His Green Eyes

by Lavender dresses

Lady Isabella Swan finds herself in an impossible situation after the death of her father, Charles. With the estate in desperate need of repair, will an arrangement made with the wealthy Edward Cullen provide a solution to Isabella's money worries or create more anguish and heartache for our heroine?

1. Chapter 1

"Bella. Bella," Alice whispered gently to me as the tears flowed down my cheeks, "we need to go in and sit down." Through the heavy fog in my head I could barely hear the words. My despair at being left alone in the world, now that my father was gone, was overwhelming. Slowly I stood and followed Alice into the family chapel where the service was ready to begin. Beautiful fragrances filled my vague awareness as I pass the arrangements placed throughout the stone 16th century building that sits on our small estate in country Oxfordshire. Shivering from the chill, I sit and endure. It is expected of me and I am not one to disappoint. I was brought up to be a Lady and to fulfil my duty to the family, as diminished as my family now is. In fact, I now realise, there really isn't much of one left.

Tea, nibbles, quiet conversation. The day passes as a blur. Thank goodness I have Alice, the best friend you could wish for, by my side. As people come and pass on their banalities she holds me together and somehow we muddle through together. We are such an odd coupling, her fire and love of life contradicts my quiet, resigned grace. However she is true and loyal to a fault, and I love her dearly. All day she has been manoeuvring me around the room, so I wouldn't have to come face to face with 'that man.' That ARROGANT, COLD FISH, DISTANT, FRUSTRATING, PANTY WETTING MAN. I turn on my heel trying to leave the room after stating, 'Thank you for coming," for the hundredth time that day and promptly run out of luck.

"I am sorry for your loss, Isabella." Green eyes peer at me along with a blank expression that manages to push a button that is usually kept well hidden. Annoyance rises to the surface and I open my mouth to respond when across the room, Alice flits over. It's a seamless motion that reminds me of swans landing on our lake. Ironic really. "Thank you Edward, that is very kind of you," Alice says on my behalf. "If you don't mind, I think I'd best get Lady Swan to retire for the day. As you would appreciate, it has been an incredibly long and tiring one for her." Gently taking my arm I am lead out of the room, all the while feeling those same green eyes following me and silently haunting me.