Love's Triangle

After - NOV 1930

“Leave him alone! Please Crater, leave him alone!” Tears are streaking down her face. Crater has her boyfriend, weak and undefendable, sagged against the wall. The anger, envy and hurt in his eyes reduces, his posture relaxes. He stumbles away, reining his emotions in.

“Don’t mention this to anyone.” Crater warns and walks past the sobbing maiden. She kneels next to her unconscious partner, cradling his head in her lap.

Before - JAN 1930

“Come on. Please? Tell me who it is.” Astrid begs. “Meteor tell me!” 

Her sister shakes her head. This seventeen year old is behaving like a baby, she thinks. When is she going to grow up?

“I’m not budging. Now get ready and behave like a lady, our guest is coming in half-an-hour.” Meteor instructs.

“Aw! I thought you were on my side.” Astrid complains, staggering to her wardrobe. “Tell me then, is he nice and handsome? Is he to my liking?”

Meteor sighs. Was this how she acted when meeting her husband? She had been married to Bolengro for two years. Meteor was living her dream, in a beach-side mansion in Haron. Her honey-blond hair, olive skin, pink cheeks, pulsed lips and curved body, had scored Meteor many suitors and she was easily the prettiest of her sister, who took after their fathers side of the family.

“Astrid? Do you know the prospects of marriage?” She asks, grabbing a brush and brushing her sister’s chocolate hair. Astrid shakes her head. Meteor smiles.

“Then I’ll tell you. Most people think that they’re ready for anything and everything. They think having a family is sweeter than living with their parents. It isn’t. The best thing is to be with your siblings and elders. Mind you, having your own family is nice, but it is your childhood, mentors, supporters and memories are what count. They tell who you are. They give you character, knowledge and advice. It is the mistakes you make during challenges in your youth that teach you the right way of solving scenarios.

“Husbands, on the other hand, aren’t always as great as Bolengro. They can be cruel, bashing you and lying. It takes a bit to find the man that suits you. But nothings always perfect. And living to be an old maid isn’t at all bad. It’s just that no one will love and cherish you like your relatives. Do you get were I’m going?”

“Yes. I do.” Astrid agrees.

The sisters stop getting ready as footsteps are heard in the first floor corridor leading to the stairs.

“Astrid! Meteor! Our guest is here.” Their mother calls from downstairs. Meteor looks to her sibling and gives an encouraging smile. Hand-in-hand, they walk down the stairs to the front parlour to meet their visitant.

******************************************

Astrid gasps. Here was a man of beauty. Thick sand-blond hair, rich, emerald green eyes, average height, attuned cheek bones and finely honed muscles made up the looker in her lounge area. 

“Lord Crater, the lady of the house: Lady Daphne and her daughters: Lady Meteor and Lady Astrid.” Lord Emery, master of the house, announces. Crater’s heart-fluttering gaze landed on Astrid. Taking her hand he kisses it.

“My lady, you look splendid tonight.” Crater compliments.

“Thank you my lord. You also.” Astrid thanks, awkwardly flashing a smile.

“Come.” Lady Daphne enjoins. “Dinner will be served shortly.” They moved into the eating hall, the men pulling out their partner’s chairs. Conversation burst among the companions.

“So Lady Astrid, how are you this evening?” Crater asks his promised.

“Well my lord. And you?” Astrid assumes.

“Yes, I believe I am.” Colloquy ceased to muttering as the entrée of octopus dumplings and oysters topped with bacon and whistershire sauce enters with an entourage of waiters. Interaction between the suitors stopped entirely as they thought over what they knew of each other.

He’s cute, has a great reputation and a short temperament. Astrid reviewed silently.

Honest, hot, determined and independent, Crater thoughtfully inspects. Not to mention courageous.

What they didn’t know was that those qualities would be the greatest factors in their future. And their down fall.

******************************************************

Dinner was over and everyone had moved into the parlor. Daphne and her daughters continued into the kitchen, while the men sat on the two-seater lounges, talking about their fetes, equipment, jobs and just getting to know each other.

Astrid’s mother glanced towards her as she placed the wine glasses on the bench.

“You’ve done well so far Tridy. I’m proud about this. You managed to converse with him, unlike your sister and I when we were your age. We couldn’t even speak, let alone look at our suitors.”

Astrid blushed. Compliments were rare for the youngest. It was usually only a nod or glance of appreciation.

“Thank you Mother. I’ve tried my hardest to bring my training to practice. I -”

“No, no, no. Don’t try to do anything. Just be yourself and still remain lady-like at the same time. Trying is what led me to a dozen courting expiries. I was too quiet and not what anyone would look for in a wife, until your father came along. He told me to relax and let go. Training is just a guideline, it’s not the actual thing. You have to decide when and where to do something, not rely on your training to decide for you.”

“Yes mother.” Astrid smiled.