Dear Readers.
Thanks for reviewing, and thanks ever so much for people adding me to their favorite lists. It means a lot. I hope you guys like this chapter, It's going to a part one of two, because I can't really give the whole entire good part, now can I? No, That I can't.
So, like, personal time. I'm sooo tired, i've been baby sitting all week. My back hurts, my throat is bright red, it sucks. Yet, here I am, on my computer, making sure you fine people have something to remember me by :) lol. My brother is coming home this weekend from college, and I am going on a 'date' withone of his friends, (he is okay with it) and I must say, it's kinda nerve racking, as I felt those emotions, I decided to put them into the story.
Enjoy. Those who review get a PM that gives you a sneak peak at the next chapter. ONLY IF YOU REVIEW. and only if you review with an actual name, because I noticed some are reviewing with out signing in, which makes me sad, cause I'd like to give you guys something in return for your reading. :)
Enjoy.
-Megan
Pumpkin's Brew, a Night Not Cruel. Part One.
Bella folded a pieceof her clothing, it was her favorite gown. It was a dark blue gown with small little designs beaded and embedded in the cloth. It was velvet, and was so soft against her skin. Edward had bought it for her almost a year ago. Bella never wore it, only once, but it was worn for two hours and then put away. Edward seemed not to notice not wearing the grand gown, until he asked her to wear it tonight, that it'd be very beautiful on her, and that she's never worn it. Her mask was a blue and silver swirls all around the edge of the mask, it was grand and Edward
Bella sighed, and thought of the agreement she had made. Tonight was All Hallows Eve. They were having a masquerade type ball to celebrate and Alice and Rosalie were going to hold a small type of walking with the dead ceremony. They'd go down to the grave yard out back and walk around the dead grave sites and have someone scare all the people into thinking that there were spirits alive. They're awful people at times. But it did get a good laugh about it hours, even days later.
"Ma'am," Jessica asked, Bella popped her head up from her thoughts, Jessica's hair was falling out of her cap again. Her curls surrounding her face.
"Yes. Jess?" Bella said walking over to her, fixing her cap correctly. Sometimes she had wondered if Jessica should have her job, and she should have Jessica's. She was better at fixing her cap than Jessica was, and she didn't even need to wear one.
"Lord Cullen has asked for you down stairs. He says there is something of importance." Jessica said, Bella nodded her head.
"Yes, of course. Tell him I'll be down in a moment, please." Bella said, Jessica nodded and walked out of the room quietly. Bella looked at her reflection in the mirror.
Her eyes were dull today, there were bags underneath her eyes that indicated no sleep was to be had last night. Her lips seemed chapped and tired from the cold, perhaps. Her skin was pale, but in all of her dechevildness, she was still beautiful. Her small hands showered over her beautiful brown locks of hair. Her hair curled in every which-way direction and showered over her shoulders.
Bella huffed and she went down stairs to see what in the world Edward wanted. He stood on the bottom of the stairs, touching the railing as if it were a dog needing a proper grooming.
"Yes, My Lord?" Bella asked, Edward's head snapped up, his green eyes seemed to do much good with keeping her held up, she fell apart at the vision of him. He smiled at her, his teeth gleaming in the light candle light of the morning.
"Good morning, Isabella. How are you?" Edward asked her polightly, Bella smiled.
"Good, and yourself?" Bella asked walking down to meet him, He smiled lazily at her.
"Fine. I was wondering if you'd like to do something a sort of special..." Edward said as he took her hand and helped her off of her last step.
"Of course, what is it, My Lord?"
Edward's eyes met hers and smiled, "A brunch, with my whole family."
"I'd be delighted." Bella said smiling, Edward nodded his head.
Bella looked at the simple gown she wore, it was light pink and it had little lace at the top of her bust. There was lace at her sleeves, and at the end of the dress. Her hoops made the dress rather larger, and puff out. Her hair was kept out of her face by a small hair clip that was decorated with small, beautiful pearls.
"You look wonderful, Isabella. Come now, we'll leave."
