For Worse or For Better

@ BBBibles

His smile only widened when she confirmed that she liked the stubble covering his cheeks, turning his head to press a gentle kiss to the inside of her palm before she pulled it away to link her arm with his, nodding a little as he followed her out of his study and downstairs to the dining room. "You know, you don't have to knock on the door and wait for me to answer it... You can just come in, if you want.." he explained softly, wanting her to feel comfortable with coming to see him. He offered the maid who was finishing setting up their breakfast a sheepish smile when she gave them both a look, obviously displeased that he hadn't dressed for the day yet. Once Thomas had pulled out Clara's chair for her and she was seated the maid whisked him away to get him dressed, the man returning not long after dressed in a nice suit, his hair brushed and face washed. He offered Clara an apologetic smile as he sat across from her, helping himself to the breakfast laid out in front of them. "I'm sorry to have left you.. Margaret insisted I get properly dressed, since my parents have a habit of being early." He explained, humming happily as he bit into a piece of toast. "They can be a bit.. overwhelming.. So if at any point you feel like you need to get away from them, just let me know, and I'll bring you somewhere they aren't, alright?"

---

Eleanor gave a little nod as she listened to him speak, blinking tears out of her eyes as she listened to his kind words. After a moment she moved out of her seat and into his arms, wrapping her arms around his neck securely as she hugged him, tucking her face into the crook of his neck. "Th-Thank you, William... I-I don't know how I'll ever pay you back for this, but I promise I will." She murmured, her arms tightening around him a bit as she let herself cry a bit, although they weren't tears of sadness, but tears of relief and happiness. She wouldn't have to go back to that evil man. He wouldn't make her leave if she disagreed with him. He wasn't going to force her into anything. If she knew what the feeling in her heart was at this moment, she would have told him that she loved him, but because she hadn't sorted through all her feelings for him yet, she simply squeezed him a bit tighter, and lifted her head enough to press a small kiss to his cheek.

@ katahdin
Clara smiled and was about to thank him when he was ushered out of the room. Her brows knitting together as he obeyed the orders of a maid. She felt a slight irritation creep up on her. And she sat patiently waiting on him to return. Hearing his apology she shook her head. “It’s fine.” She smiled at him, “it seems everyone is on edge about their arrival.” She shook her head. “As the man of the house you should be allowed to eat in peace and if that mean in your pajamas then who can deny you?” She told him letting her opinion on the matter slip out. “I’m sure your mother has seen you in you pajamas.” She told him knowing that she’d eaten many time with her father while he was in his pajamas. As it was seen as the time of day when no one would dream about calling on you unless it was a dire issue. However she could understand the need for everything to be ready for a visit. Not that she felt happy with this one, she was in someone else’s house. It may belong to her husband now but that didn’t make it her home. It wasn’t something she would ever want for herself. And it seemed like she was just borrowing it for now. Though some day she would get the courage to do something with it.

---

William felt shock consume him as she all but threw herself at him. The weight of her body against his had him smiling and slipping his arms securely around her body. He felt his smile falter when her body shook with her cries. But it quickly returned when her lips press a soft kiss to his cheek. “We should eat breakfast.” He told her. He was doing his best not to push her into doing something she didn’t want. He knew that their kiss the day prior was part of the reason for all this fuss she was giving him. And he hated that what he was feeling for her was rejected, though it didn’t discourage him. He just needed to take things slower. And maybe someday she’d return his feelings. Helping her up to her chair he lended down and place a gently kiss to the top of her head. Hoping she’d understand she how much she meant to him already. And I would quite her fear of be discarded. Placing himself down in his seat he offered her a soft smile. “Now let’s eat and then we can discuss plans for today.” He said not wanting her to dwell on any more issue right now.

@ BBBibles

Thomas frowned a bit as Clara scolded him for being bossed around by a maid, staring down at his plate for a long moment before shrugging. "My parents never allowed us at the table unless we were dressed, and the servants here still enforce my father's rules knowing that he'll be arriving soon." He explained as he took another bite out of his toast. "I shouldn't have left my room without changing.. it's my fault, I should have known better." He murmured in apology, losing his appetite as he felt guilty for seemingly letting her down. He wished he knew how to make her happy here, to make her feel at home, but how could he help her feel better being here, when he himself didn't feel at home in this big house.

