“Father, where is Willow?” Buffy asked, trying to hide her apparent joy.
Rupert Giles greeted his daughter with a fierce look, a look that made Buffy scared. She looked across the table to find her mother greet her with a similar look.
“You should know.”
“No, papa, I do not. I went by her room this morning and found it empty.”
“Do not play coy with me. You know what you did.”
“I did what....?”
“Do not lie to us Buffy or your punishment shall be far worse.”
“Punishment for what? I have done nothing.”
“Nothing? Is that what you call humiliating your sister in front of the ton of London?” her mother asked, pushing away the plate of food aside, her appetite gone.
“I did none such thing to Willow, she is my sister...”
“She is Buffy and because of that it makes it harder for us to understand why...how you could do such a thing. I never thought you would be capable of such a thing.”
Buffy began to panic, fearing they knew what she had done. But how, how would they know?
“Where is Willow?”
“You know quite where she is, but in case you do not, she was married last night,” Darla informed her.
“Married?” she asked, trying to sound surprised.
“As you planed it.”
“I would never do....”
“Hold your tongue. Did you honestly believe you could plan this without us knowing? Perhaps this will jog your memory.”
Giles threw the small note on the table in front of her. Buffy didn’t bother picking it up, knowing what it was. Her eyes remained glued to note, not daring to look up at her mother or father.
“You don’t wish to see it? I didn’t think you would since you were the one that wrote it. I’m not sure what you wished to gain from this Buffy, and to be frank I am afraid to ask why you would do such a thing to your own sister. I am disgusted with you to say the least.”
“What will you do to me?” Buffy murmured, fearing the worse.
“I am implicating the same deadline on a husband as Willow was given. You are to choose your husband before the end of the season or I shall have to arrange one for you.”
“But papa, that is not fair, Willow had far more....”
“Do you wish for me to move that date to tomorrow.....”
“No!....”
“Then I advise you to start considering some of your proposals,” he advised.
“That is not fair...”
“We are handing you the same fate you handed your sister, you should be grateful we are at least still offering your choice. That can also change if you like,” her mother told her.
Buffy remained quite, not wishing to anger then more and in turn give her a worse punishment.
“Leave now. I shall have Gertrude send your breakfast to your room,” Darla said a bit saddened and disappointed.
“I am sorry.”
With that said, Buffy left the dining hall and rushed up he stairs to her room.
Darla looked over at her husband and took his hand in hers.
“What would have possessed her to do such a thing?” she asked him in disbelief.
“I do not know, my love. But life has a way of making you pay for your bad doings, I just hope it is not too cruel to Buffy.”
“I wonder how Willow is?” she asked a loud, missing her daughter already.
“I wish I knew.”
* * * * * * * * * * *
Willow was not sure how to feel as she awoke alone in her room. She never felt anyone come in, nor did the room look as if it had had a visitor. She pulled the covers tighter around her as the door to her room opened.
“Good Morning Countess. I do hope you slept well.”
“I did...thank you.”
“I’m glad. Now let us get you changed,” Amy replied with a smile.
Half an hour later, Willow walked down to the dining room and was surprised to see a single serving of dishware. Amy came in with her food.
“Will the Duke not come to eat?”
“He left early this morning as he usually does.”
“Do you know where he has gone?”
“Must likely to the Armonte Grounds.”
“He is a man of horses.”
“Oh yes, even competes in races at times.”
“I see.”
“Is there anything more you would like?”
“No...no thank you.”
Willow ate quickly, not wanting to stay any longer
then it was needed to be. Once she was done with breakfast she quickly
asked the butler for a coach and left, not sure where to go.
* * * * * * * * * * *
“You sly bastard. You got married and didn’t invite me?”
“I wouldn’t quite say that. Because of you I had to get married.”
“What?”
“Exactly how is sounds. If you hadn’t dragged me to that party, this never would have happened.”
“What happened?”
“I received a note asking me to join Lord Harrington for a private business meeting in a private room. Instead of finding him, I find the Marquis daughter. As I quickly left I was caught exiting by no other then her father and half of London’s most important men. Needless to say I was threatened into marrying her.”
“Threatened?”
“As I said. He would not hesitate in telling the world about Robert.”
“Damn. I never thought he could do such a thing. You kept that affair rather quiet.”
“Yes, I did. I have no idea how he could have known.”
“Might have been bluffing.”
“He does not strike me as a man who would and I did not wish to find out.”
“Never would I have imagined you married.”
“Nor I, but I will not be for long.”
William looked at his friend a bit confused.
“What is it you mean?”
“As soon as her father’s anger has subsided I will ask for an annulment.”
“But how, didn’t you...”
“No William, nor do I plan to.”
