– You’re trembling,. Here.-the gentleman pulled his jacket over her shaking shoulders. -That’s better. The shock will be over soon. Sorry for all that mess. I just can’t stand Yankees harming fine English ladies.
– I don’t know how to repay you for your actions. One against two. That’s risky… You could have got hurt badly.-Katherine’s voice sounded concerned.
– I’ve had worse, trust me! -the stranger remarked with a smile, exposing dimples and little wrinkles next to his eyes.
He has such an inviting smile, I should say. And those little wrinkles make this gentleman really charming.
– I owe you my life, but I still haven’t enquired about your name. How rude of me.
– Daniel, at your service, Miss.-he took her hand and kissed it gently.
– Katherine. Pleased to meet you.
– The pleasure is all mine.-Daniel responded.
Have I timetravelled? Do such men still exist? He resembels that fairy-tale shiny armoured knight. How did he end up in this cafe, anyway? And most importantly, where did a regular Oxford professor learn hand-to-hand combat? Oh, dear, my head is flooded with questions. That’s enough for today.
– Katherine, are you all right? -Daniel inquired observing her puzzlement.
– Fine, thanks. Still in shock.
– Would you mind if I escort you home? For the sake of security, of course.
– Oh, I owe you so much, and that’s really kind of you, but I’m sorry. I have to decline your offer, as we barely know each other.
– Fair enough. Let me at least call you a cab, so that there are no other intrusions on your way home. – he offered politely.
– That would be nice, if I’m not bothering you? – Katherine accepted.
– Not at all.
Katherine was about to take off the jacket when Daniel stopped her – Keep it. You’ll need it tonight.
– But, how am I supposed to give it back to you? -Katherine asked surprisingly.
– May I take your phone.-he reached out his hand waiting for Katherine to hand the phone.
Katherine doubted for a moment. Sharing one’s phone with a stranger might be dangerous, but taking into account what has just happened, it worth the risk.
– Here you are.
Katherine’s rescurer took the phone and started tapping the screen saving his number.
– Call me in case you need help. -the stranger remarked holding out the phone.
– I really don’t know how to pay you back, Daniel. – Katherine replied smiling.
– No worries, love. I’ve done what every true gentleman would do in my place. – he opened an app and got Katherine a cab.
As she was getting inside he bent over smiling – Have a safe trip!
– Thanks for everything! I really appreciate your help. -Katherine replied smiling back.
The taxi set off leaving Katherine’s savior behind.
Chapter 2 Out Of The Blue
– Where to, Miss? -the driver inquired, as soon as the cab started moving.
– 23 Victoria Street, please. -Katherine replied, trying to get comfortable at the back seat.
I assume, Maggie’s house is the only secure place I can possibly stay in now.
Maggie Rivers, an Oxford dweller. She has spent most of her life here. Born into a family of English Literature professors, she’s been keen on literature since early childhood. Comes as no surprise that she made up her mind on following in her parents’ footsteps and entering Oxford in order to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Literature and currently being busy with getting her Master’s Degree in Charles Dickens’ work.
I remember my very first day at university, as if it was yesterday. Feeling a bit confused and puzzled, surrounded by complete strangers. Well, that’s what usually happen to a freshperson. I was thrilled anticipating the very first lecture I had to visit. I remember, entering the auditorium, realizing that this is probably the very hall so many outstanding historical figures walked into, being in an identical situation I found myself at the time. Those were the days!
As I finally located a suitable seat and sat myself down, a chest-nut, blue-eyed girl of my age enquired if the seat next to me was available. We started chatting and that small talk marked the begining of a long-lasting intimate friendship.
Maggie Rivers’ family was quite a well-to-do one so, as long as Richard and Sarah Rivers got retired they found themselves being fed up with all this Oxford hustle and bustle. That’s when they decided to move to the countryside in Scotland, handing their Oxford house down to Maggie, as she was still about to graduate. 23 Victoria Street was the one, where Maggie resided.
As the cab reached it’s final destination it came to a halt.
– The trip has been paid, Miss. Have a nice evening! -the driver wished politely.
– Thanks a lot, same to you! -Katherine thanked him leaving the cab.
It was pretty chilly outside, making Katherine regret wearing this silk black dress again.
As she reached Maggie’s house treshold, Katherine knocked on the door. There was some noise behind the door and then it opened up.
Maggie was standing right in front of Katherine wearing a dressing gown.
– Meg, I’m terribly sorry for disturbing you that late, it’s just… – Katherine stumbled – Something’s happened and you’re the only person I can go to.
– Jesus, Kat, you’re as pale as a ghost! What happened? -Maggie’s face filled with worry.
– Maggie, darling, who’s there?
Is that…
Katherine couldn’t believe her ears, disbelief readble on her face.
– Oh, Kat? What a pleasant surprise! -Peter greeted her. Peter Rhyes, one more university friend. A skilled programmer. -What brings you here at this hour?
– Pete? That’s a surprise! I didn’t know you two were dating? Congratulations! -Katherine answered, her voice full of amazement.
– Well, we were about to tell you. You know, it’s usually hard to find an appropriate moment for such things. -Peter confessed a bit confused.
– Fair enough! You two are masters of surprises.-a light smile touching Katherine’s features.
– Come in, come in. You’re shaking! -Maggie said inviting Katherine inside. – Let me fetch some tea. Make yourself at home. Peter, help Katherine out, would you?
– Come on, Kat. -Peter taking Katherine by her shoulders getting her to the sofa. – I think you two have a lot to talk about, Meg. It’s high time I left.
– Don’t be ridiculous, darling. We have no secrets to keep from friends. – Maggie snorted.
– That’s very kind of you, but to my mind, there are things that should stay between girls.-Peter smiled playfully giving Maggie a soft kiss.
I’ve always appreciated Peter’s sense of tact, no matter what. Maggie is such a lucky person to have him by her side!
– That’s why I love you, dear! You’re such a gentleman! -Maggie praised her boyfriend kissing him back.
Chapter