Crimson Peak fanfiction

11. Apologies.

Walking down the stairs with Edith, I began to worry. Thomas was expecting her, not me, what if the connection I had felt was one sided?

As if reading my doubt, Edith piped up, "He would be a fool to be disappointed." She squeezed my hand with a warm smile. "Now go, tell that man how you feel, and remember that you are beautiful." Edith pulled me close before backing away so I could climb into the carriage.
Looking back at Edith one last time before the door closed behind me, I gave a nervous wave and reminded myself that I can do this, no matter the outcome, I had to try.

The ride felt like only moments before coming to a halt outside the house. Drawing a deep breath I stood and climbed from the carriage hearing a beautiful waltz being played inside, I could tell that the festivities were well underway. As I walked in everybody turned to look at me and whispered "what's she doing here?", "she doesn't come to these things?" Hearing The whispers and feeling the eyes upon me I almost turned around to dash out the door and just try and forget about this, when I hear my name being called.

"Freya, is that really you?" Thomas called from a few feet away. Bolstering myself I straighten my spine, smooth my skirts, and gracefully walk towards him with a smile upon my face. "I did not expect to see you here. Is Edith with you?" At those worlds my heart sunk a little, thinking that does indeed care for Edith. "I'm so glad you're here. I have not seen you in quite some time. Edith said you were feeling under the weather, I hope you are feeling better now." Thomas said as he took in my appearance and furrowing his eyebrows in concern, obviously noticing the gauntness in my face.

"Actually that's what I'm here to talk to you about. Is there any way we could go somewhere a little more private, with less prying ears?" I asked glancing behind him at his sister. She had a look of fury that fleeted across your face when Thomas began speaking to me. Now her face was Stony and neutral as if I had imagined the whole thing.

"Yes, of course," Thomas turned to the hostess and said "may we borrow your library for a moment please?" Before she could even answer he had grabbed my hand and begun to pull me towards the library.
Reaching the library he gently closed the door partially so as not to raise suspicion and put my honor into question. I could see his spine go stiff as he took in a deep breath before turning to me with sadness in his eyes. "Please be honest with me why were you sick?" He asked as he strode towards me with his long stride gathering my hands in both of his looking  down at me with pleading eyes.

Looking into his  eyes, I drew courage and blurted out "I overheard your discussion with Edith and my uncle, and thought that you were in love with her using me to get closer to her. But I have already fallen for you and it broke my heart." I rushed out as quickly as I could looking down our hands and entwined hoping he would understand me and that my fears were unfounded.

"Dear beautiful Freya, I too have fallen for you. I only pursued Edith at my sister's insistence. I hold only the deepest fondness for Edith but my heart lies with you. I am sorry I did not come to you and just tell you this but my sister's wrath can be fearsome. I try not to upset her." Thomas declared as he pulled me close wrapping his arms around me. Breathing deep his unique scent of clay and coal and parchment, I let out all the doubt and fear and began to laugh.

To be continued... 😋