"Oh no…this can't be true," Victoria frowned, looking into the cold eyes of her parents. "Truly, you must be mistaken…Victor would never-"
"Never what!" Finnis Everglot barked, straightening out the tie which caused the skin on his neck to bulge out even more than it already did. "You hardly know the boy, how do you know that he wouldn't run from his wedding!"
"Even his mother said he was flighty," Maudeline Everglot chimed in, setting her tea aside.
Victoria couldn't believe what she was hearing. Yes, it was true she had not known her fiancée for long...and yes he was indeed quite flighty. However Victoria was certain that he wouldn't do such a thing! Victor was far to kind…he wouldn't run away…he couldn't….
"Mother, certainly we could do something to help the Van Dorts find him," She said, placing her hands upon her lap. Her eyes were pleading, showing so much emotion that it caused her parents to flinch uncomfortably.
"Why? He's not our responsibility! If he does not return by dawn we'll simply find you a new fiancée," Finnis snorted, placing his hand over his chest to make sure his heart did not fail from being so amused.
"But Victor is my fiancée! Please, you've already paid for the wedding supplies," Victoria whispered, knowing that the mention of anything financial would influence her parent's decision far more than her own feelings would.
A slight sneer crossed the thin lips of Mrs. Everglot. She darted her glare down to her husband who shared the same disgruntled and annoyed expression. They both grumbled to one another in a way Victoria couldn't understand but they seemed to be arguing about the situation. Never had there been so much fuss about a wedding before! Their own arranged marriage had gone perfectly smooth and according to plan. Then again, Mr. Everglot had not run off at the last minute nor caused nearly as much chaos as Master Van Dort had earlier that day.
"Very well then…we will hire someone to find the boy…," Maudeline said with a dismissive wave of her hand. "After the man arrives he has one week, and after that…no more generosity. You will be married Victoria, you best hope that Victor is looking for you as well…."