His hand pressed into one of the many marks he’d left and she stiffened. Elsie resisted the urge to turn her head when he leaned in to kiss her on the forehead. Before, she’d always been so quick to find affection in things he’d done for her. Now, what would have appeared to have been a tender moment was anything but. Oscar’s hand drifted down, finding other tender places that made her want to cry all over again.<br/><br/>Held close to him, all she could think of was how he’s abused her the night before. Not even his innocent conversation could distract her mind from that, especially as his hand continued to trace over the evidence. She offered a hesitant nod when he asked about hurrying to breakfast.<br/><br/>Deft fingers tugged at the soft fabric of her nightgown and for a brief second she resisted, before clarity came back and she knew there would be consequences if she didn’t relent. Elsie lifted her arms, allowing the fabric to be lifted easily over her head, her blushing flesh exposed to his heated gaze.<br/><br/>She never made eye contact. Oscar told her what he expected and she closed her eyes in embarrassment. Elsie found herself nodding again, even while she knew she’d never do it. After another moment of his gaze taking in her naked form, he finally stepped away, leaving her to the tasks he’d outlined for her.<br/><br/>Instead, she sunk to the floor, wrapping her arms around herself. It was then that she noticed the subtle bruising around her wrists. Shocked, Elsie picked herself up and went into the bathroom. In the mirror, staring back at her, was a hollow-faced young woman who only slightly resembled the woman she’d seen yesterday. Her neck had bruises like her wrists and she didn’t dare make an attempt to see the rest of Oscar’s anger across her body.<br/><br/>Elsie waited, pretending to follow her husband’s embarrassing instructions and when she finally did get into the shower, she was intent on scrubbing away the horror. She dressed herself far more modestly that usual, in a dress of deep purple that left over her hands and head exposed. Everything else now required being hidden away from prying eyes.<br/><br/>When she sat at the table, she found her favorite tea waiting, but she still couldn’t bring herself to search for Oscar’s gaze.