Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or any of its characters; they are all property of Stephenie Meyer.

Thank you Cullenfest for being the pre-reader for this story.

Please forgive any mistakes…

I found out that I have been nominated for a few different awards ...one U A…one for my one shot My Saving Grace(please take a moment to read it as it actually almost made my husband cry) And I believe a co-written story called within these walls. I have no idea who nominated me…but thank you so much…please let me know who you are so I can thank you properly.(I just realized that I mistakenly said this story received a nomination in the last chapter I posted because I cut and pasted the same info…duh!)

If you wouldn't mind taking a moment to cast a vote…it starts Today!…it would really mean a great deal to me. I have been nominated…but have never won anything. It would be amazing to have my work recognized….and to know that my fans appreciate the work I put into it.

Thanks!

http:/ /vamp awards/ (just take out the spaces.)

A tale

Chapter 10

Edward's POV

I sat by the roaring fire and shook. Every inch of my skin broke out into gooseflesh even as the heat caused a slight sheen of sweat on my brow. That monster was staring at Lady Isabella. I could almost see the licentious thoughts that passed through his foul mind…..and it was all I could do to rein myself in a keep from striking the man to the floor before impaling a dagger into his chest up to the hilt.

I had been watching Lady Isabella…she looked flushed and uncomfortable…I worried that the journey had not agreed with her and it was only when I glanced over at the Lord of the house to act as if I had any interest in the drivel he spouted that I noticed the covetous glance he emitted. I turned, praying that he looked upon his wife…surely in the same room as one's own spouse his eyes would be riveted to her…but it was not so.

I clenched my hands as the realization struck my heart….he desired her. My eyes raked over her delicate frame…her shining tresses and glowing skin, the way her bosom heaved alluringly against the silken fabric of her dress…I saw her with the same covetous eyes…but my desires were honorable…I wished to wed her…not merely to bed her. This man was a scoundrel…who from what I understood used many women for his own pleasures. I would not allow him to view the lovely Isabella in such a manner.

I studied her face then, trying to find a semblance of calm in her staggering beauty, she captured me like a siren would a sailor. I gazed up to her deep brown eyes that saw to my very soul…and froze as I saw them gazing directly into my own. A glint of something passed through their swirling depths and I was fraught with desire. The desire to protect her…the desire to love her…the desire to claim her body with my own as a man would a woman. Never had I desired something more than Isabella.

I was lost in her eyes…the way they shone with so many unspoken words. They were like storm clouds…moving…turbulent…yet hiding the glory of whatever lay beneath their surface. I wanted to brush away the clouds and delve into whatever they sheltered.

The murmur of conversation caught my ear and I heard my brother speak up, turning my face reluctantly away from my personal enchantress to show that I was indeed heeding his words.

"I cannot imagine we should need to stay for too long, Sir James. Lady Isabella was an unexpected addition…We must return home with her…She is of a delicate constitution." Emmett explained to the foul brute that hid behind his title.

"Ahhh…yes…The Lady Isabella…She is most assuredly of fine formation." The swine retorted, twisting the meaning of my brother's words. My eyes narrowed in anger at the implication of his words. It was only Emmett's words that came quickly in rebuttal that kept me seated.

"You speak out of place, Sir James. I mean that the Lady Isabella is of fragile structure…She has rarely travelled due to her health…A few days of rest before we continue home should be just enough for her to recuperate." Emmett reprimanded as I silently seethed.

"I meant no disrespect, Your Grace." James said inclining his head to my brother. "I only meant to give praise to such an exquisite example of the female form. I assure you that had I ever heard of such beauty I would have sought out to make her my own." Sir James said with a leering grin as his eyes honed in on Lady Isabella.

My anger was thick and choking in its intensity…it felt as if I had inhaled smoke from a severe fire from the way my chest burned around my heart. His own? What meaning had those words? Dare he, a man already wed, with many mistresses I was sure, make jest about wishing to claim the pure and innocent beauty that was Lady Isabella? I spoke before my wit could catch up with my mouth.

"I request that you hold your tongue when you speak of my betrothed in my presence. Perhaps if you fancy the company of a Lady you should seek out your wife?" I hissed only loud enough that Emmett and James could hear me.

Sir James's eyes widened at my admission and Emmett closed his as he lifted a hand to press it to the bridge of his nose. I knew my utterance had caused him dismay, but I refused to rescind my words.

