Chapter 4: Betrayal and Acceptance

Cora and August arrive at Misthaven days after Killian was supposed to have returned from his trip. This works to their advantage when Cora goes to see Snow to break the engagement with Emma and to ask for Milah's hand.

"Mistress, you have a visitor waiting for you in the study," the maid tells Snow who goes to the study to see who has come calling. "Cora I'm so glad you are finally back. Should I go get Emma so we can get started with the wedding preparations?"

"There's much we must discuss, you might want to sit down," Cora says, pausing until the other woman sits. "I'm afraid August wants to marry Milah." After bluntly dropping the news, Cora proceeds to tell Snow the story her son told her.

Snow sits quietly absorbing the information she is hearing. She simply asks, "How am I going to tell my daughter? She'll be heartbroken. For years she has waited patiently for her wedding day to come. Now I have to tell her not only does August not want to marry her, but he wishes to marry her cousin. The same cousin she loves like a sister."

"I'm truly sorry Snow; I tried to talk sense into him. He claims he is in love and will not listen to reason. I have always believed Emma to be the best match for him."

"I suppose the only bright side is that David can finally come home. He always thought Emma accepted her fate for the good of the family. He wanted Emma to marry for love," Snow says sadly.

"Mother, was that Mrs. Booth leaving? When will August come to visit?" Emma rushes down the stairs looking so hopeful as she asks her mother.

"Emma, please come sit down, we need to talk. I don't even know where to start. I'm afraid I have some bad news to share. August, he has fallen in love with someone else." Snow feels her own tears begin to well in her eyes as she watches the sadness cloud her daughter's expression. "Oh, my sweet darling girl, I'm afraid there is still more to tell, and I think it's better if you know the whole truth now... he has fallen in love with Milah."

Emma sniffles and says to her mother. "I don't understand. How? When? Did I do something wrong?"

Snow pulls Emma into a hug and responds in a firm voice. "I'm so sorry this has happened, but August's choice has nothing to do with you. You did nothing wrong. Sometimes one's happy ending isn't the one that was planned. You will survive this heartache; you are so strong and brave."

Emma backs away from her mother and asks point blank, "He wants to marry her, doesn't he?

"Yes, he does. I'm so sorry. He asked his mother to make the arrangements."

"I understand, I will not stand in the way." Emma gives her mother a small smile before adding, "One cannot lose what was never theirs, to begin with."

Killian should have returned by now, Milah worries as she heads to his cabin in search of answers. On her way through town, she overhears some fishermen talking about the capture of The Jolly Roger by the Arendelle Navy. Milah cannot believe the news, she knows the military will not be lenient with him, he will never return to her. She feels so empty, her heartbreaking as she walks back towards her home.

"Milah, sweetheart could you please come and take a seat. We need to talk," Snow says warmly.

Milah walks to her aunt, trying to gauge her mood. She knows she and Killian were very reckless, and she's nervous Snow might have heard of the dalliance with the notorious Pirate Captain. "Of course," she complies sweetly, taking the seat her aunt had pointed to when she called her over.

"Milah, it seems that you have made quite an impression on August Booth. I'm a little hurt you never mentioned the encounter to Emma or me."

Milah smiles and answers, "Aunt Snow, I honestly did not see the importance. Why do you say I made an impression?"

Snow takes a breath and continues, "August feels that you would be a better match for him, he is quite fond of you. In fact, he asked his mother to speak on his behalf in requesting your hand in marriage."

Milah gives her Aunt a smile and asks, "What was your answer? Are you giving me a choice?"

Milah knows this is the best option for her. If she cannot have her love, she will happily accept a life filled with riches and power. She also knows that August was betrothed to Emma, and so she does not wish to appear too eager to accept. "I will do whatever is best for the family. It's the least I can do in exchange for all the kindness you have shown to me." Her cousin's broken heart doesn't garner a moment's thought as she imagines her new life and lifestyle. This is my time, she thinks, finally, I will have everything instead of perfect little Emma.

Later after the heartbreaking conversation with her mother, Emma decides she needs to have a talk with Cora about the situation. Emma knows her mother will not approve so she sneaks out of her house to go see Cora. She soon arrives and sits patiently in the office of the Booth Estate waiting for Cora to make her way to see her.

Cora is completely stunned to see Emma. She really hopes that she is not there to reproach her about the engagement being called off. She really did think she had more class and dignity. "Emma, sweet girl, it is so good to see you. To what do I owe such a lovely surprise?"

"Mrs. Booth I'm sure my visit cannot truly be a surprise considering the reason for your last visit to my home. I only came to assure you that I have no problem with Milah and August's upcoming nuptials. If anything, I am quite relieved."

