I'm back! That was quick huh? This next chapter is certainly not as long as the other chapter, but I'm hoping it's just as sweet. These few chapters have really allowed me to let all my adorable ideas out. Plus I just adore writing all of Charlotte's dialogue, I can't get enough Charlotte. Any way, on with the story!
It was one of the warmest fall days of the season, so I decided to walk to Hedwig's house. I hadn't talked to her very much during the past month or so, since she was no longer selling flowers in the market. During the day, the moors were quite a pleasant place, the sun shining on every blade of grass, the birds chirruping overhead. It was such a contrast from the night, no wonder people assumed that it was haunted. I took my own sweet time getting to Hedwig's house around noon. The sunlight streamed cheerily through the trees, and the chimney was streaming with smoke. Out of an open window a wonderful smell greeted my nose. I knocked on the door. "Who is it?" an angry voice called. "It's me, Elinor." I called. I heard a flurry of noise before the door opened, revealing a disheveled Hedwig. "Come on I dear, I was just getting lunch started." She said, hobbling back into the house. "I smelled it." I replied, my stomach threatening to growl. "What compelled you to visit such an old woman like me?" Hedwig asked, stirring her pot. "I thought you might be lonely out here all by yourself." I said, clearing away some debris so I could sit down. Stopping what she was doing, Hedwig turned and gave me a toothy grin. "Well isn't that the sweetest thing I ever heard. If only all the young ones were such sweet souls like you." She sighed. "Oh Hedwig, I'm not as good as all that." I smiled; feeling a heat rise to my cheeks. People, other than my family, didn't usually compliment me, unless if it was meant to mock me. "Don't put yourself down. You are a smart and sweet girl." Hedwig said, handing me a piping hot bowl of soup. I let Hedwig win this one, and I ate my soup. "How have things been with you Elinor?" Hedwig asked. "Charlotte's been working me to the bone, it's been none stop studying for weeks. I've got a a big Latin test coming up." I said. Hedwig gave me a wry smile "And?" "And what?" "What about you're Mr. Randulf Dunst?" Hedwig inquired. "It's been going well." I answered quietly, staring into my bowl. Hedwig laughed "Ah, young love." I didn't answer. I just kept staring intently into my soup, heat flaming on my cheeks, praying she'd change the subject. "So what's this treasure I've your family apparently owns?" "Treasure, where did you hear such a rumor?" I said, throwing the question back at Hedwig. I didn't want her getting any ideas that these rumors of treasure were real. "I hear things around town, you know that. But the real question is, is it true?" Hedwig said. "You know how it is, if a family is rich and a bit secretive. Everyone suspects that they have some big stash of jewellery, or some sort of rare thing from the stars. Come on Hedwig, I wouldn't think that an aged woman like yourself would be tricked by such falsehoods." I laughed. Hedwig nodded lightly. That was the last we talked about the subject. I finished off my soup quickly; it warmed every part of me. "Well' I said, rising to my feet 'thank you for the wonderful lunch, and good conversation. But I must be going before my father begins to worry." I handed Hedwig the soup bowl, and she shook her head. "No, thank you Elinor. Thank you for the lovely afternoon. You don't know how much it means to me to have a good, human, company once in a while." Hedwig smiled. A warm feeling, not from the soup, settled in me. It felt good to help someone, and to have them accept your help. After years of being misunderstood, I was glad have someone bring me into their heart so easily. "Any time." I smiled, pushing the door open.
The whole walk back to Blackmoor, I felt like I was flying. The birds singing seemed to be singing to me. It was one of those moments that couldn't be reigned in by anything. When I skipped into the house, a surprise was waiting for me.
"Randulf!" I yelled, leaping into his arms. "Hello Elinor." He said, hugging me back. "What are you doing over here?" I questioned. "Your father asked me to join you for a game of croquette." He answered, gesturing to Father. "I hope you don't mind cherub, I thought it would be a nice treat." He said. "Mind, why would I mind? Let's play!" I exclaimed, taking Randulf's hand and running to the backyard. Playing croquette was a treat seeing as the only people available to play the game with me were Charlotte and father. There was nothing wrong with them; they just got bored of the game after playing it four days in a row.
