A Beast Sees No Beauty

Chapter Twelve

Juliet couldn't keep the awestruck look off her face as the scenery sped past her in a blur of greens and browns and blues. She had never been on a train before, but the experience was far better than her expectations. The world she once saw in vivid details was nothing more than a smeared oil painting. 

Vincent stared at her from across the cabin in wonder. Here was a woman who could shut him down with her words, had intelligence beyond his own - yet still managed to be kinder than most - staring out the window in childlike bewilderment. He didn't know if he should make a condescending comment about her lack of cognition, or if he should continue to admire her silently. 

They had been quietly seated for a few hours now and had at least another ten to go. He expected her to lose interest at this point, or at least to fall asleep. Instead, she remained diligent in her work of starting through the window. He began to wonder if she would ever get tired of the view, or if something else in the cabin would catch her interest. Then again, the only thing surrounding her was their luggage, and of course, himself.

The train began to slow for the next stop, meaning it was time for people to get on and off in a frenzy of skirts and suits. Juliet moved her gaze from the window to the door, observing the other travelers get on and off the train. Of course, she would be more attentive towards strangers instead of the man across from her. Only Juliet would find those in her company less exciting than a crowd of strangers.

"Is their room in here for two more?" A petite woman stuck her hat covered head through the door, making eye contact with Juliet. "We can find somewhere else if the two of you wish to remain alone-"

"Oh, nonsense! There's plenty of room for you two to join us!" Juliet's grin was something Vincent had yet to see in all his time of knowing her. This was a kindness reserved for people who deserved it, not him. She saved her charm for people who had not wronged her, and he failed within minutes of meeting the green-eyed beauty.

"Good! Come along Dakota!" A little girl, no older than ten, entered the cabin behind the woman with a frown belonging to a senile old man.

"Dakota? What a lovely name! I'm Juliet, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance." The girl was less than pleased but nodded in greeting as she took her seat next to Vincent.

Vincent, who remained silent the whole time, could not understand how any person could respond coldly to someone like Juliet. Especially a child.

"You must excuse her attitude, she isn't so pleased about her education being moved up North-"

"You shouldn't be sharing such things with a stranger!" Dakota fumed in her seat, her small fist clenched and her lip pouting as she focused all her energy on keeping the moisture from slipping out of her eyes. "I doubt they care about such things anyway! No one seems to care about anything concerning me!"

Dakota jumped from her seat stormed out of the cabin, her nanny sighing as she let the girl go cool off. "I do apologize, she's such a sweet girl, just upset by the move."

Vincent stared out of the door where the girl had gone. He could see the edge of her skirt in the hallway just outside their entryway. He could remember acting similarly when his father sent him away.

He could remember when the violent outbursts began when he would yell, and scream, and beg to be taken back home. He learned to get over it soon enough. Being up North was the best thing for him. His education was strong, his experience extensive, and his life successful. He had all he needed and more while up North. That girl, Dakota, will learn that soon enough.

~~

Dakota finally joined their cabin again long after night had fallen. Juliet was dead asleep with the nanny, both of their heads rolling with the bumps in the tracks. Vincent lifted a brow as she sat next to him once more, her hands rubbing her empty stomach.