20 20 Crisis (AVOT)

The family was in a state of shell-shocked silence, the atmosphere heavy with tension and dread. Katherine was tending to Thomas' bruised fists, her eyes flickering anxiously between her husband and daughters. Thomas was uncharacteristically silent, his countenance reflecting a sense of defeat and resignation.

"It would seem," he finally began, his voice a weary sigh, "that Philip is intent on tarnishing our family's reputation in order to coerce me into accepting his proposal." He cast a somber glance between Daisy and Lila. "You two need to marry as soon as possible. I fear Lord Blackthorne's offer may not stand in light of these rumors."

Daisy's hands twisted nervously in her lap. The prospect of losing any chance to get married was daunting. Without her reputation, she was confined to this house, forever a servant to her stepfamily. She felt a pit of dread form in her stomach.

What man would ever wish to marry her now? And what of Lila?

Her gaze turned to her stepsister. Lila sat there, frozen, her face a mask of shock and disbelief. Katherine, who had previously assigned blame so readily, was now eerily quiet, her mind seemingly occupied with the crisis at hand.

The remainder of the day passed in an oppressive silence. The reality of their situation slowly sinking in. By nightfall, Lila's composure finally crumbled. "Mother," she sobbed, "everything is ruined."

Katherine's eyes flashed with a fierce determination that sent a shiver down Daisy's spine. "Nothing is ruined!" she snapped, her voice biting through the quiet room.

"But mother…" Lila started, only to be cut off.

"Be quiet!" Katherine hissed. "And stop crying like a child! I will fix everything." Her words were confident, but Daisy couldn't help but feel a flicker of doubt.

The next morning, Daisy found it difficult to rise from her bed. The dreams that had once motivated her now seemed distant, their luster faded. Yet, she forced herself to carry on, her tasks feeling ten times heavier. Her mind raced with possibilities. Perhaps they could leave town, start anew, but even that seemed a daunting task.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of a carriage outside their home. Daisy watched from the kitchen window as a stately carriage, adorned with intricate gold filigree and pulled by two magnificent black horses, came to a halt. A footman in impeccable livery unlocked the carriage door, revealing the figure of Lord Blackthorne.

He stepped out, looking regal in a finely tailored suit of deep navy, the color accentuating his piercing eyes. His hair was perfectly styled, gleaming under the afternoon sun. The sight of him sent a jolt of apprehension through Daisy. Why was he here? He could've easily rescinded his proposal through a letter.

He crossed the threshold of their home, disappearing from Daisy's sight. A moment later, she heard Katherine's voice echoing through the hall.

"Lord Blackthorne, to what do we owe this pleasant surprise?"

Daisy tiptoed to the door, her heart pounding in her chest. Lord Blackthorne responded with a courteous chuckle, "I hope I'm not intruding. I merely wished to pay a visit."

"Oh no, not at all!" Katherine responded, her voice betraying a hint of relief. "Please, come inside. I'll fetch Thomas. He will be most delighted to see you."

Helena snuck into the kitchen, her face reflecting Daisy's confusion. "He is here." She whispered.

"He must've heard the rumors. Perhaps he wishes to address them." Daisy whispered back, trying to seem unfazed.

"Lord Blackthorne," Thomas's voice resonated through the house, a hint of surprise lacing his words. "What a pleasure it is to see you."

Daisy listened to them greeting each other and possibly settling into their seats. She strained her ears.

Thomas deftly avoided the subject of the rumors by carefully choosing his words, preferring to project innocence and ignorance. "I gather you're here to discuss further our proposed marital arrangements?"

"Indeed," came Lord Blackthorne's smooth reply. "I trust Daisy has informed you of her wish to postpone our union."

"She has indeed," Thomas responded, his tone measured. "But Daisy is a sheltered girl, inexperienced in the ways of the world. She confessed her nerves to me about the marriage, a sentiment I imagine many young ladies share."

Daisy felt her heart pound. She was desperate to hear Lord Blackthorne's response.

"Ah, I hadn't considered that," he confessed. "It's important to me that Daisy feels comfortable and prepared."

Daisy and her mother exchanged stunned looks. He wasn't here to call off the proposal? Or perhaps he had yet to hear of the rumors?

"Her comfort is paramount, of course," Thomas agreed, "but securing her future is my top priority. Delaying the marriage will do no favors to a young woman. I trust you understand, my Lord."

"I do," Lord Blackthorne affirmed, his tone neutral.

