Hello KatHat4: I'm so happy you are enjoying the story. I am able to have few mistakes because my beta is amazing and helps me out a lot! I appreciate them so much. Yes, Edward negotiates very well and he is good at getting his way, even by force if needed. Stay tuned and keep reading to see what Bella becomes with time. Also: What is "A different Forest?" Is my story recorded there? I never uploaded it there. Anyway, thank you for reading and let me know what you think of the new chapter.
Scattycow: Hi! Jacob is pretty awesome. He is my favorite in this story. Also: Bella is not married yet. She is just engaged. Edward referred to Bella as Mrs Cullen because that's how he looks at her now. In his mind, their marriage is as good as done. He's arrogant.
Night King: How old is Edward? You will find out soon. Promise.
Christeiaarora: Hello. So glad you like the story. Hope you keep reading.
Suzy-Chapstick: Thank you for reading. So glad you found my story and are enjoying it.
DeaXadfectus: No. My story does not end here, lol. Just takes me a little longer because I want to make sure the story is what I want to get across and then I send it off to my Beta.
Frostedglaze: I know you don't like Edward clearing the debt, but enjoy this chapter and see what you think.
Tulips at Twilight: Yes! Edward is a Master at manipulation. He did know exactly what to say to get to Isabella. He's also much older. *wink* Now, Isabella NOT married. She is merely engaged. There will be an official wedding.
Ashiana: The attack was NOT planned by Edward. Just clearing that up for you right now.
So: Everyone: Thank you so so much for reading. I appreciate all the feedback and reviews. Enjoy the chapter. As of right now, Bella and Edward are NOT married. They are engaged though. There will be an official and proper wedding.
A special Thanks to my Beta for all the hard work that went into editing my chapters and helping me with my english!
Edward POV
"Open," I said to the guard. He gave me a stern look, but did not argue as he opened the barred door for me to enter.
I saw the man sitting down, his hands clasped in irons and resting limply on top of a table. He slowly looked up and furrowed his brow a little when he recognized me.
The disgusting pig looked even worse than when he used to work for me; a drunken fool more than half the time.
I approached him, my hat under my arm and my shoes echoing on the cell floors. Pulling up a chair, I took a seat across from him.
He looked me over. "When they told me a Mr. Cullen wanted to speak with me, I thought they were mistaken."
"No mistake Mr. Swan."
"Ah," he nodded once. "Well, I can't imagine what you would want with me. I assume since you know I'm here, you know I won't be back into work at the factory." He chuckled a little and let out a nasty cough.
"I wouldn't waste my time trying to get a low life like you back into my factory. No. I'm here on behalf of your daughter, actually."
His eyes widened. "My daughter. What do you mean? Isabella?"
"Yes. Isabella. As her father, you should be the first to know that I am taking her as my wife."
"Like hell you are." He stood up. "I don't know who you think you are, but you'll not put your hands on her. I don't approve. If you came for my permission, the answer is no."
I stared at him, struggling to keep my calm composure. "Please sit down, Mr. Swan." After a moment, he slowly lowered himself back down. "I didn't come here to ask anything from you. Certainly not your approval."
"You'll not lay one hand on her."
I scoffed at him. "I'm taking her as my wife whether you want me to or not. I have made her an offer, and she has accepted. That's why I am here. One of the terms of her agreeing to accept my hand involves you."
"Me," he said suspiciously.
I leaned forward, setting my hat on top of the table. "You have a considerable debt to pay Mr. Swan. I have agreed to take care of that debt."
His eyes lit up as he considered his freedom. "You are just going to pay it? Because she asked you to? You don't seem like the type."
"I am going to pay it. I will pay it in full. Because I am a man of my word." I reached into my pocket and pulled out a document. "I would need your signature agreeing to this arrangement." I slid it across the table.
He looked at it and then back at me. "Why do you want to marry my daughter? What will you do with her?"
