Marriage of Hate

Chapter 14

Edward Anthony Cullen POV

I've always kept the lands I grew up on, in a sacred part of my heart. I always believed it to be a beautiful estate but ever since Isabella walked into my life, my world has been turned upside down so much so, the sun shines brighter, the air that reaches my lungs is fresher, the food I eat is so much more savory. I had a new hunger for life, and it was amazing to wake up every day.

I believe it was the day after I arrived back on the estate that I ordered that the gardens be brought back to life. Isabella shared she loved gardening, so I planned on presenting to her the most grandeur garden to spend her afternoons in. All the servants were working happily and I believe it was due to not being yelled at, or punished for not working like mules. I planned to keep everyone on my land happy. I will not forget what it was like to suffer under a cruel owner.

I believed everyone was glad to be getting a new lady of the house. When I announced it at dinner to Peter and his daughter Tanya, she dropped her fork from the shock. Perhaps it was hard to believe I found love so quickly. I didn't want to accustom them to having an opinion on my personal business so I didn't ask for their thoughts.

Seeing as how Tanya had been running the house so well during my absence and the years before I got back, I asked her to continue doing so until my soon to be wife arrived. I had a feeling Tanya would struggle to find her place in the house since she'd always been in charge of all the other servants and their duties. I made it a point to speak to her about her new duties sometime soon. I trust it wouldn't be too much of a hard change.

Father Carlisle joined us for supper one after noon and we were discussing the clinics and schools I'd be building for the people of the towns around the estate. There were also water wells I planned on digging up. The people desperately needed water and I would make it possible for them to get the most basic of needs in life. He tried to convince me to build just the necessary, but I planned to construct different centers. The women were to feel comfortable seeking a physician where they felt they could discuss their symptoms without feeling embarrassed a man might over hear them. I've come to learn many wives went all their lives never being able to talk with their husbands about their bodies. Attending medical school I felt it was very important that Isabella always be honest to me about anything she might have a question about concerning her body.

"Why don't you listen son? I don't want you spending more than you need to"

"Godfather please, if I didn't feel it was possible I wouldn't be going forth with the planning"

"He's always been thick skulled" he said to Peter who was also sitting at the table accompanied by Tanya

"Will the schools be named after you Sir?" asked Tanya

"Oh no! Everything will be named after my future wife" I announced excitedly

Tanya began coughing rather violently. I got worried and made a move to help her but her father quickly acted and nodded she would be okay. I asked her if she was sure and she kept quietly the rest of the meal and ate very little afterward.

"Sir, who will be in charge of the clinic's accounts?" asked Peter

"I'll be needing an administrator of sorts but I'll be providing the supplies and paying the physicians myself. I already wrote Benjamin and asked him to hire the necessary personnel"

"Well sir, I was thinking that perhaps my daughter Tanya might be able to be of assistance at either the school or clinic"

I realized he had probably not discussed the idea over with her because she looked stunned and wide eyed

"Father! I've never been out of the house! What are you saying? Please don't send me away Master Edward!" she said very panicked

"Keep calm Tanya, I'm sure it was just an idea your father had, we can discuss the idea later, I am sure whatever service you provide will be just as necessary and appreciated"

"I just don't want to be sent away" she said fighting back tears

"Don't cry, please. We can discuss your obligations later" I said with a chuckle. I wouldn't be sending her away. I felt guilt not appeasing her mind this very moment but I wanted to speak to her father and ask the reasons he thought her working outside of the house would be good.

The restoration of the house was coming along very nicely. There were many men working hard to get the house ready in a few short weeks. I really needed to be pleased with the results to feel confident in bringing Isabella to live here. I needed her to feel like a queen.

We wrote each other back and forth quite regularly and I always waited for her letters anxiously. She continued to be reserved but I expected it all along. The ladies of her class didn't learn to speak openly to the opposite sex. I imagined even once they were married they continued to practice modesty.

"Sir Edward?" Tanya broke me from my thoughts

"There's a letter for you" she said while handing me a blue folded letter

"It's surely from Isabella!" I took it from her hands

She was on her way back out of my study when I decided to talk to her about my expectations

"Tanya wait! Please close the door and take a seat"

For some reason she turned crimson and I hoped I wasn't making her uncomfortable

"I want to speak to you about what your role might be once my future wife arrives"

"Please sir, I promise to stay out the way. I don't wish to be sent out of the house"

"Don't worry, I didn't have plans to send you to work at the clinics or school. I would like for you to please take the time to teach Isabella how to run the household. She's not accustomed to giving orders-…"

"Does she not already have maids?" she asked confused

"She does, but as you can imagine, it is her mother who decides what will be cooked for meals and what every servant's job for that day or week is. You know there are many things a lady of the house needs to be in charge of"

"I believe it would be a hard job to place on her shoulders sir, especially if she's not used to knowing what needs to be sacrificed and to not waste what is already killed. Life out here is very different to the city"

"That is why I am asking you to take the time to show her, I believe you two could be good friends. Isabella is sweet, soft spoken and sees life the same way I do in many ways"

"And if she doesn't like me? What if she doesn't approve of my living on the estate?"

"I don't see why there would be a problem, you've been here many years and I think you've done a well job"

"You do?" she smiled

"Yes" I reassured her "So please, be of assistance to her when she arrives"

"Of course sir. May I ask a question?" she asked

I nodded

"Once she's learned everything there is to learn, what will be my role?"

"We'll decide that when the time comes, I'm sure there's something else you can be in charge of. Who knows, perhaps even Isabella's personal maid"

Her excitement dissipated but I'm sure she was just nervous. Tanya was a very good worker and I believe whole heartedly she would continue to be a good worker once Isabella arrived.

A/N: I am really trying to make writing this story a priority and have already started on the next chapter. Please let me know what you think! Enjoy:)

P.S. I got a question from someone but wasn't able to answer due to their messaging being private. This story is from a soap opera and it's explained in my profile.