Guardian Angel

Chapter 2

It was still raining. After a few minutes of sprinting down the streets of London, I knew I needed to rest. Otherwise I would never make it to Blackwood Manor without a bit of rest. I came across a small alley way and I say down by it. I shouldn't draw too much attention to myself so this seemed like a good place to rest my legs. I grabbed a loaf of bread from my bag. I haven't eaten all day and it was now past noon. After i ate i decided to just relax here in the alley for a while. I must have fallen asleep for a few hours though. I was starting to wake up when all of a sudden I heard a loud commotion. It was the pound of many feet hitting the pavement. I also heard the sound of a carriage charging full speed in my direction. At a quick glance I could see it was Ms. Walker and her workers. They were out looking for me. I quickly jumped to my feet and took off in the direction of my grandparents estate. It looked like it would take a lot of running to get there but my concern at the moment was to lose Ms. Walker. I kept running. The droplets of rain hitting my face. I came upon another small alley way. With great speed I turned and ran down the alley and hid behind some cardboard boxes and a large crate. I waited in silence almost holding my breath. They can't find me I thought to myself. I'll fight them if I have to. After that thought I heard the stomping of the men and the wheels of the carriage go right past this dark little alley. I waited until I could no longer hear the noise of the men or the carriage and then I started to run again. I ran and ran. I could feel my feet increase their speed with every step. I could feel the mud that was collecting on my dress and shoes. The rain was still pounding at my face. I looked up toward the sky. The moon started to rise. It will take me about an hour or two to get to the manor on foot and i knew every once and a while I would have to stop to take breaks. I was dirty, sweaty and tired. My body ached and my legs felt like they were going to give out. Despite my pain I kept in mind that I must get to Blackwood manor. The moon was high and it seemed like it was almost midnight when I reached the front door of the lovely estate. The manor itself was very large, about the size of a castle, and was quite regal looking actually. The front yard was filled with perfectly groomed rose bushes and shrubs. As I reached the front door I was hesitant. I stood there in the rain thinking. So many things went racing through my mind. What if they don't want me? What if they turn me in to Ms. Walker and her goons? What if they don't even know who I am? I had to push these thoughts aside. I gathered up all the strength I had left and knocked of the beautifully decorated wooden doors. I had only knocked once or twice when the doors were opened. There standing before me was a tall, young looking lady with bright red hair. Her hair was short and wavy. She wore a maid's uniform but she was still very pretty. "Hello there" she said in a sweet tone with a smile. "I am Laura, a maid here at Blackwood manor. May I ask who you are?" I stared at her. I was so dirty and covered in sweat. My hair was a mess and I was scraped and bruised. Still this lady treated me with kindness and patience. "My name is Rylie Knight," I croaked out. "And I am here to see my grandparents. Byron and Cecilia Blackwood." Laura studied me for a while before asking me. "Wait, are you Annabelle's daughter?" Asked Laura with a bit of sadness in her voice at the mention of my deceased mother. I nodded my head. With that she quickly ushered me inside the manor. The inside was astounding. There were chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling. The marble floor beneath my feet was sparkling. The staircases were dark colored, detailed wood with a strip of red carpet running up the middle of the stairs. I couldn't believe that this was just the entrance hall. I couldn't even begin to imagine what the rest of the house will look like. Laura took my hand and led me up the staircase toward an office. She knocked on the door. "Mr. Blackwood," she called. "We have a visitor." With those simple words, Laura turned the knob of the door and guided me inside. In the office I saw an older, distinguished looking gentleman in a blue overcoat with a navy colored vest. Under that was a white, button down shirt. In his pocket was a gold pocket watch. He had on long, black trousers as well. He looked up from his work and steadied his glasses on his nose. "Who do we have here? She looks like she has been dragged through the garbage," stated Mr. Blackwood. I glared at him. Laura was about to introduce me when I stepped forward. " I am Rylie Knight. Daughter of Joseph Knight and Annabelle Blackwood." I paused as he stared at me wide eyed. "I have been living with my step mother Margret and now she has been taken away. She is unfit to be a mother anyway," I stated with a disgusted tone in my voice. "I came to request that I live here. If not I will be sent to an orphanage." Mr. Blackwood seemed to have no words. Finally he said something. "My dear child," he said while standing from his desk. "I haven't seen you since you were a young toddler." He walked toward me and gave me a hug. I stood there motionless. I was not used to this kind of affection. "If you need a place to stay, then of course you may stay here." I stared at his brown eyes. "Thank you," I said politely but without emotion. "There is just one more thing I must tell you. A women from the London Board of Child Safety is searching for me and if she finds me," I hesitated. "If she finds me then she will take me away." Mr. Blackwood stood there thinking and staring at my muddy face. "I have an idea," he exclaimed. "We will give you a different identity to go by. Of course your last name will be Blackwood, but what about your first name?" I placed my hand on my eye with my scar. "I shall be called Scarlet," I stated. Laura and Mr. Blackwood nodded. "Alright then. As of now you will be referred to as Scarlet Blackwood." He looked from me to Laura. "Draw Scarlet a bath and prepare a bed for her. She looks like she has had a rough day." "Yes Mr. Blackwood," said Laura. She bowed and walked down the hall. I started to follow her but Mr. Blackwood stopped me. "In the morning you will meet your grandmother Cecilia Blackwood. You will also be fitted for a new wardrobe." I nodded. "And by the way, call us grandmother and grandfather please." He smiled and sent me off with a goodnight. I walked to the bathroom and felt like I could have bathed for days. I have never felt so clean in my life. After my bath Laura lead me into a lovely room. She gave me a nightgown and folded down the covers. "Goodnight," whispered Laura. She closed the door and I snuggled into bed for what would certainly be the best sleep of my life. Tomorrow I would begin my new life as Scarlet Blackwood.