An Illicit Romance

Making Plans

Making Plans 

Rose’s POV

“Rose.” A voice whispered. “Rose, wake up.” The voice said again. Taps on my shoulder finally woke me up. I looked up sleepily. It was Daniel. I was immediately awake. “Daniel! What are you doing here?” I hugged him tightly. I hadn’t seen him in days after what had happened with Annabelle. I looked around the room. The others were still sleeping. “We can’t talk here.” He helped me to my feet and led me towards his room.

“Did you talk to your mother? What did she say? Does she know?”

“I didn’t get the chance. I have to marry Melanie, Rose. I don’t know how I can get out of this without you getting in trouble. But believe me, I tried.”

I did believe him. I knew what his mother was like. I couldn’t imagine what would happen if she knew about us. Annabelle’s reaction wouldn’t compare to Lady Harrington’s. I knew there was no way out of this without me getting hurt, something Daniel wouldn’t allow happening.

“I know you tried. Maybe marrying Melanie is a good idea-“

“What are you talking about?” he held me in his arms. “It’s not her I want to be with. You know that.”

“But what’s the point of this if we can’t be together?” I felt tears roll down my cheeks.

“I have an idea.” He said. “What if we run away together?”

I looked up at him, wondering if he was actually serious. “What? We can’t just run away.”

“Why not?” he said, confused.

“You have your family here. And I have Lily here; I can’t just leave her, Daniel.”

“She could come too. I’m not sure my family even approve of this. Rose, I’m willing to try anything if it means we can just be together.”

I thought about it. Whether or not it could happen. Was he ready to just pack up and leave?

“Daniel, I-“I was about to refuse. I looked at him again. He was serious. I could tell he wanted this to happen. I wanted this to happen. “When will we leave?”

“Whenever you please.”

“Yes, I’ll go with you.” I said, and I meant it.

Daniel’s POV

Rose agreed! She wanted to run away with me. The whole thing was almost impossible. All I had to do was figure out the perfect time for us to leave. I already knew a place we could go. The only important thing was that she’d said yes. I had a month until the wedding. Melanie had decided on a June wedding instead of August, which gave me even less time. She left to go to town three hours ago with my sister and Mother to choose a wedding dress. She would be back soon.

A part of me felt guilty about leaving Annabelle behind. But I knew how she felt about it, even if she’d never admit it; it was clear on her face.

I heard the door close downstairs, followed by a chorus of giggles and laughter. They were home. Mother came towards me and whispered in my ear. “Do you remember what we discussed, Daniel?” I nodded. “Good, now be sure to compliment your soon-to-be bride.” She walked away, leaving me with Melanie and Annabelle. Melanie wore an expensive pink dress that attempted to highlight the small waist that she didn’t have.

She giggled as soon as she saw me. “Daniel!” she gave me an unexpected kiss.

“You look ravishing in pink, my dear.” Melanie giggled at the compliment. Annabelle looked at me confused. I was even surprised myself at how good my pretence was.

“I am very excited for this wedding,, aren’t you?”

“Of course, I can hardly wait.” I said, trying to sound as enthusiastic as possible.

“Excellent! Come, Annabelle, help me in my room.” She grabbed Annabelle’s hand. Annabelle mouthed “What’s going on?” as she left.

I sighed, as if pretending to be the eager groom wore me out. I spotted Lily in the drawing room. I decided I might as well get to know her.

“Hello.”

She turned around startled. We both hadn’t gotten used to each other’s company.

“Oh, hi.” Her head was down as she spoke, just like all the other servants. It reminded me of when Rose and I first met.

“We are allowed eye contact.”

“Why are you talking to me?” she finally looked up.

“You’re Rose’s best friend. We might as well get to know each other.” I shrugged.

She suddenly became less shy than before. “She thinks she loves you, and that you love her. But I know better. You’re going to end up hurting her-“

“I love her, Lily. Hurting her is the last thing I want to do.”

She wasn’t convinced. “I hope you won’t. Or else you’ll have me to answer to!" She nudged me in the chest and walked away, leaving me to decide whether she was joking or not.