"Lord Edward…I had no idea you were engaged!" Sir James said brashly. "And to such a dazzling creature…you must consider yourself amongst the luckiest of men! My apologies if I offended you or your future bride." He added as he rose to his feet shooing a servant from his side as he grasped a decanter full of crimson liquid and rejoined us. He poured some into our already empty goblets and raised his in the air.

"Let us raise a toast to Lord Edward and his beloved….May you both be granted long life, great riches and many sons!" Sir James said cheerfully.

Emmett glared at me for a moment before erasing his frown and replacing it with a sedate smile. He raised his drink in the air, mimicking Sir James. I silently did the same, drinking deeply from it in my embarrassment while still refusing to correct what I had stated falsely.

As I lowered my cup I chanced a look over at Lady Isabella and saw her face as she spoke in hushed tones with Mary-Alice. Her face seemed drawn and pale…Her eyes radiated emotion…and she appeared very upset. I longed to take her in my arms…but even if James believed me to be her future husband such an intimate act would be dishonorable to her and her reputation….until I was actually her spouse I would only be permitted to be in her company amongst others, or suspect could arise at my intentions. I would never allow Lady Isabella's character to be questioned.

I vowed silently to myself that I would speak to Mary-Alice the moment this repast was over. I would have to find a way to speak to Jasper to ask for his sister's hand and pray that she accepted me. The moment she did I would have the preparations begun so she would be mine, and Sir James and every other man for that matter would have to maintain their distance from her.

Lady Isabella seemed to become more distraught and she and Mary-Alice departed bidding their goodnights and apologies for retiring so early. Lady Victoria soon departed as well, but only after her gaze lingered on her husband for a few moments.

He seemed not to even notice that his Lady was obviously desiring his attention for a moment…,and after a short time her gaze lowered and she left silently. Emmett rose to his feet a short time later, thanking Sir James for his hospitality, but regretfully informing him that he was due to inspect the grounds tomorrow and needed rest after the days travel.

The room grew quiet as I sipped the beverage Sir James had offered…the flavor was sweet, but it still left a bitter taste in my mouth…though that may have been due to the company of the man with whom I was trapped.

Bella's POV

Engaged?….His beloved?….the words rang out in my mind with the accuracy of a dagger, each time I recalled it the blade fell striking my heart, shattering the fragile hope that had blossomed there. Without my knowledge my hand had come to rest just above my heart and Lady Victoria glanced at me with a furrowed brow.

"Lady Isabella…are you quite alright?" She asked. I could not speak and Mary-Alice moved before me, taking my hand as she bade goodnight to Lady Victoria letting her know that it was most crucial that I rest at once. Lady Victoria nodded her head and replied with a gentle "Of course!"

Mary- Alice led me quickly down the halls. I paid no heed to the directions she chose, I was only aware of the fact that the one man I had ever been drawn to….the one man who had seemed kind and gentle enough to help me see past his gender… was already dedicated to another! How could I have been so blind?

I could hear Mary-Alice as she whispered words, but not a single thing she said seemed coherent. I could see her lips moving…but no sound issued forth. It was only when I found myself once more in the chambers where I had purged myself of the memories of my mother that I was able to let my emotions flow once more. I sank to my knees and cried…letting the sadness of my soul out for the world to hear.

"Shhhh, sister…All will be well you'll see. We shall leave here in a few short days…and never again will you ever have to see that foul little miscreant of a man!" Alice said as she stroked my hair away from my flushed face.

I tried to calm my tears…to catch the breath that fled from my chest so I was able to tell Alice that as much as I loathed James these tears were not for what he had done. My heart was filled with hate for him…these tears were the tears of a love that would never be…a love I had felt emerging for Edward.

There was a sudden knock on the door and Alice scurried to answer it. His Grace stood there in the torchlight from the hall a frown marring his masculine features. Alice pulled the door aside and he entered, his brow furrowing sooner as he took in my grief stricken state.

"Is this because of Sir James?" He asked uncertainly. Alice nodded, but I shook my head and he seemed confused by our contrasting responses. Alice however saw me shake my head and her face showed her confusion. She came back to my side once more, lowering herself beside me as she tried to look closely at me.

"Bella…Are you upset because of Sir James?" She questioned. Again I shook my head…"Then whatever is wrong?" She asked seriously.

"What's wrong is that our foolish younger brother had just informed Sir James that he is engaged to be married!" Emmett groaned as he raised his hands to the air in aggravation.