"I will do with her what every husband does with his wife. Provide for her. Care for her. Fuck her." I smirked.
His eyes narrowed at me. "And if I don't sign this, you won't meet her terms?"
"Don't act like her savior. You gambled your money away. You practically put your own children on the streets. Because of your vulgar associations, your daughter has suffered attacks from those whom you have wronged. It should have been your body that they pummeled. You have forced your children to scrap and beg for money with a ruined name. To live in horrible housing conditions while barely making ends meet. So don't pretend to now be a loving, protective father."
He stared back at me, his eyes overcome with sadness. I had him where I wanted him. "I cannot ever repay or undo what I did, but I can stop a monster like you from having her. I will not sign."
I gritted my teeth a little as my face hardened. "You think I am a monster now? You cannot even begin to fathom what I am capable of if someone stands in my way."
"You do not love her. Even I can see that."
"And you do? Is that why you are where you are now? Love! I offer her security. A comfortable home and protection. What can you give her? Why don't you think about the well-being of your children for once?"
I pushed the document closer to him. "Mr. Swan. I need your signature. And please don't forget, accidents happen in prison cells all the time. A signature or an unfortunate accident? I will not let you hinder my plans."
He stared at the document. "You won't-you won't hurt her, will you?"
I smirked. "Isabella will be in my care. That is all you need to know. Mr. Swan, this is your best option. Your daughter cares for you. Don't you think she wants her father and last name to be free from shame? Haven't you put them through enough? Sign the document."
I saw defeat as he looked down at it again. "I want you to promise you won't hurt her. You are not a man I would willingly give my daughter away to."
I mentally groaned in irritation. "You are in no position to make demands Mr. Swan, but it is no trouble for me to assure you she will not be harmed."
I pulled out a pen and pushed it across the table. He picked it up and slowly signed his name at the bottom of the document.
I smiled as I snatched up the document and looked at his signature. "Thank you, Mr. Swan." I rolled up the document and put it in my coat pocket.
"So, I am free now?"
I stood up and put my hat on. "You are free. Your debt now belongs to me."
His face slowly morphed into a look of anger. "What do you mean? What are getting at? I signed your damn document. Just what-"
"You signed your debt over to me. I'm a man of my word. I will pay your debt, but now you owe me."
"You tricked me?"
I sighed. "No. I told you what the contract stated. And you are free, Mr. Swan. I have no intention of making you pay me a cent. That is unless you mingle where you are not supposed to."
"Just what does that mean? I'm a free man, but you keep me on a hook? What sort of freedom is that?"
"The only sort of freedom a criminal like you deserves. Just because a man replaces the bread a thief stole, doesn't make the thief not a thief. I am paying your debt. But you are still a criminal."
"What do you mean by 'mingle where I'm not supposed to'?"
I sighed in frustration. "Mr. Swan. Isabella cares for you deeply. She is about to marry into an enormous fortune. She will be a wealthy woman. I will not let you take advantage of her by having her pay for your reckless behavior should you choose to play on her sentimental nature."
He lowered his gaze. I could not tell if he was actually feeling guilt, or he was just disappointed he would not be able to use Isabella.
"You will be transported to a home in the country. There you will be able to live a simple life free from your previous vulgar deeds. You will have a decent home and land to farm. However, if you should return to your old ways at any time, I will call in your debt and see you to life in prison. Call this your second chance at life."
"Why don't you just send me to life in prison already? I can tell this deed isn't coming from your heart. Why not be done with it?"
"You're right. I couldn't care less what happens to you. If I had my way, I would rather watch you hang for the misery you have caused your family. But, I have my bride-to-be to consider. It is for her well-being alone that I honor my word and make sure you are cared for. She is your second chance. So, I suggest you take that chance and remain a quiet and decent man the rest of your life."
He nodded. "I know I haven't done right by them. I know I should have been a better father. She didn't deserve the burdens I put on her."
