The words were harder to say than she'd ever imagined, but Winifred managed to get them out.
"I promise." she echoed, with a nod of her head.
A genuine smile appeared on Angeline's face, and she breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you." She turned back to Marcus, who was clearly troubled, and offered him the same smile. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine, if a little tired, but I'm more worried about you." His eyes flickered between the two of them. "What did you two discuss?" And for a brief second, fear was evident an Angeline's eyes.
Winifred blanked for a moment. "Ub- You." She blurted. That was true. "Uh, Angeline was concerned with my methods and didn't want to sound rude in confronting me. But we worked it out." Winifred hooked her arm through Angeline's.
(wait what does 'considered with my methods' mean?)
((Ooops! *concerned with my methods, meaning she didn't fully like the physical therapy she was putting him through))
(oh okay makes sense, sorry!)
Angeline nodded along, tucking her relief away where no one else could see it. "Yeah…." She tried for a sheepish smile. "I was worried you'd strain a muscle or get too tired…. sorry."
Marcus wasn't convinced, but he played along. For now. "Oh, alright."
"You should really rest up." Winifred interjected. "You've been so active all day. You must be exhausted."
Marcus gave Angeline one last searching, concerned look and relented. "Yeah, okay. I guess I am.."
Winifred smiled and gave Angeline a reassuring look. "Can you bring some tea? For all three of us?" She asked her.
Angeline nodded quickly, desperate for an escape, and slipped away.
Marcus gave Winifred a searching look. "What's wrong? Really, the truth, I mean."
Winifred looked into his eyes. "Marcus… It was just something that had been pressing her for some time. And maybe it still it. But we both had things we needed to say to one another that should remain between us." She placed a hand on his cheek, stepping between his legs. "Just know all is well now."
Marcus sighed, long and deep, but leaned his cheek into her hand. "Alright. I trust you– both of you. But you'll tell me if anything goes wrong? I'm worried about the only two women I know." He said it like a joke, but they both knew it wasn't.
"Of course we would, love." She smiled at him. She wrapped her arms about him and held him close. "I love you. I'm so proud of you, Marcus…"
Marcus hugged her back fiercely, despite his injuries. "I love you too… Winifred… I'm proud of you."
Meanwhile, Angeline was taking her time in the kitchens, pouring tea into three porcelain cups. You're a coward, she told herself, setting the teapot down. A coward. You should leave the both of them alone. Stop spilling secrets that will guilt Winifred. Stop ruining the only happiness they've got.
As she held him, she thought of Angeline. She lost a bit of her smile but she held him hold her. In his arms, she was warm and happy. Safe. She remained there, listening to him breathe.
And in truth, her mind was almost made up to do just that, leave them alone. But could she really do that? Let go of the only two people in this world kind enough to treat her as an equal? She approached his room again.
Marcus relaxed into her embrace, smiling a little. "You're amazing… I'm so lucky to have you.."
(does Luc still continue to be a [bleeps out word which my mouth would be washed with soap for] every night with Winifred?)
((No…. As long as she doesn't see him, she's good))
Winifred took a step back, afraid of Angeline returning to see them in a compromising position, even something as innocent as hugging. She didn't want to grieve the woman further. She'd already done enough of that.
(okay good)
Marcus cast her a questioning look, confused as Angeline approached with a tray. "Tea, anyone?"
"Thank you, Angeline." Winifred turned and took a cup off the tray for herself, allowing Angeline to take Marcus his cup, herself.
Angeline handed Marcus his teacup and sat down in a nearby chair, closer to Winifred than she was to the man troubling her. "What time is it?"
(what do you want to do next? Maybe Marcus and Winnifred can start trying to get Angeline with Thomas?)
((Oooh! Yes!))
(Skip now or do a bit more of this?)
((We can skip. Marcus is all better and they decide to take Angeline out))
(G'morning btw
Yeah sure
want me to start or can you?)
(( Can you plz?))
sure!)
(maybe a week forward? The three of them on a walk?)
((Yeah, sure))
The sun filtered through the wispy clouds that lined the sky, a pale, eggshell blue as if it had just been born anew. And in a way, it had, after a week of constant storms and darkened skies lit only by flashes of searing lightning. But today, the storm had loosened its grip, slipping away to reveal a warm sun. The smell of rainfall still lingered in the air as a trio emerged from the imposing manor, Marcus, Winifred, and Angeline.
Angeline had been given much finer clothes to wear than her usual serving attire, and despite her protests, had been urged to keep the soft blue dress that matched the sky. Beside her was Winifred, who was arm in arm with Marcus. Marcus still bore traces of exhaustion and signs of injuries, but faintly so, and overshadowed by the simple happiness on his face. No inner turmoil, no second thoughts, just happiness to be out in the world again. They descended the steps together, unseen by the master of the household.
