Taken

“Wake up, dove!” I rasped against Abigail’s door, tryin’ not to let my irritation show, we were already an hour late.

“Hm? Whatever is it? Today is our day off!” she called, her voice soft and muffled behind the mahogany door.

“It’s our anniversary.” Obvious she’d forgot, ‘cause soon as I said it, she flung the door open, still in her work frock from last night.

“Good heavens! Did I truly forget?” Her eyes welled with tears, glistenin’ like she might burst any second.

“Don’t worry. We still got the whole day together,” I said, tryin’ to smile as her lovely brown face lit up.

We both worked in Lord Hatchforth’s manor, and havin’ a day off was rare. But it didn’t feel lucky when she kept forgettin’ what should matter.

“Well then, to the park,” I said, my grin feelin’ more like a grimace.

“Oh? And whatever shall we do there?” she asked, all excited.

“You’ll see. Just get dressed and let’s be off!”

She came out a moment later in that same bleedin’ blue dress with all them braided ruffles, ruffles here, ruffles there, ruffles everywhere.

“You wearin’ that again?” I asked, tryin’ not to let me face say too much.

“Of course. It’s my finest gown,” she said, like it were obvious.

“It looks lovely, dove.” Truth be told, she looked like one them tavern girls, her chest near spillin’ out the top, chocolate mounds just askin’ for trouble.

“Shall we hail a coach? I believe I saw one just outside Mr. Whittaker’s shop.”

“Coach? Nah, dove. That’s too much. We’ll manage just fine walkin’.”

As we walked, she prattled on like a bell tower on Sunday.

“So, my dear, do you agree with my idea? The pie sho-?”

“Shhh, hold on dove. Look here.” I brought her to the most beautiful spot in the park, right by the lake, perfect for a picnic.

“I brought all your favourites, blood puddin’ and boiled tatties with lard.”

“You mean your favourites,” she said with a smirk. “But I suppose I can forgive you, if you brought the most important bit.”

“Brought what?” I asked, sitting down already chewin’.

“The sweet syllabub.”

“Syllabub? Dove, you don’t need none of that. Gotta fit into that weddin’ dress, don’t ya?”

“Oh…yes. I suppose you’re right.” she said

“You not gonna eat?” I asked

“No, no, thank you.” she said, good on her keeping up with her figure

For two glorious hours, she was finally silent for a change, maybe my luck has finally turned.

“Right then. Let’s get home and make the day proper nice,” I said as we walked home. “I figured maybe-”

“Oh! I do beg your pardon, sir-!” she said

“Oi, watch it-” I yelped as a force knocked me to the ground then there was a growl.

A man pale as moonlight, with hair and eyes blacker than sin. But he weren’t lookin’ at me, he was starin’ straight at Abigail, eyes drinkin’ her in like she were somethin’ to devour.

I wanted to break his face in two, but I couldn’t do nothin’. Just sat there while he leered.

She looked away and helped me up, her voice low and polite.

“I’m terribly sorry, sir. We’ll be on our way.”

We walked off quick, but I could feel the heat comin’ off her neck. Did she enjoy that? Bloody hell.

“You all right?” she asked

“Yes, perfectly.” I said but I couldn't shake that prickly feelin’ on the back of my neck.

That night, she kept turnin’ in bed, all hot and restless. When I reached for her, she flinched.

“I’ll just go seems I'm not wanted here.”

“I’m sorry… I thought I was ready, but… I suppose not.”

“It’s fine,” I said, jaw tight, headin’ to my own room.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

“Yeah?” I asked groggily

Opening the door. There she was, lookin’ like she’d been caught pinchin’ cake from the pantry.

“Yes, Abigail?”

“Daniel, we need to speak.”

“Go on then. What’s the matter now?”

“I can no longer be with you.”

“What? What’re you sayin’?”

“I cannot marry you.”

“It’s ‘cause of that thing with the maid? I thought you forgave me! She meant nothin’!”

“Do not- I have…fallen for someone else.”

“Who?!” I asked but she remained quiet

“Is it that pale devil? The one who looked at you like a dog looks at a bone? You’re leavin’ me for him?!” I asked angrily

“Yes. I am, goodbye Daniel.” she said before walking away

I sat there, dumb as stone, watchin’ her walk off.

This wasn't the time to sit there like a lump. I had to stop her. But she weren’t in her room. Not in the hall. Not even outside.

She was just, gone.