Seven

Emily woke up the next morning disoriented and tired from crying. Her head felt groggy and her muscles felt weak with exhaustion. The maids had finally lit a fire in the hearth and the room was warm and comfortable.

Sitting up in bed, she contemplated staying in bed all day but decided against the idea. She slid off the bed and slipped her feet into comfortable shoes before moving to the window where she opened the drapes. The room was awash with soft light, and she stared out the window with her hands wrapped around herself.

From her window, she had a perfect view of the well-kept yard and the trimmed flowers that decorated it. It was a beautiful sight and one she was glad she would be able to view everyday.

Everyday.

She was now a married woman. The thought which had previously filled her with glee when she fantasized about living with George as his wife, had now turned sour as she was presented with the man who was now her husband.

Her thoughts slipped to the previous night where h