"I just need shoes, excuse me for one second." Bella walked up the stairs with haste and grabbedher white shoes that looked beautiful with her gown.
"Ready?" Edward asked as she walked down to him, her chest heaving with her loss of breath. Bella nodded her head and swallowed.
"Of course, My Lord."
They got into the carriage and were going to go to Edward's father's house, Cullen Castle as they called it, because it was so grand the way Edward designed it, and how Esme helped decorate the inside. They called it a castle because that is what it looked like. The outside was made of white washed stone, the walls were tall and grand. However, it had a different appearance on the inside. The inside was rather warm, and cozy, not dominating and scary as the outside was.
When we walked into the home we were greated by Esme and her beautiful golden locks.
"Isabella! How wonderful to see you, Edward, my son, so wonderful to see you too." Esme hugged us both awfullytight and told Edward his father and brothers were in the den and that she'd escort Bella to the drawing room with the other women.
"Until later then, Love." Edward kissed my cheek and bowed to his mother, and left in the direction of the den. Even with him building this house and Esme helping the design, Bella had no clue how they don't treat this place like a maze. It's rather large.
"So, Bella, dear." Esme took her hand in hers as she lead Bella to the drawing room. "How are you?" Esme asked, her eyes darted to the necklace they had given me for my birthday, the Cullen Crest.
"I'm well, and yourself?" Bella asked, she smiled brightly.
"Oh you are kind, Bella, I am well. However, I met how are you dealing with the fact of you and Edward's marriage." Esme asked, my Bella's eyes grounded. Edward and her hadn't talked about anything, her rarely wanted to be serious about such things.
"Well, we haven't disgusted it, yet." Bella said quietly, Esme nodded her head and sighed.
"That is Edward, always so reluctant. I cannot tell you, he needs to, but perhaps, in time, you'll understand as Rosalie did." Esme said smiling brightly.
"Why does the King care so much about a marriage between Edward and I?" Bella asked, hoping so very much that she'd get a real answer.
"I cannot say... All I can say is that it's crucial for the Kingdom." Esme said, her eyes were glazed over as she said this to Bella, her face close to Bella's. Esme exhaled and began to walk again, dragging Bella beside her.
"Why can you not tell me?" Bella pleaded, Esme turned to her.
" 'Tis Edward's place to tell you, not mine. I had to her it from Carlisle." Esme sighed and looked at Bella, brushed a curl away from Bella's face and sighed again. "I wish I could tell you, but it's only for a man to speak of." Esme said, and that was law, a man was only to speak of it, only a man shall. Bella sighed and gave up the thought as she followed Esme to the drawing room where Rosalie and Alice were painting tea pots.
"Bella!" Alice gushed as she walked up to Bella, hugging her tightly. Alice was in a dress similar to Bella's however, her dress was a pale blue, and it was silk.
"Alice, how wonderful to see you, Rosalie, same to you." Bella smiled at her two best friends, Rosalie got up to greet Bella.
Rosalie's dress was almost like Esme's. Esme's dress was a lavendercolor silk withsilver trim. It held little lace at the sleeves and it was grand. There were pearls along the bust line and along the stomach. Rosalie's was dark purple, cotton and it had gold trim, with more lace than Esme's and it had little pearls.
"Bella, you look wonderful." Rosalie complemented.
"As do all of you, truly." Bella told them, they smiled and thanked her.
Hours went by and each woman had almost finished a whole tea set. Bella's had more strawberries and lilacs on them then the others. Alice's had beautiful violets and small rose buds. Rosalie had mostly roses on hers and a few sprigs of baby's breath beside the freshly painted red roses. Esme's was sun flowers and bright green grass. Her's was the most beautiful of them all. Everyone had agreed.
"This day is going to be fun." Esme said putting down her small paint brush to look at the girls, the girls looked up and smiled at her as well.
"Brunch is ready, Countess." Their maid Ellen said, all of the women got up and bushed off. "Would you like me to put those on the drying rack, My Lady?"
