Chapter Two

Elizabeth sat by the window of the small cabin, staring out into the stormy night. The rain still hadn't let up and it was already night time. She tugged on the shirt she was wearing. It was given to her by Jasper who had gone into the kitchen to prepare dinner. She wondered how her parents were dealing with this situation; she guessed they were panicking as she had never stayed out this late.

"I'm back." Jasper said behind her. She turned to face him as he placed a plate of food on the table in front of her. "Eat up," He urged." You need something in your stomach; I can't have a twig as my bride, you know." He said with a grin.

Elizabeth's face twisted in irritation. "First of all, I am not a twig. Second, I will not be your bride." She said with firmness in her voice. She turned her back to him and looked back out the window. She planned on refusing the meal he gave her but her stomach let out an unlady-like growl that gave her hunger away. Her ears burned with embarrassment as Jasper cleared his throat.

"I think you should eat. It's good food, you know. And besides, I can't let you sleep on an empty stomach." He tried to persuade her. She shifted a bit before turning to face him. She picked up the spoon and poked the food.

"What is this?" She asked slowly. The food was like mush and it looked slimy.

"Oatmeal." He replied simply. "Oh, sorry. I guess you haven't eaten this before, but it's really great, well, if my mom cooks it, that is." He rambled slightly.

Elizabeth pushed the food around a bit before scooping up a bit. She tasted it and couldn't help the feeling of satisfaction that food brought her. Although she was happy that she could finally eat something, she didn't let it show on her face. She ate with a steeled up face and thanked him for the food politely before turning away.

The rain was letting up and Elizabeth couldn't wait to be home, but it was already too late at night and the journey back home would be dangerous.

"You should get some sleep. It's almost midnight." Jasper said as he picked up the two plates and left the room. He came back shortly after and led Elizabeth into one of the two rooms. "You can sleep here tonight." He said, and with that he left.

Elizabeth surveyed the room with her eyes. From the small bed in the corner, to the table under the window. Everything about the cabin looked warm and homely to her. She laid on the bed and was soon fast asleep. She dreamt of storms, stubborn horses and annoying suitors.

When the next morning rolled around, she was woken up by the sounds of chirping birds and neighing horses in the distance. At first, she didn't understand what was going on. Her surroundings were strange and unfamiliar. It was unnerving. Memories of what had happened the day before came back in a disorderly manner and it took a while for her to arrange the bits and pieces. She shot out of bed when she remembered what happened and where she was. She cursed herself for letting down her guard.

A small knock sounded at the door. "Liz, you up?" Came Jasper's voice. "Breakfast is ready." He announced and left.

Elizabeth contemplated fleeing through the window or enduring being in the presence of Jasper. She chose the former and was about to open the window when she remembered what she was wearing. She couldn't leave her clothes here.

With a low grumble, she walked to the door and opened it. The first thing she perceived was the sweet aroma of food. She might have been a lady of honor but that didn't mean she was immune to the effects of hunger. Hunger often mad her snappy and rude.

She walked to the kitchen and the first thing she saw was Jasper... In an apron. She thought he looked like an amateur chef. He turned when he heard her stop behind the counter and he winked at her.

'Just when I was starting to think I could actually enjoy his presence,' She thought as a scowl formed on her face.

"Pancakes for breakfast," He said and walked to her with two plates of pancakes. He dropped one in front of her and the other in front of him. He turned back and got a bottle containing some syrup then poured it over their meals. The syrup dribbled over the edges of the pancakes and Elizabeth watched with a watering mouth.

"We already have enough syrup." Jasper said coolly to warn Elizabeth about her impending drooling problem.

"I-I... Just shut up." She had no blunt comeback so she just settled on saying that.

"Anything for you, dear." He said with a smile. Elizabeth looked away. She just couldn't stay mad at him. She picked up a knife and fork and began eating. The pancake was sweet and the syrup complemented its taste and made her mouth feel bliss. She savored the sugary taste as she ate and was disappointed when the food was gone.

"Seconds?" Jasper asked as though he could read her mind.

"Yes, please." Elizabeth mumbled. Jasper picked up the plate and left while singing a melody Elizabeth was familiar with. She had heard her mother sing that song several times and she wondered how Jasper knew the song.

"I'm back." Jasper called placing two plates of food on the table.

"Sadly." Elizabeth mused.