Two Loves of a Gypsy

7. Cuts

“Oh no!” I yelled at myself. I had forgotten about the flowers. I practically threw myself at the basket. I grabbed in it one hand and my cloak in the other.

“What’s happened?” he asked he stood up almost as quickly as I had leapt up. I didn’t answer his question but instead ran out into the field. I took the small knife from the basket. I hesitated. I didn’t want to soil my dress but I couldn’t cut the flowers without getting down close to the ground.

“Do you want me to help” I jumped then sighed when I realised it was Alistair. I thought about ti for a moment.

“Would you?” I asked.

“Of course, what do you need to do?”

“I need to fill this basket up with these flowers”

“Really?” he asked surprised.

“It’s alright I’ll do it I thought I saw some over in the garden…” I trailed off thinking to myself.

“No, no I can help.” I nodded back my appreciation and gave him instructions for cutting the flowers. He happily agreed and got down on his knees to cut the flowers. I raced back to the garden to collect flowers from there. The task of collecting flowers was completed in no time. I slipped my shoes back on and headed off before saying good-bye. The sun was getting high in the sky. I was going to be late.

I heard a whistle then the sounds of a horse. I dared not look back but I knew he was coming after me with his horse. He jogged to keep up with my quick pace his horse trotting behind him.

“Where are you going?” he asked looking out of the endless fields.

“To Ellvise” he didn’t ask any further questions but let me lead the way. A few times he offered the use of his horse. I was tempted but my father had always told me off for riding a horse with a man even my brothers. I refused him each time telling him that I was enjoying the walk. He knew I wasn’t but didn’t question it.

“Where are you parents?” he paused, “you’re not married now are you?!” I gave him a lethal glare. He began to regret saying that and quickly apologised for being rude. A quiet sigh escaped from him.

We winded our way back through town taking back streets and alleys to get there. The inn loomed overhead. He seemed to think nothing of it but I on the other hand had shivers running up and down my spine. Alistair tied his horse up down the side of the Inn. We entered together.

“Where the hell have to been,” Ms Ostler noticed Alistair’s presence and quickly chanced tune “I’ve been worried. Your mother will be here within the hour.” She then changed her expression to surprise “oh, hello there do want to say the night?”

Alistair stunned by his sudden involvement shrugged his shoulders, “I guess one night would be good. I have my horse outside” She nodded enthusiastically and called to her husband. She quickly handed out orders and gave the rates. It was done in the blink of an eye and Alistair was being led out of the inn before I knew it. Ms Ostler grabbed my arm and pulled me into the kitchen. The basket was pulled savagely from my arm.

“These were cut rather roughly,” she said raising her eyebrow. I looked sheepishly down at my feet. They were covered up to my ankles in dirt. Peered back at her as her eyes narrowed. She threw my cloak back revealing my dancing dress.

“You were dancing weren’t you” she seethed. I bit my lip hoping to stop my outburst but it bubbled out of me like a forming bath.

“So what if I was dancing I got your flowers for you!”