Stableboy. (JB//Paused)

Three.

"They're beautiful," I beamed. "Father will be most pleased." Jane, one of our flower pickers gave a proud smile and handed me a bunch of multicolored Orchids. "Thank you, Jane."

She nodded politely and went back to work. I admired the respect these workers had for the plantation, and for the family. Each and every one was so considerate. It made me sad to know the harsh ways in which Helen treated them.

On my way back to the house, Justin spotted me from the stables. He had been brushing coats all morning and his sideburns were wet with sweat. "Hey! Allie, hey!" He dropped the over-sized brush and ran towards me excitedly.

"Hello Justin," I greeted. "How is everything going this morning?"

"Beautifully," he gasped, attempting to catch his breath. "Are you busy later? I think I found something by accident. I wanted to show it to you."

"Found something? Where?" I asked. He smiled at me and raised his eyebrows as if he were telling me I was just going to have to see for myself. I laughed quietly. "Alright, alright. I'm free past two."

"Excellent," he smiled. "These are pretty." He was referring to the bouquet of flowers in my arms. Then he picked one from the bunch and tucked the stem behind my ear. We both laughed but didn't say anything about the gesture. "Okay, well, Helen's gonna kill me if I don't finish by noon. I'll come and find you later."

"Sounds good," I told him. "See ya later."

He nodded and began jogging back to the wooden building before turning towards me and walking backwards. "You look nice by the way!" Then he turned back without getting a response.

I smiled to myself silently and brought my hand up to feel the flower's petals in my hair.

___

"These are from the flower gardens," I announced, placing the bouquet on the counter top. My father glanced up from his cup of coffee and smiled in approval.

"Very lovely," he commented. "We've had a successful year. Rosemary, would you take these and prepare them?" She nodded respectfully and bowed her head before taking the Orchids and walking off to cut the stems. Father reached into his pocket and pulled out an envelope. "This came in for you."

"For me?" I asked nervously. I took the letter in my hands and examined it.

To: Allie Michelle Claire Anne of the James household

From: her beloved Norman Winston

I nearly screamed at the greeting and threw the envelope onto the ground. "I-I don't want to read it. I don't want it."

"Come on butterfly, you must," my father told me. "Take a look at least. He wrote it for your eyes, please." He bent over and picked the message from the ground before placing it back in my hands. "Read it."

I sighed in defeat and carelessly ripped the top open. Then I reached into the envelope and removed the written piece inside.

Dearest Allie,

You should be quite aware now that you are to become my wife. I know you're afraid of such commitment but I want you to know that I promise to take good care of you. Marrying me works out in your favor and you already know that. My household is extremely wealthy and will assure that you live a comfortable life. In return, you are to be my partner, both emotionally and physically. Have you been with an older man before? I guarantee that you won't be disappointed. For now, I shall see you in my dreams. I hope you dream of me from now on too. I shall have you soon.

Your soon-to-be husband,

Norman Winston

P.S. I have bought us a grand home in Monaco that I'm sure you'll like very much. I've attached a picture. It's excellent for private affairs. Until we meet, xo.