The weather had been stable, to be sure, this morning. Had there been even a hint of rain, I was positive I would have never embarked upon a walk in the countryside. And so far from home. I sighed again. Father was sure to tease me about having 'silly' girls who can't even keep out of a rainstorm. Now, I was completely soaked, and whoever was in the carriage more than likely thought I was a incapable little girl.
"Miss Ainsworth!" Mr. Samuelson popped his head out of the carriage first, then an umbrella, followed by the rest of his body. "What a surprise!"
He didn't even know the half of it. And I felt my eyebrows raise, as I comtemplated whether seeing him in the carriage was a blessing or a curse.
"Mr. Samuelson." I curtsied, feeling a bit ridiculous as water dripped off the tip of my nose. I was soaked to the bone. Every inch of me was drenched, despite my attempts at trying to keep the heavy rainstorm away from me. I had unwrapped my shawl and now held it above my head, fruitless as it was; I was a lost cause.
"What are you doing out in this weather?" He looked a bit surprised, but otherwise, he didn't seem to be judgemental or angry.
"I-I didn't mean to. I don't go out walking in rainstorms, normally, that is." I felt foolish, and suddenly I was self-concious about my whole apperance. I probably looked like something the cat dragged in. Probably worse. My hair, which at one point had been pinned up, was slowly coming undone, and hung in loose, limp, wet, clumps. My clothes were a lot worse for wear. And everything was dripping wet.
"Well, I think I've kept you in the rain long enough, why don't you take a seat in the carriage?" He opened the door, and I curtsied before heading straight into the carriage, drips and all. It's not like I had a choice, I felt obligated, and really, I had no arguement to let him just let me be. What could I say to him, 'Sorry, no, I like walking in the rain by myself. So, you go on ahead'?
"Thank you." I stated sincerely, and he smirked.
"Looks like the cab won't be needing a handwashing." He nodded, and I realized I was making a huge puddle not just on the seat, but around my feet too, on the floor.
"Oh dear." I shifted, which helped nothing, and Mr. Samuelson's grin grew. I felt like grimacing in annoyance, but soon found myself laughing aloud instead, Mr. Samuelson was soon to follow. "I fear this handsom cab will never allow you to be their customer again. At least, not as long as you're offering wet stranger's rides."
"Oh, but we are hardly stranger's Miss Ainsworth."
"Granted, but we are hardly friends." I stated, and Mr. Samuelson smirked again.
"Alright, well, I'm sure with a little effort on both our parts, we can change that." I looked at Mr. Samuelson, and couldn't help but notice how handsome he looked. His blonde hair, which I hadn't picked up on before because of his usual top hats, was now uncovered, and his blue eyes seemed to be even bluer because of this fact.
"Well, alright then." I stated, and we fell into a somewhat comfortable silence as the ride passed along, something I thought I would never achieve with a man I suspected to be a probable liar. I shook my head. No, I shouldn't be thinking he is a liar, not until I have major proof. Granted, I did overhear him change his last name, but it was all speculation, and who knew who this man that sat beside me truly was.
"What?" Mr. Samuelson surprised me as he said this.
"Excuse me?" I pushed some of my wet locks away from my face, and turned my gaze to the man next to me.
"You just shook your head. Why?" Well he was very perceptive, I'd give him that.
"Oh.... I.... I was just thinking about Nelly's favorite hiding place." I said lamely, trying not to let him in on the fact that I was actually thinking of him.
"Truly? And where's that?" Mr. Samuelson looked out the window, and I pointed it out.
"That grove of trees. There's a hollow spot right in the middle tree, and she can just barely squeeze into it."
"Hmmm... I best check that out for myself." Mr. Samuelson grinned, and I felt a little less stupid for pointing it out.
In no time, we pulled up to my estate, and Mr. Samuelson didn't hesitate to jump out of the carriage and running around to pull open my door.
"Thank you. Again." I took his hand as he helped me out, and then he bowed, and I curtsied again.
"My pleasure Miss Ainsworth." He stepped back into the carriage and I stood there and watched as it pulled out. I got resoaked, but it was worth it, as I stood there, trying to figure out exactly who the man could be.
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