Tulips at Twilight: Hi! So you want to know if Jacob has any idea about the banter between Edward and Bella. Hmmm. I think you will get your answer this chapter. I would be interested to know your thoughts. And no, not usual for the Master of the house to be sending so many notes to his seamstress. Lol.

Leslie E: Hey! I wanted to send a chapter dedicated to the fact that my English is not perfect. So you are welcome. English is hard. Especially to write it. But I'm glad you are still reading and enjoying the story.

rosesblack: Hola! Your review cracked me up! You can totally blame me for keep you up at night. Lol. To answer your question, I am NOT put off or dishearten by any comments towards my story. I put this story up for all to read. So I am not upset when people give me feedback of any kind. I value it all. It just makes me a better writer. I mean, how can I be a good writer if someone doesn't speak up and tell me when I'm making big mistakes? So on the contrary, I appreciate all the comments and critiques. I'm glad to have you as a reader and I hope you enjoy this chapter.

0 BASIA 0: Hello!: What happened to Edward that caused him so much pain?...Well, I can't answer that right now. But maybe this chapter will give you a darn good clue.

A big thanks to my beta, who helped me with some of the edits. I could not have done it without them. And thanks to all of you who continue to read and I hope you enjoy this chapter.

The next day, I got up early, having not slept at all. And I hated the thought of leaving my sisters, but I could not lose the only form of income we had.

As I walked to work, I could not stop my tears from falling. They came in waves as I thought about saying goodbye. What would life be like without my sisters? How could I take them to some cold, loveless orphanage? Could I actually secure some sort of residence for all of us? I cringed as a whole new set of tears came on.

No doubt my father's charges would be exposed when his trial date is set. I could not hope to find a decent place with those charges attached to my name. It was a small town, and news spread quickly. If people didn't know who I was now, they certainly would know the name Swan soon. I was the daughter of a criminal.

A thought in the back of my mind reminded me I had one gruesome option left if I wanted to keep my family together-the tenement housing. They were even more run-down than where we lived now and teeming with all sorts of people. I knew my family was poor, but I never thought we would have to resort to such a living.

What's more, besides the tenements being further from my work, I could not bear to think of leaving my young sisters alone all day in such an establishment. People there lived by different moral standards. My sisters would be exposed to violent men, women who gave themselves in the night to men for a price, and disease spread quickly. I had heard many horrors of the place.

But, the tenement housing cared not for criminal charges or family names. They simply rented to any and every one who could pay. The establishment would be well below proper living conditions, but at least we would have a roof over our heads.

I felt selfish. Because I couldn't let my sisters go, I was willing to put them through such misery. But, I thought, perhaps with a lower rent, I could save up money. I could pay-off my debt with Doctor Hale and move to a more decent situation. It would also allow time for my father's trial to pass.

It was embarrassing that the family name was now in the dirt. Granted, our family name was never prosperous, but it didn't have criminal charges attached to it either-we just existed anonymously. That certainly would no longer be the case. I was angry with my father, so very angry. I did not even care to attend his upcoming trial. He was selfish. How could he do this to us? We were good and honest people. He didn't have to take what little dignity we had in this world away so quickly.

Once I arrived, I started my work without delay. I felt lifeless as I worked on each garment. Completely drained. Lisa could tell something was wrong, but she did not pry. I had no doubt she would find out eventually.

When she brought me food, she said very little. She offered up a smile to give me silent comfort, but I did not return the gesture and she retreated quickly. I could not find the will to eat. I felt sick every time I looked at the food she left behind. Decidedly, I threw myself back into work. It was the only way to keep my mind occupied.

When Lisa returned, she noticed I had not touched the food at all. Her eyes begged for the reason behind my changed demeanor. She asked if I would like her to leave the food, in case I changed my mind, but I gave her permission to take it. I could see her worried looks; however, but I just ignored her and continued my work.

Swoosh. A white note appeared under the door. I rolled my eyes. I was in no mood to deal with him today. I put my work aside and picked up the note.

"Miss Swan, your work is slacking today. Three garments have not seen the iron and one is missing a button. Pay closer attention to your work."

I balled the note up and threw it to the floor. All he cared about was bossing others around. He had everything at his fingertips. Why did people like him flourish while good and honest people suffered?

