17 September, 1864
The carriage jolted to a halt, jarring Lizzie out of her reverie. She peered out of the window to gaze at the familiar sight of the Salvatore Mansion. After spending six years at boarding school, she was ecstatic to finally be home.
She heard the driver step down and walk around to the door. Sitting up straight, she carefully smoothed her skirts and adjusted her hair so the long, dark curls framed her face perfectly. The carriage door opened, and steadying herself on the driver's offered hand, she delicately stepped down to the gravel below.
Looking up, she saw the front door of the house open and a young man stepped out. He had grown taller since she last saw him, but his golden brown hair and smiling green eyes were the same as always. A joyful smile appeared on her face.
He quickly walked to her, stopping a few feet away. She curtsied daintily, offering her hand. He bowed slightly, a small smile playing on his lips, and kissed her hand. He then stepped back and grinned before pulling her into a tight embrace. She closed her eyes, hugging him back.
"Welcome home, little sister," he said softly before pulling back to look at her.
"It is good to be home, Stefan," she said, smiling at her brother. "I just wish Damon was here as well."
"Did I hear my name?" a playful voice called out. Lizzie turned her head to see her eldest brother walking up the path that led to the gardens. He stopped next to Stefan, a playful smirk on his handsome face.
"Hello, Miss," he said, nodding politely, blue eyes sparkling with mirth. "and might I ask the name of our lovely visitor?"
Lizzie smiled and curtsied. "Elizabeth Salvatore, sir," she said, playing along, trying her hardest not to giggle.
"Well, I'll be. Our dear Lizzie, home from school. And all grown up to!" Damon said happily before stepping forward and pulling her into a hug.
"I'm so glad to see you, Damon," She whispered. "I missed you."
"I missed you too, Lizzie," Damon replied, stepping back to get a good look at her.
She had grown nearly a foot in the last six years. No longer was she a little girl, he thought, but a beautiful young woman. Her dark hair was pinned back, a few shiny curls left to frame her delicate, heart-shaped face. Her wide blue eyes were sparkling with happiness, and her fair cheeks slightly flushed a light, rosy shade of pink. He'd have to keep an eye on her, he thought to himself. She'd be having admirers flocking to her in no time.
"You'll be happy to know we have a guest staying with us for a while," Stefan said.
"That's right," said Damon. "Miss Katherine is about your age, I'm sure you two will get along wonderfully."
Lizzie watched both of her brothers carefully while they all walked to the house. She had noticed both of their expressions when the mentioned this Katherine. They were both clearly infatuated with her, and neither noticed that the other felt the same. She made a mental note to keep an eye on this woman. She couldn't bear the thought of either of her brothers getting their hearts broken if Katherine decided to toy with both of their affections.