Isabelle
A letter addressed to Isabelle came by messenger. She opened the letter and read it to herself several times before taking it to Margaret.
“Dearest Isabelle, I am sending this letter as a formal apology for any discomfort and distress I have caused you. I realize that in my selfish nature I tend to ignore signs of disdain, because I truly believe people warm to me over time. I strive always to maintain a pleasant and cheerful demeanor, though it is not always palatable to everyone. I had hoped genuinely with all of my heart you would be accepting of my manner or ways, such as they are. I can see I am well off my mark, but would beg you for another chance to win your affections. If there is anything I may say or do that will win your heart, do not hesitate to mention it in your reply. If you would be so kind as to respond to this correspondence, my messenger will return in three days for your reply. I do beg you to reconsider, and not judge me so harshly. I hear there are tales of my prowess with the female persuasion, I assure you they are greatly exaggerated. My intentions for you are nothing short of an honorable match, which hopefully precedes our honorable marriage. My heart is already yours, Alfred Gaunche”
There was great talk about this man. Talk was far and wide about Alfred Gaunche. Educated abroad by the finest scholars, he procured wealth like most men acquired hunting dogs. He invested wisely, and managed his properties well. He was the most handsome bachelor in the whole country at the moment. He could have his choice of well bred aristocrats, and insure his line to be inline to one day to become king. The rumors about this man were far and wide, though none involved scandal or treachery of any kind.
If ever there had been someone to be held up as perfect, it would probably be Alfred Gaunche.
“I hear the Queen is petitioning the King to have him knighted.” Margaret said after reading the letter for the third time. “He saved those orphans from being turned out by purchasing their debt. I hear he’s even going to educate the girls of the village here.” She looked at Isabelle, “You would be a fool to turn down this man’s proposal. Why are you even giving it any thought?”
“A more noble and honorable man, I have not met. This is true.” Isabelle sighed and looked out the window. “What good can come of this? I marry this man, this wonderfully perfect man, and gain my place in society.”
“You know you would!” Margaret interrupted her enthusiastically.
Isabelle shot her glance to be quiet while she finished, “I have everything anyone could hope for, happiness beyond compare. A family with children, a name for them to be proud of. Then Thomas shows up to steal it all away. What better for a thief to do?” Her face was screwed up in confusion.
Isabelle wanted to be happy, she wanted to marry this man who was desired by all. This man who seemed to be in love with her alone, for whatever reason. It all seemed to good to be true, and that was because it was indeed to good to be true. Thomas would come and destroy it, at any time he saw fit.
Margaret hugged her friend and consoled her. “Have you thought of telling Albert the truth?”
“He would loose interest in me then.” Isabelle said in a small voice. “He would find someone more suitable, with a less troubled past.”
Margaret pulled back and reached out for her best friends face. She pulled on it until Isabelle’s sad eyes looked into her own. “If you are going to give him up anyway, what harm can come of that? Think with your head and not your heart for a moment, and tell him the truth.”
Isabelle stopped feeling sorry for herself in that instant. “You are always so smart Margaret!” she hugged Margaret tightly.
“I know, that’s why I’m always watching out for you. You’re my best friend in all the world, and I only want you to be as happy as you can be. You can’t throw it away over a ghost, or a shadow, or even a thief.”