Still don't own it. Still wish I did.

Wow. You guys are amazing. I am overwhelmed at your response to this story. I have been awful about replying to reviews as usual, but I already have much of the next chapter written, so hopefully a quicker update will help you forgive me. So, if I haven't replied and said 'thanks' well, "Thank You!"

BPOV

"James Smith? Isabella, are you implying that you know that man as James Smith?"

"I am not implying anything. I am informing you with absolute certainty that man is James Smith. I have known him most of my life and there is no mistaking his identity."

Edward continued to stare at me blankly as though he could not comprehend the words as they left my mouth. Suddenly he was in motion, pulling me behind him and away from the window as he kept his eyes on the man now holding his full attention.

"Edward, what is –"

"TYLER!" He did not look away from the window as he shouted for Tyler and my quest for an explanation was unheard and unanswered. I heard the door open behind me as Tyler rushed into the room and quickly presented himself to Edward at the window.

"Sir?" Edward lifted his hand and indicated the man in question as he addressed Tyler.

"Who is that man? What name do you know him by?"

Tyler looked closely at Mr. Smith before offering an answer.

"Sir, his name is Hamilton, Joshua Hamilton. He was hired for the gardens."

Edward turned to face Tyler and gauge his response. "You hired him personally?"

"I did, sir, yes."

"I require his papers. I want his letters of character and reference and anything else you have. Retrieve them now please, and inform Jasper that I require him in the study in ten minutes." Turning to me, he gently took hold of my arm and pulled me toward the door. Confusion and worry set in as I could not comprehend his sudden tense manner. Pulling my arm from his grasp, I came to a halt, causing him to stop and turn immediately. "Isabella, come with me."

"What is it, Edward? What has caused your alarm?"

"Isabella, do not be difficult. Please, let me ensure that you are safely away so that I may sort this issue." Reaching back he grasped my hand, pulling me forward once again as he was intently focused on removing me from the room. It was when we reached the staircase that I realized what he had said.

"Safely away? What is the danger?" Again, my voice was unheard as his focus was elsewhere. At the landing, Jasper rounded the corner and Edward stopped abruptly.

"Have you spoken with Tyler?"

"I have. All of the documentation is in the study and Tyler is now gathering the employment papers. We will get this sorted, Edward. He has foolishly exposed himself and will be held accountable for his actions."

"Good. I will settle Isabella and join you shortly. Thank you, Jasper."

Unwilling to wait for a response, Edward turned and began to lead me down the corridor toward our room. Once inside, he closed and locked the door only to turn and begin searching through the wardrobe for some unknown item. I called his name twice, receiving no response. Something was horribly wrong and I could only imagine the severity of it to have unnerved him so entirely. Finally, after pulling a small bundle of linen from the lower drawer of the cabinet, he began to speak while unwrapping what I believed was a firearm.

"I will send Jane to pack your things and prepare you for travel. If there are particular items you wish to take, you should gather them as well."

At his words, I began to shake and could feel traitorous tears falling unhindered. He was sending me away and it was due to the presence of Mr. Smith. Surely he had not been told a falsehood regarding Mr. Smith and myself. Had I confirmed some rumor by recognizing this man. I could not imagine what scenario would cause him to dispense of me so suddenly. I had no option but to beg for his leniency.

"Edward, please, whatever it is you are thinking, I do not – I have no – I only recognized him from our household here. I have not been acquainted with Mr. Smith for four years. Please, hear me." Hearing my plea and the broken sob that escaped immediately following, Edward looked up, his expression turned to shock and he was across the room pulling me into his arms before I could register what was occurring.

"What can you be thinking, love? I have no thought of something untoward or illicit. I only meant to provide for your safety. Oh, sweetheart, do not cry." Cupping my face in his hands, he smoothed his thumbs across my cheeks, wiping away the tears before wrapping me once again in his arms. My relief quickly turned to worry as his words sank in.

"Why would I not be safe in our home?"

"Bella, we have information that would seem to prove that Mr. Smith was heavily involved in the loss of your home four years ago. I think it might be wise to remove you from Collingsworth while we settle this business."

"I do not wish to go."

"It will not be your decision. However, I will agree to reserve that determination until I have spoken with Jasper. Will you rest now? I will return to you shortly and we can discuss it further."

