A Stranger At The Door

The fates conspired to bring a stranger to her doorstep on that dark, stormy night… but what would he mean for Nell’s future?

- Hayley Johnson-Mack

It was a squally night, when sensible folk curled up by their firesides or huddled in their beds, and Nell had long since shut all doors and windows of the Bird In Hand on the North wind’s wrath. Normally, she liked the quiet woodland position of the sprawling thatched inn, but tonight, she was uneasy. Some said the devil walked abroad in a storm. Tonight, she could almost believe it. So she was surprised when someone began to pound on the inn’s main door.

Dragging across the bolts, Nell yanked it open wide.

A stranger stood on her doorstep, shoulders hunched against the rain. The swinging lantern above the lintel provided light but still she raised her candle, shielding it from the storm as she asked, “Can I help you?”

“You must be Nolly.” His voice was husky, like smoky fire. “Jack sent me. He said you’d have a room.”

Nell’s heart had leapt into her mouth at the mention of her brother. The man peered hopefully past her to the darkened hall within.

“Do you think I could come in, ma’am? It’s pretty grim out here.”

Nell stepped aside, allowing him entry, then indicated the main parlour on the right.

“Warm yourself at the fire. I’ll prepare a room, Mr…?”

“Ryder. James Ryder.”

“Well, James Ryder, you picked a poor night for travelling. Jack sent you, you say?”

“Aye, ma’am. Is he here?”

“I’m afraid not. He rarely is this time of year. Did he not tell you that?”

“I must have misunderstood.”