Stroll through the Bushes

I wipe the moisture from my eyes and clear my throat as I feel the stab of humiliation,"You told me he was kind,"I whispered.

I scoff, does she think I am a free woman who is able to conduct my own affairs and do as I wish? That I am not.
"I do not have that freedom. I would have loved him greater than any other. I should have thought he would have given me enough respect to respect our pre marital vows."

I shrug, utterly exasperated,"And perhaps you do,"I say simply as I look to her.

Jane looked at the woman and sighed and began to walk off.

As she turns away I crouch to the grass and wrap my arms around my legs, resting my head upon my knees. What do I do now?

I scowl upon her words,"If ever I need a guide I will bypass Your Grace."

I straighten myself as I climb into a stand. My dress spills around me and my hair sticks in an unsightly way to my face, damp with tears.

Jasper had heard that his wife -how he loved those words- had taken a stroll in the morning and so he came to find her. He saw her walking away with apparent urgency,"Jane!"

Jasper chuckled and held her waist so she could be close to him,"No...ti's I your husband,"I replied jokingly.

He then looked at the very pretty young girl with her,"Oh, good day...lady?"

I stare wide eyed at his displays of affection towards her which pain me to regard. I sink into a curtsey with the hopes that the ground will liberate me from this situation and swallow me whole. With such love he looks at her...

Jasper looked at Jane with a despairing look,"Wha-"

Jasper straightened his coat awkwardly as she addressed him with such grace and reverence. He gave a cursory glance around the wood and nodded his head in acknowledgement of her respect. He let go of Jane...
"Ehm…Lady Mary, good day."

"Your Grace,"I whisper and swallow away a bank of tears. With the two of them in silence
I remark immediately their embarrassment at the situation. I feel a dull guilt as I rise from my curtsey. I do not know what to say or how to speak. Here they both stand together and I am an annoying obstacle to their pleasure.

"Congratulations, Your Grace."

Jasper took Janes hand discreetly,"Thank you, Lady Mary."

He kicked the ground beneath him and mumbled,"Ah...We both must beg of your forgiveness. I will repay your father an eh..."
Words failed him.

I nod and cover my lips to conceal a whimper. He is so very handsome and erudite, how I have missed out and how luck has forgot me.
"Well...Good day then, Your Grace,"Suddenly I feel a surge of strength course through me-I no longer feel a feeble young girl. I cannot say I know if I looked foolish or asserted confidence, but I replied coldly to his wife,"I will never require your aid."

I swiftly pick up my hemline and walk quickly through the grass, heading for the palace...

Jasper raised his brows in admiration of Mary's bravery and beauty. He felt a deep shame for his actions and thought Jane's words were insensitive however he said nothing. He kissed her hand softly,"Are you alright?"