Sorry it took so long for me to update, but it was shorter wait than normal if that counts for anything! :P I dedicate this chapter to all the people who took the time to review. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I am not Julia Golding; I do not own Cat Royal.
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Act One: Scene Four; The Boxing Office
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We waited a minute or two outside the house before Frank was able to call over a comfortable looking cab with good looking horses. He gave the driver a guinea and helped me up inside. Instead of sitting opposite of me like he usually did he sat next to me. Our knees knocked together. I could a blush creep up my cheeks, the carriage suddenly felt very hot. What was wrong with me?
Reader, you may be wondering what had suddenly triggered my newly found more than friendly feelings towards Frank. Well so was I. I'd aways been comfortable holding his hand or shoving him in the ribs. That was just what our relationship was. I'd always considered himself as my partner in crime, always there to help me out in a tight situation. He used to be one of my greatest friends now he was...well I just wasn't sure anymore.
The carriage gave a sudden jolt and I was vaulted forward. The first thing I could grab onto was Frank's knee. He pulled me up by the back of dress. I smiled sheepishly – his face went slightly pink. Was he blushing? I realized that it was me making him blush – my hand was still resting on his knee. I snatched it away quickly my face colouring.
I looked away and coughed quietly. What was going on with me? Frank cleared his throat noisily.
The cab rattled to a stop. Quick as a flash Frank was out of the cab and outside before I could even blink I followed him and he helped me out.
"Which way?" he asked looking around the streets – he wasn't all too familiar with these parts of London.
"Umm." Now that we had arrived I was unsure as to where we were going. It had been at least three years since the last time I had come here. The only time I had come was to cancel Syd's match because he had the measles and Mr Fletcher had come with me.
I thought I recognized a name on a signpost.
"This way." I said confidently setting of to the right.
In a matter of minutes we were lost.
"Cat are you sure you know where we are?" Frank asked me. "Don't you think we should ask someone for directions?" This time it was me who was being stubborn about asking somebody – I thought I knew all the ways of London.
"I'm sure it's..." I looked around. "This way!" I announced striding on to the left.
We were back where we started.
"Cat! We've gone around in a circle." Frank exclaimed. "I'm asking somebody where to go."
"Fine." I sighed in defeat.
A couple could be seen coming out the nearest shop, Frank rushed over.
"Excuse me sir." He said, addressing the man. "Do you know where the boxing office is?"
"Let me think..." The man stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Take the first left and it should be straight in front of you." He said.
"Thank you."
I could feel my cheeks reddening – I was the one who thought we should turn right. Oh well. We set of in the other direction and soon saw the dingy building which was used as an office for organizing matches. Frank opened the door and held it open for me. My eyes soon adjusted to the poor light given out by a few candles, there wasn't a window in sight. A slightly plump red-faced man was sat behind a desk eating chips from a paper bag – his sausage like fingers were covered in grease.
"Yes?" He asked when he spotted Frank come in through the door. "Is there somethink I can 'elp you with?"
"We've ever so sorry but the Bow Street Butcher can't make his next match." Replied Frank flashing a smile.
"Reason?" He asked impatiently.
Frank and I shared a look. What should we say?
"Missing." I said simply.
"Eh?" Asked the man. "What's 'e got 'imself into now?" He asked rudely.
"I don't know, sir." Said Frank. "We're on the look out for him."
The man grunted and muttered something incoherent. Frank coughed awkwardly.
"We'll be on our way then."
Frank hurried us out. I slammed the door shut.
"Well, he was...pleasant enough."
"He was down right rude, that's what he was!" I stormed my temper flaring.
I didn't hold with rude people like that.
"Oh well." Said Frank. "Let's get back."
Together we walked back down the street. Stopping at the same point the cab dropped us off we waited a couple of minutes before Frank could call another one over. He helped me up and sat next to me gain.
"Are you free tomorrow evening?" Asked Frank.
"Why?" I asked.
"We're having a 'formal dinner'." Said Frank rolling his eyes.
"Oh." I said. "That's not the place for me then."
"Nonsense." Replied Frank. "I'm allowed guests so I'm inviting you and Pedro."
"Oh but, I can't!"
"Why ever not?" Asked Frank his brow wrinkling in concern.
"I've got nothing to wear!" I wailed.
Frank chuckled softly. "Mama could find you something of Lizzie's that you could borrow."
"Ok." I agreed "We'll be there at six."
Frank drew me close in tight embrace. "I missed you in Cambridge." He whispered into my hair. "Life's more fun with you around."
I hugged him back. I enjoyed the feeling of his arms around me far too much.
The cab came to a halt. I clambered out giving Frank oe last wave as he sped off in the carriage. I missed him as well – far more than I allowed to admit to myself.
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What do you think? Sorry there's not been much adventure so far . But we'll be expecting a visit from a certain French thief to get it started. ;) Review!