Social Hour 1.2

 A few days after the committee meeting, Clair Nathan and Elisabeth Elliot sat in the Nathan's parlor. Despite their rivalry, they had gathered together to discuss marriage. The marriage of Florence Elliot and James Nathan.

 "Now, Elisabeth, I know you were thinking of Henry for a suitor. However, I find that James and Florence would make an even perfect couple. We have been looking for a wife for James for quite some time now, and have never found a girl to be suitable. In the recent months, I believe Florence has blossomed into a beautiful and charming lady. In addition, I hear that Henry's family's dowry requirements are so high not even a family like yours would get any benefit from the marriage." Clair stated her case as to why Florence and James should be married.

"Yes, I am quite aware of the Henry situation. And I agree, James and Florence would make a perfect match. Why not arrange a courtship to begin immediately?"
"I am happy you feel the same way. James should be back in the next hour from his archery lesson. I will discuss this with him." Clair said.
"Terrific. I will send for Florence."

 Clair played piano for her guest while she and Elisabeth awaited James and Florence's arrival. Finally they arrived, James along with his sister, and the five of them sat down.

 "Now, James, Florence, Elisabeth and I have something to say." Clair stated.
"Yes, we certainly do. After much discussion we have decided that you two will begin a courtship. We feel you will make a perfect match." Elisabeth began.
"Yes, a perfect husband and wife." Clair smiled widely at the two.



The information began to sink in. James felt as if the world was coming down, as if there was no escape from sorrow. Mary. Mary. Mary. This was the only word that James could process.
"Now James, why don't you escort Florence on a stroll through the gardens?" Elisabeth inquired, more of an order then a question.



 James lead Florence out of the house and through the gardens, numb. Everything was a blur. Florence tried to start up a conversation, but James just didn't have the ability to engage. She got the message that there was something bothering him, and kept her distance for the rest of the walk.



Finally, when reality came into check, James started to think deeper about the situation. There had to be a way to get out of having to marry Florence, there had to be a way to be with Mary...

 That night Mary Elliot is eating dinner with her parents at their estate. Her father was droning on about the weather in India when Elisabeth spoke up.

"We found the perfect suitor for Florence today. The courtship is to start immediately."

"Oh really?" Mary's father asked. Mary couldn't have been less interested.

"Well we were going for that Henry you know. However, we found someone much more suitable."

"Who?"

"James Nathan."

Mary choked on her bite of her crab bisque.

"Exuse me?"

"James Nathan." Elisabeth repeated.



Mary suddenly felt bile rising in her throat. She jumped up, slammed in her chair, and began running.

 She ran up the stairs, headed for the bathroom. A scream was rising as well, and Mary felt the urge to run back downstairs and rip out her mother's throat.

 As soon as she reached the bathroom, Mary began crying. Sobs racked her body as she lost control of all emotions. So many questions were circling her. Did James know? How could this have happened? What had they done wrong? How could anyone be so cruel as to take away innocent love from two innocent people? What would they do? As soon as Mary regained control of herself she drew a bath.

 James would think of something. Mary knew he would. There had to be someway they could still be together. They would make it through. In the back of her mind lurked a thousand what if's. What if they didn't find a way? What if James and Florence were married? Mary imagined a life without James. Or even worse, a lifetime of watching James and Florence's marriage. Them having children, raising them, and growing old together. No. That would not happen. Mary was sure of it.