Eeeep! I'm getting nervous for tomorrow, which is probably why this didn't turn out as well as I wanted it to. And I'm tired. Oh well.
Wish me lots and lots of luck at state Solo and Ensemble Festival. I definitely need it. O.o
Chaperone
Elizabeth tried to pull away from Will's linked arm so she could hold his hand instead, but his iron arm held strong. Since the beginning of their courtship, Elizabeth had battled to push through the boundaries of propriety, but, as was usual, Will did not allow it in public. I'm lucky enough even to be courting you, he had told her one day, so I don't plan on messing that up any time soon. When they were out in society, Will was determined to let everyone know that they were what a proper couple should be. When they were alone, however, in those rare moments that were mostly secretive and late at night, he was more loose and open. Sometimes she hated him for that, but in a strange way, it made her love him even more. Love was funny like that. Still struggling against his arm, Elizabeth finally broke free, and, quickly, she wove her fingers with his. He shot her an exasperated look and tried to remove his hand, but she gripped tighter. Why shouldn't she hold his hand? They were courting. There was nothing wrong with a little body contact. And it was so much more intimate than linking arms. But, she guessed, that was why it was so severely frowned upon.
"Miss. Miss!" Elizabeth's maid Estrella came up behind the young couple and pulled them to the side. "Beg your pardon, miss, but I don't think your father would approve of that." Elizabeth huffed and rolled her eyes, maintaining her hold on Will's worn and rough blacksmith hand. She hadn't even wanted a chaperone to accompany them. After all, they were just walking through the city. But her father didn't entirely trust her alone with Will, so they were stuck with being followed on their outings.
"Bloody society," she grumbled to herself. She wouldn't let propriety win. It had been her mortal enemy since she was a child, and she had defended herself quite well from it over the years. She would not let it win now. Choosing to ignore her chaperone's word of advice, she led Will off into the street again. He chuckled and smiled down at his stubborn fiancée.
"Maybe you should do as she says, love," he whispered to her, kissing her hand. She glared at him.
"No." He gently pried her soft hand from his. She started to protest, but he stopped her with a hand in the air.
"Not here, Elizabeth." She frowned and took his arm again. Turning into her ear, he indiscreetly murmured, "But tonight, meet me on our beach." She smiled, her honey brown eyes twinkling in the hot Caribbean sun.