Tangled In Time

Into The Unknown

Emerging from the back room, Daisy and I had successfully stowed the gown away in its box, leaving it pristine and ready for our journey ahead. Together, Daisy and I delved into the delightful task of choosing a selection of pairs of shoes, casual outfits, skirts, and a chic coat. When it came down to choosing my underwear, Blake made a quick dash to the door, muttering something about popping next door.

Blake returned just as Daisy was neatly arranging my newly acquired treasures into various bags and boxes. He reappeared with a warm and friendly greeting, holding out a glass bottle of Coke for me.

"Are you ladies all done?" he asked, leaning against the doorframe with an air of casual elegance. "How much do I owe you, Daisy?" The rapport between them was evident as Daisy efficiently tabulated the cost. Blake paid the bill, slipping Daisy a little extra for all her help.

I had dared to consider donning a pair of white tennis shoes but was promptly met with a disapproving look from Blake, who raised a metaphorical eyebrow and declared, "Absolutely not." Surprisingly, he had allowed me to purchase them at all, albeit with reservations.

Blake gallantly shouldered the bags and boxes, ensuring that I didn't bear the weight of a single one, save for the box containing my gown. Though I secretly yearned for a "Pretty Woman" moment, swinging an array of fashion bags, Blake's gentlemanly insistence left me trailing behind him like a faithful puppy.

Back in the car, Blake and I discussed the plan he'd devised to explain my presence. He'd written a letter inviting my fictional mother and me to the fancy evening ball. Sadly, my mother couldn't make it, so I had to make the train journey all by myself. Returning from a family visit in Jamaica and without a car, I decided to take the train. Things took a turn for the worse when someone swiped my suitcase at the station. Dealing with these setbacks, I reached out to Blake for assistance, and he graciously offered to pick me up in town and let me stay with him. To sell the story, Blake even gave me one of Gwen's old suitcases.

"Can you assure me you won't forget this story?" Blake asked earnestly as we navigated the winding countryside roads, the car's roof wisely raised to guard against potential rain.

I chuckled softly. "Of course, I think it's practically etched into my brain with the number of times you've made me rehearse it."

Blake flashed a warm smile, his eyes briefly meeting mine before returning to the road. "Just ensuring we're both on the same page," he replied.

I laughed. "Do you think I'm dumb or something?"

Blake responded with a good-natured grin and a sidelong glance. "Not at all."

As we neared the imposing gates leading to his family estate, Blake brought the car to a halt. He turned to face me and retrieved a small black box from his pocket, extending it toward me with an air of awkwardness.

"For tonight," he offered, his voice laced with sincerity.

Without a word, I accepted the box and lifted its lid, revealing a pair of exquisite earrings cradled within a square of cerulean silk. They were stunning—elongated silver teardrops adorned with intricate patterns, their centres graced by luminous moonstones.

"I can't accept these," I protested, still captivated by their beauty as I attempted to return them to Blake. "They're exquisite, and they must have cost a small fortune."

Blake remained resolute. "You need to look the part."

I delicately ran my fingers over the intricate earrings, feeling a surge of gratitude. "They are truly beautiful, and you've been exceedingly generous today."

He chuckled, reiterating his point. "You need to look the part. Besides, most of these trinkets will remain here once we figure out how to get you back home."