"Ungrateful child!" Mama's voice followed me a greater distance than she did. Holding my skirts, I fled the prison she intended for me.

I trudged through the woods encircling the grand estate. The brisk air stung my nostrils and my boots stuck in fresh mud, but I dared not slow. My father and suitor would certainly give chase.

"I am flattered by the honor of your proposal but I cannot accept you."

           "I... beg your pardon? Miss Fairfax... Did I hear you correctly? I do not understand. I do not... This not what... Have I done something to offend you?" The form of my distress, Mr. Edmund Dunham, stared. From our brief acquaintance, I anticipated an ill reaction. Anger, distress, the complete disregard for my feelings. But the calm indifference in those green eyes was worse.

Abandoning the tree line, I stumbled upon the old road and beheld the means to my freedom: one of those new inventions leaned against a tree. What was it called? A bicycle?

Hoisting it up, I straddled it, very unladylike. What would Mama think?! I allowed myself a smirk and placed my feet on the pedals.

A shaky wave of panic and I was on the ground. With a grimy skirt and bruised thigh and ego, I rose and endeavored to try again.

Managing to get the confounding contraption moving, excitement blossomed in my chest as I maneuvered toward a new future.

But the invention had a mind of its own. The pedals pulled at my feet, forcing us to move too swiftly. Another stab of fear, a warm gust, and flash of light.

Blinking, I looked around but found nothing amiss. Hesitantly taking back control, I rounded a bend. What I beheld made my heart skip a beat. I thrust my feet downward, stopping abruptly.

It was a town unlike any I had witnessed.

The street was smooth and black instead of stone. Shiny carriages unaided by horses flew by at dizzying speeds. Impossible glass buildings shimmered.

My senses affronted, I merely stared.

One horseless carriage spun around and approached. I flinched at the monstrous screech as it halted. A young man exited. Hair trimmed nearly to his skull, a jacket of scuffed leather over... heaven help me, was he in bloomers?! The trousers were cut to his knees, exposing his lower legs! I blushed, averting my eyes.

"Are you ok?" He addressed me so informally; my cheeks grew warmer. Daring a glance, I found his green eyes on me, an odd sparkle catching my attention. Then, a look of confusion.

"Do I know you?"

"I do not believe so."

"Sorry, you just looked... lost... I'm off duty, but something told me to stop. I'm helping with an investigation into robberies targeting cosplayers and I noticed your costume. Did you need directions to the convention center?" I didn't understand half of what he said, but gravitated toward one word.

"You're an investigator?"

"Yea, sort of. I haven't made detective yet, but-" he explained clumsily. His manner was artless, but there was something pleasant about it. About him. His countenance was also very pleasing.

A blush alighted my cheeks again.

"Maybe you can assist me? I know not where I am. I was a guest of the Dunham family just moments ago," I begin, unable to understand my predicament let alone explain it.

He stared. Not a bad look. No ill will or judgment. Only confusion. It was familiar. Had I seen it before? Was he correct, were we already acquainted?

"The Dunham family? Of Dunham Hill? It's a museum... I don't... Oh! Are you a cosplayer that stays in character? That's cool! I've always wanted to do something like that, but I never had the talent for plays in school. I wish I had that kind of spirit!" He was making no sense at all, but still, I felt captivated. I also felt unsteady and shook my head.

"No... I... do not..."

"Wait... did something happen at the museum?" His tone turned serious. "Show me." Did he mean that light? My mind was foggy, so I nodded.

We strolled together, unchaperoned and unintroduced, the bicycle between us. His eyes scanned the landscape, focused. It was an odd contrast to his previous attitude.

"Can you-" he began but spotted something of interest, hurrying forward.

Deep grooves in the dirt shone an otherworldly light. As I drew nearer, the bicycle shook beneath my fingers. The vibration traveled up my arms, growing from annoying to distressing. I attempted to release it, but my hands were stuck.

"What!?!" His eyes were all concern and fright. I did not want to see him so bothered.

He reached for me but strong hands passed through as if I were immaterial. Or was he immaterial? His visage, so vibrant one moment, was fading!

I swayed, attempting to lean on the bicycle, but it was no longer in my grasp! I caught my balance and looked about. The man and bicycle were gone! A pit formed in my belly. I should be afraid, but only felt sorrow.

Voices drifted to my ears. Papa and Mr. Dunham! I knew they would pursue me. I froze, unsure how to proceed until I beheld my suitor. His brow was furrowed and his eyes worried. Were they always so green? And that odd sparkle...

"Please forgive my impetuous daughter. I shall talk some sense-" Papa began but was swiftly interrupted.

"My apologies, but I cannot go through with this. Miss Fairfax has made her feelings known."

"Do not let her folly influence you. She is infatuated with love stories. She will grow out of such childhood foolishness," Papa's words struck deep. Is that how he viewed me?

"Lord Fairfax, do not speak of your kin so unkindly. Her hopefulness is to be admired, not detested. If only we could all have such spirit."

I had never heard him speak with such passion. And… those emerald eyes.

A familiar excitement in my chest. My heartbeat quickened.