Chapter 7

Victoria gracefully exited Alexander Harrington's estate, her mind occupied with the remnants of their engaging conversation. The night air was crisp, carrying a gentle breeze that stirred her thoughts as she made her way toward the estate's gates. However, her departure was halted by a predicament she hadn't foreseen.

Pulling out her phone, Victoria attempted to arrange a ride home using a car service app. To her dismay, the app displayed a message she hadn't anticipated: "Service not available in this area." Confusion clouded her expression momentarily. How could this be? She had used the same service countless times before without issue.

Undeterred, Victoria attempted to call the car service's customer support. After a few rings, a representative answered. "Good evening, this is Cynthia from RideAway. How may I assist you?"

"Hello, this is Victoria Langley. I'm trying to book a ride home from the Harrington estate, but the app says the service isn't available here. Can you help?"

There was a brief pause on the line before Cynthia replied, "I'm sorry, ma'am, but our service isn't allowed on exclusive private properties like the Harrington estate due to certain restrictions. I'm afraid we can't facilitate a pickup from there."

Victoria was taken aback. Exclusive private property? She hadn't considered this possibility when she arrived at the gala. She thanked Cynthia and ended the call, standing near the gates, contemplating her next move.

The estate's grandeur cast an imposing shadow around her, and the realization of being stranded momentarily unnerved her. Victoria was determined not to impose on Alexander any further, but now she found herself in a predicament.

She pondered her options. The hour was late, and the roads were quiet. Public transportation was sparse at this hour, and she was unfamiliar with the area. Victoria hesitated, feeling a slight wave of concern creeping in.

Just then, a thought struck her—she remembered seeing a small guest house or lodge on the estate's grounds during her arrival. Perhaps there would be someone there who could assist her. Gathering her resolve, Victoria retraced her steps back toward the main building, aiming for the direction where she recalled the lodging.

Navigating through the dimly lit paths, she soon arrived at the guest house. With a tentative knock on the door, she waited, hoping for a response. A caretaker answered, looking surprised to see a guest at this hour.

"Excuse me, I apologize for the late intrusion. I'm Victoria Langley, a guest from the gala at the main estate. I'm encountering some difficulties arranging transportation to leave. Is there anyone here who might be able to assist me?"

The caretaker, a kind-looking gentleman, nodded sympathetically. "I understand, Miss Langley. Unfortunately, our transportation services are limited, especially at this hour. However, let me make a call. We might have someone who could assist you."

Victoria felt a surge of relief as the caretaker made a few phone calls, trying to arrange for transportation. After a brief wait, he turned to her with a reassuring smile. "I've managed to contact one of our staff members who can drive you to the nearest public access point. It might take a bit of time, but they're on their way."

Grateful for the assistance, Victoria thanked the caretaker profusely. She settled in to wait, feeling a mix of gratitude and a touch of embarrassment for the inconvenience caused.

As she stood outside the guest house, pondering the evening's unexpected turn of events, Victoria couldn't help but wonder about the peculiar restrictions on private property. Nonetheless, she was relieved to have found a solution and was eager to be on her way home, reflecting on the intriguing encounter with Alexander Harrington and the lasting impression the evening had left on her.

Victoria stood outside the guest house on the Harrington estate, waiting patiently for the staff member who would help her get to the nearest public access point. She glanced around the serene surroundings, the beauty of the estate taking on a different hue in the quiet of the night.

Despite the inconvenience, Victoria couldn't help but appreciate the peaceful atmosphere that enveloped the estate. The soft glow of the moonlight accentuated the grandeur of the surroundings, casting a mesmerizing aura over the meticulously manicured gardens and the imposing architecture.

Lost in her thoughts, she startled when a gentle voice broke the silence. "Miss Langley, I'm glad you're still here. I've arranged for someone to drive you to the nearest point for transportation."

Victoria turned to see the caretaker who had been helping her. "Thank you so much for your help. I truly appreciate it," she replied with gratitude, a faint smile gracing her lips.

A short while later, the sound of a vehicle approaching drew her attention. A staff member, a young man named James, pulled up in a golf cart specially arranged to transport her to the public access point.

"Good evening, Miss Langley. I'm here to take you to the nearest spot where you can catch transportation home," James greeted her politely.

Victoria nodded and climbed into the golf cart, grateful for the assistance. As they set off along the estate's winding pathways, James engaged in polite conversation, lightening the mood with anecdotes about the estate and its history. His friendly demeanor helped ease Victoria's earlier worries.

Navigating through the estate's enchanting gardens, they finally reached the designated point where James bid her farewell, wishing her a safe journey home.

Alone again, Victoria stood under a solitary streetlight, a slight chill in the night air making her shiver. She checked her phone to find a nearby taxi service. Fortunately, there was one available, and within a few minutes, a taxi arrived, its headlights cutting through the darkness.

Relieved, Victoria got into the taxi and gave the driver her address. As the taxi merged onto the main road, she couldn't help but reflect on the intriguing turn of events that unfolded after rejecting Alexander Harrington's offer of a ride.

The estate's exclusivity and the subsequent difficulty in securing transportation had left her pondering about the limitations of private properties. Despite the inconvenience, she felt a sense of gratitude for the assistance she received from the caretaker and James, the staff member who had helped her.

As the taxi carried her through the quiet streets, Victoria's thoughts drifted back to the gala. The memories of engaging conversations, the elegance of the event, and her encounter with Alexander lingered in her mind.

Alexander Harrington, with his charming demeanor and perceptive nature, had left an impression on her. She found herself intrigued by his personality and the unspoken connection she felt during their conversation.

Lost in contemplation, Victoria barely noticed when the taxi arrived at her doorstep. She paid the fare and stepped out, grateful to be back at her familiar surroundings.

Entering her home, she couldn't shake off the lingering thoughts of the evening. The grandeur of the Harrington estate, the unexpected challenges she faced, and the magnetic allure of Alexander's presence intertwined in her mind.

As she settled in, Victoria found herself recounting the events of the night to her trusted confidante, her pet cat, Mr. Whiskers. She chuckled at the absurdity of narrating the evening to a feline companion but found solace in sharing her experiences.

With a cup of soothing chamomile tea, Victoria retired to her favorite armchair, gazing out of the window at the starlit sky. The night had been eventful, and despite the challenges, she couldn't deny the sense of adventure it had brought.

As she drifted into a peaceful slumber, the image of Alexander Harrington's courteous smile and the enchanting estate lingered, promising the possibility of unforeseen encounters and captivating moments yet to come.