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Post by CelticCailín on Dec 7, 2011 19:03:11 GMT -5
I declined to speak with my parents when they wanted to discuss, I mean yell at me for disgracing them and Roy. To heck with Roy Johnsen, for all I care!
Soon, darkness fell and I couldn't sleep. I lay awake, sleeping evading me, my thoughts on how I could possibly escape a loveless, cold marriage. No answer came to mind, and by morning I was feeling a bit despairing of the whole situation.
As per usual, Trudy brought me my tea, toast, and fruit that was my usual weekday breakfast. I munched, thinking of escapes; run away, fake an injury, or e'en tell them the truth. None of those were good or the right way out, and I didn't even know what the truth about who I am and what I want out of life anymore.
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Post by CelticCailín on Dec 8, 2011 20:52:45 GMT -5
I heard an impatient knock on the door, and my mother came in.
'Do be presentable when people enter, etiquette, Margaret!'
'Yes, ma'am.' I said through a mouthful of toast.
'I have been told you were conversing with a Mr.Cahill yesterday?'
'Yes I was, it wasn't anything at all. Just small talk. Why are you so wound up over this?' I asked, slightly annoyed.
'It doesn't look good! Not for me, you, Ashley, or your father or Roy! I forbid you contact with any man besides Roy or your father from this day on. Do I make myself perfectly clear?'
'That's absurd! I can certainly decide for myself who I wish to make acquaintances with, I am a grown woman after all.' I shot back, the same familiar tone of argument beginning to come through.
'Apparently your choices are not admirable ones that reflect well on yourself or your future husband.'
I shuddered visibly and purposefully at the word 'husband.' Should I marry, I wanted it to be of my own free will, not so my relations could become more absurdly wealthy than they already were!
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Post by CelticCailín on Dec 8, 2011 22:15:03 GMT -5
'Well then the scandal shall be on my head alone, not his. If there even was any scandal, which I assure you mother, there is not.'
'That is where you are wrong, my daughter. When you are engaged as you are, your successes and your shames become one both shared, both equal for each person in the relationship.' she explained to me in a tone of authority.
I didn't want to anger her any more, at this point I knew fighting her wishes was virtually useless; she'd do as she liked. It didn't matter what anybody else had to say. The real one who ran this family was my mother, of course for appearance's sake it was my father, but he ruled by name only.
'I see where I have erred. I apologize.' I said, forcing the sweetness to come through in my words.
She brightened up noticeably, suddenly much more relaxed and happy over my submission to her plans for my future.
'That's my daughter. Smart girl, you are. Making the good choice, for a good life. Now, today is the engagement party for yourself and Roy, as you already know. Have Trudy dress you in your finest. And act surprised when he asks you, and smile, smile, smile dear!' she patted my head and then left.
The thing is, I'm not actually engaged yet. No ring, no man on bended knee. But my mother acted as if I was already engaged, another small step towards her ultimate goal for me: a luxurious wedding and marriage. It would be hard to act all in love, happy, the soon to be blushing bride. But play the part I certainly would, I daren't dream what would become of me if I didn't.
'You heard Missus Forrest, Miss Molly. Let's get you all prettier up for your party.' Trudy was trying to be upbeat and emcourgaging, even though I knew she didn't want to see me the rest of my life an object.
I let her help me into a dark purple cocktail length dress, of course it was made of only the finest Irish fabrics. I slipped on my black three inch stilettos, and sat down facing the ornate, marble mirror as Trudy attended to my hair and makeup. She pulled my hair up into a soft updo, leaving a few curls out to frame my light skin. Makeup was just enough, mascara, foundation powder, and a brown tinted lipstick. I started back at myself, the 'prize' of Roy Johnson.
A few hours later, we were at the fanciest, most luxurious restaurant in the city. At my table was a gaggle of society women from the area, some acquaintances, some family of the Johnson's, and a rare few distant relatives of us. We sipped on champagne, and nibbled at little tea finger foods. The only one missing was Roy. I readies myself for the point of no return, once he got the ring on my finger it would be the end of a somewhat free lifestyle, and the beginning of a long, dull marriage.
I spotted a man across the room, and I recognized it as Emmet Cahill. I checked to make sure nobody was watching, and I smiled quickly at him, rolling my eyes at the other women at my table, their mindless chatter. I saw what looked like a laugh, he returned the smile.
The room went quiet, a hush over the crowd. I followed their glances, Roy had appeared. Oh great, just wonderful I thought to myself. Here goes everything.
'I have an announcement to make, all.' announced Roy in his low voice, copper hair and brown eyes looking triumphant and happy with himself.
He walked over to us, and pulled me into the centre of the room. I looked over at Emmet, I didn't want this. Too late to back out. He shot me a symapthetic look.
Roy bent down on one knee, and spoke.
'Margaret Anneliese Forrest, I knew you were the one for me the first time I saw you. Will you marry me?' he asked, almost conveying some emotion into his words.
I plastered on the biggest; fakest smile and spoke:
'Oh yes Roy, of course I would be ever so honoured to become your bride!'
