Loving You From Afar

Our First Acquaintance ~ Chapter 4

After breakfast, there was an uneasy tension between Mr. and Mrs. Kornovicus. They seemed distraught, something was wrong. We moved our discussion into their living room where my aunt and I were seated. My younger sisters were in another room that had a dollhouse. That means the conversation was something that the girls couldn't be listening to. It had to do with my marriage.

Ms. Kornovicus was about to begin speaking when a maid rushed in crying.
"We found him!" She wailed at the Kornovicus's.

Without any further details, they all got up and rushed out of the room. My aunt gestured for me to follow. I swiftly got up and walked after them. I heard soft mumbling in the distance, and it got much louder as I got closer. People were crying and I still hadn't a clue of what was going on. Who is "him"? Could it be the duke!? Was he hurt? If he dies, what happens to me!? To my sisters!?

They came to a stop when we reached a room, it was full of men all surrounding a person on a table. I got closer and realized who it was. The man who gave me the handkerchief, the one who came to my estate during the night. But what did he have to do with this family?

He was bleeding. A lot actually. Mrs. Kornovicus realized what I had seen and forced me out of the room.

"Who is that? What happened to him? Is he going to be alright?" I fumbled my words.
"My dear, that's your fiance, that's the duke. I am uncertain of what happened, but he should be alright, we were informed the injury did not damage any organs so his doctors will be able to help him." She responded in a shaky tone.

I don't think she believed the words that were coming out of her mouth. She was trembling and so pale, her own son was bleeding out on a table and all she could do was stand out here and pray.

"Someone! Go collect my daughter from school! This instant!" Cried Ms. Kornovicus.

I watched 2 of the maids swiftly leave the house to go fetch her daughter. I couldn't believe what was happening, one moment I was meant to meet the duke and the next he was dying. How could this be happening? Why is my world only getting more confusing? What is the duke involved in? Who did this to him? Am I in danger? I had to stop thinking, I needed to breathe.
I quickly left the estate, I couldn't be here anymore. It's all too much. I crouched down to the floor, holding my knees, my dress rubbing against the stone stairs. I finally manage to focus on my breath and steady my emotions. My aunt rushed over to me worried and angry.

"What's wrong with you!?" My aunt yelled at me.
"The man I am supposed to marry is cut up! He is supposedly going to recover but what have I walked in on!? What is going on with this family?" I yelled back louder.
"Nothing is wrong with them! You are becoming delusional! He isn't cut up! He was flung off a horse and got severely injured." She responded in a condescending tone.

I saw him. Those wounds weren't from a fall off a horse. Either my aunt is lying or someone lied to her.

"Who told you that!?" I asked my aunt, still frustrated and scared.
"Mr. Kornovicus, he isn't worried, so you shouldn't be either." She responded with a softer tone.
"Sweetheart, you need to come back inside, everything is going to be okay, but if you ever cause a scene like this again, your sisters will be staying with me." My aunt stated in a threatening demeanour.

I knew in this moment I couldn't change my decision. I had to marry this man even if it was while he was on his deathbed. My aunt knows how to get to me.

I walked back inside calmly, holding my tongue careful not to upset my aunt.

He was still getting treatment so I returned to the drawing room, anxious to know what's happening.

Mrs Kornovicus walked in and sat beside at me at the table.

"I understand your fear, but this is your family now. You won't question our word, or there could be consequences" She placed her hand on my shoulder.
Nervously I asked, "When should I invite my maids to bring my items over?" I tried to change the subject hoping not to anger the woman.
"I'll send a courier the second my son wakes up." Her grip tightened on my shoulder.
"I'm so glad you're here with me and by all means please call me mother."

I knew her words didn't mean well. But honestly, my only worry is what I am getting myself into. Married into possible lies. It's not a fitting situation I'd put myself in.

✲

I had been sitting quietly in their house for hours. No one looked or spoke to me. The whispers from the staff made me question my surroundings. Suddenly a loud door slamming shook me to my senses.
I jumped out of my seat, Mr. and Mrs. Kornovicus or should I say Mother and Father, barged out of his room staring at me.

"Darling he's awake, it's time to meet your future husband." Mother stated as if a moment ago she hadn't been threatening me.
"Come along now, you don't want to keep the poor man waiting do you?" She stated, with a poor tone in her voice.
I quickly shuffled towards them, tripping slightly over my dress but catching myself. I am nervous and worried, what state is he in? Is he still fit to marry?

Here goes nothing. I walked through the doors to see a young man, handsome, laying beaten on a bed. Blood soaked clothes on a table not far from him.

I quietly stepped towards his bed. Scared he wouldn't want me, or that he would withdraw his decisions towards this marriage.

"Glad I can finally meet my wife" He quietly muttered. Saving his energy to not hurt himself.