Having no idea what had vexed the man at the other table I could only listen to his venomous words and become more and more shocked.  My face reddened as he spoke of my condition while I slumbered.  "Why you...you were spying on me?  Are you a perverted voyeur?"  Outrage grew inside as did a sense of being victimized.  To make maters worse, the cad had the very nerve to accuse me of causing the fire.  "I can assure you that your accusations are ludicrous.  I had nothing to do with the smithy leaving the shop."<br/><br/>My gaze rose to watch as he stood.  "You know nothing about me.  Am I to suppose you are a mind reader?  You perhaps have a crystal ball hidden under your cloak?"  Lips pursed in pure annoyance, then suddenly I realized that I was falling into a trap set by this audacious man.  I turned to face forward but kept the man in the corner of my eye as I had not an ounce of trust of him.  My hand gave a dismissive waive.  "Be gone with you and your foolish prattling.  The mindless accusations you cast about can very well land you in a great bit of trouble."<br/><br/>I only looked at the man when he turned to go upstairs.  It was with pleasure that he left.  When I lifted the goblet my hand trembled.  I berated myself for letting the man's words disturb me.  Putting the goblet down with a forced gentleness as in reality I wanted to throw it.  My mind turned over his words.  Somehow the man had seen me sleeping.  I gasped with eyes widened.  Dear lord, had he been in my room?  The thought sent my hands to the sides of my face as a sickened feeling filled me.  "Ma'am, what has happened?  What is the matter?"  Annabelle sat down next to me with a look of perplexity.  My hands lowered to my lap.  "Oh I have had the most distressful conversation with a strange man."  Her hand rested softly on my arm.  "Men do cause us lady folk such trouble.  But you must put it out of your mind."  I nodded firmly.  "Yes, of course you are correct.  There is important work that I must do.  Let us begin our adventure Annabelle.  We shall need to keep our minds sharp and our hearts confident."<br/><br/>I rose from the table and with Annabelle next to me, we went to see the innkeeper about a matter of importance.  Next we went outside.  As I approached the carriage I saw the shirtless man, well now with a shirt...of sorts, leaning against a tree.  I explained the situation of the driver to Annabelle, although I knew not if he were dead or alive.  "Annabelle, we need to secure the carriage so it is not stolen.  I shall require your suggestion of who can assist with this.  And then we must find another driver."  With Annabelle becoming my ladies maid, I was responsible for the young woman.  I thought better of approaching that strange man leaning against a nearby tree, as I inspected the carriage.  "Also, I wish to visit the stables where my driver is and see to his condition.  The care that he needs must be paid for before we leave."  Sighing softly I looked at Annabelle who smiled to lend encouragement to me.  "I know just the place where the carriage can be safely stored."  I felt some relief with this news.  Nodding, I explained to the ladies maid, "The innkeeper has advised the best driver."  I gave Annabelle his name and she nodded with bright eyes.  "Oh aye, tis an honorable man Thomas Avant is."  I glanced again at the man who had brought the smithy to repair the wagon.  What was he on about?  Surely he had his own motivations, which I could not fathom.