Knowing I would not have his full attention until the matter was resolved, I nodded in agreement. Smiling softly, Edward leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on my forehead before releasing me and stepping away. Truthfully, I was tired from the simple exertions of the morning. It seemed that I needed rest after the easiest of activities since my illness, but I was growing stronger each day. Edward had remarked just this morning that he noticed more color in my cheeks. Of course, this only caused a blush which elicited a rich laugh from him at the irony.

Walking across the room, I sat on the edge of the bed as Edward lifted my feet and removed my slippers, placing my feet under the quilt. Grasping my hand, he placed a gentle kiss on my palm before turning my hand over and repeating the action. Giving it a final squeeze, he released my hand and quickly left the room, closing the door behind him.

My mind was racing with a mixture of curiosity, worry, fear, and dread. Why was Mr. Smith employed as a gardener? More importantly, why was Edward so concerned regarding Mr. Smith's employment? In my exhaustion, I could not force my mind to process it. I chose to clear my head and let sleep come, hoping to have a candid discussion with Edward later.

It seemed I had been sleeping for hours. My arms and legs felt as though they had anchors holding them down as I tried to rouse from my slumber. The room was cold and dark. It seemed the fire had burned itself out at some point and no one had bothered to tend it. My first thought was that it was unlike Edward to allow the fire to dwindle, causing fear to begin to well up as I considered what that might mean. Feeling a breeze, I turned my head in the direction of the window, knowing the bit of moonlight streaming in there might illuminate the room.

My body froze in fright at the sight before me. Beside the window stood Mr. Smith, staring intently at me with a sneer on his face. I tried desperately to find my voice as he began to stalk toward me with an evil glint in his eye.

"Bella!" I heard Edward calling for me in the distance as Mr. Smith's hands grasped my arms, pulling my body up from the bed. Crying out for help and swinging my fists at him seemed futile until I heard Edward's voice in my ear.

"Bella, sweetheart, look at me. Open your eyes and look at me!"

Opening my eyes, I was met with Edward's worried face. One arm was wrapped around me, holding me against his chest as the other held my wrists, restraining them from their assault on him. Looking around the room, I immediately noticed the sunshine pouring into the room from the window and the fire burning brightly in the hearth. Realizing that I had been dreaming, I clutched at Edward's shirt as he held me tightly.

"James was here. He was watching me by the window. He – he was angry, he –"

"Shhh, all is well, Bella. You were dreaming, love." He began to gently stroke my back as he held me and my crying waned. Finally able to control my breathing and tears, I looked up at him to find him watching me closely.

"I am sorry, Edward." I felt foolish for my hysteria and hoped he had not been unduly alarmed.

"Why do you apologize for something out of your control? It was a dream, nothing more. I am sorry that you were frightened." After a moment, he released me to rest back on the pillows as he reached for a glass of water beside the bed. Offering it to me, he waited until I was finished before replacing it to the table and asking, "Will you tell me?"

I closed my eyes trying to remember the details. I knew it must be the tension and fear that I felt before my nap that had caused my mind to create such a vivid picture and I had little desire to relive it in words. Edward waited patiently for me to begin.

"I woke to a dark room and a cold hearth. There were no sounds, as though the house were empty. Mr. Smith was here, in this room. He stood by the open window and was angry. I could not find my voice to call for help." I quickly brushed away the tears that had fallen as I finished speaking. "I know it was a dream, and I feel so foolish for causing you to worry."

I glanced up and found Edward watching me with a tender expression. He brought his hand up to gently run his fingers through my hair, pushing it from my face as he whispered words of comfort.

"It was just that, Bella. A dream. You are safe and warm and loved. I will not leave you alone. Your body and mind are exhausted from your illness and the stresses of the last couple of months. It is not surprising that you cannot escape it even in sleep."

I will not leave you alone. His words echoed inside my head as I considered how to ask him about Mr. Smith's presence at the estate. Edward feared for my safety, yet I feared how my heart might suffer at being sent away from him. I decided to seek the most important answer first. "Will you force me to leave you?"

His eyes immediately snapped to mine, holding my gaze for a moment before he scrubbed his hands over his face and stood, walking toward the fire. After a few minutes of silence, he turned to face me.

"I have no wish to send you away, but I must be prepared to protect you." Heaving a sigh, he continued. "I have asked Jasper to come and explain what he has found regarding James Smith. Are you prepared to have this conversation now?"

I nodded in affirmation, hoping that my racing mind might be put at ease once I knew everything.

