Aromantic Desires

II

All the maids and servants, tenants of sort were up and about. Early morning preparation was expected for the evening. Lingering at the corners of the drawing room was Audrey. She wanted to know how she could speed up the time, as she felt it was "one of the worst days of her life". At the west parlor, Daisy and Frisella chatted about the evening events.

"All the eligible men will be attending. It is undoubtedly a marvelous time to introduce them to my dearest sister."

"Over my dead body! Don't try to play the ridiculous matchmaker. That fits mother quite well do you suppose?"

"Good heavens! What on earth happened to you?" Frisella cried.

"I woke up in Lucifer's den that's what".

"At least do try to look civilized this morning. I was told very important people will be here."

"I honestly just want this day to be over girls."

They chuckled as their breakfast had arrived. The day dragged on with more whining from Audrey. Later in the day, Miss Osword came to drop off the girls' dresses. Audrey seemed a bit pleased, as she gazed at her gown for the dinner party. Nonetheless, she thanked Miss Osword for the ready made dresses, affably curtsied and went off to her room.

??

As the night crept in, so did the guests at Premstone Manor. Ladies, Lords, Dukes and Duchesses came with warm smiles. In Daisy's room, the girls were getting ready for the evening events.

" You look beautiful, Audrey," Daisy exclaimed.

"For my own funeral, I do say so myself!"

She gazed at her reflection, studying every crease of her gown. Pink silk draped her figure, with puffy sleeves and a symmetrical-square neck, lined with lace. Her curls were pulled into a half updo and a small flower clip held the top together, while little curls were scattered on the edges of her forehead. The young ladies looked heavenly. But in contrast to Audrey.

She was pure art.

"Come now Audrey. All smiles tonight. You may meet your future husband!"

Audrey sighed as they were making their way to the ballroom. Certainly, there was no stopping her mother's elaborate schemes.

??

Laughter and delightful cheer at every corner of Premstone Hall. It was a fine party, moreover, Audrey thought so as well. There she was at the side of the commotion and chatter, twisting her feet; counting down till the hour of eight when it shall be over. Her sister and cousin were mingling, leaving her buried in her thoughts. Likewise her mother, who was mouthing loudly, "More smiling" from across the room. Her figure was already turned, as a glass broke at the utmost centre of the hall. People stopped and murmured when chuckles and thuds were heard. Calling for a maid, was the most weird yet interesting man Audrey had ever seen. Eyes of ice, glacial winter though warmt and adornment she felt. Above all was his mirthless smirk slightly, so ever, at her. He handed the maid his coat and made his way towards her. Approaching her dainty figure, stood him over her head.

"Good evening miss?......" questioned this peculiar man, husky toned and all.

"Premstone" she replied rather daring and soft.

"Do you not fancy a fine party like this?

"Not quite, I suppose. I do not dilly-dally with anyone".

"Ah! Well I am a bit of luck you don't say?" He asked, smirking.

Audrey felt very uneasy, as if someone was watching her. Of course, it was Victoria, breathing down her neck as always. In addition, this quirky man was a bit of a pompous lad and very self centered she thought, as the conversation between them continued.

"Would you like to step outside for some evening air?"

Audrey nodded to his request. Any opportunity to get away from her determined mother was taken.

On the balcony, looking over the land, it was a quiet night outside. That was until they arrived.

"May I know your name miss?"

"Alright. I will stop you here sir. You cannot sweep me away and expect me to trust you. What kind of serial killer are you?"

He halted and ran his fingers through his raven hair.

"Certainly, I tried to be friendly and warm but I may have stumbled upon a wretched , ill mannered woman. You were all alone and I was just….."

"Cat got your tongue?"

Even if he fumbled, he was suave. Fool she may not be by his sculptured jaw. Conceivably, he is like those vile men of this time, she thought with undoubted consciousness.

"Who are you? I urge you not to sport with me tonight. Why did you approach me?".

"Are you a detective, Audrey? All those questions will surely get you into police work, I do say so myself!"

"Hold on---"

"Kenneth Bainleigh, at your service miss," he whispered, ever so foolishly.

Low was her heart as it sank. It must be a mare and terrible joke. Was he the same Kenneth that's always at the manor when she visited as a child, who pushed her, put mud in her hair, teased her? She only hoped she had heard wrong. Kenneth departed only at twenty one at the time to go visit Kingsworth. He was the only companion she had other than her cousins, who was not female. Now he is before her. Uncanny, she thought yet had that sly glare which was the only thing that stayed.

"Oh I know who you were the second I layed eyes on you! It was more fun having you puzzled and on your toes, darling."

Darling?---- What on earth was he doing?

"Ken---Mister Bainleigh, I do not intend on staying here with you before you murder me and I will have to haunt you forever!"

"I always knew you wanted to be in my presence!"

"We are surely not children anymore. You've grown into a feenish rake!"

"And you are absolutely the same.Could you atleast do try to be more pleasant?"

"Good day, Mr. Bainleigh."

She turned on her heel towards the entrance. Unfortunately, her mother was front and center, pleading with her once more.

"Have you spoken to anyone dear?"

"I most certainly did. Does Kenneth Bainleigh ring a bell mother?"

Victoria didn't say anything, as it was not the right moment to. Audrey could not bear that boy as they were children. She hated every dreaded minute with him. Granting all of this, she actually was devastated when he left. No one actually knows why, since Audrey locked herself in her room for days at the time. The fact was that she didn't know why she was so apprehensive. Was it due to the fact that he was a tremendous brute, returning to devil her? Perhaps she could not confront the truth that it was him, in the flesh and she blamed herself for feeling miserable once more.

