Kissed by a Rose

2. Flora's Secret Plan

It was not long before word of my engagement spread throughout Coroneos. Our manor was consistently flooded with merchants and makers and bakers, all wanting to contribute their craft towards the celebration of the year.

My mother was planning every small and unnecessary detail. At first, she asked for my opinion. However, when she realized that I did not care for what color the napkins should be or how many lanterns should be at each table, she ceased her questions and took over the full wedding plans. My father, the helpful man that he is, retired to his parlor in full efforts to avoid my mother on her wedding rampage. One would have thought that she was to be married, rather than I.

As for myself, I often wandered through the gardens with Flora. My mind was in a continuous daydream. I kept Quinton's photograph with me always and looked over it so much that I had memorized every detail of his face. His brown hair was kept back, but I could sense that if left alone, it would fall ruffled against his face. His eyes were brighter than the emeralds mined from Mt. Kalina. And his lips, well, that is what I dreamed about the most. I dreamed of how they would feel against mine.

"Miss, not to interrupt your daydreams, but when do you get to meet this fiancé of yours?"

"Well...I am not sure, Flora. I believe not until the wedding."

"What! That is absurd! What if you do not like him?"

"Of course I like him! He is perfect. An exact likeness of the man I had always dreamed of marrying."

"Listen, Miss. I am very supportive of your engagement, but I really thought you might see him before then. At least once. I thought he might have been at your engagement announcement."

"That is simply just not how things are done, Flora. You know that more than anyone."

"But do you not want to see him?"

"Of course I do. It would just be impertinent of me to ask that. After all, the wedding is being planned and he is a very important person with a very important job. He cannot just leave and travel the sea to see me."

"Miss, all I am saying it that you should try to write to him, or do something! Harold and I saw each other nearly everyday when he was courting me. That is how love blossoms."

I did not want Flora to think I was being naïve or ridiculous, so I did not respond to her. We resumed our walk in silence. However, she was right. I only knew what he looked like and what he liked from my father. I knew I would have to do something in order to establish anything with Quinton.

Following supper, I waited until my family reallocated themselves to the ballroom for musical entertainment from my eldest brother's wife. I snuck into my father's parlor in the hopes of finding Quinton's address. Unfortunately for me, my father is the most disorganized businessman on the face of the planet.

Unsuccessful in my venture to find a way to communicate with Quinton, I retired to my room. I found Flora drawing my bath and organizing a few of the oils and fragrances. Groaning, I flopped onto my bed.

"Miss? Whatever is the matter? Did you not enjoy dinner?"

"You were right, Flora. I would like to speak to Quinton more than anything right now. I snuck into father's parlor, but I could not find where he lived to write to him."

"Why did you not come to me for help? I would have been more than delighted to help you!"

"I did not want you to find me ridiculous or naïve. I understand that this marriage is arranged and that I should carry through my responsibilities to further our family's influence, but I do want love. I want a love similar to those is the novels I read. I just want something a little more."