The dive was long and whilst we stopped to change horses I contemplated switching carriages and bolting in the opposite direction, but then green eyes swam into my memory and inexplicably I felt drawn.

It was late when we arrived and the setting sun silhouetted the building and cast long shadows making the already enormous Manor loom in a forbidding way.

The staff did not greet me as I entered, all looked strained and fearful. Angry shouting echoed down the stairs. "Worthless girl, must I explain everything to you twice?"

The source of the voice paraded down the wide stone staircase, which lead from the grand entrance hall. She was a tall woman, richly dressed and dripping in gold jewellery, her blue eyes were hard ice. As she drew nearer to me I began to feel uncomfortable and Edward's words echoed in my head 'try not to be too afraid of my mother.'

She raised one eyebrow and appraised me momentarily before speaking. "I am informed you are my son's fiancé?" She said casting her eye over a letter in her hand.

"Yes my lady. I am Isabella Swan."

"Of course you cannot marry my Son." She said dismissively. Your rank and fortune are much too far beneath him. However, you do not appear to be completely without potential. Dress in your finest and be sure to be downstairs no later than seven. We have company this evening."

"Company my lady?"

"That's what I said girl."

And with that she stalked off. I stared into the distance trying to make sense of her words as more shouting echoed back to me.

I was escorted through the manor down many grand hallways which gradually became narrower and more winding. Eventually I arrived at the room that was to be mine following ascending a stone spiral staircase.

Relief flooded me as I entered and Angela ran to me. I threw my arms around her and held on. "I'm so pleased to see you."

"Her ladyship has put you in the tower. It's cold up here, I can't seem to warm the room."

"It's ok. We're together now. Two princesses locked in the tower at the mercy of the wicked queen." I smirked

"Its haunted you know."

"Oh Angela. You'll give me nightmares."

"Don't go down tonight Miss Swan. She does not have your best interests at heart."

"From what I know of Esme Cullen she only considers her own interests. Don't worry about me. I'll be fine and I must confess. I'm curious."

Two hours later I carefully descended the stone spiral staircase taking care not to trip over the hem of my favourite gown. I feared that it would be the final straw for the severe Lady Cullen if I were to arrive bruised, or bleeding, or both.

As I walked it became apparent that I should have made it to the dining room by now and I was still wandering one hallway after the next. After time I came across a small wooden staircase that I did not recognise and realised that I was lost. I was about to call for a servant to assist me when I head voices at the bottom of the staircase and curiosity got the better of me. Esme Cullen's voice drifted up to me, dripping with contempt. "Send word to the senseless fool that we cannot do business tonight. I have guests and my son is home."

A male voice I did not recognise protested "My Lady. What of the money?"

"They'll have to wait for their money. I will not be inconvenienced by those filthy in breads."

"Shall I make arrangements for a meeting tomorrow my lady?"

"Tomorrow is a full moon, halfwit. Tell him Sunday at the usual time."

I heard movement and ran as fast as I could back down the hallway desperate not to be caught eavesdropping. I went skidding on my delicate shoes around the corner and straight into what felt like a brick wall.

His arms wrapped around me instinctively and I felt shockwaves jolt through my whole body as my head snapped back and my eyes met sparkling green ones.

"Well hello again Miss Swan."

"Bella" I breathed

"Hello Bella. Can I ask what you're running from?"

Oh no….

"I was lost and, and, I feared I would be late for dinner. I, I didn't want to incur your mother's displeasure and so I started to h-hurry." I stammered

"I see." He said taking a step backwards and taking in my appearance.

"You look radiant Bella."

"Thank you Edward."

Awkward

"Shall we go to dinner?" He asked offering me his arm.

I raised an eyebrow and pondered the sudden thaw in his behaviour that had been so cold and distant at out first meeting as I took his arm.

We walked in silence into the large hallway leading to the dining room. Shivers ran up my arm from the place where I touched him. I felt warm and slightly feverish.

There were people gathered outside the large dining hall, their lively talk silenced as we approached and I blushed deeply in embarrassment. Apparently, my reputation had preceded me.

Edward lead me to a small group of people and introduced his friends.

"Isabella, these are my good friends Jasper Whitlock, Michael Newton and Jacob Black. Gentlemen, this is Miss Isabella Swan."

Edward's friends seemed eager to make my acquaintance and Mr Whitlock offered his condolences with regards to my father, informing me that he was a naval officer and knew my father by reputation. I liked Mr Whitlock

"Edward darling." A voice behind me called.

I spun to find who had spoken and my jaw dropped, as the impossibly beautiful Rosalie Hale approached. She wore the most elegant corseted gown I had ever laid eyes on, her golden hair was piled in a complicated arrangement on top of her head and an enormous blue diamond, which hung from a delicate silver chain nestled in her ample cleavage. She looked every bit the wealthy heiress.

Rosalie glared at me as she approached and then stood on tiptoe to place a soft kiss on Edward's cheek. Fire burned in the pit of my stomach and the impulse to pull her away from him washed over me.

Strange.

Unable to act on my impulse I settled for glaring right back at her. Rosalie raised one perfect eyebrow and assessed my appearance.

Why was everyone doing that?

"I've brought you a present." She said

"Oh?"

Rosalie stepped to one side to reveal him striding down the hallway.

"Emmet" I cried, throwing my arms around his neck and hugging him close.

"I knew you would be pleased." Rosalie said with another lift of her eyebrow.

"Thank you." I said, as graciously as I could manage.

Rosalie wound her arm around Edward's and pulled him off towards the dining room. I glared at her retreating back.

I turned to Emmet as soon as we were seated. "I'm so glad to see you."

"How are things?" He replied a concerned look in his eyes

"I'm unsure yet, this house is strange."

"I have heard all sorts of rumours about the goings on at this estate Bella, strange sightings in the woods and in the cove, comings and goings in the night, wild parties, gaming and gambling. You name it."

"Oh Emmet, you've as worrisome as Angela." I laughed trying to brush his comments aside along with the memory of the exchange between Lady Cullen and the mystery male voice.

I could not help but glance at Edward frequently during the meal and every time our eyes made contact I felt warm on the inside and blush coloured my cheeks.

I caught Emmet staring longingly down the table at Rosalie. "Emmet, how long are you going to haunt her steps until you finally get up the courage to ask her out?" I asked

Emmet looked exasperated "I cannot. She has eyes for no one but that damned Cullen."

"You never know how she will act until you take the risk Emmet. She'll never see you until you put yourself in the picture."

Emmet groaned and began concentrating on his dinner.

Following the meal we were invited to the grand ball room for drinks and dancing. Emmet sat and pined for Rosalie.

I watched.

Esme Cullen moved around the room, speaking to the large groups of gentlemen.

There seemed to be a lot of gentlemen here and few ladies. I wonder….

Each conversation resulted in stares in my direction making me feel increasingly uncomfortable, especially the penetrating stare of one man in particular. I leaned towards Emmet. "Who is that?" I asked nodding discretely in his direction

"That is James Mason. He can be found in Bath most weekends, gambling away his father's fortune and talking young ladies out of their virtue. He is an idle socialite."

I shivered. The weight of his stare made me uncomfortable.

Emmet had to return to the ship in the morning and left early. I excused myself claiming I was tired following my long journey today.

Relief washed over me as I closed the door to my room and slid the bolt. I lay down and questions flooded my head. But one in particular plagued me. What were Edward's intentions for me? I closed my eyes exhausted.

That was the first night I dreamed of Edward Cullen.