Aromantic Desires

"May I remind you both to keep your promises during our stay." That phrase ringed in Audrey's head over and over, in the carriage. Audrey had promised to be on her finest behavior at Lord Archibald's Estate for spring. Her reputation was already in a bit of a mess, so being unruly would be the icing on the cake. Though she really tried to be to one's liking, her head was as tight as her corset that she hates so much. To her, men are male hedge-creepers. Their vast expulsion to their equally, incompetent selves were all they could think of. Well, she alone thought so. Audrey's mother on the other hand: not so much. She was a charming woman, about thirty eight. She swore to bring up her daughters with grace, elegance and mannerisms even when the eldest really was a challenge. Her kind eyes lured onto her daughters, as she was speaking. "Now, now mama, You know it is not I who carry such an attitude!" Daisy disagreed, as she was clearly referring to her older sister. With luscious curls, eyes of ebony and two-toned lips, it showed that Audrey was very appealing indeed, yet her Mother thought her attitude stated otherwise. The ladies sat in silence whilst the carriage bumped to and fro, which caused Daisy to hold onto the seat. The tension was as thick as mud and Audrey fiddled with her fan, before opening her mouth. "Mama, I do love spring time at uncle's estate. May I ask if our cousin will be there?" "Now that I think of it, she will be my child. And you'll get plenty of time to frolic up and down Newston as well. You should be excited for another encounter." Daisy turned away, sighing from what was about to start a debate. "And what pray tell will that be mama?" "Audrey. Darling. You are to turn one and twenty in three weeks. When I was your age, I was already courted by your father." As the eldest, It was expected of her to be married earlier, however, many times she spoke to gentlemen back at Cambridge, they were clod-hopping and lifeless……well, so she told herself. ?? Shortly after, the girls were approaching the manor. Their faces plastered with awe, fascinated with the remarkable renovations done in a short time. Large plots of greenery at the front, along with ethereal bushes and luscious fruit trees. Three stories of stone, that maybe had a parlor or two. Premstone estate was authentic compared to what Audrey was used to. "Phillip, my old man!", Lord Archibald exclaimed as he greeted his brother, Audrey and Daisy's father. The girls were exiting the carriage, speechlessly looking around. They said their greetings and were taken to their rooms on the second floor. Walking the halls of the estate, Audrey and Daisy felt as if they were in a time machine. The inside of the house was still the same. Upon settling in her room, Audrey wandered around, looking at her childhood toys and stuffed animals that were sitting on the very same chair she left them years ago. Her observation was interrupted by Victoria, knocking on the door. Just as she walked in, the handmaiden that had been unpacking her dresses and nighties, were excused. "As I told you before, you should know that there will be many eligible men wanting a wife in Newston," Victoria acknowledged, fiddling with Audrey's dress. "Oh, heavens no, mother. Tons of the men at Newston are pompous and vile, who prey on unfortunate souls like me. A day has not gone by that I haven't changed my mind, mother. I will not marry anytime soon! I'd rather become a farmer honestly." "Audrey! What in heaven are you saying?" Lowering her tone, Audrey proceeded. "I truly am sorry mother, but I cannot marry someone who will make it known that I shall be punished for raising my opinion." On hearing this, Victoria halted. Swallowing the lump in her throat, as daughter spoke. "You will be lonely, my child. I just want you to be taken care of." "It is unlikely coming from you when you know–" Finishing that sentence was as if Audrey blatantly asked for a death wish. Her mother's stern look justified her thoughts about wanting to attack her, if she ever did. Victoria turned on her heel and stormed out, leaving Audrey regretting she was ever going to upset her. To remain unprovoked, she took out a book she had brought and fell into her fantasy world, until the fog was lifted. ?? It was quarter past the hour of one, yet Daisy called on Audrey to join her for tea in the garden. They changed into pink and green frocks for the occasion. Both which Daisy insisted they wore. It was matching dresses but different colors. After getting dressed, they were seated at a circular table with twin chairs, waiting for the maids to bring their tea. Almost immediately, Daisy helped herself to some scones and strawberry jam, while Audrey prepared rose tea. "Has mother spoken to you already, Drey?" "Ah, well you knew how that went." "What are you going to do then?" Audrey sipped her tea and placed it on the wool coaster. "The exact opposite of what Mother is proposing. Does she not care about what I want?" Daisy tucked a curl behind her ear, looked down then raised her head. "Please try to be to one's liking and stop throwing tantrums all the time for God's sake." "As you wish mother." While snickering, Lady Rose was approaching the girls with a small letter in her hands. Her slender frame nearly blocked the light, as the sun's rays shaped her figure. "Good afternoon ladies," she softly spoke. The sisters were fond of their aunt immensely, so they replied. "Your uncle is hosting a welcome dinner party here at the estate on Saturday. He's invited the gobs of Newston along with Pawnwood." "A party for heaven's sake-" Audrey whispered to herself, upset about having to socialize with people; more so men. "How delightful! I shall tell mother to fetch Miss Osword to recommend new dresses, Audrey!" Daisy