Heyo everyone! A longer update! Angst is gonna go down. Reviews are very welcome! :3

I still own nothing, only the story. :)


March 1906

I had returned that evening with an overwhelming sense of ease and comfort within me. Mother seemed to sense it too. I daren't explain to her what had gone on between me and Thomas - I could barely explain it to myself! But, Lord, how I was in love! I don't think I've ever been so... struck, by someone. I wanted to pour my affections out to every soul who ventured near! I felt as though I would never be happy again unless I could spend every waking moment in his presence and his embrace.

But with my great love for Thomas came a necessity to be patient. I was constantly counting down to the second I could be with him next. We had constant letters sent to each other, making us one bit closer to each other every time we did meet. I was pleased in knowing that tonight I would get to spend time with both him and his family at the dinner I was attending later on. My mother would also be going.

We departed from the house at about 4pm. The sky was slowly descending into dusk. I wore a pale blue gown, embellished with beads of sea green. My hair was swept up, and around my neck hung a long silver necklace adorned by little charms. Mother on the other hand, wore a silky black dress, trimmed with white lace. Her dark hair was pinned closely to her head, in tradition of the previous century.

The fresh green lawn and blossoming flowers on approaching the Andrews family home, Ardara, was a comforting sight. Mother kept me closely at bay, and as the great doors flew open in greeting I was thankful, for I felt like simply running into the building and never leaving the occupants' presence.

A servant met us at the door, and brought us quickly through to the sitting room, where everyone was arranged. "Oh, Mr and Mrs Andrews, what a pleasure to see you!" Mother boomed, greeting Thomas' parents in turn. Thomas smiled across at me, his chocolate eyes gleaming with happiness. Beside him sat his older brother, John. I had met him before; we shook hands in mutual respect. I hadn't met his sister Eliza before, but with the enthusiasm she greeted me with you would have thought we were old friends.

"Oh! So you are Helen?" Eliza asked, taking my hand in hers.

"I am. You are Eliza?" I replied, blushing slightly at her already knowing of me.

"Oh, dear, you can call me Nina! I've heard all about you!" She laughed. Before I could proceed the conversation further, the whole room was interrupted by the call for us to sit for dinner.

I was sat next to Mother, with Thomas seated opposite me. The crisp white table cloth was soon swathed with all different sorts of food, drink and decoration. I found myself more engaged with silently exchanging looks with Thomas than actually tucking into the dishes pressed in front of me.

"So, Elizabeth! How long do you think it'll be until you lose your dear daughter to marriage?" Laughed Thomas' father. My mother put on a sickly sweet smile as she answered.

"Well, watching these two, I doubt it shall be long." She chirped.

I shrunk down in my seat, wishing the ground to swallow me whole. Thomas cast a comforting glance towards me. My cheeks burned furiously. As the meal progressed, more talk was thrown in about the status of the relationship between myself and Thomas. It all passed by rather quickly, and as much as enjoyed being with these people, I was exhausted by the constant chatter. Soon, we were all back in the sitting room, mumbling over coffee and tea.

"I think I'm going to take one last stroll outside for fresh air before it gets dark," Thomas stood, walking to where I was seated. "Care to join me?"

Mother cast a quick glance in my direction and raised her eyebrows, but did not protest. So I also stood and proceeded back out to the gardens with him. I had my arm looped with his, and we walked casually and quietly to the gazebo not too far from the house. The setting sun cast long shadows across the lawn, and the golden chandeliers from inside cast a mellow glow. We both found ourselves on a wooden bench, facing away from the windows and prying eyes.

"Thomas..." I leant into his shoulder as he settled beside me. He drew my chin up so I could look into his face. I reached further and pressed my lips to his, savouring the velvet touch.

"Helen, maybe they're right."

"What?" I mumbled, confused.

"Marriage… us. I see no reason not to anymore." He shuffled away, enveloping my hand in his, warming them.

"Thomas…" I gazed at him, my mind adrift.

"Marry me."

I gave a small laugh at his preposition. Surely he was joking?

"What… Thomas?" I stuttered, standing from the bench in front of him.

"Helen, what's stopping you? I'm being completely serious. Marry me." He rose too, brushing his fingers down my cheek.

"Thomas, I don't know what to say…" I turned away.

"I understand, Helen…" I heard him whisper. My heart was aching. I wanted to run to him and shower him with every affection in the world. But I didn't.

Defeated, he walked away.