He slid the gigantic diamond ring onto my finger, stood up, and kissed me. Everyone burst into loud cheers and applause. Roy was smiling, so was my mother. I wasn't. By now, Emmet was right across from Roy and I, and I just stared at the wall, smiling when I thought someone was watching me.
For a second, mine and Emmet's eyes met, and I saw empathy, understanding in his eyes. Mine must have looked saddened, and a bit hopeful that my arranged marriage would work out. But I knew that was wishful thinking.
It was done now, I was officially engaged to Roy Johnsen. His future wife, and in some eyes, just another piece of his possessions to add to his many, extravagant assets that he possessed.
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Post by HburgEagle44 on Dec 8, 2011 22:18:21 GMT -5
No. Just no.
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Post by CelticCailín on Dec 8, 2011 22:33:54 GMT -5
We walked around; being congratulated and wishes for a long, happy life together were spoken by the partygoers. I tried to look away when Roy approached Emmet, but I couldn't bring myself to actually look away. They exchanged a few brief words, then Emmet turned his attention to me.
'Congratulations, Miss Margaret. Best of wishes to your life together.' he said, bending down to kiss my hand.
'Thank you kindly, sir.' I replied politely.
'But of course, m'lady.'
And that was the extent of our conversation, we paraded around to everyone else, and eventually, mercifully the event was over. As my mother and I walked out toward the waiting limousine, she smiled and squeezes my left hand tightly, admiring the very opulent ring. If the engagement ring was this extravagant, I couldn't imagine how the wedding ring would possib be able to top it!
'Finally, you two are officially engaged. This is one of the happiest days, seeing my youngest daughter off to a well off man. I am proud of you, Margaret.' she beamed at me, clearly satisfied with the engagement.
'Thank you mother. I am very happy, as well.' I said tonelessly, but she didn't notice that I wasn't happy in the least bit.
At home, I went to find Trudy. I showed her the ring, she just stared at it. I knew it was obscenely over the top, but that was how it is, overly indulgent, all the time.
'Are you going to be happy, do you think, Miss Molly?' she asked me.
I sighed; thinking of my answer.
'No Trudy, I am not happy. But this is what I must do for my family's name, for my parents. So live through a loveless, chilling marriage I will. Unhappily inside, but I will of course appear most jubilant and excited on the outside, as is expected of someone of my status.'
'I wish I could see this day a happy one, you with a man you want to be with, one you love and are loved in return by.'
I laughed bitterly. That was a nice idea, but it was never going to be anything but a silly fantasy.
'I wish that too; but we cannot all have what we want out of life.'
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Post by HburgEagle44 on Dec 8, 2011 22:44:46 GMT -5
why?? Humph.
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Post by CelticCailín on Dec 8, 2011 22:59:53 GMT -5
'If I may; Miss Molly, but you could have one who loves you, you never know what will happen in life, nobody does.' pointed out Trudy.
'Maybe, but that was a hope before, now just a dream. No way would I be allowed to break off the engagement, even if I were to ever find a man that respects me and that I love truly.'
'Just promise me you won't lose hope for tomorrow, Miss. Don't ever find yourself giving up, even if this is not exactly what you pictured it to be.' expressed my maid who was like the mother I should have had, or perhaps the sister.
I clasped her hands in mine, holding tight to one person that cared truly and honestly for me.
'I won't ever give up Trudy, I promise I won't.' I whispered.
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Post by HburgEagle44 on Dec 9, 2011 14:11:03 GMT -5
Good! update........and fix it!
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Post by CelticPrincess24 on Dec 9, 2011 14:33:42 GMT -5
Awww... Come on! She needs to be with Emmet!!
Update!
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Post by CelticCailín on Dec 9, 2011 19:42:00 GMT -5
Suddenly Amelia, my mother's maid timidly knocked and entered the room. She curtsied to me before she spoke, she was such a timid lady, but a rather nicer one never could you find. I also liked Amelia because she calls me Molly like she knows I prefer.
'Miss Molly, your mother requests your presence in the parlor downstairs at once. Mr.Cahill and his son have dropped in for a visit.' she informed me.
'Alright, thank you very much Amelia.'
'If I may, Miss, that is such a lovely ring you have.' she complimented, glancing at it as she spoke.
'Thank you, personally I find it rather too indulgent. But mother must not know that.'
'Of course, Miss Molly. I must be away now.' she excused herself, walking out of the room, the lock clicking softly shut behind her.
Besides Trudy, Amelia was the only other that really seemed to care about me. I appreciated them, they could just do their jobs, but they took to me in kind.
'Come on Miss Molly, don't want to keep the guests waiting, now do we?'
I laughed, and let her open the door for me and lead the way downstairs. As we reached the oak double doors, I looked to her for support. She squeezed my hand supportively. She gently prodded me through the door, holding it open. Standing a little behind me, she spoke demurely.
'May I present Miss Margaret.'
I saw three others in the room: my mother, Emmet Cahill's father, and Emmet Cahill himself.
