Would You Be Mine?

Lucille's Secret

Surprise and relief flooded Thomas' features as he let out the breath he was holding.

"Really? Are you sure?" he said, "are you absolutely sure?"

Edith held his hand tightly in her grip as her other hand caressed his cheek.

"If you think I can help you in some way Thomas, I will," she looked at their entwined hands before looking back at his gaze, "I'm bound to you now Thomas. I do not think I could leave you now even if I wished to."

Thomas smiled and turned to Lucille.

"You see? You see? I told you dear sister, I knew Edith was the one!" he was positively beaming as he turned back to Edith, "and now she's staying."

"Yes...how wonderful," Lucille said, smiling through gritted teeth.

Edith frowned slightly at Lucille's tone of voice, confused that she was not happier at the changing circumstances. Changes that were hopefully going to help Thomas find his freedom from the dreadful curse that had enslaved him.

"Lucille..." Edith began.

"Well we must celebrate!" Lucille cut her off, a bright smile plastered on her face as she clapped her hands together, "and I know the perfect opportunity!"

She pulled out the small envelope from her dress pocked as Edith and Thomas both watched her.

"We received this today," she began, "an invitation to a small party at Lord Armitage's manor this very evening!"

"But Lucille..." Thomas began.

"Ah ah ah," Lucille cut him off, "I know what you're thinking brother dear, but I think, no, I know this is an opportune time to get out of this house and enjoy a moment to ourselves," she stopped suddenly, "I mean, you and Edith. Would you not like to attend a lovely party and just enjoy each other's company?" Lucille asked coyly.

Thomas and Edith looked at each other.

"Whatever you wish to do Thomas is acceptable with me," Edith said, "perhaps though, it might do you some good to forget about the current circumstances for one night?"

"But we should be preparing you," Thomas said, "attending a party seems so...so...frivolous, foolish even," he said.

Edith's fingers moved to touch his lips gently.

"But it may also be just what you need, just for one night my love," Edith countered.

"You are all I need my darling," he said, oblivious to Lucille rolling her eyes behind his back, "would you wish to attend though?" he asked Edith.

Edith thought it over for a few moments.

"I think you should most definitely consider it," she said, "it will not do you any harm."

He smiled at her before leaning forward and placing a kiss on her forehead.

"It is settled then!" Lucille said, before pushing herself out of the chair. She was unable to stomach any more of their sickening display of affections.

"I shall telephone our attendance to Lord Armitage immediately," she said.

"Lucille," Thomas called to her, "if it is not too much trouble, would you be so kind as to allow Edith to borrow one of your gown's for tonight's event?" he asked.

"Of course Thomas," she said, forcing a tight smile onto her face, "why Edith's practically family now," she said.

"Quite right," Thomas agreed, "the three of us."