CHAPTER 2
Sylvester had deftly secured the carriage before Evelina could reach it, his fear driving him to mount the coach box without waiting for her. With a firm grip on the reins, he spurred the horses forward and disappeared into the night.
Desperate and distraught, Evelina chased after him, surprised that her footman would abandon her so callously. "Please don't leave me. I was only trying to defend myself."
She continued to pursue the horse-drawn carriage on the desolate, empty road. The path ahead was bleak and lonely, and she ran on, hoping against hope for a change in Sylvester's heart.
But her hopes went down the drain, and as she realized the futility of her pursuit, she fell to her knees. Her throat tightened with grief, and she fought to hold back the tears that threatened to spill over. She had not anticipated the night to end this way, with her left stranded and alone. The world seemed colder and harsher now, a symbol of the betrayal she had suffered at Sylvester's hands.
"I hope I haven't just claimed a life." Evelina's bright blue eyes brimmed with despair, haunted by the tragic events that had just unfolded.
As she craned her neck searching for any sign of hope, she noticed an approaching carriage ambling down the road. Evelina's heart lifted as she scrambled to her feet. "Wait, please stop!" she called out with fervor, reaching out an imploring hand.
The shuttle gradually slowed to a halt, and a courteous driver inquired, "Do you require my services, Miss?"
Evelina answered with a nod, her eyes fixed on the carriage. "I need transport to a certain destination, please," she replied, her voice shaky.
"Where might you be heading, Miss?" The driver politely inquired.
Evelina hesitated for a moment, deliberating on her words. "I'm searching for the residence of my uncle," she began haltingly. "I've lost my way, and he is a renowned figure in high society. I believe he is known as the Earl of Longdale."
At this disclosure, the driver was taken aback, confusion lacing his voice as he stammered out, "Wha-? You are related to Earl Huxley?" His tone betrayed flustered disbelief at the prospect of transporting a noblewoman of such high status.
"Why did you venture out alone with such meager company? And pray tell, did you indeed lose your way?" The driver inquired with a suspicious glare, scratching his stubble. "The infamous red-light district lies just ahead. With your beauty and poise, any sensible nobleman would readily trade his entire fortune just to bask in your radiance."
Evelina's eyes flickered with a hint of confusion, uncertain of the driver's intentions and whether he was complimenting or demeaning her. "So… will you take me there?" She asked hesitantly, hoping her alluring qualities had not clouded his judgment.
"Of course," The driver answered with a dry chuckle. "But I must warn you first. This journey will cost you a total of nine pence. Do you possess the required amount of money? You are far from your intended destination, lady."
Evelina watched as the man clambered down from the front seat and strode over to the carriage's side, opening the door with a glib gesture. Her grateful smile gave way to a fleeting moment of horror when she realized she had left her coin purse behind.
Panic stricken, Evelina fumbled about her pockets for any semblance of currency, her face contorted with worry. The realization that she had been abandoned to her fate by her companion and was now stranded and destitute in an unfamiliar place dawned on her like a heavy cloud.
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