Counterpart

1: Damsel In Distress

Sometimes I wish I could transform into a bird and soar far away from this life. Unfortunately, it isn't possible for one to sprout wings on a whim.

"Miss Hargrave!" My pursuer's cry brought me out of my daydream. Brushing my silver locks from my face, I ran as fast as I could. I turned corners and cut through narrow alleyways in the hope that he would just give up and head home. Why couldn't he? He had never worked a day in his life, as far as I was concerned. So, why start now?

Oh, the things men do in the name of love! My feet hurt from running, but I kept going; I could hear his heavy footsteps inching closer and closer. As I ran, I remembered the events that prompted this wild chase.

----

"Miss Hargrave, I've never longed for someone as much as I long for you. For the first time in my life, my heart is ready to burst with love." He took my hands in his as I stared back wide-eyed. "I must make you mine."

"Mr. Cartwright, I don't understand." I pulled my hands away from his. Where did these sudden feelings come from? "We're not compatible. You said so yourself that we were like night and day."

He chuckled and stepped closer to me. "Oh, darling, people change. You must know that." He cupped my cheek with his cold hands. "Marry me, my sweet. We would be the envy of Yorkshire. Our combined riches will be greater than one can imagine."

I stepped back politely, and suddenly I understood. All it took was a promise of money to change even the stubbornest of men. But I was not ready for marriage, let alone to someone as conceited as Gideon Cartwright. "Mr. Cartwright, I can't —"

He sighed and shook his head. "If you're worried about your father's approval, don't fret, my darling. I've already spoken with him, and he has given us his blessing." He gave me a satisfied smirk. "So, what say you, my sweet?"

I swallowed as his dark eyes bore into mine. I knew his type far too well; he wasn't going to take 'no' for an answer. So, I did what any sensible person would do in this situation. I ran.

----

Please, wings! I beg you to sprout out of my back so that I can escape the insufferable Gideon Cartwright! My feet throbbed as I rounded yet another corner, nearly crashing into Mrs. Findlay, who was carrying a basket of freshly baked bread on her head.

"My apologies, Mrs. Findlay!" I called as I passed her. I made the mistake of turning around for a brief second. There he was: Gideon Cartwright hot on my heels. Who knew he was such a good runner?

"Miss Hargrave! Why do you despise me so?" He called after me, but I sprinted away from him. "Please stop!"

After running for a few more seconds, I stumbled upon a run-down shop at the end of the street. Perhaps I could lose Mr. Cartwright here! I ran into the old shop, making sure the door shut behind me. Hiding behind dusty lavender curtains, I peered through the grimy window until Mr. Cartwright came into view. He stopped and ran his fingers through his hair. Then, he looked side to side before cursing under his breath and running into a nearby alleyway.

I let out a sigh of relief and leaned against the window, closing my eyes. Then, something tickled my nose. I swatted at it, but when I opened my eyes, I finally saw the ghastly thing. And I wish I hadn't. Flailing around, I backed up hastily, nearly toppling to the floor. I dusted myself profusely, making sure the arachnid didn't find refuge in my hair or garments.

I moved my hand to my left when my fingers brushed against something cold. I didn't want to stay in this abandoned shop any longer than I had to, but I found myself intrigued by the red pendant on the display next to me. I reached for it, and after blowing off its thick layer of dust, I held it in my palm. It looked like an antique, but it was nevertheless beautiful. It had a certain glimmer to it that kept me from looking away.