By The Begonia- Book 4

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Taking a deep breath Ellis let out a huff of relief. He didn’t sigh. Ellis never sighed. Escape was wonderful. It was cool and refreshing outside, compared to the stuffy over crowded ballroom he could hear behind him. He wandered down the dark hedge lined walk ways lit occasionally with little lanterns until he found a bench between two bushes. He carried with him a bottle of red wine and a single crystal goblet.

He released a short, cynical laugh but sat down anyway. The two bushes on either side were begonias. In his limited knowledge of flower meanings begonias were supposed to mean dark thoughts and beware. It suited him. He leant back against the hard wood and closed his eyes trying to blank his mind. It was harder than normal but Ellis wouldn’t let his mind remember that night. Instead he pulled out a small notebook and started to write using the soft lantern light and the light of the full moon.

“What are you writing?” came a soft voice from the shadows.

          Ellis looked up startled and stuffed the battered notebook into his pocket.

“Who’s there?” he asked frostily. There was a rustle, the swish of skirt and then a, taller than most, woman with dark hair appeared from behind the begonia.

 “Hello,” she said with a cheery smile.

          She wasn’t at all timid to approach him. Although it was dark she must be able to tell who he was and usually women stayed away from him. Ellis also didn’t recognise her and he knew most people. She sat down next to him with out invitation. Ellis stared at her icily.

          “I’m sorry! But I thought you looked like you needed company.” She apologised looking completely sincere.

“No, I do not need company.” He told her turning away and closing his eyes.

          Perhaps she would leave if he ignored her. But she didn’t leave; instead she moved nearer and leaned against him so she didn’t dirty her dress on the bench. Ellis stiffened but didn’t move away. He turned his head and stared at her and she stared back. Startled he realised her eyes were purple of all colours.

          “Who are you?” She coloured and Ellis realised she was embarrassed for the first time since she had approached him.

“Madeline East.” She told him still sounding completely self assured despite her flushed cheeks. “It’s nice to meet you Lord Dexter.”

“So you know who I am, but I still don’t really know who you are.”

          She smiled and laughed.

“You know my name is that not enough?”

“No.” Ellis told her bluntly.

          She stared at him but did not leave; still. He had hoped that, like most women, his unresponsive manner would scare her away. Instead she looked intrigued. Ellis stifled a grumble, would this woman not leave him alone?

          He picked up a bottle of wine and a glass from between his feet, where he had placed it earlier, savouring the rich fruity smell that was released as he uncorked it. Filling the glass he handed it to her and she looked down at it confused.

“You drink it woman.” He barked.

“Oh, I know that,” she told him colouring a little more. “I was just unsure as to why you gave me a glass.”

“Well it would not be ladylike to drink from the bottle would it, madam?” Ellis informed her with a tight lipped half smile that did not quite reach his eyes, taking a hearty swig from the bottle to prove his point.