A Runaway finds someone unusual

Gideon sat on top of the Mail coach southbound from his home in the North of England. Since puberty he had been having these feelings which were totally alien to the eldest son of an Anglican minister. So he had decided without making these feelings known , using the excuse that he had to find his way in the World. Gideons mother had died when he was 12 and his father with the help of a parishioner who came in to prepare meals etc and clean the house. So Gideon had been very much left to fend for himself.

So here he was sat on top of the London Mail coach his cape wrapped arounf him as some protection against the cool Aututmn breeze. He was greatful that after the stop at he Inn roughly about half way, to refresh the horses. The heavy rain which had battered the window as he tucked into a bowl of broth, had now ceased. He jhad on his lap a small leather bag of all he possesed in the world. Some money and a few personal items. A ring that had been his mothers, of no great value, bt the only remembrance he had of her. They stopped overnight at an Inn near to Faringdon. Gideon found a settle vacant close to the fire( je had not paid for a room as he thought he might need the money he had when he arrived at his destination. He wrapped the cape around him and put his foot through the bag holdsing all he had in the World. After a reasonably comfortable night and a small breakfast it was time to board the coach for the last part of his journey.

It was late afternoon when they arrived in London, the coach stopped outside the Mail Coach Inn. He climbed down and asked the Coachman for directions towards the centre of the City. The Coachman directed him and said its about a mile that way, so Gideon set off, not really knowing where he was going, but the street obviously led somewhere as it was very busy with wagons, coaches landaus and more people than he had ever seen. He followed the crowd, taking in the surroundings. People were selling stuff from stalls some were just walking selling their wares from trays. It was fascinating to Gideon as the only time his town was busy was market day. But nothing like this hubbub. He had nearly walked about a Mile when he felt a spot of rain and all of sudden the heavens opened, Rain battering on the ground. people rushed for whatever shelter they coukd find and Gideon did likewise, finding some cover in the shelter of a Bookshop. canopy. He was lazily looking at the books on show in the window and noticed at the base a board with various cards of adverts, ranging from Scribes requiired Farriers Workmen. Ladies maids till all at once he noticed a small card offering room to let for a half crown a month. the Address was not clear as it was right at the bottom of the board so hidden by the board edging. Seeing the shop was still open he went in and asked the Seller if he could look at the card. The seller retrieved it off the board and gave it to the lad to read Unfortunately the address meant nothing to Gideon being a stranger and he was worried it might be too far to get on foot, as he was feeling tired after his long journey. He decided to ask the Seller the location and if it was far, "No!, only across the road" said the man with a rather cheery smile. Ill show you come to the door, they reached the door and the man pointed down to an alley opposite. Its down there a few yards and at the junction turn left its the second house down. Mrs Goodwin, a nice lady,a widow, I sold some of her husbands books for her, her children grown up and married so she has a room available. In sure you will like her. Gideon thanked the man,. and set off across the road to the alley, fortunately the rain had stopped as quickly as it started He reached the crossroads and turned left and saw the house,

He knocked on the door which had a large brass knocker, and heard a voice say coming just a minute, The Door was opened by a red faced, portly lady of about 50 years Gideon thought, though he was only guessing. "Yes! she said with an enquiring look at the young man in the street. Gideon explained he had seen the card at the bookshop and asked if the room was available. Come in she said moving aside to let Gideon pass her into a clean and pleasant hallway from which two doors and a staircase sloped up from. Come through she said and showed him into the "parlour" a clean and tidy room with a few ornaments a clock and a nice warm fire in the great. Sit urself down she said and lets have a chat. Gideon told her a little of his history and how he had come to London. He skirted around his personal reasons but explained his fathers occupation and that his father was a widower of a few years. She seemed impressed that his father was a Minister, and offered Gideon some tea and home made fruit cake. They chatted and after a while she said youd better come and see if the room is suitable, its not that big but its clean and has a small desk and chair, pen and ink. It was my sons but hes married now and lives near Oxford. She led the way up the staircase carrying a candle as it was now twilight. lighting the stair sconces as they went. She opened the door on the right of the landing and showed him in. It was Gideon thought a lovely room. Clean tidy and bigger than he thought by what she had said. " Its Half a Crown a month, and thats with breakfast and evening meals, nothing fancy just what I have myself." "That sounds perfect" said Gideon and handed over out of his purse a shiny half a crown, Ill take it he said placing the coin in her hand. "Thank you Sir!" she retorted, " Ill leave you to get sorted come down and have a nightcap when your ready. A nice glass of Sherry wine will be waiting!" She left the room closing the door after her.

Gideon was left alone to recall all that had happened and started to unpack his bag of all he possesed in the world, He saw a small cupboard and placed his cape which was now dry on a hool inside and his shirts he placed on an adjacent hook and underdrawers stockings etc were placed in the drawer below. He was feeling tired so decided to join Mrs Goodwin in the parlour for the glass of sherry wine She asked him what plans he had regarding work and siad as he didnt know the area, he had no idea but was was young and fit and ready to try his hand at anything, She suggested that in the next street was a lot of tailors of Jewish origin, who were always after a pair of willing hands. So he thanked her and said he would try there, He gulped the wine, bid her goodnight and went up to his room, because of the day he had had was soon fast asleep (to be continued)