I went to the closet and yanked down the garments he had labeled as incomplete. I quickly ironed the two garments and rehung them. I was all set to sew on the missing button to one of the garments when-Swoosh.

I heaved an irritated sigh. What more did he have to complain about? I picked up the note.

"You are not eating. Was there something wrong with the food?"

Honestly, the spying on my every move was getting on my last nerve. He was constantly sticking his nose where it didn't belong.

I wrote back.

"I'm sure there was nothing wrong with the food. I am just not hungry. And stop spying on me Mr. Cullen."

I continued my work again, and sure enough, a few moments later, his reply came.

"Lisa mentioned you did not look well today. I feel if you are sick, you are free to leave and come back tomorrow when you are better rested."

I turned the paper over and replied.

"No. I will work. Your concern is noted, but not needed." It was a little forward, but he needed to learn to stay out of my business.

After I sent it, I swore I heard a chuckle from the other side of the door, which irritated me all the more.

Swoosh. The white note sat on the floor ready for me to read.

"Very well Miss Swan."

I heave a sigh as I went back to work. Two days. I had two days to be out of our home. It was coming up fast. I had not even packed my personal belongings or helped my sisters to pack. I would need to gather our food as well. I shook my head. The lord was testing me. I cried silently as I plunged a shirt into the water, sliding it up and down the washboard.

After much scrubbing, I wiped my brow and hung it for drying. I just needed more time. How could I be scrubbing undergarments when I needed to be home with my sisters, and securing a new residence?

Maybe it was best for me to take the extra time to get things done. Time was running out. Perhaps Cullen's offer still stood. I went to grab Edward's last note. Turning it over, I wrote: back.

"Mr. Cullen. If your offer still stands, I was wondering, if I might leave early after all? I am not feeling well."

I waited for his response with baited breath. I hated to go back on my word, but I needed time to find a new place to live. My fear was that the tenement housing would be full or too overcrowded to take in me and my sisters. It was a worry my brain would not shake; not until it was addressed and solved.

Swoosh. Quickly, I picked up his note.

"Yes, Miss Swan. I am sorry you do not feel well. But I also hope it truly is a mild sickness that ails you and not an unfortunate turn of events."

That was a strangely accurate assumption. How could he know it was an unfortunate event that struck me? I shook my head, telling myself to stop being so suspicious. It was silly to think he could be aware of such recent news anyhow.

"Thank you, Mr. Cullen." Was my short reply.

I had too much on my mind to think about the motives behind Cullen's actions. After finishing up a few garments, I grabbed my shawl and hat and made my way out of the estate. A chilly breeze swept across my face. All I could think of was my dear sisters as I held my shawl close to my body. I had to find a place I could take them, a place they would be safe. I cared only for them. They deserved so much more than I could provide. We were not born into wealth. We were destined to work our fingers to the bone each day. I wished I could give them small luxuries, but instead of luxuries, our money always went to necessities and there never seemed to be enough.

I kept walking until I approached a small area just at the fringes of town. The daylight showed just how horrifying the tenement housing truly was. Narrow, low-rise apartment rooms were stacked on top of each other to create seven story buildings. I could hear people yelling, babies crying, and dogs barking while they wandered around the alleyways in search of food. The smell, too, was horrific. I could see that chamber pots had been emptied out onto the ground from the windows above and not disposed of properly.

I coughed a little, trying not to breathe in the smells. Was this what I was to subject my young sisters to? It looked and smelled like dens of death. I walked slowly into the entrance of the building and let out a small whimper as I saw small sickly-looking children huddled in corners in tattered clothes.

"Lost?" I turned to see a stout middle-aged woman looking at me with her hands on her hips. She wore a scarf on her head and a long pink dress in poor condition.

I shook my head. "N-no. I'm not lost. I was wondering if I actually might have a room here? Or a temporary space? Please Miss we really don't have-"

"Save the sad tale. And I ain't ya mistress, so don't be callin' me as such. Got many sad tales here to go around. What your story is, or your background, has got nothing to do with me. Here, we accept all kinds." She picked up a broken bottle and tossed it aside.

"I understand. I have three younger sisters with me, and they won't be a bother. We just need a place to stay with a roof. Hopefully a temporary room is available?"

