The Green Dragon Inn #11 - The Last Chapter

[Nurumaiel]

'Why am I spending it back here?' he repeated, and he smiled shyly. 'Well, my aunt lives close by and this is the only place I know where I can get away from her. I was sorry to leave Peony behind, of course, but Aunt Malva has always been rather partial to Hal and had nothing against him staying about, so my dear sister has protection.' He smiled at her again, and her cheeks turned rosy, and then he continued on at a rapid pace. He did not want to bring up memories of the previous evening in any way. He could hardly believe that Lily seemed so delighted to see him when he had felt quite confident that she would be very angry with him.

'As for staying out here rather than going into the Inn, I was not much in want of loud noise and much company. My aunt threw every insult she could at me, subtly hidden of course, but because of her comments I am very aware that my hair is tangled, my face is dirty, and that my britches are ripped at the knee. With such ongoing comments upon my appearance, and also my apparent unwillingness to assist her in the housework, I am not starving for company.' He smiled at her yet again, and her eyes began to dance. He was encouraged. 'Besides, Miss Lily, I was afraid you would be indoors, and I did not want to see you.'

Instantly the colour left her cheeks, and her light faded out of her eyes. She gazed up at him in shocked disappointment, and said nothing. He looked at her desperately, and then fixed his eyes at the tree behind her. A few moments past, and then he walked by her. She turned to follow his movements, struggling against tears. He strode to the tree, bent down and picked up the flowers, and, returning to her, presented them to her for the second time. 'I am afraid I always say the wrong thing,' he said. 'I must explain the reasoning for my rudeness, and also explain many other things. Is breakfast being served indoors?'

'Yes,' she said in a gasp, and she could manage no more.

'I suspect you were going to make sure your pony was all right. Please finish what you set out to do, and then come join me in the Common Room, where we will break our fast together. Is that very well with you?' She nodded, and releasing his hold on the flowers, spun on his heel and made his way towards the Inn. How foolish of him to speak his mind so! What he had said was true, but he had said it in a manner that gave her every reason to believe that he was avoiding her. He was, of course, but it was only because he had been afraid she was angry with him. Even when he was hiding from her, he was longing for her company. He must explain away his error, and he must have some little time alone while she was in the stables to think of how to explain his manner towards her the previous evening. It would not be an easy task.