Hiding from Love Read Free

wriggling creature in her hands.
    â€œWhat is it?” she asked.
    â€œIs a dog, señorita , a Chihuahua .”
    â€œCheewawah?  I have never heard of it.”
    â€œIs many of them in our country.  My Master – ” she gestured with her head towards the carriage, “he bring her for his elderly relative.”
    Leonora looked again and this time noticed that the figure within was a gentleman.  He was leaning forward, his two hands resting atop a silver cane.
    She could not discern his actual features, but she felt his eyes upon her.
    Half visible though he was, there was something in the gentleman’s poise and the quiet intensity of his stare that made Leonora feel a little nervous.
    Even at a distance, he exuded power and authority.
    He is certainly arrogant, she thought, not troubling to get out of the carriage himself to ask if I was all right.
    The maid glanced towards the carriage, seemingly uncertain.  Perhaps even she had expected her Master to follow her?
    She shifted the burden of the dog to one arm.
    â€œThe Master,” she said, “is so sorry for your dress.  I think – he wants to know, is there something he can do?”
    â€œSomething he can do?” echoed Leonora, realising that by this her Master probably intended to offer her some kind of recompense – which she had no intention of accepting.
    â€œActually there is .  He can instruct his coachman to drive with more care and less speed!”
    The maid opened her eyes wide.
    Before she could respond, the inn boy reappeared at Leonora’s elbow.
    â€œThere’s a trap arrived for you, Miss Schilling.”
    Leonora was startled to hear herself addressed for the first time by her stepfather’s name and then her brow creased as she wondered where the boy had heard it.
    â€œThe trap is in the yard, through that arch.  You go on, miss, and I’ll go fetch your luggage.”
    Leonora nodded.
    â€œGoodbye,” she said to the still gawping maid and the skinny little Chihuahua.
    In the yard Leonora was looking eagerly about her.
    There was Finny – dear old Finny – sitting on the familiar rickety old trap, chewing on a twig.  When he saw Leonora, he jumped down with a grin.
    He was so pleased to see his young Mistress he did not seem to notice her mud-stained dress.
    â€œMiss Leonora!” he called out, tipping the twig to his forehead in a form of salute.
    â€œFinny!  Oh, it’s so good to see you.”
    â€œYou climb in, miss.  I’ll soon have you home.”
    The inn boy arrived with the trunk.  He set it down and then stood, passing his sleeve across his forehead.
    â€œThat trunk were heavy,” he grumbled as Leonora gave him a sixpence.
    Finny then lifted the trunk onto the back of the trap, lashing it in place with a length of tarred rope.
    Next he leaped up and reached for the reins.
    â€œYou are leaving!” came a concerned voice.
    Leonora turned to see Señor de Guarda approach.
    â€œI must, Finny arrived late and I’m sure Mama will be worried if we don’t reach home before dark.”
    He placed his hand on the trap’s high left wheel, as if to prevent its motion.
    â€œBut I am heartbroken you should think to fly away and not say goodbye to Señor de Guarda!”
    Leonora blushed, aware that Finny was listening.
    â€œWell, I will say goodbye now, Señor de Guarda.”
    He seized on her outstretched hand and, instead of shaking it, raised it to his lips.
    Leonora gave a nervous swallow.
    â€œWhere do you live?  Can I visit you?” he asked.
    Leonora looked away from his melting brown eyes.
    â€œI – that will not be possible – things at home have changed.  No doubt we will meet again by chance.”
    Señor de Guarda shrugged.
    â€œI doubt it.  I am here for a few weeks only.  Then I go home.”
    Leonora did not know how to respond, so she was thankful for