Chapter Text
“I want to be with you, will marry me?”
The brunette man said, looking down due to embarrassment. She giggled “What did you see?” walking towards him “did I say yes?” He didn’t answer. Well, he did not know the answer, he did not foresee this. The blonde just sighed and put the ring on her left ring finger. “I’m in love with you, Eli Clark. And yes, I will marry you,” the tall man was surprised and unconsciously held the other’s hands “Y-You mean it?!” his eyes sparkled like the streetlights at night.
She withdrew her left hand and cupped Eli’s cheek “Darling, we’ve been together for years haha,” she chuckled, making Eli’s chest warm. “I love you Gertrude,” with that he closed the gap between them. Gertrude was surprised by the boldness of him but then she answered to his action by cupping his cheeks. He adored her from the moment he saw her at the flower shop. He knew he couldn’t stop thinking about her, the blonde locks falling effortlessly on her shoulders, her pink moist lips, red rosy cheeks, her beautiful smile, and her angel-like voice when she spoke to him for the first time.
Both came to their senses when a sudden flap of wings and a “Hoot” of an owl was heard.
“Oh hello!” Gertrude pulled back tucking the hair back to her ear. “Brooke! Why you--!?” Eli, annoyed, waved his hand in front of the owl. The owl just landed on Gertrude’s shoulders and tilted her head innocently. “Don’t be mad, love, look at her,” she petted her soft feathers that made the owl hoot in pleasure. Eli just sighed, forgetting what the owl just did.
“Come now,” Eli signals his owl and she completely followed, resting on her owner’s left shoulder. “The sun’s nearly gone, darling, I will walk you home,” he spoke softly while extending an arm to his fiancée “Ah! Aren’t you a gentleman Mr. Clark? I hope you only show this to me, I’m afraid that the ladies will snatch you away. Considering I’ll be your Mrs. Clark,” she joked earning a chuckle from the man. “You sure are very optimistic today, miss,” he raised an eyebrow as she locked her arms to his. “Who wouldn’t love to be your wife, Eli?” she leaned making Eli’s face hot.
“Well, here we are!” Gertrude separated herself and spun in front of the gate. “How are you going to get home darling?” she said softly, caressing Eli’s smooth cheek “I’ll be fine, besides it’s only five blocks away from here. You should get some rest. Goodnight sweetheart,” He took her hand where the ring is worn and kissed it “You coward!” She exclaimed, pulling her fiancée for a kiss that made the owl hoot in agreement. He chuckled “Aren’t you a little bold today sweetheart?” “You should get use to it! We’ll be doing this more when we get married!” She hums as she playfully shows off her ring in front of him.
“Of course!” the couple’s laugh was intervened by a creak of the wooden door, Gertrude gently pushed Eli away scared that it was her father waiting for her again, but instead it was her personal maid, Julia.
“Milady! Where’ve you been?!” she rushed to her master wearing a worried look on her face. It didn’t take her a minute to recognize the man beside the girl. “Mr. Clark, greetings!” she bowed elegantly “Hello, Julia!” He nodded as his pet flapped her wings in response. “I see that you walked Milady home, you have my thanks,” she said softly while looking at the ground. Eyeing the blonde with a soft smile he replied, “It is an honor for me to walk Ms. Claire Gertrude home,” he noticed how long they’ve been standing and gave his last regards “Ladies, I am glad to see you well, have a goodnight.”
“How many times do I have to tell you to inform me if you’re going to meet Mr. Clark?!” Julia exclaimed fuming in anger.
“Relax, no one will know,”
“Yes! That’s the point, nobody knows!”
Gertrude rolled her eyes, Julia sighed “Ms. Claire, I understand that you seldom see him but please consider your safety. Did you know how many lies I had made up just to cover your escape? You told me you were only going to dress up but when I checked you in your room you were gone, and I saw a rope of clothes hanging on the window!” she scolded her. She hates it when Gertrude does this, ditching family dinner just to see Eli, though she understands how her master loves him too much. “Come on, Jules, it’s only occasionally. Promise, next time I’ll notify you,” Gertrude held her hands and squeezed it.
Ah here she goes again.
“Alright, I’ll let it go this time” She calmly respond, “Oh Jules you’re the best!” She cheered and hugged Julia tightly. “Thank you, but please don’t do that again. I’ll be in trouble,” She gently pushed herself away from the blonde. “Don’t worry, if my father did anything to you, I’ll cover you,” She ensured her that made Julia smiled. The girls halted when they saw a figure of a muscular man.
“Gertrude,” He called.
“Father.” She addressed making the maid bow for respect.
“Why didn’t I see you at dinner? Your mother was worried,” He paused only to look at the maid “Your maid here told me you went to the tailor to repair your corset,” He said sternly. Gertrude was shocked that Julia really did lie to save her, for that she has her thanks “Yes, I was. I’m afraid that my corset hasn’t been repaired yet due to the number of customers,” she averted her gaze from the tall man while playing the loose thread on her dress.
