Would You Be Mine?

Crimson Peak

Edith sat trembling as the carriage made its way up the cobblestone path. Her legs were still spaced wide apart, her dress around her waist as her skin was flushed with pink.

Thomas sat opposite her, having tucked himself back into his pants, his gaze traveled to the exposed junction between her legs that were now pink and plump and glistening wet, the fruits of his labour now seeping out. He ran his tongue over his lips, reveling in how she had tasted.

He leaned forward and gently pulled her dress down, covering her up just as the carriage came to a stop. Thomas looked out the window and up at the imposing manor before sighing heavily.

The door was opened from the outside by a footman and Thomas stood and exited the carriage. Once outside, he turned around and extended his hand out for Edith to take. She glanced at it, swallowing nervously before closing her eyes and looking down at her lap.

'Edith...darling...' Thomas spoke, his hand still outstretched.

She shook her head, a lone tear sliding down her cheek.

'Edith...come...' Thomas spoke again.

A sob escaped her mouth as her hands grasped at her dress.

Thomas turned to the footman and dismissed him with a nod before turning his attention back to Edith. Not wanting to appear angry or to scare her, he leaned his body into the doorway of the carriage.

'Edith what is it?' he gently asked.

He watched as her whole body shuddered from her distress as she inhaled shakily.

'No one will want me now,' she whispered.

'I'm sorry, I don't quite follow...' Thomas asked her.

'After what you've done...I've done...here...' she sniffed again, 'no man will want me for his bride.'

She brought her tear-filled eyes up to meet his.

'I'm tainted,' she whispered.

Thomas chuckled at her, causing hurt and shame to cross her features.

'Of course no man will have you,' he said, causing her to gasp, 'because no man will ever have you. You are mine now Edith. Now and forever.'

He held his hand out to her again.

'Come with me my love and see your new home,' he beckoned her.

Wiping away her tears, Edith took Thomas' hand, much to his delight, and helped her out of the carriage.

'It is late darling, come, you must rest,' Thomas placed an arm around her shoulder as his other hand grasped hers.

He guided her up the smooth, slate steps before leading her through the massive ornate front doors and into the grand foyer of the manor.

Edith was stunned.

She had never seen a place so grand where someone called home.

The first thing Edith noticed was the wooden staircase that seemed to fill the entire room. It swept around the room from the bottom left to the top right. Edith tentatively left the comfort of Thomas' arm to slowly walk further into the foyer, the leaves underfoot scrunching as she walked. He stayed still, watching her face as she took in her new surroundings.

Her gaze followed the staircase up, stopping momentarily on the balcony, before she continued to turn herself to see where it led.

How many rooms must be here? She wondered.

She continued to turn around taking in the various paintings, the dimly lit lights, the large draperies that hung around the room and the furniture, particularly the chaise longue that sat before a welcoming fire.