She let out a gruesome cough as she looked me up and down. "I don't care how long ya stay. So long as you give me four shillings a week, what you do with the room is your business. James Gigandet is the owner of these buildings. It's his land, his housing, but I manage this building. You can call me Miss Bree. I collect rent at the end of every week. If you don't pay, you don't stay. Simple rules, simple housing."

I nodded while clutching my shawl closer around my shoulders. "What sort of room is available?"

She cleared her throat and let out another dreadful cough. "There is always room. What's your name?"

"Swan. Isabella Swan."

"Swan," she repeated with a sneer. "I think I have heard that name before." My heart skipped a beat. I didn't want her to turn me away because of my father's actions, but she shook it off. "What's a name anyhow? When ya livin here, it's clear you haven't got a name worth remembering." She laughed. "But not to worry, there is always room here, Miss Swan. People come, people go. People die. People get arrested. Each room can have up to twenty residents. The rooms aren't big, but they make it work. Follow me."

She slowly walked up a set of stairs as I followed behind. Each step creaked as we walked up, and I could feel the air becoming hotter and stuffier. When we got to the top, she continued forward, walking down the hall. As I followed, I found myself peeking into some of the rooms where tenants had left their doors open. In one sunless room, there was an old man sitting on a small chair in a filthy bedroom, which also appeared to be his kitchen as well, given the dirty dishes around him.

"It's always a bit overcrowded here, but you get used to it. Got people from all sorts comin' in. Especially those comin' from other lands. Got no money, no jobs, so they set up here with what little they have. All hoping for land and a decent livin'. But I get the last laugh, as I know what's in store for them. They walk away in life with dirty hands and cotton in their lungs."

I looked down at the ground and said nothing. I wanted to refute her harsh words, but I had no grounds to do so. Life had not been all that fair towards me, otherwise why would I be seeking such living arrangements?

"There is a spigot out back, if you need water for laundry or cooking." I nodded. We approached a closed door and stopped as she banged on it twice. "Open up," she said, "new tenants."

The door opened to reveal a pixie like, thin woman with short black hair. Despite the horrible and sickening surroundings, her smile was very bright. "Hello Miss Bree. And hello to you," she said, looking at me as she opened the door wide for us to come in.

It was a small space with a very low ceiling, but it was at least cleaner than the other rooms I had passed. As I entered, I could see it had one bed, and a small desk with a wooden chair.

"She's got three sisters comin' in with her. You all get along. No trouble, or you're out. And you," she said looking at me, "rent is due at the end of this week."

"Yes. You will have it."

"Isn't that what they all say," she laughed as she hobbled out of the room, coughing as she descended down the hallway.

The young girl laughed a little. "Miserable old hag, isn't she?"

I laughed at her words. "I suppose she would have to be, running a place like this.

She smiled. "I'm Alice Brooke. You are?"

"Isabella Swan."

"Lovely to meet you. I know it doesn't look like much, but we are lucky indeed. For weeks, it's just been me in this space. I was so dreading the day someone would move in and spoil my peace, but you seem like a breath of fresh air in this place. I would consider it a joy if we could be friends."

"Yes, of course," I smiled. "I do have my three sisters that will be along soon. They will not be a bother. They are very sweet and well behaved. I hope you will make them feel as welcome as you have with me."

"Oh, of course." She gracefully moved to grab a few things off the bed. "My knitting kit," she smiled. "I haven't got much talent in it, but it passes the time. Let me show you around." I followed as she proceeded to give me the full tour. "This is of course the entry room. There is one bed, but we can get another. I'm sure we can make the space. The desk is mine, but you are always free to use it anytime. And if you come through here," she led me around a corner, "we have the kitchen. The sink I use to wash laundry and food. The water is out back, but I have a bucket to haul it up so you won't have to make several trips with a small pot."

I nodded at her.

"We are lucky. We are one of the few rooms with a window for fresh air. We can open it up for a breeze now and then. Do you have much furniture you will be bringing in? I'm sure we can make space and-"

"No. I don't. Just a few personal belongings and my sisters."

"Oh. Well, more space to move about then." She smiled, trying to lighten the mood and I offered up a smile in return for her effort. "I'm really looking forward to meeting your sisters. It will be nice to have some life in this place. And don't worry, I know a place to get some extra bedding."

