| She certainly was more beautiful than any woman he ever laid eyes on. Much more than the painted fakes that were staring at him earlier. He hated it when women stare. It’s too straightforward for him. Isabella didn’t stare. In fact, she seemed not to care about him at all. That will definitely have to change. Gabriel will be a hindrance. He will not Owen within ten feet of Isabella. Owen was sure he could find a way around that. He got up and walked to the window. The village below was busy with its own problems. Among the bustle of the people, a lone figure sat under a tree reading a book. The figure seemed to be ignoring the others. This was Isabella. Even from here, Owen could see how beautiful she was. Her blue linen dress spread out around her, giving her a regal look in his eyes. He could also see those two women who were staring at him, sneering at Isabella. He scowled at this and walked downstairs and out the inn. As he got closer, he could hear the two girls. “Who does she think she is, talking to the stranger like that? Didn’t she realize that we wanted him?” the first one, a blonde haired, brown eyed maiden said. “She never has any consideration for us. Nevertheless, whom is she fooling? She knows as well as we do that she has no chance with him. She will always live in that tiny inn and will probably have to marry an old fat fisherman.” The red headed one grinned wickedly. Owen looked at Isabella who was quietly reading her book and ignoring the two girls. Owen looked closer at her and realized that tears were falling silently down her cheeks. He looked at the two girls who had just realized he was there and were fluttering their eyelashes flirtatiously. He blatantly ignored them and walked over to Isabella. “Hello, Ms. Isabella.” He greeted graciously. “Um, hello Owen.” She quickly wiped away her tears. “And please, just call me Isabella.” “Well then, Isabella. How is your reading?” “Fine thank you. It’s a rather interesting story.” She smiled politely. “Wonderful. You can tell me all about it on our walk.” He grinned. “Walk? I’m afraid I don’t understand.” “Well, I would love it if you showed me around your fair village. Anywhere away from here. I don’t like the smell around here.” He made a subtle gesture to Lila and Sarah and Isabella stifled a laugh. “Of course, I would love to.” She got up, book in hand. |