Time in Love

Chapter one

When I open my eyes I am lounging in the drawing room.

Everything is still and silent, and I wonder if I've been in a coma. I've only heard of one man who's survived a bullet to the stomach and he lived as a cripple for the rest of his life. Which wasn't very long for there is no work for the crippled and no joy in the life stuck in a chair. He offed himself soon after.

I wonder if that will be my life now. Having my mama bring me cakes and teas while I sit and rot like a corpse on our sofas. Unlike the man, I do not have the privilege of hanging myself.

I'm almost scared to look down at my torso but curiosity eats away at me until I'm leaning on my elbows and looking for the worst. But as far as I can see I'm wearing nothing but my Sunday best and blue garments that fold and spill off the couch. No bandages, no gauze and no gaping whole in my stomach. I can still taste the blood in my mouth but its more of a memory.

I sit up and gasp when I feel no pain at all. Well, besides my corset stretching my bones to its limit. But that's nothing abnormal.

I wonder is maybe magic is real and my parents have conjured a fairy to fix me. To string me back together like a broken doll.

But as I'm contemplating the matter someone bursts through the doors slamming them in either side of the walls. I jump and cover my stomach reflexively.

My mama comes bursting into after the doors heading straight towards me as if in a fit of rage.

And it's to much unlike a lady to hide under the sofa so I stiffen in a sitting position and brace myself for her words. Wondering if she's going to scold me on getting shot before I could solidify my marriage. I wouldn't put it past her.

"You turned down Mr. Humfrey??" She squawks in that shrill voice of hers. My head pounds with a sense of de ja vu. "He is a fine and respectable man! Not to mention in good fortune with your father! What reason do you have to turn down his proposal??"

I look up and her frowning when I see less gray hairs then when I'd seen her the day before. And instead of the five creases along her forehead there are only four.

"Mama, I disregarded his proposal a year ago! Why are you still concerned with such old gossip?"

Move never seen my mama so dumbfounded in my eighteen years of living. Speechless didn't wear well on her features.

"H-how is that possible he only asked you for a turn about last week??"

I sigh in dismay. "Do you know where Romeo is? I have a lot of questions for him." I say, beginning to stand up.

"Romeo? What- I've never met any Romeo." My mother presses a hand against my forehead worriedly. "Are you sure you're feeling well? Maybe I should take you to the physic."

I groan in frustration. "How is a psychic going to help me find my fiancé?" I grumble.

My mother mumbles curses under her breath before shoving me back down onto the sofa. "Stay here! I'll be back with a doctor there's obviously something wrong with you!"

As soon as the doors close behind my mother I follow. I need to figure out what in holy matrimony is going on.

I stumble out the door and into the hall where I spot my youngest sister of 10. She's so immersed in her story she bumps right into my chest with a startle. She stares up at me with big green eyes enlarged by her spectacles.

"Woah easy there little mouse." I say, giving her a wide smile and repositioning her a few steps in front of me.

"Oh! I'm sorry Peggy I'll watch where I'm going more carefully next time!" She insists. I'd like to think she means it but my sister isn't exactly known for her grace.