trigger warning for mentions of domestic abuse

Alexander helped her out of the carriage. She helped Philip down before taking Angie. Philip ran up to his grandpa who was waiting at the door for them. The servants carried their bags up to the girls old rooms.

"I haven't been here since I was a child", Eliza commented. Alexander looked around at the acres of land surrounding the house. There was a lake just by the house. A balcony surrounded the house.

"Eliza our rooms", Angelica paled slightly. Eliza smirked.

"Come on", she grabbed Angelica's arm, rushing up to their rooms. The war stopped them from coming here since they were children. There were double beds but the walls in Eliza's room were pink. Angelica laughed. She picked up a doll from the dollhouse in the corner of the room.

"At least my walls are green", Angelica commented.

"I just have to pack up the dolls and it'll be fine. Angie will love them when she is older", Eliza started to pack them up. Angie was playing with the dollhouse.

"This is a sight I never thought I'd see. It's like stepping into the past", Alexander commented. Philip ran over to the dollhouse.

"Philip you're not to play with dolls", Alexander said as he pulled him away. Eliza scoffed letting the boy play with whatever he wants.

"What are you afraid of? He'll become a good father?" She challenged him. He glanced over at Angelica before agreeing with her. He wrapped his arms around her waist.

"Look I'm in my office", Philip smiled at them.

"See he just wants to be like his daddy", she kissed him. Angelica coughed.

"Sorry", Eliza pulled away from him.

"I'll be downstairs", she left them.

"It's so cute in here", he looked around the room. Eliza smiled, sitting on her bed. It creaked under her. That would be fun.

"I wish I could see your childhood bedroom", she commented. A breath caught in her throat when she realised what she said. Alexander inhaled a deep breath. He put down the snow globe he was holding. He sighed.

"No. No, you don't", he turned away from her, looking out the window.

"I'm sorry", Eliza held his hand as they looked outside.

"You don't talk about your childhood much. I'd love to know what your mom was like. Would she have liked me?" She wanted him to open up but wouldn't push him further than this. He looked at her. His love for her shining through his eyes.

"My mom used to tell me that someday I would leave the island. That I was destined for greatness. She recognised that I was smarter than James, my older brother. I write James every few months. I asked him if he knew anything about our father. Despite him leaving us, I'd hate to think of him having a hard life. I know what it's like to not know where your next meal is coming from. To be afraid to become attached to people for fear of them dying or leaving. My mother would have loved you", he laughed before continuing. "She would have been shocked that a woman of your status wanted to marry me. I am still shocked by it too". Eliza caressed his cheek.

"You deserve happiness and love. If I can give that to you then I am blessed to be your wife. You found the one person who will never leave you", she kissed his hands. He wiped his eyes, turning away.

"I love you", she smiled thinking of the park they used to go swimming in.

He sat on the bed, bouncing to make it creak.

"This will be interesting at night", he smirked. Eliza blushed.

"I will do no such thing with my parents right next door", she shook her head.

"There are ways of being silent", he commented. She frowned at him. He smirked. "Maybe, I'll have to take you outside and give you a green gown", he suggested. Eliza looked out the window, she couldn't look at him. Her cheeks were red.

"Did you really just suggest that?" She shook her head in disbelief.

"Let's go downstairs", Alexander suggested.

She held his hand as they headed to the parlour. She stopped him on the stairs, kissing him.

"I needed that", she smiled. She sat beside Angelica, finishing the knitting she had started that morning.

"Alexander would you be interested in some training?" Philip, her father, asked him. He smiled, standing up slightly straighter.

"Yes, lead the way", he followed him outside. Little Philip ran after them. He sat on the step watching them.

"We'll sort out your rooms tomorrow", Catherine commented. Eliza nodded.

"Okay", Angelica agreed, looking up from her book briefly.

…

Eliza stepped outside to see Philip trying to lift up a sword.

"Stop that!" She screamed at him. He dropped it on his foot, crying. He ran to her.

"Why would you let him play with a sword?" She screamed at Alexander as she picked him up. Philip frowned at her.

"Elizabeth, it is not ladylike to scream at your husband", Philip stepped in front of her. Eliza shook her head.

"Eliza", Alexander walked over to her.

"I don't care what's ladylike. I care about the safety of my children. Unlike some people", she turned around to walk off. Philip grabbed her arm. Eliza froze.

"Sometimes ladies need a firm hand, Alexander", Philip commented, turning to Alexander. His eyes darted between his wife and her father.

"Come upstairs", Alexander dragged her upstairs. She handed little Philip to Catherine on her way up. Eliza felt her stomach drop. She stepped back against the wall, getting as far from him as possible.

"I'm sorry", she blinked back tears. He kept his back to her, taking in a deep breath.

Eliza slumped down against the wall. Her mind raced to the times when she was locked in this room. She held her chest, struggling to take in air. Angelica knocked on the door. She heard Angelica screaming at her father from downstairs. Eliza brought her knees to her chest. Sometimes ladies need a firm hand, Alexander.

Alexander knelt down beside her.

"Eliza, my angel. They're practice swords. Philip was in no harm", he took her shaking hand. Eliza stared at him with fear in her eyes. Sometimes ladies need a firm hand, Alexander.

Eliza nodded. She struggled to take in air. She wanted Angelica. Most likely father wouldn't let her up here though. She flinched when he cupped her cheek.

"Eliza I told you before. I will never lay a hand on you and I still mean it", he told her. She cried. She didn't deserve him.

"I'm sorry I thought you would hurt your son", she cried into his chest. He rubbed her back.

"Not all men appreciate a sharp wit", Alexander sighed.

"I love all of your quick wits", he kissed her forehead. He wasn't brought up with social etiquette pushed into him.

Thanks for reading x