the way for future women if I were to masquerade as a man? It had never occurred to me until that exact moment. My bravery was wasted on fulfilling my own destiny when this whole time I could have been doing something beyond myself.

     "Steady on." I breathed, feeling the pistol stashed in my petticoats. Wells nodded gravely, and we were on our way.

--

     I found myself bumping around in a carriage yet again, and had time to reflect on the new pieces of evidence I was sure of: Freedom was involved, there was a scuffle, and William was very likely alive. That last one released the breath from my lungs that I had not realized I was preserving.

      I looked up, feeling Mr. Wells' eyes on on me and straightened myself, realizing that worry was written on my face.

     "I am well." I said, answering his internal question, maybe a little too forcefully.

     He frowned at that, mulling it over with the pinch of his brow. "I was in love once." He blurted.

     "Indeed?" I sighed, grateful for the distraction.

     "She slipped from my grasp." He continued. "I did nothing to win her, I was so damned blind. Blinded by self pity and a poor ego." He was looking at me then, and there was a look in his eye that I could not discern.

     "Maybe it is not too late. Surely, she will hear you out-"

     "She is to be wed." He interrupted, and I quieted at that.

     "I envy you, you know." He smiled with pain. "You go after what you want. You risk your life for passion."

     "Me? _I_ inspire YOU?" I laughed incredulously, but resumed my train of thought. "Though it is too late with this woman... What do _you_ want to do?" I asked, leaning in, in efforts to meet his eye.

     He thought on that for a moment. "I would like to be an author." Was his easy reply.

     "Then do it." I smiled, "The easiest step is the most frightening step... Of course I am referring to the first one.."

     "I have no motivation or confidence." He expressed, expression growing taxed. "I fear rejection, it is why I refrained from asking y-"

     "For my hand." I supplemented as the realization hit me.

     He swallowed, eyes level with my stare. In his face I saw the mental slap he dealt himself for letting the secret slip.

     I smiled, nodding slowly. "Then let it start with me. This bravery. Tell me how you feel about me."

     Wells was silent for a long while, and his eyes widened at this. "No." He breathed, "You are engaged, and I-"

     "Mr. Wells..." I prompted. "Close your eyes."