romantic tension for matilda

[Arthur Frederick]

[ ALONE ] : our muses find one another alone in an isolated setting.

Matilda Ramsbury

[Matilda Ramsbury]

Tilly had always known that her debutant ball would be a momentous occasion, but as she stood in front of the crowd, she couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. The young Marchioness watched as other girls swayed their way through the whole experience, watched as they were ogled and scrutinized by a sea of suitors who cared nothing for their personalities or interests, only their appearance or dowries.

Tilly knew that she would be no exception and that infuriated her, not to the point that she wanted to rebel against the entire society of London, but to the point that made her want to leave without explanation, return to Sidmouth and live by the sea till she perished. At least there she would be left alone and wouldn't have to pretend she cared, specially for the men that asked to write their names on her dance card like they had been doing that night.

Suffocating was the best word to describe her feelings in that moment, as she observed the other young ladies vying for the attention of the eligible bachelors, their mamas hovering anxiously behind them, eager to make a match. It was a scene she knew all too well, and one she was not keen to participate in.

Moving away from her mother and the group of ladies that surrounded them like hawks watching a prey, and with the excuse of getting herself some fresh lemonade, Matilda escaped through the side door into the great hallway that lead to more secluded and silent areas of the house. The sounds of the ball were muffled there, and she could finally breathe!

A slightly ajar door caught her attention, and before she could stop herself, her hand was already on the handle, pushing it to reveal a peaceful art room illuminated by the almost extinguished fire of the fireplace. Despite being fully decorated with portraits of monarchs and other important people that eyed her frozen in time, they couldn't take the breath out of her lungs like the others, and it felt good.

Yet, sooner or later she would have to give in and choose someone. "Sometimes you just don't know the answer until someone is on their knees and asks you." she said to herself, quoting the words of her wise late aunt. Maybe she should just follow her advice and get done with it. But before Tilly could indulge in more deep thoughts, a noise startle her. She was not alone!

Arthur Frederick

★fai

Forever is the sweetest con