21: 21 Apprehension (AVOT)

21 Apprehension (AVOT)

Daisy didn't sound as confident as she had hoped, and as soon as the word 'No' left her mouth, an inexplicable unease twisted in her gut.

It was a strange feeling, disconcerting and unsettling. It was as if her instincts were raising an alarm, a quiet whisper of caution against her rational judgment. She tried to shake off the sensation, but it clung to her, casting a thin veil of apprehension over her decision.

She found herself studying Lord Blackthorne again, a peculiar mix of fear and curiosity welling within her. She wondered what lay behind his composed facade, what secrets hid in the depths of his steely gaze. The mystery surrounding him was both intriguing and intimidating—a dangerous allure that she couldn't ignore.

But what choice did she have? What did she plan to do if she refused? Where would she go because even her father would snap and want to throw her out?

She bit back and decided to accept her fate. However, Lord Blackthorne turned out to be, it would be better than being thrown out on the streets.

Maybe…?

"Very well then. Shall we have our wedding in five days? Thursday should be perfect?" His voice held a note of finality, and his gaze did not waver from her face.

The words struck her like a wave of ice-cold water. Five days? She swallowed hard, a sudden tightness forming in her throat. However, she managed to keep her expression steady. "I think so too, but... preparations..."

"I will prepare everything, Daisy. You need not fret over details." His answer was immediate, almost as if he had expected her response.

Of course, he would prepare everything. "Thank you, My Lord."

"And… I personally prefer a smaller wedding. As you know, I am a private person. What is your wish, Daisy?" He asked.

"I would prefer the same," she admitted, feeling a wave of relief.

His gaze studied her closely as if trying to decipher some hidden message within her words. Her heart fluttered anxiously in response.

"My Lord," she began, interrupting the eerie silence. "There is one more matter I wish to discuss." She paused, gauging his reaction, before continuing. "As you know, my mother only had me as a family. I would find it difficult to leave her behind." She trailed off.

Lord Blackthorne watched her, his gaze inscrutable. Daisy held her breath, waiting for his response.

Finally, he nodded, a small smile curving his lips. "I understand your concern, Daisy," he began, his voice gentle. "Rest assured, I will arrange for her to live in a comfortable place nearby, where you can visit her frequently. However, I believe it would be best for us to start our new life together as a couple, separately."

His gaze warmed and then burned as he finished the sentence.

Separately?

"Thank you," she whispered, for some odd reason, as things settled into her mind.

Separately. She would live with him. Alone.

The nerves her father had lied about now became real. Katherine suddenly came to interrupt them. "My Lord, it would be an honor if you stayed for dinner."

Lord Blackthorne offered a courteous smile. "It would have been my pleasure, but I'm afraid I have urgent matters to attend to. Perhaps another time."

As he rose to leave, Thomas joined them. After exchanging pleasantries, Lord Blackthorne turned towards Daisy. "Miss Daisy, may I request you to accompany me to my carriage?"

She gave a nod and a polite smile.

Once they were outside, Lord Blackthorne stopped by the carriage, turning to her. "I will see you very soon, Daisy, and then every day after that."

Daisy's heart skipped a beat, and her cheeks flushed. She ignored his remark and tried to focus. "Can I ask for a favor, My Lord?"

"Of course."

"There is this man, Philip." She began hesitantly. "The one with the rumors. I am worried for my sister. I know you have the influence to perhaps… make him stop harassing her."

Lord Blackthorne narrowed his eyes. "Your … stepsister, doesn't she harass you?"

Daisy stiffened, not expecting the question. How did he know?

"I wouldn't call it harassment. We fight." She said.

He crossed his arms behind his back. "I might not have siblings Daisy, but I have had a brother once. I know the difference."

Lord Blackthorne's words stung more than she had expected. She felt her cheeks burn with embarrassment and a wave of self-consciousness washed over her. But she forced herself to remain calm, remembering the purpose of her request.

"My Lord, even if it was harassment, the case with Philip is different. A woman's reputation is all she has."

He watched her for a moment then finally nodded, apparently making a decision. "Alright. I will ensure Philip doesn't trouble your sister anymore."

Relief washed over Daisy, and she let out a sigh she didn't know she was holding. "Thank you, My Lord. Your kindness means a great deal."

His gaze met hers, steadfast and resolute. "Of course, Daisy. If there is anything else you need, do not hesitate to let me know."

He took her hand and pressed his lips to her knuckles, before leaving. She watched the carriage disappear while the heat of his lips spread to her chest. With a sigh of confusion, she turned around and went back inside.

As soon as she entered the house, her father confronted her. "Did everything go well?" he asked.

"Yes," Daisy replied.

"Good. Now, until the wedding, you won't leave this house. No shopping! Nothing!":

Daisy saw Katherine at the back, not looking happy at all.

"Do you hear me?" He asked.

Daisy nodded. "Yes. I will not leave. It is time for the family to start learning how to cook and clean anyway. I am leaving in five days."

She walked past her father and went upstairs.

"Th audacity…" she heard Katherine start, but Thomas cut her off. He was getting angrier each day.

"Enough!" Thomas bellowed, his patience with Katherine's never-ending complaints apparently wearing thin. "Fretting over such matters is futile. You should focus on preparing Cassandra and Lila for the wedding. Make them as presentable as possible, as they may well find suitable suitors at the occasion, instead of wasting time on your petty qualms."

The room fell silent. Thomas's temper was notorious, but his recent bouts of rage seemed more frequent and fiercer than before. Katherine stood flabbergasted, her mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. It was a rare occurrence for her to be at a loss for words, but this was one such moment.

In the days leading up to the wedding, gifts began arriving at their home. Elegant gowns of silk and satin, delicately embroidered with threads of gold and silver, were sent for Daisy. Each was more exquisite than the last, the designs reflecting the sophisticated tastes of a nobleman. An array of precious jewelry accompanied the gowns, their gemstones glittering like miniature rainbows.

For the rest of the family, too, there were garments of fine fabric and modest jewelry. Despite their usual bickering, everyone couldn't help but marvel at the generosity of Lord Blackthorne.

However, the tension within the house was palpable, escalating with each passing day. Katherine and Thomas's squabbles were no longer a rare occurrence; instead, they seemed to have become a nightly ritual. Their loud voices echoed through the thin walls, their words filled with accusations and resentment.

This was the third night Daisy and Helena lay in their room, in the darkness, listening to the fight.

"Mother?" Daisy called softly.

"Yes."

"Are you happy to finally be away from here?"

"Only if you are happy." She replied.

Her mother had shown concern for her decision, but Daisy had reassured her, even lied a little, saying that she wasn't concerned about Lord Blackthorne anymore. She used the absence of Philip as an example to show her mother what Lord Blackthorne did for them, but her mother wasn't easily fooled.

"There are certain... aspects of marriage we need to discuss." Helena began. "Responsibilities and expectations, the... intimacy that a man and woman share within the bond of matrimony."

Daisy's cheeks colored instantly, a knot of embarrassment forming in her stomach.

Oh no.

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A/N

Story will be locked from this chapter and forward. It takes a day or two for that to happen so you would have naturally already read it before it locks and anything I might update before the lock sets in. Just letting you know so you don't become confused later on. Thank you for all the support <3

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