"Very well. I will have Jane bring up tea while I find Jasper." Walking toward the door, he turned and looked in my direction, but did not meet my eyes as he spoke. "Bella, I cannot tell you how sorry I am for bringing such turmoil into our lives. It seems I am unable to provide a peaceful home for you." He did not wait for a response, but exited the room closing the door behind him.

I was stunned. And angry. Turmoil was my life before Edward and while, yes, the beginning of our marriage was difficult, he had given me more security, comfort, and peace than I had known in years. I could not allow him to shoulder the blame for something that was beyond his control. Rosalie, Tanya, and even James Smith were all responsible for their own actions.

Knowing that I had more pressing thoughts to process, I rose from the bed, saw to my personal needs and brushed through my hair, braiding it and leaving it to fall down my back loosely. As I slid my feet back into my slippers, the door opened and Edward entered the room, crossing to me quickly and pulling me against him, wrapping one arm around my back and cradling my head against his chest with the other. The intensity of his embrace was startling and felt as though he had feared I might not be here when he returned. Leaning back, I looked up, catching his eyes with mine.

"What is it?"

"I love you, my Bella." His lips pressed gently against mine as his hands came up to tangle in my hair. I could feel his panic as the kiss became desperate. His hands turning and tilting my face to the angle he desired. His tongue seeking mine, tangling and forceful. Though he was always passionate, this was different. This was the kiss of a man who worried it might be his last.

Pulling away from his kiss, I brought my hands up to cup his face, searching his eyes. "What has happened, Edward? Please, you are frightening me."

"I am worried for your safety. The thought that you might be placed at risk is more than I can bear." Heaving a sigh, he grasped my hand and tugged me forward. "Come, Jasper is waiting in the sitting room with my parents and Alice. We will tell you all that we know and perhaps you can enlighten us as to the things we have yet to understand."

A few minutes later, as I was seated with a cup of tea, Jasper began to explain all that he had come to know regarding James Smith.

"Isabella, I believe we have a fairly clear timeline for Mr. Smith, however, if there are discrepancies that you recognize, please inform me immediately so that we might have an entirely correct account." At my nod of agreement, he continued. "To the best of our knowledge, Smith was hired by your father eleven years ago. At this time, he assumed responsibility for the household expenses and payroll, requiring only Mr. Swan's signature on the documentation before it was distributed to the creditors and employees. I would venture a guess that after six years as a trusted employee, Smith had gained Mr. Swan's favor and was given a free hand over the estate finances. The difficulty began as your father's health began to deteriorate. It became nearly effortless for Smith to reallocate the income from the estate to his personal accounts with Mr. Swan in no condition to question the discrepancies. Isabella, do you recall at what point you became involved with the estate finances?"

I thought for a moment before answering. I had been completely oblivious to the fact that the estate was in financial peril. It was only when a creditor had come to the estate to get my father's signature on some paperwork involving the transfer of funds that I began to question the accuracy of the accounts. I remember distinctly that it was early spring as I had been in the rose garden inspecting the new growth that had begun there when Smith informed me of the presence of the creditor. It was that day that I knew our time at Collingsworth would be short.

"I believe that it was the early spring. I began to look at every account and every expenditure. I could not make them balance and knew that something was amiss."

"I suspected as much. We have tracked back all of the estate deposits and expenditures and can prove a direct correlation between the estate and Mr. Smith's private accounts. Do you understand what I am telling you, Isabella?"

I nodded in response. "You are saying, very simply, that Mr. Smith is a thief. That he took a substantial amount of money from the estate and fled when he thought it might be discovered." My memories of that time were consumed with how the loss of our home would affect my father and me. I had worried about the staff and how quickly we could place them in other homes so to ensure their continued employment. I had not considered that the discrepancies in the accounts could be discovered. That the loss of the estate could have been avoided. My attention was returned to the conversation in the room as Edward seated himself beside me, removing my teacup and saucer from my shaking hands and handing it to someone behind us. As I met his gaze, I found him watching me carefully as Jasper continued his explanation.

"Exactly. The difficulty we are faced with now is that we cannot discern his intentions. He gave a false name when he gained employment here. None of the prior employees remained here, so his deception was plausible." He paused and looked to Edward, who nodded slightly before continuing. "Isabella, we are concerned that he has returned to Collingsworth to perhaps exact revenge. It was only when you began to question the accuracy of the finances that he lost his easy income. It is possible that he blames you for his incomplete acquisition."

