Emily sat at the table, her arms crossed over her chest to stop her from shaking from the coldness inside of her. Her eyes knitted together as she watched Jack and the tall, beautiful lady converse at the other end of the table in hushed whispers as though she was not even there.
On their walk home there had been no introduction. No words that were intended for Emily and none returned. She was then led into the deep of the forest to a strange little dingy cottage, sat at this table, and then simply ignored.
Emily had been offered one of the woman’s dresses. It was a knee-length black tight one that clung to every inch of Emily’s skin. It had been so ridiculous that she had settled for one of Jacks long shirts instead. Emily wondered if Jack liked the way the dress looked on the other lady before shaking the thought out of her mind- who cared what he even thought.
Suddenly the lady turned to Emily with a look of dismay, “I cannot believe it. We have not been introduced.”
Emily’s mind screamed, “NOW YOU BLOODY WELL NOTICE” but she ignored that voice which only annoyed her even more. “Emily Grenville,” She said bluntly.
“Pleased to meet you, I’m Lavinia, I’m sorry I don’t have a last name,” She smiled as though life was carefree and Emily had not just been attacked but rather just got home from a pleasant picnic, “Would you like some tea. Oh silly me, of course you would. Be back in a tick.”
She raced off into the kitchen.
‘Now she’s showing off in front of Jack. I didn’t say I wanted tea, did I? I suppose she looks his type, tall, curvy. Although she may be a little too nice but what so I even care’, Emily thought bitterly to herself. So Jack was attractive but also rude and arrogant, indeed. No, she could never fall for someone like him as she constantly reminded herself.
“Are you okay? You look…angry.” Jack asked.
Emily could feel it on her face. He lips were curled into a snarl, her eyes piercing but she wasn’t bothered to change them. After all she had just been attacked and then ignored- she was entitled to be angry; “I’m fine.”
Lavinia returned with two teacups in her hand. She placed one in front of Emily and one in front of Jack.
“Uhm, Lavinia, I don’t drink tea,” Jack said awkwardly.
“Oh I know. It’s not tea, its gin. Sorry, only cup I had,” She shrugged and sat herself down again, “Oh dear Emily, you’re shaking. Let me fix that for you.”
“No thank you, I am perfectly fine. I am not shaking. It’s just a little cold,” Emily gritted through her teeth.
“Well a blanket,” Lavinia started but Emily cut it.
“I’m fine,” Emily shouted at her, “Just because I can’t save myself from some creep doesn’t make me completely incompetent.”
“Emily,” Jack shouted back.
“It- It’s fine Jack,” Lavinia said to Jack. She turned to Emily and picked up her shaking hand, “Just let me see to it.”
Lavinia reached for her hand. Emily grunted and pulled away and as though it was in slow motion, she hit the pink printed tea cup. It toppled over the edge of the table and smashed on the ground.
“Emily, what is wrong with you?” Jack stared at her in disbelief.
“Jack I, Lavinia I’m sorry. I don’t know what’s come over me,” Emily felt the words leave her lips. She felt completely horrible now.
“Oh don’t worry. They are ugly anyway,” Lavinia chuckled nervously trying to lighten the tension that hung in the space between them.
“I need some air,” Emily pushed out her chair and walked out of the door.
YOU ARE READING
The room of mirrors (Hold)
AdventureJack is Prudent and Proud. Emily is sweet and proper.To bring these two together would be playing with fire. But fate thought otherwise. They discover the difference of their worlds, will they be able to save themselves as well as each other from th...
