If only I could find it in myself to be happy about this wedding…
As the preparations for the guests continued, the maids worked tirelessly to make sure that everything was perfect, ready for the start of the wedding festivities. The anticipation was palpable, and the excitement was building as the hour of the wedding approached. Rose, however, was filled with trepidation. It had settled in the pit of her stomach and sat like a stone. She felt like a bird trapped in a cage, with no escape from the life that had been chosen for her.
"Your gown is simply stunning, my dear," the countess said for the hundredth time, admiring the intricate lace and silk fabric of Rose's gown. "The blue brings out the color in your eyes, and the pearls add just the right touch of elegance."
Rose forced a smile, as she felt the weight of her wedding gown on her shoulders. She looked down at the shimmering fabric, her fingers tracing the delicate ribbons and lace along the neckline.
"I really do not want to marry, Mama," Rose said, her voice quiet, almost a whisper.
The countess took Rose's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "None of us wanted to get married. But you will grow to care forhim, my dear. And you will make a beautiful Countess. It is your duty, what you were raised for."
As the maids finished their preparations, Rose took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. She was about to become a Countess, but all she could think about was the plan she had made to fly as free as the birds in the sky.
As the highly decorated carriage pulled up to the castle's chapel, Rose felt her heart pounding with anticipation. The exterior of the chapel was an impressive sight, with towering stone walls and intricate stained-glass windows that glimmered in the morning light. The roof was made of dark shingles that rose up toward the sky, and a pair of wooden doors stood at the entrance, waiting to be opened.
This is it. This is my last chance to take my life into my own hands.
As they reached the chapel, Rose's heart raced. She had a plan, and it was time to put it into motion.
"Mama, I need to use the chamber pot," Rose said, her voice urgent. "It is extremely important, despite the situation." She glanced at her mother, who was looking at her with concern.
"Are you all right, Rose?" she asked, placing a hand on her daughter's arm.
"Yes, Mama, I am fine," Rose lied, forcing a smile. "Just a little nervous, that is all."
The countess looked at her daughter, a worried frown on her face. "Surely you can wait? The groom and the guests are waiting."
"No, Mama. I cannot. I must go." She shifted uneasily from foot to foot in order to convey her need.
"But Rose, we are about–"
"Mama, it is quite urgent. What would happen if I made a scene in front of my new groom? I would–"
"Fine, my dear, you may go but be quick about it. I will send one of the maids with you."
"I will escort her," her brother, William, offered, as he stepped forward. "I am already here rather than waiting for one of the servants to arrive, and I can get her back quickly."
Rose shook her head. "No, I do not want you with me."
"Rose, you do not have a choice," William said, his voice firm. "Let's go."
As they made their way back to the castle, Rose's mind raced with a million thoughts. William was by her side, and she wasfurious with him. All of her well-laid plans were about to be ruined if he insisted on escorting her.
"William, I know you think you are helping, but you are not," Rose said, her voice tight.
William sighed. "Rose, I know you do not want to marry, but delaying it will not save you. You need to accept your fate and make the best of it."
"I cannot just accept it, can I?" Rose said, her voice rising. "I do not want to spend the rest of my life with a man I do not love. I am nothing more than a prized cow at the county fete at this rate."
William stopped, turning to face his sister. "Rose, I am trying to understand how you feel, but you do not have a choice. You are a woman, and in our society, women are expected to marry and have children. It is the way things are. You should be pleased that you will not be relegated to the role of a spinster. Think of Aunt Matilde and her lonely life in the Highlands of Scotland. If you do not marry, that will be your lot in life."
"It is but a cold comfort," Rose said, poking her lip out. "I should be allowed to determine my own fate. Like you are."
As they reached the castle, Rose's heart tripped along. She would not be trapped, with no escape from the life that had been chosen for her. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. It was time to put her plan into action.
As they entered the castle, the sound of their footsteps echoed off the high ceiling, and the air was filled with the scent of beeswax candles. William led the way, his footsteps echoing off the walls as they made their way through the castle. The halls were lined with suits of armor, and the sound of their footsteps was accompanied by the clanging of metal.
"William, I really do not need you to escort me every step of the way. I am a grown woman and perfectly capable of attending to my own needs.Unescorted," Rose said, keeping her voice steady and trying not to betray her secret.
