Chapter 6 - Meeting the Father

The happiest season of Fred and Victoria's lives continued to unfold as their love and prosperity blossomed in tandem. Months drifted by in a romantic haze, filled with plans formed amid passion's aftermath in their private rooftop bower.

At last, Fred knew the time was come to take their cherished union to its natural conclusion. One sunny morn, he proposed a visit to his family estate to introduce Victoria as his promised bride. Though she harbored performance anxieties meeting those of his class, Victoria trusted wholly in Fred's esteem and allowed excitement to overcome doubt.

Arriving arm in arm, the manor greeted them with memories of beginnings still fresh in mind and heart. Fred's father received them in the parlour, visage transforming from polite greeting to barely concealed disdain upon laying eyes on Victoria.

"Father, it is my honor to present Miss Victoria, who has done me the blessing of accepting my proposal. We have come seeking your congratulations and blessings upon our union," Fred announced proudly, pressing a gentle kiss to Victoria's knuckles.

His father rose abruptly. "Have you lost all sense, boy?! Marrying a servant - the gossip and ruin this will bring!"

"Victoria is no longer a servant, but a successful businesswoman by her own merit. Our love and partnership transcend station," Fred replied firmly.

"She will only ever be what she was: lowborn filth unworthy of our name and lineage. I forbid this farce!"

Victoria gasped, wounded by the vitriol. Fred encircled her supportively. "With respect, Father, your blessing was hoped for but will not be required. Our hearts and lives are joined, as is our fortune. We will wed with or without your approval."

A vein pulsed angrily in the elder's forehead. "Then you are no son of mine. Leave at once, and do not darken my door again!"

They departed hastily amidst the shouting. Outside, Victoria wept bitter tears against Fred's chest as he soothed her, cursing his father's bigotry. "Hush now, my love - his loss matters not. Our family is each other, and with you I am richest of all. This changes nothing between us, do you understand?"

Smiling through her tears, Victoria nodded. "You are my world, Fred. As long as we have each other, no hatred can diminish our joy."

Pressing a devoted kiss to her brow, Fred promised, "Then joy is all we shall know from this day forth. Father's rejection means we forge our own traditions. Come, let us away and begin planning the celebration that will be remembered for ages - the wedding of true souls who refused to be broken!"

His staunch heart raised Victoria's spirits above the tribulations. Hand in hand they walked towards their bright future, leaving prejudice buried in the past.,,