Trapped in silk

1.

I huff as I try to straighten my back with the tight, uncomfortable wrapping of my corset. The material digs into my ribs and I shift with a grimace plastered on my face. I should be used to it by now, but unfortunately I'm not, and perhaps I'll never be. I stand in front of my full length mirror. All dressed up for my engagement party, I love the dress though. The silky material clings to my body, the emerald green ball gown makes me feel like a princess, and I guess I am one in a way.

My father is a wealthy, well known merchant and a respectable citizen of Riverfield. His father and my soon to be fiancé's father are both best friends. So it did not come as a shock to me when our marriage was fixed, now don't get me wrong, Luther is amazing. He's sweet, kind and polite but marriage at the age of 19 was something I never wanted. Though, I'm old technically, in the eyes of old ladies who are basically the matchmakers of our town.

And I thought I was different. Born in a wealthy family, pursuing a strong career, I thought early marriage was never in my cards. Of course, I thought wrong!

Papa just wants to strengthen his hold on the town, his best friend and my soon to be father-in-law, Hank O' Conner is the Mayor. He's a man hands deep in crime and unlawful practices, but as always he's the kind who gets away with all of it.

I look out of the window, Riverfield is breathtaking, but the prettiness is only surface level, evil lurks in the corners of this town. I sigh, and take in my dressed form. Did I make a mistake by quietly agreeing to the marriage? Should I have spoken my mind about delaying it? Perhaps, but it's too late now.

A knock resonates and I scowl, "Come in."

Martha's enters the room, her usual maid uniform is more white than ever. "Did you buy a new uniform?" I ask.

"Yes Miss Hayes, I did," she smiles politely.

I shake my head, "Call me Sophie," I repeat the words for umpteenth time. I look at her. After my mom died, Martha took care of me, from first day of school to graduation she attended all my parent-teacher meetings and filled the role of a mother and sometimes of a father too, since my own biological one rarely ever came out of his office.

"Sarah would've been so happy to see you in this dress." Martha sniffs, we know she would've been, it was hers afterall. I don't remember my mother much, granted she passed away due to breast cancer when I was only 8 years old.

Martha saunters closer, she messed with my half updo, pushing stray curls away from my face. "You cleaned up nice." She murmurs.

"Just nice?" I tease with a grin.

"No fishing for compliments young lady," she tsks. I look at her, she knows I'm not happy with this whole marriage plan. She gives me a shoulder pat and gestures me to follow her. I look at my window one last time and I follow her.

I take in the arrangements, rose garlands wrapped around the furniture and the railings around the staircase. The chandelier that father rarely ever lights up, glowing in the middle of the hallway. We walk towards the ball room, I hold the gown by the sides, but after spending my time on long heels, I know I can trust my body to handle itself. Heels are a lady's best friend. Not exactly but they are mine atleast.

I see myself walking with sure and confident steps towards the ball room door, slamming it open and taking pleasure in the appalled faces of my guests at such a rude behaviour for a young lady like me. Then I'll walk towards my father and fiance and say, "I won't marry," with a controlled voice and straight as a broomstick spine.

Martha taps at my shoulder and I look at her, the brief wishful daydream coming to a painful halt. This can't happen, I have to behave, every notable person of the town will be present in that room and I have to show the best version of myself. Even though things are strained between me and my father, he still has made sure I'm always taken care off, that I receive a proper education and all my needs are fulfilled. I owe him this.