Second Afternoon
John and Emma slid down the muddy grass never slowing until they saw the opening in front of them. They stepped out of the maze and perceived a flowing brook in front of them. Having both visited the horse stables earlier, they realised that the maze finished near one of the riding paths. The two crossed the small brook and ventured up the trail.
As soon as they reached one of the many barns they rushed inside. Once safe from the driving rain, they examined each other for the first time. Emma's dress clung tightly to her slim finger, her skin showing through certain portions of the flimsy material. Her usually curled hair hung limply by her face, and her shoes squished every time she moved. Steed's suit was darker in colour from absorbing all the water, while his curly dark hair was slicked back.
Miss Knight and Steed stared at each other before bursting into good-natured laughter. They sunk into a pile of hay, guffawing at the ridiculous situation. All of Emma's worries were forgotten as they lay there watching the horses, the horses eyeing them in return.
"We really should get out of these wet clothes," Steed remarked sagaciously.
"What do you suggest we put on while we're waiting for our apparel to dry?" Emma didn't wait for any off-colour reply but continued, "There's a blacksmith shop in the next stable over. Maybe we can dry over clothes over the fire where they make horseshoes."
Steed stood up to examine a cabinet over on the other end of the barn. "And we can dress in the riding clothes that are in this cupboard." He brought several woman outfits over to Miss Knight so she could choose the correct size.
After this procedure was done, Emma found an empty horse stall and said, "You check out the blacksmith's while I change in this stall."
Steed acquiesced and ducked into the pouring shower, making his way to the blacksmith's next door. When Emma Knight was certain John Steed was not going to return at any moment, she entered the stall. Though it did add more protection than if she was dressing in the open, it still was not enough to hide herself from roaming eyes.
Steed returned in ten minutes, informed her that there was a billowing fire in the shop, and then he went into the stall to change while Emma left to place her clothes over the fire. She hung her dress and nylons over an iron bar that ran parallel across the ceiling over the flames. It wasn't a huge roaring fire like in a hearth, but it would eventually dry her apparel enough sp she could put it back on without fear of becoming ill.
In fifteen minutes, she and Steed were seated on another pile of hay in the blacksmith's shop. They looked quite bizarre in riding clothes minus the boots. They chatted affably, the fire's glow reflected on their faces and in their eyes.
"I don't feel afraid any more, and I even wonder why I had such terror to begin with." Emma hugged her knees, deep in meditation.
"Even the strongest of men becomes frightened at one time or another," Steed said assuredly. "In the last twenty-four hours, you have been faced with more than one enemy. That can be rather overwhelming, wouldn't you say?"
"I still don't understand what Putnam and his men want from me! I told them I wouldn't sell; yet they persist in their infernal scheme to drive me mad! Some of these men are strangers who know nothing about me except that I'm pretty and can win a battle albeit an unfair one like last night's."
"You're not just pretty, Miss Knight; you're gorgeous." Steed nearly whispered the words as he leaned toward his companion's ear.
"Flattery will get you nowhere, Mr. Steed," Emma told him saucily, but as she spoke, a smirk spread across her lips.
"Oh well, it never hurts to try." Steed cleared his throat before continuing, "If anyone should be worried for their safety it's Putnam and his gang. After seeing how you whipped them soundly yesterday, they may realise how hard it is to get rid of you."
Emma Knight admitted it was more than likely, and Steed couldn't refrain from asking, "I know what you do to unfamiliar persons who try to harm you, but what would you do to a stranger who tried to kiss you?"
"I would kick, chop, hit, and scratch him until he learned not to toy with me." Seeing John Steed's face falling in disappointment, she added dulcetly, "I don't consider you a stranger."
The last remark was all the encouragement Steed needed. Smiling, he leaned into Emma's face, while she tilted her head back. Their lips swiftly and tentatively met before they broke apart. They seemed to like the feel of the kiss, for their lips once more caressed each other, this time passionately. As Emma placed two trusting arms around Steed, he ran his fingers through her damp hair. Still kissing Miss Knight, Steed pushed forward until they were lying down in the hay.
Emma quickly freed herself from the position and sat upright. "I'm not ready for that."
