Ropes

Chapter Fourteen- I Love Her Everyday

There was a knock on the door. Whether it was a hot day or not, I couldn't tell. I've been feigning sick too much to avoid Aldrich that I had gotten sick for real. It's been weeks since I had started talking to him and after the question, I left him he was keen on showing me that I had no reason to change my mind. He was consistent so far, serving me meals and flowers.

Both of our parents thought it was best to finally pursue the marriage between our families to solidify the relationship. I kept mum about it adding to Adrich's anxiety.

I was feeling better so I thought that I'd help mother for the ball in two days. I served her tea, aid her with a parasol, give her water and made sure she rests.

"Darling, I'd rather you have your rest please. I'll feel better that way." She told me when I was baking cookies for her afternoon tea.

"Mother, I'm just worried for your health."

"Id' like it very much if you'd stay healthy too." She said as she caressed my cheek with a smile.

I have to make sure that I show my mother how I love her and I'll do to make sure she'll be healthy.

I was still waiting for mother to divulge the information of her sickness with me but it seems like she really wasn't planning on it.

The day of my birthday has come and carriages of the visitors are lining up the driveway. I wore a midnight blue ballgown after hours of arguing with mother since she wanted to have me wear it in white. All of our relatives are presented as I correctly assume that they'll announce our engagement tonight.

I stand at the top of the staircase as I scan the room. Crabbe wore a bow quite posh for his chaotic antics. Oceane and Scarlette were happily waving at me, beckoning me to come quickly. Everything seemed to shine with all the glamour but Aldrich shone different, looking sharp at the bottom stairs with our parents.

Aldrich took the steps to joined me at the top of the staircase. Father started clinking a spoon into a chalice, catching everyone's attention.

"Ladies and gentlemen! We are honored to have you witness our ball to celebrate our dear daughter's birth but as we gather here today, we would like to announce that our daughter, Adellyne Marie Beaufort is now engaged to Aldrich Brian Rossfield. Please anticipate their joyful union."

A deafening round of applause ensued and the band started playing as Aldrich guided me down the stairs.

"Mrs. Adellyne Rossfield who would have thought... Actually, I did think about that." Aldrich chuckled to himself.

We continued walking towards center and started to dance.

"I think the ideal number of children is five." He blurted out.

I was about to hit him but he pointed out the crowd around us so I rested my palms in his chest instead.

"Five." I repeated.

Feeling a bit dizzy I placed my head upon his chest. I can hear his beating heart as we swayed along with the music.

The people started dancing along with us. We were interrupted by a voice.

"Ehem, can I steal her for a moment." Said a very familiar voice.

"Benjamin! Oh, dear I'm so glad you came!" I went to greet him and signaled a suspicious Aldrich to move along, he reluctantly followed.

"You're getting married." He gave me a tight smile.

"I suppose I am." I lowered my head.

"I never had a chance anyway." He said jokingly. "I jumped on the first train I could jump on just to see you before you get wed. I was lucky the station was built on time."

"Benjamin, thank you."

"You don't have to thank me. Mother wanted to see me too you know." He chuckled.

"Benjamin, if you weren't on that bridge that day-" I started.

"Just be my friend and then you don't have to thank me." He said with a genuine smile which I returned.

Benjamin was guiding me towards our table but my dizziness got worse. The room spun and I heard shouts and screams before everything went black.