Panic surged within Daisy. If her father manipulated the situation, Lord Blackthorne would soon discover the rumors. Her mother mirrored her concern. "He'll find out soon," she whispered.

"So, shall we commence the wedding preparations?" Thomas ventured, breaking the tense silence.

"I'd like to speak with Daisy before making any decisions," Lord Blackthorne insisted.

"Of course," Thomas agreed. "I will bring Daisy."

Panic seized Daisy as she heard her father's footsteps nearing the kitchen. She turned to her mother, her eyes wide with fear. Thomas stepped into the kitchen, his gaze stern. "Don't ruin this now, Daisy," he urged. "You have the power to restore our family's reputation."

Daisy felt a jolt of apprehension. Was he really placing the entire burden on her? But also, what other option did she have?

"Go change!" he instructed.

Swallowing her shock, Daisy ascended the stairs to change into a more appropriate gown. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts as she considered her upcoming conversation with Lord Blackthorne. Did he know about the rumors? Should she tell him? It was a precarious situation, better to have him cancel the proposal now than days before the wedding.

After selecting a respectable dress, Daisy spent a few moments adjusting her hair, her heart fluttering nervously. She remembered the softness in his eyes when he brought her to her room. A dream, or reality? She was beginning to feel like she was losing her sanity.

Once she was ready, she descended the stairs, catching sight of Katherine and Lila's resentful stares. They should be grateful if this arrangement worked out.

Ignoring them, Daisy made her way into the cool calm of the living room. Lord Blackthorne was seated there, reclining comfortably against the plush cushions of the couch. His long legs were crossed at the knees, and one arm was lazily thrown over the backrest of the couch. His posture was one of casual elegance, the picture of noble refinement.

His gaze shifted as she entered, his eyes lighting up with an unmistakable spark of interest as they met hers. Daisy's heart fluttered at his intense gaze, but she maintained her composure, moving forward with a graceful curtsy. "My Lord, it is an honor to meet you again. I trust you find yourself well today?"

His response was a courteous smile, his eyes never leaving her face. "The pleasure is mine, Miss Daisy. I find myself in much better spirits now that I have the honor of your company."

Taking a seat across from him, Daisy tried to steady her racing heart. She could feel his gaze on her, but she maintained her composed facade.

His inquiry came softly. "How do you find yourself, Miss Daisy? I trust you've been well?"

"I have been well, my Lord, thank you for asking. And you?" She returned the question politely.

He took a deep breath, his gaze steady on hers. "I must admit, our last meeting has left quite an impression on me. The anticipation of our next encounter has filled my thoughts, kept me on edge in a most peculiar way."

At this point, she wasn't surprised by his bold admissions anymore. "I... That is very kind of you to say, my Lord," she managed to say, a blush creeping up her cheeks. Before he could set her body on fire with more confessions, she decided to address the issue.

"My Lord," she then began hesitantly, "there are...rumors circulating about my family and me. I thought it best to address them directly. I would not want you to feel deceived or misled in any way."

Lord Blackthorne's expression remained inscrutable, his eyes never leaving hers. He leaned forward slightly, a hint of intrigue playing at the corners of his lips. "I appreciate your candor, Daisy. I am indeed aware of the rumors. However, I find myself more interested in the truth than in idle gossip." He paused for a moment, his gaze searching hers. "So, tell me, Daisy, are these rumors true?"

"No," she replied curtly. Did he really just care about the truth?

He nodded slowly. "I am glad."

"But… the rumors remain. Your reputation…"

"Worry not. People only like gossip when it is new. Once we have settled down, there will be no fun in spreading rumors. Now, do you still wish to delay our marriage?"

Daisy felt a rush of emotions at his words. She was relieved, yes, but also confused and wary. Her judgment of him hadn't changed. He still made a part of her ready to run. Hide.

Delaying the marriage would mean more time to adjust, more time to understand the man she was about to marry. It would also mean more time for the rumors to spread, potentially damaging their reputation further. But if they proceeded with the wedding as planned, they could effectively quash the rumors with their united front. Yes, it would be a risk, but it seemed like the lesser of two evils at the moment.

Her gaze flickered to Lord Blackthorne, studying his calm demeanor. He was willing to stand by her despite the scandal, willing to trust her word. It was more than she could have hoped for in her situation. Perhaps, just perhaps, marrying him wouldn't be such a terrible fate.

"No," she said finally.