"Truth be told, neither am I," Steed confessed as he stood up. All at once he was extremely uncomfortable, and it wasn't just because he had straw in his shirt.
Emma Knight lay back in the hay, thankful that Steed did not join her. Suddenly, she was tired and confused, more so than earlier when she had nearly been killed. Hoping that sleep would come and relieve her troubled mind, she closed her eyes. As she drifted into a slumber, Steed eased down next to her and placed a protective arm around her. Too tired to complain, Emma snuggled next to him before promptly falling asleep.
John Steed watched the beautiful and elegant woman for a while before he gently removed his arm from her shoulder and stood up again. He gazed out the open door to the gloomy outside, not seeing or hearing, just thinking. He was interrupted from his contemplation by the sound of two cars driving up. Instinctively, he buried Emma and himself in the pile of hay she was reposing on. Much to his relief, Miss Knight continued to nap. He didn't know how he would explain their having to hide if she was to awaken.
Oliver Putnam entered the building with a woman Steed recognised as being one of the receptionists at the palace. "I told you not to follow me around, Jean! You're going to give our whole operation away if you aren't careful."
"I thought all the workers at the castle were on our side," the bubbly blonde retorted.
"Only half work for us; the rest are just innocent bystanders. Now what you have to say had better be important, because I was on my way to the dungeon when you started following me."
"I don't see why you couldn't just go to the dungeon."
"I didn't want anybody to see me since it might be a bit conspicuous if two cars went off the road into the brush! Now what did you want to tell me?"
"I photographed Miss Knight's signature from the hotel registration. I even got the film developed for you!" Jean handed a roll of film over to Mr. Putnam.
"I'll have my men start working on it right away." With that ambiguous message, Putnam exited the building, Jean trailing him like an infatuated puppy.
Steed flailed his arms, trying to get the prickly hay off Emma and him. When they were no longer hidden in the straw, Steed lightly tapped Emma Knight on the shoulder. "It's time to rise and shine, Miss Knight."
Emma stretched and yawned before clambering to her feet. It was then that Miss Knight and Mr. Steed noticed that the rain has ceased and the sun had broken through the clouds. As they watched the luminous ball shine its rays on the muddy grounds, two stablemen entered the blacksmith's shop.
"What are you doing here and why are you in riding apparel?" the first man asked.
Emma readily answered, "We came to rent two horses for the afternoon. We got a little drenched, so we put are clothes up to dry. I hope you aren't offended."
The two strangers believed the enchanting Miss Knight. They offered Steed and her the best horses to ride, told them the best paths to traverse, and promised to clean and dry their street clothes before they returned.
Emma enjoyed riding the sleek chestnut, and John liked the feisty but manageable appaloosa, but due to Miss Knight's side injury, they had to stop to rest every ten minutes. The two thoroughly enjoyed each other's company. They discussed trivial and important matters, the romantic episode in the barn pushed to the back of their minds but not entirely forgotten.
All too soon, their two hours were up, and they returned to the stables. The men had their outfits cleaned, so Miss Knight and Mr. Steed hurriedly dressed before going on their way. It was a quiet trip back to the castle, the silence calming their agitated minds and nerves. Halfway back to the hotel Emma placed her hand in Steed's, who was very surprised at this exceedingly affectionate gesture.
"I have the vaguest suspicion we're going to be visiting each other quite often once we're back in London," Steed remarked.
Miss Knight didn't feel she needed to respond to this comment. She merely clung to his hand nonchalantly, swinging it back and forth. When they reached the croquet grounds, she released her grip. Much to Steed's regret, Emma had reverted to her normal detached and independent self. They bid adieu, planning to meet later for supper in the grand hall where Emma had eaten the first night.
Steed serenely entered his hotel room where David Keel was waiting on his bed. "Robinson called and wanted to inform you that a chap named Gregory Boon died of undisclosed causes." Keel tossed the medical book he was reading aside.
"Did Robinson say anything else?"
"Just that Boon signed papers before he died, handing his business over to Putnam's Plastic and Co."
