Would You Be Mine?

9. Gone

Harry held the door open to allow Rosalie to enter the manor.

Brushing the snowflakes off her arms and shoulders, Rosalie thanked Harry and began to make her way to the main sitting room, grateful the fire was already stoked and roaring away.

As they hung up their winter coats before entering, Penelope watched them as she slowly descended the staircase.

She continued to watch the happy couple now standing in front of the fireplace, Harry holding Rosalie's hands between his, rubbing them furiously to take the chill off them.

Penelope watched as a quiet anger began building inside her as Harry rested his forehead against Rosalie's.

She seethed as a seemingly invisible bubble encased them and they were in their own little world, their own little utopia.

She let out a gasp as she noted the glittering diamond on Rosalie's left hand.

He really had proposed.

It wasn't all in her mind.

Not her imagination.

Rosalie had taken her Harry.

She must have been louder than she realised as they both turned and looked at her as she neared them.

A bright smile instantly plastered on her face.

"What are you two so happy about?" she asked innocently.

Harry could not contain his joy, while Rosalie merely offered a more restrained, polite smile.

"I've asked Rosalie to marry me and she's accepted!" Harry said excitedly, "and I could not be any happier!"

As Penelope neared, Rosalie could not help but take a step closer to Harry.

Quite simply, she did not trust her.

"Well that is just the most marvellous news! Rosalie I am just delighted for you...for both of you," she said.

"Thank you, Penelope, that means a lot," Rosalie replied in a polite tone.

"As soon as tonight is over, we shall begin preparations at once for our wedding, what do you say love?" Harry said.

"Of course..." Rosalie replied.

"If that is what..." Penelope said.

Both women stopped as quickly as they had started together.

"You meant Rosalie of course, silly me," Penelope said in embarrassment.

"But I am quite sure Rosalie will need as much assistance as you can give her, is that not right my love?" Harry said to Rosalie.

My god, if he calls her 'love' one more time I shall simply lose my breakfast, Penelope thought.

"Absolutely, if Penelope can spare the time," Rosalie replied smiling at Harry.

Smug little bitch, Penelope thought, but not for long.

"May I see the ring Rosalie dear?" Penelope asked.

Rosalie hesitated slightly before holding her hand out.

Penelope walked towards Rosalie and Harry, suddenly tripping on the rug and stumbling.

Right towards Rosalie.

As Rosalie felt Penelope grasp her by the arms, she saw a small smirk on her face and her eyes narrow as she pushed her backwards towards the fire, letting go as she fell to the ground.