squealed. "Yes, all very exciting. Though I must ask, have you heard from Frisella, Aunt Rose?" "Oh yes, she is visiting her husband's family estate in Luton and will be back tomorrow at noon." "Splendid!" "Surely, Frisella can give Audrey advice on being courted?" Daisy asked. "Frisella will not change her cousin's mind and certainly you ought not to do so as well." "Pardon me, Aunt," Daisy said, dropping her head. They talked all evening and finished up at tea. During the rest of the afternoon, Audrey took a stroll in the gardens and finished her writing in her room, away from Victoria. ?? Moreover, the sun rose on Friday morning, along with Audrey getting ready for breakfast. As Audrey was walking through the halls, she became startled from what sounded like a loud thud and a bit of a quarrel between her parents. The thin walls were easy for her to listen to as she slowly walked towards the room, terrified and preparing herself for the worst. This has been going on for as long as she remembered, on the contrary, it was moderately traumatizing over the years. Her parents surely knew how to ruin things early. Oh how she had hoped for a problem-free spring vacation. Alas. Fate always wins. While eating breakfast at the dining table, Victoria was quiet as a mouse, while the others were holding conversations. "Do you not like the breakfast mama?" Audrey questioned, ever so curious. "Yes it's quite delicious darling," she replied, chasing the tiny piece of crumpet around the plate. All eyes were on her and Victoria looked uncomfortable. To break the tension, she proceeded in suggesting. "We must thank the maids who prepared it, of course!" Tapping her fingers on the table as a smirk came on her face. Audrey and Daisy knew their mother too well, to know that wasn't a request, though they didn't make matters worse. ?? After breakfast, Audrey asked her mother to accompany her for a walk along the estate. On the path, she began her investigation. "Mama, I heard what was a quarrel between you and Papa." "Pardon? You heard no such thing, darling. We were sorting out a bit of a fuss." "It certainly wasn't a fuss,mother. You were crying. I heard sobbing and thuds!" "Audrey! Could you shout any louder? I think the oodles of Newston haven't heard you." "Mama, please stop running away from the question and tell me the truth. I am worried about you. Please talk to me." Victoria looked around avoiding her daughter's eyes. Hesitantly she gave in as her daughter was truly concerned. "Your papa did something that vexed me. When I showed him how I felt, he threw a book at the wall beside me." "Why did he----" "Phillip was being a rake and bedded one of those wretched maids. I knew so because it was Damien who said that it happened yesterday. We all know Damien doesn't make things up!" They sat in silence. Audrey was speechless and could not move, as a lump in her throat was blocking her words. She always looked up to her father and could not believe what she had heard. She could not comprehend why he did something like that to her mother. Victoria sat and squirmed. She then sighed and looked down. "Mama, you do not deserve such treatment. I do not understand." Victoria raised her head, "Well I do! That was the same woman I saw him with the year before." "Good heavens!" As the wind rustled the trees, Victoria turned to her daughter and looked at her. Audrey was ashamed a bit, whilst stroking her mother's back, trying to ease her. Her eyes were glazing from beads of tears. With disappointment in her voice, she still proceeded. "Darling, do not let my marriage keep you from finding you happiness with a fine, young gentleman." "Over my dead body!" Victoria closed her eyes and took a deep breath. They stayed like that for a bit longer. Audrey held herother close as if she would not be there if she let go. As the sun was above them, Victoria demanded they return to the estate. ?? Upon the entrance, they met Frisella, or now so 'Duchess' Frisella and her husband, Duke Martin Wright. He was a strange but charming man. Skin of gold, though his eye bags were darker. Audrey had nearly forgotten her dearest cousin came back to Newston with all that had happened. This couple certainly did not look like trouble. "Sella, you're finally here!" "Good day to you too, Audrey." Frisella was around the same age as Audrey, though quite paler in appearance and attitude. That did not stop them from being so close on the other hand. Audrey was like her missing piece and so Frisella thought as well. After releasing her from her arms, Audrey shyly looked at her husband. "This is my husband, Martin." "Good day sir," said Victoria. They curtsied and Audrey followed. Martin raised his hands, halting them from doing so. He seemed quite humble in Audrey's eyes and she felt a relief that she did not have to deal with a stick in the mud, Duke. After their greetings they all went to the parlor. To their surprise, Miss Oswald was early with measuring tape and a pencil in her hair. Frisella, Daisy and Audrey got their measurements taken, then scurried off to their room. Frisella came into Audrey's room, with all the necessities to spend a night. She insisted on sleeping with her cousins, like they did as children. To keep her company and to 'catch up'. Hours passed, beds were filled and bellies were fed. Instead, Audrey was awake with the shadows. "Finally, those chatter boxes are asleep." Her sister and cousin were up until ten, bickering about the dinner party that commenced tomorrow night. All their energy wasted on thinking about chatting and mingling. Thoughts of talking with several, meaningless men consumed Audrey, as she wished she was elsewhere. The people she will meet will not be worth it. At least she would not have to deal with them other than tomorrow night. Or so she had thought.