"He did what?" Alice retorted almost snorting as she spoke.

"He informed the Master of the house that he was affianced Alice….do you know what sort of conundrum this presents?" His Grace responded.

"Affianced…to whom?" Alice queried of her older brother, lifting slightly from her place at my side.

"To Isabella!" He answered gruffly as he gestured at me…"No wonder the poor woman is so upset…Surely she heard his false words…I am so sorry he caused you distress Lady Isabella…he only meant to defend your honor to James when he spoke improper words directed at you." Emmett said as he moved closer to his sister and I.

"He said I was his betrothed?" I asked hoarsely for clarification…The very idea made me light headed.

"In truth…however he did not mean to offend…he is very smitten with you, Lady Isabella… completely besotted to be honest. He spoke of this earlier…even commenting on wanting to make you his wife…but I thought he was just speaking half formed thoughts…I had no idea he planned to say such things to others." The large man said in a rush.

It was very odd to see this powerful man apologizing for telling me the most wondrous news I had ever received. I smiled through the now drying moisture and I giggled ridiculously. My mirth caused Alice to glance at me in consternation.

"Bella, whatever are you thinking in that pretty little head?" She asked curiously.

"I am just so pleased that Lord Edward is not marrying another….I...I." I hesitated to speak freely…but realizing that Mary-Alice and her brother were not likely to condemn me for speaking what was in my heart and on my mind the words loosed themselves from my tongue.

"I would happily wed him…if he wished to have me." I said lamely as I looked down to the ground.

I heard a groan and looked over to see his Grace with his hands over his face, his expression unreadable through his large hands. Was he angry with me?

"Of all the daft…Blasted love sick fools!" He muttered. I looked up fearful that Alice would despise me for feeling so fondly of her brother, but her eyes were glowing.

"Will Lord Edward not be angered when he realizes that I am not the Lady he thinks me to be? I questioned, fearful that the good Lord might become angered at being misled.

"Edward wouldn't not care if you were the lowliest of maid servants Isabella…He is too kind a man for his own good. He would love you no matter what…Edward has never found a woman that pleased him so…and I believe now that he has that he would never let you go. We will have to tell him when the time is right…I vow to you to take that task in hand personally. For now, you should just be yourself…you are not deceiving him to the extent you imagine…Your status is higher than you imagine it to be…Mary-Alice and I are merely restoring what was once yours…perhaps along with some additional honor bestowed for what you have endured… Do not fret dear one." Emmett said somewhat calmer than before.

"It is so romantic, isn't it, Emmett?" Mary-Alice said as she wrapped her arms tightly around me.

Emmett turned to look at his small framed sister before he sighed and nodded.

"It is inspiring, sister dearest…but Edward should have waited to ask after you had spoken to Jasper….He is going to arrive and have no idea who Edward is talking about when he asks for his sister's hand. What then, pray tell? Jasper exposes us all for our deception? We need to speak to Jasper before he inadvertently makes known what we have done….and we need to have Edward ask Jasper for her hand…properly before he makes a mockery." Emmett declared with authority.

"What shall we do first?" Alice asked her brother with respect.

"First I will go to Edward, acting on behalf of Isabella. I will ask him if his intentions are true, informing him that Lady Isabella has heard what he proclaimed to Sir James. If he so desires to marry her, and she is receptive to him, we will officially allow the engagement to stand awaiting Jasper's approval. Sister, are you sure your husband will play a part in this charade?" Emmett asked her gently.

"I know my Jasper, Emmett. It may have been an arranged marriage, but I love him dearly…and he returns that love. I know you and Edward have not had many opportunities to meet with him before now, but now that he is moving home with us you will…he will do whatever makes me happy…and this would make me so very happy…at last a sister of my own a true sister."

His Grace turned to me, his eyes serious.

"Lady Isabella…I have to formally ask Edward of his intentions, though I am already sure of where his heart lies…If he wishes you to be his intended…would you accept him, knowing he will be a good husband, who will care for you and any children your union may issue?"

I was almost lost for words as I recalled Alice asking me about children earlier. That same small child came to mind, only now her hair took on a familiar hue…a delicate shade of bronze. I could envision not only myself, but Edward as well, watching over her as she slept…protecting her. There was no question as to what my answer would be.

"I would happily accept him…today and every day hereafter." I answered as my heart expanded filling my chest with joy. "Being his wife would be an honor."