Aromantic Desires

VI

Everyday, since the incident, Audrey's mother entreats her daughter to accept Kenneth's courtship. As she told her mother before, Kenneth is omniscient. But she is not. As a child, Kenneth's badgering behavior was reciprocated with tears and silent treatments. It appears it is not so anymore. Audrey thought so and believed in her accusations. Though she may think that, we ought to know that isn't the case.

Kenneth wants to boomerang his way into her life as if nothing happened between them. Thus far, she knows it's revolting for him to expect her to reply to his every beck and call.

It was arduous for Audrey to act as if she was okay from her encounter with Kenneth. He surprised her to say the least and that doesn't happen often. Above all, her expectations to do as she was told. She felt inveighed. Like a caged bird. Her life was planned out Infront of her like a child. At least she had her sister. Even though Daisy did not agree with her, she wanted her to be jovial. And she was thankful for her. As well as Frisella.

Now, Her cousin was dealing with her own dilemmas. Carrying a child and not knowing who the father is? Certainly an exhausting responsibility. What made it even more rigid, was the way Mr. Knight looked at his wife. With adornment and fondness. She hesitantly wanted to tell him. But that will result in his departure, her mother's disownment and her guilt she carried with her. Moving back with her parents would have been the talk of the century in her town.

Frisella would have to say one's prayer. She hoped that the child; if it was the man's, grew without his distinguished features and hers instead. And Mr. Knight would not notice.

Moving onwards to Audrey's decree, she supposed that Kenneth's proposition will benefit both parties. Her parents will refrain from disturbing and Kenneth will get what he wants. No. He will always get what he wants. She did not know what to hand him the key to her poise. Still, he did say his mother had taken ill. It was bizarre of him to gaslight his way in.

As it must be relevant, traveling to Kingshire for 1 week will be an ethical way to solemnize her turning twenty-one. And to elapse up an opportunity to a ball? Insanity.

Nonetheless, she wanted this to be over as it was taking a toll on her behavior through the days. And she wasn't exhorting on letting her pride get the best of her. It will be her birthday month after all and not even him will coddle it for her.

??

The staff of the estate were up early, preparing for Audrey's departure. Her mother coaxed her to tag along and Audrey granted her to, however Kenneth voiced that he is courting Audrey and wants her to have a splendid time for her birthday. It would seem as if this trip is for her but we all know what his intentions are. While walking down the staircase, Jack Braithwaite and his twin sister, June, were at the entrance of the drawing room. It was no joke that they were twins.

Both of them were carrot tops. In appearance of sort. June's cheeks were spotty as well as her nose. It was quite adorable and Audrey could not help but stare at her as she had not seen June in over 5 years. Her long nails digged into her skin whilst speaking to Victoria, alerting them that the Braithwaite twins will be tagging along. This trip would be engrossing.

During the ride in the gig, June jabbered with Audrey. It was as though she never left. She still spoke with the same exhilaration and hope.

"Has Kenneth been treating you well, Drey?" June interrogated.

"I certainly ha-"

"I was talking to my best friend, Kenneth. No one actually asked for your opinions."

"June. As lovely as ever."

"Kenneth. Your ego is confining my space."

"Enough. Both of you. It is not the time," Jack spoke, chortling.

These four were a group of hand-in-hand trouble makers and Audrey knew so. Hence the reason she wanted to explore Kingshire herself. Grieving to roam the streets, try delicious foreign dishes, and explore the libraries. All this in favour of having an unforgettable time in Kingshire. Also, to get time for herself on her birthday. A scrumptious peach puff Daisy told her about from a nearby bakery would have made her birthday even more delightful. Maybe she could buy a brand new dress, as her taste was more modern.

From her savings that she had been keeping since the start of the year, she could buy all that she desired and indeed have more. That is if Kenneth and her long lost friends didn't have another idea, hidden among themselves.

Though, if Kenneth makes her birthday a living hell, there is no doubt that Audrey will feed him some punches.

All these thoughts danced in her head, as the carriage stopped to their destination. Audrey shifted the curtains and gazed upon the large mansion.

White and vast, it had a long, beautiful staircase that led them upwards into a mini flower garden with pink roses. They were Kenneth's mom's favorite. Two wooden benches were at the opposite end of the mansion and the walkway towards the doorstep was decorated with little bushes. Audrey could not help but feel like she was royalty. Just for a few minutes. To add to her imagination, was a golden lion's head on the white door, with a latch to chime against it. The servants took the luggages from their hands and walked behind the mansion.

Kenneth knocked on the door and they waited about a minute. Just so, there was a middle aged woman, who had a warm smile on her face.

"Kenneth your back!" She hugged him.

"Oh, and you brought your friends," she added, bending sideways to look at us.