"Thank you, Alice."

"It is my pleasure. Where are you from? If you don't mind my asking."

"Here. We have just fallen on some misfortunes and are in need of place to sleep."

"I'm so sorry. Life can be so cruel. Thank goodness the lord gives us friends to laugh with." She giggled.

"True." I smiled. "What about you? Where are you from?"

"I came by boat from Ireland with my family. Well, with the ones that got out in time. We came looking for a better life here. More food. More jobs. It's just me now, though. My mum died on the ship in the crossing. My father, was shot for stealing food when we first arrived. It was the drink that drove him to do so. He always faced his troubles with a bottle of rum in both hands."

I wanted to cry. I felt her misfortune was worse than mine. At least my father was still alive. A criminal, yes, but still alive. My sisters too, I still had with me to love and comfort. "I'm sorry Alice. To speak of such things must be so difficult. Especially to a stranger."

"We are friends now." I nodded, feeling warm inside.

"I'd rather like to have a friend. It's been so long since I have had someone to call a friend. Thank you for being so kind and welcoming. I better go and fetch my sisters. I don't want them to worry."

"Yes. Of course. We will have plenty of time to talk. When will you be coming back?"

"Not till tomorrow, I'm afraid. Tomorrow morning. I'm so happy we have met."

"As am I. Safe journey. I'll try and have extra bedding when you return. I have a friend that might have some. I'll take care of it all before you return. Maybe I'll even bring some pastries from my mistress's home. For the children."

"That's very kind of you."

"I know we have only just met, but I feel we will be good friends." She hugged me. Her warm embrace was full of kindness and tenderness. I returned the hug and then went on my way.

When I arrived home, I was greeted by Mary's soft smile. "Isa!" She said rushing up and throwing her arms around me. "Oh, I'm so glad to see you."

I smiled while rubbing her back. "I'm here. Mary," I said bending down to her level, "listen to me. I have secured a new residence for us. It's not much, but it's a roof and it's tolerable. It will be our new home until I can save up for a more decent place."

My plan was, in fact, to stay out of sight until the charges on my father and our last name had time to pass. Our landlord was throwing us off his land because of the charges our last name carried. He wanted nothing to do with the last name Swan. I was sure once word spread, no other landlord would accept us, either. With time, however, I was sure we could afford a nicer place to live.

"I understand, Isa. As long as I am with you, I can be happy anywhere." I looked at her little face. Her words warmed my heart.

"I feel the same," I said, hugging her close to me. I stood up and removed my hat and shawl. "Now you must help me get Grace and Jane packed as well. Take only the few things that belong to you, and what you can carry easily. Our new home is not as close to town anymore."

"Ok." She replied.

I smoothed down my hair as I grabbed a basket and started to pack our food supplies. It wasn't a lot, but it was at least a week's trip to market and I wasn't about to let it go to waste. I packed up the good silverware that belonged to my mother and a teapot that was given to me by my grandmother when I was younger.

Satisfied with my work, I moved onto my belongings. I was all set and packed soon enough, when I suddenly spotted a trunk under my bed and remembered my mother. With sad eyes I could see my mother clearly in my mind's eye. Her smile. Her laugh. Her comforting embrace. I missed her so. She was always so smart and resourceful. How I wished she still lived. She always knew what to do.

I leaned down and, pulled the trunk from beneath the bed, and opened it. My eyes closed as I smelled the familiar scent of my childhood. I looked down at my mother's royal blue dress and ran my hands along the sleeves. I had never seen her wear it, but she had always treasured it and passed it along to me. I was sure I would never get to wear it, either. My life could not afford such decadent occasions, but I would keep it safe nevertheless.

After securing my things, I helped my sisters with their belongings. It turned out to be a bigger ordeal than I expected. Each had precious trinkets they wanted to keep. I couldn't blame them, of course. How could I deny them the few things they had in this world? They had lost a mother, a father, and would have lost me if I had not secured a place to stay.

When night came, I made the children some vegetable soup and warm bread. After such misfortunes, they at least deserved to go to sleep with full stomachs. It would be our last meal in this place we had called home for so many years.

