New York, Summer, 1921 . Your new neighbor across the lake is the mysterious bachelor , Dutch. His reputation for excess and extravagant parties precede him in the prohibition era. But after an invitation to one of his soirees, you discover your...
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Richard thankfully passed out when you and Harrison got him home, but not before a heated argument fueled by gin and jealousy.
"You'll not be alone with that man ever again, Violet!" Richard roared. His volume made the crystal shake in the chandelier. Harrison helped you drag him up the stairs to the bedroom. The apprehension floating about your cousin was palpable. He struggled with whether to say something, but feared Richard nearly as much as you.
"Richard, it's my fault. I only meant to leave Vi for a second to get a drink," Harrison said and you cast him a thankful glance for his lie.
"But Maribel just had her claws into you!' you gave a forced laugh and Harrison blushed all the way to his toes. Richard grumbled and staggered through the bedroom door. He hit the dresser hard and your china dish full of rings tumbled to the floor with a crash. You winced as it shattered against the wood, sending shards of your family heirloom all over the place.
"Dammit, Richard," you said without thinking. You stooped to pick up the pieces and he backhanded you across the face. You fell over onto you bottom. Your hand flew to your face with a gasp. Harrison rushed over to you.
"Richard!" he shouted in horror.
Richard's face crumbled into as many pieces as your heirloom.
"I'm sorry, Vi. I'm so sorry," he started blubbering and reached out for you. Harrison pushed his arm away and helped you up.
"I'm alright," you said to Harrison, holding onto his arm, "I'm alright."
"Violet, sweetie, I didn't mean to," Richard continued to ramble on with incoherent apologies. You ignored him and helped him settle into bed. It was all the same things you've heard before. He was sorry. He'll never do it again. You just pushed his button so and you know his temper!
His head barely touched the pillow before he was out cold and snoring loudly.
Harrison stood in the doorway absolutely stricken.
"Violet?" he looked at you questioningly.
"I'm alright, Harrison. Go to sleep," you said and shut the door before he could say another word. You couldn't stand the pity in his eyes.
As much as you loved your cousin, no amount of explaining would get through to him. He was, after all, also a man.
The sun was unforgivable the next day. You sat out on the terrace with Harrison, sipping lemonade and nibbling on cucumber sandwiches. Richard left for the city that morning, but not before presenting you with a emerald studded bracelet.
"I was going to save this for your birthday, but I couldn't resist, " he said. No doubt his failure to resist was coupled with guilt for striking you the night before. Every mark you earned from Richard's beatings was always rewarded with jewelry. Your cabinet was simply overflowing.
You reached for your glass and the sun caught the emeralds, casting an eerie green light along the tablecloth. It made you think of fairies and magic and stories of princes galloping on magnificent steeds. You longed for the days when you still believed in that sort of thing. But you were no longer a child and princes go to war.
*******
"What will I do without you?" you cried into Tom's chest. Your whole family stood on the platform to say their goodbyes.
"You are going to be just fine without me," Tom pulled away and held your face in his hands.
"Violet, you're so brilliant and strong, you don't need me or your father. Don't you understand that? You're fire and fury." he continued with so much passion in his words, you felt that fire inside you, "My vivacious Violet."
Then he kissed you with all the strength he had left. You felt you heart buckle beneath it, unable to bear the burden of such love. It was all consuming, full of hopes and dreams, of futures and promises of things to come. It was just like the stories. He would return from battling the dragon and you would live happily ever after. But you were no damsel. That would not do. That's not what he taught you. You would be his queen.
When you pulled your lips away, Tom's face was stained with tears. You kissed each and every one of them from his face. You savored the saltiness on your lips and gave him a comforting smile.
"I love you, Tom Holland," you whispered.
He kissed you again and the train whistled.
********
The doorbell rang, startling you from your thoughts. Harrison flashed you a look of concern. You were noticeably on edge. It was only becoming clear to him why you were always so jumpy. Last night was just a peek into what you've endured this past year with Richard.
"Who could that be?" you asked Harrison and he suddenly turned a shade of crimson.
"Well, I uh...I invited M over for tea." he stammered.
"Maribel? Did you now?" you teased with a sly smile. Harrison's perspiration had nothing to do with the August sun after all.
Your butler approached the table.
"Miss, there's a Mr. Parker calling for you."
You frowned and glanced at Harrison.
"I don't know a Mr. Parker," you said shaking your head.
Harrison jumped up excitedly.
"Yes you do, Vi.," Harrison said in a tone that made you feel like some Dumb Dora.
