Disclaimer: I own many things but the Twilight series is not one of them. All rights are deserved to Stephenie Meyers
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Love in Affliction
Chapter Four: The Opera
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December 21, 1895
Twilight had soon approached the dismal skies of London, but the promise of life had still lingered. Alice twirled and curtsied in front of her mirror. Her wild, curly hair spilled down her back like a stream of black. She made a face at the mirror. "I looked completely washed out," she whined softly.
"Pinch your cheeks to regain some color," Bella offered as she looped the pearl buttons of her kid gloves on. "Come now and let me tame your hair."
Alice snickered like a small child and obeyed. "Have I thanked you yet for attending the opera with me tonight?"
"Only one and twenty times," Bella muttered as she pinned the unruly mess of ringlets. She placed a long white feather in Alice's hair to accent the fashion. "But I still shant forgive you."
"Oh don't be so dour Bells!" Alice pouted into the mirror at her friend, her lower lip jutting out childishly.
Bella frowned at Alice's personal use of a nickname. "Don't start with me."
"It won't be as horrible as you are making it out to be!"
"No. It will be far worse." She placed a few more of Alice's curls in place. "It will be even more unbearable if Sir Cullen is present."
Alice rolled her eyes. "So the man fancies you—personally I find his attempts at courting the tenacious Isabella Marie Swan rather funny."
"There is no existence of such courting," Bella exclaimed wildly. "Sir Cullen is merely using every fiber in his being to prove a point."
"What point might that be?"
"That he can get anything he wants," Bella growled sourly. "The man had the nerve of saying he could have me even if I rejected him—"
"Hold your tongue just one moment!" Alice gasped, her eyes wide with shock. "You rejected him?"
Bella scoffed. "There really wasn't much to reject. Sir Cullen was being a down right flirt and chanted petty sonnets and feeble confessions of love." She finished with Alice's hair and stared at her reflection sternly. "Nothing more."
Alice pursed her lips and then spoke. "How very…peculiar."
"Finally you agree—"
"Heavens no!" Alice laughed. "I've known Edward for quite some time and never has he resorted to poetry and versus—" she paused and then continued. "Was he the one who sent the rose?"
"Yes," Bella sighed relentlessly.
"I knew it!" Alice squealed with happiness. "Edward is incandescently besotted!"
"Besotted with himself? Of course. Even I knew that."
"Don't jest!" Alice grasped Bella's hands within hers. "He is infatuated with you."
"Come off it!" Bella shouted hysterically. "As if one such as himself could fall in love with me…as if anyone could fall in love with me. I am nothing special," she whispered to herself. "Nothing to fuss over."
"Oh hush now Isabella." Alice wrapped her arms around Bella to comfort her dearest friend. "You are special. You are someone to be fussed over. Don't be so harsh on yourself."
"Thank you Alice," Bella murmured quietly. "But I stand by what I said about Sir Cullen. He is merely chasing after the first skirt he finds."
"Oh-ho!" Alice giggled with amusement. "Someone is oozing with cynicism."
Bella smiled faintly. "Aren't I always?"
"Indeed," Alice said petulantly. "And said cynicism blinds you from love."
"Alice…"
"What?" she chimed innocently. "Such wooing deserves some attention."
Bella raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you quite the consort?" She upturned her nose with a smirk. "Very well then. I see you desire two Cullen men instead of one. For shame!"
Alice giggled furiously. "You are quite naughty today Bella."
"Only to keep your spirits up and away from my personal life."
"So now Edward is your personal life?"
"You are infuriating!"
"And yet you still appease me so," Alice teased her friend mercilessly.
Clairice walked in on the conversation with a smile. "Why, don't you two look just lovely."
"Thank you." Responded the girls congenially.
"Well come along. The boys are waiting for you two dears."
Clairice, Alice, and Bella walked out of the room and descended the staircase gracefully and were greeted by Jasper and Edward. Jasper tipped his head towards the girls and smiled. "Miss Brandon, Miss Swan may I say you two look quite breathtaking." He held out his hand for Alice and placed a chaste kiss on her knuckles.