A pair of hazel orbs observed the blonde from head to toe. “That’s quite long,” the man moved closer as he spoke “Julia told me around one that you’d be back at--” he paused, taking out his pocket watch to check the time “-estimated six-twenty-five, young lady, don’t tell me you met with that fortune teller again?” High tension covered the atmosphere, Gertrude tried to compose herself, Julia was scared. Gertrude scoffed “And for what reason do I have to meet him?” This hurt, the lover never wanted to deny Eli, but if they ever get caught, they would be in serious trouble. Adding that the man already proposed to her. “Reason? Should I specify them?” His stern tone never left.
“You love that conman so much that you didn’t even show up at dinner. Feeding you with lies, saying he can see the future,”
That’s it.
Gertrude stomped her foot angrily “HE’S NOT A LIAR!” she exclaimed. Her voice echoed through the hallways of the mansion. “He can only predict the possibilities! Not the whole future thing!” Gertrude doesn’t care anymore. She’s tired of this, saying Eli’s a liar, a conman, using her for her wealth. Gertrude didn’t want Eli to get badmouthed even if Eli told her it was okay because he didn’t mind, or he that he could handle them. That was also the reason of their first fight, when they were out on their first date. The Baker insulted Eli saying he is some “demonic witch” which made Gertrude threw the cake at his face making them pay double. Eli told Gertrude to calm down, instead she started making a scene which caused Eli to drag her out of the store and scold her, telling her that that was very barbaric of her. Gertrude’s point was that Eli wasn’t defending himself. Good start for a first date.
“So, you did meet him.” The man crossed his arms, fuming with anger. She threw her hands in the air due to the irritation balling up inside her. She stomped her heels to show her anger while walking away to her room. Julia was shaking, not knowing what to do “Oh God!” she whispered to herself following Gertrude, stopping to bow to the father for respect.
He sighed.
“You shouldn’t do that, Milady!” she said closing the door gently.
“Jules, I’m tired of this! What’s even wrong with Eli?!” She threw herself to the bed, hugging the fluffy cream pillow. “Julia, what am I going to do?” Gertrude gestured her to sit beside her, Julia obeyed. “Claire Gertrude,” she gently patted her head. “I want to be with him, Julia,” she sobbed making the sheets moist.
“I’m sorry, I can’t do anything,”
Gertrude remembered Eli’s proposal, she sat up the bed and looked at the beautiful silver ring, two sculpted feathers facing against each other were and a small circular sapphire was connecting them. Beautiful she thought. Julia noticed her smile and looked at her finger, she jumped out of the bed and immediately covered her mouth “Claire Gertrude!”
He stomps his feet enough for his wife to hear. She ignored the increasing volume of footsteps and continued to brush her long-silky black hair. A loud slam of the door was heard, she didn’t bother looking. “You know it’s still relevant to knock?” He saw his beautiful wife wearing a beautiful seafoam satin nightgown with white chiffon and laces on the edges of the gown and long-bell sleeves, the open V-neck exposed her cleavage. She put the wooden brush down, looking at her husband’s reflection, she stood up, walking slowly to him making her hair fall effortlessly to her shoulder down to her waist. This made his heart clenched. Cerulean met hazel “Gerald,” she spoked softly, running her hands up to his chest “You looked stressed, what’s the matter, love?” She cupped his face; he released a heavy sigh.
“Cassandra,” He squeezed the hand that’s cupping his face. “Gertrude, she-“ he released her, deciding to sat at the edge of the Master’s bed. “Oh, what’s with her? Didn’t she go to repair her corset?” She accompanied Gerald and began rubbing circles on his back. “She met with that fortune teller again!” He groans in irritation “She didn’t listen to everything we tell her!”
Gerald start massaging his temples, Cassandra pats his head. “Oh dear, don’t you worry about her. She’ll realize that everything we do for her is good.” Cassandra is giving her best to calm his hot-headed husband. Gerald just gave her a husky hum “Oh please darling,” she giggled positioning herself to face her husband “Don’t be like that, do you remember that time when you’re still courting me? You always tell me to hide from my maids so I cannot be seen when I’m escaping just to see you?” she cupped his face and the reaction did not fail her. “W-We we’re kids that time! We knew nothing more!” Embarrassed, he stood up and change into his pajamas. Cassandra laughs at his husband cute reaction, Gerald notice that, “Stop it,” He ordered, but still have the touch of gentleness in him. “I’m sorry, it’s just that- ahaha! You’re supposed to be stern and all but now look at you, you suddenly become soft.” She giggled, pausing to get some air “Well, I have no problem with soft men, I love them actually.”
His spouse jumped into the bed and position herself to hug the soft maroon blanket. “Care to join me, Love?” Gerald smiled and make his way to the King’s bed.
“Oh no! NO! NO! WELL I MEAN- I’M HAPPY BUT- AHHH!!!” Julia panicked.