"Now Oliver Putnam has control of plastics, firearms, and tracking devices," Steed mused aloud. "Somehow he and his men are kidnapping the men here, taking them to the dungeon, forcing them to sign papers, and then murdering them." Steed began pacing nervously while Keel continued to relax on his friend's bed.
"Where is this dungeon?" David finally asked.
"It's located somewhere in the brush," Steed snapped his fingers, "of course, by the end of the driveway where all the businessmen disappeared. Keel, would you mind taking a look at downstairs at the receptionist?"
"What does a receptionist have to do with a dungeon and driveways?"
"I saw Putnam in the barn with her, handing over Miss Knight's signature." Steed and Keel exchanged looks as this thought sunk into the heads. "They're forging signatures in order to gain control of the businesses!"
"Don't you think some of the workers at the corporations would be suspicious if their boss, who was so animate about not selling his business during his life, gives it away on his deathbed?" Dr. Keel queried his associate.
"I still need several pieces of the puzzle to make it complete." Steed gestured for his friend to be on his way, but Keel remained where he was.
"I wanted to apologise for my callous behaviour earlier today. I shouldn't have scolded you, especially when it's just because I'm jealous that you've found many women to fill the emptiness in your heart while I still cling to Peggy."
"I was wrong though, just as you said," Steed replied quietly. "She loves me; I don't know why or how, but she does. I thought I would be pleased with this discovery, for after all, this is what I wanted to begin with. But I'm just befuddled and disappointed-not with her-but with myself. Can you prescribe anything for my confused heart, Doctor?"
Keel shook his head slowly, an idea forming that he would have completely dismissed several days ago. Looking at his companion's face, Dr. Keel saw a spark in the eyes and a change in the mien that weren't extremely noticeable but was still present. He recollected how altered he had been when he had fallen in love with Peggy, and he couldn't help wondering if John Steed had become a victim of his own trap.
Steed meanwhile wondered if he would ever tell Emma the truth, or if he should keep silent. Would she stay by his side if she knew he was a secret agent whose life was always in danger? Would something come of this relationship, or was this love affair doomed from the start?
To Be Continued!
John and Emma slid down the muddy grass never slowing until they saw the opening in front of them. They stepped out of the maze and perceived a flowing brook in front of them. Having both visited the horse stables earlier, they realised that the maze finished near one of the riding paths. The two crossed the small brook and ventured up the trail.
As soon as they reached one of the many barns they rushed inside. Once safe from the driving rain, they examined each other for the first time. Emma's dress clung tightly to her slim finger, her skin showing through certain portions of the flimsy material. Her usually curled hair hung limply by her face, and her shoes squished every time she moved. Steed's suit was darker in colour from absorbing all the water, while his curly dark hair was slicked back.
Miss Knight and Steed stared at each other before bursting into good-natured laughter. They sunk into a pile of hay, guffawing at the ridiculous situation. All of Emma's worries were forgotten as they lay there watching the horses, the horses eyeing them in return.
"We really should get out of these wet clothes," Steed remarked sagaciously.
"What do you suggest we put on while we're waiting for our apparel to dry?" Emma didn't wait for any off-colour reply but continued, "There's a blacksmith shop in the next stable over. Maybe we can dry over clothes over the fire where they make horseshoes."
Steed stood up to examine a cabinet over on the other end of the barn. "And we can dress in the riding clothes that are in this cupboard." He brought several woman outfits over to Miss Knight so she could choose the correct size.
After this procedure was done, Emma found an empty horse stall and said, "You check out the blacksmith's while I change in this stall."
Steed acquiesced and ducked into the pouring shower, making his way to the blacksmith's next door. When Emma Knight was certain John Steed was not going to return at any moment, she entered the stall. Though it did add more protection than if she was dressing in the open, it still was not enough to hide herself from roaming eyes.
Steed returned in ten minutes, informed her that there was a billowing fire in the shop, and then he went into the stall to change while Emma left to place her clothes over the fire. She hung her dress and nylons over an iron bar that ran parallel across the ceiling over the flames. It wasn't a huge roaring fire like in a hearth, but it would eventually dry her apparel enough sp she could put it back on without fear of becoming ill.
