Chapter 9: Loneliness
-
-
-
-
"Would you like to go shopping today?" he asked her politely from the other end, sipping his tea calmly.
She looked up in surprise from her blueberry tart and cleared her throat.
"Of course, where would you like to go?" she managed to say after a few moments of silence.
"No, I won't be joining you. I have work that needs to be done, take one of your friends." he said disinterestedly over his tea. He smoothed the tablecloth where the elves had missed a spot with the iron.
"Not a problem, dear, I am sure I could find an escort." she responded, masking her disappointment and sprinkling sugar over the remainder of her tart.
"Yes well, I need to be off. I shall see you later." he said as he stood and picked up his newspaper.
He was a few feet from the door before he strode over to her, smiling gently. He bent down and kissed her lightly on the cheek, then exited swiftly. She raised her hand to where his lips had touched her skin and she smiled happily. Perhaps her change in character was for the better.
She smiled kindly to the women in the carriage before stepping off. Though it was nearly dark, the shopping trip had not lasted as long as she had expected. Time seemed to move faster in the autumn. The house elf beside her carried her few bags, not having been in the mood to shop, and opened the door. She handed her coat to the elf and watched as it was hung next to Draco's. She smiled and walked into the parlor, stepping out of her heels. She looked out into the balcony off the parlor and swiftly hid herself behind the door when she realized she was not alone.
His bright smile sparkled in the moonlight and the woman's face reflected his elation. Her blonde hair seemed to glimmer and she laughed when he whispered a joke in her ear. There was a loving twinkle in his eye as he kissed her softly, a warm tenderness in his hands as he held hers. Georgiana stepped slowly away from the door; her fragile, paper heart cut to pieces, and allowed the stinging tears to burn behind her lids.