Confrontation

It was a humid night Mary hurried out into. Her carriage was called for and within minutes she was safely inside. She called for the coach to take her home and felt instantly the pull of the horses and then the movement. She leaned back, a headache bothering slightly just behind her eyes. Ugly, unworthy, undeserving; she had only herself to blame.

She felt the carriage slow and was pleased by the thought that she was almost home. It slowed further before coming to a halt. Only now did she hear someone talking outside. She glanced out the window. They were near the outskirts of the van Setten property. She recognised the wood-like scenery. Suddenly uncertain, Mary made ready to call out the window and ask the coach, but the carriage door was flung open, making her scream in surprise.

"Ludwig!" Mary called, surprised, her heart beating wildly by the shock he gave her. "You surprised me!"

"No doubt I did," he answered, his voice cold as steel. He slipped inside the carriage and closed the door hard. "You left so early," his voice was factual and precise, with a hint of a sneer. She looked down.

"I felt unwell," she answered and gasped when Ludwig's hand roughly grasped her chin and pulled her face upwards to meet his eyes.

"I will tolerate a lot from you!" He hissed angrily and Mary tried to pull back, but his grip on her was too strong. "But mocking me in front of people I've known all my life, in front of friends, is NOT tolerated!" He released her roughly with a push and she fell back, hurting her head as it connected with the wall behind her. He grasped her arm and forced her to look at him once more.

"I didn't mean to, please, Ludwig!" Mary cried out in pain, he was hurting her arm.

"Didn't mean to?!" He yelled, now positively livid. "Quit your innocent little attitude, woman! I know your intentions!"

"Ludwig!" She cried hard, trying to get loose.

"I have given you everything and this is how you repay me? By cheating?" He yanked her arm roughly and she was once more forced to meet his livid gaze.

"I haven't cheated on you! I wouldn't do that!" She wailed frustrated.

"Of course not! And your lover isn't waiting by the manor, MY HOME?" He laughed angrily at her. "Filthy woman!" He spat. "You go to balls with people I know to … to…!" He faltered and Mary managed to wrench herself free from Ludwig's firm grip, tearing her dress in the process.

"I went there to see you!" She yelled at him. "I dressed up for you and only you!" For a brief moment she had managed to stun him and she flew to the door and fell out. The coach was gone, no doubt asked to walk back to the mansion, giving them some privacy. Behind her Ludwig's movements indicated he had gotten over his momentary stun and Mary decided to flee. She ran in between some trees, hoping to hide away. Tears were rolling down her face. How could he have believed she'd cheat on him? Had she not done so much lately to show her affection towards him?

Something grasped her hand and she screamed before she fell to the ground.

"Let go of me!" She screamed and kicked.

"Then stop running!" Ludwig commanded.

"And listen to you berate me?! Listen to your false accusations!" She cried. She had little strength against him, but she did her best.

"Why else did you go tonight? What else would you have me believe?! That you've suddenly fancied yourself a wife?!" He bit out angrily. She stopped fighting him and her arms came to rest across her chest. His eyes bore into hers.

"Do you not see?" She managed to say between hiccups. "I went there because I'm in love with you! Because… I wanted to be close!" Once more she had him stunned and she pushed him aside. He did not fight her and landed next to her before she got up and moved off, but stumbled in her dress and fell. She stayed there, her back towards him, sobbing quietly to herself. She could hear the light rustle of twigs as he moved around in the little forest.

"Why? Why would you be in love with me?" Ludwig asked quietly and with, with a much firmer voice he added "Do not think you can fool me!"

"I…" she sighed, "I don't know." She fell silent. "It just happened, I tried to make you see, but you wouldn't. The flowers… and this dress… it was all for you!" She turned to him, tears sliding down her cheeks. "I'm so sorry, Ludwig. You hate me, I know. I do not deserve your affection. That is why I left! I did not mean to upset anyone! I do not deserve the company you keep or you! I am so sorry!" She rambled while sobbing.

He moved towards her to comfort her and Mary broke down in his arms, crying her heart out.

"Let us get to bed, Mary," he whispered quietly. Slowly they got back to the carriage. Ludwig eased her inside, where she lay and cried while he took the steering of the horses and got them home. He helped her out; she was still sobbing, but trying to retain herself as servants were nearby.

As they got to her room Ludwig readied to leave her, but Mary clung to him and whispered, "Please stay," he accepted quietly and they lay down, clothed, and ready to sleep. She slipped into his arms and laid her leg across him in a possessive grasp.

"Mary," Ludwig whispered. Her breath was deep and even indicating she was asleep. He tucked her into him tighter, "You hurt me..."

"And yet I still love you," he added quietly before kissing her brow lightly.

I write for you, so please review