Isabelle
“I should seek out this man and have him whipped, then hung for seeking the affections of a married woman!” Alfred said curtly.
“That’s not what the letter said.” Isabelle defended through her tears.
Alfred turned from the flame as the last part of the paper turned to ash. “You may say anything about it now that the evidence is gone. The truth will always remain.”
“What truth?” Isabelle’s tears were starting to ease.
“My beloved. You are all that I care to see and hear. If you were a painting you would be hung on every wall in this house. If you were a symphony I would have a quartet playing your notes around the clock. Your melody would vibrate off the very walls. You are the first thought in my mind when I wake, and the last when I close my eyes to sleep. You are everything to me.” Alfred stared into the flames.
Isabelle’s tears had stopped.
“Do you remember the day I first saw you?” Alfred still gazed into the flames. “It was at park not too far from here. I saw you there with a little girl at your side. I watched and saw no companion arrive. I thought to myself, she is the most beautiful creature I have ever set eyes on. I wondered if the child was yours or a sibling, and I thought I could have a ready made family. One I would not have to work for or build, and perhaps I would be rescuing you as well. You see at the time, children frightened me. They are so small and fragile, and die at every small chill. This one was healthy and vibrant, so full of life.” Alfred drew in a long breath. “Then those women came and distracted me from my dream of a new life. When I came to my senses, I glanced over, and you were gone. All my hopes and dreams vanished into thin air. I vowed then and there I would never let it happen again. I swore that if I ever saw you again, I would make you my wife. For me there is no other but you, Isabelle.”
Alfred’s tone took a deep, sorrowful turn. “You wound me Isabelle, when you think of another in my place. For I never thought of anyone but you.”