Chapter 4

Her face, devoid of any emotion, not even a shred of guilt or remorse was at the forefront of Cecilia's mind. That same face now in front of her, confusion and worry swirled in her eyes.

"Well?"

 Cecilia blinked.

"Why did you not come down for breakfast?"

Mind blank, teeth clamped shut together, Cecilia just vacantly stared at her.

"Sister…..are you not well?"

How bizarre. This was Julia, her little sister, softly asking Ruby about Cecilia's health while worriedly eyeing her once in a while. Ruby left the room having been ordered to fetch tea for both of them.

"Is it a fever?" Julia touched her palm to her older sister's forehead, not expecting her to violently flinch away. Her mask of worry slightly fell away as she gaped in shock. Quickly schooling her expression, she smiled. 

"Not a fever" She sat on the edge of Cecilia's bed and patted the space next to her. 

"Let's talk. I always feel better after having a good chat. Are you aware of the latest development in Marquis Richard's divorce?" 

She kept talking about this and that, not minding Cecilia's absolute silence. Content with chattering away about the recent drama in high society.

Eventually, she left with the promise to visit the carnival together.

Cecilia has a hard time formulating her thoughts. What was she supposed to think? Was she supposed to act as if the memories she carried didn't exist? Should she be going on about life like everything was normal?  What if it all came down like before?

Head swimming, she sat down on a nearby chair. Grabbing a diary, she haphazardly wrote down whatever came to her mind. She was going to go crazy if she didn't let it all out somehow.

The scratching of the pen against the paper soothed her agitated mind. Breathing easy, she went through everything she wrote and organized it. 

She married peter.

Peter didn't want to marry her.

She came to love Peter.

Peter didn't love her.

Peter loved Julia.

Julia...

???

What were Julia's intentions? Why would she go around her back and cheat with Peter? Did she love him too? That can't be. She was over the moon for prince Ivan.

Shutting the book close, she paced around her room. There has to be something she doesn't know. Needing fresh air, she walked out. Come to think of it, she hasn't met her father yet.

Wondering how he looks, if his graying hair have begun to worry him yet, does he look as tired as he was when she last saw him, she made her way to her father's study. 

"-it amazing?" 

Father. The door was slightly ajar. She could see him. Elated would be the right word to describe him. 

Who was he talking to?

Peering to get a better angle, Cecilia saw her. Julia.

"Yes it is papa! But I don't want this!"

"It is a proposal from the Duke dear. What could be better than this? His heir even likes you, you won't ever have to be anxious about any other woman!"

"Papa…..I simply don't want this, I'm...I'm too young! Just 17"

"Darling you won't be married off tomorrow, you'll be engaged until you want to marry."

"Papa, I need time. I don't even want to have marriage on my mind. I …I want to learn so much! I'm excelling in archery! How can you even think of holding me back?"

Their father's brow creased, the wide smile shrinking until it disappeared. Frowning, the viscount replied. 

"I believe this to be the best way to secure your future. Duke Francis wishes his son to be married to a daughter of Rosen, and Peter likes you. You'll be a member of a powerful and highly respected household while hopefully not going through marriage scandals."

Julia walked forward and held his hands resting on the table top.

"Papa…..I understand that you care for me and are worried for my future but ....forgive me, I haven't been entirely truthful."

Puzzled, the viscount motioned her to go on. 

Hesitating as if it pained her to talk, she opened her mouth.

"Papa, I'm worried for sister Cecilia. She's...she's been shunned off by her friends! They've spread nasty rumours about her in social circles…it keeps getting worse. You've been busy with work which is why you're not aware she's barely receiving invitations to tea parties and balls. She spends her days listless, lost in her head. Today morning her maid heard her screaming due to a nightmare. She's not ok"

Carefully studying their father's face, she went on.

"I'm not informed as to what transpired but the consequences are dire. If this goes on, I'm afraid she won't get a proposal from a reputable family."

"How does that explain you refusing to marry Peter?"

"Papa, Duke Richard doesn't care if it's me or my sister. This way, sister Cecilia's future won't be at stake"

Sighing, the Viscount looked out the window, contemplating everything Julia said.

"Are you sure of your decision?"

"Yes! Absolutely, anything for sister Cecilia"

Darkness slowly enveloped the skies as the night drew close, workers left the mansion for their home, blew the candles to rest their tired eyes, and in the quietness, the Viscount took the decision that'd seal his eldest daughter's fate.

Cecilia Rosen would be wed to Peter Bain.