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Chapter 28
BPOV
I watched from my private balcony as Gianna climbed into a carriage, with her belongings strapped to the top. My parents stood a few feet away, hand in hand, as they watched Carlisle. He stood with his hands clasped behind his back, the stoic look on his face uncharacteristic; but was absolutely necessary.
Gianna glanced out the window of the carriage, and her gaze fell on Carlisle. However, he turned and made his way towards the castle. She narrowed her eyes at his back as the carriage drove away. Anger and hatred radiated from her glare. Turning, I gratefully noticed that I was not the only member of court who witnessed Gianna's send off.
A slight pressure on my fingers alerted me to Edward's presence. Looking back, I smiled at him, as he nodded his head in the opposite direction. Leading us away from the balcony, we walked to my sitting room, where Victoria had set out our tea. Edward sat as I began pouring the tea in silence.
"Do you think they believed what they saw?" I asked him as he reached for a biscuit.
"I believed it, and I know the truth behind it all. Before the day is out all of England will know. And before long France, and then it will be time for Carlisle to make his next move." Edward shook his head slowly.
"Does he love her?" I asked.
"Who?" He mumbled his question, his mouth full.
"Esme," I said.
Nodding his head, Edward swallowed before speaking.
"She was his first love, and then father's spending habit caused the royal reserves to dwindle. The only way he saw was to marry his sons to the daughters of wealthy kings. However, Jasper was too young, and I was the bastard child. Therefore it fell on Carlisle." Edward paused before continuing.
"He tried to persuade father to find another way, but he refused and made Esme's father send her away. Carlisle married Gianna in a quick wedding and by the time Esme returned it was too late. As far as I know their affair started a year after the wedding."
I sat in silence as I took in everything Edward said. I knew Carlisle and Gianna had an arranged marriage; however, I tried to understand the entire situation fully.
"Does he love Gianna?" I knew my question was silly, but it hurt my heart not to know the answer.
"He does, mind you, not the same way he did with Esme. Their love was young, fun and full of unbridled love. With Gianna, however, their love has overcome so many barriers and has grown strong. It is possible to love more than one woman, but be in love with only one. He loves Esme but is in love with Gianna."
I sat my cup down and looked over at him, before speaking.
"So why continue his affair with Esme, if he was in love with Gianna?"
"I have no answer for that. However, I wish for you to know that you have nothing to fear with me, Isabella. I am the child of an affair. I saw the damage it did to my family, my birth mother's family carried great shame for years and my mother, the Queen, she struggled to love me as one of her own for years. I wish to end that family tradition. I long to have one wife. One woman to stand at my side until death do us part."
By the time Edward had finished speaking, he was on his knees before me, our faces inches apart. He tilted his head, as he studied me. Blinking slowly, I lifted my hands to his face, as he wrapped his hands around my waist, dragging my body to his.
We sat on the floor, me in his arms as his lips captured mine. Our kiss was slow and steady,as if he was in no rush for us to part. One of his hands slowly trailed a path from my hip, slowly up my back and into my hair, slightly grabbing a handful.
A low moan escaped my lips as a strange, but blissful sensation blazed through my body. Wrapping my legs around Edward, I drew us closer. His other hand left my hip and snaked its way under my dress and up the outside of my thigh.
The urge to move his hand hit me, but the need to feel more pushed past this. His lips descended to my neck and I sighed loudly as his warm lips nipped and sucked. My head rolled backwards and landed with a soft bounce on the cushioned chair behind me.
Slowly his kisses moved towards my lips and I raised my head to gazed into his eyes. Our breaths mingled as we tried to regain our composure.
Edward gently kissed my forehead before speaking.
"Until death do us part."
The many days leading up to the ball were hectic at best. Word of the rift between Carlisle and Gianna spread quickly and it wasn't long before Carlisle received a letter from Esme. Scented heavily in expensive perfume, the content too scandalous for Carlisle to read aloud. What he did tell us, was that she was in England and staying on the outskirts of the capital.
He left to rendezvous with her the following day. He was to convince her of his need for her and of his separation from Gianna. He was also to accept the child, something that caused him great heartache.
I tried to keep abreast of the goings on, but I was consumed with the preparations for the ball. I thought pretending to be consumed by the task set before me would prove challenging. However, it was hard not to be swept up in the atmosphere.
Letters had been sent inviting the most privileged of the royals, and everyone had corresponded their acceptance. I spent hours with the royal dressmaker, preparing my gown. Some days I spent gossiping with young courtesans, telling them of Edward's and my hidden love.
