Arranged

7

Cosette

I practically gulped when we drove up to the Evernorth's home. It seemed that the more I delved into the situation, the less like reality it managed to seem. Will I ever get used to this?

Still in my starched outfit from the Times, I walked briskly up the steps to find William just beyond the landing. He gave me a curt nod, and turned to lead me through the halls to tea. Our footsteps made the hallways echo in a lonely and almost sinister manner. I couldn't shake the feeling that something awful had happened to William--something that I couldn't have begun to understand.

We sat down, both bravely making eye contact with the other.

"I regret to tell you that this has not been the most charming week, and that I won't be able to chat for long today."

Something about his manner told me not to pry, so I led the conversation in a different direction. Strictly business, I reminded myself.

"Is there another event coming up that requires my attendance?"

"Yes, how clever you are. The Marouge Ball is coming up, though I will have to contact you later with the details. A driver should be there to pick you up, as is the usual of late."

I could sense his internal annoyance budding from the way his eyes flickered beyond me, not focusing on anything. On further inspection, it seemed that he hadn't slept because they were slightly bloodshot around the edges.

"If it's too much trouble, I would be happy to take a separate car or the tube to such events. You really don't have to send a car everywhere for me."

For some reason, my statement of courtesy seemed to worsen his state. I took a nervous sip of tea, awaiting his response.

"Darling, if it were up to me, required attendance at such events would be moot. Now I'm afraid I must excuse myself."

He got up too quickly and stumbled a bit before righting himself. Is he drunk? I thought about how derogatory his statement was, and how unlike himself he seemed at that moment. Suddenly, he turned around.

"Wear red at the ball."

His voice was softer, more vulnerable. When he left, I thought about it for a moment longer before exiting myself.

---

When I got to my flat, I had a missed call and a text from William.

Disregard my attitude today. Would you do me the honor of meeting me again tomorrow before the ball? I must apologize.

---

William

--the next day--

Cosette's arrival was announced by a butler just as I entered the antechamber to check on tea. Thoughts of the day before flooded my vision, blinding me with internal contempt for myself. I shouldn't have met her, feelings aside, on nothing but absinthe and sleep deprivation.

Nodding at the servant in there I made my way to the front door, taking care to put on a guarded expression.

On seeing her standing there, I suddenly knew what it meant to see the light play off of a person. She was completely radiant. My eyes couldn't help but skim her body as I approached her.