Chapter Two

Later in the afternoon Lord Trenderhoof graced the humble home of Fluttershy with his presence. A servant came to the parlor, where she was still sitting, and announced his arrival. According to lady-like custom she fluffed and fixed her hair, drawn up into a loose bun of curls held together by a single large pin. She then set about dusting off her blush pink dress; a dress which, in fact, she has always hated. Once her tedious social convention had been completed, she called for her new fiancé to enter.

And in strode the handsome Trend in all his glory. Today he was wearing a fitting brown suit with a maroon scarf, which was tied around his neck in a tight Windsor knot. A brilliant gold pin was fastened to his lapel, a trotting horse-the symbol of his high status and family name. He did not have the money behind him, but the name mattered more where social status was concerned. Fluttershy, on the other hoof, had a handsome dowery.

"Good day my little bride," he said in a luxious voice.

Any other pony would melt upon hearing such a voice, but not Fluttershy. She sat down in a chair and played with her dress mindlessly.

"It is considered bad luck to call me a bride before the wedding, Sir," she replied in a stiff voice.

Trend shrugged off the comment and sat down beside her. He picked up her hoof and began to caress it gently.

"Is it not right that I should want to be excited to marry you? How could I resist, my sweet?"

This time the girl looked to him and smiled gently. He seems sincere. Her eyes lit up suddenly.

"Lady Grandmother is ill, Trend. Just now I sent her off to bed. She was so ill suddenly. I think the idea of the wedding is exciting her!"

This elicited a response from the man. He stitched his eyebrows together closely and sat back, as if taking it all in. His dusky blonde hair fell around his handsome face.

"I worry about her so," continued the girl, shuffling her wings.

The man sat back in his chair and replied, lazily:

"If she is so excitable perhaps we should marry more quickly, to appease her as it were."

This had not occurred to the girl. She played a piece of her pink hair nervously. True, she was not ready in the slightest...but it would make her grandmother so delighted. How could she deny a sick old mare of joy?

She couldn't.

"Yes, Trend, we should move up the date," she stated curtly.

Trend rolled his eyes playfully and climbed off the couch to be below her. She gazed down upon him almost coldly.

"Won't you call me 'dear' or 'darling'?"

Her eyes softened a bit. He could be very sweet and attentive when he wanted to be. She opened her mouth to answer when the servant suddenly appeared at the door.

"Sir and Miss," said the elderly man, "I am to inform you that the Lady Twilight requests your presence tonight for dinner."

Fluttershy cocked an eyebrow, but delicately.

"Lady Twilight? But she hasn't had a party since last year. Why now?"

The servant, a gossip at heart, returned:

"It seems, my mistress, that a certain Countess Rarity has returned to New Yearling."

Trenderhoof smiled; it was worth at least a million dollars.

"Well, we shall prepare to leave as soon as possible!"

Fluttershy sighed and agreed.