I still own nothing, but I do own a house that is now covered in Christmas lights.

I can't say THANK YOU enough to those of you who have alerted, favorited, and reviewed this story. You are beyond kind with you words of encouragement.

Let's hear a little more from Bella, shall we? It will get a little bumpy, be prepared.

BPOV

Once I returned home from town, I prepared a simple soup and left it to simmer until it was time for supper. I knew that possibility of rain was always looming, so while I still had daylight on a sunny day, I set about patching the roof. I gathered the small mallet and a small piece of wood from the barn as well as the nails that I had purchased earlier in the day. Lifting the small ladder from the wall of the barn on my way out, I dropped the nails in my apron pocket. As I exited the barn, I heard the distinct sound of carriage wheels.

Coming around to the front of the cottage, I was greeted by Pastor and Mrs. Webber and their daughter, Angela. She ran ahead of her parents and wrapped her arms around me in a tight embrace.

"I thought you would come to visit today. I have missed you dearly, Isabella."

"I had planned on stopping in, but the day has just gotten away and there were so many chores left that needed my attention. But do tell me, what has brought you all the way out here?" I asked as I reached out to grasp the hand of Pastor Webber.

He took hold of both of my hands and took a deep breath before responding. "As you know, Mr. Cullen's passing has left Collingsworth Hall vacant for a few months." I nodded in understanding and he continued. "His nephew has inherited the estate and I have been informed that he has taken residence in the manor and has planned to see to the management himself. He will be making the rounds to present himself to the tenant farmers in the very near future. I thought you would like some time to prepare."

I knew what he was saying. The cottage we lived in was previously inhabited by tenant farmers on Collingsworth. Once Mr. Cullen's nephew knew of our circumstance, he could demand that we either work the land, sharing the profits with the estate, or vacate the property so that it could be inhabited by someone who would be willing to do so.

I closed my eyes and took a long breath to steady myself before asking, "Do you know what sort of man he is?"

Pastor Webber's brow drew together in a frown and he was thoughtful for a moment. Finally, he looked up and answered, "Isabella, if you are asking me if he will be understanding to your plight, I have no way of knowing. He may be compassionate and allow you to stay. His uncle was a kind and generous man. I have to believe he is of the same form and will be kind to you as well. But the truth of it is, I cannot say with any assurance what sort of man he is."

"Thank you, Pastor Webber. I suppose only time will tell and there is nothing to be done until we have met him. Please, come have some tea and visit with my father. I know he will be overjoyed to see you."

I led them into the house for tea and my father and I spent the better part of the afternoon laughing and enjoying some sweet moments with my friends. Just before suppertime, the Webbers took their leave, insisting that their own supper was waiting at home. I promised to call in on them later in the week when I came into town with my eggs.

I decided to wait supper just a short while longer and tend to the patch on the roof while there was still daylight. Going back outside, I quickly placed the ladder next to the side of the cottage and climbed up, board in hand. Placing it over the worn area, I quickly nailed it in place and dropped the mallet to the ground before stepping down the ladder.

Just as I reached the last few steps, I heard a man's voice behind me. I jumped, startled that I had not heard him approach and missed the last steps. I braced myself, expecting to land hard on the ground. I am certain I let out a yelp when I was caught up by the arms that I assumed belonged to the voice that startled me to begin with.

I turned and looked up and was met by the same shocking green eyes that I had encountered in the marketplace earlier in the day. It seemed all the air had vacated my lungs and I quickly gasped in a breath.

"Are you well?" he whispered. I desperately wanted him to speak fully. I was sure his voice was as beautiful as his countenance.

I finally found my voice and answered, "Yes. I am so very sorry. I must have lost my balance and was – " My words were interrupted when my father came bursting through the door of the cottage and leveled his firearm at the man who held me tightly in his arms.

I turned quickly and looked at my father, who was staring down the barrel of his revolver at the man standing beside me. "Papa, please." I begged him breathlessly.

"What are your intentions, young man?" My father growled out.

To his credit, the man remained calm as he addressed my father. "Sir, clearly there has been a misunderstanding. I have no intention of – " His words quickly stopped when my father stepped closer and raised the revolver to just inches from the man's face.

"You have no intentions? You come here and place your hands on my daughter and expect me to allow you to walk away and disregard her reputation and place in society? You are no gentleman, sir!"

I was stunned at my father's boldness to not only insult this stranger, but to report to him a standing in society that was certainly much more than we enjoyed at that moment. This man certainly knew we were not his social match, but I suppose that when you are confronted with a firearm, you have no care for society's rules of standing.

I understood in that moment that my father firmly believed that we had never lost our estate and that he was truly defending the honor of his daughter who was still a lady. Because of this, I knew beyond all doubt that this stranger, this beautiful man beside me was in great danger. If my father thought he was going to bring me dishonor, he would not hesitate to shoot to defend me. I needed to do something quickly to protect this man.

I turned and immediately addressed the stranger. "Sir, please, just agree with whatever he says. He will not hurt you if you comply with his demands."

