It was a dark and stormy night 8

Lovers Plight

It was a dark and stormy night. Howling winds swept the cobbled streets and thrashed the roses in the garden under the balcony, which had just started to open their first buds.

She stared into the threatening darkness and clutched her shawl with trembling hands. Should she dare the forbidden? Could she do it? And... would he really come? Tonight was the night of all nights, or so he had said. In coming he risked the eternal wreath of his father. But so did she. Her fragile body shivered. So much uncertainty!

The roar of the storm rose to yet another crescendo.

Her fingers, which had already reached for the window catch, hesitated. No. He couldn't have been serious. No sane person would risk health and life in such a night. She shrank back to the comforting warmth of her fireplace. Her maid had placed her some mulled wine on the low bronze table. She took the cup and sipped it slowly.

The wind intensified.

For a moment she imagined to hear his voice. Then she shrugged. Romeo was a fool if he imagined her to go outside in such a weather! She should really settle for a more reasonable suitor.