//BEARING ARMS//RDR2//ARTHUR x READER

Chapter Thirty-Five

"(Y/n)! Come down at once!" shouted Aunt Eliza. "You're running late as is! Should have never allowed you freedom to roam the park." She furrowed her brows in irritation and rubbed her temples. She heard steps leading down the stairs and raised her head to the sight.

"I'm ready to leave now," said (Y/n) wearing a white, sparkling gown that draped to the floor. She sounded so sad yet looked so stunning. Minutes before heading down she prayed with glittering tears streaming her down her cheeks, hoping everything gets sorted out. It's been stressful to say the least.

Aunt Eliza was frozen on the spot. Her niece looked more beautiful that expected. It made her jealous, being the spiteful woman that she was. However, (Y/n) was to be married off to a wealthy family to earn herself money and fortune, so it evened out. The money at the moment was all that mattered.

"You look absolutely delightful, Mrs. Hillington!" said Peter's mother. "I'm so happy to have you join the family and show you off to the guests!" she gleamed and walked over to lead (Y/n) to the stagecoach outside.

(Y/n) grimaced, "Thank you, but it's Miss Robinson." These women were too much. They seemed so shallow. It was vexing even being in the same room as them. The two of them were so materialistic it was bothersome.

The real Mrs. Hillington laughed as she entered the coach. "I see, so traditional! Aha, fine, I shall wait to call you a Hillington at the after party!" Everyone around looked excited and happy to witness the wedding. It was gaining attention throughout the area. The rich were invited and all those who bought a ticket invite. It was treated as an extravagant event full of food, drink, and music to dance after the wedding.

* * *

After John and Arthur settled the horses and set them aside for the getaway, they hurried to change their clothes. They had to fit the part and blend in like guests who would attend. Arthur finished up by looping his tie. "How do I look?" he asked.

"You look good, don't worry," said John. They quickly got into the crowded seating area and found empty chairs in the back. The two of them quietly sat down, not trying to interrupt the wedding just yet. Arthur and John must have looked a little out of place; they earned a few side-glances. "It'll all be over before you know it."

Peter Hillington was already on the alter while they awaited the bride to make her entrance. The music cued in and the guests grew silent. Arthur's breath hitched a notch when he saw (Y/n) walk down the aisle. He thought she looked gorgeous as always. The crowds agreed with "ooh's" and "ah's" being said aloud. Peter eagerly rubbed his hands together not wanting to waste too much time standing around.

As soon as (Y/n) made it to the alter, Peter ordered the priest to, "Hurry up and skip the speech. We have a tight schedule. And before you ask, yes, I do and so does she." He gave a snide smile to the priest and dropped the act when facing the crowd of guests.

(Y/n) attempted to interject, but the priest cleared his throat while rolling his eyes. "If there are no objections, I declare- ", and then a gun shot rang out into the air.

"I object!" said Arthur who was already walking down the aisle, gun in hand. The crowd screamed and a few of them at the edges hopped out of their seats and ran. "That's my wife you're tryin' to marry."

Peter yelped where he stood, his arms hugging himself. He was scared. "This woman?" he said, "take her! I don't want her, and I never did!" He got down on his knees and wept. "Please, just don't kill me!" It was a pathetic sight.

Mr. Hillington stood up from his seat, outraged. "This unacceptable! Peter, stand up like a man and marry that woman!" His face was as red as a lobster and talked with spittle flying out his mouth. The sound of his fists tightening their grip could be heard by those next to him.