Elizabeth

Chapter 4- Mysterious figures

Snobby laughter echoed throughout the hall to Elizabeth's ears, she looked over to see Margret and Meredith covered in excessive jewellery and makeup whispering about her. The laughter stopped when they noticed Elizabeth staring and their fake smiley faces turned into malicious looks which could kill. Margret stepped over to one of the band members and whispered something in their ear, giving Meredith a devious smirk. At this point, the pace of the music increased and their once romantic dance went from a waltz to a wreck. Both Jacob and Elizabeth were dragged apart, Elizabeth stumbled face to face with a strange man who grabbed her hands and swung her around. Jacob was spun by Margret who had snaked her way through the crowd, eagerly watched by Meredith who was waiting her turn to dance with Jacob too. Elizabeth did her best to try scramble back to the struggling Jacob however she was bombarded with man after man, all of which seemed to twirl her in a completely different direction to the one that she initially was heading in. Bewildered and dizzy Elizabeth took sight of the huge girl lumbering a few steps in front of her facing the other direction. It had to be Meredith; no other girl would cover herself in ruffles the size of a house and hair which rested like an oversized ginger birds nest on the girl's head. Elizabeth stumbled forward, only to trip over one of the many ruffles caking the floor. Her hand stretched outwards to cling on to anything which she could grab, which seemed to be a matted ginger curl. Despite this, Elizabeth fell face first on the floor, followed by a huge ginger lump of hair. Shock took over her face as she looked up at the fuming Meredith who seemed to be missing her bird's nest hair. "My wig!" she squealed swooping down to pick it up and anchor it on her head, though slightly tilted and back to front. "Why you little-!" Meredith screamed lashing out at Elizabeth who had already made a run for the middle of the crowd, shortly followed by a slightly confused Jacob. They ran like bullets towards the entrance of the ballroom only to be blocked by a bulking Margret who stood in the way and charged towards them. Jacob took Elizabeth's hand and pulled her to the side as they ran to the other end. A small door to the garden seemed to welcome them as they sped towards it however once again Meredith jumped in the way. They turned around however to their surprise Margret was already catching up from behind. Jacob gripped firmly onto Elizabeth bracing for impact though to his surprise Charlotte came running with a large glass of water, she hurled it at Meredith, she clutched her face, covering her hands in white foundation and smudged black mascara. Charlotte signalled for Elizabeth to run, so she did. Grabbing onto Jacobs sleeve she gave Charlotte a grateful smile and ran out into the gardens.

Margret roared at them and pursued them like a predator after prey, she was obviously not very happy. Elizabeth led Jacob into a large looking maze made from tall rose bushes and blindly turned multiple turns with no idea of where they were. Boisterous steps could be heard from Margret, however, the slowly faded as they ran deeper into the unfamiliar labyrinth. Eventually, they reached a modest marble bench, Elizabeth stopped and stooped down panting, her face flushed red from running, Jacob collapsed on the bench and leant back heaving heavy breaths. They paused and looked deep into the other's eyes, then fell back into snorts of laughter. "You should have seen the look on Meredith's face when you pulled the wig off!" Jacob grinned, Elizabeth giggled, blushing slightly and looking to the side. Jacob chuckled and stood up, he tenderly picked a beautiful crimson rose from the bush and knelt down in front of her, handing her the rose. Elizabeth smiled and gingerly took it. "My lady, if you would but dance with a poor man such as myself it would be an honour." Elizabeth snickered at his formality and noticed his cheeks glow slightly. Tucking the rose into her blonde curls, she took his hand and guided him up, "It would be my pleasure." She replied. As if it was planned, vigorous music weaved its way through the maze to reach them and they began to dance together. Elizabeth had never felt this way about anyone before, all she could see was his seas blue eyes which held a thousand adventures they'd yet to have. The music slowed down as they both stopped and leant into each other's arms, their faces were so close Elizabeth could almost feel his soft breath on her blushed cheeks. Jacob leant in, however, he abruptly stopped when a nearby twig snapped in two. Elizabeth's eyes darted over Jacob's shoulder to see a hooded figure, after noticing it had been spotted it spun around and fled. Elizabeth shot after it, as did Jacob, both determined to find out the secrets of this mysterious place. The hooded figure seemed to be rather short and hunched over, despite being surprisingly agile. The figure twisted around various corners and darted in random directions hoping to lose them until it suddenly stopped. They had met a dead end.

"You should stop" a low voice spoke, spitting out the words as if they were sour. Jacob gave a puzzled expression and turned to look at Elizabeth who shared his confusion. "Who are you?" She asked, the figure twitched and blatantly ignored her question. "You should quit while you're ahead." Spat out the figure. Elizabeth stepped forward to question the figure more, however, a large roar blasted behind them. Both Jacob and Elizabeth turned around lightning fast covering their ears however whatever had made that noise was gone. "What on earth was that?!" Elizabeth shouted back at the figure, but upon turning around she noticed the figure had disappeared.

Jacob turned to face a shocked Elizabeth with a quizzical expression. "What was that?..." he asked. "Perhaps it was the kidnapper!" he continued. Elizabeth's eyes lit up, "Yes! Maybe it was, that means next time if we catch him perhaps we can find Laura!" Jacob smiled at her and hugged her tightly, "he must own that room too then, I think we've figured it out!" he exclaimed. Elizabeth jumped up and down with excitement however a solemn expression took over her face. Jacob tilted his head, "what's wrong?" he asked, "Oh, is it that beast?" I wouldn't be worried if I were you. Once we capture that man we can find out whatever that thing was and probably sell it for a tonne of money. Plus you've got me." He smiled with a sympathetic look plastered on his face. Elizabeth smiled up at him as a response.

"Elizabeth!" called a familiar voice, Elizabeth turned around to see Mary, Kaitlin and June running towards her. They practically jumped on her, suffocating her with hugs. "We were so worried!" Mary cried, the others nodding their head in agreement. Jacob stepped forward, "how did you guys get find us?" he asked, "I thought we were pretty deep in here." Kaitlin glanced over at Jacob with a confused expression, "That's strange; the entrance is just over there to your left." She explained, point in the direction of the entrance which was exactly as she'd said, to the left. Elizabeth and Jacob exclaimed puzzled glances, "I think you guys have had enough fun for tonight," teased Mary who looked over at Elizabeth's flushed cheeks and matted hair which was sticking out all over the place, "we'll take you back to your room." Elizabeth looked over at Jacob, wanting to discuss what had happened more. He walked over to her and gently kissed her hand, "Goodnight Elizabeth." He smiled and made his way back into the large ballroom. Speaking of which this was the first time Elizabeth had seen it from the outside. It was definitely oversized and looked more like a castle. The whole place was covered with intricate designs and visibly large rooms. It was surrounded by as they had said, an oversized forest filled with towering trees in amongst the wilderness. Though there was a gigantic garden painted in rose bushes and beautiful ponds. "Shall we go?" June asked, taking Elizabeth's hand, the others nodded and they began to lead Elizabeth to her room.