---

Eleanor wiped the last of the tears from her eyes as she looked up at him, nodding a little as he suggested that they eat, moving back into her seat with his help, looking up at him with a blush when he kissed the top of her head. She nodded a little when he told her to eat, helping herself to a bit of the food on the table, humming happily at the taste. "I.. I'd like to go to the city with you, if you'll allow it.. Maybe.. Maybe we could go to the market? Or the merchant shops by the river?"

@ katahdin
Clara watched his change of attitude, almost like she'd kicked a dog. Reaching out she grabbed his hand before shaking her head. "No it's not." She told him softly, "I'm just used to something else, we've been raise so differently." She told him smiling softly at him. "I feel as the man of the house you can do what ever you want, but you just said it, this isn't your house it's your father's." She told him, hating that her home belonged to another person. It shouldn't after all it was a wedding gift to Thomas. But the maids and he himself seen it as his parents' house because they've yet to make it their own. "And you're used to this life, as I'm not." She informed him. "The staff at my house never interfered. And it does irritate me to see them push you around." She told him, hoping she'd make him understand that she wasn't upset with him. She knew these were women who were used to being in control of him and not seeing him as the master of the house.

---

William couldn't help the smile that emerged on his lips. Placing his coffee down he started to eat. "Of course, today we'll do what ever you want." He informed her. He lifted his gaze to her, watching as she ate. Loving that she wasn't denying his request to eat. "What is in the market?" He questioned her, he'd never been in one. As most of the time when he went into town it was the one place he tried to avoid. His guard would always check there first. However he wasn't worried about it this time. Having her with him they wouldn't expected a man and woman together. However with his father leaving there wouldn't be any need for him to be summoned.

@ BBBibles

Thomas looked up at Clara when she took his hand, studying her face as she spoke. The way she smiled at him set him at ease, and he squeezed her hand in returned as he listened to her reassurances. He sighed however when she pointed out that this wasn't his home but his father's, giving her hand another squeeze as he looked at her. "I'm sorry that this doesn't feel like home to either of us.. I wish I could be a better husband to you, Clara. I wish I knew how to make you feel at home here, make you happy. This wasn't the life either of us signed up for, but I just don't know how to make the most of it with all of our parents expectations.." he trailed off when he heard a commotion in the hall, recognizing his father's voice. With a sigh he stood, squeezing her hand once more. "You go stay here, I'll help get them settled in their room, and hopefully buy you some time to have one last peaceful breakfast." He gave her a small smile, pressing a kiss to her cheek before heading out of the dining room and into the main hall to greet his parents, who were fussing over something or another.

---

Eleanor smiled a bit as he promised that they could do what she wanted today, nodding a little as she finished her breakfast, taking a sip of water. She looked up when he asked what was in the market, surprised that he hadn't been there before. "There's a big farmer's market with lots of food, I always used to go through at the end of the day and look for bits of food people had dropped or forgotten.." she admitted softly, blushing at the admission before continuing. "And there's also lots different vendors that sell all sorts of stuff, some of the vendors bring stuff from the fancy merchant shops by the river, but they don't bring the really expensive stuff usually. There's this one vendor who always sells the most beautiful fabric and gowns.. Once he let me have a few scraps from some of the silk he was going to throw away, and I used it as a hair ribbon, but I lost it at some point.." she shook her head a little to clear her thoughts, realizing she was rambling and that he probably wasn't interested in what she was talking about. "It doesn't matter.. But I can show you where the market is, if you want. I'm sure you'll like it."