I watched as he looked down at his hands, trying hard not to face me.
"Yes. You should have been better. You can't change the past Mr. Swan, but you can change what you will do in the future. If you regret your ways, you will accept your new fate and do your best to make peace with god. And perhaps in time, I will allow you to meet your grandchildren."
"I would actually like to see my daughters. I am still their father. Believe it or not Mr. Cullen, I do love them, even if I am ashamed of myself."
"You will see them. At the wedding. I know Isabella will want you there, regardless of your horrid addictions."
"And in the meantime?"
His very voice irritated me. I bet he couldn't wait to get out and start his old habits again. My eyes narrowed at him. "In the meantime you will stay here and think about how you will spend the rest of your new life making up for your sins when you are released."
"Mr. Cullen, there is no need to keep reminding me. I know I have made poor choices. I know-"
I stalked over and slammed my hands down on the table. "You know nothing! It would be one thing if your poor choices only affected yourself. But instead, they just make others around you suffer. Are you even aware Isabella was attacked because of your dealings with other criminals? He attacked her, beat her, and nearly raped her."
His eyes widened. "Isabella was hurt? Where is she now?" He placed his hands over his eyes. "Please. You must tell me, is she alright?"
"Yes. Thankfully, my manservant was there to stop the attack."
"Oh god. Not my daughter. She must have been so scared." I rolled my eyes.
"What did you think would be the consequence of your deeds? You sit here, safe in prison, while your children reap the consequences of your poor choices."
"I never thought they would go after her. It should have been me."
My eyes darkened. "Yes. It should have." I straightened myself and smoothed down my coat. "Who are they?"
"I imagine it's some of the men that played the tables as I did. I imagine-"
"Name. Give me a name."
He thought for a moment. "Perhaps my partner? He always got a cut from all our winnings. But he got suspicious and insisted I was keeping more than my share. I couldn't tell him the truth. I took more losses than I thought and I needed the extra money for rent. He was counting on the money for his family, but I had to take care of mine, too."
"One more time, Mr. Swan. Give me a name."
He sighed. "Samuel Uley."
Samuel Uley. I nodded. "I will look into finding him. If my manservant identifies him as Isabella's attacker, I look forward to hearing his neck snap."
"It is not all his fault. I should not have taken from him. He loves his children. I knew he was in need, but I selfishly kept more than my half."
"That does not give him the right to attack an innocent woman or try to rape her. And if I find him, may god have mercy on his soul." I walked to the cell door. "Open." The guard quickly opened the door for me to exit.
"Mr. Cullen." I heard Mr. Swan say from behind me.
I stopped and turned my head slightly.
"Thank you."
"I didn't do any of it for you." I exited the prison and made my way to my carriage. I had other business to attend to. Samuel Uley.
Bella POV:
It had been a few days since Edward proposed. I had chosen to keep the ring hidden, safely wrapped in a small handkerchief in my trunk.
I was in no mood to reveal our pending marriage to my sisters or Alice. In fact, to everyone's knowledge, Edward was still my boss and I was still home recuperating from my unfortunate accident.
It was nice, though, to be home with my sisters. I enjoyed helping them practice their reading and writing. Mary and I enjoyed doing the laundry together, as we had done so many times before I started my work with Edward. It truly was a relief not having to go into work.
After a few cold cloths, the swelling had gone down considerably. Now, only a faint bruising remained. I could finally recognize myself in the mirror again.
After hanging the laundry, I glanced outside. The sun was still high in the sky. It would be a while before Alice got home.
A trip to the market may be in order. If I was honest with myself, I was a bit bored. I was used to being constantly busy mending and washing clothes all day. A little laundry hardly kept me busy anymore.
Furthermore, I had extra money to spend. Edward reimbursed the money that was taken from me on the day of my accident. On top of that, Edward refused to let me pay my own rent. He insisted it was his responsibility and took the liberty of paying my half until the end of the month.
