Here's the next chapter. I spice things up a bit. Hope you enjoy.
What do you think you're doing here?" Elizabeth shouted in a whisper. Not wanting to be seen, she and Jack had made their way to the small barn where the carriage was kept. It wasn't until then had Elizabeth thought about the consequences if Jack were to be seen with her.
He stood a few feet from her as she continued "You must leave at once." Was she actually saying this? Neither of them could believe it.
"It's nice to see you too!" He smiled.
Elizabeth crossed her arms still keeping the agitation. "I'm perfectly serious. I can't be seen with you."
"That's why I came at night. I knew you wouldn't be sleeping." Jack smirked. He allowed a pause but continued before she could comment. "You don't have to be miserable."
This time Elizabeth spoke up becoming more frustrated with him even though she had no clue why. "I don't know what you're talking about." The words flew out of her lips without thinking. "I am sleeping fine and I am certainly not miserable." What was she saying? Elizabeth bit her lip just a little unsure of where she was going with this.
He grinned "Of course not."
Despite her distress Jack appeared to be enjoying this. She was quite sure that he knew what was going through her mind. It made Elizabeth nervous. It made Jack arrogant.
"You're perfectly fine marrying a man you don't love."
"Excuse me?" Elizabeth was offended
"You know what I mean, Lizzie." He continued before she could dig herself deeper "And I'm sure you enjoy your corset." He grinned more then ever, "Have you fallen off of any cliffs lately?"
At this point Elizabeth was utterly disgusted… mainly because he was right. The more she thought about it the more it hurt. He was right.
Fuming, she got in his face. But when she opened her mouth to say something just as hurtful, something stopped her. All the feelings his words created pulled her back. It almost scared Elizabeth how suddenly she couldn't pretend. Tears welled up in her eyes. She never cried and the prospect of it was embarrassing. So instinctively she backed away and without saying a word started for the door.
Jack caught up with her and shut the door as she tried to open it. Elizabeth shot a glare at him and pulled on the knob again. This time he got in between her and the door. Instead of backing away, she stayed firmly in her position. Behind the tears in her eyes she glared fiercely into his.
"Let me through" Elizabeth commanded as harshly as possible while she uselessly continued to pull on the door behind him.
"No" Jack replied "I came here for a reason." She pulled the door again even though it was obvious by now that it was futile.
"Was that to insult me?"
"No."
"Then what for?" Elizabeth demanded. Without losing her angry position or hurt eyes she quit pulling on the door for him to respond. But the response never came. Instead a silence filled what little space was left between them. Jack smiled and it sent a shock wave of emotions through Elizabeth that killed what little defense she had left and the anger that came with it. Replacing it was fear and vulnerability.
As Jack pulled her closer, Elizabeth's look of anger turned to confusion. She didn't know what was happening; everything was moving so fast. But unable to fight it, she allowed herself to give in. At the same time Jack's grinning lips touched Elizabeth's trembling a silent tear rolled down her cheek. And for the first time in a long time, she cried.
Is that too repetitive? I'm very open to any suggestions. Thanks :-)
