I heard the carriage slowing down to the entrance when I went to greet Molly. "Molly" I called to her as I came closer excitement grew. "It's so good to have you back here" I offered my hand. She took it silently standing up.
When she was halfway to the ground, she looked past me and exclaimed "Aime!". She rushed to greet her and observed "You look so well now".
Aime replied with as much enthusiasm " I am so happy to see you " she guided Molly inside.
"And I, you" Molly replied. I followed the indoors. Why does she not seem happy to see me? She practically ignored me, once she returned safely to the ground. The afternoon meal she continued to act distant from me. Her manner was as normal when talking to Father. Her playful banter about the Towers and conversations with Aime would fool anyone that all was right in her world. But I know her, it may have been a few months, but I can still tell that something is amiss. We were once friends, I once considered her a sister. Did she know that she can still confide in me? Did she know that I wish me to be the only one she completely trusts with her secrets and troubles? No, she did not seem to know or else she would have confided to me as soon as possible. This made me wonder what I had done to receive such coldness.
As the days went, Molly busied herself with Aime and little Osborn. If she wasn't with them, she was at Father's side, walking around the courtyard, discussing my brother or his latest hunt. I was happy that my family already consider as part of the family already. The only thing that would make my family happier would be if Molly became permanently apart of the family. I confess, that nothing would bring me greater joy than returning from Africa with her by my side. I decided to confront her and asked her what the matter was? I walked outside, happy to see that she was walking in the garden, admiring my plants. I slowly walked toward her noticing how she would look at every plant in detail. "Molly" I called to her. I saw her jump a little and turn to face me her expression turned from peaceful to almost discomfort, but she seemed to be attempting to hide it.
"Rodger", she gave me a small smile, yet I could tell it wasn't genuine. "Does your Father or Aime need me?" she asked, almost hoping to have an excuse to get away from me.
"No" I replied, trying to ignore the disappointment in her eyes. "I was wondering" I paused trying to collect my thoughts. "That it is I was hoping..." I attempted once more but the words escaped. " May I join you?" I looked up at her. She seemed to be fighting the urge to refuse, but nonetheless forced a smile and nodded. We continued the stroll silently. The words that I had rehearsed escaped me.
We made our way to the Garden as I watched her face, which seemed to express suppressed panic. Once, we reached the garden, Molly admired some of them. Examining,, their shape and color closely.
"What do you think of the plants, Molly" I asked pulling her from her trance.
Molly walked a few feet from me and was on the other side of the row of African Plants. " I think they are lovely, Rodg.."
"Rodger" my father walked angrily toward me, oblivious to Molly, who was retreating a few feet to give us privacy.
"What is it, Father' I replied holding down my frustration.
"How dare they? Talk about things, they know nothing about" he shouted walking back and forth, oblivious to Molly, who was watching him in concern.
"Who is talking about what father" I asked, exasperated.
" Them, my lad. The whole town is talking as if they know what a suitable wife is for you . They don't know. They, who think Molly is lucky enough to be friends with our family. Lucky indeed. We are the lucky ones, my lad".
I glanced at Molly, but was surprised when I saw her running towards the trees. "Yes Father, we are lucky. Excuse me, I think I'll go find Molly. I replied quickly, running after her.
"Molly... Molly!" I called as I ran after her. She slowed down and stopped suddenly, giving in to my pleas, in defeat.
"You heard something of the nature my father spoke of didn't you?" I guessed the issue.
"I" she looked at me on the verge of tears.
"Who Molly? Who said such a thing to make you this upset?" I grabbed hold of her hands.
She seemed to struggle with her words, realizing that I would not stop till I got answers. "Lady Harriet's friend after you invited me to visit your family at The Hall"
"What did Lady Harriet's friends say? Would I be guessing right that he talked of possible candidates for a bride for me" I asked gently, hiding my disgust. She simply nodded her face wet from fallen tears.
" Molly... it doesn't matter what they say. I will marry someone who I want to marry and who wants to marry me. Not what Lady Harriet's friend wants me or does not want me to marry." I whispered in a soothing voice.
" Do you know of someone who you want to marry" she asked looking straight at me.
"Yes" I swallowed, knowing that soon my fate would be decided.
Her face fell, "well... Congratulations, Rodger. I wish you both well". She turned to leave me , but I grabbed her arm stopping her departure.
"Wait, Molly! There is a problem though." I told her wanting to take it slowly, but not really knowing how to tell her.
"What problem? Does she not return your..." she swallowed "affections" Brave Molly putting her feelings aside for the sake of a friend. I am almost sure that she does return my affections.
"That's the problem, I'm not entirely sure. That is I believe she does, but I might have made it impossible with my previous engagement to Cynthia. Would you help me? " I asked , knowing full well I was putting her in a little bit of pain.
Again, brave Molly rose to the task of friend and sister "What can I do?" she whispered, dully.
" By answering my question" Molly looked up confused. I continued, "Molly, do I still have any chance with you?"
Her once confused eyes became wide with shock as the meaning of my question registered.
" I've been such a fool I know... with Cynthia, but Molly after the dinner party I realized that you have always been in my heart. I mean, I've known since before your father remarried that you've had a place in my heart, but it dawned on me at the party that it was no longer a brotherly affection. Overtime, you have become so much more, but I was too blind to see it until now." I breathed in. "it stops now, Molly."
Her confused expression turned hopeful I took that as a good sign and continued my blubbering. " It doesn't matter what anyone in the town thinks of you . I'm the one not worthy of you, yet I ask for your forgiveness. So, I will ask again after hearing my pathetic excuse. Molly, do I still have any chance with you?".
" Yes" she nodded.
I couldn't believe my ears. "Yes? Are you sure because there is so much I have prepared to say to you if you doubt my love?"
"Yes... Yes, I'm sure" she nodded, crying what I hoped to be tears of relief and joy.
"Molly. Dearest Molly' I addressed her as I walked toward her claiming both hand and bringing them to my chest. I kneeled down bringing her hands with me. "Would you consent to be my wife" I asked her.
She nodded at first bringing a grin to my face and replied "Yes... Yes I will".
I laughed in joy and stood up, claiming her lips.
" Come... Father and Aime will be thrilled. You are already part of the family" I grabbed her hand and we walked back to the house and into our future, together.
Thank you for reading my story. I love this book and movie Reviews are appreciated.
-Speedygonzales05