Against Their Wishes

Chapter 21 part 2

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An hour into the carriage ride, Gregory and Vivien finally reached their destination. Vivien climbed out excitedly as she set to work ordering the driver to unload their things. After following a main road for a while, the carriage had pulled off and drove through the grass to get to their current location. Gregory stepped out of the carriage to take a look at the view.

They were at the top of a large hill that overlooked miles of green grassland. The colors were rich and vibrant thanks to the summer weather, and shadows danced across the land from the clouds above. Gregory had to admit that Vivien picked a really nice place in which to have their picnic.

After a few minutes, everything was situated on the ground. The driver had set up the blanket, and Gregory had grabbed the basket of food. Sitting down beside Vivien, he began to pull out the contents of the basket. The cook had packed sandwiches, fruit, and tarts for dessert. Also in the basket was a pitcher of orange juice and two small cups in which to drink it.

“I am so glad we are doing this,” Vivien sighed with a content smile on her face. Gregory offered her a smile in return as they sat down on the blanket.

“Are you not happy we are doing this?” Vivien pushed for an answer.

“Yes, it was a very nice suggestion,” he appeased Vivien.

“We should have done this long ago,” Vivien declared. “I am sorry I was such a dreadful cousin to stay away from you for so long,” she said, placing her hand on his forearm.

“There is nothing to apologize for, Vivien. We both have busy lives, and it is not as if we do not see each other periodically.”

“I know, Gregory, but I have always enjoyed spending time with you,” she revealed, slowly moving her hand up his arm.

“How about we start lunch?” Gregory suggested, moving away from Vivien’s touch. He didn’t see the pout that formed across her face.

“Alright,” she reluctantly agreed.

“Would you like some juice?” he asked, offering her a glass. She accepted it from his outstretched arm and looked at him over the brim of the glass as she drank.

“How is Aunt Eloise?” Gregory asked, referring to Vivien’s mother. Vivien looked up in surprise for a moment before voicing her answer.

“Oh, she is doing well. She has the tendency to be a tad bit overbearing, but you remember,” Vivien giggled.

“Is she doing anything with her time? Any activities that she is involved in?” Gregory politely asked.

“You know Mama, Gregory. She is always involved in one thing or another. The ladies in London keep her quite busy.”

“That is a good thing, I suppose,” Gregory replied.

“Oh yes, very much so. The only thing is that they keep after her about having an unmarried daughter. I am afraid that I am quite an embarrassment for my mother in society!” Vivien exclaimed, her lip quivering. Gregory looked shock at Vivien’s revelation and slightly unsure about how to continue.

“Vivien, that is absurd! You are not an embarrassment to your mother! Everyone knows that you are one of the greater catches in society right now,” Gregory comforted. Tears had started to slowly make their way down Vivien’s cheeks.

“Do you really think so?” Vivien whispered.

“Yes, I really think so,” Gregory reassured. Vivien nodded slowly for a moment before jumping to her feet and pacing away from their picnic.