@ katahdin
Clara sighed as she watched Thomas leave the room for a second time. She shook her head before throwing her napkin on top of the table. Standing up she moved to the kitchen deciding to just forget breakfast and have the clean up and prepare for an early lunch. Once she was done decided that she wouldn’t interfere with his wishes and let him get his family settled. So instead she headed out side to the garden. It was lovely and she’d been telling herself she needed to visit it soon but now seemed like the best time. She didn’t make it very far into the garden before she found herself perched on a bench, just looking out over the property. She knew that she more than likely should have went to greet her in laws but in her mind it was best to compose herself instead of facing them feeling rather resentful. She knew it wasn’t entirely their fault. And really neither her nor Thomas had spoke about how they wanted thing and they were letting the maid and staff carry on like before. But how was she suppose to change thing when she didn’t even know how things were done. When her mother said married life would be difficult she thought she find faults with her husband not the staff and people around her. But in fact it was the complete opposite. And he was nearly perfect, they just had their differences to work through. And of course making this place their home and not someone else’s.

---

William smiled as she started opening up and talking. His eyes watching her closely as she spoke about her time there. The way her eyes lit up as she spoke of the kindness of a random man. How she frowned when she spoke about her struggles of finding food. He could see her embarrassment as well. Not liking that she felt self conscious in front of him. She should know he wasn’t judging her because of her past struggles. In fact he wanted to meet the man who’d been kind to her and reward him for it. But he didn’t know how she’d feel about it. “Well I look forward to it.” He smiled at her picking his cup of coffee back up and downing the rest of it. Knowing he was going to need all the energy her could get today. Something in him told him today was going to be a very long day. Though he looked forward to every minute of it.

@ BBBibles

It took Thomas longer than he would have liked to admit to get his parents to agree to getting settled in their guest room after their long trip, but they finally agreed to rest until lunch, leaving Thomas time to find Clara and apologize. He felt awful for how breakfast had gone, and he wanted to make it up to her somehow, but couldn't figure out how exactly. It took him a while to find her, but when he finally spotted her in the garden he made his way over to her, gesturing to the bench, silently asking permission to sit next to her. "I'm sorry for earlier.. I know I ruined breakfast, and I promise I'll make it up to you somehow. I just haven't quite figured out how yet, and with my parents here, it makes things.. difficult." He sighed, looking at her. "Do you like it here? In the gardens, I mean?" He asked curiously. Truth be told, he'd planned the layout and had done most of the planting when he was a teenager, his father having reluctantly agreed as he'd hoped it would have had him abandon his hopes of being a farmer, when it had only done the opposite.

---

Eleanor simply nodded as he said he looked forward to it and finished his coffee, picking a bit more at her breakfast before pushing her plate away as she sat back in her chair. She was excited to show him the market, although she was also nervous that someone would recognize them, and that people would start asking why some beggar girl was spending time with the prince. The last thing she wanted was for him to get into trouble because of her. Once it seemed like he was finished with his meal she stood, gathering up the dirty plates to clean out of habit from working in the tavern for the past few weeks, although when she realized what she was doing she blushed brightly and quickly set them back down, refusing to meet his gaze. "Sorry.. Thank you for breakfast. Just tell me when you want to leave, and I'll be ready." She promised, assuming he had things to attend to which would prevent them from leaving right away.

@ katahdin
Clara smiled when she heard his footsteps, she didn't know why it made her so happy. But turning her attention to him she nodded to him, watching as he sat down beside her. "You don't have to apologize." She told him, knowing that things happen and as disappointed she was to have missed the opportunity to have breakfast together, she didn't blame him. "It's absolutely beautiful." She told him, before letting her eyes move back to the garden. "It's so serene, and welcome here." She said, loving it. "You say you want to make thing up to me, show me around." She told him, before standing. She wanted to see all of the garden, and had a feeling he'd be more than happy to tell her about it as well. Offering her hand to him, smiled hoping he'd take her up on her offer.

---

William raised a brow as she stood and started to clean the table. "You don't have to apologize for doing something that comes natural to you." He told her standing as well. Moving to her he gently brushed her hair from her face. "I'm ready when ever you are." He told her, enjoying the lovely color dusted across her checks. "However if you'd like we can set out in an hour." He offered, hoping that she'd be open to it. Hoping that he'd give her the chance to compose herself and prepare herself to leave for their day in town. Turning towards the door he moved towards the door, in hopes to give her the room to do whatever she needed.

