Chapter Twenty-One #2
“I understand,” she said. “But what you are doing is not right. You are hurting two people who never did anything to you, Father. Don’t you see that? Kirk has always been a strong supporter and Mara… well, her only crime is loving Kirk. You are punishing her for being young and in love.”
Lionel could see he wasn’t going to have Lily’s full support.
It didn’t matter that they were flesh and blood relatives, closer than most fathers and daughters were.
Lily was taking a stand for what she believed in and it happened to be a stand against him.
Lionel didn’t like it. If he couldn’t coerce her into supporting him, then he could force her.
Time was growing short and he had to marry Mara no matter what.
“I am not punishing her,” he said, his voice low.
“I am not entirely sure why young ladies these days believe that marriage is based on love, but that is a fool’s notion.
I have summoned a priest who will be here by dinner.
You will have Mara properly dressed for the occasion because whether or not she is ready, I am marrying her tonight at dusk. There will be no more delays.”
Lily was horrified. “Dusk?” she repeated. “Father, surely you….”
He cut her off, unwilling to discuss it further. “I have waited long enough,” he snapped. “Whether we wait nine days, nine weeks or nine months, the result will be the same. Make sure she is ready by dusk.”
With that, he swept from the room without a glance to Mara.
She was still standing near the wall, weeping softly.
When the door slammed in his wake, she jumped, turning to see who was still left in the room.
Only Lily remained, looking drawn and anxious.
She approached Mara, haltingly, a sickened expression on her face.
“Oh… Mara,” she breathed. “He is being most unreasonable. He says he has sent for a priest and you will be married at dusk tonight.”
Mara, surprisingly, didn’t fall into hysterics.
She simply stared at Lily. The hysteria has been replaced by a steely coldness now that a timeline had been put to her fate.
It was shock more than anything, perhaps numbness and a sense of harsh realization.
Nine days of fighting hadn’t solved or changed anything.
Her future was still set. She turned away from Lily.
“I will not go willingly,” she said.
Lily sighed heavily. “He will call the guards if he has to,” she said. “They will carry you down to the hall. They will hold you through the ceremony and force you to wed my father. Is this truly how you wish to behave?”
Mara looked over her shoulder, her bright blue eyes piercing. “How would you behave?”
Lily looked pained. She shrugged helplessly. “I do not know,” she whispered. “But I would realize there is no use in fighting. Would I wish for everyone to see me screaming and kicking and being held down by soldiers? I would not. I would not embarrass myself so.”
“Then help me escape.”
“Escape to where?”
“Back to Haslingden until Kirk can come for me.”
Lily shook her head, exasperated. “My father would find you there just as easily,” she said. “Mara, don’t you see? You cannot refuse this, darling. I know you love Kirk. I know he will return for you. But he is not here now, and he cannot save you from this marriage. You have no choice.”
Mara stared at Lily, a creeping sense of defeat filling her. But no. She would not accept it. She couldn’t.
“Lily,” she said as she averted her gaze. “You have been a true and sweet friend. I… I have never known such friendship and I want to thank you very much.”
Lily put a hand on her arm. “As I have never had a friend like you, either,” she said. “You are humorous and curious and lovely. I am so sorry this has happened, darling, truly.”
Mara patted her hand but then she moved away from it, heading towards one of the small lancet windows that let light into the chamber.
“Will you do something for me if I ask it?” she asked.
Lily nodded. “If I can, you know I will.”
“I want you to leave me alone. Please.”
Lily wasn’t so sure about the request. Mara hadn’t been alone since the day of her father’s announcement, and for good reason. Everyone was aware of that fact, especially Mara. Therefore, her question had Lily on edge.
“I… I would like to, of course,” she stammered. “But….”
“Please,” Mara said firmly, turning to look at her. “I swear I will not try to harm myself in any way.”
Lily looked at her dubiously. “Do you promise? A promise above all promises?”
“I swore, didn’t I?”
“But why do you want to be alone?”
“I just do,” she said softly. “I just want to… think. I have so much to think about. Please indulge me, Lily. Just for a little while.”
Reluctantly, Lily nodded. “Very well,” she said. “I will leave you to your thoughts. Shall I send up some food?”
Mara shook her head. “No food.”
With a final lingering gaze, Lily hesitantly quit the room. As soon as the door shut softly behind her, Mara ran to the door and threw the big iron bolt. The door and frame, built like a fortress with great iron supports, was built to withstand a siege.
By dinner, a dozen men were still trying to force it open.