"Mary, Jane and Grace," I yelled out. They all came in with little smiles on their faces. I bent forward and smiled back at them, "what would you say to a little trip to the market." I watched their eyes light up with joy. It had been so long since we all went to the market together. It would be nice to go out with them.
I grabbed my rag money and put it in my basket. I dropped my key into my skirt pocket and off we went. I planned to surprise Alice with a nice dinner when she came home. She had done so much for me, it was my turn to do something kind for her.
When we finally made it to town, my sisters looked around excitedly. I could tell a trip like this was long overdue. They could not resist stopping at every stand.
"What do we want for dinner tonight?" I asked them.
"Vegetables!" Grace shouted.
"Cake!" Jane said with a small smile.
"You do not eat cake for dinner," I laughed.
"I agree with Jane. Cake. Oh Isa, can we get some sweets?" Mary pleaded with puppy eyes.
"A little. But first, dinner." We traveled around the market. We bought some beans, rice, vegetables and a little fruit. I smiled. It was so nice to spend money without the worry of rent. I hated to admit it, but inside, I had to appreciate Edward for freeing me.
He covered my rent, paid off Doctor Hale from my accident and fronted the money to pay off the debt from my father's surgery. Never would I have been able to buy so much if I had to worry about those payments.
In a very small way, I felt rich.
"Excuse me," I said to a man at a both, "how much for a chicken?"
"Half or whole?" He gruffly asked.
"Whole, please."
"Two shillings." I counted out the money and handed it to him. After taking the money he reached into a barrel and grabbed a chicken.
I knew what was coming. I told my sisters to look away as the man quickly chopped its head. He hung it to drain and then handed it to a woman.
She scalded the chicken in hot water and plucked it quickly. After all was done, the man wrapped the freshly plucked chicken tightly in a few heavy rags. "Don't keep it out too long. Cook it soon. It's best if it's fresh."
"Thank you, Sir." I set the chicken carefully on the opposite side of my other groceries.
"Good day."
Mary grabbed my hand and pulled me towards a pastry shop. "Alright, alright," I said, letting her lead me.
I hardly expected my eyes to land on silver ones as I walked. I froze when I saw him standing in the middle of the crowded street, arms behind his back and his hat tipped slightly forward.
He looked pleasantly surprised to see me as he watched me enter the shop with my sisters. My sisters immediately began to point and shriek at the many sweets they saw. I swallowed hard as I tried to regain my composure.
I did not expect to run into Edward, or more accurately, my fiancé. The fiancé no one knew anything about. Not yet, anyways.
"Cherry!" Jane shouted.
"No, the cookies! Oh, they are ginger. They look divine," Mary said.
To my utter horror, Edward entered into the shop. There was a playful look in his eyes as he took in the excited nature of my little sisters pointing frantically at everything.
"Good afternoon, Isabella," he took his hat off and smiled.
I curtsied and greeted him, "Afternoon, Mr. Cullen." He tipped his head to the side. He did not look too happy with me choosing to remain so formal with him. His eyes lowered and then narrowed a little as he looked back up at me with a hardened stare.
I looked down at my attire and thought nothing wrong with it. And then it hit me. Blast! The ring.
I gasped a little and then bit my bottom lip. He took a deep breath and with a displeased expression chose to look away from me. As he walked past me, I could feel the anger in the air around him.
I instantly felt guilty. How he must have felt to see me without my ring of promise to him.
"What would you like?" Edward asked my sisters. They suddenly stopped scrambling around and looked up at Edward with puzzled expressions. Mary was the only one that recognized him from the night he saw me home.
Mary looked at me and then at Edward.
"Don't be rude, answer him," I said in a low voice.
Mary smiled shyly. "You are the man that brought Isa home. I recognize you."
Edward smiled as he kneeled down to her level. "Yes. I wanted to make sure she got home safe. Her safety is very important to me."
