An Illicit Romance

Happiness

Happiness

Daniel’s POV

I woke up and found Rose in my arms. I smiled as I remembered what happened last night. I watched as she slept peacefully. I loved how her dark skin looked next to mine. I didn’t even bother to check if the door was locked or open. For once, nothing else mattered but her. I kissed her shoulder which made her turn in her sleep. Her eyes fluttered open. “Hey.” She smiled.

“Did you sleep okay?” I kissed her fingers. She nodded. “Did you?”

“Definitely.”

We lay there for what felt like hours, just being with each other. Until I heard mother calling me from downstairs. I groaned inwardly. She always had bad timing. “I think you should go, see what she wants.”

“I’d rather stay here with you.”

“If you don’t we’ll both be in trouble!” She laughed and started to get dressed. I tried not to stare but couldn’t help it. Rose noticed and smiled. “Stop staring, you’re making me nervous.”

“Forgive me, I couldn’t help myself.” I walked up behind her and kissed her neck. “We could go now. Just the two of us. And Lily if you want. Just say the word and we’ll leave.”

“Daniel, I-“

“Daniel! Open the door!” Mother banged against my door. I quickly got dressed and opened the door slightly, so all she could see was my face and nothing else.

“Mother, it’s early. What is going on?”

“What are you doing in there? I’ve been calling you for an hour!”

“I overslept.” I lied.

“Your wedding is in two weeks, Daniel. And you still haven’t even chosen your attire!”

I sighed. “I’ll do that later, goodbye mother.” I quickly closed the door.

“Two weeks?” Rose asked. She’d heard the conversation.

“I didn’t realise it was so soon. Rose, we have to leave soon.”

 Rose’s POV

I couldn’t believe I had actually done it with Daniel. This was the last thing I had expected to happen but I don’t regret it at all. In fact, I’m actually happy. I wished I could stay there with him forever but I knew it wouldn’t happen. We had to leave soon. Two weeks? I had to tell Lily. I wouldn’t go if she wouldn’t.

I couldn’t stop thinking about what had happened. The thought of us made me smile. I didn’t even realise Lily entered the room.

“What’s with the smile?” Lily asked.

“Nothing. I’m just…happy.”

“You forgave Daniel, didn’t you?”

“Yes, but before you say anything, it wasn’t what it looked like.”

“I’ll never understand you two.” She began doing her duties. Dorie came in to check on us. “Rose, you’re needed in Lady Annabelle’s room.”

“What does he want?” Lily asked.

I shrugged. Whatever it was, it had something to do with Daniel.

I knocked on her door and waited patiently for her to open it. She didn’t look happy when she did. “Come in.”

I did as I was told. “Where were you yesterday evening?” she asked. I was with Daniel but I knew that telling her would be the wrong thing to do.

“Sleeping. There weren’t any jobs for me to do and I was tired.” I lied.

“Are you sure? Because I asked the other servants and they didn’t know where you were either.” She said her eyes narrowing.

“That’s strange. Maybe they didn’t check the room.”

“Yes, that could be the reason. You may go now.”

She didn’t believe me. It was too obvious. I just hoped that she didn’t know where I really was.

 Daniel’s POV

I hadn’t bothered to get anything for the wedding. I wouldn’t be there anyway. Hopefully by then I would already be far away from here, with Rose.

I saw Harry drive Melanie and her friends back to the house. He looked worn out as he opened their doors. I didn’t blame him. Melanie seemed to suck out the life of everyone around her. I waited until they went inside to talk to Harry.

He looked surprise at the smile on my face. “And what are you smiling about?”

I shrugged. He laughed, “Someone got a good night’s sleep!”

“Maybe that has something to do with it. You look tired, Harry.”

“Your fiancée is running me rugged. She loves shopping too much-“ he paused. “Have you lightened up on marrying her, then?”

“No, that’s not what I’m happy about. Harry, if I told you something, would you promise not to tell anyone else?”

“Of course, Dan. What’s bothering you?”

“Nothing. Harry, I’m in love.”

“Well, that’s great news! What’s the problem? I know it ain’t Melanie you’re in love with? Who is it?”

I hesitated. “The other day, you saw a girl in the garden.”

“The servant?”

“Yes. Well, it’s been happening for quite some time now and-“

“You’re in love with her.”

“Exactly.” He didn’t seem surprised.

“I know, Daniel. I’ve known for a while now. Even before you spoke to me about it.”

“How?”

He laughed. “I know you better than anyone, remember? I’m personally not against it but you might wanna watch out for that mother of yours. She’s a hard one to get to.”

“Tell me about it. Are you really okay with this?”

“As long as your happy, my boy. As long as you’re happy.”