To the Devil with my plan.
To the Devil with fops.
To the Devil with saps and sots and flowers and minstrel song.
And to the Devil's own mouth with Robert.
He was near tears, eyes glistening childishly. "But..." his voice cracked, "But, Mari, I thought you'd like it. I thought you'd be proud of me! I'm doing something about it, see?" His voice squeaked at the last word and his lower lip trembled dangerously. My eyebrow twitched. I hadn't exactly expected this reaction to my suggestion that he go home.
And as much as I didn't like the little fop, I had a conscience, no matter how sparingly I paid it heed. The sot was near tears! "No," I comforted quickly, "No, Robert, this is very nice. You're such a sweet, compassionate person to do this. I'm glad that you've decided to pursue your very just cause. I was only so worried for your well-being, my sweeting." That was just what he'd want me to say, something extremely romantic and classical. I hope he didn't notice my eyebrow was still twitching.
He hugged me exuberantly, grinning. "Oh, Marian, you've made me so happy! At first, I was thinking of returning home, but now that I know you approve," He breathed in deeply. "I can bear it all." He kept his arms around me for a little bit longer, eyes closed as he smiled. Ouch. Hurt. Pain. Sting. Pfft! At least on his part.
He could have fun in his little forest without me. I definitely didn't need his romanticism. I backed away from his embrace quickly, forcing him to relinquish his annoying hold around my waist, "Robert," I drawled, stepping away from his outstretched hand with an effortless flick of skirts, "You must understand that, much as I approve of this charitable venture, I cannot condescend to join you in it, as I must remain home." I clasped both of my hands remorsefully, folding them in front of myself and sighing miserably. "My dear father needs my household aid so desperately. His want, and his alone, my beloved, could keep me from you." Robert opened his mouth to reply, but I quickly silenced him with another loving epilogue. Little sucker fell right for them every time. "And so it is with greatest regret that I decide to support your just cause from the hollow comforts of my own home." Robert reached out for my hand, but I shook my head fervently, wiping a crocodile tear from my glistening eyes. Such a play-actor I was; I should have been in a traveling troupe. I'd have been the absolute favorite with crowds.
"No, no, my love. I cannot bear to hold your hand, for the pleasure of its warmth should be too – too much for my weak constitution to bear. Pray," I turned my back to him, sniffling, "Pray take this token of my affection." I thrust my hand disconsolately towards him, still burying my face in my other hand. He slowly took my token, a ridiculous woven purse my father had given me, and murmured his awed assent. This exhibit of my admiration was obviously very much for him to take in, for he was silent. I bobbed my head and fled the area, "weeping".
As soon as I was out of the area, I let my scowl come back. I needed help.
A/N: Well, sorry it took me so long to update. I've been developing something remotely like a life as of late. shrugs hehe. I hope you liked this chapter! Next one's longer! And the one after that is much longer!!!