Chapter 26 - Twenty Six
The sun was high and bright as Delia walked out of the heavy doors of the Ellington manor, leaving the oppressive atmosphere behind her. A genuine, unburdened smile graced her lips for the first time that day. In the courtyard, the magnificent carriage of the Duke of Elinburgh was waiting, a silent testament to the new reality of her life.
The driver, the older man from before whom she now knew to be Mr. Rye, tipped his hat to her as she approached. "Good morning, Milady," he greeted her, his voice warm and respectful.
Delia’s smile widened. It felt good to be addressed with such simple courtesy. "Good morning to you too, Mr. Rye," she returned warmly.
Mr. Rye made a move to get down from his perch to help her into the carriage, a standard gesture of service. But Delia, so used to doing everything for herself, stopped him with a raised hand.
"Don’t worry about it, Mr. Rye," she said kindly. "I can do it myself."
She clutched the small pouch tied at her waist, which held a few coins she intended to give the Duke for the meal he gave her yesterday, and stepped up into the carriage. "Thank you for coming all this way to pick me up," she chuckled as she settled onto the plush velvet seat, the door closing behind her with a soft click. The interior was luxurious and dim, a welcome escape from the harsh light outside. She looked up, expecting to be Eric, but her eyes landed on a figure sitting quietly in the opposite corner.
She let out a piercing shriek.
The unexpected sound caused the figure, a young man who had perhaps been dozing, to jolt awake and let out a startled shriek of his own, a sound several octaves higher than one might expect.
Instinct took over. Delia, thinking an intruder had hidden in the carriage, immediately went on the attack. She swung her small but sturdy pouch with all her might, shouting at the top of her lungs. "Mr. Rye! There’s a thief in here! Help!"