Cora looks unconvinced as she replies, "Your mother said that you would be heartbroken once you heard the news. I was under the impression that you were truly in love with my son and looking forward to getting married."

Emma smiles. "I do feel love for him, but in reality, I see him more as an elder brother. I was simply trying to make the best of the situation. I also trusted that my father would have believed I was truly happy with the arrangement. Unfortunately, he simply would not give up his silly quest to save me and come home. I expect now when Mr. Hopper gives him the news he will finally find his way back to the family. I can lastly do what truly makes me happy. I have always felt a spiritual calling. Now that I am free from the engagement I can take the vows to become a nun."

Cora looks at Emma intently.

Emma smiles and continues confidently, "If my marriage to August would truly have been destined to take place I would have accepted that fate and embraced it. However, that is clearly not the case."

Cora finally seems convinced and smiles.

Emma slowly gets up and says, "Thank you for your time but I really need to leave. I left the house so suddenly I was unable to inform my mother of my destination, and I have other errands to run before I return home."

Cora says, "It was so lovely to see you Emma and I am truly happy that you now will be able to follow your heart's desire."

"Mrs. Booth, thank you for your kind words and it was so nice seeing you again. Good day," Emma says and promptly takes her leave.

The reality of the situation is simple, Emma is hurt, heartbroken, humiliated and the last thing she wants is anyone's pity. So she leaves the Booth Estate with her pride intact, at least whatever is left of it. Emma makes her way to the convent after leaving the Booth Estate.

She speaks to Mother Superior about her desire to join the convent.

Mother Superior is hesitant since the betrothal was well known to the majority of the small town, but decides to accept Emma under one condition, a trial period of 90 days.

"Emma, if after the allotted time you still want to take the vow, I will gladly support your decision and welcome you with open arms into this convent.

When Emma returns home, she tells her mother of her decision to join the convent.

Snow cries and begs her to reconsider. "Emma, once the news reaches your father, he will return. At least promise me you will wait until he has returned home to truly commit to this decision. There are always other choices. We can find another match for you," Snow implores.

"Oh mother, this is not about August! This is truly what I want. You insist that all you want for me to be is happy but somehow you cannot accept that this will do just that. Emma insists that becoming a nun is her true calling and stays firm in her decision.

Within 48 hours she finds herself walking into the convent. Mother Superior gives her a tour of her new living quarters. "Emma, there are only two things required, your prayer and hard work. Remember this is only a trial, you still have time to change your mind," Mother Superior says.

"Thank you." Emma soon adapts to the overwhelming changes in her life. She does chores for Mother Superior on a daily basis.

The courtship between Milah and August starts almost immediately after Emma enters the convent. They don't wait for the murmurs and rumors to subside. No courtesy is awarded for her. Granted, to the outside world the betrothal had been mutually called off.

As days go by, Mother Superior encourages Emma to go visit her mother. She knows that Snow is having a hard time accepting Emma's decision. Truth be told, the wise nun senses that Emma just needs time to deliberate on the situation, and soon she will realize this is not the life for her.

On one of those visits, Milah and August are relishing their privacy as Emma bursts into the house looking for her mother.

August has the decency to look embarrassed while Milah just smiles as she touches his chest in a suggestive way.

"I'm sorry, I was looking for my mother," Emma says while trying to avoid looking at the scene in front of her.

Milah responds, "Oh, she stepped out. She went to go sign some documents Uncle David sent to Mr. Hopper for her to look over. She should be back soon, I could tell her you stopped by."

"Thank you. Do you know if Mr. Hopper has been able to contact father to let him know of the change in plans? Father would want to be here regardless of who the bride is, he loves you too Milah," Emma says.

"She hasn't mentioned anything of the sorts. I was telling August that Uncle David must be ecstatic that you will be taking your vows since that is what you have always truly desired. I hope that doesn't stop you from attending our wedding, it simply would not be the same without you. We have decided on the date by the way. It will be in a couple of weeks. Will you be able to be there?" Milah asks.

Emma had a feeling that the wedding would be soon but 14 days is truly an insult to her and their so-called engagement. To know that their wedding will take place before her 90 day trial period is over, kills her. August is so eager to marry Milah. In all honesty, she detests the idea of being there because it still hurts. Seeing the way August looks at Milah, with an adoration she knows he will never ever look at her with is truly a slap in the face.

They seem so happy, and it kills Emma knowing that if he hadn't met Milah, she'd be the one getting his undivided attention. He should be planning his wedding and future with her. Fate has truly been cruel to her.

"I'm sure I will be able to be there. I wouldn't want to miss such a joyous day." Emma answers after an inordinately long pause which goes unnoticed by the couple.