Tomorrow the sun would rise, and we would be forced to leave. The landlord was impatient to get us off his land.

With the first light of day and without a wink of sleep, I prepared our things. It would take more than one trip to move everything and we only had today.

"Alright," I said helping my sisters pick up and secure their small bags over their shoulders, "let's get on to our new home. Quickly now, I have to be at work soon, too."

Mary started to run to get a few things she had left, but I grabbed her hand. "I'll be back to get anything left behind. Don't worry. I'll make the second trip today after work. We must be on our way."

We arrived soon enough to at the tenement housing. I could feel my sisters' hands shake as I held them in mine. I knew they were scared. They were at such tender ages, how could they not be? "It will be alright," I whispered as we walked in. I led them upstairs to the room we had been given and knocked twice on the door.

After a few moments, the door opened to reveal a drowsy Alice.

"I'm sorry to wake you at such an early hour," I said with my eyes low.

"Come in, come in," she said, opening the door wider for us to enter.

"Go on," I said, sending my sisters in ahead of me. They filed in quickly, like little ducks in a row. I followed them in and shut the door softly behind me. "Set your stuff down in the corner, we will find a place for it later."

"I didn't know you would be coming so early in the morning. Here," Alice said taking my shawl off, "let me help you with that. Get settled in." She looked at my sisters and smiled. "So precious."

"Thank you." I said, while smiling at them.

"I got some extra bedding for you. It's not much, but it will do for now. We can always get more later." I looked at the extra small cots next to the bed and grinned.

"Thank you so much Alice. It's more than enough. And I am so grateful to have you."

I spent some of the morning helping my sisters unpack a bit. There simply wasn't enough room for all of their belongings to be put away, but I hung their dresses where there was room in the closet.

"Isa," Jane said walking up to me while rubbing her eyes. "I'm tired."

"Come sleep in the bed," Alice said motioning to her. "The bed is comfy. I'm sure all three of you could fit." I smiled at Alice. It was kind of her to give up her bed at such an early hour in the morning. Surely she was tired, too, and needed her rest.

"Can we?" Grace said looking at me. I nodded silently.

"Go on then. I'll tuck you in." Mary of course wanted to stay up, but I feared her not getting enough sleep. The journey was long, and they woke early. I knew Mary wished to behave older than she was, but in the end, she was still just a child.

It wasn't long before they were huddled closely together on the bed and fast asleep.

"Tea?" Alice said setting two small cups on the small table.

"Yes," I breathed out. "Thank you." I took a seat next to her.

"How was your journey?"

"Good. Long, but good."

"Your sisters are darling. I'm truly looking forward to getting to know them."

"Yes. They can be a handful. Be careful what you wish for. I just worry what they will do here all day. They must stay inside. I don't want them wandering around outside." Alice reached across the table and put her hand over mine.

"That's understandable. This is not the ideal place for children to grow up in. I have books. They can practice their reading. And I have a kit for knitting. They can practice and make dolls. It's at least something."

I laughed. "Thank you. I'd like that, if you don't mind. And I'll replace your knitting with new supplies. I work close enough to town, not too far from the shops."

"Where is it you work?"

"In an estate as a seamstress."

"For a family?"

"I work for a Mr. Cullen."

"Mr. Cullen?" She smiled. "The Mr. Cullen? Edward Cullen?"

I nodded. "You know him well?"

"Know him. I don't know a soul who doesn't know him. I mean, I don't know him personally, of course. Although, by the way my mistress's daughters talk about him, I feel as if I do know him personally. I work as a maid in one of the big houses not far from here. He is all the rage amongst many of the women. Many wonder when he will marry. What's it like then, working for him?"

"Well I- I suppose it's like working for every other employer. He's very professional." Besides bringing me food, sending me notes all day and seeing me home late at night. "I mend and wash all the clothing that he assigns me. I also make new clothes for him at his request."

She smiled. "Do you see him often?"

"At times. When he comes in for a fitting."

"Do you not think him handsome? Not that any of us would earn his gaze. We are too plain and poor for such wealthy attention."

I cleared my throat. "I think him-well he has a very nice face to look at."

"Just his face then?" She giggled. "Nothing else?"