I began to shake my head and stood to pace the area as I spoke. "That is not logical, Jasper. There was no more income to be had. He had already stolen most of the fortune of Collingsworth."

Edward stood and joined his father behind the desk near the window. They began to line up the documents before them, rearranging and folding pages. The only sound in the room was the rustling of paper and the pounding of my heart, although I was sure that it was unheard by anyone but me. Once they had the documentation settled, Edward held his hand out to me.

"Come here, Bella. Let me show you something." Joining him behind the desk, he wrapped an arm around my waist as he drew his finger down the page to a substantial number on an accounting log. "Have you any idea exactly how prosperous Collingsworth Estate truly is? This is the income for the last month alone. A winter month at that. Imagine what the amount will be once the fields are harvested and the orchards are producing."

I am certain my face displayed my utter shock at what he implied. My eyes flew between his face and the numbers indicated on the log before me. When I was able to speak, the words came out in a whisper. "You are certain these numbers are correct?"

Edward's eyes softened as he brushed a stray hair from my cheek. "You truly had no idea. Yes, love, the numbers are correct. We have been very careful in our accounting and there are no discrepancies that have not been accounted for. I can detail all of it for you if you wish, but as we may be limited on time, I must ask you to trust me. Will you?"

Snapping my eyes to his immediately, I answered without hesitation. "Always. I will always trust you, Edward."

His gentle smile and the feel of his arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me closer to his warm body caused all other thoughts for flee. I was completely lost in his gaze as I realized that I did trust him entirely. I had since the day we met and I trusted him to understand as I explained our odd circumstances. I trusted him to keep his word and care for my father. I trusted him with my heart as I admitted my love for him, hoping he would love me in return. Trusting him to navigate our lives through whatever vile agenda James Smith had concocted. A throat clearing beside me pulled me from my thoughts as I slowly averted my eyes from Edward's penetrating stare. Lifting my eyes to the others present in the room, I caught Alice's wide smile and could not help the blush that covered my skin as Esme shook her head, laughing softly. Turning my attention once again to Jasper, I asked his opinion on my newly gained information.

"What is it you believe Mr. Smith hopes to gain by his presence here?"

Sitting on the edge of the desk, Jasper took a deep breath before speaking. "I cannot know his intentions, however, I believe there can be no good in it. He brought the estate to near ruin, thwarted only by your discovery of his seemingly poor accounting. It is my belief that he intended to bankrupt Collingsworth, leaving it worth very little at auction. With the income he had stolen he could easily purchase the estate and restore it to its prior grandeur while holding no guilt or care for the lives he devastated in his quest for riches and power."

"And you believe he holds me accountable for his failing?"

"I do."

"What are we to do now?"

Edward took my hands in his and kept his eyes on his thumbs as they gently stroked over my knuckles. His words were quiet, but resolved. "We believe the best course of action is to allow him to remain in the employment of the estate so that we may carefully observe his actions in hopes of learning his intent. We will know his whereabouts at all times as well as limit his access to the manor. Should he move to cause harm, it will be our best chance to thwart his efforts."

"And what of my father? Is he in peril?" The thought of my father at Mr. Smith's mercy, unable to even recall ever having known him was overwhelming. I could bear any difficulty we might face as long as I knew my father was well. Carlisle stepped forward and addressed my concerns immediately.

"Isabella, I have taken your father's care personally. I realize we did not discuss this, but as you were struggling with fever, I could not leave him to a physician who could not attend him daily. You do know how he has progressed? Edward has told you?"

I nodded in understanding. I knew my father had grown progressively worse in the last few weeks while I had been ill. He was no longer speaking and sat contentedly staring into the fire or out at the snows to pass the time. He could only be troubled to eat once each day, if that, and no longer felt the need to shave.

"I know it is difficult, but you should know that I do not expect him to be long for this life, Isabella. Edward has informed me that he refused to leave the cottage when you offered to bring him here and I believe that is the best course to follow. He is familiar with his surroundings and will be at peace there. I have engaged the services of an older couple to live in and care for him. Edward has assured them of their ability to remain in the cottage after… well, indefinitely."

He stopped speaking, looking to Edward for direction as to how to continue. I quickly spoke up to alleviate the awkward silence.

"I have no misgivings regarding my father's health. I know it is a matter of time and not much of it. I must know if you believe him to be at risk?"

