The Villager

13

THE VILLAGER
ʚɞ Ruth ʚɞ

Today I was off from the bakery, though I felt horrible for leaving Mr Clementine all alone working, he insisted on this day off, and he did love a good day to himself. The village shops were buzzing with people from all over.

My basket was filled with such things as vegetables and fruits, but I couldn't help but gawk at the jewelry; wishing for a pair. My bracelet I got for myself and the ladies of the palace sits on my wrist quite nicely, but it needed more sparkle, something else to go with it.

Speaking of the girls...

I have not seen them in a while. I have been busy at work. Perhaps, I could stop by to see Serena.

The village was newly decorating, welcoming in the fall air as the cool weather breezes through. I couldn't help but gawk at the sightings of the decorations. Josephine would love this knowing that she could die for a good decoration from time to time.

My mind was elsewhere and my eyes were focused at the decorations hanging above my head, I mistakenly misstep my footing, hitting a person in the chest.

Looking at the poor gentleman, I had knocked his hat off. Bending down, I pick up the hat, handing it back over with an apologetic smile. "My apologies, sir."

"Looks like I am not the only one amazed by the decorations," he observes with a smile.

"I know, they are amazing. They do this every year, but I still cannot get used to them." Leaves in a line are flowing from a string as lanterns are in the middle above us showing the light that burns from them.

They have much decorating to come, I know.

"My favorite thing is when they light up the pumpkins for the children to witness."

"My mother used to take us when we were younger." Tilley still loves the pumpkins being lit up in the dark evening when all the families would gather around and let their pumpkin burn and glow up the night sky.

"Mine too," he replies.

"Ruth Myers," I introduce myself politely.

"Sir Kingsley." He tips his hat, introducing himself.

"Lord Timothy Hampton," A voice so deep rings my ears, and I am stood in place. So still, afraid to move or he'll see me. I feel him on the side of me, holding out his arm for a good shake. He is charming to the others, friendly, but also intimidating.

Sir Kingsley shakes his hand, greeting him. "Ahh, the Viscount. How are you?"

"Well, I was just about to take Miss Myers on a stroll." His hand finds the middle of my back, pushing me along. "Excuse us, would you?"

"Go right ahead. She's yours."

She's yours.

Sir Kingsley bids us farewell, tilting his hat down again and taking his leave down the streets of the village. Timothy keeps his hand on my back, the skin stinging from his touch even through my clothing. I bite down on my tongue to keep harsh words from spilling.

How dare he ruin my conversation and sweep me away?

Why does he always have to circle around my life suddenly?

"That was a bit rude, don't you think?" I keep a calm composure.

He thinks for a while as we continue to walk, passing all the shops and I walk alongside him and gawk. He hums. "No, I don't think so?"

"Well, it was." Pressing my head forward, I focus on the shops around me, but our feet keep moving and he never allows me to stop. "Where is your fiance?"