I felt my cheeks heat a little. "I dare say he is very pleasing to look at, alright? But to speak of him in any other way would be to entertain silly notions of the impossible."

"Oh, don't worry Bella. It's all fun, not serious. I suppose he will settle down soon like all the rest of the eligible gentlemen in this town. They come and go. The rich stay rich, and the poor stay poor. All we have is our laughs and dreams."

"And our tea." I said, holding up the glass with a smirk. She laughed. "Oh, I should get going or I'll be late. I have never been late before, and should not like to start today."

"Yes. I'll watch over the little ones until I go in. My work is a bit closer, so I don't have far to walk. What time do you normally get off of work?"

"Five. But then I must walk home. So I will probably be home around six at the latest."

"Then I'll keep the key. I, too, get off by five-sometimes earlier. There is only one key to this room, though. I will be home before you, so I'll keep watch over your sisters, maybe make them dinner and you can take over when you return." I wanted to cry with happiness.

"Thank you so much Alice. I don't know what I did to deserve to meet and have a person like you in my life, but I am grateful. I hope we will stay together for a long time."

She bashfully put her eyes down. "It's no trouble." She suddenly looked very sad as she whispered, "I once had younger sisters. They were very dear to me. I will look after yours as I would mine if they still lived."

I bit my lip. "Oh. I'm sorry." I wrapped my arms around her frame.

"No matter," she said quickly, pulling herself from her sadness. "The past is the past. I like to think they are living in luxury in heaven and I will see them again one day."

"Sure you will." I smiled. She certainly was a brave and strong woman. I could tell she had much pain in her heart, but she still stood strong.

"Off you go! Don't be late because of my tears. And have a safe journey."

So, off I went. I made my way to Cullen's estate as fast as my feet could carry me. I found myself holding my bonnet with one hand and my shawl around my shoulders with the other as I ran. My dress flew this way and that as I trotted on the damp ground.

When I arrived to my work space, I threw off my bonnet and fanned myself rapidly as I settled down on a chair. It took me a great deal of time to get there; it was farther than I anticipated.

Swoosh. A white note on the floor caught my attention. I slowly sat up and grabbed the note, unfolding it.

"You are late."

I heaved a sigh as I wrote back.

"Apologies, Mr. Cullen. It will not happen again."

He responded quickly.

"There is much work to be done. Get started right away." I looked at his words. They seemed so harsh.

I responded. "As I said, I am sorry, Mr. Cullen. My journey was a little slow this morning."

Another note slid under the door. I picked it up.

"I suspect so. I received news this morning that you were not at home, nor was anyone else there. The home was completely devoid of anyone living there. I sent a doctor to check on you, given that you were ill yesterday and had not arrived at work this morning. But no one was there. In fact, the landlord made it clear that you were no longer living there and not to mention your name again. Care to explain?"

My heart dropped. I certainly did not care to explain in the least. What would become of me, if he were to find out about my father's misfortunes? My father's criminal charges. I shook my head. I could not tell him such things. It would only serve to create more problems and I needed this work.

Why would he send a doctor for me anyhow? This man was incapable of minding his own business. It was as if he was involved in my life at every turn.

I wrote back.

"Thank you for your concern in sending a doctor, even if it was unnecessary. I am doing quite well. An unexpected opportunity with my living arrangements arose and I decided to follow through. I feel that is all you need to know, Mr. Cullen."

He replied.

"Let it not interfere with your work again, Miss Swan. If being late will become a habit of yours, you might just as well not show up at all."

This man was insufferable. No response would ever please him. Therefore, I decided to give him none. With speed I set to work on the garments that hung in the closet with the utmost diligence.

Edward's POV:

A knock at the door caught my attention.

"Come in."

"Sir, good evening." I smiled at Jacob as he entered my office.

"Do you have what I asked for?"

"I do. And you were right. Criminal charges." He laid the papers in front of me. "Her father's trial is set to take place in one next week. He will surely go to debtor's prison for this."

I tipped my head to the side as I looked at the papers.

"And her landlord? Did he give any information on where she has moved?"

"He did not. But she will be returning this evening to retrieve the last of her things, as today is the day she is to officially be out of the residence."

I nodded.

"Has she left the estate yet? It's almost five. She should be finishing with her work for the day."

