I took a deep breath, thought to myself: "Megan's going to kill me!" and opened the door. He had set out a picnic in the drawing room. There were white tapers lit on every surface. He had brought out a bottle of his best red wine and had two large loaves of bread set in a basket with a small baked Brie. When I realized the type of cheese he had chosen, I gave a little involuntary giggle. He turned at the sound, ready to say something, but stopped and whatever he was going to say was gone in an instant. The look in his eyes told me I had chosen my garments well and he could not see my hands as they were buried in the folds of skirt.
" You look beautiful" was all he said, and there was a catch in his throat as he said it.
He helped me find a comfortable spot on the floor and settled nearly opposite and just out of easy reach. While he was occupied uncorking and pouring the wine I cut the bread and spread the soft, crumbly cheese onto the delicate slices. As I stretched my hand out to take the proffered glass, he saw the ring. Nerveless, his hand went slack, dropping the full goblet.
Eyes brimming with tears he asked: "Are you mocking me by wearing that band, or do you really mean what it says?"
" Would I lie to you in this way? Would I really want to break your heart again? How could I do such a thing to someone who is willing to go to any length, even kill, to win my love??
Forgetting the shattered glass and not caring about the spilled wine I fell at his feet sobbing. A gentle hand took my arm drawing me near. He was breathing hard through the sobs raking both our bodies where I was hardly breathing. Stroking my hair with the utmost tenderness and affection he held me to his heaving chest and we both cried our hearts out. Tears of joy, rage, fear, and anguish washed both our faces.
" I hate to do this to you, but I need to take the mask off now. It is starting to get wet and is chafing pretty badly."
"Just a moment, if you don't want me to see your face, blindfold me, just guide my hands so I don't break anything else," pulling a green silk scarf out of my neckline. " I knew this would come in handy."