Happy Birthday Snoop! I hope you enjoyed your big day and chapter 1 of your story!
I'm loving everyone's response to this story, but please remember this story is labeled angst for a reason!
Chapter 2
The carriage sways side to side as Isabella watches the Yorkshire countryside pass through the window. She is still surprised that Lord Cullen sent one of his own carriages for her and her mother.
"Must you keep secrets from me?" her mother asks, staring across at her daughter.
"I am not keeping secrets from you, Mama." Isabella suppresses an eye roll at her mother.
"If not, then please inform me of the missive you received from Cullen Palace, and its contents," Renee Swan challenges her daughter.
Bella sighs, her cheeks warming at the thought of the letter from Lord Cullen, Edward. He signed the letter Edward.
"I do not want you to become excited. It was nothing, really. He mentioned how pleased he was to make my acquaintance and set the time when he would send his carriage for us," she says, looking down at her hands.
In truth, she has never received such a letter in all her life and read it several times, slept with it clutched between her fingertips. She even kissed it in the morning when she awoke.
"How can I not be excited!" Renee Swan practically shouts. "He is captivated by you, my dear, and I dare say you by him." Renee stares at her daughter, watching as heat fills her cheeks.
"You must not read into these things. He is only being kind, Mama, really." Bella sighs, looking out the small window once more.
Her mind goes to the missive that is secured in her reticle, the words playing over and over in her head.
Dearest Isabella,
I pray this missive finds you well.
If I should be so bold, I confess that it was my greatest pleasure
meeting you.
"I've written your Father," Renee says, interrupting Isabella's replaying of the letter in her mind. "I have informed him to expect correspondence from Lord Cullen."
"Mama! He should not expect such a thing," Isabella says, trying to diffuse the situation. "I do not want you both to be disappointed. A man with a fortune as great as his will have no use for a girl with such a small dowry."
"You have other qualities that outweigh a dowry," her mother says, ignoring her doubts.
The carriage slows, and Isabella takes a gaze out the window. Her breath catches at the sight in front of her; the most beautiful structure her eyes have ever seen.
The sizeable brick building sits on acres and acres of green grass. A large, intricate fountain sprouting cascades of fresh water is surrounded by a small lake and a maze of beautifully trimmed hedges.
The palace itself sits three stories high, with two towering stones at the top of the home on either side.
As the carriage approaches, Isabella's eyes roam each brick, every window, taking in every tiny detail, committing it to memory in fear she will never see such a sight again in her life.
"It is absolutely perfect, Mama," Isabella sighs out, her eyes wide.
Renee Swan also gazes out the window, gasping in shock. "Oh, my. However will you run such an estate?"
The carriage comes to a stop before Isabella can answer her mother's shocking comment. The ladies it waiting for the door.
Lady Esme Cullen watches her son closely as he practically sprints toward the carriage to assist its occupants before it comes to a full stop. She hasn't seen him this excited since her husband purchased him his first pony.
Since she has arrived from town, all he has spoken of is Miss Isabella and how pleasing she is and her interest in touring the palace. Indeed, she thinks that Miss Isabella is not the only one interested in something.
Edward assists the ladies out of the carriage, holding on to Isabella's gloved hand. His eyes sweep over her face, thankful that his dreams did not fail him in remembering every detail.
"I do hope you both enjoyed the ride. I apologize, it is an hour away from The Brandon's," Edward says, not able to take his eyes off Isabella as he leads them both over to his mother. "Mother, allow me to introduce Mrs. Renee Swan and her daughter Miss Isabella Swan...my mother, Lady Esme Cullen."
"Lady Cullen, thank you for having us to such a grand estate," Renee Swan says, curtseying at the elegant woman in front of her.
"You are most welcome." Lady Esme smiles graciously and then eyes her son and the lovely young woman who are not able to take their eyes off each other.
Her heart sings at the sight, in hopes that Edward has found an agreeable match...one that may lead to love. When she met her own husband, it was an instant attraction that led to a great love.
"And who do we have here?" Esme asks, taking in the beauty in front of her.
