8 Romantic's courting

Ricardo caught sight of the woman standing on the platform, as if she were waiting for her carriage. There were a few people walking around, and carriages leaving with the patrons who had attended the show in the Opera House tonight. 

"Miss Reinhart," Ricardo called her in a confident voice. When the woman turned, he saw the fringes of her hair softly waver because of the gentle wind that blew where they stood, and her green eyes met his dark ones. 

A questioning look appeared on Jane's face, and she asked, "Yes?" 

"I think you might have dropped your handkerchief back inside the Opera House," Ricardo brought a handkerchief forward with grass green embroidery on it. 

"I think you picked up someone else's handkerchief, because that's not mine," Jane responded, pulling out another handkerchief from her dress pocket with no embroidery on it. Instead, it had a male appeal to it. 

"My mistake then. That must be your husband's, si?" Ricardo laughed, trying to drown out any hint of awkwardness he might have created.

"It is my father's," Jane replied, noticing the man's black eyes brighten with her answer. She noticed his tousled black hair, feeling as if she had met him before. 

Ricardo nodded before saying, "He must be a wonderful person for you to carry it around."

"He was an admirable man," she agreed. She asked him with doubt in her voice, "Have we met before?" 

Her words pleased Ricardo, that she remembered him even though their time with each other was brief that day. He responded, "This is our first time meeting face-to-face. I am Ricardo Wood," he offered his hand to her.

Ricardo had met many women before, but none were as enigmatic as this one, who wore an air of confidence on her instead of jewels. Even though she was dressed in black from head to toe, including the small cap on her head, as if she didn't want to attract anyone's attention, her green eyes drew them in. 

Jane gave a quick handshake, "Jane Reinhart," and she pulled her hand away. 

"Did you enjoy the show tonight?" Ricardo tried to extend their conversation.

"Yes, it was much lovelier than I was expecting it to be," Jane answered. When she noticed her coachman make his way towards her, she let him know, "I should get going now, Mr. Wood."

Ricardo lingered in the space, reluctant to depart, as if drawn by an invisible thread, desiring just a few more moments in her captivating presence.

"Miss Jane! One of the carriage wheels has broken, and it will take time to fix it," the coachman informed his mistress. 

"That's unfortunate. Have the wheel fixed, and then return home after it. If you need help, go to Percy's," Jane said, fishing inside her pouch that hung around her wrist. She then handed two coins to her coachman. 

"Yes, milady," the coachman bowed and asked, "Would you like to have a carriage arranged for you before I leave?" 

"That won't be required. I will find it. There should be plenty for me to get back home," Jane responded, watching her coachman leave from there. Fixing her coat in the front, she was about to walk away when she heard Mr. Wood call her. 

"Miss Reinhart." Jane turned back to look at Ricardo, and heard him say, "If it isn't much trouble, would you like to accompany me to the carriage stand?"

Jane was sure that the man was going to boldly ask her if he could accompany her, but instead, he made it seem like he was in need of company in the harsh night. 

Men often didn't approach Jane, and it had nothing to do with her status in society. Because her family was one of the wealthiest around. The reason was her profession, or the way she had chosen to lead her life. People didn't look kindly at her for chasing criminals and going to places in the middle of the night, when in their eyes she was supposed to find a man and settle down by now. 

But her father had raised her to do what made her happy, where she found fulfilment. And not to be afraid of what people say. 

"You are an unusual man, Mr. Wood," she stated.

"Oh, it is just that there has been news and talk about how unsafe Riddleford has turned out to be recently. It never hurts to be careful."

"After you, then," Jane responded to Ricardo, his cheekiness not going unnoticed. She then said, "And it is women, Mr. Wood."

"Excuse me?" Ricardo asked, a little confused, as they began to walk down the street. 

"All the murders that have taken place until now have been of women in that particular case. The men are safe, at least for the time being," Jane sighed, her breath creating a fog that was quick to disappear. "Whoever it is has been fooling the officers and me. Making us run around. I am a detective," she added.

"A smart woman," Ricardo remarked. "It is rare to find a woman doing the catching. What made you want to follow it? The work."

"Books. When I was young, my father used to bring me books that carried stories from across the world. I have always liked solving a good case, and nabbing the culprit. A way to help society," Jane explained. 

"I think you are doing brave work, Miss Reinhart. To look for answers and not stop until you find one. Resilience is a trait to be treasured."

"Thank you," she murmured, "How about you?" she asked, and soon Ricardo mentioned about his work in the Opera House, which she listened to with interest. She tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear. "The air is chillier than when I left my house."

Within a second, Ricardo took his coat off and wrapped it around her delicate shoulders.

"You didn't have to do that," Jane protested. "You are going to be cold now."

"I am plenty warm in your company, Senorita," Ricardo replied, as he had felt the sudden urge to take care of her. 

"Gracias," Jane thanked him in Spanish, and she caught him looking surprised. She smiled and said, "My nanny was from Spain, and I picked a word or two from her."

This brought a smile to Ricardo's lips. Their walk felt short as they arrived at the carriage stand, where a carriage now stood. 

"You should get on the carriage first. I will wait for the next one," Ricardo offered.

"I don't want to leave you here alone, Mr. Wood. Especially with the murderer on the loose," Jane teased him about his previous words. "The carriages frequent here, so I should hop on one soon."

"On one condition. You will keep my coat in your company. After all, we don't know if it will start to snow," Ricardo said, turning to her. "It will give me an opportunity to meet you again." 

But when Ricardo got on the carriage, Jane took his coat off her shoulders and offered him a smile as she returned it. "Maybe if destiny has it written, you won't need a coat, Mr. Wood."

"You don't seem like a woman who believes in destiny. Or am I wrong?" Ricardo asked, making the most of the time they had left. 

"No," Jane responded. "But I believe in making things work," and she turned to the coachman, who took the address from Ricardo and the carriage left.