Love at First Sight: Part Two

Well I've finally decided to post part two of my Princess and the Pea rewrite. Keep in mind that I wrote this a year ago, so it might not be very spectacular...

Before you read part two I would suggest reading part one. To read part one go here: http://atwinforgod.blogspot.com/search/label/Love%20at%20First%20Sight

Well, without further ado I present to you, Love at First Sight: Part Two.

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Love at First Sight: Part Two

Lightning shot through the air like fire casting the night sky ablaze. Again and again it flashed luminously, always followed by a blast of thunder jarring the very bones of the unfortunate souls who carried the curse of being out on such a evening. Effusion upon effusion of rain plummeted from the enraged storm clouds above. Passionate gusts of wind shook the foliage that surrounded her and Natalie screamed. Not that anyone could hear her, she was lost and alone. Though the reason for her running away still stood she had begun to wish she had thought better of starting the adventure on such a night.
Why are you so stubborn Natalie? It is true, father had no right to force you into an engagement with that freak as if he had forgotten it is the 21st century, but you knew a storm such as this was likely and still you chose to make your move tonight? And like the runaways of old you set out on foot, and forgot your credit card! Questioning herself was proving more frustrating than not so Natalie gave up the pointless argument and tried to concentrate on her journey. She couldn't.
“Why did I come?” She wailed into the blackness surrounding her. “Of course I have always longed for love but if I could only be home in my warm, dry bed right now. I think I would even marry that old weirdo.” Her shouts were absurd for there was no one around to hear her, but cry out she did, over and over again until she was so hoarse she was forced to stop. Finally, her legs gave out and Natalie Carter fell to the ground shivering violently. The darkness seemed to grow thicker and heavier, it was suffocating her. “Help me, somebody please.” Croaking the pitiful words from her exhausted body used the last ounce of her strength and the 17 year old was about to give up all hope when a shout reached her ears.
“Henry! Hurry up. This storm is getting more nasty by the second. We need to get inside.”
“Coming Mr. Charles, I sure am.”
Picking herself up off of the earth Natalie somehow managed to begin walking, following the sound of the two men lifting their voices above the anger of the storm. Than she tripped, tumbling to the dirt with a shriek Natalie heard the sound of silk ripping. Having already given up on her outfit ever being recognizable again she didn't give one thought to her precious party dress, only to the pain she felt in her left wrist as she tried to rise onto her sore feet.
“Here let me help you.” At the sound of a compassionate voice Natalie lifted her head, tangled wisps of muddy hair clung to the sides of her face as she found herself staring into a pair of concerned chocolate eyes. The whole day had been more action than pampered Miss Carter had seen in a long time, and it was all to much for her. She collapsed.

Can this be love? Question after question flitted through Charles's mind, but of all of them this was the most prominent. Trying to make their way home after getting lost in the horrific tempest that was still raging outside the comfortable Porter house, Henry and he had stumbled upon a fatigued young women wondering about in a daze. Moments after discovery she had fainted. Tenderly transversing the girl from the wet outdoors into a cozy bed where she could sleep safe and warm Charles had pondered the moment he had first looked into her blueberry eyes. Was it love at first sight? Now as he reclined in his favorite velvet chair, waiting for his mother to exit her bedroom so he could break the news of an unannounced guest to her, his many feelings where overpowering and the yearning to sort them all out was breathtaking.
How can it be love? My resentment of marriage should tell me without a doubt that it is not possible for me to fall in love- at first sight of all things- only hours after protesting to the very idea. Yet something inside me is telling me I am. What to do?
“Charlie did you want to see me?” Taking a deep breath for courage as his mother glided into the room, Charles rose to his feet and exclaimed.
“Mother, Henry and I were out walking when this dangerous storm came up. While trying to make it home we stumbled upon a girl.”
“A girl!”
“Yes. She was covered in mud from head to toe, her dress was torn, she was soaked, and she was shaking ferociously. Soon after we spotted her she fainted, so we brought her back here.”
“You did what?” Ignoring his mother's outburst, Charles continued, resolving to finish.
“My mind is made up mother, she is the most beautiful creature I have ever seen and I have decided to marry her.”
“Are you crazy? From the sound of it you found some kind of vagrant on the side of the road and decided to bring her home to wed. I will not permit it! You will only marry if the applicant is backed by a fortune!”
Watching his whim crumble before his eyes Charles took a deep breath against the pain but before he could reply their was a knock at the door.
“Come in.” His mother's icy tone answered the tap. With a click the door slide open and Henry hobbled into the chamber. After glancing at Mrs. Porter out of the corner of his eye Henry fixed his gaze on Charles and delivered his message.
“I did all the things that you ask, Mr. Charles. Th' girl says she is quite fine and she thank you kindly for a roof over her head. Meredith has washed all of her things but tis the strangest thing, Mr. Charles, she found gold jewelry in that girl's dress pocket she did, and her dirty garment, why it be made of silk! Tis a queer, don't you think Mr. Charles?” As the words of Henry's report sunk in newfound hope began to bring light to Charles's sullen face.
“It is queer Henry. Did you bring the items?” Holding out his hands the old man presented Charles with the requested objects which he had been clutching the whole time, but which had been overlooked before due to the young man's melancholy.“Thank you Henry.” Charles said dismissing him.
Throughout the exchange between the servant and her son Mrs. Porter had kept quiet, but as she observed the glow on her only child's face she could keep her curiosity at bay no longer.“Why do you seem so overjoyed? The fact that the girl has in her possession a silk dress and some gold jewels does not mean you can marry her. Unless....” Her voice faded and her face changed as the realization of what it could all mean appeared to have struck her. Basking in the promise of it all Charles barely heard his mother as she spoke her plan aloud. Her words were like a distant mumbling until she exclaimed. “We will use a pea!”
Dreams of happiness were instantly replaced with the here and now. Turning to his self-assured mother with a look of confusion on his face Charles questioned. “A pea?”
“Yes”
“For what?”
“Haven't you been listening?”
“No. What is the pea for?”
“To help us determine if this girl- What did you say her name is?”
“I didn't say because I don't know. What were you saying about the pea?”
“It is to help us discover this girls true identity.”
“Mother are you insane? How is a pea going to help us resolve this issue?”
“Don't you remember that book of fairy tales you loved when you were a boy?”
“Yes. What does that have to do with anything?”
“The Princess and the Pea. Ring any bells?”
“You don't mean to tell me we are going to place a pea under the girls mattress to verify her heritage?”
“Son we are going to do exactly that.”