Mary blushed at the attention she was getting. "You must like her then." Edward stared at her for a moment and then smirked.
"Something like that." He glanced up at me, realizing then that I also had not told my sisters about our engagement.
"Well, she is available."
"Mary," I scolded, shaking my head in a serious fashion.
"Is she?" Edward asked innocently while still looking at Mary. "I would have thought a gentleman would have made a decent wife out of her by now."
Mary chose not to say anything when she looked at my face.
"Then again, I see no ring. That must mean she is without a husband, thus available for anyone."
I cleared my throat awkwardly. I could not bring myself to look him in the eye.
"Pick anything you like. All of you." Edward said to my sisters as he stood up and straightened his coat.
"Anything?" Grace said with a smile.
"One of everything if you wish." Edward said with a playful smirk.
Grace and Jane nodded their heads. The baker perked up with a smile at the sale she was about to make.
"No," I said. "One each. And that is all. We are not all made out of money." Their faces of joy quickly died.
Edward looked at me and arrogantly tipped his head up. "That is why this is my treat. Call it a gift. So please, indulge yourselves. Unless this is another thing you chose to reject from my hand." He looked at me with a soft glare.
Mary looked at me and I turned away. "Very well."
With that, they went back to exchanging smiles and giggles as the baker started to wrap the sweets up in a box.
Edward grabbed my arm roughly as he leaned into my ear and whispered, "come outside, I wish to speak with you." There was no room for debate as he nudged me to the door.
I left my basket of groceries with Mary. "I'll be back. Just stay inside," I said to my sisters on my way out the door. I was glad they were too occupied to be alarmed at Edward's harsh demeanor.
Once we were outside, Edward continued to keep a firm grip on my arm as we walked around the back of the bakery. He swung me around the corner and positioned me against the wall.
He towered over me, standing mere inches from my body. I could hardly breathe and lowered my eyes to avoid his gaze.
"Isabella. Do you take me for a fool?" He growled.
"No. I don't."
"Then you wish to humiliate me."
"No," I shook my head.
"Well that is what you are doing! You walk around in public as if you are free for the taking. You have promised yourself to me! You belong to me. Do you know how humiliating it is to have your fiancée refuse to wear the one thing that binds her to her soon-to-be husband?"
"I-" I was at a loss for words. I didn't expect to run into him. "I haven't told them yet."
"That much is obvious. It has been a few days, you should have told them by now. Unless - you are ashamed of me?"
"No. No that's not it. I just-"
"You intend to back out of our arrangement? Do not trifle with me, Isabella."
"I didn't want to lose it," I said quickly.
"What?" He said, caught off guard.
"I-I didn't want to lose the ring. I was robbed the other day on the road and I didn't want to lose such an expensive ring. So I left it at home."
Edward smirked. "Even if I wanted to believe such a story, it still doesn't explain why you haven't told your sisters. A happy and grateful bride notifies her family right away."
"I wanted to tell them tonight. After a nice dinner. Surely you must understand I wanted to tell them at the right time."
Edward's eyes searched mine, as if looking to see if I was really being honest with him. His eyes began wandering my face, but froze when they landed on my lips.
"Is that so?" he asked, inching closer.
"It is," I said quickly, while smashing my head against the wall behind me. I did not want to kiss him. I did not want him this near to me in public either, even if we were out of sight. I could feel his warm, heavy breath sweep across my face through his half parted lips as he studied my lips. Very slowly, he tipped his head to the side, but did not move forward.
He then blinked twice and backed away abruptly. "You will wear the ring so people may know you are spoken for. I am your soon-to-be husband, Isabella. My bride should wear the proof. After tonight, I do not want to see that ring from your finger again. At least until after we are married. Is that clear?"
"Yes," I nodded. I had to agree. He already let me get away with it once, I knew not to push him any further.
"Good. We should head back. Your sisters are waiting." We walked beside each other and entered the shop again. My sisters beamed at me, each carefully holding their boxes of sweets. I couldn't help but return their adorable smiles.