"Yes, please. Close up the paints, but do not put them away, we still have the saucers and the spoons to do." Esme said as she lead all of the girls to the dining table where the men already sat all in a row, and the ladies were to sit across from them.
"Did you ladies have a good time with your painting?" Carlisle asked as he unfolded his napkin and placed it delicately on his knee.
"A wonderful time. They're all delightful. I'm sure we'll all use them until we need to make more." Esme gushed, her smile brightening up the whole table.
"Splendid." Carlisle said as he drank some of the bitter coffee.
"Yes, did you enjoy yourself, Alice?" Jasper asked, Alice nodded her head in excitement.
"A grand time." Alice agreed with Esme.
"So, Rosie, did you make us some beautiful china?" Emmett asked smiling at Rosalie, Rosalie blushed and nodded her head.
"Yes, this time red roses and baby's breath." Rosalie smiled, Emmett smiled and nodded, he looked pleased. Edward's eyes stayed trained on Bella, he looked as if he wanted to ask the same question his brother's had asked their wives.
"Isabella, what did you paint?" Edward asked, he looked down at his plate that had toast and mint jelly on the side.
"Strawberries and Lilacs..." Bella muttered looking down at her toast as well.
"Ah, lovely. Surely you didn't do a tea set, did you?" Edward asked.
Tea sets were to be painted by a married woman, or at least, that is what Edward always thought. It was a present to the family that they had, it was a gift to have used by the whole family. They did not have a family.
"Of course she did, Edward!" Alice scolded.
"Alice, watch your tone!" Esme scolded at Alice, who looked furiously at Edward.
"Well I'm sorry ma'ma, but he needs to learn just be cause they're not wed yet, does not mean she cannot participate in what we like to do." Alice said looking down at her plate, Esme sighed as she spread the mint jelly onto her toast and just bit down on it, leaving the subject alone.
"I was just merely curious, Alice." Edward said looking at her, daggersalmost shooting her with his green eyes.
"You knew the answer, do you honestly think we'd let her paint something different?" Alice paused, it was a rhetorical question, but Edward answered it anyways.
"Surely I thought different, sister." Edward said curtly.
"Apparently." Alice said in a bitter tone as she sipped her spiced tea.
"Enough chatter, time to eat. Eat your toast as Ellen brings around the bacon and eggs." Carlisle said, and Ellen did just that.
The talk was now civl, and not fork-tongued at all. Bella enjoyed all the time she had at the Cullen's Castle. It was such a joy to have his family there. While they ate Edward's eyes stayed on Bella, and he mimicked her every bite. Not missing a beat until she touched her Cullen Crest necklace.
"I was just about to say about that, Bella." Carlisle smiled as he was paying attention to her movements as well. "Do you like it?"
"Oh, very much, My Lord, thank you." Bella smiled.
"Oh, you're very welcome, my dear." Carlisle said as he sipped his coffee. "I was wondering if it needed to be a little bit shorter but now I see it is the perfect size for your neck." Carlisle said admiring his crest on her.
"Thank you." Bella said bowing her head into her plate which was half full.
"Bella, is something wrong?" Alice noted the amount of food on her plate.
"No, of course not, I'm just a slow eater."
"Oh, very well." Alice dismissed the conversationas she began a new one with Rose.
Alice hadn't said anything of her thought pregnancy to anyone accept Bella. Alice ate quite a bit and drank mild tea. Alice's hands would wander to her stomach, and she'd pat it lightly as if to appreciate the infant in her stomach for letting her eat. Bella knew that people who were withchild could not keep a thing down, and that it was hard for them to even smell anything that had meat in it. However, Alice was doing quite a good job at it, which surprised Bella a great deal, which other than surprise, she felt fear. Fear that Alice may not be with child, and she may be very devastated to find herself not pregnant after all.
After a while of thinking to herself, Ellen grabbed Bella's plate and looked at her. "Ma'am are you done?" Ellen asked, Bella blinked her eyes and smiled up at her.
