The Butterfly Caught in the Spider's Web (Alois Trancy x OC)

Fineries

December 23, 1887

Arabella's head pounded as she was dragged from one side of the store to the next, her hand being tightly clutched by the overly enthusiastic Alois Trancy. Her lips twisted in annoyance as the boy rattled on about the different materials, holding some dresses up against her body. 

"Don't you know that these are only colors for spring?" Arabella asked, watching as the boy's blue eyes fixated on her.

"Of course, I know that!" he exclaimed, his face scrunched up in defiance. "Do you think that I'm some sort of idiot?"

"If you are aware of this matter, then why in the world are you planning on buying me outfits that are better suited for springtime?"

"Miss Whitley, proper ladies must never question their fiance," Margaret interjected, earning a glare from the much younger girl. "It is not acceptable for someone of your status to act so immaturely."

"You have been lecturing me since we left the mansion. Are you not going to talk to him about not behaving correctly in public?"

"Well, your mother has trusted me to watch over you. Your fiance is not mine to lecture," Margaret answered, shaking her head in frustration. "Besides, he is younger than you. I'm not expecting him to have his wits about him. Women are supposed to act differently since we are the fairer sex."

"He could not be that much younger than myself-" started Arabella, glancing at the dark-haired butler that merely lingered behind the group, his face void of emotion.

"Still, you are a woman. Therefore, you must act delicately."

"Shall I bat my eyes and look like a cute doll?" the girl mockingly responded, her mouth pulling down in a scowl.

"Anything would be better than that horrible expression on your face. Please, you are not going to be discussed nicely during-"

"Fine!" With that, Arabella fixed her gaze on the floor and forced her lips into a sickly sweet smile.

"Earl Trancy, it might be better if you choose a suitable outfit for the weather," Effie softly commented, extending a finger toward another dress. "This would be better for the winter season, if I may say."

"Claude, do you like this?" the blond asked, turning his head to set his gaze on the butler. As soon as the butler nodded in approval, Alois moved forward to grab it and shove it into Claude's arms.

"Your Highness, you are needed-" the butler began as the boy automatically pouted.

"I know, Claude. Can I not take a break?" he petulantly asked, letting out a sigh when Claude shook his head in reply. "I suppose not. The mansion will be run into the ground if I let any of those other tarts in charge. Go and pay for the dresses up front. Even the summer dresses. Do you understand me, Claude?"

"Yes, Your Highness." With that, the man swiftly gathered the garments and headed towards the counter.

Arabella's eyebrows knitted together when Alois reached forward to grab her hand, almost immediately pulling her hand out of his grasp.

"Did I tell you that you could touch me?" the girl harshly asked, her lip twisting in distaste. "At the very least, you could have asked. I would have still denied you, but I would have appreciated your consideration. Instead, you act mindlessly-"

"Miss Whitley, I must ask you to silence yourself," Margaret interrupted, her lips turned down in displeasure. "Once we get home, I will make sure to tell your mother of your rudeness towards Lord Trancy."

"Wasn't he the rude one, Mrs. Carlton?"

"If I had a daughter, I would not stand for her to treat her husband like this."

"Thank goodness you don't have a daughter..." Arabella mumbled under her breath before casting a pleading look at Effie, who immediately sprung into action.

"Dear sister, come and look at this beautiful dress. Why, it would look positively splendid on you," Effie exclaimed, grabbing Arabella's hand and yanking her away from the scene.

"Ah, the oldest Whitley sister has always been one for being soft and demure. She would make a lovely bride. Don't you agree, Lord Trancy?" Margaret said, giving Arabella one last poisonous look.

"I suppose... Claude, don't we have to get going?" Alois called, turning on his heel and stomping over to his butler. As he left the shop, he risked one last look at Arabella, who was softly smiling at her sister.

"Thank you for rescuing me," Arabella said, tightly squeezing her sister's hand and offering her a bright smile.

"I expect a fine dress in exchange for my assistance," Effie coyly responded, letting out a soft giggle. "Now, we must ensure that Mrs. Carlton will not tell Mother. I really don't want you to get into even more trouble..." 

With that, the oldest grabbed Arabella's hand and moved to stand beside the woman. Arabella, as defiant as she was, decided to not attempt to anger Margaret further. Though the girl was not scared of many things, the idea of her making her father angry made her quiver in fear.