Chapter 3
It's been a week since the meeting and the families had been informed about their supposed "falling in love at first sight" which urged them to marry each other. Of course, both families were delighted and while some are quite uncertain about the pace the two we're going, they're just too happy that their children would finally get married.
And on such a bright and sunny afternoon, Elizabeth was sitting next to Eleanor on a bench near the pond. The two decided to go on a "date" once every weekend to discuss their future plans and get to know each other better.
"Miss Hayes," Eleanor called out as Elizabeth looked back at her after taking her eyes off the beautiful bouquet of lilies that Eleanor had given her.
"Yes?" Elizabeth asked with a warm smile that she didn't notice she had while she admired the flowers in her hands.
Eleanor was dazed, she's quite nervous as this would be their first meeting without her being quite tipsy. "I…" She paused as she took a deep breath in, "I just want to ask what would you like for our wedding." She finally asked after a few seconds of hesitation.
Elizabeth paused to think about it. She didn't have much thoughts regarding this marriage as this is merely a facade but now that she thinks about it, she really needs to think it through so that people, especially her close friends and family, would believe that they're truly in love.
"How about you?" She asked as Eleanor chuckled nervously and scratched the back of her neck. Elizabeth looked at her worriedly as she waited for Eleanor to reply as she twiddled with the lilies in her hands.
"I'm thinking of a simple wedding." Eleanor replied in a low tone of voice which made Elizabeth smile. She didn't expect that Eleanor has this awkward personality with her considering how bold she was in their first meeting.
But honestly, she really finds her cute.
"A small wedding?" Elizabeth asked curiously as Eleanor seemed to panic.
"I mean!" She shouted loudly, causing people within the perimeter to look at them. She blushed and apologized to Elizabeth which was laughing with her hand covering her mouth.
'Why is she so cute?'
"Hahaha," Elizabeth laughed as she looked at the embarrassed Eleanor. "Go on, explain it to me." She urged as Eleanor shyly rubbed the back of her neck and explained in a hush voice.
"As you may know, weddings are quite expensive and really grand." Eleanor explained as Elizabeth nodded thoughtfully. "And I don't want us to spend a huge sum of money on our wedding but I don't want it to be as simple as getting our marriage certificate in the courthouse, so I'm thinking if possible, would you want to have a simple wedding?" Eleanor asked Elizabeth who nodded.
It's quite a surprise for Elizabeth to find Eleanor like this, more so than her contrasting personality. It seems like she really has more to learn about this future wife of hers.
"I think that's a good idea." Elizabeth replied. Everything p]happened way too fast for her to fully comprehend about this arrangement as she's also quite busy with her job.
"Really?" Eleanor smiled. "I'm happy you think so as well." Elizabeth nodded thoughtfully as she gazed into the open field.
Eleanor looked at her with a smile, something she didn't notice she has every time she's with her. And, just like how she can't even notice the smile on her face, she also didn't see the blush that crept on Elizabeth's cheeks as they both stared into nothingness for hours.
*****
The sun was about to set and the two stayed seated in the bench, admiring the scenery in front of them as they had small talks over nonsensical topics. Eleanor's stomach growled as they both looked at each other in surprise. Eleanor blushed and coughed, "Would you like to eat something?" She asked in an embarrassed tone which to Elizabeth sounded very cute.
Elizabeth chuckled and nodded lightly, she's also quite hungry as well and she didn't notice how much time has passed between the "date" that the two of them are into. Honestly, how does Eleanor easily fit her type?
"Then, where would you like to eat, Miss Hayes?" Eleanor asked, as she thought of any restaurants and diner near the park.
"What would you recommend?" Elizabeth asked. She doesn't know many restaurants near the place as she rarely ever goes out and mostly eats at home. After all, her best friend's cooking is very delicious.
Eleanor thought deeply, she wanted to eat a big meal today and as it's almost time for dinner, she picked out a diner that's not too fancy but presentable and has a good reputation for its food and service and it's also recommended by her best friend.
"I know a place." Eleanor stood up and offered her hand towards Elizabeth. Elizabeth looked up at her and blushed, she took Eleanor's hands as her heart beat loudly.
Clueless to this, Eleanor stride forward and held her hand tightly. She didn't notice how nervous the woman next to her was as she thought of what she would order later. Elizabeth on the other hand wasn't as care free.
She noticed the way everyone kept glancing at the two of them and smiled, she saw some familiar faces and some unfamiliar ones. It's nothing unusual for two couples to be this intimate in the streets of London but maybe it was because of her awkward behavior that caught their attention, after all, she's acting all giddy.
Elizabeth clasped Eleanor's hand tightly. They're just acting, this is all an act to prove that the two are in love. This is nothing but a facade.
Thinking of this, she slowly calmed down and confidently walked beside Eleanor who kept glancing at her. She didn't say a word and the two kept walking until they reached the place.
"Dante's Diner?" Elizabeth asked, she heard of this place before as it's often a talk between her colleagues and students. "Have you been here before?" She asked curiously, after all, this place is a famous spot for lovers to take their dates on.
Eleanor looked at her shyly. She had never been in this place before but was recommended by Vincent as the optimal place to bring her soon-to-be wife after she told the news to Vincent.
'Is this perhaps way too bad?' Eleanor frowned, 'God, I can't really trust that philanderer, do I?'
"No." Eleanor replied truthfully as Elizabeth awkwardly laughed and felt relieved for some reason. She doesn't understand why.
Elizabeth smiled and wrapped her hand that was holding Eleanor's hand on Eleanor's arms. "I see, then." Elizabeth smiled at her which confused Eleanor. "Let's eat."