Edward walked past them and paid the baker, thanking her for wrapping the boxes so nicely. The baker blushed and I felt a little twinge inside me- envy? If so, just a hint. I quickly dismissed the thought, looking away from the scene.
"Come on," I said, taking the free hands of Jane and Grace. "Mary, bring me the basket, would you? Take Grace's hand?"
Edward picked up the basket. "I'll see you home."
"That isn't necessary," I said in a low voice.
"Given recent events, I would disagree. It's just a short ride in my carriage."
Mary pleaded, "Can we Isa?"
"Please, I insist. I will forgo overseeing the factory today." Edward said, leading the way.
I nodded without another word. Once in the carriage, I could not keep my sisters from crawling over me to see out the window in excitement. They had never ridden in a lavish carriage before.
Edward couldn't contain the smile on his lips as he watched them. He even stopped the carriage at one point to show them the migrating geese around a lake. The way he doted on them made it seem like he loved children. I could not let him fool me, though. I knew him to only be playing a part in our arrangement.
Once we arrived at the tenement housing, Edward's expression changed into somewhat of a grimace. He quickly recovered, got out of the carriage and escorted each of my sisters out by holding their small hands in his with a polite grin.
When it was my turn, he held his hand out. He looked so handsome with his silver eyes peeking out from beneath the brim of his hat. I rested my hand in the palm of his, and felt a surge of excitement as his hand fully enclosed around mine.
His eyes shone with lust as I bent over to exit the carriage. I cleared my throat and looked away while a slight warm blush spreading across my cheeks. I hoped he did not notice. "Thank you," I said under my breath as I passed him.
His rich cologne smelled so good. I wanted to lean in and be near enough to enjoy the fresh scent of honey and lavender.
"You are welcome." He handed my basket to me. "I bid you a good night. I hope you enjoy your dinner and the pastries. I was very pleased to spend time with you today. I hope you feel the same."
It was nice. Even though I wanted the day to myself with my sisters, it was kind of him to pay for their sweets and see us home with our groceries. "Yes. Thank you. For everything. I appreciate your gift to my sisters and for seeing us home. And-". I struggled for the right words. "It was very agreeable to spend time with you today as well."
Edward smiled a little. "I enjoyed meeting your sisters. And I look forward to taking great care of them." I felt great warmth inside me at his words.
It meant so much that they would be taken care of. "You can't imagine what that means to me."
"I think I can." He grinned a little. There seemed to be something behind it, but he turned away. "Goodnight Isabella. Please go inside so that I know you made it in safely."
"Goodnight. Edward." I smiled as I turned to leave. Saying his name was not so bad. It actually was nice. I hurried inside, shaking my head at my silly thoughts and reminded myself of the type of man he really was.
Mary, Jane, and Grace were happy to help me unload the groceries while I prepared to cook the chicken and vegetables.
It would be a nice, well deserved dinner.
"Mary?" I said handing her the basket, "put the basket away, would you?" She hummed a song as she walked merrily away with the basket.
She then pulled up a chair and smiled at me. But it wasn't her normal smile. My brows furrowed as I cut into a carrot. "What?" I asked laughing a little.
"Who is that man really?"
"He's my boss," I answered without looking at her.
"He must be more. He is too obliging."
"And you are too young to stick your nose where it doesn't belong."
"But this is not the first time he has offered his carriage to you. And he bought us treats. He must like you." I shook my head.
Like me? He was my husband-to-be. I scrunched my face at the thought. Husband. Edward Cullen would be my husband. Even now it didn't sound real. I just wasn't ready to break the news to my sisters.
Perhaps after dinner. I knew I had to tell them soon. I suspected Edward would not remain a stranger to them for too long. Already he felt at ease to appear in my life with no warning. It was only a matter of time before my sisters found out for themselves, and I would rather it be me who revealed it.