“Jules! Keep it down! Shhhhh!” Gertrude tried to calm her down, Julia is already biting her apron to control her screams and cries. “G-Gertrude, I’m happy b-but,” Julia can’t bear this, she’s happy, sad, scared. She doesn’t know what to feel! She breathed, wiped her messy crying face. Gertrude went to her drawer to get some handkerchief and gave it to Julia so she wouldn’t wipe from her apron. The maid calm herself down.
“Milady,” she paused “Have you thought about this?” she sneezed on the handkerchief her master gave her, the other didn’t mind. “Of course, I have,” she smiled gently, telling her that she’s going to be fine. It’s going to be fine. Julia hold the handkerchief tight, her face is filled with worry “But what if, what if he finds out? Then you’ll get arrange with someone for sure,” Julia’s watery green eyes met Gertrude’s brunette.
Gertrude patted Julia’s trembling shoulder “It’s going to be alright, trust me,”. The maid smiled keeping the handkerchief saying she’s going to wash it for her. She walked to the door and grab the doorknob, she looked at her once more and smiled “Goodnight, Lady Gertrude.” The other nodded and smiled “Goodnight Julia,” and there they parted ways to rest themselves.
Staring at his door filled with letters he sighed, “Oh dear Brooke, what should we do?” It is due. He thought. Opening the door made the letters fall, he picked them up and went in into his home. His owl fled away from his shoulder and rest at the bird stand, tilting his head and made a hoot sound. Eli placed all the letters on his table, his home is small. It is like a cottage with only two rooms, one for the small bedroom (yes, emphasize on the word “small”), and the other for the bathroom. The place is so small that he hang his laundries near the window at the kitchen, where the sun passed thru (unfortunately, some of them are still damp, he can’t do it outside because there is no space).
He get himself a glass of water and sat down to examine the letters.
“Sussex, England
18 May, xxxx
Mr. Eli Clark
Dearest Mr. Clark,
It has been 3 months since you haven’t payed your rent, of all the residents I’ve handled you’re always the late one. I am well informed about your financial status and I feel sorry for you, but I am also well informed about your relationship with the daughter of the grain dealer. If you can at least borrow some money for her so your debts won’t pile up. I heard they’re having a great business so borrowing some won’t hurt, yes.
I’ll give you until the end of the month to pay, or I’m sorry to say I’ll have you pack and find a new home.
Sincerely yours,
The landlady, Helga Turner”
Eli can’t help but to rub his temples just to calm himself. Nasty business owners, he thought, can’t they wait more? I already been saving. He leaned back of his chair and groaned. The fact that the land lady used Gertrude’s name like she is his wallet boils his blood. He love her because of who she is, not because of her money. It’s true, Gertrude’s family is famous because of their successful business of wheat and grain production. Most of the townsfolk buys from them, which made them think, how come a poor fortune teller is dating a wealthy woman? Unless he came for the money, of course. The rumor spread like wildfire, some say he bewitch her, the others say they’re just toying around. Eli felt hurt when he heard those rumors, he went silent, not knowing what to say. Gertrude told him to pay no mind but sometimes it really bothers him.
Though not all people don’t like their relationship, there’s Julia, and the McGuffin family who owns a cow farm nearby and gives him free milk when they have extra. He appreciate the kindness given to him, though the number of people who disapprove are many and one of them is the landlady. The reason they haven’t throw him out yet is Gertrude, she has power over them. Her father is the mayor and owns a big business, anytime she can just ask him to take their business away. Mrs. Turner wouldn’t like that. So both parties are forced to comply. Eli stays and Mrs. Turner let him stay, with conditions of course. Eli must pay on time, but he doesn’t have enough, yet.
As much as he hated business owners and merchants, he must find him a shelter and Gertrude suggested this place, cheap (since he rejected her offer to stay in one of the church’s dorms. Gertrude also offered that she’ll help him pay, but then again, he rejected. He doesn’t want people to think that he dated her for her wealth and status). Not good enough, but cheap.
Fortune telling doesn’t pay well. People ignore him most of the time and keep labeling him as a witch. He doesn’t want to use his gift for money, but this is the only thing he is good at.
One time, the high priest told him to stay away from the village (most especially Gertrude) for they will bring him bad luck. Instead he stayed, for his love for the woman is strong. He now remember that they’re engaged, Gertrude told him her plans about them eloping. He felt chills, he’s scared. Not because of Gertrude but because of the “bad luck” the high priest told him.
Am I good enough for her?
Can I satisfy her?
Will we be alright together?
What if she leave me?
Am I doing the right thing?
So many questions pop on his mind. He drank his water fast that it spills form the side of his mouth. His owl flapped her wings violently, Eli looked at her and smiled softly. “It’s alright darling, shh, it’s alright,” he examined the rest of the letters. Most of them are his due bills. “I’ll find way.” He said before going to bed.