"Yes, of course, thank you, Ellen." Bella said, smiling at the maid. They had Ellen since she was thirteen, almost four years ago. Carlisle found her hungry and thin. He took her in and let her as a maid. As it were, Ellen was around the marriage age, and she'd need to marry soon, So Carlislewas on the look for another footmen to be her husband, one who was well off with money.
"Isabella, are you ill?" Edward asked, clearing his throat, his hands set up on the table as if he were to make a business deal.
"No, I assure you I am not, I'm just thinking." Bella said smiling to him.
"You've been thinking a great deal, Bella. Pray tell." Esme said, her curiosity was merely harmless, and Bella knew that.
"Oh, nothing of any importance, I assure you, just day dreaming once again." Bella said smiling, a slight blush on her cheeks paired her story quite well, making her look as if she were embarrassed for not talking to the rest of the family. They all smiled around the table and nodded an acceptance at her blank, wandering mind.
"So, shall we finish our sets? We have the saucers left to do." Esme said moving her chair out. All the girls nodded their heads and followed Esme's lead.
The after noon was filled with a lot of gossip. Mostly about Angela and also - more so- Lauren. Lauren was said to have a bastard child to the duke of Millershire. (Idk if that is a real place.)Lauren was absolutely in love with the Duke of Millershire, it was not a secret. Everyone knew that she was in love with the Duke of Millershire. The Duke of Millershire was also notorious for sleeping around and he had knowingly had several bastards already. Lauren would not be any different from all the other whores, that is what all the women decided.
"Oh, golly. It's almost four o'clock. We should get going." Alice said to the other girls. Bella went with Edward in the carage. Mostly everything was quiet until he sighed.
"Yes?" Bella asked looking down at her fingernails.
"Perhaps you could do me a favor?" Edward asked, Bella looked up and shrugged.
"What is it?"
"Repair my mask... I got a tad angry while I was attempting to put it on, I broke the ribbon off." Edward said, Bella nodded her head.
"But of course. But I have a feeling that is not what you wanted to ask of me." Bella noted, Edward nodded his head.
"Very well. You do remember the deal?"
"But of course, My Lord."
"We're here, My Lord." Gilbert, one of Edward's coach drivers stated as he put his head in the little window slot.
"Thank you, Gilbert." Edward said as he opened the door Bella's eyes went straight to the people who were making the place truly scary. Bella saw all the maids and the butlers just scurrying all around the whole entire mansion, making sure everything was just in order. There were black roses all over the place, and some died a bright, festive orange. Bella saw several pumpkins carved into scary, interestingly distorted faces.
"This looks magnificent." Edward appreciated every detail that was made to his grand threshold of the house. The door way was very well decorated, Esme would be sad that this was not her job to brag about, but surely she did have a handle in how it would be set up, after all she was a very good decorater and designer. Even if it was difficult to realize her as a designer. She was a very good one.
"Thank you, Lord Cullen." All of the hands said at one time. He nodded as he walked into the house which looked very much like the outside, only warmer, more festive with the smell of nutmeg, cinnamon and spiced apple cider along with the slight sugestion of pumpkin.
"This smells wonderful! It practicallymakes my mouth water." Bella said smiling, Edward nodded his head in agreement.
"That it does. I'll place my mask in your chambers, I think Jessica has everythingready for you, do you not, Jessica?" Edward asked her, her face flushed and she nodded her head with excitement.
"Yes, Lord Cullen. Come along, Ma'am." Jessica said pulling on Bella's sleeve politely, Bella let her pull her to her own chambers.
"Is there something on your mind, Jessica?"
"Yes, Ma'am. You're bed was unslept in..." Jessica said, "I went to make it, and it was already neat."
"That is because I made it, Jessica." Bella said curtly, "I was a tad bit annoyed, so I decided to clean." Bella said as she opened her door to see the dark blue gown and the dark blue and silver mask setting on her bed along with a new corset that she had never seen before in her life, and a new shift. Edward, she thought.
