Some might say I was desperate. That's not what i would call it. It's just a little crush. I mean chances are that tilney has a girl friend. So why am I trying so hard? He was just so... So, attractive. Never had I encountered a boy so cute before in my life. Good god I sound like a total girl. Oh what the hell!!! In stroll around the grounds some. Answering peoples questions an socializing with a few friends I have made over the years at these things. Caught up in all the people, friends and acquaintances, activities, I run smack into a young man.
" oh dear, pardon me madam." The young man offers his hand. I gladly accept it. He pulls me to my feet and I dust myself off. To my amazement, tilney stands before me. Suddenly I feel as if the rays of heave have shone down on us. He smiles a bright handsome smile. I blush some.
" thank you, for helping me up. I'm suck a clutz. Forgive me for running into you." I state.
" not a problem. It seems to me that we have meet. Remind me again would you?"
" bruginas shop. I'm her grand daughter. We meet a few days ago. You may remember me by being covered in dust and quite a mess." He laughs at my mentioning of that day.
"ah, yes. The most delightful miss. Knightly. What a pleasure it is to see you again and in less dust I see." He smiles at me. I giggle some. He's so polite. Most men just huff and move past me.
" you can call me Eleanor. Less formal that way. I feel weird when I'm addressed by my last name."
" well, Eleanor it is then. You shall call me Henry. Let's make it fair across the board shall we."
Indeed we shall, Henry." We both smile at each other.
" Eleanor, I would be most delighted if you were to take a turn with me." Henry smiles down a time.
" indeed, I like that very much." I state in a mater of fact way.
***
Henry and I walked around for a while. People would ask us questions about the park, of how to find the winery. We gladly directed them in the direction of where they were going. Answered their questions. That's what we're here for. Kind of like guides without the official title.
Henry and I walked into a nearby book store. Owned by a stout man named Helmsley. I didn't know him all that well, he was good friends with aunt Brugina and my father. He was quite man, kept to himself but took a liking to people coming in to his store.
As we enter the book store and the Bell chimes, Helmsley greets us.
" good evening Eleanor, and sir."
" Helmsley, this is Mr. Henry Tilney. "
" oh Tilney. I seem to know your father, ah yes, he stopped in a while ago. He was browsing I assume." Helmsley flales his arms about. He has quite the energy. Henry looks at me with a look of concern. I wave it off.
" Helmsley? Any new books in? I do love a good page turner you know. Seems I am in need of a new one to read." I carefully say.
" indeed I do Eleanor. One I do think you shall take much to your likeing."
He swiftly moves around to the counter, shifting things around on the shelves. He pops his head up, standing to his feet, he pulls out a lovely blue book, wrapped in a gold tint. It's quite lovely. It has no title or author. I stare at it.
" why does it not have a title or author Helmsley? "
" oh, you see, that is one of a kind, its for you to figure out."
Helmsley leans in towards me, whispering In my ear," it was once your mother's. She told me to hold onto it for you until the time was right. Take good care of it Eleanor. It's very special." Helmsley hands me the book. I smile at him, so, the mysterious man knew my mother. This was once hers, now it is mine.
***
The night has started to come to a close, the stars shine brightly above us in the night sky. Muic is playing, people are leaving. The first day of the festival was a success. Much to what we had thought. It always is, but, somehow, I knew that this year was to be the best one. Henry and I walked towards the pavilion. The music playing softly. Those who are a part of the festival all gather for the night festivities. I grasp the book tightly, not forgetting a single word Helmsley said to me at the shop. Tilney and I take a seat in some nearby chairs. The night moves on and we talk quite a bit, laugh and smile at each other. Dance some when a song came on that we actually knew how to dance to. Both of us were not to keen on dancing. We both had two left feet!
We watched the festivities drag on gayly. This was one thing I quite enjoyed about all of the madness.
Soon after all the excitement started dying down, my father found me.
" Eleanor, we best be off" Henry stood and bowed at papa. Papa shook hands with Tilney. They introduced themselves. Papa seemed to quite like him. The talked for a while before we left. curtseying to Tilney, he bowed. We wished eachother a good night and made a promise to find eachother tomorrow.
** papa and I entered the house. I walked up to my room, taking a shower and placing my clothes down the lulaundry shoot. I clean off all the makeup and dirt from today, washing my hair. I dry off and get dressed in my black pajamas, (a tank top and sweat pants). Brushing my hair out , I out it in a braid that way it wouldn't be total mess in the morning. I place my mother's book on my night stand, walking downstairs I enter the living room. I tell papa good night and head upstairs remembering the book.
******
Sorry for the extremely late update. I've been really busy and stuck on what to write. Thanks for reading. Update to hopefully come soon.
-Linda
