Hellen

“As you all know,” I said once everyone had gathered in the meadow to go over the plan one more time. “Charlotte’s wedding is tomorrow. We need to be prepared, so I’ve decided to go over the plan once more to make sure everything is completely set up and ready to go. I made a list after tea, with assistance from Charles—” I gestured toward him. “—and I brought the list here this evening.” I took a rolled-up piece of parchment from my pocket. “I’ll check off things as I list them to you four and after we’ve confirmed that we’ve got them."

I read the list aloud and each item that was needed was confirmed that we had it, and for each item, I wrote a small check mark next to it.

Everything had been checked off when I said, “Well, looks like we’re all set for when Charlotte marries Charles tom—” 

“Wait,” Charlotte says abruptly. “Charles?!” 

“Yes, Charlotte, you’re marrying Charles. Remember when you agreed to my plan a week ago even after I’d warned you that it included Charles?” 

“Well, yes, I remember, but I guess I didn’t fully think it through…” By now Charlotte was unnervingly close to hyperventilating. 

“It’s no worries, Juliet. This’ll all be over in just a short twenty-four hours when you’re married to yours truly.” 

Charlotte looked about ready to burst into tears at any given second. “I—I can’t do this. I have to marry Edmund. I’m sorry. I just can’t marry Charles. I’d never be able to forgive myself for surrendering to William Shakespeare’s child.” 

“He’s—not his son.” 

“Well he’s close enough!” 

“You agreed to this, Juliet!” Now Charles was close to tears as well. I didn’t know that he could cry. “Don’t you like me?” 

“I’ll look to like, if looking liking move. But no more deep will I endart mine eye than your consent give strength to make it fly.” 

Charles looked hopeful. I realized what Charlotte had just said. I gestured that she had to stop. Her hyperventilation only sped up. A tear fell down her face and she stood. She wiped it away. Realization washed over her face as she spoke just five short words: “I have to find Edmund.” So, she ran off at a fast pace.