[✔️] Across The Years | Seulrene

Ch. 6 - Possibilities

Another long one, but it is a very important chapter.

Seulgi's  POV

There was a gap in the journal books that went from November of 1868 to March of 1869. I do know that Irene's sister, Suzy, married in December of 1868.

By May of 1869, the wedding preparations were in full swing. Irene had her dress fitted and picked her brides maids. They were her sister Suzanne, her friend Wendyline Son and Stephanie Young— a cousin of hers. Many of the journal entries went over the details of the wedding which Irene seemed to write with little enthusiasm.

As the wedding got closer and closer she made an effort not to mention her attraction to women. I think she's trying to push it out of her mind. She speaks of going to church a lot in those days. Her husband to be is mentioned frequently. But he is also reported to be in London, working at the Trading house frequently. Irene says he works late hours sometimes and thus has a small room near his work where he can sleep. That saves him from having to travel all the way back to Tuan manor when he is tired.

He also joined one of those exclusive clubs that they talk about. Men sitting around smoking cigars, talking business, playing cards, that sort of thing. It's called the Hallcroft club and Mark also seems to spend a lot of time there as well.

Much to my dismay, Mark does have some effect on Irene. He always seems to go out of his way to be charming and gracious. He regularly gives her compliments and little gifts. She spoke of a tiny carved figurine he had brought back from China he had given her.

I actually found a small carved figure of an elephant in the chest with Irene's stuff. It looks oriental and that must be the gift.

When he works his charms and fills her with his sweet talk, she becomes more receptive to marrying him. I find myself not liking him. Not simply because he's engaged to Irene, but I get the impression he's a phony. The words, silver-tongued devil, come to mind.

Irene though she doesn't love him, but believes that he truly is a great guy. She further believes she can grow to love him. So in that respect she is grateful she's marrying a handsome, adventurous, intelligent, charming and honest man.

But I think she's being a bit naive.

June 22nd, 1869.

Mark came calling today and took me for an early evenings walk through the park. The full moon was out and it was in fact very romantic. It had been the first I'd seen him in nearly a week. His work with the trading house taking up so much of his time. He told me that my beauty was even more enhanced by the glimmering light of the moon. He likes to say I'm pretty and how charming I am.

It feels good to be complemented so often. It helps me know that I will come to love him and will be happy as his wife. I tell myself that I am just nervous and once that it is past and settle into the role of wife, I will come to enjoy it. The way he looks at me, he does seem truly smitten.

He speaks of the wonderful parties we shall have and how I will meet all the upper crust of British society. He speaks of travels we shall make. He has a way with words. I find myself getting caught up in it. That give me hope.

In the weeks and days up to the wedding, Irene kept telling herself that— That she would fall and they would live happily ever after. But I could read between the lines, as I knew her now. Deep down she was depressed and she felt trapped. The whole situation depressed the hell out of me as well.