Isabelle
Silence filled the air. Only the sound of the wind rustling the fabric could be heard.
Alfred sat near a lamp stand, frustrated with his limitations. If only he could make her love him, it would all be so simple. He questioned how he ever won her heart in the first place. He let out a loud sigh, truthfully he had only himself to blame. He orchestrated this whole fiasco.
Isabelle looked up at Alfred when he sighed.
“How do I make you understand that I love you?”, he looked at the lamps flame. “Tell me and I will do it.”
“I’m ashamed.” Isabelle said meekly. “I had a moment of weakness and I failed you.”
Alfred snapped sternly, “I have forgiven you! How many times must I say that?” He turned to her. His voice took a softer tone when he saw the tears welling up in her eyes again. “Tell me, and I will gladly say it.”
Isabelle felt her heart melt a little with his softened words.
Alfred noticed the moment of weakness in her eyes. He rushed to her and fell on his knees in front of her. He took her hands in his and kissed them. “Please Isabelle. You are the sunshine that calls me to wake in the morning, and the moon that calls me to rest at night. Please, do not cast me out into the darkness.”
Isabelle looked into his eyes, how hauntingly they suddenly reminded her again of Thomas. She looked at his face, clean shaven. His hair was pulled back. She did love him, did she not? She felt confused, it had been months since they had spoken.
“We are almost strangers again.” Isabelle didn’t know what else to say.
“Then let me win your heart again. At least afford me the chance.” Alfred stood and glanced at her. He reached for her face and slowly pulled her in for a simple kiss.
The music slowly began to play in the background, softly at first then swelling loud enough to travel past the garden.
Alfred danced closely with Isabelle moving her away from the tent and out towards the unlit space of the garden.
It was so dark Isabelle could barely make out Alfred’s face.
“Isabelle,” Alfred said in low tone.
“Yes?” Isabelle felt uneasy and was unsure of why he brought her to the shadows.
“Promise me no more children, please.”
“I promise.” Isabelle said with certainty.
Alfred kissed her lightly on the forehead, “Thank you, My Dearest Love. You truly do mean everything to me. Everything I have done is only for you.” He kissed her hand lightly, and led her back to a feast laid out inside the tent.