"I have not seen her leave yet, but I imagine she will soon."

"Good." I said standing up and walking over to my window. "When she leaves, follow her. I want to know where she is living now."

"Sir? Wouldn't it be easier to just ask the young lady?"

I whirled around to look at him. "It would be easier if you would just do as I asked."

Jacob lowered his head a little. "Apologies, Sir. I meant no offense."

I regretted my words the moment they came out. I knew he did not deserve my wrath; Jacob was loyal and good. I didn't expect Isabella to find another residence so quickly, though. I expected her to turn to me. To beg for my help. To plead for my money. But she had said nothing to me.

I heaved a sigh. "You will excuse my poor disposition. I am very tired. I haven't slept well lately, but you know I hardly do around this time of year." I leaned my head back and closed my eyes. "It is the anniversary of her death."

Jacob cleared his throat. "Yes. I'm aware. She still lives on, Sir. She will always be a part of this place."

"Isn't that the problem? Every hall, every piece of this house holds some memory of her. No matter what I do," I ran my fingers through my hair, "I just can't. I can't move forward. Her death weighs on me."

"It was not your fault, Sir. How long will you continue to have her death torment you with guilt? To be plagued by such thoughts is not a way to live."

I gritted my teeth. "It is my fault and you know it. Don't deny it. If it weren't for me, she would still be alive." I closed my eyes again while taking slow, steady breaths. "Don't take away my guilt." I whispered. Suddenly Isabella appeared in my mind's eye. I could see her clearly. Her brown eyes. Her pale skin. Her full lips. What would it be like to kiss her? To touch her bare skin? Just seeing her brought peace to my heart and calmed my nerves. I did not love the woman, but, at the same time, felt it impossible to live without her.

Perhaps it was just to fill the void that my heart felt this time of year. If so, it would pass soon. Then I could treat her as I would any other woman. There was nothing special about her, after all. She was well below my status. She had a displeasing demeanor most of the time, and she was- she was-she was beautiful. She was intriguing. I shook my head. I hated silly notions of romance.

Jacob placed his hand on my shoulder. "I don't believe it is your fault, Mr. Cullen. She was a lovely woman. It is no wonder God called her home."

I shrugged his hand off. "I need to know where Isabella has taken up residence. How much she pays for her stay. Who owns the land. Who she answers to."

"Yes, Sir. But, may I speak freely? If only to caution you."

"You may." I said turning to him, crossing my arms.

"Would it not be easier to approach and speak with Miss Swan?" I laughed mockingly. "Don't laugh. She is an agreeable woman."

"Agreeable? Are we speaking about the same woman? You think she would willingly accompany me anywhere?"

"Well, it seems that, based on your questions, you would like to get to know Miss Swan a little better. Ladies do enjoy going to the art shows. Plays. They enjoy flowers."

I laughed again. "Keep going Jacob and you will actually make me believe that I care for Miss Swan more than I do."

"Why not ask the lady to join you on your next hunting trip? Ladies enjoy a good sport. It would be outdoors. And the weather has been very pleasant lately."

"Do you think I have not tried?" I growled. "She would not have my hand in a million years. She can barely stand to be in my very presence for longer than a few moments. Besides, do you really think I can actually be seen with her in public while she is dressed in rags like a beggar?"

I breathed a sigh. She was the most irritating creature I had ever beheld. Why could she not swoon at my words as other ladies did? She gave not a hint of interest, only complete indifference. I could have her dressed like a true lady in no time. It was easy enough to accomplish. Then, and only then, could I be seen with her in public. Anything else would cause gossip and talk.

"Well, if I may be so bold Mr. Cullen, she seems to have fallen on a bit of misfortune, as the poor usually do. Perhaps she would appreciate a helping hand."

"You mean if she wanted a helping hand. She should have come to me when she was being thrown out of that pitiful excuse for a home. I expected her to beg for my help. She knows I am well-off, and yet, she said nothing to me."

"Perhaps Miss Swan did not think it would do her any good to ask. Or maybe, she didn't want to feel like a bother."

I snorted. "I make more than most men will ever see in a lifetime in a matter of days. Her expenses would be nothing to cover."

"Yes. But I find that Miss Swan is very resilient." He smiled. "She has a way of fighting back the blows life deals her. It's quite remarkable."