Father called blue, Charlotte called red "since there was no pink available". I picked purple, and Randulf had to settle for green, which he assured me was alright. Because he was a guest, Randulf went first. He made a clean shot that ran his ball through the first arch. Father went next, and cleared his through the first arch. Charlotte, who wasn't very good at croquette, did so as well. On my first try I missed the arch by a hair. I was almost as good a player as father, so the miss really ruffled my feathers. Everyone assured me that it was only a minor setback, and I would get back into the rhythm soon. It took two turns to get my ball through while the others made good progress to the second. Charlotte was the farthest from it, naturally, and Randulf was not far behind my father. On my next hit I chipped mine through the second and far down to the next one. "That's my girl." Father encouraged. The game continued at a fast, intense pace as Father, Randulf and I battled for first place. Randulf was a much better croquette player than I had assumed, and I found myself closer to third place than I liked as we approched the final arch. Father was up next, if he gave a strong enough hit, he could win the game. He wound up for his classic long shot. The ball flew across the lawn, through the arch and into a bush. As Randulf and I stood in awe, Charlotte, who had accepted fourth place long ago, came running up. "You haven't won yet James Penvellyn!" she yelled, almost laughing. Father looked at Charlotte, confused. "You hit Randulf's ball with your foot while you were making that marvelous shot of yours!" Charlotte laughed. "You jest Miss Bossiny." Father said. "I do not! I saw it! You lose sir!" Charlotte yelled triumphantly. Father hung his head, a knowing smile on his face. "You didn't." I gasped. Father held his hand up "Yes I did." Charlotte clapped her hands together. Father was forced to put his ball back where it was before the hit and wait until his next turn. Randulf was the next one to go. He lined up and hit his ball. We all held our breath as the ball rolled down the lawn. Sadly his stopped short. Then it was my turn. I looked at the arch, and then down at my ball, then back up at the ball. Winding up as father had taught me, I swung my racquet down as fast as I could. The ball sped down the lawn, and to my great joy, it flew through the arch. "Elinor, you won!" Charlotte squealed hugging me in joyous celebration. I had never one against father before. I was ecstatic. Then, as the others continued, Randulf came in second. To all of our surprise, Charlotte came in third, and humbly father came in last. "Not so great as you once thought, eh Mr Penvellyn?" Charlotte asked haughtily, quite pleased that she was able to beat father. "If it wasn't for that one mishap, he would have licked us all." Randulf reminded everyone, knowing father wouldn't say anything. "There,' father said, placing his hand firmly on Randulf's shoulder 'is true sportsmanship. That is very pleasant to see in a young man, very pleasant in deed." "Yes, such a nice man." chimed Charlotte "Don't make me anymore vain than I already am Miss Bossiny." Randulf laughed. "If there's anything you are not Mr Dunst, it is certainly vain. You shouldn't be ashamed by a little flattery here and there." Charlotte told Randulf. "Well than, thank you both for your kind words." He replied.
We talked and laughed outside, while sipping hot apple cider for quite a long time. "I must say,' gasped Charlotte after a particularly long bought of giggles 'there has never been so much laughter in these halls since Elinor was a toddler. You must visit our dear Elinor more often." "I do believe I shall." Randulf replied, his deep eyes melting only into mine.
