Lady Ann's Folly: Chapter One - Part Four

Ann found her fiancé, Richard, in her father’s study, papers spread across the desk as he examined them minutely.

She hovered in the doorway, musing; reflecting on his outward features and his inward ones. He was a very dashing man – that was indisputable – with his dark hair and eyes, his thin moustache and carefully sculpted cheekbones. His clothing was impeccable and of course his prospects were close to infinite. The Earl had been born into riches but this lesser-titled man was building a business empire. He was richer by far than her father and he was still a fairly young man.

Richard must have noticed her entrance but he didn’t engage her. Ann had learned the pitfalls of interrupting him at work. She didn’t press an exchange, but after a few moments she felt a smidgeon of irritability. She had a right to speak to the man who wanted her hand in marriage, surely. He had no idea how close he’d come to pushing her away entirely – into another life.

She cleared her throat, stepping into the room. “I’m sorry to disturb you Richard,” she said, resenting the need of the apology a little. “I was wondering if I you were still planning for our visit to your home in Nockton.”

“Yes Ann. Of course. I hope to leave after breakfast tomorrow. Assuming that is agreeable to you.”

She smiled curtly. “Of course. I look forward to seeing your estate.”

“Crackshaw.”

“Yes. Is it as large as Griply Hall?”

Richard chuckled. “More than three times the size my dear. At least. You will get lost among its many rooms without a guide. My mother awaits your meeting with anticipation.”

“Do you think we will... find one another’s company agreeable?”

Richard looked back at his papers. “As long as you appreciate her seniority then I’m sure you will enjoy your interactions splendidly.”

Ann tried to imagine what the old lady would look like.

“As I mentioned yesterday,” said Richard, mistaking her silence for a query, “my mother is a stickler for organisation. As long as you afford her the respect of her position and follow her instructions when she gives them then she will treat you benignly. She is a wonderful woman whom I love dearly. I am sure you will grow to love her as well.”

Ann chewed her lip, feeling trepidation at the idea of the visit and more at his expectations of her marital duty. But what choice did she have? She had promised herself to him now and he was undoubtedly a good match in every conventional way.

She thought again about Mavis and the pendant. She recalled spying on her and Burt the night before; imagined herself into the picture in the body of that lascivious strumpet.

And then she thought about the danger.

Surely it was moronic to consider such a thing. With her own life as testimony, it was blatantly clear that it was a deadly temptation.

But to feel such passion... To feel it and to know perhaps that it wasn’t enough. That riches and beauty and a stable future with a handsome man were more than enough after all. To no longer doubt herself and her decision.

She could have gone back to her old life. She could have become Burt again. But she had chosen not to or he had chosen for her.

Perhaps that was the problem. At the end it hadn’t been her choice that decided it finally. She had offered herself to him in trade, a lady’s life for a servant man’s and he had refused her.

She didn’t know if she wished she’d gone back. She’d never really known her mind on that subject.

But she did know that she needed some promise of passion. The pledge alone would be enough, but she knew what Richard would say if she pressed him. She knew but she asked him anyway.

“Richard. I look forward to our marriage and our union, but I miss you and I need you.” She stepped up to the desk. “Please spare a moment... for a kiss.”

He didn’t raise his eyes.

“Please Richard. I feel I need one, even if only fleeting.”

He gave his tight lipped smile once more, still not looking up. “I know you don’t wish me to repeat myself my dear. Certainly I explained my position on this matter. I don’t expect that you have forgotten.”

Ann lowered her chin. “No.”

He went on writing and gradually it dawned on Ann that he would not speak again. Blushing slightly, she withdrew to the doorway. Before she exited she went to speak a goodbye but said nothing in fact.

She closed the door after her but remained standing in the gloomy corridor, thinking.

About Mavis.

About the pendant.

And about the fact she had only one night before she would have to leave.

One night to experience passion in its purest form.