??

After the party and his nasty reunion with Audrey, Kenneth had returned to his summer home in Newton. Apparently, the thoughts of Audrey roamed his head at night. Much so he began storytelling to his best friend who was more like a brother to him, Jack Braithwaite.

"She was behaving like a mad witch! Rude and feisty she was, Jack! She would not let me talk. Could you blame me for being friendly? Why was she the most angelic creature at the dinner party? Yes. That's until she had to open her filthy trap."

"Do shut up and go to sleep, Ken. You both bicker like children fighting over a rag doll."

Jack was a carrot top fellow, with a witty personality. A bit of a diplomat and more of a good samaritan type of gentleman. Yet Kenneth was testing his faith tonight.

"You surely are no help, Jack. How am I supposed to apologize to someone so....so....stubborn yet dazzling?"

"Send her a lovely pearl necklace as a present, for God's sake."

"Oh, I'm not looking for a death wish, Jack."

"I sincerely suggest trying to talk to her. She may be a bit hesitant but we know her. Her heart is not as cold as you think."

Stuck in his head, Kenneth could not believe how charming she looked at the party. Unfortunately, he put those thoughts at the back of his head, drifting off into a sleep.

??

On Sundays,the Premstone family usually attends church. Due to the events of Saturday's dinner party, there was much cleaning and arranging to do. Audrey and Daisy helped the servants they did not intend on sitting doing nothing. Shortly after, the cousins took a bath, got dressed and went to the flower meadows for inspiration for watercolors. Frisella excused the servants, seeing as she saw Audrey was quiet, stroking gently with her small brush against the canvas.

"Are you alright, Audrey?" Frisella cautiously asked.

"Yes I am, Sella. The mood to speak is not present".

"Oh, Do not worry about Mr. Grumpy shorts. He seems a bit more odd than he did years before." added Daisy, dipping her brunch in her paint.

Audrey innocently giggled, as it was for the first time in twelve hours or so.

"Do not worry about me, girls. I will not let him get to me. He is very irrelevant at this moment and will remain as such. Look, I'm almost finished with my painting."

"Beautiful!" Frisella cheered.

Her paintings were quite unique as well. The girls were pleased as they managed to create lovely pieces of flowery hills and greenery. Despite the tension of Audrey and her vigorous brush strokes on the canvas. When they were finished, the tenants packed up their belongings heading to the estate.

Arriving at the manor in the distance they saw Mr. Wright, heading towards Frisella. He came towards her, gently stroking her small.

"Are you alright dear? I want you to stay indoors please, my love. The sun is scorching."

"Well perhaps I need to find a companion. I do love to be babied!" Daisy cried as Audrey giggled at her silly request.

It was rather strange of him to react this way, nonetheless it was the least of their worries. Storming out from the second study, came Mr. Premstone, mumbling in his tracks. Lady Victoria sat on a small chain in the study, holding on as tears glided down her face.

"This place has gone mad" whispered Daisy to her sister, when she quickly ran her to her room.

Audrey began to feel her throat dry, as she held her chest and proceeded inside the study. "Whatever is the matter mother? Did Father do something again?"

"It is what he said, dear. I can't witness this any more."

"Whatever do you mean, mother?"

She proceeded in telling the tale as it was heart crushing. You see, Lady Victoria was born in the West Indies, as were not the ladies in England. Her mother was a slave that was sold while bearing a child, to Phillip's family. As she grew into a lovely girl, Phillip grew fond of her and fell in love. Soon at twenty one, they were married. Unlike Phillip, his family was deeply disappointed as he declined every other courting that wasn't Victoria. They were then pregnant with Audrey at the time and decided to run away.

Now it was time to return to his family's home and make amends but Victoria does not think it will go well.

"Mother, I know it isn't my place to say, but I suggest trying to make peace with your dreaded past. It will do you more good than before."

Audrey proceeded to calm her mother, until her father excused them from the study, after returning. As Audrey was walking up the staircase, she could not help but wonder why she would not apply some of her same advice to herself with Kenneth.

"Only if it was so easy"

"I beg your pardon Audrey!?" The lady maiden asked, utterly confused as Audrey held her chest in fright.

"What is it, Eliza?"

"A letter came for you."

"Do you know who it's from?" She asked eagerly, fiddling with the flap.

"Mr–

"Oh for the love of Christ!"

"Let's go in the bedroom and sit down", Idria said, chuckling as Audrey used to tell her stories about her childhood taunt all the time.

Seated upon her bed, she began reading.

Dear Drey

"I am not going to question it."

"Do carry on!" Daisy squealed as she came in uninvited.

Audrey rolled her eyes, as she sighed then continued.

It is in my knowledge and broken heart that I write to you, apologizing for my behavior yesterday. Unfortunately, the circumstances of this letter are not all good but I want to make amends with you. I will be coming to visit you tomorrow afternoon and I would like us to have a picnic on Premstone fields, while I give my warmest apology to what happened in the past and what you will be uncovering in a few days time.

Yours truly, Kenny.

"Please throw this into the fire. I may be contaminated with his poor attempt at an apology."

"Oh, don't you think that's a bit harsh? Even for you. He seems so genuine. Give him a chance please."

"Whose side are you playing on, Eliza?"

Her reaction was all a front of what she really wanted..She wanted nothing more than an explanation of what Kenneth did when they were teenagers. She also wanted to slap his devilishly handsome face. All of the above perhaps, but what had happened when she was a young girl between them, was a deep trauma wound that merely was reopening.