Uptown Girl

8

"What do you mean Sebastian knows?" Y/N quickly turned to face Charles after he delivered the shocking news.

Charles and Y/N had snuck out to the vast garden behind the L/N estate for a late night picnic. To Charles, it was the perfect opportunity to bring up what the head butler had brought to his attention. Not only that, but he did want to ask, or confront, his dear Y/N about any future plans.

"Listen, Y/N, he already told me he won't tell your father. Assuming he's known all along, then we wouldn't be talking to each other, right? I believe him." Charles did trust in Sebastian, as creepy as he was. "However, that's not the only thing I wanted to talk to you about."

Y/N focused her attention on Charles after they had finished their food. With the news regarding Sebastian, Y/N didn't really think things could get weirder. "What is it, Charles? Don't tell me you come bearing more bad news." She smiled at him, but she became slightly concerned when he didn't smile back. Instead, his expression read hesitant.

The weight of her expectant gaze made Charles all the more hesitant to ask his question. If he asked, would she be offended? Would she come clean to her dad? He swallowed back his worry and looked back at Y/N. "Y/N, darling, what am I to you?"

Y/N sighed in relief. She rolled her eyes and pinched his arm jokingly. "You had me worried for second, Charles." She kissed his cheek and shook her head just barely. "You're my partner, my beau, and my guard. Why do you ask?"

"That's not what I mean, Y/N", Charles sighed. "You know in the following week you and your parents will be attending another soirée. Your father has told me they'll be able to meet other eligible suitors for you."

"Right. The party next week." Y/N set her teacup down and fiddled with the frayed ends of the picnic blanket. "I don't want to go, Charles."

"But you have to", Charles retorted.

"I have to." Y/N shrugged. "I don't want to, but I have to. Unless I contract some illness that forces me to remain in bed, then I suppose I'll have to go." She joked.

Charles wasn't smiling.

"Y/N, be realistic. You're of that age to find a suitable partner and your parents will want you to marry. Sooner or later, they'll start to suspect something. I'm asking you now to avoid any problems later- do you have a future for us in mind?"

Y/N avoided looking at Charles. Instead, she focused on the imaginary crumbs on the pale blue fabric of her dress or the tiny ants that crawled on the blanket. She was quiet and the subtle sound of chirping crickets and buzzing insects suddenly became mildly overwhelming.

"I never really thought of a future with us."

Soon after the words had escaped her, Y/N realized the mistake in her phrasing. "Wait. Charles, that isn't what I meant."

Charles wasn't having it. "If you can't see us having a future then it's best to not continue this. Your place is next to some wealthy man who will provide for you and that your father approves of. Don't waste your time or mine." With that, Charles stood up and began gathering their things.

"So you're just ending this? You know I care about you, Charles. You're being ridiculous", she exclaimed.

Charles scoffed. "No, Miss Y/N, what's ridiculous is being strung along on the whims of some spoiled girl. Now, it's best you head back to the manor and get to your room. Surely, Sebastian will make sure you make it there with your parents being none the wiser."

"Charles, won't you please list-"

Charles looked up at Y/N with a coldness Y/N didn't know existed. "Now."