Hidden In Shadows

Chapter Six

"I'm sorry for the awkward hug earlier." Thomas rushes the words out as he tilts his head back, squinting against the morning sun.

"You just looked like you needed a hug." I can tell he's avoiding my eyes. He's actually embarrassed, the thought makes me laugh but I keep it contained so as not to embarrass him further, poor guy.

"Don't apologize, I did. So, thank you." I feel myself blushing at the memory and try to will the flushness on my face away.

"Sometimes, you know, we just all need a hug." Thomas continues even though I'm the last person he needs to convince of that.

"That could not be more true." We make contact and for some reason it feels as if we both share something unknown with each other, we both share a sadness. A time when we needed a hug and no one was there to give it.

Thomas nods and we walk the rest of the way into town in silence, not discussing further what happened or didn't happen. I'm thankful for that.

Bath is alive.

It pulses and breaths.

Horses and people alike mill through the lanes like blood flowing through the veins of Bath itself.

People are talking, the horses hooves clack against the stone, the sound of rustling fabric echos and I can't suppress the smile on my face. Bath truly is a place to be.

"Okay Evelyn, where do you think we will find Ms. Jane Austen. Man that feels weird saying." It's the first words either of us had spoken since we started our walk to town and they take me off guard slightly.

"Before we get down to business so to say, can I say something?" I have to liven things up for us, this is an insanely weird but amazing situation after all. We can't let that pass by.

" I doubt I could ever stop you from doing so." He says with a small laugh and I let it slide because, well because its probably very true.

"Can I just point out how amazing this is? I mean there is a lot of 'unknown' to be discovered. But I mean, we're in our hometown in 1802. 1802!" Saying it out loud causes my excitement to rise even more.

"Yeah..." he pauses looking around us. "This is amazing. I mean, I'm wearing a cravat and you're in...well...that!" he gestures to my over the top dress.

"I'll have you know I quite like it, Mr. tight pants." I quip back.

"Oh, low blow." He clutches at his heart. We take a moment to take in everything around us and breath in the not so fresh, horse poop filled air.

"Alright, it's history myth busters time." I break our silence and Thomas smiles at me.

Well I guess it'd be more classified as a grin, it reveals a small dimple on his right cheek and I find myself looking at his longer than I should be. You don't even know him Evelyn for God's sake! I know, but with a face like that how I can help staring?

"Umm you alright Evelyn?" Thomas asks his own cheeks a little red. Oh my...I've been staring at him with this goofy puppy love face this whole time.

Uh-Yes, yes I'm fine sorry!" I look at the ground and sort my thoughts, or try to at least.

"Jane, she would most likely be at the crescent gardens, I read that she would enjoy picnics there." I spin around trying to find the crescent I saw from the hill earlier.

"Ah, right there!" I point towards it and admire how the soft mint green fabric of my dress looks against the paleness of my arm. Back home I always felt like a ghost but here, in this era, my fair skin was sought after.