A flowing stream rushed gently and quietly, it welcomed touches of sunbeams that graced its presence to make the water glisten. Ella slowed and closed her eyes as she stopped to listen, it was blissful. She sweetly sighed as she slipped off her shoes and walked through the stream. Her feet were thankful for the soothing treat and Ella gave no care to her dress getting wet, she had never found such a peaceful place before. The wind carried whispered thanks for the nature's beauty from an enchanting woman. It was true Ella had no clue where she was or what time it was, but she guessed it was around lunchtime. Kit would still be in meetings, her ladies would be making lunch and they probably would have sent a guard or two to retrieve her. As Ella strolled through the water she pondered about turning around and returning. She didn't want the staff to worry and she certainly didn't want word to get back to Kit. Ella took a deep breath, admired her surroundings once more and went to turn around. But, just by chance, the wind reached her ears carrying sounds she knew so well. Cries of fish, bread and fruit to sell. Ella's thoughts abandoned her once more as her feet started to run, as if running back home after a long stay away. The palace that had occupied her thoughts were pushed aside as she rushed to become part of the bustle of the marketplace.
Ella followed the stream which eventually thinned as it reached the edge of the woods, near the road she knew well that went into town. Ella giggled and thanked the water again for its help; like it was sent by magic to guide her heart for where it wanted to be. As the trees began to clear Ella stood and soaked in the bustling atmosphere that grew before her. Merchants selling their treasures, Mother's buying food for supper, children watching puppet shows and workers much like her earlier self bustling around for their household. As Ella giddily went to take a step forward she hesitated, she was surely to be recognised which normally she wouldn't of minded. But today she just wanted to blend as she always used to, to have a chance of recapturing that quiet slice of freedom that used to be hers. She pondered slightly at her options. She could waltz in with her head high and face any excitement or gossip thrown her way, Ella shook her head at this option, sending golden curls flying around her, that was no good option to blend in. Ella put a finger to her lips as she considered perhaps a hat, bonnet or fascinator could help; although in her blind haste she didn't think about necessities such as gold. Although Arthur was truly as respectful as he was talented at being the local place to go for the latest trends; consequences of visiting out of the blue, unaccompanied and slightly disheveled worried Ella. She didn't want to lie or promise riches that weren't hers to be touched. Ella's heart threatened to drop, she couldn't stand to be left on the outside looking in but was running out of ideas.
A cool breeze raced past her and gently pushed the skirt of her dress up into the woods. As Ella went to pat it down she was reminded of her cotton petticoat, a plain white material with a just as plain white lace edge but it did its purpose of shaping the dress. A mischievous smile crept on Ella's face. It was just so short enough that if to say it was ripped, no one looking at her would notice. Ella ripped at the hem of the petticoat and a breath of relief was released when an agreeable length of lace came away. Ella promised that she would fix the item again as soon as she obtained a needle and thread.
Ella retraced her steps back up to an agreeable amount of water and used the fabric to help create a tight bun. It was a messy look, with small blonde curls refusing to be tucked away in places, but it did the job perfectly well. Ella felt she wasn't as recognisable with her curls up and back and with the white lace hiding some of her blonde bulk. With a pat of her dress and a broad smile on her face Ella set off to enter the hustle and bustle.
Ella couldn't help but feel tense as she took her first steps in, she wasn't quite sure what she would say if someone recognised her. But thankfully Ella quickly blended in with the crowds; with a few long stares here and there, but with no clicks of recognition. It was like she was a face people thought they knew.
Ella took small steps down the cool stone stairs as took in the atmosphere, smells and visuals all around her. The market square felt so much busier and a happier place she since last visited; with herself and Kit being talked of much more than she expected. She heard the fisherman estimating how much extra fish would need to be caught for the wedding feast, bakers passing teasing comments about themselves making the extraordinary wedding cake and fruit pickers wondering if apples or lemons would be the new Queens choice for cakes and tarts. Ella felt blown away that a wedding could bring so much new life to the village; she would be forever grateful that she could witness it herself. She wished she could thank them individually for thinking of her and Kit, perhaps another people's ball could be thrown afterwards for the palace to give thanks? Or a festival of sorts? Ella couldn't help but grin as she started to plan an event that would hopefully be the new talk of the town.
After walking the square a few times admiring the people's crafts and foods to offer, Ella decided to take the stairs that lead to the docks to watch the boats. Whenever she could steal a moment in the past to daydream she would stand near the docks and imagine her father walking off one of the merchants boat, swooping her into his arms and promising to never leave her again. As Ella neared the docks she watched as a family reunited on the dock closest to her. Her daydream playing out in front of her with a different family as the leading roles. She felt tears threatening as she watched a proud father swing his young, giggling daughter round in a happy embrace. The father gave no cares to those around him, his whole life was there in his arms.
The tower clock threatened two thundering chimes in the distance but Ella's heart knew where it needed to go now. She let her feet set off on a route they knew so well.
A cold plate of untouched lunch sat silently in Kit's drawing-room. After consulting with James he had no choice but to return to his parliamentary meeting, his tone and reasoning being more thunderous than before he left, which was certainly noticed by the team of older members sat around him. The meeting was actually there quickest to date with the new King as none wished to test his temper. The dates were set for members and their teams to visit neighbouring kingdoms to set out deals and present wedding invitations. Kit returned to the drawing-room to continue his pacing and mental torture. How could he eat? How could he drink? Knowing she had left, unattended and unsafe once more. Kit nearly ran to the stables himself to mount his horse and join the search as he once did. But Kit didn't want to show any distrust in his new Duke and Captain. As the clock grew closer to three o'clock Kit began routinely checking the through the large window over the grounds, the anxiety was driving him mad. It was around his twenty-fifth check that an image made him run outside. James had returned and he had returned alone.