My Version of how Benjamin Barker met Elenor Lovett (Before she was married) Only a Drabble, but Later on I'll probably continue it.
Hr
Bang bang bang
The sound of footsteps echoed though the house, followed shortly by the faint glow of a candle shining through the netting over the window of the large oak door.
The door opened to reveal an middle-aged woman with greying blond hair, holding together a long coat over the top of her nightgown.
The young man on the doorstep fumbled with the leather purse in his hands. "Sorry to disturb you this time of night ma'am - you see my ferry was delayed because of the storm and I… The sign said you were renting out a room…?"
"Of course, love. No bother." She smiled and stifled a yawn, gesturing for him to come in.
"I should only need to be staying here two or three nights. That should be long enough for me to find a place of my own, at least."
"You stay here as long as you like, my pet."
"You're most kind ma'am." He smiled respectfully, adjusting the suitcase in his hands slightly.
"Call me Helena, love. Helena Figgs."
"My name's Barker ma- I mean Helena. Benjamin Barker." He grinned.
"Well, Benjamin, you room is the second on the right at the top of the stairs. Do you need any more help before I return to bed?"
"No ma'am, I think I can manage." He started walking towards the stairs before turning back. "Uh… second to the right. Right?"
"Yes love. Any trouble just come find me or me daughter. Her room is just across from your own."
"Right, thank you. And goodnight ma'am."
"Goodnight, Benjamin."
"Oh, wait. What about the payment for the room?"
"I'll see to you about it first thing in the morning, pet."
Benjamin blinked in surprise, but nodded his understanding before climbing the stairs. He felt that Helena was a very naïve person. If he'd have wanted to, he could very well have robbed the place and left without paying for the room before she woke up.
He smiled sadly as he shook his head, an old woman like that could become too trusting for her own good, but at least she was safe for now. He himself had no wish to cause any trouble, but she had mentioned that she didn't live alone. He suddenly felt ill at the thought of someone causing harm to her young daughter.
He got halfway across the corridor before he felt something hit him hard across the side of his head and, caught off guard by the unexpected attack, he was knocked off his feet. As he tried to get up he was hit again, causing him to fall back to the floor, feeling dizzy.
"Now, I wouldn't try to get up if I was you love. Just stay there until I can get hold of the police."
"The police?" Benjamin looked up to see a young woman about his age, who was holding a rolling pin in both hands. She was wearing a long nightgown that had been left open, revealing her red underwear, and her copper red hair was tied up in a messy plait. "I think there's been some sort of mistake, miss. I'm here renting a room… Helena told me to just come up."
"Renting a…" Her eyes widened, and she dropped her rolling pin. She quickly bent down to help him up, her pale skin flushed pink with embarrassment. "I'm so sorry I… I thought you was a burglar. Mister…?"
"Eh, Barker, Benjamin Barker. Ow." He brought his hand to his head where she'd hit him, to find that his fingers were covered with blood. "I take it you're Mrs. Figgs' daughter then?"
"Nellie." She smiled. "Come on love, I'll sort out that cut for you." She grabbed his suitcase in one hand and used her other arm to help support him on the short walk over to the spare room.