Crimson Peak fanfiction

4. Flutter

Allen's mother and sister never did like either Edith or I, probably due to the fact that we didn't care about trivial things such as clothes or gossip. So for Eunice McMichael to come up try to strike up a conversation with me, was quite shocking.
"Oh, Freya! You look so different. I just love what you've done with your hair. Your quite brave to leave it down with only combs to hold it back. I do so ever hope it won't cause a scandal. Come, I really must introduce you to my newest friend, Lady Sharpe. You know her brother is a Baronet! And they came all this way to visit Mother and I!" Eunice prattled on as she made a move to loop her arm through mine. Most likely to drag me off to meet this Lady Sharpe and Baronet.
"I really don't care about causing a scandal nor do I wish to meet any Lady or Baronet. Now if you would excuse me, I see Martin Crawford over by the punch bowl, I would very much like to talk with him about his latest book. Good night to you, Eunice." Having escaped Eunice and her friends clutches, I did indeed make my way over to the punch bowl, grabbing a glass of punch before moving closer to Mr. Crawford.
After spending a good hour discussing with Mr. Crawford on my thoughts about his latest published work, and the current book he was working on, that he so kindly was allowing me to proof read for him, I made my excuses and left the ballroom to find a quiet corner in the McMichael's library so that I could curl up with a book and get lost.
I don't know how long I'd been reading, but considering I had read well over half the book I was reading, it had been at least a couple hours. As I sat down my book, I listened for signs of guests and music. I was shocked to discover that I didn't hear a thing.
I found myself almost to the front doors when I noticed a tall, dark man being bid good night by the McMichael family.
"Oh, Freya, your still here?" Allen said looking over at me as I walked up. This was not the first time I was the last person to leave the McMichael home. There had been times that I would just come to read. Allen, the dear man that loves my cousin, allowed me this so he could be closer to Edith.
"Yes, I was off on an adventure into the heat and sand and wonderful magic of Egypt. Oh how I wish I could go there! But yes, I'm just on my way home. Do hope you have a pleasant night. Allen, do you have my umbrella? I think I left it last time? Oh, never mind! It's only fog. Good night." I began to tell Allen all about the world I was in that I got a good look at Mr dark. He was strikingly handsome. I always found myself rambling when faced with a handsome face.
"You're not planning on walking home at this hour, surely?!" the stranger asked in shock.
"It's really not a big deal. I only live a short walk from here. And this wouldn't be the first nor the last time." I replied as I made my way out the door and down the front steps. I continued on my way to the front gate trying to make my escape as quickly as possible.
I managed to make it almost a block before the stranger caught up with me. "I don't believe we've met. I'm Thomas Sharpe, and you are?" he asked as he stepped in front of me. Blocking my way home.
"Trying to make it home before Uncle realizes he left me behind and comes out hunting for me. If you'll excuse me, I'll be on my way." I replied as I attempted to make my way around him, feeling quite annoyed at having been delayed.
"Allow me to walk you home. I wouldn't feel right if I didn't and something tragic were to befall you."
"I'll allow it only if you don't block my way nor delay me farther." I conceded. He smiled as he offered his arm.
"I wouldn't dream of it, Miss?"
"Freya Cushing, pleased to meet you. It's not often that a man of title can keep up with me." I giggled quietly, thinking of Edith telling Allen what a baron was.
"You're related to Carter and Edith Cushing? I didn't realize Edith had a sister."
"She doesn't. We are cousins. Uncle is my fathers brother. Although Edith and I have always been close. As children we used to pretend we were sisters." thinking back on days past when Edith's mother was still alive and our parents would sit in the garden while we would read to one another and make crowns of flowers. Coming out of my thoughts I glance up finding that we were about to pass by a rather dark and dangerous part of town. "Be at the ready. This is a rather unpleasant part of town. Muggers tend to hide in door ways and alleys." I sped up as I informed Sir Sharpe of the possible danger. Normally no one would disturb me if I happened to be making this walk alone, but due to the late hour and the fact that we were both dressed in our finest, I didn't want to risk it.
"Don't fear. I shall not let anything happen." he pulled me closer to his side and grasped his closed umbrella tightly. We were almost through the worst of it when out of nowhere, an arm wrapped around my waist and a rather filthy hand holding an equally filthy knife appeared frightfully close to my face.
"Give me all your coin and baubles. If you don't make a fuss, the lady won't be harmed!" exclaimed the owner of the knife. "No funny business neither."
I looked up into Thomas's eyes then down to the ground where he could faintly see the outline of my riding boots. With a slight nod, he indicated he understood and was ready for what I was about to do next. With practiced ease I stomped down hard on the foot of the ruffian behind me, causing him to loose his grip on me and the knife. Turning around swiftly, I brought my knee up to his groin causing him to double over with a holler. I shuffled my feet backwards until Thomas grabbed my hand up in his and simply shouted, "Run!"
We didn't stop running until we were less than a block from home, and only then did we stop running so that I could catch my breath again. "How did you know what to do?" asked Thomas once we had both caught our breath and we could speak again.
"Father hired a ruffian from the docks when I was no more than three because he had saved my mother and I from a gang of thieves. Jim asked my father if he could teach me to defend myself and father agreed." I said with a smile.
"You are quite amazing Ms. Cushing. Most women would have froze or had a complete meltdown." Thomas looked down at me with a glimmer of respect as we continued on.
"Please, call me Freya. After all, we just escaped our possible deaths together. It only seems right." I also detested formality.
"Alright, Freya, Goddess of love. I believe this is your stop. May I call on you? Perhaps tomorrow?" I felt a flutter in my stomach when he said my name. Glancing down I noticed that he still had a hold of my hand. Looking up into his eyes I saw hope, and something else, something I couldn't quite name but it made my heart race.
"Yes." was all I could get out before I fled into the house and shut the door behind me. I already couldn't wait for the morning. As I snuck quietly up to my room I thought back on our short time together only to sigh in wonder as I slipped into my room and threw myself onto my bed.