He looked bewildered and I had no idea if he understood how precarious his situation was. I leaned closer and whispered, "Please, I will explain everything. Just agree with whatever he asks."

"I have no demands, save one. You, Sir, will make an honorable woman of my daughter, or you will suffer the consequences." My father was livid and his face was becoming more crimson by the moment. I began to fear for his health. He turned to address the driver who had remained silent during the entire exchange.

"You there, what is your name?" My father was shouting now.

"Yorkie, Sir. Eric Yorkie." The poor driver was glancing quickly between my father and the man at the point of his gun. I am certain he was weighing the possible outcomes should he attempt to aid his employer.

"Ready that carriage. We will all ride together to see the Justice." With that, my father turned and climbed into the carriage and looked at the stranger and I expectantly. After observing our hesitation, he once again raised the revolver toward the man beside me. I was stunned when the man took hold of my wrist and pulled me behind him, placing himself between my father's firearm and me.

"It will not do to have you put in harm's way, Miss." He stated this so quietly and I was devastated by his desire to protect me while his own life was threatened by my father.

Slowly, we began to walk forward. Placing his hand under my forearm, he helped me up into the carriage where we all took our seats. I sat beside the stranger as my father sat in the center of the opposite seat, not allowing a space to share it. I thought he could surely hear my heart beating. It felt as though it would beat out of my chest.

I glanced up at my father, who smiled indulgently at me then turned to watch the passing scenery. There was no doubt that he believed he was rescuing my honor from a man whose name I did not even know. I glanced sideways at this man and saw him staring intently at my father's revolver. It was then that he turned his gaze on me and spoke quietly.

"Might I at least learn the name of my intended?"

I could not meet his gaze as I whispered, "Isabella, Sir."

"Well, Isabella, I would say that it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, however, since I have every fear for my life in this moment, you will have to allow me to reserve judgment until a later date."

I had no idea how to respond to his words, so I remained silent. It was only a few minutes until we arrived at the home of the Justice. The man climbed down from the carriage under the watchful eye of my father and his firearm and raised his hand to assist me from the carriage as well. Once we were all dismounted, we made our way to the door, which was already open and we were greeted by Mrs. Clearwater, the Justice's wife.

"Mrs. Clearwater, we are in need of your husband's services this fine evening. My Isabella is to be wed!" My father seemed thrilled at the thought, while I was afraid of falling to tears. I had not cried since we had lost our estate and did not wish to start again today. Tears were of no use when your survival depended on strength of character and keeping your wits about you. Becoming overly emotional would not be helpful in this moment.

Mrs. Clearwater's brow immediately shot up nearly to her hairline as she turned to me. "Would you like to come with me and freshen up, dear?"

"Yes, please."

I felt terrible about leaving the man alone with my father, but thought this may be my only chance to seek assistance from someone who could stop this madness. Mrs. Clearwater led me into a smaller sitting room and called for Justice Clearwater to join us.

"Isabella? What has transpired? How is it that you come here to be wed, of all things?" They both looked expectantly at me and I tried my best to answer her questions, telling them all that had happened this evening.

"What shall we do? I fear my father will do him harm if we do not proceed?"

Justice Clearwater thought for a moment before finally pulling out a marriage certificate and a quill. He began writing the information in the proper spaces as he spoke.

"We will proceed just as we would for any other wedding. When the ceremony is over, we will instruct the gentleman that he is not to sign the document. It will be just as if it were a rehearsal of sorts. There will be no legal binding of the marriage. I will make certain your father sees the certificate with our signatures witnessing the marriage and will make it appear that the gentleman is signing within your father's sight. After all is done, I will see your father home and my wife will return you to your home by breakfast in the morning. Will this suffice?"

"Sir, I think it is our best hope. Thank you. His memory is worse by the day and I believe you are correct that by morning, he will have forgotten the events of this evening altogether."

After a few more moments to straighten my hair and remove my apron, we re-entered the larger sitting room where my father and the stranger stood immediately. Justice Clearwater quickly began placing us for the false ceremony.

"Isabella, you stand here, facing me. And you, Sir…"

"Edward."

"Yes, Edward, stand here next to Isabella. Very well, let us begin."

Edward. Edward. It was a fitting name. He looked like an Edward. My mind registered that there were words being spoken in the background and that there were actually other people in the room, but all I was able to truly comprehend were his even breaths next to me. At one point, he gently took my hand and turned me to face him. I stared intently at his hand holding mine as I recited words without really knowing what I was saying. It was that brief moment that I allowed myself to believe that this was real. That he truly wanted to marry me and build a future with me. That I had a future to offer him. I turned my face up to his, finally gathering enough courage to meet his eyes. He was gazing intently at me, but as our eyes met, his gaze seemed to soften somewhat. He released one of my hands and gently ran his thumb across my cheek, wiping away tears I had not even known were falling.

I found it almost difficult to breathe. He was showing such gentleness to me in that moment. I felt a horrible weight of guilt for the imposition he was facing. My father had caused him great discomfort because of me. He had no idea of the plan that had been set in motion between myself and Justice Clearwater. I could only hope he would be understanding.

