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All television shows, movies, books, and other copyrighted material referred to in this work, and the characters, settings, and events thereof, are the properties of their respective owners. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended. References to real persons, places, or events are made in a fictional context, and are not intended to be libelous, defamatory, or in any way factual.
A/N: So this has been in my mind ever since I started watching particularplot bunny kept annoying me until I had decided to do something about 's AU and I see there are lot of good fics which are AU and quite enjoyable. I hope I can live up to their standard and make it enjoyable for you..Constructive reviews are thanks to my Beta " Mahtra " for helping me with this story
She knocked the door twice, not knocked, actually banged would be a correct word here. The rain fell like huge bricks over her as she adjusted her coat and pulled it tighter around her; trying not to let her teeth shatter too much. She wouldn't want them to fall out, would she.
She was still wearing her wedding dress, complete with veil. Though now it was torn and dirty; the rainwater mixed with muddy roads and the grubby pavement of Manchester made streaks of brown and black. She clutched her coat tightly again. Once upon a time her gown had been a pristine white and beautiful to look at and had prompted the admiration from both their sisters upon their arrival.
But sadly the gown was ruined.It was not fit to wear it at all.She loved the gown very much; it was from her favorite couturier; her father paid fortune for this had she known the person who once wore this gown ,she would never would have chosen this gown ,would never asked her father to spare her another penny.
To tell the truth she never knew, that this will be outcome, that she would ever do something like this , something so life altering and she knew if she stayed she would never find solace in this place she had called home for all her life.
So she ran.
And where did she run off? To only person she seeked comfort that would listen to her and promised to her that he will be there for her whenever she needed him.
She closed her eyes and let the knocker fell against the door , the last few hours had been a blur , she did know she took the train to Manchester and she remembered the urgency she felt to seek him out at his house , beyond that she remembered little of past few hours . she had never been to his home , but she had grown fond of it , nevertheless , recoginizing even in her current situation all these deails from his stories .
And now no one was not opening the door.
She grew impatient rained heavily , She was cold and hungry
After her third knock, he answered the doorhimself.
His face was still beautiful she remembered. It were these ice blue eyes and his hair , the color of straw , that she thought of when she ran from her home .
His face showed astonishment .
She knew she looked horrid; her dark hair which oncehad been artfully done up was splayed down with hair , her hair falling out from all the pins and a dirty gown.
She tried to say something , but she could only nod.
"M…Mary?" He spoke after a while.
Again she said nothing; she nodded and braced herself over chill
"Wha-What are you doing here? " oh dear did you run from your wedding ? was an accusatory tone which hit her more than the cold but she didn't blame him.
"Can I come in?" she asked timidlyinstead.
Matthew who was beyond shock .stupefied he took in state of her dress, dirty and wet,before he stood asideand motioned for her come in.
His house was warm . Not just a house but a home .
So warm.
Nevertheless the events of the day had left her more chilled than bitter cold outside had been able .she didn't dare take her coat off . the marks beneath more than she was willing to reveal just then "
"Good God Mary ! , pray tell what made you do this ? you know we are over , you must know that . you really shouldn't have done that !" His voice was quiet and sad , reaching her ears from behind.
She turned her face to Matthew.
Her face turned into a scowl , she felt like to defend herself.
"Not everything revolves around you, you know!"
His face turned ashen, he clearly thought she ran because of him , what a fool he was.
Was this really Matthew , Her cousin Matthew , cold and cruel ? letting his temper get away with him ? she had to remind herself , they were cut from same cloth .
"Then pray tell why do I have the displeasure of you standing in front of my home in yourwedding dress?" Hehissed menecly ,Mary knew he was still hurt, and she didn't blame him.Leading him on and her reluctance to answer him as he withdrawed his proposal due to it was the cruelest game she ever played with him.
He clearly didn't want her did she come here anyway?
Just because they were friends now, didn't mean they were that close. Of course Matthew did promise her, but not this.
She rubbed her forehead. A headache began rising, pulsating in her temples .
She had a long day and she was starting to feel tired.
"Matthew I am sorry, I didn't mean to lash out like that, I just came here, I don't know how and why I think , I need Lavinia "she sounded tired . her words slow as if she was trying to explain a horrible truth to a child .
Matthew's face himself was shocked.
It had always been universal knowledge .Matthew knew it , she knew it , her family knew it , and none of them had been open to idea of Matthew's fiancee . Her grandmother had even gone so far and tried to persuade Matthew to marry Mary instead , but he had been very decisive when he explained to her he could never love Mary like he loved Lavinia . And even though it had been a heavy blow for Mary , she remained stoic .This was her punishment and she accepted it .
"Please let me meet her "she begged.
"NO! his answer was sharp . as he continued his eyes were drawn to rain not once looking at her ." you certainly did enough damage here, you and your grandmother both, you disregard for my feelings and wishes made it all the more clear to me that there is nothing between us anymore. I don't want Lavinia to see you like this , your state in this wedding dress yet unmarried .Iam sure she would despise me and herself , I promised to be a faithful husband and I am not going to give her more reason to doubt us , I ask of you , please leave , leave at once , before she sees you" .
Both were silent, both regretting.
Mary rose to get up when she saw Lavinia's face descending the stairs.
"Mary, are you alright?" her soft and delicate voice touched Mary and suddenly the dam broke and Mary found herself in state of tears
Lavinia rushed to her side. Pushing everything that happened between them and enveloped her with her arms . Guiding her to a chair nearby
It was then Matthew turned to face her.
"Mary, what happened? What did you do? Has he done something to you Mary? Answer me please!" Lavinia regarded Mary the more her concern rose .
"Answer me please!"
The long strands felt dull and grimy to Lavinia's hands as she patted Mary's head soothingly . Feeling her forehead she gasped .
"She is burning up" Lavinia told Matthew.
Matthew who was now very still, got very mobile. He hadn't known Mary was sick.
"Mary, please tell me! what happened? Did you run? What did he do, Mary? "Lavinia spoke once again.
But she couldn't get through to her . Mary was in hysterics , incapable of answering any of Lavinia's questions . The cold and her sobs making her shake frightfully. Matthew rushed to take off her coat , anxious to bring his cousin some comfort and and it last it came off , revealing what was underneath .
It was streaked with blood.
Huge splashes of blood marked her pristine white gown.
Whose blood it was? Was it hers?
For once again in this dreadful day , Matthew received another shock.
He cursed and gripped her shoulders , shaking Mary like a rag doll
"Mary, whose blood is this? Is this yours? What happened?Tell me!"Came a broken plea.
Please God don't let this be what I think it is.
The words came a faintest of whispers but Matthew and Lavinia heard clearly .
"It is Richard's. I killed Richard Carlisle "
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