When the Waltzes arrived at the portrait studio, neither were enthusiastic about the idea at all. James had spent the last few nights crying quietly. Christine had spent the last few nights pretending she couldn’t hear him. She felt sorry for him, having a similarly strong relationship with her father. But she knew she couldn’t make her empathy feel genuine, so she acted as though nothing had happened. The painter was innocently delighted, as expected, so he didn’t say a word about Lord Waltz’s passing. Only a quick greeting and right to business.
Now I know why everyone always looks so solemn in their portraits Christine thought, they were betrothed unwillingly, dragged here unwillingly, and sat for hours with the person they unwillingly married.
“Lord Waltz,” the painter directed, “sit in this chair right here”
He pointed James to an elegant and almost throne-like chair.
“Lady Waltz” he then directed Christine, “Stand tall behind him, to the side of the chair ever so slightly, hand on his shoulder (they did as instructed and tried to look pleased) ....perfect!”
Christine had come up with an idea to pass the time, knowing how long the portrait would take. She’d come up with some questions to ask James to get to know him better.
“So,” she said, “we both know we are going to be here forever, so let’s just….make the most of it!”
“And what,” James replied flatly, “are you suggesting that entails?
“Can’t you please, just this once,” Christine sighed, “talk like a normal person!”
James scoffed.
“Please,” the painter said, “be still!”
Christine’s cheeks heated up. What happened to their agreement from last night? She didn't know why she even tried.
“I guess I should tell you,” she muttered, “my mother took your father’s house”
“What?!” James was shocked
“Please!” the painter tried again, “Lord Walz!”
“She was in his will for the house,” Christine shrugged, “all she wanted was her lifestyle back. That is not how you do so, trust me….I do not condone her”
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The painter was pleased that they hadn’t smiled big, too evident of wrinkles. Christine wore a light blue dress lined with lace, James wore a green waistcoat and pants. They stayed in the positions the painter had suggested for three long hours. While impressed by the painter’s realism, Christine would have preferred a different pose.
“Lady Octania has requested the portrait reside in her home,” the painter informed them, “if that is acceptable to the Waltzes?”
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Christine rolled her eyes at her mother’s wishes but James was quick to comply.
Once in the carriage James said, “I hope you weren’t planning on keeping that, was it alright I told him she could have it?”
“Yes,” Christine said, “I don’t want it”
James laughed nonchalantly, “well you didn’t have to say it like that”
“Like what?” Christine replied a little harsher than she intended to, still peeved about James’ reluctance to converse.
James threw his hand in the air just slightly, “I’m sorry, I’m just….on edge”
Christine laughed, “‘On edge’? There’s the casual man in you!”
James didn’t laugh. They were silent for a moment.
“Why are you on edge?” Christine asked softly.
“Everything has just…been happening so fast. I’ve never had so much happen to me in so little time. Marrying you, losing my father, losing my brother….It’s just so much to dwell on”
Christine nodded but she didn’t fully understand.
“Thomas?” she asked, “You’ve lost your relationship with Thomas?”
“Yes…well,” James muttered, “We have not spoken recently”
Christine looked at him, “Why not?”
He avoided her eyes, “We just haven’t”
Christine chose her words carefully, “James…what did we decide about trust?”
“I’m….worried about you two,” he blurted, not really meaning to do so
“What do you mean?” Christine tried to dim her confusion since he cracked under her mention of trust
“It’s these letters,” for the first time, James struggled to speak his mind, “it’s not wise”
Christine was astonished.
“How?” she asked, “it isn’t hurting anything”
“You are welcoming what you cannot have,” James said calmly
“We are not!” Christine crossed her arms
“Yes you are!” he shot, “We are married, Christine, whether we like it or not! Writing like you two do is only going to cause you both more pain”
“How would you know how we write?” Christine said, “Those letters are the only things keeping me happy….why are you trying to stop that?”
“I am not trying to stop your happiness,” James was getting frustrated, “I am trying to protect you”
They reached their carriage’s stop at a strip of shops. The streets were bustling, people all around. Christine and James continued arguing as they exited. The group of young women Christine had spoken to at the party was talking to a group of young men near the Waltzes. They slowed their giggling and conversing to listen to them quarrel. They curiously moved closer.
“Well well well,” one of the men interrupted, “the happy couple is having their first fight!”
The two stopped talking.
Christine messed with her hair in annoyance and embarrassment. The girls laughed melodiously.
James sighed and smiled at the boys, “What do you want?”
“Oh, come along Waltz,” another boy said, “Can’t we just start a casual conversation?”
“We were in the middle of a discussion,” Christine interrupted when James began to answer, “if you would excuse us”
“Oh,” the boys bowed comically, “of course your highness”
“She can’t stoop low enough to our level to muster a proper apology,” one of the girls said.
Christine just rolled her eyes.
James slowly took her hand and started to walk away.
“Now you hold on a minute Waltz,” one of the boys grabbed James by the shoulder, “I haven’t told you what I want yet”
“Alright Eric,” James turned back to them, “Let’s all calm down”
“She doesn't even stand like a proper lady,” one of the girls whispered behind her fan
Christine snatched it out of her hands and put one hand on her hip, “Care to say that again?”
“Hey!” one of the boys pushed Christine against the shop wall near them, “you should teach your wife some manners!”
James pushed the boy to the ground. He quickly stood and got right in James’ face, “what are you trying to start, hmm?”
He pushed James to the ground.
“Oh you’re not gonna want to watch this,” another man laughed and grabbed Christine, pulling her away from the street
“Let go of me!…..James!”
James shot up and ran to Christine. He punched the boy next to her and grabbed her hand, taking off running.
“You bring me my money James Waltz!!” A boy yelled from far behind them.