Despite her best attempts to put on a good face, Alannah was unable to conceal the confusing melancholy and jealousy that had descended upon her after her first encounter with the beautiful Rosemary. It made no sense, Rosemary seemed like a genuine likeable young lady, and they seemed destined to become friends. Rosemary apparently seemed to like her or she was at least amused by Alannah's knowledge; she felt no personal animosity towards the woman. So why is it then, that Alannah should she feel so threatened by Rosemary's very existence, her presence even?
Far worse was the painful awkwardness that came over her whenever she saw Dominic and Rosemary together. Worse still were the times that she was forced to endure their combined presence.
During these encounters, Dominic seemed to be unreadable. He seldom looked at her, and when he did she could feel the icicles from his eyes go straight into her heart. Was he trying to make her feel uncomfrotable or was it something else? She felt as though she was living in a dream and that she would eventually turn away from same painful awkwardness she felt the first time she saw her on his arm- only tenfold! It made no sense. Dominic was nothing to her - not really, or was he? He had afterall cut off her soaking wet dress, out a robe around her naked body, and then carried her to her room, he even sat in her room for two days until she was well. She had over heard his declaration to his mother that he was beginning to fall for her, and now this? She had hugged him, he had kissed her, but what did it all mean? He was just the Señora's son - nothing more - his presence here no more remarkable than that of the Chateau itself. But the problem was her heart was telling her otherwise. No longer did she long to see Nicolò in the garden, what she longed for was to hold the hand of the man who had done something in such a short time. She wanted to hold the hand of the man that made her feel special.
"Rosemary, we need to talk." Dominic said as he aproached her at the end of the day.
"Oh? What about?" Rosemary had a coy look on her face, as she reached up to touch his face. Dominic moved away so she couldn't touch him.
"I can't do this anymore, Rosemary I am not in love with you. I never have been, you need to stop telling people that we are to be married."