Longstride

Chapter 6: Ruby Jane

  It was 10:00 and Har- I mean Mr. Smith offered to walk me to my room. We were "friends" in a way, right? I mean we knew each other so, why couldn't he walk me to my room?

  We walked back to my room and when we reached the hallway to my room, I told him, "Thank you Mr. Smith, I really appreciate it", he said, "My pleasure Miss Ruby Jane". I turned around to tell him for the millionth time to call me Miss Jane but when I was about to open my mouth he winked and turned before I could say anything. Rats! I hated it when men would flirt and think that they were so sly at doing it! And to think I was trying to escape flirting tonight. He always left me blushing and I barely even knew him!

That night I was too upset to sleep. I couldn't stop thinking about Harvey and what he did! He's probably thinking that I'm just "so lucky" or I'm "swooning over his blue twinkling eyes". Nope. I'm actually thinking the exact opposite. He's so full of himself its actually frustrating. I decided that I should at the least stop ranting and to gain some self control. I couldn't sleep so I thought I might as well write to my parents.

Dear Mamma and Papa,
                                     Oh, how I miss you! I've been stuck with flirting women so long I might as well come back sick! Besides that I've had a splendid time here so far. Mr. Smith and I actually went to the library tonight and I got to finally finish Romeo and Juliet! Don't get the slightest idea though that I have interest in Mr. Harvey Smith. He's just like all of the other eligible men in Richmond. Either annoyong, full of himself, or both!,
                Your loving daughter,
                                                       Ruby

I put the letter into an envelope wrote down the date and where to deliver it and set it down on my tray. I was going to ask Ginny to deliver it but she was already asleep. I would just ask her tomorrow morning. Finally, my eyes began to close and I went to sleep.

  The next day I woke up and went to go ask Ginny, who was already awake, to deliver my letter to the post. When I went to go grab the letter, it was gone! I went to ask Ginny if she knew where it was and to my surprise she said that Harvey delivered it. Was he trying to make me leave? That man!

I grabbed my journal and ran to the stables. I didn't care who thought I was being "unladylike" or "disgraceful". I saw a horse. One of the most beautiful horses of all! It had brown shiny hair with white splotches all over. I looked at the name tag. "Gracie, wow what a pretty name for a pretty horse" I said. I grabbed a stool and sat down. This is the least expected spot for someone to be and I needed to be alone in order to write. I started to write but got startled by a loud clank, then I heard a strangely familiar (might I say annoying) voice. Harvey! I tried to slide down lower so he wouldn't see or hear me. How embarrassing would it be for him to see me! Just thinking about it made me red. I tried to slowly sneak out but clumsy me tripped on my own dress and fell into Gracies water with a splash. Oh no. My heart filled with dread. This is utterly embarrassing. Then to make matters worse, I saw Harvey's sly smile. "Well, well, well, what do we have here?", he chuckled. I said, "I was only trying to find my way to my..." Rats! I couldn't think of anything to say. And then I had to try and get up. I fell, again. I glared at Harvey, daring him to laugh. He pressed his lips together trying hard not to laugh. My lips cracked a smile and a snort escaped me. Harvey's eyes went wide and he started to laugh.

  "D-did you...just...s-snort?!" he said in between laughs. We both started laughing so hard we couldn't breathe.

Harvey offered his hand and I took it, and when we touched, sparks went up my arm. I fell again but this time it was on Harvey. He grabbed my waist to keep me steady and I froze. This wasn't awkward at all. I looked at him then his hands on my waist. He looked at me then his hands on my waist. He quickly let go and said, "You alright?" I smoothed my dress and said, "Yes"', and then I realized I was soaking wet and cold. "Your lips are blue! You must be freezing, please let me help", he shrugged if his coat and put it around me. My heart skittered. I silently scolded my heart and said, "Thank you Mr. Smith but you really don't have t-", Harvey said, "Two things Ruby do not call me Mr. Smith, call me Harvey, and secondly that's what a gentleman does, so yes I 'have to'". I gave up, "Fine, 'Harvey' but we don't ever speak this situation again", "as in never".

   Harvey put his hands up, "All right, all right, don't shoot me!" I laughed, "You promise?" I held out my pinkie, Harvey said,"Promise" we stayed that way for a couple minutes, just smiling at eachother with our pinkies hooked on one another. I finally said, "Well, I probably should go get changed before I get even colder" Harvey cleared his throat, "Yes you are most definietly right"

We walked in complete silence. When we reached my door I told Harvey thank you and I rushed into my room.  Ginny rushed to me and said, "Oh my! What happened to you!", I said, "Ummm... it rained?". I looked out the window and the sun was out... Well. "Alright, I'll start getting the bath ready, your lips are blue!", I sighed and took my hair out and sprawled on my bed. I was exhausted. I slowly fell asleep.

  I was woken up by Ginny and she got me into my bath. Afterwards she got me dressed in a light blue simple fabric dress and put my hair up. I walked around outside and decided to just you know, walk around and admire the beauty of Longstride.