Snippet #1839384

Emmaline smiled to herself as she slowed in tune, her eyes closed in blissful melody. She was skilled enough where she did not need to see the ivory keys to know where they would be. Like magnets, her fingers were drawn to the exact note that she desired. Footsteps approached her from behind, but she did not react until a strong arm slid around her waist to pull her close. “Your costumers are getting hungry, my dear Emma,” a voice whispered into her ear.

Emmaline laughed playfully and pushed away from the strong grasp of the man, sliding off the edge of the piano bench and gracefully to her feet. “Ethan, go get yourself settled, I’ll bring you your usual.” She smiled, squeaking slightly as Ethan playfully lunged for her again. He was a few years her elder, tall with blonde hair and brown eyes. He was a faithful regular to The Rose, as many customers were, but it could be said that he came for more than simply the food and entertainment. He had a crush for Emma, a fact known well enough to many of the onlookers. He would be a good husband for any woman; charming, hardworking, and he had just finished his apprenticeship as a merchant. However, Emma felt something was missing from Ethan. She did not love him, nor did she accept the ideal that love could be learned. It simply was as plain as that. She was waiting for the one that could take her away, knowing what true love looked like from the memories of her parents.

Emmaline smiled as Ethan took his seat at the table closest to the piano for when she returned to play. The tavern was filling quickly so she did not see the dark haired man enter. Nor did she pay attention when he claimed the table in the corner of the room, away from lighting and gleeful conversations. Emmaline instead submerged into the friendly chatter of the room, sweeping from table to table in light conversation with the men while refilling their mugs and stomachs with laughter and meal. She enjoyed her job, more so than the greedy owner Tabitha who remained behind the counter counting the profits from the night already.

An elderly man sat alone in the center of the room skimming the headlines of the paper. Emma did not need to ask what his order would be. Mr. Owens was a regular for three years now, since the death of his wife from a sudden illness. He had two children of his own, both grown and relocated to other parts of England with their own families to look after. Mr. Owens was now utterly alone as his children had no desire to care for their elderly, widowed father. “Mr. Owens, how are you today?” Emma asked pleasantly, refilling his water glass.

“Ah, Emmaline, dear. What a surprise to see you here,” he said, his mind not always the sharpest. “Looky here, more girls have gone missing!” he said, pointing ferociously to the article he read. “Not a trace left behind. A few boys too. You should watch yourself, my dear. You don’t want to be next!”

“Oh shut up, Owens!” a man from a neighboring table moaned. “Those girls probably just ran away to join the circus, bored by their lives, or decided to get up and married. Don’t scare the poor girl.”

Emmaline laughed to the conversation, her smile never fading. It was true, that many young girls had begun to disappear, but she did not believe that anyone would even want to harm her. After all, she was just a plain, simple girl. “Emma!” Tabitha shouted from behind the counter, the only activity that brought her more joy than the money in her hands, “take this order before it gets cold!”

“Yes, Auntie,” she responded, excusing herself from the conversation and hurrying along before another scolding could occur. She paused upon seeing the wine and delicate food, confused by the selection. It was not a normal choice for the men here.

Tabitha smiled to Emma’s confusion, her fingers working quickly to point out Aaron in the corner. “It’s his. He looks like some wealthy lord that wandered in here. I told him everything cost twice as much as usual, so don’t screw this up, girl! If he figures it out, the rest of the sum comes out of your pay. Whew, look at that ring he wears. If I could get my hands on that . . . “

Emmaline groaned softly, uncomfortable with the way Tabitha was so quick to manipulate people and suck them dry. As she approached the table with the full tray, a shiver ascended her spine as their gaze connected. She offered him her best smile, not wanting to displease her aunt after everything Tabitha had done for her, despite how the woman treated her. Emma laid the meal in front of Aaron, uncomfortable to meet his eyes and yet drawn into their darkness and mystery. “Will that be all, sir?” she asked politely smiling to him. She had to bit her tongue to avoid mentioning the unfair price that was being charged. Although, from the way he dressed it did not appear as if he would miss the extra money. “If you need anything else, you can feel free to call for me. My name is Emmaline, Emma if you will, sir.”