The wedding reception was at James's house. I was silent throughout the whole carriage ride with him, twiddling my fingers in my lap and gazing fixedly out the window. He attempted to make conversation once or twice, but I could only nod, for I knew I would start crying if I spoke. The memory of Will, standing at the back of the church, filled my head. I felt the sting of guilt pinch at the back of my mind, cruel and unrelenting.

We arrived at my new home. I had seen it many a time throughout my childhood, but I'd never thought I'd end living here. It was a sizable house, bright and airy, and the picket fence was entwined with white and red roses in honour of the occasion.

"The roses, they're lovely" I exclaimed, forgetting my misery for a moment. James beamed at me, and nodded.

"I knew they were your favourite flower" he said, pleased that my mood had changed, albeit only for a brief second. "Shall we go through to the back garden? The other guests will be there" he suggested, holding the gate open for me.

We walked through the house, the sound of the ticking grandfather clock stirring memories from my childhood. I remembered the many times father and I had been here for dinner, and James opening the clock up and showing me how it all worked. I had been fascinated by all the little cogs and wheels, and he had patiently explained the job of each one.

My father was in the garden with the other guests, and bumbled forward to congratulate us. He shook James's hand vigorously, then turned to me. His eyes were watery with suppressed emotion.

"I am so proud of you, Elizabeth" he whispered, taking my hands.

"Thank you" I replied softly, wishing he had been this supportive of Will.

We spent the rest of the day being congratulated by the other guests, and, as each one approached, I would paste on a false smile, and thank them graciously. But all the while, my heart felt as though it were weeping; weeping blood.

The food was perfect; James had remembered all my favourite dishes. He even remembered how I liked the strawberries dipped in white chocolate. I did not feel like eating anything, but as I didn't want to hurt his feelings, I dutifully had a little from every dish. By the end of it all, my stomach was churning.

"Time to cut the cake" came a voice from one of the guests. I gave an imperceptible grimace, but it was promptly wiped off my face when I saw the cake. It wasn't particularly large, but the icing was arranged in a beautifully intricate pattern. Roses again, I noticed with a small smile.

"Shall we?" asked James. I nodded, and reluctantly placed my hand very lightly over his.

It tasted nice enough, but no different to how any ordinary wedding cake should taste. I caught James's eye, and felt myself blushing. It was ridiculous; I'd known him all my life! Except maybe things had changed between us a bit; we were married now, after all.

As the afternoon melted into evening, the guests started to leave, one by one. Soon it was only James, my father and I. Servants that had been hired for the occasion scuttled about, clearing the food and tables away. The sun was just starting to set, sending out beautiful pink rays across the sky. The garden overlooked the sea, and I stood there, admiring the way the many colours were reflected on the ocean. A seagull drifted lazily on the breeze, his snow white wings flapping every now and then to prevent falling.

"Elizabeth?" came my father's voice. He had been talking to James a few feet away from me, and now stood at my side, a worried look on his face. "I must go now…I trust you will be alright?" he asked, suddenly appearing upset about losing me. I could have scoffed in his face; it was a bit late now. But instead I forced my mouth into the same smile I had been doing all afternoon.

"I'll be fine, father. But you will visit tomorrow?" I asked, keeping my voice level and pleasant. I didn't want him to know how I truly felt, how badly I didn't want him to leave me.

"Of course, of course" he said. He cleared his throat, and nodded at James. "Take care of her" he said shortly.

"I'll show you out, Governor" said James, leading my father away from me; the last of my childhood, the last of my old life.

"Daddy" I whispered brokenly, my voice choked with pain. I turned to look out over the sea again, determined that no one but the sea gull should be witness to my tears. The grass on the cliff top nearby swayed slightly in the breeze. The air was growing cooler; making way for nightfall.

A few moments later, I heard footsteps on the patio. I turned to see James, his face a mask of awkwardness.

"Do you want to go inside?" he asked hesitantly. I turned back to the sea, watching the last dieing rays.

"I'll come in in a moment" I replied.

I stood for a while longer, and gave a small gasp of delight. A group of dolphins were leaping along the shore, their blue-grey fins glistening with sea water. "If only I were free like you" I murmured sadly.

A/N: Aaarrgghh I keep putting off the wedding night. I've never done M-rated before!! If someone could give me some tips, I would be eternally grateful! I don't want to do anything too smutty- just sweet.