"And I brought the girl I'm courting to meet mama! Though she already knows her. It has been too long!"

"Yes. Not long enough" Audrey whispered, nearing June as they snickered under their breath.

"Do come in. You all must be starving."

Outside of the mansion did not do the place justice. Inside, it was floored with white marble. The stairs were marble too but in contrast to the golden railings was unmatched. A large glass chandelier lit up the room. It caused Audrey and June to squint against its light. Jack was busy with the rest of the bags so he didn't even bother to look around. Maybe because he already came here. She did not know.

"Right! I made a little snack and some tea. You all go help yourselves."

"Before we stuff our tummies, I would want Audrey to meet my mother. Is Kate here?"

Audrey could not help but smile at his adorable little manner. It wasn't as if he didn't say things like that. She just likes how it sounds.

"Yes she is here. Though I think she went into town. She will be back soon."

"Very well. Come Audrey."

Kenneth nudged as he placed his hands on her waist, squeezing slightly against her emerald dress. Audrey slowly moved forward as they walked the halls of the guest's bedrooms. She swore Kenneth had heard her heart beating quick and boisterous But Kenneth was distracted by the sound of a piano, coming from his mother's room.

As they stepped in, Kenneth's mother stopped her session and looked our way, with a smile.

"Kenny!" She exaggerated, as she flung her grey and black hair back from her shoulders.

"You look pale, son. Are you even eating. Heavens!"

"Mother, this is Audrey. You remember her as a chil-"

"Audrey. Darling!"

Mrs. Bainleigh sprung from her chair and into her arms, barely allowing Kenneth to finish. Her warm body felt a bit familiar as Audrey took in her signature scent; rose. She was immensely fond of Mrs. Bainleigh and Kate. They would treat her like their own.

"You look prettier than the last time I saw you. And your hair! It's beautiful! Might I add your hips are rather wide. Very good for child birth, dear."

She exclaimed, as she playfully hit her shoulder.

"Thank you, Mrs. Bainleigh" Audrey chimmed, with a face full of teeth trying to contain herself.

"I do insist on you calling me Valerie dear" she replied. "As my son is courting you, yes?"

"Yes, well- I do suppose as you brought it up. I need to speak about Kenneth's…………. approach."

Valerie laid down her glove as she was talking it out. She took her glasses and excused the trainer to go outside. Kenneth glared at her, furiously. Silently he was telling her to not say anything daring. If only looks could kill. Audrey played with her fingers while Kenneth sighed.

"What troubles you my dear?"

"Well you see…….As you may know Kenneth and I. We didn't get along very well as children. Nor as adults. I do find it rather peculiar that out of the blue, he asked for my courtship so sudden. I only agreed on this so I can have a splendid birthday-"

"Oh, Did you not tell her?"

"Tell me, what exactly?"

Kenneth's eyes became weak. Audrey then knew that he had alternate motives. To benefit himself alone. She was up for a surprise.

"I-I will take over the family's business in September. Although I'm qualified in many undoubted ways, it is required that I have a-"

He looks towards Audrey. Then over to Valerie as she swings her fingers with encouragement. He takes a deep breath as the hair on Audrey's hands stood.

"I need a wife. A family. That's why I chose you."

Those words stabbed her in the chest. Once again Kenneth manipulated her into his wretched trap. Her mouth hung open ready to speak but her heart would not let it happen. He didn't wanted to be with her.

"If I may, With all do respect, I came here because Kenneth told me that your wishes were us to be courting. I also came so I could spend my birthday towards my advantage. I did not want to be in his presence the minute I found out he was at the party. He's a lying, cruel, selfish person. And today he added a foul character to his long lists of bad personalities. So whatever you wish of me to do, I won't stand by it!"

"Audrey. Darling, wait!" Kenneth persuaded.

"Oh for heaven's sake Kenny! You ought to fix things with her. How could you leave out the most important motive?" Valerie sighed, placing her hand on her forehead.

As Audrey stormed out the room, she began looking for June. She started to pant at first, letting her vexation consume her. After a while, she calmed down to the voices of June. To her surprise, she saw her with Kate. She looked very different from before. Her long black hair swayed to her movements, mimicking her. June gasps as Audrey comes in weeping. Her cries over powering her voice. June then thought that 'this has to be Kenneth's doing and only him would cause Audrey such discomfort.

"Sweety, do not weep so much. Your eyes will get puffy and it will be your birthday after all. Don't want everyone to say you're a zombie!"

Audrey did not understand what she meant by "everyone". All she knew that she wanted a quiet birthday away from Mr. Self-absorbed and his accomplices. She was determined to keep her self-promises. Her desires were just as important as Kenneth's yearning to control the family tobacco business. She would not let down the one person who was always there for her. Herself.