She can see why her son is so enraptured. The girl is absolutely breathtaking. Lady Esme thinks to herself.
Isabella turns away from the green eyes that remind her of a stormy sea to face Lady Esme.
"My lady, it is very kind of you to entertain us, and I am so happy to make your acquaintance," she says, curtseying.
"My dear, I have never been so happy to be informed that I was to entertain in all my life," Esme teases, looking over at her son.
Before her slipper could touch the ground, her son told her they were to entertain the Swans the next day. When she discovered it was only a mother and daughter she had to play coy with Edward but eventually was able to obtain some information from him.
"Shall we retire inside? I have had the staff prepare lunch on the terrace overlooking the gardens," Edward says, leading the ladies to the house.
"That sounds lovely, My Lord," Isabella says, her heart practically beating out of her chest.
"I hope you did not go through too much trouble on our behalf?" Renee asks, just to be polite.
In truth, the way Lord Cullen is looking at her Isabella is proof enough that there will be wedding bells soon.
As they enter the grand palace, Isabella's eyes go wide from the elegance of it all.
"Fairchild, allow me to introduce Miss Isabella Swan and her mother, Mrs. Renee Swan," Edward says, making introductions with his aged butler. "Fairchild runs Cullen Castle with tight precision. He also keeps me in line," Edward
teases.
"A very difficult job indeed, Sir," Fairchild teases back, taking in the lovely young lady in front of him. "Welcome to Cullen Palace, Miss." He bows gracefully at her.
"Thank you, Fairchild, it is lovely to meet you," she says, giving the distinguished looking older gentleman a smile.
Edward leads the ladies through the grand old house, noting rooms, paintings, and antiques as they follow.
Isabella tries to take in every detail, loving the rich history of the house. It is a grand place, indeed, but she feels as if it is like any other home, filled with secrets of the family it serves.
"Goodness, one can lose one's breath in this house," Renee Swan says, becoming winded from the many twists and turns they have partaken in.
"It is true. After Edward was born I was thankful for such a large house because it kept my girlish figure," Esme says in jest.
"I do apologize, would you all like to stop for a rest before we continue?" he asks, concern in his voice.
"That will not be necessary, Lord Cullen, I am sure mother can manage. I, on the other hand, may need caring," she teases, giving him a smile.
They continue on, letting their mothers walk ahead of them until Edward leans over to her. "I would gladly carry you," he whispers for only her to hear.
Heat blooms in her cheek as warmth spreads all over her body from his proximity and the intent of his words.
"Here we are," Lady Esme says, turning down a hall that leads to the terrace.
The August afternoon sun beams over the terrace, and garden-fresh roses are in bloom. An intricate lunch is spread out, and servants stand at attention in freshly pressed garb.
Renee Swan's eyes grow large at the elegance of it all and cannot believe that she, a poor gentleman's wife, is experiencing such grandeur. Although her sister married far better than herself, it is nothing in comparison to the wealth that Lord Cullen has.
"This is magnificent, and the view is breathtaking," Isabella says, looking out into the vast garden.
Edward eyes are on her when he replies, "My thoughts exactly."
Isabella gasps in shock and turns to him. Their eyes lock on each other, no words needed between them.
The luncheon is fill with conversation about the small village in Essex, Great Clacton. Isabella tells stories of her life growing up by the sea and how she loves it there.
Edward learns of her love of history, which surprises him as most young ladies prefer romantic novels. He learns of her father, Charles Swan, a gentleman's son who inherited a small estate and a handful of acres of land.
Lady Esme is quite taken with the young woman as well, asking question after question of her upbringing and her education. She learns that Isabella is very gifted at the pianoforte, embroidery, and has a lovely singing voice. She is also very steady with a needle, sewing her own gowns on occasion to save her father money so she can donate to the poor.
All information is provided by Mrs. Renee Swan, who thinks it wise to dote on her daughter's qualities, instead of her lack of fortune.
Once lunch is over, they partake in an extensive guided tour, in which Renee Swan claims exhaustion and insists Edward and Isabella continue without them.
Edward and Isabella continue the tour without their chaperones. Isabella asks question after question on the history of the house, paintings, and different antiques.