"Mary, it's complicated. I promise soon, though, you will understand everything."
"So there is a secret!" She giggled.
"Go on now," I sighed, "let me cook in peace. Go and check on Jane and Grace." She slid off the chair and skipped along.
Mary came back and put something on the counter. "This was in the bottom of the basket."
It was a note. I took it and flipped it over. It was Edward's seal. Mary looked up at me.
"A letter for you?"
"Yes."
"From who?"
"It's from Edward-um-Mr. Cullen. My boss. It must be something about work."
"Can I read it?" She begged.
"No." I said pointedly. "It is not for your eyes. I will read it later."
She slumped a little as she walked off. She picked up some thread and a needle and settled down on a chair.
"What are you doing?" I asked with a bit of a laugh.
"Practicing my needlepoint. Alice showed me. She said I could practice anytime I wanted to."
"That was nice," I smiled.
"Yes. Needlepoint is most becoming of a lady. Alice said every well-educated lady should know how to paint and do needlework. So I figured I can at least practice."
"I see," I smiled again.
When Alice arrived home, I had barely finished preparing the chicken, vegetables and hot bread. Her overjoyed face was worth every bit of hard work that went into the meal.
She greeted Grace, Jane, and Mary with a hug. "Wow." She said, looking at the well set table of food. "Is it someone's birthday?" She laughed.
"No," I smiled. "It's a well overdue thank you for taking such good care of my sisters and for being a true friend at all times." I motioned for her to sit down.
She blushed a little. "Well then, since you put it that way." She took her seat and my sisters followed suit. After saying grace, we passed each plate around the small table enjoying the smells of each dish. We ate the entire meal while laughing and giggling at nothing in particular. Good cheer filled the room and our stomachs were full.
"That was wonderful," Alice said leaning back in her chair. "I haven't eaten like that since I was back in my hometown. Thank you."
"No thanks required, but you are welcome," I said.
"Don't forget dessert!" Jane exclaimed. "We got sweets today!"
"Did you? My, you went all out today." Alice said, smiling at me.
"Well, the nice man got them," Jane said. I shook my head a little, hoping her words would not lead to another conversation about Edward.
"Nice man?" Alice said raising a brow at me.
"And we rode in his carriage," Mary said slyly.
"Mary," I said in an undertone.
"Oh no, now this is interesting," Alice said, "Do tell!"
"Very handsome. It's Isa's boss," Mary said, giggling. Alice's eyes widened a little as she looked to me for more clarification. I shook my head slightly.
"Alright. That's enough talk. It was a nice thing he did, but let's not make it inappropriate. Mary, please help me clear the dishes. Grace, Jane, take your plates up, please." I moved to take Alice's dirty plate, but she beat me to it, standing up quickly and giving me a suspicious look.
She then leaned in close, "something tells me there is more to this story." I nodded solemnly. I could not lie to her.
"I will disclose everything to you tonight when the girls are asleep." She nodded and then proceeded to help me clean up the dishes. After everything was cleaned up and well arranged, my sisters enjoyed their sweets before heading off to bed. I tucked them in and kissed them goodnight. It was not long before they were fast asleep.
When I returned to the kitchen area, Alice poured two cups of tea and motioned for me to sit. I bit my lip. I walked slowly over to my trunk. Alice eyed me as I opened the lid carefully. She stretched to see what I was doing, but I purposely hid my actions. I pulled out Edward's ring and enclosed it in a fist. I took a seat across from her and gave her a wary smile. Her eyes went directly to my balled up hand and then slowly met mine.
"My heart is pounding. What is it you are afraid to say? You know I will not judge you."
I took a large breath and placed the ring on the table. Alice stared at it intensely and looked back up at me, ready for an explanation. "This may come as a shock. It didn't want to believe it myself. I mean, it's still hard to believe."
"Go on," she encouraged.
"I have been offered a marriage proposal. Which, I accepted."
