Chapter 4

Previously On The Heiress

We saw the hand travel towards us, the owner hidden in the shadows. It was the same masked figure from before!

Emilia: Ugh.

Kitty: Emilia? Are you well?

Emilia: Just peachy, Kitty. The hard floor really cushioned the fall.

Kitty: Here.

I helped her up while keeping my laughs at bay.

Emilia: Thank you, Kitty.

Kitty: Of course.

Emilia: My hand hurts.

Kitty: Then let's get back to my room so we can look at it better.

We walked together griping each other deathly tight to my room.

Kitty: Alright, now we can see better. What's wrong?

Emilia: My hand.

Emilia offered me her hand and I gasped. Her hand was cut down the palm, shed no doubt hit it on something or perhaps the hooded figure had done it?

Kitty: We should go get Angelica. She'll know what to do.

Emilia: No we cant, Kitty! We'll be in trouble if Mama finds out.

Kitty: You're right. I guess I'll have to bandage it up then.

Emilia: You know how?

Kitty: How hard can it be? Medicine and a bandage. Angelica has to patch me up all the time.

I grabbed the spirit and cotton wool.

Emilia: Yes, please put that on my dirty hand.

I used the spirit and cotton wool to clean the wound, slowly blowing air on it to hurt less. And wrapped the injury in bandage.

Emilia: That feels much better. Thank you!

Kitty: Don't mention it. Now get to bed before we gat caught and lectured.

A few days later, I found myself reading in the parlour, glad for the peace and quiet. Mama and Emilia had gone to call on the Watsons for the day and Papa was out with the tenants. Which meant I was left to my own devices. Then out of nowhere popped Dante?

Kitty: Did you get lost on your way home?

Dante: Er, no. I came to call on you.

Kitty: I must have missed your calling card.

Dante: I have something to discuss with you. Shall we partake in conversations over tea?

Kitty: I would love to, but that tea is old.

Dante: Oh, well, that's alright. Might I still talk to you?

Sighing, I nodded a yes. Why I did that is a mystery to me.

Dante: I came here because you ignored my invite to dinner. And also because I think I have an idea.

Kitty: An idea?

My brows quirked slightly as I looked at him.

Dante: What if we went ahead with the marriage and then one of us could fake our deaths? I know it's not the best way....

Kitty: It's the stupidest thing you've come up with. And you told the town gossip we're engaged.

Dante: The town gossip wasn't supposed to say a thing.

Kitty: As if you actually think she wouldn't have. I wouldn't be surprised if you did this on purpose.

Dante: Purpose?! Why on earth would i get myself attached to you on purpose?

Kitty: I don't know. Because you're mad?!

Dante: I have much better things to be doing with my time than marriage, Miss. Hawthorne.

His voice was oddly cool as he watched me.

Kitty: Forgive me then, sir. I must have misunderstood how quickly you blurted out that I was your fiancé.

Dante: I was trying to save your reputation. Clearly, it was useless as you'd probably ruin it yourself if let go for a month.

Kitty: How dare you!

Dante: How dare I is right.

Kitty: I'm leaving.

Dante: The door is where you left it, I'm sure.

After I stormed out of my own home, I went to the only person who would truly listen.

Kitty: I cant believe I might be chained to that incompetent asshole!

Mariah: Well this is what happens when you get engaged to someone. Come now, it's clear you are distressed and in need of other forms of conversation.

Kitty: Mariah, what do I do?!

Mariah: Did you know Lucinda Alexander is engaged to Lord Weatherby? I don't know how her mother managed to connect all four of her daughters to nobility...

After my visit with Mariah ended up being more about gossip than her actually helping me with my freedom I ventured back home and up to my room.

Kitty: What's that?

I noticed a piece of paper laying on my bed and picked it up. I swallowed as I recognised Dante's handwriting, before starting to read.

Kitty,

I wanted to apologise for the boarish way in which I acted this afternoon over tea. You are suffering greatly due to my careless words and I was a fool to suggest such a ridiculous idea when a good one is much needed. I only hope you can forgive me.

Yours, Most Faithfully, Dante.

I folded the note up and stuck it in my pocket to save. Though I hardly knew why.