The clock chimed the twelfth hour as the sky finally let loose the storm that had threatened to clash all day long. Lily lay in her bed listening to the rain fall, waiting for the lightning she knew was coming. The sounds of the wind and rain normally soothed her and put Lily to sleep, but this night the restless elements awoke restlessness within her.

When the clock struck the half hour, she could bear it no longer. Throwing off her bed covers she jumped from her bed, and made her way to the wardrobe, opening the doors she reached towards the back for an older woolen dress, she finally located it, and moved to the chest of drawers where she pulled out a camisole, shift and her warmer stockings.

She slipped her nightgown over her head letting it fall to the floor; she pulled on her undergarments before slipping her gown over her head. She quickly fastened the buttons, which were at the front. Once more moving to her wardrobe, she pulled out her sturdy walking boots and cloak. Keeping these in her hand, she crept to her chamber door. Opening it slowly she peered out into the hall, seeing no one out she slipped out and softly closed the door behind her and made her way down the hallway to the stairs, she descended the stairs, keeping to the edges, careful not to make a noise.

Once down the stairs Lily made her way to the back of the house where the conservatory opened onto the patio. Before opening the door she knelt down and put on her shoes, standing she wrapped her cloak about her fastening it, and pulling the hood over her head.

As she stepped outside the wind grabbed at the cloak and gown, while the rain fell upon her with the seemed intent of soaking her instantly. Lily gathered her cloak tightly about her and after making sure her hood would not fly back, she headed off the patio onto the grass, heading towards the path through the trees that would take her to the lake.

She took her time crossing the lawn, wary of slipping on the wet grass, despite the eagerness within her to reach the lake. The lightning continued flashing and increased in frequency; the thunder too had increased, and set Lily’s heart pounding.

She finally reached the trees and stepped onto the dirt path. The trees did not offer the expected shelter, as the rain made its way through the foliage to create a muddy path for Lily to trudge through.

At last, she reached the end of the path and her destination, the lake. She remained under the cover of the trees and watched the rain fall on the water, the drops creating ripples that never got the chance to grow because of the continuous fall of rain.

The lighting that flashed was reflected off the lake creating an effect that to Lily was wondrous. Despite being almost fully soaked Lily stood enraptured by the works of nature. She felt so alive.

As she stood enraptured by the storm, Lily became aware of shadows moving under the cover of the trees. She took a few steps backwards, she was curious to know what was happening, but her instincts warned her to be careful. As the shadows moved closer, she sunk further into the trees. A moment later, she backed into something and found her mouth covered by a large rough hand.

“What do we have ‘ere?” A rough voice from beside her ear said.

“Well it appears we have an adventurous young lady.” This came from the voice of a man who moved into Lily’s line of vision.

Lily was terrified; her eyes were wide with terror as she beheld a large male form in shadow and mentally berated herself for venturing out into the night.

“What do ye want to do wi’ ‘er?” The man behind her asked.

Lily realized that the man standing in front of her was the man in charge.

“Well, I think you know what I would do with her,” he said with a wicked chuckle, “however, I think that for now you should let go of her, she looks scared to death.”

The hand was removed from her mouth, and the hand that had been around her waist eased and she made a small step forward, too scared to think of moving any further.

The man in front of Lily moved closer, and when the lightning flashed it illuminated his face and figure, tall and broad shouldered; Lily was thoroughly intimidated.

“Who are you?” He asked, lifting his hand to touch her cheek. His touch was warm, despite the cold night, and felt like fire on Lily’s frozen face; however, the warmth seemed to bring her to life and she turned and began to run. She did not get far before her cloak, which was flying behind her, was grabbed, the force sending her flying backwards, where she fell landing on her behind.

The man kept hold of her cloak, as he crouched down beside her; Lily was afraid.

“Again, I ask who are you?”

“Lily” she replied softly.

“Well Lily, you seem to have wandered into the wrong area of the woods, and witnessed things you really shouldn’t have. I cannot let you leave. You will come with me until I decide what to do.”

“No please,” A look of fright came over Lily’s face upon hearing this. “I don’t know who you are, or even what you were doing, I only saw you both a moment before you ambushed me, I don’t even know what you look like, and just let me go home.”

“I am afraid that I cannot allow that, you will come with us.”

“Damn my giving in to the temptation to come out tonight.” Lily berated herself under her breath.

“The lady appears to have a slight temper” the man remarked to his friend as he heard Lily’s muttering.

“Aye Captain, if ye say so.” Came the gruff reply from his comrade.

“I just want to go home.” Lily said with a slight waver in her voice.

“Maybe later.” The Captains reply.

The Captain stood, pulling Lily to her feet with him.

“Please, I beg of you, leave me here I did not see anything. I still have no clue as to why you are on my father property I can barely see, and would be unable to give a good accounting of what I have seen tonight, which is nothing but two large men, and there are many of those in town.” She hoped that inserting logic into her argument would help her.

“Wait your father’s property. Your father is Lord Edward?”

“Umm… yes he is.” Lily replied, silently berating herself for letting that bit of information slip.

“Well, there is no chance of your returning tonight.” Turning to his man, he said, “Let’s go.”

Grabbing her hand, he began to walk along the tree line pulling Lily behind him, with his man following them.

She followed, having to run slightly to keep up with his long legged pace. After a short time, he turned around and over his shoulder shouted, “Hurry up girl.”

“No.” Lily shouted back with some defiance, yet he continued as if he had not heard her, pulling her along behind him.

By now, Lily’s clothes were soaked through from the rain that continued to pour. She now saw it as an evil thing, which had lured her outside and into its danger, and was continuing its efforts to make her miserable.

“Hurry up.” The Captain shouted over his shoulder once more.

“I can’t. You try walking in a woolen gown with a thick cloak, that are both soaked. It’s very difficult.”

“Maybe we should make it easier for ‘er cap’n.”

“Aye maybe we should.” Said the Captain who had finally stopped and turned around; he reached for something behind his back, and pulled out a knife. “Would you like them removed? I can do it for you.”

Lily realized that the men talked of cutting her gown off and she shook her head in mute disbelief. Finally finding her tongue, she said, “No…I’ll be fine.”

The Captain turned back around, replacing the knife, which he kept in a small sheath on his back. He took Lily’s hand once more and continued walking; she followed without protest.

The trio continued along the tree line for a little while longer, and when they reached a small path started down it.

The lightning continued, but with less frequency. Lily could see nothing but trees when the lightning made its way through the trees.

“May I please ask where we are going and how long it will take to get there?” Lily asked beginning to tire.

“No.” The Captain responded tersely.

They kept along the path going further into the trees, going down one fork then another, Lily could no longer figure out where they were. They finally approached a large shape coming out of the trees, which Lily slowly realized was a small cottage.

“We shall stop here for the rest of the night.” The Captain said before opening the door and stepping inside. He finally let Lily’s hand go, but his man was still right behind her blocking the doorway.