Her Devious Scoundrel

Chapter 10

Penelope rushed ahead, not fearing the darkness surrounding her. She knew she had made the right decision, even though she had doubted whether or not she should go with this man, she knew now that she had stepped out of her comfort zone and into a new life full of the unexpected. She knew that most women in her situation would be scared, but she had never felt so free. She glanced back, and slowed her pace, realizing Johnathan was practically running to catch up to her. She smiled inwardly, this freedom was exhilarating.

Never would she have imagined she would be walking through the forest, in the dark, when all types of dangerous beings were creeping through the shadows. They had traveled all through the day before the carriage incident and now night was looming before them, ready to swallow them whole. Since Penelope had slept the previous day away, she was now fresh with renewed vigor and ready to face this challenge set before her. She felt exhilarated, most ladies of her status would have wilted at the thought of having to walk such a distance especially in the dark.

After awhile of walking Penelope's feet started to ache dreadfully, while she had been prepared to walk the distance, her shoes were another story. They were not made for walking any distance, but more for standing in a ballroom, light dancing or even a turn around the garden. Now they were quite literally falling apart, she could feel the blisters forming under her toes and they were starting hurt. Penelope could feel herself beginning to limp, she was trying to mask the pain but she knew she wasn't doing a very good job.

Johnathan watched Penelope in wonder, surprised by her strength. He had expected complaints, or for her to be clinging to him with fear, like most women of her status would be. However, she shocked him as she forged ahead, practically running into the early dawn light. She turned back to him, laughter in her eyes, her cheeks red from the morning chill, her breath coming in quick succession.

“Are you having fun, my lady?” He asked incredulously.

“Would it surprise you if I said yes sir?” She threw the question over her shoulder.

“It just isn’t what I was expecting,” He chuckled, sidling up next to her, matching her quick strides.

“Were you expecting me to simper and sulk the whole way?” She giggled, “My good sir, I am not your typical lady!” Johnathan laughed, a loud booming sound full of warmth, his eye crinkling at the corners. Penelope stared, her mouth going dry, never had she found a man so handsome as this one before her.

They walked on in silence, Penelope’s gait slowing as the effort took it’s toll on her. Birds started chirping as the sun began it’s assent into the sky, the forest surrounding the road slowly coming to life as morning arrived. A low grumble sounded from deep within Penelope’s belly, she crossed her arms in front of her, realizing it had been quite awhile since she had eaten a proper meal.

“Getting tired?” Johnathan asked, noticing the Penelope’s lackluster energy, so different that is had been just a half hour before.

“A little,” She responded quietly.

“We should reach the in very soon, can you wait? Or do you need to rest now?”

 “I can wait!” Penelope said with determination. She pressed on, as fatigue slowly started to take her spirit. Johnathan had noticed a sudden lack of gaiety in Penelope, as the morning sun crested over the tree tops, and if he wasn't mistaken he swore that she was limping. He glanced down at her shoes and realized she was no longer wearing any, and that her stockings were in tatters. The poor lady needed to sit, but every time he had tried to urge her to rest, she had just laughed and told him she was not simpering miss. Now though he could tell her body was slowly growing tired and she had started shivering in the morning air. It had long ago stopped raining but they were both still drenched and the chilly sunrise was not helping. Johnathan shrugged off his coat, though it was still damp it was dryer than her dress, he slipped it over her shoulders. Penelope clutched the coat tighter around her body, as the warmth of his body seeped from his coat to her shuddering body.