"May I show you my favorite place?" Edward asks as they exit the library.
"I would be honored, Lord Cullen," she says, dipping her head in shyness.
"Edward. I wish for you to use my given name, if I can be so bold," he says, stopping to face her.
Taking her by the hand, she inhales a large breath, her heart pounding out of her chest as butterflies dance in her belly.
"Oh, Lord … Edward, I would like nothing more. Please call me Isabella or Bella," she says, her hand tightening around his larger one.
They gaze into each other's eyes, matching smiles on their faces and joy in both their hearts.
She bites her lip, her eyes dipping shyly. She has never been this close to a man in her life.
"Bella?" he asks, his free hand gently wrapping around her delicate cheek.
"It is what my family and friends call me," she says, nervously.
Her gaze takes in his handsome face and wild auburn locks in loose swooping curls on his head.
"Bella, I would like permission to court you," he whispers, his heart in his throat, knowing this is one of the most important decisions of his life.
"Yes," she sighs out, her heart so full.
"May I write to your father?" he asks, slightly lifting her chin so that their eyes meet.
"Yes," she says, unable to control the heat in her cheeks or the smile on her face.
"May I kiss you, Bella?" he asks, moving in closer, his eyes traveling from her lips to her beautiful brown eyes.
Her eyes go wide at his request. "Ye-"
Before the word 'yes' is out of her lips, he presses his lips to hers in a gentle kiss.
Isabella sighs against his lips, her heart aflutter with so much hope for their future.
Edward releases her hand, wrapping his around her small waist and pulling her closer to him. The feel of her body against his causes a hunger to travel through him.
He sucks her bottom lip into his mouth, eliciting a wanton moan. Pressing his forehead against hers, he takes a deep breath and releases her.
"That is enough for today, Sweetheart," he whispers, wanting nothing more than to keep their lips pressed together.
Isabella smiles at the endearment he uses. Her body on fire at the feel of his lips against hers and his body so close. It is her first kiss, and she prays one of many with Edward.
Thinking she wishes very much to kiss him again, she places her hand on his cheek, small hairs prickling the skin of her palm.
"Edward," she says before standing on her tiptoes and pressing her lips against his again.
Edward is stunned at first but then wraps both his arms around her, pulling her to him and enjoying her boldness.
Isabella takes his bottom lip between hers, mimicking his action that stirred such feelings in her.
Edward's hold on her increases and he takes possession of her nape, deepening the kiss. His tongue teases first her bottom lip then her top before kisses travel down her delicate chin to the crook of her neck.
"Oh, my darling. Now that I have found you I shall never let you go," he whispers into her neck.
Her own arms wrap around him, her head resting on his shoulder.
"Never," she says with so much joy in her heart.
~~FFG~~
The remainder of Isabella's stay in Yorkshire is delightful and filled with Edward. She is so full of happiness she does not let Alice's foul temper affect her in any way. She and Edward see each other every opportunity they have after the first day at Cullen Palace.
Dinners are either at the Palace or at Eaton Hall under the glare of Alice, who seems to have lost her groom-to-be.
Edward puts on his best smile and tries to inform her and her mother that he does not know Jasper's location, as he and his own mother sit amongst them.
After the second night of interrogation, Isabella and her mother dine at Cullen Palace for the rest of their stay.
One particular night as they are having sherry in the Twilight Sitting Room, he boldly announces to both their mothers his intentions regarding Isabella.
"I have written to Lord Swan," he says, catching the attention of the older women.
They both give him their full attention, both wanting nothing more than the young couple to be together.
"Really?" his mother says, giving him a kind smile.
"I know that Essex is a four-day journey from here, and he may not receive the letter in a timely fashion. So I've spoken to Mr. Brandon, and I also want you to know, Mrs. Swan, I have written your husband to ask his permission to court Isabella."
"Oh dear!" Mrs. Swan cries, holding on to her bosom. "How wonderful!"
She stands, rushing to her daughter who is sitting alone on a settee.
"Please calm yourself, Mama," Isabella says, trying to avoid the swooning.