"You look rather handsome yourself," Alice replied boldly. "And you look almost presentable Edward."
"How I missed your sharp wit," Edward said dryly. He then turned to Bella and shot her a playful smirk. "Miss Swan, your beauty is indescribable. Shall I write you a pretty sonnet?"
"How very cliché of you," Bella replied, clearly not amused by Edward's attempted humor.
Clairice smiled. "I will excuse myself. I wish you all the best of time." She gave a small bow and walked towards her sitting room.
Jasper escorted Alice out of the room while chatting happily with her. Edward held out his hand for Bella. "Shall we?"
Bella took his hand begrudgingly. "You really need to mind your tongue Sir Cullen."
"What is the fun in censoring our every word?" Edward replied, slipping his fingers through Bella's. He gave her a gentle squeeze and remained adamant when she tried to pull away. "Come now love, do not be harsh with me."
"I am not nor will I ever be your love!" Bella glared at him and climbed into the carriage with Edward following. He sat from across her and shot her a small wink.
Bella huffed and slapped her fan on her knees roughly. Upon witnessing the tension, Alice sent her friend a fleeting look and then returned to her beau's attention once more. The carriage ride consisted of Alice and Jasper's incessant chattering while Bella bent her head down and stared directly into her lap. Said uncomfortable rigidity could have been avoided if it were not for Edward's green eyes boring at Bella's direction.
"We've arrived guv," the coach said as he opened the door.
Jasper thanked him and climbed out of the carriage and was followed by Edward, Alice, and Bella. Once Alice stepped out she couldn't contain the squeal that erupted from her throat.
"It is all so bourgeoisie!"
Edward chuckled. "Nice to see you have maintained your French. Now what is all the fuss about? You've been to the opera loads of times."
"Yes, but being in Brighton is like being in a prison." Alice spun once and smiled up at the lit up sign.
"Come now dear," Jasper laughed, enjoying his fiancée's good nature.
"What about you Miss Swan?" Edward asked, his eyes dancing with glee. "Are you not happy to escape the prison of Brighton?"
"From one prison to another." Bella nodded towards Edward and hid a smile.
"Oh you are a naughty girl. How shall I punish you? Hm." Edward tapped a finger to his chin and cocked an eyebrow. "Perhaps I shall have to give you a kiss of purity to rid your body of those wicked demons."
"How very bold you are Edward."
"Only to please you Isabella."
"How I loathe you," Bella murmured. "If you must call me by a name, then call me Bella."
Edward grinned broadly. "So you are fond of me now?"
"What ever are you talking about?"
"I distinctly remember earlier today that you said only people you are fond of call you Bella," he replied brusquely. "First step fondness, next step matrimony…"
"Ugh. You are completely absurd."
"Call me Don José and I shall call you Carmen."
"Your anecdote to the opera was quite poor."
"I work with what I have." Edward jutted out his lower lip childishly and blinked. "You've been to the opera Miss Swan?"
Bella shrugged and walked ahead of Edward. "I saw Carmen last holiday with my mother and father in France. Quite a beautiful show."
"Yes, beautiful indeed…" Edward stared at Bella a little longer than necessary and then continued. "I've seen this opera thrice, so how about we go elsewhere?"
"No," Bella snapped. She frowned at Edward's amused expression and sighed. "Why must you be so persistent?"
"Why must you be so resistant?"
"Because I refuse to be one of them!"
Edward raised an eyebrow. "One of whom?"
Bella whipped out her fan to cover up the unpleasant blush that was creeping up her neck. "Forget I said anything."
Before Edward could get a decent answer, Alice and Jasper waved the two over towards another pair of people. Bella put away her fan and sighed in relief, but she grimaced upon seeing new people.
"Ah, now here comes Edward." Jasper said.