@ BBBibles

Thomas's eyes lit up when she said the garden was beautiful, chuckling a little when she mentioned how inviting it was to her. He nodded when she asked him to show her around, standing and offering her his arm politely before he began to lead her through the gardens, pointing out the different types of flowers or the shapes of the hedges. "Figuring out how everything would go together was the trickiest part.. I was very worried that it would look awful, and that all my hard work would be for nothing. Even now I can only really see the mistakes... But I'm glad that you like it." He smiled as he glanced over at her, giving her hand a little squeeze.

---

Eleanor only blushed brighter as he brushed her hair from her face, glancing up at him nervously through her lashes, expecting him to say something more about her cleaning up the dishes. She shook her head though when he said that they could leave in an hour, taking a little step back toward the door. "I'm ready to leave now.. It's not like I have anything important to do here." She offered him a faint smile as she followed him toward the door. "Do you need to get a cloak or something first? It looks a bit windy, and the market can be cold.." she pointed out, not wanting his trip to be ruined because he was too cold. She was used to the frigid air, and it wasn't like she had a cloak of her own, so she'd managed with just her dress.

@ katahdin
Clara couldn't help but let herself get lost in his words, the way he spoke about gardening shown it was a passion. And more times then not she'd find herself staring at the man beside her. The way his body swelled with pride, and when he's face would give away his uncertainty. "I think the imperfections give it more character." She told him smiling brightly, though her heart skipped a beat when he squeezed her hand. She could feel the heat in her cheeks at the feelings it drew from her. However she was to happy that she didn't care to dwell on what she was feeling. It was best to live in the moment right now, and when she had a moments piece she'd be able to think on it better and let herself decide her true feelings.

---

William paused on his way to her door, "well then we shall leave now then." He told her, continuing his trek to her door. Upon opening the door he summoned a maid, she was carrying cloaks for the both of them. After all if they wanted to sneak out with out being caught, it was best to do so under a cloak. "Thank you, you may go." He informed her, before he pulled his cloak on. Then he turned to Eleanor, "put this on." He told her, it wasn't anything extravagant. He just hoped that she wouldn't deny his offering, as he didn't want her to go cold. But he'd been met with resistance since the moment he'd met her, he wouldn't be surprised if she did.

[Sorry, it's been a stressful past month.]

@ BBBibles
(no worries! it's been pretty crazy for me too. I hope you're doing alright!)

Thomas smiled as he noticed her blush and her smile when she complimented his work, squeezing her hand. "Thank you.. I'm glad that you like it. Maybe next year you can choose the flowers I plant in some of the beds." He offered, gazing at her for a moment before leaning over to press a kiss to her temple as he squeezed her hand again. "We can sit out here for a while longer, if you'd like, or we can go back inside.. I can't promise that my parents will be in their rooms and not snooping around, but if I can I'll keep them from being too pushy." The last thing he wanted was for his parents to do or say something that would hurt her and cause her to reject him.

---

Eleanor followed William, thanking the maid for bringing the cloaks, even though she wasn't sure if that was the proper thing to do. She wanted to be polite, however, and not get on any of the maid's bad sides. She gave a little nod as he passed the cloak to her, pulling it over her shoulder before tugging it closed, relishing the warmth it provided even in the cool hallway. "Thank you.. Are you sure it's ok to use this, though? And you're sure that it's alright for me to go with you? I don't want to attract any unwanted attention to you, or make it harder for you to sneak out..."

@ katahdin
[Can't really complain, though I feel like it can always be better]

Clara nibbled on her lip when she felt the kiss, she knew it was normal for a man to show his affection towards his wife in such a way. However it was still so new to her that her heart was in her throat. She felt flustered all over again. "I would like that very much," she told him, loving the idea of being allowed to add her opinion on the garden. After all this was him, his work at it's finest. And being allowed to add her own to it made her feel home. Like they were progressing even if it was just small amounts. None the less it was worth it. "I'm fine either way." She told him, not caring if she went in and faced his parents or if they stayed out in the garden for the rest of the day. "However you never ate breakfast, so we should turn in for lunch." She rationalized, even if it was still a bit early for lunch they could still start off with some tea until lunch was ready.

