The Chiswell Society

"What is this?" asked Mabel in a stern voice. "Who is Maggie?"

When Henry saw she was holding a piece of paper, all colour drained out of his face. "What?" he asked quietly. Instead of answering, Mabel handed him the note.

"Mama is not home. Maggie," it said.

Suddenly, Henry couldn't breathe.

"What does it mean?" asked Mabel.

"I have to go," mumbled Henry. "I have to know he is alright."

"Wait. What happened?"

"They raided the club. If anyone rats us out-" Henry fell quiet.

"Everything will be alright," said Mabel. "We just need to keep our stories straight." 

Emily was sitting at the kitchen table, lost in a book. Since the incident with her father, she has avoided the office. Instead, she spent her time reading and studying.

When she noticed Victor, watching her from the doorway, she smiled. "Did you know, corals bloom?" Victor shook his head. "The ocean is fascinating," she said, pointing to an illustration of a coral reef with some fish. "They all bloom at the same time to procreate. It's like... Bacchanalia!"

Victor spit out his wine, and Emily started laughing. He never thought his wife would be so indecent.

He liked it.

It has been hell since they came back to London. Not only were they berated for running away, but Emily's father also found out that she had been working at Victor's office.

He went there unannounced, and there she was. Sitting at Victor's table, casually writing something. He went ballistic. He said how ashamed he was of her and how her mother would be disappointed. He shouted that they married her off to Victor, so she never had to work. It wasn’t appropriate.

Emily ran off crying. She was heartbroken. Heartbroken that she might never be free to work again.

Neither Victor nor Emily was of the Upper class; however, their families loved to play pretend. Wearing opulent attire made from lavish fabrics during extravagant dinner parties. Luxurious furniture made of mahogany or rosewood was placed where guests would see it. Every single detail had to be perfect. Especially during holiday celebrations. Now that Emily and Victor were married, their families fought about who would host this year.

But Victor and Emily didn't want to pretend. Emily closed her suitcase and set it by the door. Their family might kill them later, but there will be no pretence during Christmas.

Mabel sipped the tea until only the tea leaves remained, then gave the cup to the woman.

"I can see a ring. You are going to get married soon. But it is broken. That means that he is not your soulmate. He is not the one you have been daydreaming about."

Mabel watched her in horror.

"But worry not, my dear. You will meet them when the time is right. Here, can you see this heart? It is upside down. That means an unexpected romance. And here you can see-" She looked at Mable, concerned. "You are already with child."

"They seem to be getting along well," Victor said, watching their wives laugh together. They spent the whole day roaming through London, and now they were standing on Westminster Bridge, watching the city slowly light up.
"Wouldn't it be funny if the two of them-" said Henry, and they both laughed.
Victor gently intertwined their fingers. No one else was around, it was dark, and he felt a little high. Everything felt magical. "I want to be with you tonight," he whispered. Henry just smiled.
The night was still young. And they were sure it would be full of miracles.

Victor was charmed by this place. It was gorgeous. All the colours intesified by the light pouring in through the glass roof. Why had he never visited Kew Gardens before?
Sadly, they were not here to admire exotic flora. They were trying to pick up all the shards they created and glue them back together. It was not going to be easy.
When Victor told Emily what happened, she planned this trip. The four of them, getting to know each other more. It was awkward. But if it gets rid of all the bad blood, it will be worth it.

The next day, Victor woke up late. He couldn't concentrate on anything: work, himself, not even Emily. And he felt horrible. He couldn't excuse what they did. What they were still doing. But he couldn't make himself end it.

Henry was out of town for the day on a business venture. He knew that Mabel might think he is not actually working. She looked so sad. Broken. But he wasn't even sorry.

They both knew their love had no limits, borders or restrictions. And yet, this unkind world restricts everything they do, how they live and even who they love.

"Is it serious?" Mabel asked. She was sitting at Henry's desk. The two traitors were seated across from her. The last sunbeam split the desk in half like a long sword.
"I love him," said Henry.
"Of course you do," Mabel replied, unbothered. "Are you going to leave us?"
"I thought you'd leave me if you ever found out."
Mable scoffed. "I would. But I don't have a choice. It would be a scandal. I would have to find another man because without you, I have nothing."
Henry noticed she was shaking. The sun disappeared. And the dark was quiet.

Henry had an incredible selection of wine. Victor was justly impressed.
"Let's open this one. The taste is quite unique. And I know you have a sweet tooth," Henry smiled and showed him the bottle.
"Blueberry wine?"
"It's a bit too sweet for me but you will love it," said Henry. "And it goes with your eyes." Victor wasn't sure about that but didn't say anything.
Mabel wasn't home, so they had the house to themselves. The wine was delicious. Henry was too. They were lying in bed. Victor could be there with him forever.
"She knows," said suddenly Henry.