In fifteen minutes, she and Steed were seated on another pile of hay in the blacksmith's shop. They looked quite bizarre in riding clothes minus the boots. They chatted affably, the fire's glow reflected on their faces and in their eyes.
"I don't feel afraid any more, and I even wonder why I had such terror to begin with." Emma hugged her knees, deep in meditation.
"Even the strongest of men becomes frightened at one time or another," Steed said assuredly. "In the last twenty-four hours, you have been faced with more than one enemy. That can be rather overwhelming, wouldn't you say?"
"I still don't understand what Putnam and his men want from me! I told them I wouldn't sell; yet they persist in their infernal scheme to drive me mad! Some of these men are strangers who know nothing about me except that I'm pretty and can win a battle albeit an unfair one like last night's."
"You're not just pretty, Miss Knight; you're gorgeous." Steed nearly whispered the words as he leaned toward his companion's ear.
"Flattery will get you nowhere, Mr. Steed," Emma told him saucily, but as she spoke, a smirk spread across her lips.
"Oh well, it never hurts to try." Steed cleared his throat before continuing, "If anyone should be worried for their safety it's Putnam and his gang. After seeing how you whipped them soundly yesterday, they may realise how hard it is to get rid of you."
Emma Knight admitted it was more than likely, and Steed couldn't refrain from asking, "I know what you do to unfamiliar persons who try to harm you, but what would you do to a stranger who tried to kiss you?"
"I would kick, chop, hit, and scratch him until he learned not to toy with me." Seeing John Steed's face falling in disappointment, she added dulcetly, "I don't consider you a stranger."
The last remark was all the encouragement Steed needed. Smiling, he leaned into Emma's face, while she tilted her head back. Their lips swiftly and tentatively met before they broke apart. They seemed to like the feel of the kiss, for their lips once more caressed each other, this time passionately. As Emma placed two trusting arms around Steed, he ran his fingers through her damp hair. Still kissing Miss Knight, Steed pushed forward until they were lying down in the hay.
Emma quickly freed herself from the position and sat upright. "I'm not ready for that."
"Truth be told, neither am I," Steed confessed as he stood up. All at once he was extremely uncomfortable, and it wasn't just because he had straw in his shirt.
Emma Knight lay back in the hay, thankful that Steed did not join her. Suddenly, she was tired and confused, more so than earlier when she had nearly been killed. Hoping that sleep would come and relieve her troubled mind, she closed her eyes. As she drifted into a slumber, Steed eased down next to her and placed a protective arm around her. Too tired to complain, Emma snuggled next to him before promptly falling asleep.
John Steed watched the beautiful and elegant woman for a while before he gently removed his arm from her shoulder and stood up again. He gazed out the open door to the gloomy outside, not seeing or hearing, just thinking. He was interrupted from his contemplation by the sound of two cars driving up. Instinctively, he buried Emma and himself in the pile of hay she was reposing on. Much to his relief, Miss Knight continued to nap. He didn't know how he would explain their having to hide if she was to awaken.
Oliver Putnam entered the building with a woman Steed recognised as being one of the receptionists at the palace. "I told you not to follow me around, Jean! You're going to give our whole operation away if you aren't careful."
"I thought all the workers at the castle were on our side," the bubbly blonde retorted.
"Only half work for us; the rest are just innocent bystanders. Now what you have to say had better be important, because I was on my way to the dungeon when you started following me."
"I don't see why you couldn't just go to the dungeon."
"I didn't want anybody to see me since it might be a bit conspicuous if two cars went off the road into the brush! Now what did you want to tell me?"
"I photographed Miss Knight's signature from the hotel registration. I even got the film developed for you!" Jean handed a roll of film over to Mr. Putnam.
"I'll have my men start working on it right away." With that ambiguous message, Putnam exited the building, Jean trailing him like an infatuated puppy.
Steed flailed his arms, trying to get the prickly hay off Emma and him. When they were no longer hidden in the straw, Steed lightly tapped Emma Knight on the shoulder. "It's time to rise and shine, Miss Knight."
