Thread: Into the woods

Speak of the devil. Amelia heard the front door open and butterflies welled up in her stomach. Charles Westcrest was a stern business man and a loving father but Amelia wondered how he would react to her wish. He wanted her to be comfortable for the rest of her years but would he allow her heart to be broken in the process? The uncertainty made her squirm in her seat. As she worried her bottom lip, her father made his way into the parlor, a drink already in hand. He greeted her mother with a passionate kiss that lingered a little too long for proper manners. He gave her a quick kiss on the forehead before he sat, one arm behind her mother, legs crossed. The wind outside had begun to pick up and snow whipped past the windows. A howl of air could be heard as it seeped into the room causing the candles to flicker. Amelia pulled her shawl in closer to her body as a shiver ran down her spine. As if reading her mind, another log was added to the fire by a silent servant. The fire kept the chill out of the room but still she found herself cold. The wool stockings her wore were just another barrier against the cool London winter. The clink of ice and glass was heard before her father broke the short silence. So what scandalous gossip are my girls chewing on in here? He gave a squeeze to Elizabeth's shoulder as they all laughed. You know we do not do such things Charles He gave a snort which was rebutted by a playful from the fiery little woman under his arm. This is what true love was, what she had grown up seeing and what she wanted her children to see as they grew. She knew friends that had been bought into loveless marriages and she saw what it did to the soul. Amelia clutched her tea closer to her chest at the thought, more then the cold causing her to shiver. Actually we were just talking about Edward Glace Amelia gave her mother a look that said more then it needed and she raised an eyebrow in response. She knew what she was doing. Ooh. Fine gentleman. In fact I was just talking to him today. The butterflies died and fell down to her knees with the rest of her stomach. He stopped by the office to discuss some investments that he was interested in. Some were obviously scams but some had potential. Smart boy, seeking advice. This did not bode well at all. Charles Amelia's mother leaned into her fathers body, a knowing look on her face that gave the young girl some hope. Me and Amelia have been talking about the marriage. There was a pause and the repeating sound of ice against glass. Amelia- I dont want to get married It came out as more of squeak but it came out nonetheless. Both of her parents stared at her. What? Her fathers voice was calm and cool and far to business like. I-I what I mean is not that I dont ever wish to get married just that Her voice got quieter and quieter. I dont want to marry Mr. Glace Her father just stared and stared at her, his knuckles going white around the glass in hand. Amelia was sure it would break, sure she heard the crack of glass. Finally he spoke. You dont want to marry Edward. Silence again That is not an option. Charles she doesnt love him Love has nothing to do with it Elizabeth! Her mother opened her mouth to protest but a raised had quieted her. I gave in when she asked to take riding lessons then almost broke her neck in a fall. I gave in when she asked to learn to drive those goddamn new automobiles and look what happened! Her father pointed to her face and Amelia felt tears well up in her eyes. That is my fault and I will not give in and let her squander her live away for love! His voice boomed through the house. Tongues would be wagging before it was over. You will marry Edward and that is the end of it. He took a long sip of his drink emptying the glass and holding it up to be refiled. Amelia saw the servant jump to to as her father wished. It was a rare thing for her father to be upset and even yell, but that it was directed at her, visibly shook Amelia. The tears that had collected streamed down her face as she began to cry. She could not marry him, she could not sacrifice her heart for a title or a comfortable life. She would not. The shawl slipped off her shoulders as she stood, wiping the tears as they fell. I-I do n-not lo-ove him With that Amelia ran out of the room her slippered feet barely making a sound on the marble floor. She heard her parents call after her but she didn't turn back. She ran to the door, hands fumbling as she pulled it open and ran out into the storm.