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Post by HburgEagle44 on Dec 9, 2011 19:42:50 GMT -5
Aw, they have to get together...
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Post by CelticCailín on Dec 9, 2011 21:04:13 GMT -5
I walked over to the three of them. I politely introduced myself to his father, but was at a loss for words when I had to speak to him.
'Hello again, Miss Moll- uh Miss Margaret.' he said, momentarily forgetting my mother hated me being called Molly.
'And how is yourself, Mr.Emmet Cahill?'
'Ah, I am grand. Thanks for asking.' he replied warmly.
'Now Margaret, have you spoken to Roy since the party today?'
My mother could obviously tell I didn't hate Emmet, which would have been her ideal.
'No mother, I haven't. It was a few hours ago, I don't need him every minute to be alright.' I reminded her, she was going back into her 'my daughter is so breakable and yes she's practically married.' thing again. As if I couldn't stand on my own two feet without a man!
Emmet chuckled at my response.
'Tis always a good thing, when a woman can be a bit independent of herself, don't you agree, Mrs. Forrest?'
'I do not happen to share your same views of women and men and their proper place in society and within the home, Mr.Cahill.' she shot back icily. And she reprimanded me for not being a civilized lady!
I thought of bringing up my opinion, then thought better of it.
'Mother, good men, please do excuse me, I must check on the silverware.' I said quickly, escaping the awkward atmosphere for the relative safety of the kitchen.
Mary the cook was there, and she shot me a questioning look. Quickly, with an eye on the door that coonected the kitchen to the parlor, I explained what was happening. Mary was sympathetic, she also knew about how I felt about all this marriage stuff. Basically the only one who didn't know how I truly felt was the one who should know most about me, my own mother!
I turned around to go back into the parlor, but I crashed to the floor. I looked over, and I saw who it was. Emmet. He looked abashed, and extended a hand to help me up. I graciously accepted and righted my balance.
'Thanks, I guess I'm not the only one who isn't into all the stuffy politics of it all and the money?' I dared to ask.
'No, you're not. I'm not all partial to this absurd, twisted things people can and do follow through with for money and stature.'
He looked down, picking up my ring that had come loose.
'I believe this is yours, Molly.'
'Unforunately, I believe you are right, Emmet.' I sighed.
'Allow me.' he slipped the ring back onto my finger. It felt heavier than it ever had before. Like deadweight burdening my future, haunting my past.
'Thanks.' I said halfheartedly.
'Forgive me for being so bold, but do you love him, Miss?'
I was taken a bit aback at his question, but I was going to answer it.
'Don't tell a soul, but no, I don't. It's all for money, for appearances. No love, I don't thinking can say I've ever felt what it's like to be loved by someone. My mother always cared for what I was wearing, not how I felt being left with nannies and maids all throughout my childhood. As if sparkly things and money could make up for never being loved. But now I've said too much.. I'm sorry...'
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Post by celticbear on Dec 10, 2011 0:56:50 GMT -5
DEE! YOU HAVE TO FIX THIS MESS PRONTO! MOLLY BELONGS WITH EMMET!
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Post by CelticCailín on Dec 10, 2011 1:13:52 GMT -5
'I don't mind, I'm more a listener sometimes than a talker.' he admitted.
'I just wish I could marry for love, for a real reason. I hope you don't mind my asking, but is a young man like yourself married, or soon to be so?'
'No, I've not a lady with me at the moment. I wish you'd a man who loved you, you deserve to know what love is like.'
Suddenly, I felt emboldened. I turned to talk to Mary.
'Mary, please inform my mother that I am showing Mr.Cahill around our estate.' I said quickly, before I could take it back.
'Yes,'m.'
He looked at me, a bit surprised.
'So you're a bold one, are ya, Miss Molly?' he asked.
'Sometimes, but right now I just want to get away from this utter nonsense.'
Quiet as I could, I led him out to the expansive lawns surrounding our mansion. Standing under my bedroom window, Trudy spotted me and waved from where she was airing out my sheets. She looked at Emmet, and gave me a smile and a thumbs up. I grinned back.
We walked about the property, quiet. It wasn't an uncomfortable silence, but a comforting one. I took a look to make sure nobody was watching, and shoved the hated ring away into my dress pocket.
'You really don't like that thing, eh Miss Molly?'
'No, I rather don't. Just call me Molly please, I'm not big on the whole proper etiquette all the time thing.' I replied.
'Alright, Molly.'
I sat down on the grass, laying down and feeling the sun's rays warm me, making me feel brightness. I smiled, the sun felt good, a simple pleasure.
'Emmet?' I asked.
'Yes, Molly?'
'How old might you be?' I felt stupid asking, but i had to know.
'I'm twenty one. And yourself?'
'I'm all of twenty.' I said, smiling.
'Perfect, then.'
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Post by celticbear on Dec 10, 2011 1:31:33 GMT -5
It's a start to fixing the mess! Now just continue fixing and getting Molly and Emmet together!
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