My body leaned to the side as impatient gloved fingertips tapped the edge of the leather carriage seat.  Hearing grunts from outside along with banging and what I was sure were muffled curses my nerves were sent even more on edge.  The broken carriage wheel had been removed and the driver attempted to make a repair.<br/><br/>Darkness was descending upon me and my hopes of reaching my desired destination dwindled.  Finally I heard a wrapping on the carriage door.  I drew aside the curtain and peered out at the driver who was covered with sweat and dirt.  "It's useless to work any more...I can't see a damn thing"  My facial expression was unreadable.  I had always been good at concealing my emotions.  "Well you must find suitable accommodations for me"  The driver had not been as well versed in concealment as I.  Watching as he scrunched up his face in frustration he thrust his thumb over his shoulder.  "Well that would be it" he grumbled.  Lifting my gaze to an establishment that  would hardly hold up to the definition of suitable for a proper lady, one narrow brow raised ever so slightly.  "That simply will not do."  I leaned back against the seat expecting for the driver to be on his way to find accommodations that would meet my expectations.  He sighed heavily, "See the way it is...that tavern has a roof and hot food.  That is more than you will find hold up in this carriage all night long so take it or leave it"  He muttered this as he filled his bag with tools and brushed the dirt off his tattered pants.  I sat straight up as my heart raced. "You would not leave me out here...alone would you?"  The bag landed with a loud thump on the driver's seat.  "No, I'll go in and get a room for you or you can choose to stay out here"  His hands rested on his hips.  "So what's it gonna be lady?"  Squinting in the darkness as I fumbled through my velvet purse until fingertips lit upon coins.  Gathering them up I reached my gloved hand out of the window and dropped them into his outstretched, careful to make no contact with his grimy palm.  "I shall require a room, a bath, and a ladies maid"  Glancing at the driver's face I could swear I saw him struggle not to laugh before he turned.  "You'll probably have to settle for a lumpy mattress, watered down stew, and bitter ale",  I heard him grumble as he trudged off toward the tavern that I highly suspected was of questionable repute.