“Then last night...”
“She sleeps in her own room as do I.”
“Have you ever thought...,” William began.
“No, not the least. Once everything is annulled I shall leave London and return to the estate in Crestington.”
“This woman I must meet. The woman who finally
captured your bacherlorhood.”
* * * * * * * * * * *
Willow went to the only place she knew where she could be confronted. As soon as the door closed she ran to her friend, tears falling as hard as they had the night before.
“Willow, Willow what happened? Mother told me this morning that you were married. It is in all the papers.”
“Dru is it horrible. Simply horrible. Papa made me marry him.”
“The Duke, but why?”
She retold her the events and how her father had been stern in his decision that she marry.
“I never thought he would do it. Make me marry against my wishes.”
“Oh Willow, my dear friend. I am so sorry.”
“What I’m I to do?”
“You can do nothing.”
“I know and I hate this.”
“How does he treat you?”
“He has not even spoken to me. We slept apart last night. It seems as though that is how it will be. My items are there, but his are not.”
“Then you both have not...”
“No, nor do I plan to.”
“But he is your husband...”
“Yes, but I am still in control of my body, no one else.”
Willow remained talking to her for the rest of the afternoon and part of the evening, returning home rather late. She was greeted at the door, not by the butler, Ethan, put by her husband.
Once she stepped inside the questioning began.
“Where have you been?” he asked as he closed the door.
“I was at a friends house, my Lord,” she replied.
“It would have been nice if you would have told someone. I’ve been here for the past two hours not knowing where my own wife is,” he said angered.
“And what about you, my Lord. I awake to find that you are not in your own house, do not know where you are, yet you expect me to give you a full report as to where I am,” she retorted.
He grabbed her arm and pulled her into the study with him, closing the door behind him.
“You are my wife until this silly charade with your father is over and we can get an annulment, but as long as you live in this house you shall tell me where it is you are and at what time you shall be back.”
“I never asked to come here, my lord. I never wanted to get married. It was you who entered my bedroom, it was you who did not protest against this marriage, it was you who brought me to this house,” she replied as tears began to fall down her face.
“You must be mistaken countess, but this is all your fault. If you had never written that note, then this never would have happened. Believe me, I never wished to be married to you or any of your kind.”
“Nor would I have ever wanted to marry such a brute!” Willow replied hurt deeper by his comment, making her tears fall harder.
This wasn’t what Angel wanted, he never wanted to see her cry, but his pride took a defensive stance. But before he could reply, Ethan interrupted them.
“Forgive me, Sir, but you have guests.”
Willow turned around and wiped her tears not wanting to be seen in such a manner.
“Who is it?” he asked, trying not to sound so angry.
“It is the Lady Darla Countienes and Lady Buffy Countienes. They are in the parlor waiting to see you and the countess.”
Willow looked surprised, then petrified.
“She cannot see me like this,” she thought aloud and left the room. Angel asked Ethan for them to give them a moment and then he could join them. Angel pounded his fist on the table, then took a deep breath and went to greet his guests.
Angel entered, surprised to see Willow already seated with her mother, remarkable refreshed. He sat down, not sure just what Willow had began to talk to them about.
Buffy stared at the handsome man that entered the room to join them. This was not the man that Buffy had sent to her room. This was a man that she had never seen before in her life, a man that sparked her interest immensely. The large house was enough to have impressed her, but now seeing her across him, she took a notice as how handsome and mysterious he looked.
“My daughter is here to apologize to you and Willow.”
Angel looked at her surprised then at Willow who had the same look on her face.
“I do not know what you mean your grace...”
“You see, it was my daughter who wrote that letter you received. It was she who tricked you into Willow’s room.”
Angel looked at Willow, who’s eyes were filled with tears once more.
“Buffy.....how would you...?” her crack voice asked.
Buffy looked at her sister then back at Angel.
“I didn’t mean for this to happen...I never thought this could happen...” she tried to explain.
“What did you think would happen?” Willow asked curious, knowing her sister meant to get her married.
“It wasn’t even supposed to be him....” she blurted out.
Darla looked at her daughter harshly, now knowing this part of her plan.
“Do tell, Buffy, who had you intended on giving that letter to?”
Buffy looked at the hands on her lap, then muttered the name of the man she had wished her sister to marry.
“Xander LaGrant.”
Willow was appalled by the answer and stood up.
“How would you?” she asked.
Buffy refused to meet her gaze or her mother’s, but seemed to be able to meet Angel’s with no problem.
Angel remained seated, still in shock, more over after he heard the name of the man Buffy had intended for her sister. Though he had never met the man he had heard of Xander LaGrant, the slimy, obnoxious, greedy business man that half of London despised. He awoke from his thoughts as he heard Buffy make a comment of interest.
