Westminster 1822

Flowers and Vial

Emily’s head screamed at her not to walk into Ella’s room. She would not be in a good mood. Harris and his Mother were due to arrive after breakfast. Against her own better judgement, Emily pushed through the white double doors. Ella wore a lilac gown with snow white gloves, her honey blonde hair had been fixed into their custom coils.

‘How are you feelings?’ Emily asked.

‘I wasn’t ill to begin with.’ Ella opened her fan.

Emily sighed. ‘Ella you locked yourself in with Father, have you forgotten how fragile his health is?’

‘So, now you think I’m psychotic?’ Ella snapped her fan shut.

‘I haven’t said that.’

Ella walked up to Emily’s face. Emily swallowed, but didn’t step back. ‘I meant every word. Everyone who stands in my way will be lower than sewer rats.’

Emily pressed her palms together and bit her lower lip. Ella’s gaze burned holes in her face.

‘I’ll run you over, Emily. You’re the tree in the middle of the road keeping me from my destiny. I will not be made a fool off!’

‘Not one wants to make a fool out of you.’ Emily exclaimed.

‘I’d think twice about your marriage.’ Ella brushed passed Emily and stormed out the door.

Days past and the clock was ticking for Ella, but not for a second did she fear for her fate. Henrietta and Harris would he visiting the Castle again. That was twice in the same week. Ella had merely three days left until her fate would be sealed to Harris. She brushed her fingers along her red lips. Henrietta thought she was planning a party fit for a thousand guests.

‘Fools.’ She smirked.

Emily sat in her Step Mother’s garden with a book begging to be read. All she could think about was Elton. A letter had been mailed to her informing her Elton travelled to London for business. She wouldn’t see him for a while.

She shut the book and sighed. ‘Perhaps another day.’

Hooves smacking the ground alerted Emily to the Kelly’s arrival. Ella would be getting married soon. It put Emily at peace knowing Ella’s threats would blow over in the wind. Harris was a lovely young man and Emily hoped he would treat Ella with dignity no matter how difficult she would be.

Emily rushed to stand by her sister, Father and Furlong just as the butler opened the front door. Furlong rubbed her forehead, but kept her mouth shut. Oscar smiled and kissed Henrietta’s gloved palm. She wore a massive pink gown and bonnet.

Harris kissed Ella’s gloved hand. The lines on Ella’s mouth didn’t even twitch. No one even glanced at Emily.

‘Ella, I would love to hear more of your marvellous ideas for the wedding before the planner arrives tomorrow.’ Henrietta beamed.

Ella lifted her lips slightly. ‘Charming, how lovely it is to have a mother in law with exquisite taste.’

Henrietta looped her arm with Ella’s and giggled. Harris followed behind them with his arms tucked behind his back. Oscar nodded at Emily to go with them. Emily frowned at him. It really wasn’t what she wanted to do that day.

Ella, Henrietta along with Emily and Harris strolling behind them surveyed the garden. They left behind Lady Cecilia’s garden and approached the duck pond.

‘Westminster truly is magnificent.’ Harris said.

Emily nodded. ‘Lady Cecilia made sure not a grass was never out of place. Father’s quite the same.’

Harris nodded. A question about Emily’s mother played in the back of his mind, but he didn’t want to be rude. He kept his mouth shut.

‘Uh... so, when will you be wedding Elton?’ He asked instead.

‘Well, Countess Lucia wants a summer wedding.’ Emily laughed. ‘I’d much rather an autumn wedding.’

‘Do Elton and Ella have a close relationship?’ Harris' gaze darted to the women ahead of them.

Emily shook her head. She blushed suddenly. She didn’t know to the length their relationship. Perhaps, Ella’s desire was more than social standards and reputation. Her desire could have been born from a secret love affair, or a brief encounter. Then again, Ella never said anything to Emily about her affairs. Elton couldn’t have kept something like that to himself surely.

‘It.. it must be no more than a formal relationship.’ Emily uttered.

‘You aren’t sure?’ Harris raised his brow.

‘Harris, why do you ask?’

He shoved his fists in the pockets of his mustard pants. ‘Because I’ve seen the way she looks at him. They way she looked at both of you that night. I’m not a fool. I’m not the one she wants.’

‘But she’s marrying you Elton!’ Emily offered him a smile. Harris didn’t reflect her enthusiasm.

‘I don’t want a turbulent home. Perhaps, it should have been you to marry first. Get our obstacles out of the way.’ Harris stalked ahead of her and join his Mother and Ella.

Emily sighed. They got to the duck pond. Emily spotter the Bentley flag waving in the distance. Her heart did a backflip. Her companions were occupied. She span and ran all the way to the kitchen back door. She prayed Furlong wasn’t snooping around.

She pants as she waded through the kitchen of bustling bodies. She thought Elton was in London. He wanted to surprise her then. It was a good thing too, he had to clarify he had no pre-existing relationship with Ella. She finally came to the living room and the man standing next to a short tower of flowers was Liam.

‘Liam?’ Emily breathed out.

‘Expecting my brother, are we?’ He chuckled. ‘The old chap's in London and very much thinking about you. He had me deliver this dashing bouquet.’

‘They are beautiful, thank you.’ She wouldn’t be able to carry them to her room.

‘Is that Lord Harris and The Marquis?’

‘Yes, Ella’s wedding is this week.’

‘Congratulations to her.’ Liam smiled. Heavy footsteps marched into the living room. Ella’s gaze shot to Liam then sent daggers to Emily.

‘It’s very inappropriate to run off on your companions Emily. Then again, what do I expect from you!’

‘What do you want Ella?’ Emily snapped.

‘Harris and I are having tea by the pond. Make sure the table is set the way I like it.’

‘Since when is that my job?!’

‘You’re my older sister! Can you not just do this for me.’ Ella fumed.

Emily grumbled then excused herself. Liam and Ella stared at each other long enough until all the footsteps quieted. Ella closed the gap between them.

‘You better have it.’ She held her palm out.

‘I never fail.’ Liam pulled a dark blue vial out his coat pocket. ‘It’ll cost you a pretty penny Ella.’

Ella grabbed the thumb size bottle. ‘You’ll get your portion, Bentley.’

‘I’m serious Ella, be sure about this. Jail wasn’t the plan.’

‘Of course not! I know what I’m doing. Believe me Liam this is only the beginning.’