An Illicit Romance

Secret Meetings

Secret Meetings

Rose’s POV

Daniel and I had been secretly meeting with each other for about two weeks. I hadn’t told Lily because I knew what she was going to say. I was surprised we hid it so well. Whenever I didn’t have a job to do, we would meet under the gazebo at approximately eleven o’clock at night, when most of the people were asleep. Nothing major had happened so far, at least. We kissed, we talked, we shared comforting embraces, nothing more.

I had learnt so much about Daniel over the past few weeks. He’d tell me anything and I would too. It was the first real relationship I’ve ever been in, even though it wasn’t an actual relationship. No one knew but I preferred it that way. I didn’t want him in any trouble because of me.

“Rose, you are needed in Daniel’s room.” One of the other servants said.

“Daniel’s room?”

She nodded. “I got orders to send you there. He needs help with something.”

“Oh, okay.” Before I could leave, she stepped into my path.

“Why did he request for you, specifically?”

I froze. “Erm…I…I’m not so sure.”

She eyed me suspiciously before saying, “Well, I’m sure it’s for your gardening abilities. The flowers you planted are beautiful!” All of her suspicious went away.

I laughed nervously and made my way to his room. He was waiting for me by the window.

“You came!” he said, happily. I couldn’t help but smile, but it faded when I remembered what I was going to say to him.

“What are you doing? We could get-“

“Calm down, we’re not going to get into any trouble.” He seemed so sure of himself. I, on the other hand, wasn’t. He took my hands in his and kissed my cheek. I immediately relaxed. He pulled me closer. “You look upset.” He said to me, concerned.

“I’m fine.” I lied.

“Don’t lie to me, Rose. It’ll be fine. I’ll sort out this wedding mess and everything will be fine. Don’t worry, I have a plan.” He kissed me softly. I wanted to believe him but I knew it wouldn’t be that easy.

Daniel’s POV

Earlier, I’d told Rose I had a plan to sort everything out. I didn’t but I knew I would think of something. We’d been secretly meeting for a few weeks. We only had small amounts of time to spend together but it was worth it.

I suspected Annabelle had starting to get suspicious. She would ask of Rose and Melanie from time to time as if she was, testing me.

“What’s with you and that servant girl, Daniel?” Annabelle asked while brushing her hair.

“Nothing. Nothing’s happening.”

“Daniel, I’ve seen you two talking…a lot. I’m worried it’ll result in bad news.”

“It won’t. I just wanted someone to talk to.”

“Be careful, Daniel.” She was concerned. I wanted to tell her. She was my sister. The one person I could always count on. But I couldn’t help but wonder if she had the same mind-set as my ignorant family.

“How do you feel about the servants?” I couldn’t help but ask.

“The ones that work for us? I’m not sure, I haven’t given it much thought. I suppose they’re alright if I get to know them.”

“Would you get to know them?”

“I don’t know!” She laughed, “What’s the meaning of all these questions?!”

“Nothing,” I looked at the clock. It was almost eleven. “I best be going, Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.”

I turned to leave. “Daniel?” I stopped. “Everything is okay, isn’t it?”

“Of course.” I hated lying to her.

I went out to the gazebo to meet Rose. I could see a faint figure near the entrance. The moonlight perfectly accentuated her brown skin. She looked beautiful.

“You’re early.” I said to her.

“You’re late.” She smiled.

“I apologise, I was talking to Annabelle.”

“Does she know?”

“Of course not. Does your friend know?”

She shook her head. I could tell she wanted to tell her. After all, she was her best friend. Her arms went around my neck and she kissed me. I loved every minute I spent with her, however short it was. We’d grown so used to each other’s company. I pulled her closer. I wished I could be with her properly. I wished we could go everywhere together. I knew all this wishing was useless. It would never be. Not in this society. I saw a light flicker on upstairs. It was mother. Rose immediately pulled away.

“You’re mother’s awake. If she saw me here, I wouldn’t be welcome here anymore.”

I held her hand. “I wouldn’t let that happen.”

She smiled. I loved her smile. It always made me happier knowing that she was. I could see the main door open at the far end of the garden.

“I think we should go.”

“You’re right. I’m sorry we can’t spend enough time together.”

“Don’t be.” She kissed me again and left. I looked back at the door. Someone was there. I shook my head at myself and dismissed the thought. I was sure noone saw anything.