It was dark. And where most would be readying themselves for a night of slumber, Norah was wide awake. Her eyes wandered around the room, more often the door. Her eyes grew dim at the thought of him.
He was to be her husband come spring. Norah shivered at the thought. Gone were the fancies of her mind. No longer would she be able to travel the world and having a grand time with her life. Her life became written in stone. And it was arranged without her consent. Without her even knowing. This thought angered her. How dare her mother and father do such things as that to her.
Tears threatened to spill, but Norah held them back. She wouldn't cry. She refused to let another drip down her face.
"Miss?" A troubled voice called from the door. "Are you alright?"
"Go away."
"I wish I could, Miss." He said stepping in the room once again. Worry filled his gaze as he made his way to her. Gabriel leaned against one of footboard of her bed studying her with quiet precession.
"This is all to much," Norah whispered, her voice cracking slightly. "I only came her to be with my aunt for a couple of months. I didn't expect suddenly owning her estate, nor did I expect to be expected to wed." Norah wiped her forming tears with a shaky hand.
"I am most sorry, Miss." Gabriel said, voice sincere. "I tried convincing your parents that this wasn't the way to do things, but they refused to listen to me. They told me it was for my own well-being as well as your own. I really am sorry. If it makes you feel any better, Miss, I won't force myself on you. I wouldn't feel right."
"But they do expect children from us one day."
"Yes, but we shall not worry of such things for the time being. Let us just get to know one another and have you become situated into your new home first, Miss. One day at a time, as my grandmother always said."
Norah studied Gabriel and nodded grimly. At least she did not have to worry about her wedding night. Having him just promise her nothing was going to happen at least brought her a little relief.
"No frowns now, miss. I'd like to see a smile on your face." Gabriel said standing up slowly and began making his way closer to Norah herself. He smiled kindly at her as he held his hand out to her. "Shall I show you around before I bid you a goodnight?"
"I suppose you may," Norah said as she made her way off the bed with his help.
"Shall we make our rounds first upstairs and make the way downwards, Miss, or would you rather to start from the downstairs up?"
"Starting here is fine."
"Well this room you are currently standing in would be my room."
Norah's eyes widened slightly. "So you aren't leaving?"
Gabriel gave a small chuckle, "Wanting me gone so quickly, Miss. Well, I hate to not disappoint but this you see is only my spare bedroom. I have a home, not far from here. But I doubt you ever see of it. Seeing as your parents as well as mine have decided it be best for the two of us to live at this estate. And since I did promise not to do anything you are not prepared for I think it best for me to stay in another room. And this be the one I have chosen for myself. I hope you do not mind much."
"Not at all," Norah replied abruptly. The less she saw of her betrothed was all the better for her.
"Well, lets make our way to your room next then, Miss." Gabriel said bringing her out into the hallway. He opened the door adjacent to his own room that was on the opposite side of the staircase. "I do hope you like it."
Inside held a four poster bed with the colors of light blue and sage green. A small desk stood next to a bay window and there was even another door that lead into a bathroom and small walk-in closet.
"I do hope you like it," Gabriel muttered as Norah ventured farther into her room. "I chose the colors myself."
Norah spun round and smiled at him. "It is beautiful."
Gabriel returned her smile, slight relief flooding his features. "Good. I wasn't sure if there was another color scheme you preferred but I thought you'd enjoy what I've done with it. And your things are in your closet in case you were wondering. I could move it around for you if you'd like."
Norah shook her head. "No, this is fine as it is."
"Come now, we have more to see and not much time to show it all." Gabriel said taking her hand and leading her through more of the house. When they finally stopped at the door entrance, Gabriel smiled softly at her. "Well it seems this is where I bid you farewell. I'll stop back in the morning to see how you are getting along."
"Well I will see you then," Norah said with a tired yawn.
"Until then Miss Norah," Gabriel replied bowing before turning and heading out the door.
Norah in turn made her way up the stairs, wondering what tomorrow would bring for her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Author's Note:
Please comment on this story. I'd like to hear from you on if you liked it, hated it, or even didn't understand something.
I hope to have another part up soon. Latest Tuesday since I have class.
HAPPY EASTER!
