Roses Are Red He was so handsome it was hard to believe that he wasn't an angel. His chest rose and fell as he watched me from his chair across the room. His beautiful blue eyes met mine in the mirror. I blushed and dropped my gaze to the surface of the carved vanity table. There was a knock on the door. "Come in" I called. My ladies maid Emma entered, sporting the black and white uniform if my home's staff. "Your carriage is waiting, ma'am," she intoned quietly. I nodded at her in thanks and she backed out of the room, carefully ignoring him. I stood, sighing, and moved to look into the full length mirror, hanging on the light gold wall of my room. The pale pink dress I was wearing seemed an especially good choice. It brought out the delicate pink tones in my skin and complemented my grandmother's pearls. It was encrusted with more pearls along the top of the bodice. The full skirt fell in tucks and gathers from my narrow corseted waist to the floor. Yes, I looked well. The reflection in the mirror was made all the more attractive as he joined me in it. He wrapped his arms around my waist and moved to press me against his chest. I leaned into him and sighed, perfectly happy in his arms. He was special. Even though the older members of our society frowned upon our engagement, nothing would stop us from being together. "Must we go out?" he asked again. "I dislike going to the opera, I would much rather spend time alone with you." I sighed. I had already explained that we must be seen out and about to maintain our social standing. We needed to win over as many of the community as we could by displaying our likeness to other, more traditional couples. I didn't say anything though, I looked up at him expectantly and he brought his face down to meet mine. I tried to persuade him with this kiss. It must not have been working though as he twisted me around and moved his hands to the ribbons of my dress. I sighed again and moved away from him. I crossed the room to the chair on which my shawl and gloves lay. When I turned he had already exited the room through the window.