Chapter 2

"Hurry Bella! It's getting late and I'm sure the train will arrive any minute now." Yelled Rosalie Higginbotham, also known as Rose.

Rose, at twenty, was the oldest sister, and dutiful guardian of the baby of the family little Isabella, or Bella, as her friends called her. Bella, at seventeen, had just come back home after finishing her education at Mrs. Cope's school in Paris; and now was waiting for her next birthday in September. Her debuting season would be this year, but by the lack of funds or sponsors she shall be given a 'coming out' party as Rose, and perhaps she wouldn't be gathering the attention of any suitable man to ask her hand for marriage. Then she may go to the university as she had always planned. That was the best deal she got from her mother who wanted her girls married. Both Higginbotham girls were bright as the sun and beautiful as flowers, though each one had a different style. Rose was tall, had a curvaceous body with blond hair and violet eyes, although Bella was more on the petite side, which made her curves more notorious, and she had brown eyes and hair just as her father; but both had straight nose and plump pink lips. Both wanted to further with their education, but money was tight, so when Rose time came, her mother denied the chance to go to any university so she acquiesced to marry Royce King.

Now that it was Bella's time, she came home with the wonderful news that she had won the chance of a scholarship. Her mother, worried for her future, asked Bella to wait. Lady Higginbotham was sure her daughter shall garner a suitable man attention thus securing her future. Her mother raised her to believe that education was a waste in a woman, much to the chagrin of her daughters. Now, if they were married and the husband allowed them to continue their education as a hobby... well, then it's nothing wrong about it; but her daughters were really stubborn and she was sure they will get away with it.

Rose and Bella ran to the train station to wait for their uncle Aro and aunt Didyme. Their train was late and had to come five minutes ago, but it hadn't, which means they were lucky to be on time .

Rose being taller took advantage and was closer to the platform, while Bella was hurrying not noticing that one tall man was coming her way and the result was inevitable. Both crashed.

And just when she thought she will fall, a pair of strong arms got her.

Now it was like time stopped. The most beautiful green eyes ever were looking at her, with the same expression of wonder and tenderness. He had the most gorgeous face she had ever seen in a man. Beautiful but so masculine. And the arms holding her, so strong...

Time stopped not just for her. Edward's instincts made him hold the petite figure that crashed with him but when he looked at her soulful eyes he was lost. It took him one second to look at her and then he knew with absolute certainty that he was holding his future.

Absorbed as they were into each other, they didn't realize that other people were waiting for them.

Carlisle Cullen didn't find the exchange funny at all,so he decided to cut it.

"Well Miss Higginbotham so nice to see you, what brings you to the station this morning?"

Rose, knowing her sister will need a minute to right herself, took Carlisle arm to led him to the platform.

"Mr. Cullen, so nice to see you too. We're here to pick up our uncle and our aunt. They're coming to help with Bella's party and my wedding."

While Rose took Carlisle away, Edward took the chance to meet the lovely girl who captivated his heart.

"Hello, my name is Edward Masen and I'm so glad I caught you."

"Hi, my name is Isabella Higginbotham and thanks for keeping me off the floor" said Bella noticing how both were smiling. "And that's my sister Rosalie."

So these are the Higginbotham girls, Edward thought, now I know why all the woman are so envious.

"Please Miss Higginbotham, let me guide you to your sister's side."

"It's Bella."

"Excuse me?"

"Call me Bella, all my friends and family call me Bella."

"Like you wish, Bella" He said while kissing her hand. The way he said her name made Bella insides tingle with pleasure. She couldn't understand why she felt so light and nervous simultaneously. Edward was mesmerized, such a beautiful lovely girl, could she be attracted to him the same way he was attracted to her?

Aro Volturi was tired of traveling. These damned trains were everything but comfortable; and then there was the non stop chatter from his sister Didyme.

At 65, retired from Scotland Yard, he lived a quiet life in company of his widowed sister Didyme and his assistant Alec. He was glad to visit his 'nieces' as he loved to call the Higginbotham girls. Phil was his only nephew, born from his deceased sister Lucretia, who died when he was a baby, so a myriad of nannies raised him. Obviously, he grew to charmed all the nannies to get his way, but he never developed the organized and responsible character that the title required. When Phil's father died, he only left to him the lands attached to the title and the rest went for Aro to manage, knowing Aro would see after the family. And he did, but when Phil died and all the properties were sold, the girls had no other choice but to move to Forkshire, to the only house that remained. He looked to Alec, seated beside Didyme. Poor guy's ears were probably bleeding after all that chatter.

Alec was his assistant or secretary, a very useful hand that came to work with him after being wounded at the battle of Amiens in 1918. He was the best, leading his business in the city or their problems at the country house.

Aro was so hopeful for him. Being so occupied, workwise, Alec had never the chance to mingle; and sadly, his only friends were the women of the church, all above 50.

That's why Aro had a plan for him.

The last time they were here at Forkshire, Alec had a family funeral and had to stay in Surrey. So he hadn't had the opportunity to be at Rose's coming out party. Rose was the most beautiful girl at the party. And his nephew had the crazy idea of marrying her to the ambitious, but rather boring, Royce King. Well, Phil was never known for his intelligent plans, but in a way, he knew what was coming and he preferred to secure his daughter's future. So when Aro and Didyme came to the party, they asked Rose how did she feel. She had all the men, single and married, vying for her hand, she had the chance to choose. But her mother insisted on respecting Phil's wishes, and Rose ended engaged to Royce. It wouldn't be a problem if Rose was committed to marry the man, but no, she did everything she thought to prolong the engagement. Her latest excuse, she didn't want her mother living alone, but now Bella was back and Rose had to find another excuse.

That's when Aro's plan comes to play. He really thought that Alec was a better fitted man to marry someone with Rose's temper. Alec was good-looking man, while, whether"?] Royce was short and balding. And Alec had the patience of a saint, while Royce was known for his rage attacks.

On the other hand, Didyme thought Alec was better suited for Bella, who was more stubborn and probably was going to fight her mother for her right to do as she wanted.

Now they were arriving to the station, and they had the chance to look to the people at the platform.

Alec was thinking who were those angels waving at the train? Could they be the famous nieces? Oh, his boss was keeping this news to him, were they single?

Aro was looking with disdain to Carlisle Cullen, he never liked that man, even in his days at Scotland Yard. And there was another guy with him, talking to Bella, he had to talk to his niece to find out who he was.

Didyme was delighted to see little Bella smiling to the man beside her, both had goofy smiles on their faces, but she didn't like the face the older blond man had. She descended with care, just to be received with the warming hugs of Bella and Rose.

"Come uncle, this is our neighbor Carlisle Cullen," said Rose pointing to the blond man "and this is Mr. Edward Masen."

After the introductions, the gentlemen remained at the station waiting for some boxes that still had to arrive. When they were leaving, Didyme noticed the longing in Bella and Mr. Masen eyes. So this is the man who captured my niece's heart, well, now it was time to know him and see if he was worth Bella's affection; but she also noticed the cold stare Mr. Cullen was giving them. And that means only one thing. She needed to investigate and she knew just what will give her all the information she required. She had to plan a tea with the neighbors. She was ready for tea and gossip tomorrow afternoon.