Fortune's Fool

Chapter 3

Evelyn sat at her dressing table, covering up the dark circles under her eyes from an almost sleepless night. Once she had styled her hair she made her way downstairs and was greeted by William.

"Ah Evelyn my dear." he smiled.

"Hello William. What brings you hear today?"

"Why would I need a reason to see my beautiful lover?"

"You are a smooth talker William."

"I know. That's why you love me." he pulled her close.

She gave a nervous chuckle to what he had said.

"Why don't we go to the garden? It's a beautiful day." he said.

"Good idea."

She felt a little uneasy as he put his hand around her waist. He lead her under archway, putting his hands in hers as they stood underneath.

"What is this William?" she was puzzled.

"Evelyn," he began, "you are a beautiful and kind woman and I should like it very much if I spent the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?" he knelt onto one knee.

"William, I..." she stared at the large, dazzling diamond.

"This is a big descison, I'll have to take some time to think about it." she looked away.

"Alright, take your time dear. But I know you can't resist." he smirked before leaning in to kiss her.

She stood motionless as he placed his lips on hers. She wanted to feel something but to her dismay, she didn't.

"I'll see you later my darling." he walked away.

She returned to her room and threw herself onto her bed, crying copiously.

Anne was walking by when she heard Evelyn's muffled cries through the wall.

"Is everything alright darling?" she peered round the door.

"No, it's a complete mess!" she sobbed.

"What on earth is going on dear?" she rushed over to her.

"It's William. He proposed." she continued to cry without cease.

"Aren't you happy about that?" Anne was bewildered.

"I don't think I love him! Whenever he holds me or kisses me I feel absolutely nothing!"

"Oh my dear." Anne stroked her hair, trying to sooth her woe.

"And just yesterday John told me that he loves me!"

"John told you he loved you?" she was taken aback, " Well, do you love him?"

"I - I think I do. And it's driving me insane!" her weeping grew more intense.

"I don't know what to say Evelyn."

"What a fool I am!"

"No, you're not a fool darling."

"I am a fool for loving John and not William!"

"What am I to do? Be with a man I don't love and live a normal, easy life or be with a man I love and live a complicated, toilsome life?"

"I can't tell you how to live your life dear but sometimes we must make sacrifices for the greater good."

"So you're saying I should choose William?"

"Well it would certainly make your life a lot easier, but if you really love John perhaps it is worth the sacrifice."

"But you need to make a decision my dear. You can't go on like this forever."