After we had waved Randulf off at the gate, Charlotte gave a long sigh. "Have I ever mentioned what a good young man he is?" "Many times Charlotte." "Well I mean it!" she shot back. "Don't you let this one slip through your fingers Elinor Brigitte Penvellyn, or else I shall never speak to you again." She warned. "Oh please, I'm sure that nothing I can do will run him off. I think he really loves me Charlotte." I said, eyebrows raised. Charlotte nodded "I know, just be careful anyway." She said. Then she got of far off look. "I wonder how he'll ask you to marry him." "Charlotte, he's probably not even thinking of that yet!" I exclaimed. "What sort of flowers should you have for your bouquet?" she questioned. "Oh, what a wonderful dress I will pick out for you." She said. "Charlotte!" "Oh all right! I won't talk about that anymore." She cried. "Thank you." I said. "You ladies certainly do get excited over the simplest things." Father said, shaking his head. "This is coming from the man who couldn't stop smiling the first time his daughter mentioned that a boy was interested in her." Charlotte mocked. "You better shut that devious little mouth of yours Miss Bossiny before I shut it for you." He jested back. "Can this devious mouth mention that Catherine Baker invited us to a party on Saturday?" Charlotte asked. I groaned, "Catherine Baker?" "And can this devious little mouth also mention that a certain Mr Randulf Dunst is also attending." She added. That name brought a smile to my face, that name I could handle. "Where do you learn these things Charlotte?" I laughed. "Oh, from little birdies." She smiled. "So are you going to go?" She asked. "I supposed I could go, if Randulf goes." I said, smiling at my sarcasm. "It will be your first dance with Randulf as your beau." Reminded Charlotte, grinning as a pink flush came to my cheeks. "I remember the first time my beau took me to a dance." She sighed wistfully. "So do I." Father said. Charlotte leaned back in her chair, a far off look in her blue eyes. "Dancing under a starry sky makes you feel so beautiful, and he looks so handsome. He's holding you so close, and the way he looks at you, just makes your heart shrink in your chest." "Come back to me Charlotte, your falling too far into the past." I laughed. "That's right, the days of romance are over for this old woman." Charlotte said. "Now, now Charlotte, if you are an old woman what does that make me?" Father asked, feigning hurt. "But I am James, I'm not the young woman you hired to take care of your adopted baby girl." Charlotte said. "Oh Charlotte, must you be so over dramatic? You look as young as you ever did." "That's just because you're old! Of course I look young to you!" Charlotte retaliated. I shook my head as the two got into yet another one of their heated debates. All of this talk had made me think more about Randulf and I. Though I didn't want to believe it, Randulf was becoming a very important thing in my life. And I had to admit that I often wondered if Randulf would ask me to marry him someday. Dresses and flowers, dancing and kisses often clouded my dreams. "I'm becoming like Charlotte." I said with a shake of my head.
Randulf and I had arranged to meet each other at the Ball. He told me that he would have liked to pick me up, but he had some things he had to do before the party. Charlotte let me borrow one of her dresses again this time I picked a cream coloured one with a lot of embroidery and beading. I wasn't much for expensive looking things, but this dress made me feel beautiful.
When I arrived at Catherine's manor, she had really gone all out. Her house was fancifully decorated. And there underneath the crystal chandelier, in a charcoal grey suit with his flaming hair combed back, Randulf was waiting for me. "It is good to see you. You look very beautiful." Randulf said, taking me in his arms and kissing my cheek. "You look very nice yourself." I complimented. Randulf kissed my cheek again. After he took my hand and led me into the ballroom. They were already playing a lovely tune when we entered. Randulf didn't have to ask this time. He placed his hand on my waist and drew me to his chest. I could smell the stiff cologne he wore. It might be a bit overpowering to some, but I had become accustomed to it. Dance after dance he turned and twirled me until I became slightly dizzy, whether it was from Randulf's presence, or from the spinning. "How about we stop for a while." He said. "Are you dizzy too?" I asked. "A little, but what I really am, is thirsty." Randulf said, and then held out his hand. "Would you join me at the refreshment table?" I smiled and he lead me off the dance floor. Catherine had bought many different types of drinks, wine, champagne, and a few other alcoholic beverages. It was so typical of her to show off using such small details. My family had money, but we didn't take every advantage to flaunt it. Randulf grabbed himself champagne and got a sweet tasting white wine for me. We were about to sit down with some of Randulf's friends when I felt a presence come beside me.