---

William couldn't help but let out a soft laugh. "I have a hard time sneaking out because I'm the prince and I should always have a guard with me. However if I'm just a man leaving the grounds with a woman in tow, I'm the guard now." He smiled at her. Knowing that it would be easier for him to sneak out with her than if he was alone. After all the last time he had sneak out through a crack near the dairy farmer's house. He had to walk always to town, it wasn't his cup of tea. Instead with the cloak and a woman, he figured they'd be able to walk right out the front gate, not noticed as it was always busy in the morning with the hustle and bustle of deliverers. And today wouldn't be any different. "So shall we?" He questioned her before pulling the hood of his cloak up and turning and walking down the corridor right for the door. This time it would be maybe a five minute walk to the town verses the ten to twenty it took before hand.

@ BBBibles

Thomas grinned a bit as she said she'd like to help him in planning the garden next year, already thinking of ways he could get her involved sooner than that. There were flowers to be planted along the front of the house and the drive, and he'd love her input on those too. He chuckled a bit at her mention of lunch and her expression of worry over him having not eaten breakfast, shaking his head a little as he squeezed her hands. "I don't eat breakfast a lot of days, Clara.. But if it will make you feel better, we can have an early lunch." He smiled, standing from the bench and offering his hand to lead her into the house. "Hopefully my parents are resting in their room, but if we run into them snooping around the house, I'll do my best to tell them to mind their own business."

---

Eleanor blushed at his laughter, feeling like a bit of a fool since he seemed to be laughing at her. She didn't know why he was wasting his time with her, she couldn't read, couldn't write, knew nothing about etiquette and manners and other princely things. All she'd ever do was cause him trouble, and she worried about what would happen to her when he finally got sick and tired of her. She gave a little nod when he asked if she was ready to go, not bothering with the hood of her cloak as she followed him. It's not like anyone would recognize her, anyway. She was nobody. She did her best to keep up with him as she followed him through the halls of the castle, although once they got closer to the main entrance where there were more people coming in and out she started to fall behind, accidentally bumping into a few people as she tried to move to avoid others, stuttering apologizes quickly as she did her best to keep up with William.

@ katahdin
Clara took his hand, smiling softly. "You should know you're mother is dying to meet her daughter in law." She told him, knowing that no woman wanted to part with their child unless it was to a worthy person. Her mother was distraught because she'd never meet this man and was terrified that he'd abuse her. She however had some luck on her side that he'd been the caring man he was. "And I don't mind it's going to have to happen soon anyways." She chuckled softly, knowing that he'd worry no matter what. Even if she was excited to meet them he'd still be worried. It was part of knowing one's family and their faults. She could tell they annoyed him, so she could only imagine what they were and it did make her curious.

---

William hadn't noticed Eleanor's struggle to keep up, and once he was free of the crowd of people he turn to question her where she wished to go first. Only then noticing she wasn't next to him, shaking his head with a smiling he stepped aside and wait until she was safely thru before pulling her away from the bustle and off to the side. "You're a hand full." He teased her, before he offered her his arm. "So we don't get separated again." He knew it was best for them to keep together at all times. He was scared to thing what would happen to her should they separate. "Where to first?" He asked knowing she'd be the one leading him, as he didn't have a clue where they were off to. He'd explored the town some what, but never had he ever made it to the market place.

@ BBBibles

Thomas chuckled a bit, knowing she was right. He squeezed her hand as they entered the dining room where lunch had been set up, and sure enough both of his parents were already seated at the table, chatting amongst themselves. His mother perked up when she spotted the two of them, smiling warmly at Clara. "There they are! We were wondering if you newlyweds would even show up for lunch, or if you'd be busy with tending to things around the estate or trying to give us grandchildren." Thomas frowned, glaring a bit at his mother as he pulled Clara's chair out for her before sitting next to her. "Mother, that's entirely inappropriate."