Only a few moments passed and were were turned to face the only three in attendance to witness my humiliation: my father, Mrs. Clearwater, and the carriage driver. We were pronounced husband and wife. Thankfully, there was no declaration of Mr. and Mrs. Justice Clearwater was a wise man in making no such public announcement.

Immediately, my father gathered me into his arms and held me tightly to him. "There is no father more proud of a child than I am today. You have become a beautiful woman and I have no doubt you will be a good wife to your husband."

I was stunned at his words. My father was kind and loving, but the words were rare to fall from his lips. It was sorrowful that they were spoken in the face of a false event. He would not remember in the morning, and our lives would continue on. But for this moment, I knew my father was proud of me.

I was handed off to Justice and Mrs. Clearwater who embraced me and whispered their assurances that all would be well. It would be explained to the gentleman once my father was gone. Mrs. Clearwater pulled me by hand to the next room to give me the revolver that my father had relinquished to her husband. He was insistent that a wedding was no place for a firearm and took it from my father's hands to ensure the safety of all involved.

"Are you well, Isabella? Would you care for some water?"

"Yes, Mrs. Clearwater, I would very much like some water. I have never been more frightened for anyone in my life. I am certain he will despise me for this imposition."

"Now, now. Just keep yourself calm, dear girl. Justice Clearwater is surely now allowing your father to see the document and will send him home with our driver momentarily. Once he is away, we will take this matter in hand and I am sure all will be understood and forgiven."

She seemed so certain and calm. I could not help but be hopeful that she was correct in regards to the gentleman's… Edward's response to our situation. She brought me a glass of water, which I sipped gratefully, and then gestured for me to walk ahead of her into the sitting room.

As we entered the room, the heads of the Justice, the carriage driver and Edward turned quickly in our direction. Their expressions were unreadable. Edward glanced toward his driver, and gaining his attention, nodded once. As the driver headed outside, Edward immediately turned his eyes back to me. They were no longer warm and gentle as they had been this afternoon. They now seemed cold and distant. His mouth was set in a hard line. He stepped forward and held his hand out toward me before asking, "Are you prepared to leave now, wife?"

The way he spoke, with the stern set of his jaw, caused my blood to run cold. I had no knowledge of this man, or why he was prepared to leave with me. Justice Clearwater embraced me and placed his cheek against mine before whispering, "He signed the document, Isabella. He signed it immediately before you even left the room with my wife. I am afraid there is nothing to be done, at least not this evening. I will make inquiries in the morning regarding an annulment. I am very sorry."

I felt the panic set in as I realized I was truly married to this man. Only minutes ago, I had fantasized about that very thing and now it seemed a nightmare. I would be leaving this house with my … husband, and joining him in his carriage. I had never been with a man unchaperoned. I am certain the fear I felt was evident on my face as I met his angry eyes.

"Come. I am tired and want to be home and done with this day. Let us go now." He was still holding out his hand toward me. With a last glance at Mrs. Clearwater's nervous face, I reached out and placed my hand in his. He immediately closed his fingers around mine and pulled me toward the door. "Thank you for your services this evening, Justice. I am certain we will see each other soon." And with that he pulled me out into the night.

We had been traveling by carriage for a few miles when the silence became unbearable. I finally found my voice. "Sir, you should know, my father's actions this evening – " He spoke before I could finish.

"You have accomplished what you set out to do, no?" He asked angrily.

"I do not understand."

"Were you lying in wait for me to come to you? Or perhaps the opportunity presented itself and you simply chose to take advantage of it rather than waiting me out? Either way, you should know, I shall have papers drawn up to prevent you from obtaining anything other than what you have now." He was clearly upset and I worried that I was only provoking him. I sat quietly for the moment.

It was only when we turned off the main road and onto the lane leading up to our destination that I felt the gravity of the situation. Panic set in and I was finding it difficult to breathe once again.

"This is your home?" I asked, hoping I was mistaken.

"You know it is."

I shook my head and looked back at him. "You are Mr. Cullen's nephew." I whispered when I felt like screaming. It was not a question, but a statement of realization. Had I not heard his full name earlier? Had I been so preoccupied with the circumstance that I had not even known the name I now carried as well?

He turned his cold eyes back to mine. "Yes. Edward Cullen, son of Carlisle and Esme Cullen, nephew to Robert Cullen, former owner of this estate. You conveniently neglected to inform me of your name as well, Ms. Swan. It does not escape my notice that this evening's events have benefitted you and your father greatly. You will forgive me if it takes some time to refer to you as a Cullen, since we rarely show the kind of deception and manipulation that you have this day."

I knew then that he believed I had somehow trapped him into this to regain the estate. Certainly he would know who we were after learning our surname. I must find a way to prove my innocence and to make amends for the inconveniences we had caused him. I sat back in my seat, saying nothing more. It would do no good to continue this conversation while he was so angry. Only moments later I looked up to see a sight I had not laid eyes on in nearly four years.

My childhood home.

Collingsworth Hall.