"Elinor Penvellyn, this is quite unexpected, I didn't think that you would dare come to my party." Catherine smiled the venom buried under all those pearly whites. "It is not a crime to attend a party. Besides, you invited me." I shot back. Catherine's eyes narrowed. "Yes, I suppose that I forgot to take you off the list. Though I can't believe you would have the gall to attend. I would think it is bad form to attend a party out of spitefulness towards your tormented host." Catherine sighed in mock hurt. "Leave Elinor alone Catherine. That incident was months ago, and besides, she is only here because of me." Randulf defended. "I can't believe this,' Catherine sniffed 'you are on her side too? After everything she said to me?" She shook her head in disbelief. "You were the one who started it; you are such a spoiled brat." I muttered under my breath. Clearly it wasn't quiet enough for Catherine's ears. She grabbed a glass of champagne and threw it at me. I reeled back in shock as the frosty liquid drizzled down my dress. Everyone turned and stared at us. "If you don't get out of my house within five minutes, I will have you thrown out." Catherine spat, fire brimmed in her eyes. I wanted to throw a glass of champagne at her too, and I would have if Randulf didn't put his hand over mine and drag me out of the house.
I stomped down the steps, wrenching out of Randulf's grip. "I hate her Randulf; I could wring her skinny little neck!" I cried, soaking wet with champagne "Maybe if you held your temper she wouldn't have reason to dump a glass of champagne on you. Have you ever thought about that Elinor?" Randulf asked, staring straight into my eyes. "Now you're on her side?" I shot back. "No, I think what she did to you back there was horrible. But sometimes it's best not to say anything." Randulf said softly. He was right, why hadn't I learned that already. Randulf hadn't said anything out of spite , but whenever I opened my mouth I said something that sent her into a rage. I sniffled, unable to hold back the tears. He pulled out a handkerchief and handed it to me. "Thank you take me home now?" I mumbled. Randulf put an arm around my shoulder. "Of course Elinor." His soft voice caressed my ears. Randulf called for a cab, and we climbed inside. I sat there crying and dabbing at my eyes with the handkerchief. "You're right Ran, I know that my mouth often runs away with me, and I ought to control it more. I just get so upset and I lose my temper" I sobbed. Randulf slid closer to me and draped his arm over my shoulders, drawing me to him. "I understand, but I don't love you any less because of it I just wish you wouldn't get yourself in such trouble." He breathed into my hair. "I wish I could just sew my mouth shut." I sniffled. Randulf gave me a soft smile, and brushed a stray hair out of my face. "I don't." He leaned close to me, his forehead touching mine, those beautiful brown eyes dancing with a slow burning fire. "They wouldn't be as pleasant to kiss." His strong arms encircled me to cuddle me close. His lips pressed softly against mine for a few fleeting moments. I wound my hands around his neck and pulled him in for another kiss. When he kissed me back I knew that no spell of Hedwig's could work the same magic on me that Randulf's mouth did. Every time he kissed me my legs turned to liquid and a fire brewed in my stomach. The carriage came to a halt, but I took my own sweet time pulling myself away from Randulf. I bestowed a few tiny kisses to him before heading inside my house. "Good night Elinor!" Randulf called, leaning out the window to wave to me. "Good night!" I said gave a small wave as I disappeared into the house.
Awww :3 There's the chapter. I think some of Randulf's sweetness I have gleaned from Ned Nickerson. I mean who else thinks that Ned would be the best boyfriend ever, he's so sweet! But I digress. I bet you're all wondering when the Beast of Blackmoor's gonna come in, it's going to be soon, don't worry. It's not going to be chapters upon chapters of Elinor and Randulf going on dates and stuff, as much as I could write billions of them. Okay, see you in the next chapter! Please review, it'd really help me out.