Where love is timeless

The Smith Mansion   “I heard them talking about me, but I didn’t hear properly. Something about... using me,” Hyacinth said with a giggle.   “How could you even be so calm—oh! You must be running bonkers,” said Patricia, staring into Hyacinth’s eyes.   “Oh, come on. Like they’ve ever said anything positive about me in this house? It’s no big deal,” Hyacinth assured her as she walked across the room.   “Wait! How about we run away? This is the right time. What... what if they plan to trade you for coal or... or salt!” Patricia exclaimed, her eyes wide like she had just seen a ghost.   “Never! I will not go anywhere. This is my father’s house, and I will see to it that I get back what is rightfully mine,” she said through clenched teeth.   “And I am worth more than coal and salt, Patricia. I’ll probably be exchanged for diamonds,” Hyacinth added, her chin raised and legs spread wide apart.   “Oh yeah, that’s what I’m talking about, you—”   “Hyacinth! Hyacinth!” a loud voice called from the hallway.   “My God, what is that screeching?” Hyacinth muttered, her forehead tightening with anger.   Patricia hurried across the room toward the door.   The door opened, revealing what Hyacinth hated most—or rather, who she despised: her uncle’s wife, a woman who treated her with nothing but contempt.   “Hyacinth, are you hearing-impaired, or did you choose to ignore my calling? Anyway, you are needed downstairs in the parlor. Matters concerning your exit are being discussed,” she said with a smirk.   Gesturing for Patricia to come forward, she walked toward Hyacinth’s wardrobe.   “Come here, Patricia. She needs to put on something nice.”   Patricia quickly moved toward Hyacinth’s aunt.   “Ahh, ahhh... perfect.”   She walked over to Hyacinth, held the dress against her, and, with a look of satisfaction, said, “Well then, what are you waiting for? Get ready.”   She dropped the dress on the bed and walked out of the room.   “My God, I hate that woman. I just want to—” Patricia blurted out, clenching her fists and punching the air.   “Let’s get me dressed, please,” Hyacinth sighed.   Hyacinth walked down the stairs toward the living room—where she had experienced most of the joys of her childhood. The beautiful memories were what kept her going.   As she entered the room, she took in the calm green color her mum had loved. The walls, painted a soft light green, were complemented by large windows and deep green curtains. Two grey sofas—one facing the window and one backing it—framed a brown wooden center table, with small brown stools at either end.   Ahhh, the piano.   She remembered playing it with her father as a child. It stood across the room, facing the window.   The view, the music, the moments—they made life worth living.   “Oh, there she is. Come, Hyacinth,” Mr. James, her uncle, waved her over and gestured for her to sit.   “Well, is she to your liking? I promise you she’s very diligent and will make a great daughter-in-law,” Mr. James said, grinning.   Hyacinth raised her head and looked at her uncle, brows lifted, eyes wide.   She knew marriage would come one day—but without her consent? That, she hadn’t expected.   Mr. James quickly looked away and continued talking.   “We’d like a small wedding. We should exchange gifts, the dowry, and get everything done and over with. By next week, she’ll be all yours.”   He clapped his hands in glee.   Oh, finally. Her uncle’s wife had won. She had convinced her husband to sell her off into marriage.   Hyacinth opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. She was in disbelief.   “Well, that will be all then. I’m so sorry my son couldn’t make it. He’s busy tending to matters of the estate. That’s why he needs a wife—to support him. I fear he hasn’t got time for himself,” said Lady Guinevere, her soon-to-be mother-in-law, scanning Hyacinth with narrow eyes.   After the meeting, Hyacinth stood up to leave.   Placing a hand on her shoulder, her uncle said, looking down at his feet, “It’s for the best, darling. Do it for our family’s sake.”   Hyacinth stormed off, tears in her eyes. If you’d like this in Word or PDF format for printing or submission, I can generate that for you. Would you like me to?