Bella watched as Edward shook the dark haired man's hand and kissed the blonde woman on her cheek while placing a hand on her full stomach. Alice beckoned her friend over with a wave of the hand, and Bella obliged.
"May I present my friend Miss Isabella Swan. She is staying with my family for the holidays," Alice chimed respectfully. "Bella, this is Sir Emmett McCarty and his wife Lady Rosalie McCarty."
Bella gave a respectful curtsy and smiled meekly. "Wonderful to make your acquaintance."
Emmett chuckled and grinned down at Bella. "So this is the young lady who has captured Edward's heart."
"Oh dear me," Bella muttered, her face reddening at his comment.
Upon hearing his name, Edward narrowed his eyes at Jasper. He then directed a soft look at Bella and nodded up at Emmett. "She is a wicked one. She does not give her heart in return."
Rosalie's ears perked up at the speech, and she smiled at Bella with interest. "Is this true Miss Swan? Has Edward's charm had no effect on you?"
"He is quite the jester," Bella started as everyone stared at her with curiosity. "Sir Cullen enjoys playing games."
"Quite right you are!" Rosalie beamed and looped her arm through Bella's. "How modest you are, but I must applaud you on keeping Edward waiting. He is very—"
"—spoiled. Yes, we know," Edward said dryly.
"I see you have been well informed." Rosalie laughed and bowed her head at Jasper. "Good show."
"And I as well," Alice laughed jauntily.
Emmett checked his pocket watch and winked over at Edward. "As much as I love teasing Edward—heavens know it is healthy for him—the show will be starting soon."
"Shall we make our way to the box?" Jasper suggested as he pulled out his tickets.
Rosalie sighed and began to fan herself. "Poor Amelia. She tried to persuade me in allowing her to attend."
"I do miss her." Alice pouted. "Such an adorable young girl."
"Yes. Where is the monster any how?" Edward asked while giving his ticket to the usher.
"With her governess." Rosalie walked through the open curtain and took her seat next to her husband.
"In all fairness, I made her a deal," Emmett said while taking his wife's hand. "I told her that if she could stay up until the time we left, that she could join us."
Rosalie smiled gently and placed her other hand upon her stomach. "She fell asleep hours ago."
The theater was hushed to silence as the main curtains drew open. A gypsy appeared on the stage and so began the music and the night. The opera drew on for four acts until the final scene finished.
"How sad," Alice cried tearfully as the curtain closed on the last scene. Everyone rose from their seats and walked out into the talking area. "Very bittersweet."
"Should I expect a stab in the heart very soon Sir Cullen?" Bella whispered so only Edward could hear.
Edward smiled wryly and shook his head. "Never. I'd rather take my own life than take yours."
"Are you two done with your lover's quarrel?" Emmett asked, amused.
"Well now that you rudely interrupted us, yes, we are." Edward smiled at his friend. "Are you taking leave?"
"Rose is feeling a wee bit weary and we want to get back to Amelia." Emmett clasped Edward's hand and gave him a brotherly hug. "Be good to this one Edward. She seems right for you," he whispered lowly.
Edward merely nodded and then turned to Rosalie. He gave her a kiss on the cheek and smiled. "Not long now."
"Yes." Rosalie rubbed her stomach gently. "I say another week or so."
"Don't over exert yourself!" Edward scolded. He placed his hand over her stomach tenderly and smiled. "I don't want my niece or nephew getting hurt, nor you dear cousin."
Rosalie smiled and nodded, following her husband to their carriage. Alice and Jasper waited in the carriage for their friends patiently, but the night seemed to take no notice. Edward turned towards Bella and winked. "So how was prison?"
"Not as bad as I thought it would be," Bella laughed softly.
"Well—"
"I dare say, is that you Cullen?"
Edward's eyes met that of another man. He raised his eyebrows slightly while clenching is jaw. "Dublin."
"I see time is doing you well Viscount," the man commented, his sapphire blue eyes sparkling. He then turned towards Bella and gave her a pleasant smile. "How do you do? I am Nicholas Dublin."
