AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Ainsley
Jackson gripped my arm as I began to sway on my feet. “Are you all right?”
“Yes, yes, I’m fine.” I lifted my gaze to his, still holding the most precious of gifts. “How did you know I would need these? And do not lie to me, Jackson Hollingsworth. Oh, and thank you. I love them.” I did not want to appear ungrateful, so I threw my arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. Best. Gift. Ever. “Seriously, though. How did you know?” I pulled away and stared at what I could not wait to try on.
He gave me a sad sort of smile. “I knew in my gut you would never stay here. I suppose a part of me has always known. You, Ainsley, have the heart and soul of an adventurer.” Jackson pointed to my new goggles. “I wanted you to be prepared, although I have attempted to influence your decision at every turn.”
“That you have, but I forgive you. Thank you for these.” I held up the box, still marveling over my gift—something I’d only ever dreamed of owning. “They’re perfect. Now, I must prepare myself and the disguise. You’ve given me just the idea.” I was practically bouncing on my feet with anticipation. “But I’ll need you to step out.”
“After all I’ve done for you?” He winked, already moving toward the door.
“Wait,” I called out.
Jackson turned, an expression of surprise on his face.
“Do not get any ideas, mister. I need a needle and thread. Please?”
Jackson snorted. “Ms. Livingston used to give me sewing supplies when she got tired of mending my ripped-up trousers.” He gestured toward the east window. “Check under the ledge.”
“Thank you.” I smiled, stepping quickly to shut the door. But before I did, I took one last look at my best friend. “I think perhaps it’s best if this is goodbye.” I ducked my head, peering up at him beneath my lashes, attempting to hold back tears. “For now.”
Jackson approached once more, cupping my face in his hands. “I’ll go be with your mother. Not to worry.”
A tear trickled down my cheek then, and I nodded. He leaned his forehead against mine, and we stood still. After a shaky breath, I knew I needed to hurry. My disappearance needed to be smooth and quick. And I had much work left to do.
“Goodbye, my dearest Jackson.” I drew away, my voice just above a whisper.
“For now.” He swept a lone tear from my face and kissed my forehead.” Be safe.”
He ran down the steps and I shut the door, locking myself away to prepare everything I needed for my departure.
A heated blush crept up my cheeks and I patted my face. The last few moments with Jackson had only added to my confusion and state of amassing emotions.
I shook my head, casting aside any sort of distraction. There was indeed a small tin of needles and various-colored threads where Jackson had suggested. I picked it up and took in my surroundings once more. If my mother feared I didn’t have much time here, this was as safe a place as any to finish my preparations before my journey. I could cut through the servants’ quarters, grab a few loaves of bread, dried meat, and cheese, and be on my way without anyone the wiser.
Without saying goodbye.
I swallowed another lump forming in my throat and moved to the pile of fabric and clothing we had found.
The trousers would do as they were. I tore at the fabric, preparing the red-and-white striped material to become puffed sleeves—or arm bands of sorts—around the white tunic. I wasn’t the most skilled seamstress, but I could do well enough in a pinch. One of the perks of living within the hallowed halls of high society in Rookhallow.
As I sewed, my mind wandered in a million directions. Where would I go? How would I begin? And what would I do once I found my birth father?
My fingers stopped, finally finishing up the first ensemble. The setting sun reminded me that I was out of time, and for now, this was as good as it was going to get. I removed the small parchment and key from my mourning dress and set them on the floor to begin the arduous task of disrobing. When I was finally free from the dastardly thing, I slipped on the trousers and gently pulled the tunic over my head. It hung over my shoulders, but the vest would help hold it up. I buttoned it tightly around the front, sucking in and grumbling because it may well have been a corset after all.At least I could breathe, unlike when wearing my typical constricting attire.
Once done, I carefully slipped the key, and most importantly, the small, tattered note from my birth father into the front pocket. I wanted to keep it with me as a reminder, my only clue to his true identity. It would help when seeking him out, as he would be the only one who’d know what had been written to his dearest love. As for the key, I felt in my heart it may be of importance upon some point during my journey, although I could not be certain as to how just yet.
When I finished, I searched around the room, hoping there was a mirror somewhere to reveal what I’d made. To my dismay, there was only a small, chipped, looking glass in the corner. I stared at my reflection as best I could. My flowing white-blonde hair may give me away if anyone kept up with society, but otherwise, I was certain I would be unrecognizable. My hands trembled as I brought the brass goggles to rest atop my head.
Plucking a red cloak from the wardrobe, I began fastening it around my shoulders. I quickly searched for my father’s old sword and scabbard where I’d seen it resting against the far wall. Ah-ha! I lifted the blade’s edge to the light and examined it closely, remembering all the grueling hours spent learning how to swordfight and smiled. The blade held a few knicks from my childhood, but none that would hinder its use if the need arose.
This would be my protection. A weapon no man would expect a mere woman to wield. Although, I may need to pack a few sharpening tools in my satchel of clothing, just in case. I had no idea what awaited me outside Rookhallow Proper. And based on what I had observed over the cliff’s edge, it was best to be safe than sorry. So, I did just that, locating exactly what I needed in the alcove near the back. I strapped the unremarkable leather scabbard around my waist and sheathed my sword, where it lay hidden beneath my oversized cloak. Perfect.
I stood proud, staring at my reflection as best I could. I took one last glance around the room full of childhood belongings Jackson had collected. The life I’d known before was over. Adventure ran through my veins, and now I knew why. It was in my blood. Part of who I was.
And it was time I found my birth father. Whatever was happening here in Rookhallow, the duke had thought I’d needed Silverthorne.I only needed to learn what it was I could glean from this man that would further lead to my destiny Mother and Father had spoken of.
Taking a deep breath, I straightened my shoulders, and readied myself for the journey ahead. “Ready or not, here I come.”
