Go Down Ye Blood Red Roses, Go Down

Untitled Part 1

Kari Wood was most certainly bored. She was entertaining Mr. Ellis Duncan. He was charming, handsome, and very wealthy. Actually, he would have made a perfect match for Kari. He didn't treat her as an inferior, in fact, he quite enjoyed having rousing debates with her about the state of the Royal Navy. The only problem was, he was planning on marrying her. And everyone was in on it. Her parents tried to keep it from her, as they knew she would pitch a fit about it, but despite being kind-hearted, they weren't the most subtle. Kari enjoyed her conversations with Mr. Duncan, she really did, it was just... she wasn't ready to give up on her dreams of adventure. She knew it was silly, a young lady wanting anything other than marriage, but she couldn't bear the idea of just... stopping. That was what it felt like, surrendering, giving in to the crushing idea that she was no one important, not one who would make a difference. She felt like she was stagnating, and she wasn't ready for that. Basically, she was having her mid-life crisis at 20. So, she sat and while making polite conversation with the effervescent Mr. Duncan, she planned her escape. After he left, with a promise to return soon and discuss "their future together", she quickly ran into her father's study. She easily convinced him to hand over a large amount of money for a new dress. He smiled at her, eyes watering, and muttered, "Why yes, I suppose you will need dresses if you are to wed Mr. Duncan. I mean- Er, don't tell your mother. I'll give you extra, buy yourself a couple. I love you so much sweetie." She escaped the study after a smothering hug, and headed to the kitchen. She found one of the serving maids, and begged her for one of her smocks. When the maid refused rather saucily, she left her alone, and went to speak to the cook. After that, she went to her room, dismissed her maid for the rest of the day, and totalled her inventory. It included 695 pounds, a loaf of bread, a quarter of a cheese wheel, two sausages, and a pistol. The food had been taken from Cook in addition to some dirt on the serving girl who had denied her a shift. The pistol had been removed from her father's desk when he was otherwise occupied. She hid her supplies under her bed, and continued through her day as normal.