Alice's mouth dropped open as she blinked twice. Shaking out of her stupor, she asked, "W-when. How? I mean, by whom?"
"Mr. Cullen. Edward Cullen."
She swallowed hard as her eyes widened. "M-Mr. Cullen? You mean your boss? Well, isn't it so sudden? I mean, I have never seen you with the man before. Not that I'm judging. I'm not judging. It's just, a surprise is all."
"Yes. But it's true. He has offered me a comfortable home and care for my sisters." I dropped my eyes. "Do you think ill of me? Do you think I was wrong to accept?"
She placed her hand on mine and sighed. "Well, I suppose not. It could be smart match. At least you wouldn't have to worry about making another penny ever again." She half smiled.
"It's not work I'm afraid of. It's my young sisters. I want them to have a future, and he is offering a real home for them. A real education. Safety. Things I could never give them. I would like to see them happy and well cared for when they become of age, not struggling the way I do."
"Does he love you then?"
I wrestled for the words but could not find the will to betray my personal thoughts on the matter. In truth, I did not think Edward loved me. How could he love me? We had only known each other for a short while. Edward was a practical man; he knew how to get what he wanted to serve his interest.
Alice saw my internal battle. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to pry. It's just that, I'm jealous. I just found you, and now it feels like I'm losing you so suddenly."
"It is sudden. I agree. I wish you could come with us. Be with us always."
"Will you be leaving soon then?"
"I don't know. The date has not been set yet. I suspect it will be sooner than we would like, as Edward seemed not to want to wait too long." Alice sighed.
"This is a lot to take in. We only just became like a family." I moved to wrap my arms around Alice in a warm embrace.
"You must visit me always. You will never be turned away. In fact, I wish to have to stay for long visits so our parting does not seem like forever."
Alice laughed a little, "I'm not sure Mr. Cullen would want that."
"That will not stop it from happening." I smiled at her. "I could not bear not seeing you ever again." She smiled as she looked down at the ring.
"You could buy a whole town with that ring," she laughed. "You will be a wealthy woman. I don't know if I'll be able to receive you as company anymore." She smiled, but I could tell she was holding back a few tears.
"Alice. Nothing will change between us, ever. I promise. You are my dearest and truest friend. I could never forget you. You will always be welcomed around me."
She nodded, but still looked in doubt. "We better get some sleep. I have to be up early in the morning." I watched as she removed the untouched cups of now cold tea and set them in the sink.
"I think I'll stay up for a bit longer," I said softly.
She nodded again. "I'll go check on the girls. It's chilly tonight, they might want an extra blanket." She put her hand on my shoulder and struggled to smile. "Congratulations on your engagement. I'm sure you will be happy. It would make me happy to know you are." She left before I could respond.
I sighed. I broke the one heart that had been so good to me. Alice was very sad, but there was nothing I could do to solve it. I had already accepted Edward's hand, there was no going back now.
I stood up and grabbed Edward's unopened note. Running my hand along the middle, I broke the seal and read the letter.
"Dear Isabella, my bride-to-be,
I realize our marriage is sudden. I also realize you never experienced a real courtship as ladies often fantasize about. If you would allow me to remedy that, I would very much like you to join me for dinner tomorrow at my estate and our soon to be shared home. The dinner will serve to give us a chance to enjoy each other's company, as well as discuss some important matters regarding our wedding. I will send a carriage for you in the late afternoon. I would very much enjoy your company.
Signed, Edward C."
I reread the note several times. He almost sounded like he could be a caring husband. I knew his motives, though. Dinner or not, it did not change the fact that he was a brute. Nothing would change my mind. The sad thing is that I knew Edward and I would never be a truly loving couple. We were just too different. Our marriage would not be sincere and warm, but practical and cold. Our intimate time together would not be passionate, but mere duty.
Nevertheless, I would join him for dinner. He was my husband-to-be, after all.
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