I Love You
Chapter Two
~Trinity~
I parted my deep red stained lips in a sigh, one hand on my stomach. My corset was much too tight to be comfortable, though I loved the way my pale sea green silk dress swirled around my feet. My dark brown hair had been curled and pinned up, the pins sticking into my head.
"Something wrong, my dear?" an arm slipped around my waist. I stepped away immediately.
"No, James. I am just tired and would appreciate the ending of this ball," I replied in a kind manner. His hand came back to my elbow, guiding me away from the chattering ladies.
"My lovely Trinity, why did you not tell me? I will call for our carriage at once," he told me, taking control of the situation at once. I slipped away.
"I can walk by myself," I told him coolly. He nodded in acceptance, and hailed our carriage. I ignored the hand he offered to help me up; I situated myself in my skirts on one bench, making sure my skirts took up all the room, so there would be none for James. He hoisted himself up, an exasperated look crossing his face when he saw my intent, then sat across from me.
"M'lady, why do you not love me as I love you?" I turned my head to look out the window.
"I barely know you, James. We are an arranged couple, not together by our own desire," I explained to him softly: he deserved an answer. He let out a soft breath.
"My lady, could you not learn to love me, as many a woman has done? Do you find me that despicable that I am not worthy of even that?" I turned to look at him, my eyes softening.
"James, it is not that. I just... I never thought my mother would marry me into a loveless marriage." My father had died years ago, when I was still young. My mother had been my everything, and we loved each other more than anything else. I was still astounded that she hadn't let me choose my own husband.
"M'lady-"
"Please, call me Trinity," I corrected him.
"Trinity, please. Could we not at least become friends? You need not love me as a husband, but could I at least mean more to you than a-a... servant?" I blinked once.
"Yes, I suppose we could," I murmured. Our carriage halted outside my home, the door opening. James stepped out first, offering his hand as always. For once, I took it and he looked surprised. His face broke into a grin as he helped me down and led me to my door.
"Good night, my- Trinity," he smiled, kissing my hand.
"Good night James." I smiled at him before disappearing into my house.
