Chapter 3

Emma was completely shaking the next day, especially when duck came around. The gown she was wearing was the best one she had, a dark blue silk to bring out her yes. The only thing she could think of for her hair was a simple braid.

Her youngest sister, Susan, was helping her as much as possible.

"You ready, sissy? It's almost time to go downstairs!"

"I know." She replied, still nervous.

Suddenly, her door burst open and her older sister, Janet, came stomping into the room.

She stood behind her; arms crossed, and eyes shooting daggers. "Father demands that you go downstairs. Now."

Emma sighed and turned towards her sister. "What have I done now, Janet? Why are you so angry with me?"

She gave a fake laugh." You know this man is only courting you out of pity! He has no real interest in you!"

"That's a lie!" Susan said, jumping in front of her sister.

Emma appreciated her sister's help, but knew she was no match for her older sister. Although Janet was pretty, she still had a plain look about her. And an aura that radiated nothing but darkness.

Janet looked at Susan like she was nothing but a bug. "Move, you little urchin!"

Emma stood at the comment. "You will not speak to her that way! Leave my room immediately!"

Janet grunted and headed towards the door. "Just remember, Emmaline, father only has six daughters. Not seven!" She slammed the door shut behind her.

Emma winced at the words. She knew better than to react to them, but those words still hurt to hear. Especially knowing her father had actually said them.

A few moments later, Emma and Susan were walking down the stairs to the front hall, where her father and Janet were waiting. Once halfway down, Emma had a dizzy spell and stumbled a couple of steps.

"Sissy! Are you alright?" Susan asked alarmed, grabbing her arm

"I'm fine. Just nerves." She replied, standing.

Janet snickered. "Maybe we should just tell him she's sick, Father, and save you the embarrassment."

Emma took a deep breath and finished her way down the stairs, desperate to prove she was just fine.

Her father took her arm, but the feeling was cold.

"Father? Are you alright?" She asked lightly.

He grunted and led her towards the door.

Last night had not gone well for him, and he was just fine blaming her. Eric, once leaving the garden, had only talked to her father long enough to tell him he would be courting Emma, and that we was coming back tomorrow night to take her out.

But her father had a part to play, so he said nothing to object to it.

A moment later, they were standing outside, and a large black carriage pulled in front of the house.

Eric stepped out looking even more handsome than the night before. Now, his hair was slicked back, and he was dressed completely in black.

She blushed when he smiled at her.

"Are you ready, Emma?" He asked with his hand out to her, a gently invitation.

"Go on, Emma!" Her father said, lightly pushing her. He was acting, and they both knew it. His eyes were still full of hatred.

Emma gently took his hand and they both got in the carriage, and sped off.

Her father grunted and went back inside to have Janet stomp in front of him.

"Why does she get to go!" She demanded. "I'm the oldest! The prettiest! You always told me so!"

Her father faced her, red faced. "Because he demanded it! And we need the money! So if he wants my sickly daughter, he can have her! Especially if it gets her out of my house! She will be his problem then!" She stomped off to his study to leave Janet fuming.

Neither of them saw Susan at the top of the stairs.

…

Emma sat back in the carriage, still nervous. She had never been taken out before, and had no idea how to act.

She jumped when he spoke to her.

"Do you enjoy the theatre?"

"I have never been to the theatre." As much as she wanted to go, her father refused, saying she was to weak to even stay awake.

He smiled. "Well, I hope you enjoy your first experience."

She blushed and turned to look out the window. Emma hadn't been to town since she was about three. It was interesting for her to see nothing had really changed.

They finally pulled in front of the theatre and Eric stepped out and held his hand out to her.

"Ready?" He asked, his smile never fading.

Emma gently grabbed his hand and he led them both inside the theatre.

The theatre was enormous to Emma. A giant chandelier hung above them on the high ceiling, which alone had many works art painted across the ceiling. Two large staircases led to the top of the theatre.

Eric led Emma to one of the staircases. About halfway up the stairs, Emma lost her footing and tumbled down a couple of steps, leaving her dizzy and lightheaded.

"Emma! Are you alright!" Eric said, catching her before she could tumble down more steps.

Emma was breathing deep, trying to get her strength back.

"I-I'm fine. I'm sorry…" Emma's face was red again. Both from embarrassment and from lack of breathe.

Eric gently helped Emma to her feet and held her until her breathing became normal again.

Tears were filling her eyes.

"Emma, stop." Eric commanded lightly. "It's nothing."

"It's not nothing…" Emma said lightly. "I'm nothing but an embarrassment."

Emma tried to pull away from him but he wouldn't allow it.

"Emma, I'm proud to have you on my arm. You're hardly an embarrassment."

