True Colors

'It was cold, and Florence could barely feel her frozen toes. She did not know where to go. All she knew was that her body was shivering, not only because of the cold. Suddenly, she felt a gaze on her back. When she turned around, she yelped. It was dark, but all she could see were angry eyes glaring down at her. The same eyes that were fixated on her throughout dinner. Marquis Galley's eyes.'

Florence jolted awake from her nightmare, sweating and out of breath. She looked around and finally calmed down when she recognized her bedroom.

'What the bloody hell was that?'

She crashed back on her pillow and covered her face with her arm. She wished that the marquis would just leave already. She did not understand why he was still lingering around. Even Richard told him that he was not interested in doing business with him, so he had no reason to still be there.

"Good morning, my lady," Rilla greeted as she entered. She walked to the curtains and opened them, letting the morning sun flood the room. "How is your ankle today?"

Florence tried to roll her ankle from left to right, but stopped. She shook her head with a wince.

"My lady, you have to see the doctor."

"I will talk to Rick about it later. But now, I have to say my goodbyes to Magnolia, they are traveling back this morning."

Rilla nodded before she walked to the closet to grab a dress for the day.

As Florence inched to the edge of the bed to get up, she heard a knock. The door flew open before she could even respond.

"Oh my, why are you still in bed?" Hannah asked with her usual arrogance.

"Good morning to you too, Cousin."

"Yes, yes," she said as she walked around the room like she owned the place. She was exceptionally excited. "We did not get a chance to talk about last night."

"Last night?" Florence raised a brow.

"Your engagement, silly." Hannah was standing by the window, she leaned back on the table and stared at her cousin.

"Ah, yes."

"I must say, I was quite shocked."

"Yes, I think the engagement was a surprise to everyone–"

"Not the engagement," Hannah interrupted.

Florence shot her a confused look again.

"You really surprised me, Cousin. I did not think you had it in you." Hannah grinned. "Although, I do not understand why you would seduce Lord Flock instead of Marquis Galley. He already fancies you."

Florence blinked at Hannah a few times. "Excuse me?"

"I always thought you were the innocent type, but good for you." She smirked.

"Watch your words, Hannah."

"Oh please, you do not have to pretend with me. Lady Fischer told me all about your steamy kissing session with Lord Flock."

'Kissing session?'

"She said you were only wearing your undergarments and you had your hands all over each other."

"I think you should leave, Hannah." Florence pushed to her feet in anger but hissed. She quickly reached for the bedpost to steady herself.

"Did you lose your chastity? Is that why the wedding is so rushed?" Hannah continued, dismissing the comment.

"Get out," Florence's voice echoed in the room.

Her eyes widened when she heard Hannah giggle. The latter pushed off the table and sashayed closer to her until their faces were only inches away.

"You have always thought you were better than me, Cousin," Hannah said with a wicked smile on her face. "It turns out, you are just a stupid whore who cannot even choose a marquis over a man with no title."

Florence's hand twitched. She wanted to slap her, maybe leave some nail marks on her face. But she did not. She just stared into Hannah's eyes until she decided to leave. She had never seen so much hostility in her cousin's eyes before. It might have even been hatred. At least, Hannah had hidden it well before today.

Florence crashed on her bed as soon as the door closed. She was shaking with anger. 'If Hannah is thinking like this, then everyone else is thinking the same, or worse.'

"I am sorry, my lady," Rilla peeked from the closet door, holding an amethyst dress. "I did not know if I should come out or stay hidden. I did not want to interrupt."

Florence sighed. "It is fine. Just help me get ready, please."

***

Magnolia hugged Florence tightly. After her confrontation with her cousin, Florence felt quite emotional. Tears were already threatening to spill as she squeezed her friend.

"Are you sure you're alright?" Magnolia stroked her face gently.

"Yes, I am fine." Florence did not want to bother her, telling her about this morning's incident would only make her more worried. "I wish you did not have to leave."

"Me too, dear." Magnolia smiled at her. "I will see you at the wedding, though. Everything will be fine." She hugged Florence again and whispered in her ear.

Magnolia's words broke her last restraint. Her tears raced down her cheeks as she nodded.

"And make sure you get that ankle healed. Are you sure you don't want Daniel to talk to your mother?"

"Yes, thank you. I will take care of it today."

"Alright, take care my dear."

"You too, Magnolia."

They waved at each other as the carriage drove away. Florence watched until it disappeared in the distance. Sadness was written all over her face.

"My lady," Rilla said as she took her hand to help her walk back. "How about you sit in the garden for a bit, the weather is divine today. I think it will do you good." It pained her to see everything her kind mistress had been going through in the past few weeks. "I can prepare a nice tea to help you relax."

"I think that is a great idea, Rilla." Florence wiped her wet face and forced a smile. "Let's go to the pavilion."