November 15th, 1807
Corin’s 18th birthday
(such a perfect song for corin during these years. def recommend listening)
It had been another year, and Corin’s birthday celebration had died down to a soft hum in Blackwood Manor. After Sebastian is put to bed, the whole house seemed more empty.
This year, Corin had wished for something very particular. A blessing.
“Mama…” Corin started, rising from his position by the hearth. “You normally take your strolls under moonlight. Might I join you this evening?” Corin gave a soft, forced smile, extending his hand to his mother. It took every ounce of strength he had to keep his fingers from shaking with the force of the nerves in his chest.
“Of course, my love.” Corin’s mother stood, and they both moved toward the front entrance to don more acceptable clothing for the chill of the November air.
As they opened the large, black, wooden double doors to the manor, a sharp blast of frigid air whipped their hair from their faces. There was a frosty dampness along the path, yet snow had not yet begun to stick.
“Come. I shall take you down my favorite path.” Corin’s mother extended her arm, and Corin softly looped his own through hers. They began down the side road leading away from town.
“Although I very much enjoy your company, my dear, why have you asked to join me this night?” Marie asked, her eyes fixated on Corin’s that seemed to dart everywhere except to her own.
“I have something I would like to discuss with you, mother.” Corin attempted to swallow the lump in his throat, his palms growing sweatier despite the chill of the air. “It is about some friends at academy.” Corin stopped short, effectively stopping his mother as well whose arm was still linked in his.
“Well, go on.” His mother chuckled softly, trying to relieve her son’s stress.
Corin’s face tightened, his breath shallow and sharp.
“I am engaged.” He spat out, searching his mother’s face for hints of anger or frustration.
For a moment that is how they stood. Both searching each others eyes for more, neither one moving.
Marie broke the silence first.
“Do you love her?” She asked, pulling Corin along as they continued to walk.
“More than life itself, yes.” Corin breathed, his eyes focused on the moon. The same moon he and Arista had danced under together. The same moon that kept their secrets hidden. The same one she was likely watching tonight, just as he did.
“And you are marrying her out of love? Not out of…necessity?” His mother prodded, clearly hinting at a wed locked child.
“Of course, mama. I am a gentleman. I would never…” Corin’s face grew red. Talking of such matters with his mother was not something he would ever grow fond of.
“Then you have my blessing. I assume that is why you are telling me this alone.” Marie smiled, squeezing Corin’s arm tighter. “Although, I do hope you are both true in your devotion. Marrying at such a young age requires a lifetime of commitment, not a schoolyard romance.” As Marie spoke, they neared a cliffside. Marie stopped, looked out at the soft glow of France whose candles were still dimly lit among the night. Her gaze followed upward, the stars sprinkling the skies in yellow, mimicking the glow of the candles below. It was often hard to see where the skies met the ground on nights like this as the speckles of light flowed into each other on the horizon.
“You must be devoted with every breath. As committed to your life with her as the stars are to shining for us. That is how you will find peace in this life.” Marie glanced at Corin who suddenly had tears running down his cheeks. Marie placed her hand softly on his cheek, wiping away his tears.
“I am scared, mama.” Corin breathed, leaning into her palm. “I am nothing compared to her. I have no title. I have nothing to offer. If her father denies us I-“ Corin’s breath caught in his chest as he began to hyperventilate.
“Hush now, child…” Marie cooed, pulling Corin into an embrace.
“You have your heart.” Marie wrapped her hand around Corin’s, placing them both on his chest. “A heart worth one hundred titles. If your lover can sense that, her father will too, I am sure of it.” Marie gave a soft kiss on Corin’s palm, looking back out at the sky.
“Take peace in the skies, my son, and the world that fills us with riches such as love. Appreciate that you are of a rare few in this lifetime who can experience such joys.” Marie sighed, looking back to Corin. “Love her with everything you can give her. That will be enough.” Marie smiled, squeezing Corin’s hand lightly.
“And if it is not?” Corin asked, wiping his final tears from his cheeks.
“Then we shall walk here again. And we shall talk. And we will watch the stars fall to the ground together. Each night. Until it is enough for someone new.” Marie turned to Corin, her face firm.
“You are my son. Never forget that. There is no heartbreak you cannot overcome. There is no loss you cannot bear. If this girl and her father do not see your heart and your strength as I do, then we shall find someone who will. However, I am sure you will succeed. It is not the Blackwood way to lose a business agreement.” Marie gave her son a wink. “Come, let us turn back.” Marie guided Corin from the overlook and back toward the path they came from. “It seems we have guests to prepare for, do we not?” Marie smiled, and her smile seemed to infect Corin’s sullen disposition as well. They moved back toward Blackwood Manor, smiling, arm in arm.
Corin was unaware at the time, that it would, indeed, be his final walk with his mother.
November 15th, 1807
Corin’s 18th birthday
…5 days before the fire…