Edward swore his days were no better, but somehow I failed to see how spending his days hunting and drinking were as challenging.
Nonetheless, our days were spent on the lookout for Mary Alice and Jasper. The latter had yet to show his face, but we received word that he had returned to England. Mary Alice had shown up at the few gatherings held in my honour. She hugged the walls and hardly interacted. A few courtiers found her attitude strange and encouraged her to join in the fun, which she did reluctantly.
The night before the ball found me in my parent's chamber with Rose, Emmett and Edward. We sat haphazardly around the room as we went over the plan, for what I hoped to be the final time. I studied Rose, as she rubbed her very round bump.
The look on her face as she absent-mindedly rubbed her stomach made me smile, however, it made me sick with worry over involving her in the plan. She would be at my side every step of the way, but I still worried.
"Bella?" Renee calling out to me snapped me out of my stupor.
Looking over, she beckoned me to her as she walked to the balcony. I followed her, taking note that everyone else's attention was elsewhere. The cold night's air hit me as I walked through the doorway, causing me to pull my robe closer, as I rushed over to Renee.
We stood shoulder to shoulder as we stared out at the English countryside. With the moon high in the sky, we were treated to a spectacular view. With a sigh, Renee turned to me.
"Did you ever think this would happen?"
I shook my head before speaking. "I knew they were capable of..." However, she stopped before I could finish.
"No, Bella dear. I mean this," she stretched her hand in front of us.
"I mean being here, with your father at the castle. With Rose and Emmett. With Edward." She trailed off, as I began to understand what she meant.
A few months ago, I was a fatherless girl trying to get over heartache and betrayal. Now, I was a woman who had found her father, found her friends, her true love and her place in life. I was leading a life I never dreamt of, and now I could not go back from this.
Shaking my head, I turn to her. "Never in all of my wildest dreams, Mama."
Wrapping her arm around me, she pulled me closer. Laying my head on her shoulder, I inhaled her warm scent.
"Bella, tomorrow will be one the hardest days you will ever have to endure. Just know that I am absolutely proud of the woman you have become." We turned to look at each other before she continued.
"As your Queen, I want to tell you to be vigilant and follow through with the plan no matter the cost. However, as your mother, I want you to enjoy your engagement ball with Edward. I could not have asked for a better partner for you."
She stopped speaking as tears filled her eyes. She reached forward and placed a kiss on my forehead. Tears welled in my eyes, as I wrapped my arms around her. We stayed like this for a while, as tears ran down our faces.
Finally, we pulled apart and returned to the others, just in time for me to say good night to Rose and Emmett. Shortly afterwards Edward and I bid my parents good night and made our way to our bedchambers.
The night was quiet, as we silently made our way down a hallway, hand in hand. Edward's strong hand held mine, and my heart warmed at the feeling. As I looked over at him, I found him looking at me. I smiled as he reached down and placed a quick kiss on my cheek.
"Three months," he whispered into my ears.
"Three months? Three months for what?" I questioned him, as we came to a stop not to far from my room.
"Til our wedding day," he said with a smile.
I paused, staring into his eyes. Edward and I had not decided on a date for our wedding. In actuality, I was more focused on the outcome of tomorrow night. What if the plan failed, what wedding would there be. I looked away from him, unable to share how I actually felt.
Turning, I tried to force us to continue walking. However, Edward stood in place. I looked up at him, as he cupped my cheek.
"I can see something is bothering you, Isabella. If we're to be husband and wife, we should be able to talk to each other." His smile was bright and it hurt to look at him, so I turned away.
His hands wrapped around my waist as he drew closer to me. Leaning down, he gently kissed behind my ear.
"Tell me what burdens you, my love. Allow me to be there for you," he softly whispered into my ear.
"That is the reason," I said pushing away from him.
"What?" His face was that of confusion.
"How can you be there for me, or I for you, if something happens," I said looking around to make sure we were alone.
Understanding registered and he sighed softly.
"Life is unpredictable. We could live for years or days, but we should not let the unknown stop us from living Isabella. We will handle tomorrow when it comes, but tonight, I want you to live in the now."
He grabbed my hand and I looked back to him. The smile on his face softened my heart and I smiled at him. There was no way for me to know the outcome of tomorrow, but my life did not need to stop because of it. I knew I was in safe hands.
I smiled at him before speaking. "Do you think three months is enough time for Renee and Rose to plan our wedding? Just look at how over the top they went for this ball."
He laughed and drew me closer. We kissed, but more deeply this time. I drew away from him, leading the way down the hall.
"Come along my love. We have a big day tomorrow, and a huge announcement to make." He smiled at me as I reached out to open my door.
