Doe (#Wattys2016)

Chapter Thirty-One

Over the next few weeks there was a feeling of change that lingered in the halls. It was a curious unsaid statement that could not be taken back. One day Samantha joined them for dinner with an announcement of her own. She was to be engaged to a Lord of Provision. He was a man in his thirties, positioned so that he would soon take over the countries food industry. This he had gained through hard work and not inheritance (which she admired him for) and which showed the measure of his intelligence. Francis could see no trace of affectation on her face but had not really expected to. The Lord was a wealthy man, which was why the courting had been slow, he did not have to jump at the chance of marrying a Lurie. Though the eldest daughter of the top branch was nothing to spurn. He was not a foolish man. The engagement would be brief only one or two months and then they would be married.

"Excellent, Samantha," Lord Lurie praised, "You take after your parents. Determined and dutiful."

Sam bowed her head and drank from her wine, but a red blush was on her pale cheeks.

"An example to be followed. You are nineteen-years-old and have acted decisively. I hope your siblings take note. Our family has now reached the critical stage. You are no longer children and soon will have to decide how to progress and grow our family." He continued.

Francis felt a fear grip her at his words.

After this happened she couldn't stop thinking. Kitty was constantly complaining that she was being left behind in the nursery and now that Sam was a fiancé, she thought she should enter in society as well. And then even less expected was Tim's courtship to Blanche. She became a frequent visitor and Tim seemed transformed. His success had given him a confidence that shone around him like an golden aura. He even asked his father for role of responsibility within the Home Security, and it was granted. He and Draco now patrolled the Square together. Francis watched them from Beside Harri as they sold milk. She had never seen Tim so happy and it caught in his brother, quietly.

"So they have you trapped in their house without any promises of release. They just let you dangle." Harrison argued.

She sighed but reluctantly to agree.

"You said you'd come back." He turned to look at her.

"Oh Harri, I will."

"It's been five months. Five months." He told her.

"I-"

"Francis, you don't understand," and he cupped her chin in his palm, " We don't know what to do...Your mother..."

"What?"

"Misses you," he sighed and let her go.

"I miss you all too." Her eyes watered.

"But..." and he turned with crossed arms to face Draco, who was watching them from opposite the Square.

"I miss you more then you'll ever know." Francis put her hand out to touch him.

"Don't," Harri told her gently, taking her hand away and holding it, "Just visit home more often."

Francis liked Blanche. She was a sweet, timid girl who gave Tim so much strength. Yet, as the weeks flew them into the winter, Tim was able to court others. His new position with his father had won him favour. He laughed with Draco, telling his elder brother that he was doing it the right way, waiting for the best and promising to accept it when it came. Francis found this jesting hard to listen to.

"Blanche cared for you. Not just about your status." She told him one day as he joked about a new conquest.

"She was kind, but a third daughter. Now the first daughter of entertainment has appealed to me." He said without a flicker of remorse.

Francis shook her head.

"Maybe you should try courting," he suggested.

"She doesn't need to." Draco looked up from his work.

"She might. A husband will provide her with the stability we can't."

"She can hear you." Francis snapped.

"You should think about it," Tim turned to her, " Marriage is security."

Francis shook her head.

"I know you want to be a lady in your own right. But you can't do that if your father disowns you."

"So I should marry someone before he can?"

"They'll be many who would."

"There are many who know how dubious your situation is." Draco murmured.

"Oh but Draco, if I meet the one fool who hasn't heard? And under false pretences my happiness will be assured." Francis sarcastically sighed.

Draco smiled.

"I think you're being foolish to not take steps." Tim shook his head.

"Enough, Timothy." Draco warned him.

"You talk as if I have nowhere to go after this. I believe I have a very forlorn mother who would take me back. Disgraced or not. I've already ensured that Doe can stay."

"You sound like you want to go home." Draco said.

She shrugged, "I won't say I'm not a little homesick. But really I just want reassure myself that I'm not hopeless."

"Of course you're not."

"That's not what I meant."

"I know, Tim. And I am happy things are working out for. Hopefully it will rub off on the rest of us and I will just live forever under your father's generosity or negligence whichever one it is."

They all laughed and the conversation turned silly once more.