The Victoria Era

The Carriage Ride

I was running so fast I felt I would trip over my own hem. I swear it was him but it couldn't be! He was in London for my sister's wedding. I crossed the street and passed an empty carriage that just seemed abandoned there. I rounded the corner at such a speed I slammed into the thin blonde boy. "CALEB!" I screamed hugging him. Then I noticed the black-haired girl cowering behind him. "Raven?! What's wrong?!"
"Y-Yes, I-I'm s-sure I-I'll b-be o-okay." A hideous woman who looked as if a bag of wet cats had been dropped on her head. "Oh, I must be off!" Raven said running away. By her reation and the drunkard appearance of the woman I quickly came to the conclusion that this beast was Aunt Harriet. Caleb began to persue Raven but I grabbed his arm.
"Caleb! Wait here with Marie. I'll go after her." I said harshly.
"What's happening?" My twin brother stared at me in wild confusion.
"I should be questioning you of the same!" I growled then ran after Raven. I heard just barely the sound of Henrietta joining my brother in the stalling process. Raven was running fast; so fast in fact I could barely keep up but my pure adrenaline drove me forward. I could hear Raven saying something but I couldn't make it up. Suddenly, Alistar appeared out of no where and grabbed her. She screamed and struggled but he was not a weak man. "Hey! Let go of her!" I screamed at him running out of the alley. I looked to my feet and a stone laid by my foot. I picked it up and hurled it at Alistar.
"Why you..." The pig of a man sneered dropping Raven.
Raven ran really fast but in her fear she trips. Alistar grabbed her viciously by the arms and shoved me in the carriage which carried her far away from me. I ran after it for a moment but unable to keep up with a troop of horses. "Raven!" I scremed in one last desperate attempt. I fell to my knees and held my hands over my mouth holding back the eminent sobs.
I heard the familiar gait of Caleb behind me. "Did you get her?" He saw my face and grimaced. He crouched and wrapped his arms around me. "We'll get her back...."
The soft and worried voice of Henrietta came behind me, "Dear Miss Clarissa, is there anything I can do help you?"
"Oh, Henrietta, I need to go look for Raven... Would you watch over Marie for me while I'm searching. I know it's a lot to ask but I must investigate."
"I shall do my best, Miss Clarissa." She said taking Marie's small hand. "Come with me, Princess. The other shop girls and I need a new dress model!" She smiled warmly at the little girl.
"Yay! I like dresses!" Marie said naively. I watched her trail off with Henrietta and I stood with tight jaw ready to search for Raven.

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"Clarissa!" A voice yelled. My tired ears perked up and I looked exhausted to a gleaming Caleb.
"Wh-what?" I turned with tears in my eyes. "Ra-Raven!" I stood and hugged her tightly. "Oh my God, ar-are you injured? Do you ne-need something?" I stuttered excitedly.
"I shall be fine, my best dress is tattered and the ball is tonight, no? Woe, I might not be able to attend, after all." She said shocking me as it was a strange comment but I didn't want to bother her.
"Oh you can have one of mine!" I said the words tumbling out of my mouth.
"Are you sure?" She said blushing tomato red.
"I think I can help with that." Henrietta said smiling softly. "We have many fine dresses in the back sewinging room that have returned or discarded by unhappy customers. They should be satisfactory."
"I will sort through it. But who shall I go with?" She blushed again but a deeper, darker red.
"My god what happened?! I just came back from putting my little sisters and brothers to sleep are you aright Raven dear?" Lydia said with her characteristic burst into the room.
"I'm fine...." Raven said uncomfortable with Lydia.
"What did i miss!?" A little boy said running in.
Lydia laughed and said, "I should get going tomorrow i have to go and clean the house my husband is coming over."
"Alejendro is coming!" The boy squealed.
"Yeah and if you clean the house tonight I will make sure he takes you out many times!" Lydia said as her brother ran out.
"Come now, Miss Raven, let's find you something to wear." Henrietta said leading Raven away.
"IS SHE BUYING A DRESS? WHAT FOR?" Lydia screamed at the top of her lungs.
"The BALL." Raven said agitated.
"What Ball?!" Lydia said stupidly.
"By God woman, there is no need to shout--" I said losing my patience. "The Wilksin ball tomorrow night. I am shocked to hear you didn't know of it."
"Everybody is going! I am so excited." Marie squealed gaily.
"Marie, dear, why don't you help Raven out with the dress selection. I am sure you will find something you love too." I said looking to Caleb and Liam with a motion for them to watch Marie. As Marie left, I cleared my throat. "Lydia, I believe we got off on the wrong foot. My name is Clarissa and tomorrow night the town of Wilksin will be holding a Meet and Greet Ball. Everyone is attending and I assume you will be there." I said slowly as to make sure she would understand. Before she could respond though Caleb pulled me to the side and told me of how Raven had escaped through a window in the room Alistar had locked her in. He also told me he had asked her to the ball and she had agreed. I was so happy for him but it reminded me slightly of how I had no person to attend the ball with me. Nonetheless I was happy to have him home and with a lovely woman.