"Isabella Swan." Bella stared at Nicholas with intrigue.
Edward frowned as he caught their interaction. "I thought you were elsewhere for business."
"Strangest thing," Nicholas said, running a hand through his jet-black hair. "It seems as if my meetings were transferred to London. I've just finished witnessing the brilliance that is Carmen with my mother and father. How fairs your estate Viscount?"
"I'm not a Viscount," Edward growled lowly. He did not like to be reminded of his late father's title. "The estate is well."
"Yes," Nicholas said slowly. "Is Miss Swan any relation of yours?"
"Oh no!" Bella squeaked. "I'm actually staying with the Brandon's for the holiday. Miss Brandon and I attend Brighton Academy."
"How very interesting. I recently saw Lord Brandon coming from parliament," Nicholas remarked. He smiled warmly at Bella and tipped his hat. "Perhaps I shall give you a call—if said proposition is alright with you."
"Y-yes," Bella stuttered foolishly. She blushed and hid herself with her fan once again.
Edward's frown deepened. "Bella and I have to leave."
Nicholas blinked, raising an eyebrow at Edward's tone. "So it would seem. Good day," he replied smoothly, tipping his hat towards the two, and walked away.
Edward took Bella's hand and led her to the carriage, anger pumping in his veins. Before they got inside, Edward stared at Bella sincerely. "Miss Swan, would you mind terribly if you could accompany me while I do my last bouts of Christmas shopping? I have horrible taste when it comes to shopping for women."
Bella bit her lip. "I'm not so sure. Tomorrow is such a busy day—"
"Then the next perhaps?"
"I do not think that is the best idea."
Edward sighed. "Two friends shopping is a spiffing idea."
"Friends?" Bella raised an eyebrow.
"For now," he replied with a wink. "Now. Tell me what you were speaking about earlier."
"What?"
"Don't be naïve. I did not forget." Edward blocked her entrance to the carriage and smirked. "What did you mean by not wanting to be one of them?"
She pursed her lips and frowned. "I told you to forget that."
"Do I have to do something indecent?" Edward groaned.
"Fine." Bella twisted the fabric of her gown, hesitantly staring up at Edward. "I refuse to fall for your charm because I do not wish to be just another girl whom you pass along. I do not want to be one of the many whom you woo and drop at the next second."
Edward blinked. His eyebrows furrowed as he let out an angry breath. "And this is your opinion of me?"
"Sir Cullen—"
"Thank you Miss Swan," Edward snapped angrily. "Thank you for a wonderful evening." He then turned and got into the carriage without saying another word.
Bella stared at him in shock and followed him into the carriage.
Silence never had better company.
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"You are terrible Edward," Jasper scolded, shaking his head with disappointment. He loosened his tie and poured himself a glass of gin. "How do you live with yourself?"
"I do recall you being my partner in crime not so long ago," Edward remarked haughtily. "Besides, my plan will work."
"Yes, but faking anger? I'm sure you have scared Miss Swan off for good. She was not really fond of you anyway."
Edward smiled. "Miss Swan's heart is far too big. The girl is compassionate and yet obstinate and has a guilty conscious. The fact that I'm using her guilt as a weapon is completely just."
Jasper rolled his eyes. "Just you wait Edward. One day you will gamble something more infinitely precious and lose everything."
"Well aren't you quite the optimist. No, you won't have to worry about me dear cousin." Edward drained his glass of scotch. "I do not intend on losing—not at all."
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Authoress Note: Hey all! I am sorry that I delayed the chapter, but trust me, I would have rather written out the whole story than study. I've been studying like crazy for all my college exams and I still have to study but I felt guilty. I promised that I would update at least once a week and I will keep to my word! Thank you all for the support. Your reviews just mean SO much to me.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask them in your reviews/PM me. Thanks again to all the Beta offers. Again, if you have a request for a story and you would like me to write it, just tell me and I would be HAPPY to write it for you.
Much love.