She sighed and allowed him to begin leading her up the stairs again. This time at a slower pace.

When they finally reached box five, Emma was out of breath again, and sat immediately. Eric sat next to her, and took her hands in his.

"Would you like some wine?" He gently asked.

Emma shook her head, trying to gain control of herself. She was shaking.

"Emma, how often does this happen?"

She flushed. "Every once in a while. It goes away after a few moments."

Eric watched as Emma lifted herself to sit properly in the chair.

How much pain does she go through? He thought. He wondered if perhaps his blood would make her stronger.

Emma finally looked over at him. "We don't have to stay. You can take me home if you want."

He shook his head, smiling. "The night is hardly over. I promised you a night you would never forget."

Before she could reply, the light went down and the show began.

…

Emma couldn't stop smiling as Eric led her out of the box. The play had been wonderful, and she hoped to return again soon.

Once Emma reached the stairs with Eric, Emma tensed.

"Emma, its' alright." Eric said gently at her side. "We can go at your pace."

She nodded and began to walk down the stairs. Emma made it halfway when she got the dizzy spell and was forced to sit on the step.

Eric knelt down next to her. "Are you alright?"

Emma nodded and tried to stand. Eric held her down. "Take it easy, Emma. Wait until you know you can."

She nodded and took a few deep breaths.

"Young lady," An elderly woman said, walking down past her. "You are in the way!"

Emma looked away while Eric glared at her. The lady quickly moved her way down the stairs, startled by the look.

Emma took a deep breath and slowly stood up. Eric took her arm and led her out of the theater.

….

Emma was still smiling in the carriage. Despite the embarrassment she went thru, she still loved her time at the theatre.

"Are you taking me home now?" She asked after a while.

He smiled. "There's one more place I want to take you tonight."

Suddenly, the carriage stopped. Eric got out to reveal a deep forest.

"Eric? Where are we?" Her voice gave away that she was nervous.

He held out his hand to her. "trust me?"

She took his hand and let him lead her to the forest.

After a few minutes of walking, she started shivering.

"Eric? Please, where are we?"

"Just a moment longer." He whispered.

Finally, she saw an opening ahead. Eric led her out to the clearing and pointed to the sky.

Emma gasped.

Stars. Millions of then covered the sky and there wasn't a cloud in sight.

"It's.. its beautiful!" Emma exclaimed

Eric chuckled. "I thought you would like the view."

Emma let go of his hand and walking further out, unable to believe this was real.

Eric let her enjoy the view for a moment, then walked towards her.

"Emma." She turned to face him with tears in her eyes. Eric was surprised, but before he could say anything, she hurried to him and embraced him.

"Thank you!" she said, burying her head in his chest.

He quickly wrapped his arms around her and rested his head against hers, enjoying the moment.

Finally, after what seemed like hours, he pulled away from her.

"Emma, I have another gift for you."

Emma smiled and shook her head. "You've given me enough. This night alone will last me a lifetime."

Hardly. He thought. I'm not nearly done giving you happiness.

He pulled large velvet box out of his jacket. "I found something that made me think of you. I knew you had to have it."

He opened the bow and Emma froze.

It was a large hairpin but what made Emma more excited about it was it was a rose. A large metal rose with golden leaves.

Emma felt her tears start to fall down her face as Eric pulled the pin out if the box and put it in her hair.

Sniffling, Emma said "It doesn't exactly match my dress."

Eric chuckled. "But it matches YOU perfectly."

Emma smiled at him.

"Besides," Eric continued, "I can always get you a dress that matches."

Emma shook her head. "This is more than enough. You've been to kind to me already."

"I haven't even begun to be kind to you. Just wait until next time."

Emma smiled sadly and looked at the sky. "Will there be a next time?"

"Of course."

Emma looked at him. "Please don't do this to get back at my father."

He tilted his head to the side. "Do what, Emma?"

"Court me. I know you have no intention of doing more than this, and it's all right. My father gets the point."

Eric sighed. "You really think I'm doing all this to anger your father?"

"That and maybe you felt pity for me."

Eric shook his head. "I feel pity for no one except stupid fools who treat tier loved ones like garbage." And anyone who ever tries to hurt you because they will suffer greatly.

Emma smiled again. "Thank you for the night Eric. I hope you find your bride soon."

Eric wanted to slap his face in frustration. She really doesn't get it!

Eric walked up to Emma. "You really believe I court you just out of pity?"

Emma looked away and gave him his answer.

"Fine. Lets skip all this and get to the part I like most!" Eric said. Taking her hand.

Emma looked at him, confused.

Eric dropped to his knee. "Marry me, Emmaline."

….

More coming soon! Hopefully more later today. I get to stay home all day and bake a turkey! Yum! ^_^