Emma stretched and yawned before clambering to her feet. It was then that Miss Knight and Mr. Steed noticed that the rain has ceased and the sun had broken through the clouds. As they watched the luminous ball shine its rays on the muddy grounds, two stablemen entered the blacksmith's shop.
"What are you doing here and why are you in riding apparel?" the first man asked.
Emma readily answered, "We came to rent two horses for the afternoon. We got a little drenched, so we put are clothes up to dry. I hope you aren't offended."
The two strangers believed the enchanting Miss Knight. They offered Steed and her the best horses to ride, told them the best paths to traverse, and promised to clean and dry their street clothes before they returned.
Emma enjoyed riding the sleek chestnut, and John liked the feisty but manageable appaloosa, but due to Miss Knight's side injury, they had to stop to rest every ten minutes. The two thoroughly enjoyed each other's company. They discussed trivial and important matters, the romantic episode in the barn pushed to the back of their minds but not entirely forgotten.
All too soon, their two hours were up, and they returned to the stables. The men had their outfits cleaned, so Miss Knight and Mr. Steed hurriedly dressed before going on their way. It was a quiet trip back to the castle, the silence calming their agitated minds and nerves. Halfway back to the hotel Emma placed her hand in Steed's, who was very surprised at this exceedingly affectionate gesture.
"I have the vaguest suspicion we're going to be visiting each other quite often once we're back in London," Steed remarked.
Miss Knight didn't feel she needed to respond to this comment. She merely clung to his hand nonchalantly, swinging it back and forth. When they reached the croquet grounds, she released her grip. Much to Steed's regret, Emma had reverted to her normal detached and independent self. They bid adieu, planning to meet later for supper in the grand hall where Emma had eaten the first night.
Steed serenely entered his hotel room where David Keel was waiting on his bed. "Robinson called and wanted to inform you that a chap named Gregory Boon died of undisclosed causes." Keel tossed the medical book he was reading aside.
"Did Robinson say anything else?"
"Just that Boon signed papers before he died, handing his business over to Putnam's Plastic and Co."
"Now Oliver Putnam has control of plastics, firearms, and tracking devices," Steed mused aloud. "Somehow he and his men are kidnapping the men here, taking them to the dungeon, forcing them to sign papers, and then murdering them." Steed began pacing nervously while Keel continued to relax on his friend's bed.
"Where is this dungeon?" David finally asked.
"It's located somewhere in the brush," Steed snapped his fingers, "of course, by the end of the driveway where all the businessmen disappeared. Keel, would you mind taking a look at downstairs at the receptionist?"
"What does a receptionist have to do with a dungeon and driveways?"
"I saw Putnam in the barn with her, handing over Miss Knight's signature." Steed and Keel exchanged looks as this thought sunk into the heads. "They're forging signatures in order to gain control of the businesses!"
"Don't you think some of the workers at the corporations would be suspicious if their boss, who was so animate about not selling his business during his life, gives it away on his deathbed?" Dr. Keel queried his associate.
"I still need several pieces of the puzzle to make it complete." Steed gestured for his friend to be on his way, but Keel remained where he was.
"I wanted to apologise for my callous behaviour earlier today. I shouldn't have scolded you, especially when it's just because I'm jealous that you've found many women to fill the emptiness in your heart while I still cling to Peggy."
"I was wrong though, just as you said," Steed replied quietly. "She loves me; I don't know why or how, but she does. I thought I would be pleased with this discovery, for after all, this is what I wanted to begin with. But I'm just befuddled and disappointed-not with her-but with myself. Can you prescribe anything for my confused heart, Doctor?"
Keel shook his head slowly, an idea forming that he would have completely dismissed several days ago. Looking at his companion's face, Dr. Keel saw a spark in the eyes and a change in the mien that weren't extremely noticeable but was still present. He recollected how altered he had been when he had fallen in love with Peggy, and he couldn't help wondering if John Steed had become a victim of his own trap.
Steed meanwhile wondered if he would ever tell Emma the truth, or if he should keep silent. Would she stay by his side if she knew he was a secret agent whose life was always in danger? Would something come of this relationship, or was this love affair doomed from the start?
To Be Continued!