---

Eleanor blushed as he suddenly tugged her away from the crowd and off to the side, stumbling a bit and having to hold onto him to steady herself, although once she quickly released him and stepped back, knowing that if she were caught with the prince like this she'd be killed. She looked at him nervously as he offered his arm, taking it after a moment before they continued on their way, the girl doing her best to lead them through the crowd to the market. "There tends to be lots of guards around here, so we'll have to be careful... They yell at me sometimes when I come through looking for food or work, so if they recognize me I'll leave so you don't get caught."

@ katahdin
Clara smiled at the woman, knowing that it was expected she'd want grandchildren. But she couldn't fault the woman, after all married women tend not to have a filter. Turning her attention away from his mother she looked at Thomas. "Eat," she told him softly, knowing he'd more than likely worry about his parents and not eat. "Thomas was showing me around the garden." She told them, knowing that if she control the topic long enough it would give Thomas piece enough to eat. "It's so beautiful, it makes me want to spend all day basking." She said honestly. It was also her way of praising Thomas and his hard work on all the gardening he'd done. Thanking the servant that place her plate before her she tucked into her food. Wondering if his mother was prepared for the topic, or if she even knew Thomas had been the one to plant the garden.

---

William frown when she said she'd leave so they didn't get caught. He knew that it was the most rational thing to do but it didn't settle well with him none the less. "Well lets just hope they don't recognize you." He told her, after all her being on someones arm should be enough for the guards to leave her alone. Though he knew there was always men who abused their position. He did his best to allow her to lead him, though there was times his excitement got the best of him and he would step in front of her which would end with her leading him in a different direction. Causing a blush to tint his ears, which he was thankful for the hood. Though when they arrived at the market he was shocked with the amount of vendors. Letting his eyes wander around he stumbled slightly, "sorry." He told her knowing he'd tugged at her. "Where to first?" He asked her wanting to stop at every place just to see what they had to offer. But he didn't know if they'd have the time.

@ BBBibles

Thomas looked away from the glaring match he and his mother were having when Clara told him to eat, letting out a little sigh before he began to eat, not taking much since he didn't want it to go to waste. Thomas's father rolled his eyes at the mention of the garden, not seeming to care if it was rude. "Thomas and his silly gardens. He spends entirely too much time indulging in his fantasies, when he should be coming to business meetings and securing your futures. Why waste his time sinking so low, embarrassing our family?" His mother nodded in agreement, looking at Thomas sternly, although he was staring at his plate, no longer eating. "Yes, Thomas. It's entirely time you grew up. You're a married man now, and your father and I aren't getting any younger. It's time you became more serious about the family business, and start a family of your own."

---

Eleanor led him through the crowd, allowing him to lead her occasionally when he got curious about something, but to keep them on track she'd eventually have to give his arm a little tug to get h back on track toward the market. She looked around anxiously when they arrived at the market, giving a little shrug when he asked where to go first. "Wherever you'd like. Just go where you want, and I'll follow. I'll keep a lookout for guards and pickpockets." She promised, her grip on his arm tightening a bit as they made their way past the vendors. She hoped no one would recognize her, but every time they got close to one of them she had to look away and hide her face, since they all seemed to look at her suspiciously.

@ katahdin
Clara furrowed her brow, "what kind of work do you do, Mr. Benton?" She questioned trying to take the tension away from Thomas. Though she noticed he'd given up on eating. It wasn't what she wanted to happen so she felt if she could pull the focus from Thomas. Then it would lighten up the mood and their visit would be a pleasant one. But when his mother interject she knew the true meaning of the business. "Working in the fields doesn't make you a child, and he has started a family, or what would you call me?" She asked feeling rather railroaded. She didn't feel like anything she could say would make this pleasant lunch. She wondered if she would be able to talk him into just the two of them having dinner. Maybe then his parents would allow him to actually eat.

