The Scarlett Maiden

Seven: Lies in Verona

Chapter Seven

Ethan

I groaned, rolling over as the sound of knocking at my door pulled me from my blissful sleep.

It was more frantic than the average knocking of my brother, yet much too soft to be my Mother's and I closed my eyes as I realized who it was.

"Ethan!" My Father exclaimed, entering the room without my consent. "Ethan wake up! You have a lady downstairs."

My eyes popped open with the force of an explosion. "What?"

"Lilly Witherworth," he clarified impatiently, pulling on my arm. "She said you were invited to dinner."

I frowned, staring at the sun as I sat up. Had I really slept through the day?

"You have an hour to noon. Perhaps you could go on a walk."

I glanced back at my father. He was exceptionally tall, even for a man, yet his eyes held a type of genuine kindness that I had seen nowhere else.

"You didn't tell me you had a lady friend," he said, frowning.

I shook my head. "We're only just getting together. There was not a time."

"But... It's all over town."

My eyes widened, and I sat up. "What?"

"One of the prison guards congratulated me this morning," he clarified. "And the jeweler offered me half off on an engagement ring for you."

I groaned, pressing my face into my hands. "Shit."

"Ethan, are you alright?" He questioned, and I could feel his hand on my shoulder.

I nodded. "I just need a minute."

"I'll tell her you're on your way down," He said gently. "Don't forget to change your attire!"

The door closed, and I stayed in my position for a full minute. The memory of Alana's lips on my own still burned into the front of my mind, as if it were currently happening. She had lost her inhibitions, and I could not have been happier.

Now I was going to dinner with her employer.

I shook my head as I stood, walking over to the wardrobe and grabbing the first clothing I saw. Being with Alana whilst pretending to love Lilly was far more difficult than I'd previously conceived. I hadn't accounted for the overwhelming sense of confliction going on inside of me.

Despite my internal battle, I pulled on the clothes as fast as I physically could, splashing water along my face and hair and jogging quickly down the spiral staircase.

"See? I told you he'd be fast," my mother said, the moment I was in sight.

With her hair up in the latest fashion and her eyes sparkling with happiness, I found myself unable to deny the fact of Lilly's beauty.

Though, she had nothing on my maiden.

"Good day, Mister McKormick," she said smoothly, bending her knees.

"As to you, Miss Witherworth," I replied, forcing a smile. "I am very excited to join you for dinner."

"From the way you were sleeping in, I would not have guessed."

I laughed. "Touché."

She nodded sweetly, taking my arm. "The hours do pass longer when waiting for those you fancy."

My heart skipped a beat uncomfortably at her assumption, but I did not allow the smile to leave my face. "Well put."

"Do not be out too late," my mother insisted happily as she pushed us out the door. "I am so proud of you Ethan, picking such a respectable young maiden."