Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight or any of the characters. I only own this storyline :)

The Black Duke of Cornwall

One Shot

Bella Swan

1827

I gripped the banister tightly while watching dresses of high, rainbow colour swish and twirl around the great hall, underneath the romantic eye of candlelight. Dread coursed through my stomach as the grandfather clock chimed loudly, marking ten o'clock. My official debut into society had come to an end before it had even begun.

A withered, wrinkled hand touched mine, drawing me away from the banister. I glanced down into the old, worldly eyes of my great aunt, Esme.

She pried my palm open and smoothed my skin over with her fingers.

"You've sadness in your eyes, Bella. Why? Who's made you cry?" Her face was weathered by the strains of time, but her voice was soft and musical, like a singer from a play.

I sighed and withdrew my fingers from hers. "No one's made me cry, Esme. I've just... got a lot on my mind."

Grey brows drew together. She touched my cheek, withdrew her finger and held it up for me to see. I gasped and touched my face, feeling the dampness there.

I really had been crying...

Esme's mouth turned down, unhappily. "Come," she said, linking her arm through mine, directing me to a bench lined up against the wall, "Sit, and tell me your troubles."

I bit my lip as I let her lead me to the seat. Who was I trying to kid? She'd find out sooner than later... there was no point in keeping it under wraps anymore. Not after my sister...

"I don't know how to tell you without speaking plainly, Esme. Forgive me, but I can't envision any other way of informing you. I... I've fallen in love with Edward."

"Which one? There are many men here by that name. Why, there's Edward O'Conner, Sir. Edward Ridley, Edward Harold and of course the black duke, but we needn't worry about him, rake that he is. Why..." she trailed off, examining my face, critically, for a moment, before her eyes widened. "Oh, dear..." Her face softened as she patted my hand.

I'd always prided myself in keeping a level head but love, it seemed, had beaten me blind.

Slumping against the bench, I sighed. "I tried my best to hide it, Esme, but because I couldn't... I'm ruined."

"How?"

"Tanya," I grimaced. "She got wind of my feelings and told Edward."

"Despicable!" Esme dropped my hand and slammed her cane down on the ground. "Has that girl no bounds? If only your father were still alive! This would never have happened!"

"I'm sorry, Esme." I stood and brushed my skirts out until they straightened. "I have to go before I start crying again." Leaning down, I kissed her brow. "Goodnight."

"Oh, Bella," she cried as I hurried away.

Outside, underneath the roof of the old building, I stepped forward with the intention of calling for my carriage, when a strong pair of hands gripped my arms and whirled me around.

Dark green orbs bore into mine unflinchingly.

I gasped. "Your grace!"

"Hello, Isabella." His deep voice sent chills running down my spine, making my poor heart plummet within my chest. "Where're you off to so suddenly? The eve is still young."

"Please," I cried, "let me go."

"And miss the finale of your sister's act? I think not." He drew me closer and tightened his hold around me. "I've waited a long time for you, Isabella, and now that I have you, you're mine—forever till death do us part."

Hauling me up, he dove down at the same time and kissed me.

Fin