I looked at Jacob suspiciously.

His smile disappeared. "Of course, my interest does not go beyond admiration for the young woman."

"Even if it did, she would surely have you before she even looked my way."

Jacob cleared his throat. "Well, that is not my intention, Sir. I do not seek her affections in that way."

"And I do? You think I do?"

"I could not say."

"You know me better than anyone. Dare I say, even my own parents." I leaned back against the side of my desk and looked at him with a smirk. "So? How do you read my actions towards Miss Swan? Be truthful."

He took a breath before he spoke. "I see you as a man who has eyes for one woman, and it is her alone that makes you feel the very things you thought were dead inside you for a long time. Only when she was still alive did you feel joy. She lit up your world. When she left, so did your joy. And now, I see, even though it is a different woman, that light has returned to you."

I laughed. "I never took you as a romantic, Jacob. Perhaps you are in the wrong profession. Your words would be put to better use in the world of poetry."

"Love is a delicate thing, Mr. Cullen. It must be treated with care-not forced."

"You are mistaken if you confuse my interest in Miss Swan with love. I feel a great loss in my heart, but more importantly, the one thing that weighs on my mind is the passing of time. Every day I grow older. Who will inherit my fortune? Who will carry on all I have worked for? These are the things that keep my mind busy during the day." I snorted mockingly, "Love was finished with me the day she died. My heart lies in the coffin with her. You know that. And it always will. At this point in my life, I simply need a womb for my seed."

"As you say, Sir. May I ask then, why not choose from the many amiable women in town?"

"Simple. They will require things I cannot give them-attention and affection. I cannot give anything other than material security. Miss Swan is independent. She will not require frivolous attention from me. I need an heir. Our match will be smart and productive for both our needs."

"You intend to force Miss Swan to accept your hand?"

I glanced at him with a smirk. "I intend to have her. Willingly would be much preferred. But in the end, she will be mine."

"And if she chooses not to have you? What then?"

My eyes narrowed and I could feel a storm of anger coming over me. Did he think me incapable of making Miss Swan mine?

"If she chooses not to have me?" I snorted. "Be careful Jacob. I have never failed to get what I want and I certainly have no intention of starting now. I can and will have her. You will follow Miss Swan. You will give me every detail about where she is, and will speak of my intentions to no one."

Jacob looked reserved as he turned his head away to gaze elsewhere in disappointment. "Consider it done." He left without another word.

I sat down at my desk and looked at the charges against Isabella's father. How could she live with such a man and consider me a monster? My touch repulsed her. Even my gaze seemed to irk her. How could I be expected to woo such a woman who was so disgusted with my presence? She was above smooth words and flattery. No. She would not go for that. I needed something more appealing. Something she could not refuse. Something that meant so much to her, she would give and do anything I required. I smiled. I simply needed the right sort of bait.

And the bait had been right there under my nose the whole time. I knew just what to place before her.

I could picture her lying under me. I could imagine her eyes looking up at me as I claimed her as mine. She would at least be entertaining to bed. Patience. Patience was all I needed at this point. It was only a matter of time till I had her for my own. She would soon realize just how caught in my web she was and have no choice but to agree to my terms.

So. This chapter was meant to shine some light on Bella's new living arrangement, to introduce new characters, and to give us more insight on Edward's thoughts and his relationship with Jacob. We got an Edward's POV: Where to begin when assessing Edward. I'd say, he definitely has some internal battles going on. Is he truly on the verge of being in love with Bella? Or maybe it's too soon for him. Or maybe, his guilt keeps him from feeling worthy of love. Or maybe, he just a jerk that has found the right bait to get what he wants from poor Bella. Whatever it is, time will tell.

Please leave your feedback. Short or long, I love it. Comments or critiques…I still love it. If you have questions, feel free to ask and I will answer on my next update. Thank you for reading, and I hope you all enjoyed this chapter.

In the future I will be providing some visuals to go along with the new chapters as I see fit. You will find them in my profile area. For examples, I will provide visuals for a type of gown, a portrait, a small house. And a ring?-maybe. Lol. (my little clues for what's to come). I will not take your imaginations away from the story, but I think visuals help a little on certain things.

See you soon.