"Rose," Lilias approached her sister.
"What is the excuse for Mother and Father's silent dispositions tonight? They barely acknowledged my husband or spoke a word to him."
"Poor Lily, don't you realize what they fear?" Rose villainously replied.
"What do you mean?" Lilias spoke.
"Perhaps they were silent, because they were anxious." Rose said.
"Anxious? Of what? Why?" Lilias questioned her sister.
"They feared you would announce you were withchild. Are you sure you want to bear his child? Lilias, think of your children. Do you want your children to be crippled like Archibald? We all fear that. "
The tears began to well in Lilias's eyes.
"How dare you!" Lilias's tone was that of hushed anger.
"Archie is beautiful to me, whatever you may see. I will give him children. We will create life together-life created from his and mine-our love. Our children will be loved and beautiful.
...
"I'd say the dinner party was a success, my love." Archie said in the privacy of his and Lilias's bedroom.
He noticed she only slightly nodded barely smiling.
"What is it?" He crawled into bed next to her and placed a sweet kiss upon her cheekbone.
"My parents. They were so rude to you. They barely spoke a word all evening." Lilias's voice was sad.
"Nevermind, my darling."
"But, I thought..."
"If they continue to be less than thrilled by your choice in a husband, I understand. You are the most beautiful woman there ever was or will be. Physically, I am an eccentric and odd choice to anyone's mind. They find my crooked body repulsive, so, they believe, should you."
"You are not repulsive! Do not speak in this way." Lilias answered his explanation.
"I truly wish my body could be..."
"Archie, stop." She started kissing him sensuously. "Believe in my love..."
"I believe it...I also believe that I don't deserve you...You're... too..." his words were separated by her kisses..." beautiful. Perfect...in every...way." They were hushed.