Chapter Text
Theo had tried to run. He had heard his father in his study, discussing arrangements late last spring, and knew he had to run. Weeks of observing when the servants turned in for the night and when the security guards near the exits changed shifts. He knew exactly what steps would creak when going down the grand staircase, and which windows would most likely be left unlocked on the first floor. All that planning just to escape the manor, just to end up back within three days.
He had made plans to stay with a few friends in the nearby village until the next ship arrived in the harbor. After that, it didn't matter to him where he ended up so long as it was far away from his father and the impending nuptials. Somehow, someone figured out who he was, who his father was, and ratted him out. Theo knew that his father had promised a nice reward to whoever aided the village guards in finding his missing daughter.
Theo's life had been much easier when his mother was still around. But with her gone, there was nothing to distract father from the fact that his daughter, his only child, had cut her hair boyishly short and thrown away all of her dresses in favor of men's pants. After his mother died, Theo's father had begun taking a strange interest in the how he behaved. There was no one to defend Theo's actions as his mother used to do.
"Girls her age are like this, dear," She would say, after Theo's father saw what he had done to his long golden curls at the age of thirteen. "I remember when I was her age, I begged for my governess to fix the mess I had made of my hair. It's only natural to try new things when they're young."
A year after her death, his father had started inviting old friends with eligible bachelor sons to dinner and commenting on how it was high time that he settle down soon, or else people would start to wonder what was wrong with him. When Theo mentioned that he had no intention of marrying any of the young men he had been introduced to, that he wanted to attend university like father had, he was dismissed.
"A young lady has no need for such a thing," and his father had simply waved away the idea as silly. "What you need is discipline, Violet, and a man will give you just that."
Theo flinched as his father stood from behind his desk. Clearly this conversation was over, though Theo had barely contributed much.
"Now please, don't make this more difficult than it needs to be. Any of these young men will make a fine husband, but I understand if you find it hard to choose. Love is not always possible in a marriage, but I will be sure to select a match that treats you well, you are my only daughter after all."
After that, his father stopped inviting friends to dinner, or at least stopped including Theo. He had hoped that the matter would disappear with the sudden change, but that was until he had overheard the words "engagement" and "joyous occasion" with the sound of champagne opening while walking down the stairs past his father's study.
In the weeks that followed between making escape plans, Theo had been introduced to his groom-to-be. Edward, the son of an old business partner of his father, towered over Theo with a polite smile and bright eyes, always insisting on opening doors and offering an umbrella in the event of rain he seemed like a nice enough man and Theo could see why his father chose him.
'At least he's handsome' Theo thought as they walked in tandem through the front gardens. It had been a beautiful day out and Edward had insisted they take a stroll and get to know one another.
"I was wondering," he started as they turned toward the center fountain. "About something your father mentioned the other day?"
They stopped and sat on a bench next to the fountain, and Theo could barely hear what the other was saying as he looked at the statue in the center. He couldn't believe that this was happening. He needed to leave, tonight. It had to be tonight. The day after tomorrow the caterers and musicians would begin setting up for the engagement party held on Saturday. There would be no chance for him to leave and not immediately be caught with the influx of people milling about the grounds.
"...and I've noticed that you've not been as please as I expected." Edward continued.
"Sorry?"
"Violet, if there is something on your mind, please. I do not want my bride to be unhappy." Edward had his hands tenderly wrapped around Theo's and was looking expectantly into his eyes.
"If you are in love with someone else, I do not wish to be in the way."
At this Theo laughed.
"I don't understand what is so funny, are you not?" Theo shook his head. "Do you find me ugly then? Please I want you to be happy with me."
Theo stood then. "Father thinks I am delusional. I told him I wished to go to university, that I can't live up to his expectations any longer."
"He thinks you're mental simply because you have an interest in education?" Edward stood and Theo took a step back.
"And that I desire to live as a man."
"Then I guess your father is right. You are delusional, Violet."
Theo turned and ran toward the manor. It definitely had to be tonight.
*
Theo had made it out of the manor, past the gardens, and through the gate before he stopped and processed what he had just done. He was free. He could start over, as a man, and live with no expectations.
He spent the next two nights arranging for passage on the next outgoing ship. He kept his presence in the village minimal to avoid being seen by anyone who might know who he was. On the third day, the ship was set to sail.
He awoke that morning and couldn't believe he was almost free. He thanked his hosts and wished them well. He had never been in the village for this long, and he figured he could get away with some light window shopping before heading to the ship. He passed a butcher, and two small restaurants that he wished he could try. When he turned the corner in the direction of the harbor, he could see a crowd of people gathering and rushed to join them.
All of a sudden a hand reached out and grabbed him by his elbow.
"Hello, Violet. Have you enjoyed your vacation?" Theo froze. No. His father had managed to find him. He let go of his elbow and motioned.
"How-" Two guards grabbed him, one on each shoulder and marched him toward the manor.
"It doesn't matter how. What matters is that we found you before something happened to you. Do you have any idea how hurt Edward is? Luckily I managed to convince him to stay, if not I don't know what I would have done with you." His father sounded as if Theo was the problem and not him.
"I've decided that the wedding is to be moved up. I do not want this to happen again, Violet." Theo just slumped in defeat.