Arthur had expected anger, frustration or maybe even silence from Matilda, but her kissing him was the last thing he expected. The feeling of her soft lips press against his, the scent of her breath and the slight sweet taste of her on his lips lingered on after she turned away and proceeded to hang out the washing. 

Arthur stood their motionless not knowing what to say so he didn’t say anything. His heart pounded away in his chest. 

"Apology accepted." Matilda said with a playful wink.

He was confused,  and emotionally wrestled other whether he should kiss her back or snap back at her in frustration. He wanted to feel her lips again, to get lost in her fragrance and for her to melt in his arms. But how dare she play with his emotions like it is a game. He had felt wrenched for the past 14 days and all she did was brush it off with a kiss.

[b]“Is this a game to you?”[/b] Arthur could feel his anger build. Before he could say something he would regret he turned and stormed off down the path. He paused as he turned the corner. She knew who he was and the reasons for not proposing, yet she kissed him. He seemed to care more about his status in life than Matilda did kissing a destitute soldier.

Arthur turned around and marched back; he forced himself through the clothes line. Arthur swore as the line caught him in the face and his limbs got tangled in the white linen. He stumbled towards her kicking the basket over with pegs flying everywhere. With two hands he cupped her cheeks and kissed her.