Page 38 of Emma & Edmund

"Edmund," she whispered, drawing his attention, "I can go alone if you need. I don't want-"

"I would never let you do that on my behalf," he responded without pause, with a particular force that only added to the coil in her chest. "I am the one who dragged you out here. I wouldn't dream of leaving you alone, to find my answers for me. I need you by my side, but your presence gives me strength."

He was a brave, reckless soul, that strange Edmund Lockhart.A burst of pride inexplicably bloomed in Emma.

"Well then," Emma said with more confidence than she truly felt, "we only have three hours left. Shall we see if we enjoy our new identities?"

Returning her smile with his own, Edmund brought the mask to his face, hiding his lips. Emma almost missed his toothy grin the moment it disappeared.

Chapter 12

Unexpectantly, the further the strange pair ventured into the town, the more confident Emma grew.

While Edmund's size drew eyes, and would no matter the place, there was no second look or astonishment aimed at them.

Even with Emma's stilted walk and Edmund's odd mask, not a soul yelled or jeered or shouted at them. Anonymity did its work in easing Emma's heavily beating heart.

It only roared back to life when the creaking, weathered sign heralding the public house and conjoined inn came to view. The bright light burning through each uncurtained window and the lively music that spilled out through the open panes proved the sign mostly unnecessary. The loud, slurred conversation between two heavily leaning men just outside the front door was almost a gratuitous decoration.

"Glory be!" Shouted one of the men as they approached. "You're a big one, aren't you?"

Out of the corner of her eye, Emma saw Edmund give a brief nod. Even with his face hidden completely, through his pin straight posture, she noticed the slightest bit of trembling course through him.

"Aye, he is!" Emma shouted back, dropping her voice as low as she could. "We're travelers looking for a strong drink. Can we find one here?"

Whatever stiltedness or awkwardness evident in what she said, the magic of intoxication bewitched the men just long enough to hide it.

"Sure enough. Good enough lodging too."

"Much obliged." Emma had to admit, as she tipped her cap to the man, it was rather fun to play the part. While it was impossible to forget the dire situation they could easily be put in, the ease with which the ale-soaked minds accepted her ruse was almost as motivating as the plan itself.

The confidence had her stroll through the entrance, feeling Edmund at her heels, stumbling only slightly as they came into the light.

Most of the single large room was full of chairs and tables, men and their drinks. A long bar, littered with dirty dishes and discarded beers, was manned by one single burley woman, carrying three cups in each hand when Emma spotted her beyond the throng.

"What do we do now?" Emma, despite her confidence, had still never been in such a setting before.

It only took one look into Edmund's eyes to see the same panic she felt in the streets. Her heart lurched, and she almost reached out for his hand again, searching for the same comfort she found in his touch just a bit ago, but sheer will kept her hands at her sides. "A drink then?"

The barely distinguishable, stilted nod filled Emma with pity once more. For how confident he had been at Belmont, the fear that radiated off him now was palpable.

Bringing her hand to his arm, gaining his attention, she continued, "How do you think this all works? Do we just sit and be served?"

"It seems," Edmund's words were strained, as if speaking around a knot in his throat, pointing to the bar, where cups were being passed, "that would be a decent place to start."

"Why don't you find us a dark place to sit, and I'll bring us a drink. We'll stand out like a sore thumb without them. Keep watch while I do, the sooner we find the woman, the better."

"I don't know what she even looks like. How can I tell?"

"Well," Emma said, taking another sweeping glance of the room, "it seems there aren't many options. Perhaps we just consider any woman we see."

Edmund nodded but did not move. With a sigh, her own bravery waning, Emma placed both hands on Edmund's back and pushed him further into the space. Although, 'push' would be a bit generous, given the complete lack of movement his mountain form would allow.

"Go," she said again, flashing what she hoped to be an encouraging smile, "I'll join you soon."

Casting her a last look, all but the center of his eyes hidden in the mask, Edmund turned into the crowd. It was almost laughable how easily the tides parted to let him through, the other patrons clamoring to dodge out of his way as if he were a bull about to charge.

For all her blustering words, the moment Edmund wasn't by her side, Emma felt trepidation rising from her toes to her throat. There was a veritable sea of men between her and the bar, and she felt very much like a rabbit hopping through a den of wolves.

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