White Knight
Pippa Cross has waited for a white knight her entire life. She wants someone who can understand her, who will sweep her off her feet and carry her away from her mother's endless demands and the continual parade of doddering old suitors that Pippa despises. But the white knight never comes. And she finds herself relying more and more on Fee, darling Fee, to drag her away from her suitors with a bright smile and an excuse whenever it all begins to overwhelm Pippa. And she is glad for that.
Maybe that's why Pippa doesn't say anything when Fee confesses to her. She just sits there, lost in thought. Because, after all, it was Fee who always understood, always helped her. But Pippa doesn't know what to think, what to feel anymore. She just sits, silent, until Fee can't take it anymore.
"If you don't want to talk to me any more, I can just leave," she says softly. Neither of them makes any attempt to move.
Then Pippa gets up and goes over to Fee. She slides her hand on top of Fee's, gently linking their fingers. Fee is nothing like the white knight Pippa imagined. But maybe, she thinks, just maybe, that doesn't matter any more.