The Waltzes’ new home was beautiful. Unnecessarily large and more elegant than expected, lined with ivory and million dollar paintings. Every costly item was a reminder to Christine of why her life was over before it even began, all for her mother’s security and greed. Christine and James had no sooner arrived at that house of theirs when a letter was brought to them. Christine read it and handed it to James. He could tell by her face that it wasn’t pleasant news. The letter contained an invitation to the profile painter’s shop next week for their portrait. That night, as they toured their house, Christine asked James a question as they entered their room.

“What reason did your father give for you having to marry me?” she asked as she began putting her dresses in an armoire.

“Well,” James answered, “he told me that your mother suggested the idea, going on about how much peace it would bring to everyone in England. He also mentioned how much history our families had of helping each other, and knew your mother had been…low on funds since the passing of lord Octania. He left all his money to me in his will…..Thomas got the house, and he thought it would be more….practical to let your family have the money if anything were to change”

Christine began to heat up.

“So she lied to him too,” she muttered

“Pardon?” James stopped walking around the room.

“There was no need for peace,” she said only a little louder

“What?”

“There is already peace!” Christine turned to James, “My mother, she….she lied”

“What do you mean?” James asked

“The people of England have nothing against us and they never did. We did not marry for peace, or for love, or for anything of the sort,” Christine’s voice wavered, “I married you because…..my mother wanted your money. She will manipulate your father o change his will no doubt”

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James said nothing for a moment. He only stared at her. Christine started to speak.

“How dare you,” James said, standing from his chair, “how dare you! My father is a brilliant man, he would never”

“It does not matter how smart anyone my mother knows is, she will find a way to get what she wants….and it was not my fault,” she objected, “she lied to me too”

“How could you be so selfish?” he pointed at her

“Believe me, I had no part in it….”

“My father works harder than anyone for his fortune, he is dedicated to that craft and has been for years,” James went on, pacing the room, “so many have cheated him out of his work!”

“Please you have to calm down,” Christine said, “listen to me”

She had never seen him this angry, even as children. Thomas always told her how heated he could get, usually it would happen after Thomas had done something to irritate him.

“How could you let his happen,” James pointed at Christine

“Let this happen? You’ve gone mad!” she said, “we both know my mother does not tell me anything! Your father is one of the kindest and most empathetic men I have ever met and you should be thankful that he is doing what is best for you….my mother hates me”

That quieted him.

“You could have at least told me,” he said

“I didn’t even know until right after the wedding,” Christine continued

“You should have told me sooner,” he sat on the bed, “you can trust me”

Astonished, Christine audibly laughed, “Trust you? What reasons do I have to trust you?”

“What reason do you have not to?” James asked

Christine rolled her eyes, “Well let’s see….you have been nothing but arrogant, condescending, sarcastic and uncooperative this whole situation”

“Well you haven’t been overly cordial,” he said, ringing his hands

They were silent for a moment.

“we could not get out of this….this mess if we tried”

Christine wanted to argue, but she didn’t. She only turned around and went back to her armoire. James took his clothes out of the large basket near the door of the room and did the same. After a long stretch of silence, Christine forced herself to speak up.

“Thank you,” she blurted, “for the flowers….it was thoughtful to order white ones”

“Mhm,” James replied

“I’ll be the first to admit,” she forced herself again, “I have been making this situation harder than it already is. I’m….sorry”

James stopped what he was doing.

“I apologize as well,” he said.

“Apology accepted,” she said

James walked a few steps closer to her.

“Let’s….start over,” he reached for her hand

Slightly confused, Christine smiled weakly, forcing down a laugh.

“Hello,” James kissed her hand, “My name is James Waltz”

“How do you do,” she curtseyed, “I am…. Christine Waltz”