"Please allow us this excitement, my dear!" Esme says, coming to take Isabella's free hand.
"I shall handle business here and then journey to Essex for our courtship," he says, staring at Isabella for signs of distress.
She smiles at him, happy they do not have to be apart for too long. She and her mother are leaving the morning after the wedding, which is on the morrow.
The trip to Yorkshire has been like a dream to Isabella, and she hopes never to awaken if it is. Edward gazes at his intended so filled with happiness and love for the woman in front of him.
"When do you think your business here will be handled?" Isabella asks.
"I shall follow behind you in a sennight, not long at all." His eyes gaze at her, wanting nothing more than to take her in his arms. "I shall send a carriage with you, so you will travel in the best comfort. I've also had my solicitor ensure you stop at only the finest Inns."
"Edward … Lord Cullen." Isabella corrects herself in front of her mother and Lady Esme. "Lord Cullen, that is too much. Mother and I are just fine in a hired hackney," she laments.
"Isabella, my intended is not traveling by hackney coach, those days are over," he says, standing straighter.
"Those days are not yet over for me. I am only your intended, not your wife, Lord Cullen. I do not want to wag tongues." She takes a deep breath, calming her nerves.
Alice has been saying cruel things to anyone who will listen; mainly her ladies maid, Leah, who has always been more of a friend to Isabella since she joined the Brandons.
Edward puts his hand on his hip, glaring at the maddening woman in front of him.
"Renee, perhaps we should allow our children to speak alone." Esme raises an eyebrow at the other woman.
"Oh, yes, of course," Renee says before pinching Isabella's arm.
Isabella's head whips to her mother. She glares at her, knowing very well she wishes to ride in luxury to Essex.
"We shall meet you both in the great hall," Esme says, standing.
Edward waits until their mothers have left the room before taking a seat next to Isabella.
He takes her hand in his, "Darling, please allow me to send a carriage with you. You are so very precious to me, Bella." He presses a kiss to her knuckles.
"I do not want anyone to presume I am only with you for your funds. Traveling by hackney is perfectly safe," she says before giving him a small smile.
"I am sure it is, but for my future wife, I would prefer she travels under the Cullen Crest and stay at the finest Inns. I do not care who says what, and neither shall you." He wraps a hand around her nape. "Please, Sweetheart?"
In truth, her mind was decided when he referred to her as his future wife, but he needn't know that. "Very well, but do not presume that you will always get your way," she says teasingly.
"I would not dream of it. Now, may I please kiss you before we must part," he asks, pulling her closer to him.
"You may," she says breathlessly.
Pressing his lips to hers, he pulls her closer relaxing in bliss as her scent engulfs him. Enjoying the feel of her lips, the strands of her silky hair teasing his knuckles. His free arm wraps around her waist wanting nothing more than to lie her down on the settee.
He longs to deepen the kiss but is afraid her delicate disposition will be horrified at such a thought. Edward, determined to take things slowly, sucks her plump bottom lip into his mouth, teasing it with his tongue.
Isabella moans from the action as one of her hands run through his silky mane.
Excitement builds inside of him from her reaction, and he slowly takes her top lip into his waiting mouth, tracing it with his tongue.
Once again, wanting to incite the same pleasure he causes to stir inside of her, Isabella mimics his every move, first with his bottom lip then his top.
Edward groans wanting to deepen the kiss, aware of his hard cock against his thigh.
This is going to be a long courtship, he thinks to himself.
"Darling, let us stop before I am ungentlemanly." He releases his hold on her.
"Oh?" she asks in surprise, wondering what on earth could he mean.
"You are far too tempting, Isabella Swan," he says, pressing one last caress to her lips.
Definitions:
Hackney-hired coach
sennight - one week
A/N: Since I often speak with an English accent any time I'm writing a period piece, I figure we should keep it going! Ladies! Ladies! Oh a courtship! How lovely! I do hope Debbie enjoyed this chapter! Fyrebyrd is my pre-reader, I love her greatly. Sunflower Fran is my beta, and how I dote on her and I thank heavens she beta's for me so swiftly! I will see you all again on the morrow!