Christine rode until the rains had calmed, and dawn was approaching. She knew she needed rest, but she wasn't about to sleep out in such an open place; what if highwaymen appeared? Christine looked about her, it was still dark out, but over the hills the first light rays were visible. She noted the forest that lay right behind her, and the fields she was riding into. She, being a rather smart girl- no woman- knew she should stay close to the trees, and any sign of a road. Christine shivered from the wet clothes attached to her body. If only she would have brought something else to wear! But then she didn't have any time; this had been a hasty decision, and possibly not her wisest.

" Come now Eowyn, we must find a place to stay before it is completely light. If I know papa, he will have half of the neighborhood searching for me. And Roul! Oh he will insist upon finding me! It seems we are doomed to be caught; but I will not go back! I can't believe papa would do something like this! Married to a complete stranger! I refuse it!

Let us ride hard and into some unknown place, Eowyn. Let us start a new life! I can almost see us now…Eowyn! Do you see that? It is a barn! We may be able to find lodgings there for today, and possibly some food."

Christine knew she had only a little money on her, but hopefully she could last on it a while. She needed to plan for what she was going to do, but as she was sleep deprived, plans were not forming well. By the time Christine had reached the farmhouse, the sun was firmly over the hills. Christine walked up the path to the door, but was greeted halfway there by a young man; she assumed was farm help. "May I help you, Miss?"

Christine could tell by the look on the young man's face that she was rather disheveled looking. " Yes, I am looking for the owners of the property. May I see them?"

"Well Miss, you are looking at him. I now own this humble farm. So how may I help you?"

"Oh! Well sir, I am ah- traveling- and am in need of lodging. My horse and I have been riding all night, and we are exhausted. I can pay you for your services." Christine was hoping with all hope that he would help, and not turn her away.

"Well my wife and I have no spare rooms, only the barn. Would that be suffice, Miss-?"

Christine didn't know if it was wise to give her name, but thought that she owed him for hospitality. " Christine. You may call me Christine, and yes that would be perfect."

The man smiled, and turned and whistled. An older man came up to them and waited for instructions. " Marston, please take Miss Christine's horse and feed it, water it, and let it rest. Then prepare a place for Miss Christine to sleep in the barn. Blankets and such will be needed." Marston nodded his head and gave a curt 'Yes, sir.'

The young man turned back to Christine, and smiled. "Oh! Where are my manners? My name is Alban, Mark Alban."

Christine took his proffered hand, and smiled. "Well thank you, M. Alban."

"Yes, now lets go get you something to eat, and some dry clothes. I'm sure my wife has something you can wear."

Christine was led into the little farmhouse, and was ushered into the sitting room. M. Alban introduced his lovely wife: Stacy Alban. She and her husband were polar opposites; she was rather short, petite figure, long, golden locks, and the purest blue eyes. M. Alban was tall, muscular and was decorated with dark hair and dark eyes.

Mme Alban insisted upon being called Stacy, and practically forced Christine into a bath, and a new, dry gown. By the time Christine was finally sitting down to supper, she was even more exhausted that before. But she found no peace as Stacy insisted upon knowing details about Christine, that she did not want to answer.

" So Christine, where did you say you were from again?" Christine had not said, and this was yet another feeble attempt to find out.

Christine was saved from having to answer by Alban interjecting. "Stacy, love, Christine has been deprived of quiet and sleep for some time now. I think its best we allow her to do so. " His tone was sweet, but Christine could tell it was final. Stacy nodded her head, and led Christine upstairs. Christine didn't understand when Stacy opened the door to a little bedroom. " Mark and I decided that you could share this room with my self, and Mark would sleep in the barn. Does this suit you?"

Christine was horrified. She force her hosts out of their bed? Never! " No! I would never allow Alban to sleep in the barn just on my behalf! No, I insist on sleeping in the barn! Besides," Christine said before Stacy could interrupt." I could never sleep here, and know that I forced a wife and husband to sleep apart!"

Stacy seemed grateful for Christine's refusal, and so let it go with no more of a fight than propriety would allow.

Christine woke in the middle of the night to a lantern being shown in her face. Christine squinted trying to see who the intruder was, when a female voice was heard. " Pardon me, Missus. But the master says that you are to come with me immediately. He says some one is here for ya. Master seemed to get into a small argument with 'em. They said something 'bout you needing to come home, or somethin' 'long those lines. So hurry Missus!"

Christine blanched. Oh father in Heaven, they found her! Now what was she to do? Three of them? Who could they be? Christine quickly got up and picked up the shall that Stacy had lent her, draping it across her shoulders. Christine followed the maid to the house, all the while her mind racing for some type of plan. Maybe she could get a minute alone with Stacy or Alban, and ask them for work?

Christine didn't have much planning time as she was quickly standing in the sitting room of the house. Christine might have expected her father, or perhaps Roul, but never did she expect to see the man from the party! Christine felt rather woozy. She knew she wasn't dreaming, for there were two men behind the mysterious man that Christine recognized. Two of her father's most trusted men were standing there looking at her as a worried friend would. But before any one had said anything, Christine, for the second time in two days fainted.

Author's note:

Well hello my lovely viewers! I must beg you to forgive my short chapter! I just needed to add that all before I burst, and I would add more, but my homework needs finishing! So I promise as soon as I am done with that, I will add another chapter!

You may be wondering who the first reviewer was, and who their character is; well Stacy Alban is our very own Rains Phantom! So there you go love!

If you want to be my next character, review first! Oh and Stacy will later become a bigger character! So yeah for Stacy!

Again: I DO NOT own ANY part of this story beside the plot, and a few characters!

Thank you to those who too the time to read this! 56 viewers and 3 reviews! Yeah!

If you have a suggestion as to where exactly the story should go, or have a scene you want me to add, then let me know!

Thanks again!

Your humble and obedient author,

Elusive Phantom