Would You Be Mine?

Gone

Thomas held the door open to allow Edith to enter the manor.

Brushing the snowflakes off her arms and shoulders, Edith thanked Thomas and began to make her way to the main sitting room, grateful the fire was already stoked and roaring away.

As they hung up their winter coats before entering, Lucille watched them as she slowly descended the staircase. She continued to watch the happy couple now standing in front of the fireplace, Thomas holding Edith's hands between his, rubbing them furiously to take the chill off of them.

She watched as a quiet anger began building inside her as he rested his forehead against hers.

She seethed as a seemingly invisible bubble encased them and they were in their own little world, their own little utopia.

She let out a gasp as she noted the glittering diamond on Edith's left hand.

He really had proposed.

It wasn't all in her mind.

Not her imagination.

Edith had taken her Thomas.

She must have been louder than she realised as they both turned and looked at her as she neared them.

A bright smile instantly plastered on her face.

"What are you two so happy about?" she asked innocently.

Thomas could not contain his joy, while Edith merely offered a more restrained, polite smile.

"I've asked Edith to marry me and she's accepted!" Thomas said excitedly, "and I could not be any happier!"

As Lucille neared, Edith could not help but take a step closer to Thomas.

Quite simply, she did not trust her.

"Well that is just the most marvellous news! Edith I am just delighted for you...for both of you," she said.

"Thank you Lucille, that means a lot," Edith replied in a polite tone.

"As soon as tonight is over, we shall begin preparations at once for our wedding, what do you say darling?" Thomas said.

"Of course..." Edith replied.

"If that is what..." Lucille said.

Both women stopped as quickly as they had started together.

"You meant Edith of course, silly me," Lucille said in embarrassment.

"But I am quite sure Edith will need as much assistance as you can give her, is that not right darling?" Thomas said to Edith.

My god, if he calls her 'darling' one more time I shall simply lose my breakfast, Lucille thought.

"Absolutely, if Lucille can spare the time," Edith replied smiling at Thomas.

Smug little bitch, Lucille thought, but not for long.

"May I see the ring Edith dear?" Lucille asked.

Edith hesitated slightly before holding her hand out.

Lucille walked towards Edith and Thomas, suddenly tripping on the rug and stumbling...right towards Edith.

As Edith felt Lucille grasp her by the arms, she saw a small smirk on her face and her eyes narrow as she pushed her backwards towards the fire, letting go as she fell to the ground.

"Edith!" Thomas yelled, having the presence of mind to see what had happened. Quickly he reached out and yanked Edith back by the arm.

"Edith your dress!" Thomas quickly took his jacket off and began hitting at the flames at the back of Edith's dress.