A Truelove of Turtle Doves

Chpt 3 - Added Punishment

"You're lucky that Philip did not take too much offense from you're..." My father's face twisted in disdain as he spoke, "comments.. Last week, and that Josephine and Lauren were willing to argue your case."

"Honestly, (Y/N), we would have thought that by now you would at least have an inkling of the sorts of things you are allowed to say, and when to keep your mouth shut!" exclaimed my mother, who was sitting across from me, and waving a fan elegantly in order to cool herself down.

Since it wasn't overly warm, and we were in the shade of a oak tree, I assumed that she was simply doing it in order to have something to do. So she could resist the urge to slap me.

We were sitting outside in the garden, at a rectangular glass table underneath the pleasant shade of an oak tree. The scent of many flowers - my personal favourite being (Favourite/Flower) - surrounded us as the sun shone brightly. With so many flowers, came so many colours, and the sun's intensity almost made them glow. It was like a rainbow on land, rather than in the sky. A neat, white stone pathway winded through the mini paradise, and eventually stopped at this area - a patio of the same stone, with a prettily carved wooden table with a glass counter top, with 6 matching chairs made of the same wood and glass accents. Dappled sunlight fell over us, the glass reflecting tiny speckles and streaks of light over the china set that held our tea. Birds chirped above and around us, their uplifting songs helping the tension flow out of me like a stream. If it wasn't for the 4 mildly frustrated adults and 2 manically giggling sisters that were with me, I would have actually been enjoying myself.

My father was pacing in circles along the patio border, Mr and Mrs Hardinge were sitting together to my left, my mother in front of me, and Josephine and Lauren to my right.

I couldn't help the sigh that escaped me, and I slouched down in my chair. "I'm sorry," I mumbled.

That was a blatant lie. I knew it. Everyone knew it. But if I said it enough times and pretended to mean it, they might let me go out.

Maybe.

"The one thing you don't seem to understand, young man, is that you've got many responsibilities ahead of you! What if you were to speak like that to your future work colleagues, hm? I can assure you that not all of them would be as relaxed about it as Philip!"

I glanced at the aforementioned male. I snorted. He was anything other than relaxed. He looked as wound up as a clock spring. My Hardinge had a cigar in his mouth, and was chewing quite ferociously on the end, all while trying his hardest not to glare at me. He was currently failing.

"And I care about this because..."

"(Y/N)! Show some respect! I want you to apologise this instant, and mean it!" snapped my mother.

I groaned, and leaned back in my chair.

"Stop acting like a child! And Benedict, stand still, for God's sake! You're making me feel queasy!"

There was silence for a few moments as my father continued to pace before deciding that he should stop, and stood behind my mother. They both stared at me expectantly.

Sighing again, I looked Mr Hardinge directly in the eyes, and said in a voice that I hoped was convincing, "I'm terribly sorry sir for offending you last week. I can assure you that it will not happen again, and I hope we can move on from this minor blip in our otherwise good relationship. I do hope you will accept my sincerest apologies."

Mr Hardinge nodded his head, and I uncrossed my fingers.

I didn't care if they believed that I meant it. If I crossed my fingers, then it meant nothing. I wasn't sorry. I just wanted them all off of my back.