Sanity was slipping from Dorthea Stapleton. A tear-stained letter lay in her lap, the ink running. It was the invitation to Sir Henry and Jennie Watson's wedding. She stood, and it fluttered to the floor, unnoticed, as Dorthea slowly made her way to the window. She absentmindedly rubbed her wrists, torn by rope, before silently fingering the bruises on her collarbone. Her husband had been a cruel man. It was over now, but the memories were ever-present in her mind.

"You will pretend I am your brother. Tell no one we are married." He grabbed her by the arms and shook her roughly. "Do you understand?" She nodded mutely and he shoved her to the floor.

Sir Henry. He was the one kind man in her life. Someone she felt she could trust, should she had been able to trust someone. She ached for him.

But he was gone. Taken from her by a different girl. He would never turn to her again. Never try to steal kisses out in the meadows. If only he had never learned the truth!

But the wedding would occur in several days. The guests were to stay in Baskerville Hall.

She would prepare.

When Dorthea arrived at Baskerville Hall, she was greeted by Ms. Laura Lyons, who suspiciously appeared to have been waiting for her.

Ms. Lyons told her that everyone was gathering in the huge parlor and that she would lead the way.

Their footsteps echoed through the enormous hall as they walked in silence. But suddenly, Ms. Lyons ventured, "I'm glad we can still be friends after that mess with John." Pain, again, shot through Dorthea.

Ms. Lyons looked around the room. "Haven't you heard? John has asked me to marry him!" She displayed a beautiful ring for all to see.

Dorthea, despite all her husband had put her through and the fear he struck through her, would not allow the charade to continue anymore. "That's impossible. John is my husband!"

And suddenly she was snapped back to the present. "It's all right, Laura, but I prefer not to speak of it."

Ms. Lyons led Dorthea into a large room full of chatting people and before Dorthea could do anything, Ms. Lyons had announced, "Look, everyone, Mrs. Stapleton is here!"

Everyone's voices became hushed and Dorthea could just barely make out the whispers flying through the room. She looked down at the ground, but she could still feel their eyes piercing into her.

Suddenly Sir Henry entered the room. "Thank you, everyone, for joining in the wedding celebration," he began, taking advantage of the near silence. "I know it was late notice but I appreciate…" Sir Henry stopped mid-sentence as Dorthea's eyes met his for a split second. She quickly averted her gaze. "...I appreciate it," he finished, looking at Dorthea. But then he turned back and finished, "Enjoy the refreshments." The people took their cue and resumed their conversations while Sir Henry approached Dorthea.

"You're here," he told her.

"Yes." She paused. "I didn't think you would want me here."

He moved even closer towards her and gazed into her eyes. "Of course I want you here. You saved my life. I'm sorry about John."

Dorthea's eyes closed as she inhaled his scent. "It's all right," she replied, feeling rather faint. "Excuse me," she told him, and swept out of the room without looking back.

Please review.

-FlatFox