I had watched the stranger leave the tavern with an obvious limp. Although his approach of me and request were completely inappropriate, I did feel a sympathy for the man.  My thought returned to the present as a servant placed a deep bowl of chicken stew before me along with two slices of crusty bread. Granted the serviceware was not elegant or the surroundings opulent as I was used to.  However, I believed it was the best tasting meal as I could remember having. With not an ounce of shame I ate every bite of the stew and crust of bread. Sitting back with a sigh and feeling the fullness of my belly pressed into tight stays of my corset I smiled contentedly.<br/><br/>There was still no sign of the driver. I called over the bar keep and asked how I could locate an alternative driver should the carriage not be repaired in the morning.  He agreed to assist me with this. The coin I gave him helped him to be agreeable to finding a shopmaid in the morning to assist me along with arranging a bath in the morning.<br/><br/>He escorted me to my room, to my relief.  Before parting I said " The over eager gentleman downstairs..." He cut me off with an angry voice "Trust me, the likes of him won't be bothering you again."  Smiling patiently I handed him a coin "I most appreciate your gallant protection. Still I felt badly for him and his unfortunate condition. Will you see he gets the coin."  He frowned in disapproval but nodded his head. "I'll do as you ask. But I won't go encouraging that scallywag to approach you again."  I smiled softly and bid the bar keep a good eve.<br/><br/>Once in my room thoughts went to the matter of my mission.  A great deal rested on my success.  Knowing my resourcefulness would be needed I had to try and get a few hours rest.  Taking my hair down I brushed my long strands 100 times, washed my face, said my prayers as was my usual routine then blew out the candle before climbing into bed with my clothes and boots on. I felt I should be prepared should trouble present itself.  Sleep came quickly with my belief that locked away in my room I was perfectly safe.