The Commoner's Princess

3

Ben helped her onto his horse and they set off back into town. Miranda enjoyed the silence and the noises the horse made.

"I'm going to stop a little ways from my clinic. I don't want the guards or anyone to spot you out. Can you sit here while I go close up shop?"

"Yes, thank you. You are most kind," she stated as he got off and tied the horse up.

Ben walked the 5 minutes to his clinic and saw guards looking around desperately.

"Excuse me kind sir. I believe the woman you may be looking for ran off that way," Ben pointed west. "She had a red cloak and was running," he added and watched as they nodded and ran off.

Walking inside the clinic Ben closed the shutters and locked up. He locked the door and placed the chain around it before closing the lock.

"Good day, Doctor," the man who owned the business across the street spoke.

"Godspeed," Ben wished and walked back down the road.

Miranda sat on the horse waiting for Ben to come back. The crunching of gravel made her look over.

"You're ready?" He asked mounting the horse.

"Yes," she smiled as he directed the horse forward.

It took about 10 minutes for them to reach his home. Miranda took in his house. The base was made out of bricks before going up into timber. It was a beautiful simplistic home nonetheless. Much bigger than the patient's house.

At the front of the cottage, there was a pond and flowers around. The grass and garden looked well-kept.

"I know it's far less than what you are used to but welcome to my humble abode." Ben voiced dismounting the horse and offering her a hand.

"It's beautiful," she complimented taking his out reached hand and getting down. She watched as Ben led his horse to his stable and closed the gate. He added feed to the container and walked over to Miranda leading her to the porch.

"Allow me to show you inside,"

Inside, the cottage exuded an atmosphere of rustic charm, with exposed wooden beams crisscrossing the ceiling and a stone hearth at the center of the main room.

She watched as Ben lit candles and lamps providing much light to the place. "Did you bake bread?" Miranda asked noticing the delightful smell.

"This morning before going to work,"

"Wow, so you cook or bake? That's not traditional."

"It is not, but I prefer to do things myself. Can I offer you tea, coffee, water, beer, or wine?"

"I have never had beer before," she spoke.

"Do you want to try it?"

"Yes," she answered nodding her head.

Ben went to his cabinet and grabbed a mug. He wiped it out before grabbing the keg and filling her cup.

"Cheers," Ben smiled handing her the cup.

He walked around and lit his open fire area. Going to his ice box he took out the container of potato soup he made last night. He placed it in a pot and hung it over the open flame to heat up.

Looking over his shoulder he noticed Miranda's face. " Do you like it?"

"It's bitter," she giggled.

"It's an acquired taste. I can get you wine. Oh, I also have lemonade."

"Lemonade is fine,"

Ben gave her a cup of lemonade and drank the beer himself. He cut up pieces of the smoked ham and slices of bread. Once the soup was thoroughly heated. He gave her a bowl and plate.