I'm baaaaaaaaack!
I can't believe I actually returned to this story! I thought I would never be able to finish it….I just couldn't for some reason. But here we are. I have the whole rest outlined and several chapters written. Kudos to those who stuck with me and occasionally commented, hoping for me. This is for you!
Note: It's been FOREVER since I worked on this story. Please forgive any continuity errors. I'm really trying to get this all down and out before I get caught up in the craziness of life again, so it's not my absolutely best work. I just feel like I need to let you readers know what I planned to happen in this story. It's what I would want as a reader.
Lady Blackburn was waiting for Winter in the parlor when she returned inside. Her face contorted at the sight of Winter's dripping hair and clothes.
"Where have you been? Foolish girl. Look at those shoes—completely ruined. Anna!"
The maidservant scurried into the room, took one look at Winter, and went pale. "We must get you into dry clothes, Miss. You'll catch your death."
Winter raised a hand. "Not yet."
Lady Blackburn slowly stood from her chair. She lifted a dark eyebrow.
"I have news," Winter said. "Wonderful news, actually. I am engaged to be married."
"Engaged?" Lady Blackburn scoffed. "To whom?"
"To Mr. Clay."
Lady Blackburn's face reddened as she sputtered in surprise. Winter took a step back, frightened by the sudden change in demeanor. She knew her guardian would be upset, but this visceral rage was unprecedented.
Lady Blackburn seemed to think twice about her actions. The color in her face subsided, and she took a deep, shuddering breath.
"You will not be marrying Mr. Clay, Lady Winter," she said. "It will not be possible, for you will not leave this house until you've forgotten what he looks like. I am your guardian. I am here to protect you from making decisions that will ruin your life forever, and so I must enact extreme measures. Anna, Lady Winter is not to be allowed outside under any circumstance until I tell you otherwise."
"But—" Winter began.
Lady Blackburn glared at her. "My word is law. Leave me."
Shaking, Winter rushed out of the parlor and up to her bedroom. She threw herself on the bed, sobbing. It wasn't fair. Her father would have been happy that she'd found love, no matter Mr. Clay's station. But how could she marry without Lady Blackburn's permission?
Unless…unless she came into her inheritance upon marrying. Perhaps she could emancipate herself. She'd never considered the option, but she'd be willing to do anything if it meant being with Mr. Clay now that she knew he loved her.
Winter stood and wiped the tears from her eyes. She flung open the door and hurried down to the room where Cress was recovering. The girl looked up when she burst in, nose red.
"Lady Winter!" she said. "Is everything all right?"
"Cress, I need your help," Winter said. "The other ladies too, if they're willing. You're going to help me get married."