The Hunted

Chapter 14

Much to her suprise The Dumas's had served a five corse meal which faith knew for the cerent time period was extremely expensive. The servers brought out dish after dish of the most delicious looking food. Faiths stomach growled then, and she hoped to god that no one heard it.  She froze as the waiters placed three different types of silverware down onto the table. She turned to her mother who guided her silently on which to use for each dish while the rest of the guests prayed before the meal.  Through dinner Faith felt the eyes of all the guests on her, and it made her very uneasy. She could hear whispers from all around as she fought the erge to get up and leave. She noticed that Nicholas was also glancing in her deraction every now and then. Her annoyance caused Nicholas to smirk "Just stop!" She wispered, anoyed with his behavior, and the entire dinner for that matter. Nicholas dipped his spoon into the dessert and took a bite. His eyes closed savoring the flavor. "You are the guest of honor," he said prasingly, poniting his spoom at her as he did. "You had to expect this kind of attention? Most people would be more humble then you," he paused, "but then again you are quite strange."

Faith put her spoon down in defeat. If his idea was to annoy her to death then it was definitely working.

"Thank you so much for dinner." Faiths mother said to Hugo  as she stood up from the table. "I haven't eaten this much in.." she paused to laugh. "Well ever actually. I think my stomach just might explode!" She exclamed.  Eloise smiled from beside Ann. "Of course, it's the least we could do after that horrible misunderstanding.." she said as she looked over at faith.
Faith stood from the table glad to get away from Nicholas. "This evening was lovey miss Dumas, thank you." She said respectfully as she headed for the door. She hoped that her mother and Clare would hurry with there goodbyes.  she wanted nothing more then to leave right away.

Faith was relieved when the doors to the mansion opened and the brisk air of the night hit her. She had felt so claustrophobic the entire night, and now she felt she could finely breath. She looked up at the starry night sky and wondered what her father was doing at this exact moment. Was he sitting down on the couch after a long day? Maybe he was downing some popcorn while watching his favorite team play? She knew however that most likely he was doing neither of these things. She knew that he was out there searching haven and earth to find her and It pained faith deeply.

"Ready to leave miss Penn?" The young stable boy asked. Faith nearly jumped out of her skin in shock of not noticing him there before. "Oh, I'm sorry!" He said as he stepped away nervously. "I didn't mean to frighten you, I just.. well I guess I am terribly bad at my work."

She smiled. She thought the nervous kid in front of her was adorable. She could tell that he was holding on to her every reaction, wondering if she would complain about his abruptnes to Mr Dumas later. "It's alright. I am overly jumpy myself." She said, but the boy just looked at her in confusion. 'Different time Faith,' she reminded herself. "What I meant is that I frighten very easily." She corrected. He nodded in understanding. "That's understandable, especially considering what happened..." he stopped there obviously referring to the incident with the Dumas's, but not wanting to say anymore. "I'm sorry, it wasn't my place to bring it up." He said as he shifted uncomfortably. "I will fetch your horse" he finished as he ran off, mentally kicking himself for his large mouth.

She heard the doors behind her open and let out a breath of relief. "It's about time mom," she thought as she turned.

"Leaving so soon? and without even a goodbye." Nicholas said as she faced him. Her expression hardened. She desperately just wanted to leave. "Look, I've had enough. Find someone else who actually likes your company and annoy them instead.. "

At that moment Clare, and Ann both came out of the mansion. Nicholas smiled at her abruptnes. "Duley Notted" he responded.

The young stable boy brought out the cart and all three lady's took little time to get in.  "I'll see you around miss Penn" Nicholas stated to Faith.  As Ann lifted the rains to instruct Charly to go.

"I wouldn't count on it Mr Dumas." She responded as they left the property.

"Talk about a Burn!" Clare said as she lifted her hand up in a high five notion. Faith laughed as they left the gates.

                            ~~~
New chapter. It is shorter then the rest but it was necessary to finish the party scence. Please vote and comment your thoughts! Mariska98