---

William felt her grip tighten on his arm, and he wanted to make this trip enjoyable for the both of them. But it seemed that she was on edge and even though he still browsed on, he did take notice of her avoiding peoples looks. It wasn't until he came upon a clothing vendor he turned to her. "You mentioned a vendor who gave you scraps of silk. I want to go there." He said, knowing it was a very odd request. But he wanted to meet the man who had been kind to the beauty on his arm. As well as see the gowns he sold.

@ BBBibles

"I'm a business man, and own a very successful trading company, that your father now owns part of as well, because of your marriage to Thomas here." His father explained, inhaling food as if there weren't any tension in the air at all. "And since you are both only children, and since I'm growing old, I need Thomas to buckle down and get serious, so he can learn to run the business before I die, as well as start having children, so that he can in turn train them to take over the business one day." He explained. Thomas had given up on eating, or even engaging with his parents, having set his fork down and folded his napkin on the table, just waiting patiently for this meal to be over. He usually kept apples up in his study that he'd snack on whenever he got hungry, so hopefully he'd be able to get away long enough to eat one or two to hold him off until dinner, as he was sure there was no way that his parents would allow the servants to bring him food to his office. He looked at Clara however when she spoke in his defense to his mother, tensing a bit as he looked quite nervous on her behalf, especially as his mother narrowed her eyes at her. Before his mother could say anything too severe he stood, clearing his throat. "I'm sorry, mother. Clara didn't get much sleep, as she's still adjusting to being in a new house. I should bring her up to her room so that she can get some rest." He explained, hoping that his excuse was enough, but by the look on his mother's face he knew he'd messed up somehow. "Her room ? Are you not sharing a room, like you should be? Well, that will certainly change." She asked, Thomas's shoulders slumping a bit in defeat as she called a maid over, telling her to move Thomas' things to Clara's room.

---

Eleanor looked up at William in surprise when he asked to go to the vendor who used to give her scraps of fabric, nodding after a moment before she began to lead him through the market, careful to avoid the guards. Once they were standing in front of the merchant's tent she nodded a little in confirmation that this was it, before looking away from him to look at all the beautifully patterned silk fabrics hanging around. The merchant was an older man with kind eyes, and once he was finished with a customer he turned his attention to them. "Good day to you two. Is there anything that I can help you with?" He asked, smoothing out the wrinkles on a few of the dresses hanging behind him. Eleanor remained silent, knowing she didn't have enough money to afford anything here, and that William was the one who'd wanted to come here anyway, so she assumed that he wanted to buy something for himself.

@ katahdin
Clara froze when Thomas jumped in to defend her. She was more than capable of defending herself from her in laws. After all they were guest in their house and if they couldn't act like civil adults then she had no need for them being there. After all it was entirely to much trouble in their lives. Just when she'd started to get along with him and enjoy his company now she couldn't seem to keep her anger under control. Now she could see where he was coming from when he told her, he just wanted to live his own life. When his mother told the maid to start moving his belongs, she figured he'd fight back. Tell them to not touch his things. But instead he stood there not moving, was this what he wanted. To let his parent control his life, even his marriage. Standing she glared at Thomas, "excuse me." She said before she quickly exited the dining room. Then quickly left the manor, heading further into the garden than before. She knew it was pointless to run away. But she was so angry. He'd promised her her own room, that they would decide when they progressed things. And as much as she wanted to believe in him, he failed.

---

William smiled at the man, his eyes peering at the dresses hanging around the tent. He wasn't good at picking these out that looked good. So instead he moved a bit away from Eleanor, before turning to the merchant. "I'm looking to buy something fitting of her beauty." He told the man softly, knowing that she'd more than likely deny the offer for him to get her the dress. But he wanted to dote on her. Show her his appreciation for the company she'd been giving him. And hoped that she would one day return his feeling. He watched as the man looked at Eleanor, nodding as he moved around the shopped doing his best to be discrete. Then walking over to Eleanor, "would madam like to try the dress on?" He asked as she peered at a dress, his female assistant come over to help coax her into changing into a dress. "I don't mind waiting." William told her, smiling softly at her. Knowing that she'd not gotten this treatment before.