“They can get an annualment..if they haven’t..”
“Hold you tongue. No such thing shall happen, your father would never allow it. They can make it work, just as your father and I did.”
Willow could take no more and left the room, heading directly to her bedroom.
“Buffy go and wait for me outside.”
“But mother...”
“Leave us,” she instructed her.
She left reluctantly, looking at Angel once more and smiling.
“Your grace...”
“I now know how my mother felt when I left her to leave with Rupert. I had been betrothed to him since my birth and did finally met him on our wedding day. I know that you did not want this marriage, nor did Willow, but in time and if you truly try, then perhaps you can be as happy as my husband and I became and still are. It takes time, but it can be done.”
Angel looked at her and nodded, wanting to set her mind at ease.
“I do hope you try my advice. I am sure both of you can be happy.”
Angel escorted her out to her coach. She promised to visit soon, letting him take care of Willow. Angel re-entered the house, not quite sure what to do. He went up to his room, stopping outside his wife’s door. He knocked softly, his voice soft, but firm, loud enough for her to hear him.
“I am sorry, countess.......Goodnight.”
Angel walked to his room, regretting all the
words he had directed to her early that night. She was not to blame, nor
he. Fate had planed it and all he could do was wait and see what it had
in store for him.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Angel never knew how much those words had meant to Willow as she clutched the pillow in her arms that night. They had somehow managed to mend some of the hurt and damage that this nightmare had created. She remained in her room for the rest of the night and day.
The next two weeks passed by uneventful. Angel and Willow began leaving notes to each other letting each other know where they were. By coincidence, they had found each other at the same table for dinner on two occasions.
Everything seemed fine, both even able to say an occasional “hello” or “goodnight” whenever needed. As much as it was “pleasant” in the house, Willow was miserable.
She felt alone and betrayed. She had a husband who did not want her nor loved her. The only servant she felt an inclination to was Amy. She did not visit her parents, their decision to wed her off was much too painful for her to see them just yet, not to mention Buffy. Her only comfort was her dear friend, Drucilla and even that became limited, with her mother trying to set her up in outings for marriage prospects.
It was on one of those occasions that Willow was left alone to shop for a dress for her parents anniversary ball. Hidden amongst the numerous dresses was were she heard the first rumor about her.
“I still cannot believe that Duke Beroxe of Montegue married her.”
“After such trickery on her part.”
“You can only imagine how many gentlemen left her room,” Lady Sutherfield commented.
“Truly a waste. I’m sure my Ingrid would have made him a much better wife.”
“He was much too a gentlemen to marry her, I think,” Lady Gardon concluded.
As they turned the corner they bumped into a teary eyed redhead.
“We were not aware you were here Countess.....,” Lady Sutherfield explained as she looked over at her companion worried.
“I see.... well I am present Lady Sutherfield and in such, heard all the lies...”
“They are not lies, my child, but the facts of your un-lady like conduct...”
“That may be your opinion Lady Gardon.....”
“Oh, but you are quite wrong Countess, you see it is the entire society who knows your husband is ashamed to be seen with you, by the simple fact that you are a...... whore.”
Willow’s temper snapped and did the only thing she could...... she punched her. Lady Gardon never knew what hit her as she fell to the floor with her packages. Lady Sutherfield struggled a moment with Willow, scratching her on the cheek for her friend who was on the floor. Willow in defense punched her as well, Lady Sutherfield joining her friend on the floor. Willow dashed out of the store, but not before making sure the two lady’s heard her.
“I am no whore.”
* * * * * * * * * * *
Willow opened the door to her house, her tears blurring her way to the staircase.
“Madame, what is wrong?” Amy asked.
Willow did not reply, moving past her and ran up the steps. Amy tried to catch up to her, but saw as she entered her room and closed the door, hearing the lock.
How could this happen? Why were they saying such
horrible things about her? This wasn’t her doing, this wasn’t her fault.
She had never wanted anything like this - never. She fell onto her bed
and cried as she replayed the scene in the shop in her head. What had she
done in her life to deserve this? She clutched her pillow against her body,
feeling more alone then ever.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Angel walked into his house ten minutes after Willow’s arrival. He placed his gloves on the entrance table beside the door and was greeted by two worried faces.
“Is something wrong?”
“My Lord, it is about your wife,” Ethan replied.
“What about her? Is she here? Did something happened to her?”
“We don’t know, my Lord. She came in crying and headed directly to her room.”
Not waiting for any further explanation, he turned and rushed up the stairs - two at a time. He found her door and began knocking. When he received no answer he turned the knob, but found it locked.
“Willow? Willow, open the door.”
After receiving no answer he turned to Ethan.