Edward shook his head, speaking softly. "No, sweetheart, we do not believe him to be in any danger. He poses no threat to Smith and would not recognize him by any measure."

Meeting his gaze, I sought the answer to the only question that remained. "And what of me? Do you still intend to send me away?"

"Bella, please. You must understand, it is for your safety."

"No. How will I remain safe if we are apart. It will destroy me, Edward."

Taking a step toward me, Edward raised his hand as if to caress my face. I immediately retreated a step from him, needing to keep a clear mind and knowing I would not be able to do so if he were touching me.

"Bella –"

"No, Edward. No. I cannot bear it! We will both be distracted and I will not feel safe apart from you. Please… please, Edward." By the time I finished, my words were barely a whisper and the tears were flowing freely down my cheeks. Edward's brow was furrowed as he stared at the floor. When he finally lifted his eyes, they widened at the sight of my tears and frightened expression. It was no longer James Smith that caused me fear, but the thought that my husband would hand me over to another for safekeeping.

Edward quickly closed the distance between us and wrapped me in his arms, rocking gently. The only sound was the soft click of the door as it closed behind us. I knew we were alone and leaned back to look up at him. He raised his hand to wipe the tears from my face as he spoke.

"I can deny you nothing. I fear for you, my Bella. I will not be able to live with myself if something happens to you."

"You will keep me, then? You will not send me away?"

"Never." His eyes were fierce as he spoke that single word and instantly his mouth covered mine in a consuming kiss. I grasped at his forearms, pulling myself closer to him as his hands buried themselves in my hair, tilting my head to give him control of the kiss. It was powerful and passionate and I began to feel lightheaded when he finally pulled his mouth from mine, only to continue pressing his lips and tongue to my chin, jaw and throat.

When we were both nearly overwhelmed, he pressed a final kiss below my ear and buried his face in my neck as our breathing slowed. After a moment, he lifted his head to meet my eyes. "I will keep you safe, love. Whatever it takes, I will protect you."

* * * A H R * * *

After a quiet dinner in our room, Edward had requested that Rosalie and Emmett join us for breakfast in the morning room. I was nervous about that conversation, but realized that of all that we had facing us, Rosalie was of little consequence. The remainder of our evening had been quiet as I sat in Edward's arms near the fire as he read aloud. The deep, rich tone of his voice as well as the security of his arms had lulled me close to sleep. Taking notice of my extremely relaxed state, Edward lifted me gently, carrying me to our bed and tucking the quilts in snugly before slipping into the opposite side and pulling me back into his arms. I turned toward him, pressing my face against his chest, his hand covering mine at his waist. We lay quietly for a few minutes before he spoke.

"Bella, this morning when I spoke of sending Jane to gather your things, you were upset and afraid."

"Yes."

"Do you fear me?"

I took a moment to gather my thoughts, wanting to be sure of my words before I spoke. It was important that he understand exactly how I felt. "I do not fear you. I fear being without you. When I realized you planned to send me away, I did not know you worried for my safety. I assumed you were upset that I knew Mr. Smith. That you thought there might be an involvement of some sort."

"It never occurred to me that he was anything more than an acquaintance or past employee."

"He was not. Truthfully, my fear had nothing to do with him." Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes and gave a voice to my greatest fears. "Edward, I grew up in this manor and wanted for nothing. I had every advantage and every opportunity a young lady could be offered. It was devastating to lose it all, but I found a way to endure. But now, if I lost you, I could not survive it. I would not wish to survive it. I live in fear each day that somehow you will realize your error and all this will end."

Edward was quiet and still for quite some time. I worried that I had upset him and ever so slowly began to remove myself from his arms. Feeling the movement, Edward tightened his hold on me before reaching down and pressing a finger under my chin to lift my face to meet his eyes.

"It is an unnecessary fear, love. I cannot be without you and cannot let you be without me. I fear you will tire of me and realize your mistake in not leaving when you had the chance."

I could not help but giggle as I answered, "But therein lies the truth of it. I did not have the chance. I belonged to you entirely from the moment I fell from that ladder."

Smiling softly at me, he placed a gentle kiss on my forehead before drawing me closer and wrapping me snugly in his arms.

"Sleep, my love. Your body needs strength for, truth be told, my resolve weakens every day."

"Edward!" I pushed against his chest as he chuckled lightly.

"I only speak the truth, sweet girl. Tomorrow is Christmas and I am certain that Emma will not allow us to sleep past dawn."