Attention, Reader: I have updated the first 4 chapters of this story immensely. Things have changed left and right, others have been given more detail and life. This story is STILL rated M, more so now than before. Please enjoy and review!
It wasn't that long ago when I met Jasper. I was seventeen years old, and I was what you might call a "southern belle".
"C'mon, Lizzie. It's time to go. If you want to be late to church, then so be it, but you're not dragging me with you!"
I sighed and took one last glance in the mirror. I looked perfect. And that was entirely the problem. I was so sick of being beautiful. The envy, the desire; it wasn't what I really wanted. I didn't want people swooning over my long eyelashes or my plump pink lips or my curly brown hair. I wanted a decent man who cared about my thoughts, my opinions, who I was as a person... but no such luck was in my future. All the men in this town took one look at my face and decided they had to have me. But none of them cared at all how I felt.
I picked up a parasol as my sister and I made our way out the door. We walked into the sunlight and I opened it. My porcelain skin would surely burn under this Texas sunlight.
As we made our way to church, we noticed a group of men huddled around a horse in front of the town Inn. The horse was carrying two very-full saddle bags. That only meant one thing: there was someone new in town.
"I wonder who it is." I whispered to my sister Annabelle. "But whoever it is, they must be important for that kind of a crowd."
We kept moving, and as we passed, I caught a glance of the mysterious newcomer. He was tall with bright golden hair all the way down to his ears. But that's all I could see because he was faced in the other direction.
I did recognize one of the men in the group. His name was Charlie Burgan, a suitor who dropped by my door more than my own kin. He was around 25 years old, and even though he was pleasant to look at, he was as arrogant as they came.
"Oh, Lizzie! Where are you headed?" He called from afar. As if on cue, all the men turned to look at me, including the new man. His piercing eyes shot straight through me, even from fifty feet away. He smiled graciously as some of the other men whispered amongst themselves.
My sister had always hoped I would somehow decide to court Charlie. She fanned her smiling face, trying to look proper. "We are headed to worship our Lord God, Charles, and I would hope you'd do the same." My sister announced. "Shall we see you at church?"
He smiled. "You will find no happiness in religion, Anabelle. Only in love can you find happiness. For your beautiful sister has brought me such." He clutched his heart dramatically.
I sighed and shook my head gently. "I've not brought you happiness. I continue to deny you and you keep coming back. The only thing I've brought you is persistency."
All of the men laughed, except Charlie and the newcomer. He did smile graciously, and my chest warmed.
"Good day." I stated, and turned myself forward. I took a couple short breaths to contain my heart. This man was handsome, yes, but I had met many of those. What was he like when the other men weren't watching? I kept walking next to my sister until we reached the church.
"Did you see the blonde fellow?" I asked her. "He's quite handsome."
"Don't tell me you've suddenly become interested in being courted." She scoffed.
"I'll explore the idea, perhaps." I decided, his piercing eyes lingering in my mind.
Later that day, I made a trip to the general store in hopes to catch another glimpse of Mr. Whitlock. Annabelle had gotten his name from the town doctor during church.
"He's quite an interesting fellow," he had said, "His name is Whitlock, I believe. Didn't catch the first name, though."
I'd sat through the rest of church imagining walking through town, while people called out,
"Good day, Mrs. Whitlock!"
"What a lovely hat, Mrs. Whitlock!"
But I'd finally reached the general store and he was nowhere to be seen.
"Afternoon, Elizabeth." Joe Pratt called. Joe was the general store owner, and an older man. He was widowed for many years, and quite a gentleman. His tall frame could have made him look much younger, were it not for the gray mustache and thick spectacles. He was so friendly to me, always taking the time to chat with me about the goings-on in town and my many suitors. He was probably one of my only friends in that town, save for my sister and her husband.
I smiled and nodded. "A wonderful day, Joe. But it would be better with a little more excitement." I whined quietly to him. I pulled off my hat and put in an order for more bread.
"Well, Miss Elizabeth, I s'pose you haven't heard about the new young man in town? In fact, he's just pulled up outside. Perhaps you should introduce yourself? He seems exciting enough."
Sure enough, I noticed a glimpse of his hair from the window. "What a marvelous idea." I grinned, just short of running out of the store. I slowed down when I reached the door, my heart pumping wildly.
I'd never been this interested in a man before. Perhaps it was the idea of the unknown, but whatever it was, I was attracted to him like a moth to a flame. I stepped outside, putting my hat back on. I acted surprised to see him; as if our encounter was unintentional.
"Oh, hello," I cooed. "My name is Elizabeth Clive. I do believe you're new in town?"
There he was. Not even ten feet before me. He was brushing his horse's mane quietly when he finally noticed me. My heart skipped a beat as I took in his glorious golden skin and his beautiful eyes.
"You would be correct." He smirked, still brushing at his beautiful horse. He finally set down the brush and held out his hand. "My name's Jasper Whitlock. Pleasure to make your acquaintance."
I nodded, removing my glove from my hand. I slowly placed my bare hand in his. He leaned down and kissed my hand gently, and a shiver ran down my spine.
I tried to drown out the deafening echo of my heart beating in my chest. "If you ever need anything at all, don't hesitate to ask. I'm a good go-getter and a wonderful friend to keep around. I'll be seein' you now." I curtsied for a moment, breaking our grasp. I began to walk away before I could make a fool of myself.
"It's been a pleasure." He smiled.
I returned home a few minutes later.
"Where have you been?" my sister questioned, coming from the kitchen with a rolling pin clutched in her hand. There was flour all over her blue apron.
"I simply went to the general store to order a bit more bread." I said.
She crossed her arms in disapproval. "And who did you bump into on this completely innocent trip?" she asked.
"Mr. Jasper Whitlock, actually. I introduced myself. I was being polite."
She shook her head at me. "Oh, you fool. Be careful or he may be taken back by your forwardness."
