Thread: The Perplex Parcel Pursuit Project (darkangel76 p Lotherio)

Charlotte refused to speak to James on their walk back to the carriage that would take them both back to the Granville estate. Just as shed refused to speak to him for the rest of the day. Or the next several after that as well. She was annoyed, with life, her parents. Just everything. But it was easier to place most of the blame on James. After all, he was the one following her parents instructions, seeing that their rules were followed to the letter. It was infuriating. But what made it worse was the joy she saw in his eyes as he got to keep watch over her, making sure she didnt slip away again like she did when shed met Mr. De La Motte. Lord and Lady Granville saw to it that Charlotte was not allowed to leave the grounds for a few days as punishment for her behavior. They lectured about her safety, her status, her gender. Their lectures far from interesting, holding no light when compared to that of Mr. De La Motte and his teas. Charlotte heaved a heavy sigh as she walked through the gardens. She glanced up at the sun, letting its golden rays kiss her skin, caressing it gently with its warmth. It felt nice and even more so when a breeze would pass over it making her shiver just enough. If she closed her eyes, she could pretend she was back down by the harbor. Yes, that salty air filling her lungs and making her smile as she recalled the taste of the passion fruit tea. And then there was Mr. De La Motte. His smile, the way he looked at her. It made her feel warm, beautiful free. Opening her eyes, Charlotte wondered if shed ever see her tutor again. She more than hoped so. She longed to hear his voice, play her game. There was much he could teach her, she was certain of it. And, if she had to guess, he too seemed eager to take her on as his student. Oh, if he did, shed make him proud. Shed be his best. His favorite. Shed see to that. Would prove it every time they met for a session. Just then, her cheeks flushed a deep shade of red and she noticed James staring at her from across the rose bushes. Letting out a scowl, she turned on her heels and almost stomped away from him. An almost child-like act, but she hardly cared. Shed never get to see her Mr. De La Motte ever again and it was that brutes fault! As Charlotte ran through other areas of the garden, her pale eyes slowly welling with tears, she found herself so unwilling to accept her fate. It was so unfair. Her parents spoke of the world and its cruelty. But was it not worse to keep such things from her? Life was for living, not hiding away, never to be seen. Never to be admired. Charlotte sat upon one of the many wrought-iron benches, one under a shady trellis twined with ivy and morning glories. James was finally nowhere to be seen, no longer lurking. And good riddance! She had no desire to see him for the remainder of the day. Just then, a soft buzzing sound caught her ears. She perked up and glanced about, desperately seeking the source of this peculiar sound. Suddenly, she saw it. What was it? A tiny toy? It seemed to travel in the air, with purpose, with determination. Whats this? Charlotte spoke aloud, though her voice was soft despite no one being about to hear her. Quirking a brow, Charlotte stood up and ever so slowly approached the tiny device floating upon the air. She smiled a little as she studied it, watching it move and hover. It was a propelled balloon, much like the dirigibles that delivered the packages for her fathers business. Upon studying it further, she noticed something attached to the toy. A present? Immediately, she felt her heart begin to pound, her breaths quickening as she found herself reaching for the item wrapped in lace. Charlotte stared at the item for a moment before opening it, her hands shaking, body trembling. Finally, she opened it and inside found a letter. A true smile graced her lips as her cheeks went crimson and her skin went hot. Oh, it was a letter from her tutor, from her Mr. De La Motte. He wanted to meet her next day at noon. He wanted to teach her more about passion fruit. Oh what other wonders did he know? She knew it had to be many and she so wanted it to be him that did the teaching. Without further hesitation she tucked the letter between her breasts, hiding it within her corset. Yes, shed get away from James. Shed find a way. She had to no matter the cost. It had been most difficult, Charlottes parents still upset with her behavior at the tea shoppe and James being more watchful than usual. But, shed managed to bribe one of the servants to tell her parents and escort that she felt under the weather and wished to not be disturbed. It had meant giving up one of her favorite hair combs, but it was worth it far as she was concerned. She then managed for another servant, the stable boy, to provide her a means to travel downtown toward the harbor again. She wouldnt be able to take the carriage, its disappearance would be noticed and quickly thus giving her up before shed even make it a mile from the estate. No. She needed to ride astride the saddle of one of the lesser-used horses. One that wouldnt be missed should she take him out for a small jaunt. Charlotte had chosen to ride Oberon, a gentle male of chestnut brown donning a white diamond patch upon his nose. Being smaller, he was often left alone to graze, occasionally ridden by her or her mother during the days in the Spring time. But it was late Summer now, nearly Autumn. No one would be riding Oberon now. And with the stable boy aware of her plan, no one would ever realize hed gone missing for a short while. It didnt take long for Charlotte to head into town. She paid a valet to care for her horse as she went about her business, knowing hed be fine in the hands of the man shed left him with. Giving a curtsy and paying some coin, she then set about finding Caf Douceur, longing to meet her Mr. De La Motte once more. The moment her eyes found the sign for the caf, she instantly felt her heart flutter, her tummy spinning with nerves over what she was doing. Smiling, she walked closer to the door, her hands quickly making sure her hair was well placed, her skirts smoothed, her body something to be admired. Swallowing, just then she dared to push open the door. As Charlotte walked inside the caf, she began to scan the room. Oh how she hoped her Mr. De La Motte would actually be there, that he wasnt playing with her hopes as theyd been playing against each others wits a few days prior. Glancing back and forth, her eyes suddenly caught a glint of something sparkling, a gem glistening in the sunlight. Looking at the glittering stone, her eyes traveled up the body of its bearer. Suddenly, she found her eyes locked onto none other than those of Mr. De La Motte.