"How did I become so lucky?" he asked and I raised my shoulders at him.
"We're both lucky," I said to him before stepping into my room and closing the door.
The dress was beautiful.
I stood in front of a full-length mirror, taking in my reflection. It was a red floor-length gown, with a full skirt . The cap sleeves rested gently off my shoulders, and the bodice had a trim of white roses sewn on to the very top, which rested on my bare chest.
A white sash was tied around my waist and into a bow at my back. My hair was swept up allowing my neck to be exposed.
I sat as the maids fussed around me, adding this and that at the request of either my mother or Rose. Finally, once all the fuss was over, I heard a knock on my door and I listened as Rose ushered the guest in.
I could hear Renee's voice and another familiar one, as they talked in hushed but a heated tones. Turning, I tried to see who the person was but was unable too.
Suddenly the voices stopped and footsteps sounded, as someone was making their way to my room. As the person entered, my breath caught in my throat as my grandmother, the Queen Mother smiled at me.
"My beautiful granddaughter!" She gushed as I stood to curtsy.
"No, no, none of that. Let me take a look at you." She reached out and forced me to spin around.
Spinning, I caught my mother's gazed as she stood at the door. I was sceptical of my grandmother, she boldly showed her dislike for my mother, but held me in high regard. She fussed and patted at me, as I smile gently at her.
"Oh grandmother, it is so good to see you," I said as she finally stopped her inspection of me.
"Isabella Marie, is it really?" She turned to look at Renee, who looked away from her.
"Anyway, I am not here to cause any hardship between us. I am actually here to present you with this.
A young girl quickly came from behind my mother. She curtsied to her, bowing low before coming to stand slightly behind my grandmother. With a deep curtsy in my direction, she handed the Queen Mother a large box.
"When I was engaged to your grandfather, my mother gave this to me." She paused as she removed a large necklace from the box.
"It has been in our family for generations and I had feared I would have no granddaughter to pass it on to. I believe the good Lord has truly smiled on me. For not only do I have a granddaughter, but I am alive to see her engaged to be married. And to quite a handsome prince." She walked over to me and indicated that I should sit.
I watched from the mirror as the necklace hung from my neck. It was quite lovely, with the light bouncing off the large gems nestled in it.
I closed my eyes and imagined the former queen when she was in my position. I imagined her as her mother placed this very necklace around her neck all those years ago. Was she happy or nervous to be marrying my grandfather?
Shaking my head, I tried to focus on the fact that tonight was not only to celebrate my life, but it may also be the end of it. I would never get another chance like this and while I wanted to savour the moment, I caught Renee's eyes in the mirror.
Tonight was not a night I would ever forget, whether it was my best or worst.
The ballroom filled quicker than I expected. Men and women mingled as they awaited the arrival of the guests of honour. I stood in a hidden room that allowed me to view the area undetected. The King and Queen gracefully walked the room and played the role of the doting parents of the future bride.
I scanned the room, searching for whom, I was not quite sure. However, when my eyes landed on Mary Alice on the arm of Jasper, my heart skipped a beat. They interacted with royals, looking the part of actual well-wishers.
I was so engrossed in my perusal of them, that I did not hear Edward as he entered the room. His hands slipped around my waist, as he dipped his head to kiss my neck. I squeaked as he nipped at my skin.
"Emmett is a horrible guard," He whispered as he gently kissed the area he bit.
"How so?" I asked. My voice no louder than a whisper, as I basked in the affection he showed me.
"We are not yet married, and he allowed me to enter knowing my intentions were not every gentleman like." He spun me around and kissed me. The kiss was short but very passionate.
"How would he have known that?" I asked once I caught my breath.
"I told him." he said.
Before I could reply, he trapped me between himself and the wall. I was literally between a rock and a hard place. The kiss was different, it seemed hesitant and I couldn't understand. Once we left this room and entered the ballroom, it would be a game of cat and mouse, life and death.
Pulling away, he placed his head to my forehead and we stood there breathing in the other's scent.
"Run away with me Bella."
I looked up at him as I realised he used my preferred name. Edward never used it and I could actually feel the fear coming from him.
"Run away with me, to the countryside where we could marry secretly and make love every night." He said as he placed wet, gentle kisses on my lips.
"How wonderful that would be, but can we actually run from our problems? They seem like the type to find us no matter how far we wished to run." I placed my hands on his face and pushed back, so I could look into his eyes.
"I cannot lose you, Isabella, not tonight, not ever." He reached for my hand and squeezed it tight.
"Then do not let go, not tonight, not ever."
To be continued...
