A/N: A Ked and Jimel AU; set in 1785.

Ned is the son of Lord, and Katherine the daughter of poor farmer. Melinda is Katherine's older sibling, a maid for a wealthy store owner and their father is searching for someone to have her hand in marriage and double their land, but Melinda in uninterested for now. She wants love, real love, and always makes sure her sister understands to never marry someone she doesn't truly love or out of benefit for their father, who was nothing but a disappointment since they day they were both born. Jim on the other had was the son of a knight, and a knight himself. His closest friend was Ned, and he was his personal bodyguard, under his and Ned's father's order to keep Ned in line and safe until his wedding.

All Ned knew was that he usually didn't get a view like this. He didn't usually see the world as one full of wonder and not just boredom and duties. He felt free, riding through this little village. This would all be his one day, once he succeeded his father's lordship.

Lately all he did was sit and listen to his mother and Lady Celeste babble on about wedding details and how many children they should have.

The most recent number was seven and he just wasn't ready for that. He was barely used to being twenty one. Let alone the responsibilities he would have as a husband and father.

He liked the little freedom he has as of now, which wasn't much. This ride was the most freedom he'd had in months. Looking at all the people living their lives, selling things in the market and making their own decisions. Seeing how the people just talked amongst each other without a care in the world. He bet they didn't have worry about having chaperones or strict weddings. Well maybe they have those problems, but they don't have Delia Banks as a mother like he does.

If they wanted to talk to someone, they did. They didn't have to rearrange the entire day just to have a conversation. They didn't have to sneak past tutors and servants who were there to keep you from living.

But his biggest worry was getting past Jim, his personal knight and only friend who never left his side which had it's perks and downfalls.

"Ned, how did the lunch-in go with Lady Celeste and your mother?" Jim questioned.

"Alright. It went just fine." Ned muttered, overlooking the village and just going back to the reigns in his hands.

"Are you enjoying this ride? We'll be out of the village soon and to the countryside." Jim asked. "I know how much you love the countryside after a troubling day."

"It's quite nice actually. The sun feels good on my face," he replied. "Thank you for suggesting this to my father."

"How long has it been since you went outside?" Jim laughed. "And you're welcome. You deserve to have some time away from all the flowers and decor plans for the wedding."

"Almost a week, but technically last night when I was on my balcony." He answered.

"How are things with Celeste? Still having cold feet?" Jim asked. "Last time you saw her things were a little dark."

"I barely know her," he sighed. "And I'm to be married to her in two weeks."

"You've been engaged to her since before you were conceived." Jim muttered. "You really need to get your things in order. You're going to marry her Ned."

"I should have a say in who I marry," he replied.

"Well you know if you told your mother she wouldn't let your father do this to you. But you haven't, so you must like her." Jim replied. "At least a little."

Ned just rode ahead, watching the way heads turned and how girls smiled at him.

He basked in it. And that's when he saw her.

Katherine stood by her father and sister in a yellow dress. He hadn't seen her three weeks, and she looked so much thinner. Her face was sunken in and dirt was lathered onto her tanned skin.

"She's a nice girl, that I'll admit. But there is no connection, no feelings of love when I'm with her. Isn't that something I should have for someone I'm about to wed?" He replied quickly. "Would you ever marry someone you felt no connection for?"

"You marrying is much different from me marrying." Jim explained.

He noticed the way she spoke with a fellow who wanted to buy something and he smiled.

"Excuse my rudeness here Jim, but I'll be right back." He said before sliding down. "No more than ten minutes."

"Ned!" Jim called as he slid down as well. "We don't have time for a pit stop if you want to get to the countryside."

Ned dashed across the dirt road and she turned her head to see him.

He grasped her arm and pulled her into the alleyway.

He kissed her deeply as he leaned her against the brick wall. It was slow and soft, comforting in ways that words would never be. His hand rested below her ear, his thumb caressing her cheek as their breaths mingled. She ran her fingers down his spine, pulling him closer until there was no space left between them and she could feel the beating of his heart against her chest.

"Where have you been?" She gasped.

"Busy," he answered. "I begged Jim to let me out today, and all I have is a few minutes before he comes looking."

"With your wedding preparations?" She rolled her eyes.

"Katherine, don't speak to me that way." He replied.

"Then don't treat me like a mistress because I won't be one." She muttered.

"Why do you look so skinny?" He asked, worried for her more than he was for anyone in his life.

"And I haven't eaten in a few days. Stop worrying." She sighed. "It usually happens a few times in the year."

"Why haven't you ate?" He asked. "Are you worried about your figure because I happen to like some meat on your bones."

"There's no food Ned! The collectors took more this time for the ball tomorrow from my father." She explained. "We don't have enough to eat and still make profit."

"I will bring you food," he answered.

"No. You will not bring me anything if I cannot share with my mother and sisters. My father ate in front of all four of us last night." She replied. "He stuffed his face and laughed before going to spend the rest of our last bit of money on liquor."

"I will talk to him," he replied, pulling away abruptly.

"No," she grabbed his hand. "He will surely beat me again and I'd like to be let outside." She paused and then looked at him. "He's complicated Ned. I know he cares more about his liquor than my mother and my sisters. We all know that, but the doesn't mean we say anything about it. Not anymore."

"Katherine, would you really rather be trudging through the mud than eating?" Ned asked, placing his hands on her shoulders.

"I quite like the feeling of mud under my feet thank you very much." Katherine responded rather quickly.

"Maybe I'll just send you back to your work," he muttered.

"You're cheeky," she smiled.

"I will let my father know about the shortage of food at dinner tonight," he answered. "Will you be attending the ball tomorrow night?"

She nodded and smiled, allowing him to help her just this once.

"You mean your engagement ball?" She laughed. "Why would I attend? I have nothing to wear."

"I will get you a dress from Paris," he smiled. "I would rather enjoy a dance with you."

She smiled and the shook her head.

"Just this one time," she replied. "But I won't attend your wedding, and that's a promise."

"There will be no wedding to Lady Celeste," he whispered. "I will make sure of that."

"Ned," she warned. "Do not do that. You may feel something for me, but this could ruin your father and you."

"I love you Katherine Ann," he replied and then kissed her deeply, letting is tongue roam in her mouth. "And I will marry you."

"I knew it!" Jim scolded. "Ned what are you doing?"

They couple turned there head to see Jim standing there in all his glory, with a scowl.

They were in for it now.