Hopeless Romance

8 | The Uninvited Escort

It was a hot summer's day as Addie and Tiana walked the countryside en route to the Forsythe manor for Tiana's tea with Ms. Meredith and Ms. Sophia. Tiana struggled behind her sister in the hot, heavy, voluminous dress her mother made her wear. Her parasol did little to minimize the sun's heat and the beads of sweat running down her face.

Addie could see the manor from the distance. "'Tis just another kilometer, Tiana. You mustn't keep the ladies waiting," Addie said. Tiana was already late.

"I'm walking as fast as I can, Addie!" Tiana huffed as she staggered along. "Why on earth did Mother insist I wear this awful dress in the dead of summer? And why would she make me walk three kilometers to the manor as I die of hunger and thirst? She means to kill me, doesn't she?!"

Two hours earlier, Addie and Cora were fastening Tiana into her velvet winter dress, adorned with bell sleeves, lace accents, a square-neck bodice, and a billowy skirt edged with lace, complete with a wool lining. Mrs. Joyner had selected this dress specifically, despite its seasonally inappropriate style. Further, she insisted that Cora pull the laces tighter to cinch Tiana's already slender waist while Grace looked on from the chaise, entertained by Tiana's discomfort.

It was then Mrs. Joyner informed Tiana that Mr. Joyner had taken the carriage to town for his physician treatments and the spare horses were being groomed, so she'd have to walk to the manor. Tiana objected, yet Mrs. Joyner maintained it was the only option, despite her usual strict monitoring of her daughters' time outdoors to prevent tanning. This was uncharacteristic of Mrs. Joyner, and Addie sensed she had an ulterior motive.

Before Tiana left the Joyner estate, she begged her mother not to make her walk. When that failed, she insisted Addie accompany her in case she fainted on her journey. Though reluctant at first, Mrs. Joyner agreed to it under the stipulation Addie only walk Tiana to the gates of the manor and return home immediately, revealing her hope that the Forsythes would take pity on Tiana enough to send her home in one of their lavish carriages.

Tiana and Addie approached the gates of the Forsythe manor. Past the gates, the brick, palatial manor stood on a large lawn with grass so lush it could be mistaken for carpet. The grounds were adorned with neatly trimmed trees, some laden with fruit, and encircled by brick walls cloaked in ivy. A trail of light-colored gravel led to the main entrance, which was ensconced by towering, well-groomed hedges. It would be a several-minute walk to reach the doorway. Addie felt a sense of joy knowing the manor's new custodians were maintaining its splendor. She was curious about the rear of the property, pondering if the back garden retained the magnificence it boasted years ago, before the previous owners' departure.

"We've arrived," Addie said to her sister whose complexion was as flushed as a ripe peach. Even in her disheveled and distressed state, Tiana was still beautiful. "I'll be by the pond. If Miss Meredith doesn't offer you one of their carriages, you can meet me there and we'll return home together."

"But, what if she does?" Tiana asked.

"I'll see the carriage pass and know to walk home alone. I do not mind either scenario."

"Wait," Tiana said, grabbing Addie as she turned to leave. "Won't you at least walk me to the entrance door?

"No," Addie said. She had no intention of summoning Mrs. Joyner's wrath for breaking her rule.

"Please!" Tiana pleaded, holding Addie's arm with both hands. "It's just a few hundred meters; it won't make a difference."

"If it makes no difference, then you can walk yourself." Addie tried to pry Tiana off of her. "Your mother said—"

"I shan't say anything if you don't. Please, Addie!" Addie looked into Tiana's frightened, desperate eyes. "I am weary and my poor nerves are rattled. My chest feels heavy and my head, light. I fear I may faint."