“Bring me the master keys.”
Ethan quickly left as Angel continued pounding on the door, hoping nothing wrong had happened.
“Willow, open the door. It’s Angel, I want to speak to you. Please open the door.”
After again no response, he turned to Amy who was fidgeting next to him.
“Do you know what happened? Did she tell you anything?”
“No, she came in crying and went pass me. Her face was red, milord.”
“Was she hurt?” he asked worried.
“I do not know, she ran up the stairs before I could ask.”
“Ethan!” he yelled as the turned his attention back to the door, his hand once again pounding against it.
“Willow, please unlock the door.”
Ethan arrived a moment later, giving the keys to Angel. Without hesitating he opened the door and stepped inside, finding his wife on her bed crying. He rushed over to her, scared something had happened. He carefully sat on the bed not wanting to frighten her. His large hand dared to stroke her silky hair.
“Willow, what’s wrong? What happened?” he asked her softly.
Willow did not want to respond, nor did she want to let him see her cry. Without getting a reply, Angel began to lift her up into a sitting position. And what he saw scared him as nothing had before. He found a bruise of some kind on her left cheek. Her gown had been pulled at, torn on one side.
“Willow, what happened? Were you attacked, God, please tell me, Willow,” he asked urgently.
She finally looked up at him, ashamed of what she had done.
“Willow, please,” Angel pleaded, dreading the worse.
“I was... I was not attacked,” she replied wiping away her tears with her hand.
Angel’s fingertips softly touched the bruise on her face and frowned as she winced back a bit in pain.
“Then what did happen? Who did this to you?” his voice soft and caring, something Willow had never heard before.
At his gentle touch and voice, she looked up and was taken back by what she saw - concern.
“I was.... It was... Lady Sutherfield.”
“She did this it you?” he asked surprised.
“.....after I.....”
“After you what?”
She showed him her hand that had some swelling on it.
“After I punched Lady Gardon.”
Angel looked into her watery green eyes and saw the shame, worry, regret, and a hint of fire in them.
“Amy, please bring me the medical canteen as well as some ice.”
“Yes, sir, I shall be right back.”
Angel turned his attention back to his wife as his other hand took her bruised one.
“Ouch.”
“It must have been a nice left hook,” he pointed out. “Now tell me why did you punch her.”
Willow looked away from him, not wanting to repeat the words she feared her husband shared about her.
“You can tell me,” he assured her as he lightly caressed her bruised hand.
“I can not.”’
Before Angel could reply, Amy returned with the needed supplies. He took the materials from her hands, surprising her.
“I shall take care of the Countess. Thank you.”
Amy understood and left, closing the door behind her. Angel placed the cloth with ice on her hand, moving it to lie on his thigh.
“Willow, please look at me,” he asked softly.
She complied with tears falling down her cheeks. As carefully as possible, Angel wiped them away and looked into her glistering eyes, not sure he had ever seen such a pair as beautiful as hers.
“What ever happened, what ever caused this... I shall understand,” he told her truthfully as he began to clean off her wound.
Willow knew she had to tell him. He would find out sooner or later and it was best he found it out by her, instead of by rumors.
“I was shopping for a dress... I overheard Lady Sutherfield and Lady Gardon talking by accident...” she began, tears once again filling her eyes.
Angel gently wiped one of her tears away as he encouraged her to continue.
“What did they say?”
“They told me how generous of a man you were... for marrying me.... how Ingrid would have made you a much better wife then I for you..... of how many men must have come out of my bedroom door...... of what a whore I am...”
Tears fell harder as her heart fell deeper into the despair and misery it was already in. Her chin lowered as she turned her head to the side, not wanting to face her husband.
“Willow, you are not...”
“Of how you are ashamed to be seen with me, because that is what you think as well...” she interrupted him.
Angel softly placed his hand under her chin and pulled it up carefully and looked into her watery green eyes.
“I do not think you a whore, Willow, far from, nor am I ashamed to be seen with you. It just never occurred to me that you would like to be seen with me.”
“My Lord, you only need to ask,” Willow replied with sincerity.
Angel smiled, not realizing just how Willow was also affected by this union.
“Then will you join me tomorrow at The Armonte?” he asked.
“I would be honored.”
Willow smiled for the first time in days. Angel joined her, never quite seeing just how lovely her face looked when she did.
“We should tend to your wound,” Angel said as he felt the water begin to drip down his hand.
Willow closed her eyes, letting him tend to the scratches on her right cheek.
“They deserved to be punched. I’m glad you did.”
Willow opened her eyes, relief clearly written in her eyes.
“These should heal quickly.”
“But I fear there’s will not,” she replied, making
them both smile.
* * * * * * * * * * *