"Do you need help removing your clothes, Ma'am, or would you like me to draw you a bath?" Jessica asked.
"Draw me a bath, please." Bella pleaded almost with her eyes saying that she was a bit worn. She took off all of her clothing and walked into the bathroom.
"Do you wish your hair to be washed?" Jessica asked, not paying any attention to Bella's naked body. Bella shook her head no.
"No, that is quite alright, it will be hell to try and dry. No, we'll just was my body. I am awfully tired." Bella said, Jessica nodded and helped her into thwarm bath which was newly drawn.
"A massage?" Jessica asked, her hands went to Bella's shoulders.
"No, no. I'm fine."
"Are you quite sure, Bella, we've known each other for a very long time, you feel tense. Would you like to speak about it?" Jessica asked politely.
"No, no. My burden to bare, not to worry you about. I hope you have a grand time tonight, you know that Lord Cullen has let you all off at twelve o'clock so you can enjoy yourselves as the guests. Wear your best. If you have nothing, you may wear something of mine. I'm sure your bust is bigger than mine, but I'm sure you'll fit something." Bella said smiling at her, Jessica smiled and nodded her head.
"I was wondering, that yellow gown, it's a bit big on you..." Jessica said, her eyes were looking down into the slightly merky water.
"Then you may wear it.. have it if you like. I never wear it anyways." Bella said, she always gave Jessica gowns that had no longer contained her interest.
"Thank you, Bella." Jessica said, Bella laughed and nodded.
"Not a problem. You may go, could you get the make up ready for my face, I think I'd like to do it myself tonight." Bella said, Jessica nodded her had and stood up, "and take the dress as you leave. If anyone asks, tell them I've gotten the wrong size and cannot return it, so I've given it to you."
Out of all the persons employed by Edward, Jessica was her favorite. She was so polite, and Bella knew her for a very long time. Bella had always liked her, and Jessica had always shown a fondness of Bella. Bella felt bad, Jessica's parents died a while back, her father was murdered by a person named Laurent. He was truly a mad man and quite a dueler. He liked to duel and unfortunately, he dueled till the death. Jessica's father was a victim of his, one of the many, he was believed to have murdered over a hundred persons.
Bella got out of the tub and wraped herself in a warm towel. She sighed and wiped off her face that she had splashed with the bath water. She looked at her palid face, it looked scared. She was slightly scared for tonight. She would no longer be a virgin. She'd be soiled.
She walked into her room, wearing a robe that was plush. She sat on her make up chair, looking at the make up that Jessica had laid out. Bella saw three shades of lip stick. Crimson, chocolate, and of course, a rose petal pink. She chose the Crimson. It would look quite well with the dress. She put on her make up, a slight touch of charcoal to her eyes, not too much, just enough to create a smokey look. She did not bother with a lot of blush, her natural blush took care of that.
She finally decided to put on the gown, she looked quiet comfortable in it. The new corset pushed her breasts almost out of the gown. It was truly remarkable. Even witha slight breath, she was afraid of her breasts poppingout. She fixed Edward's mask and put a new ribbon on it, A bright red ribbon. She put on her own, which almost felt too tight with her mask on and her hair put in a silver clip, it felt a little snug, but nothing she couldn't handle, surely. She put on her Sapphire blue ballet type slippers and walked down into the ball room where Edward was.
"Here you are, Edward." Bella said, she covered her mouth with the hand that wasn't handing him his mask, she had never really called him Edward before, not without his say so.
"Thank you, Bella." Edward said as he put it on his face. "Are you ready?" Edward asked, "the guests should be arriving any minute now."
"Nearly."
"You look ravishing." Edward said smiling, "a true beauty." Bella smiled and looked at him, she felt smothered by his beautiful, intense green, emerald eyes.
"Thank you, you look quite dashing." Bella said bowing, Edward smirked and bowed his own head.
"Lord Cullen, I introduce Master Michael Newton." Edward smiled and nodded. Michael Newton wasn't really much of anything. He was a person, but his family did have some money, not nearly as much as the Cullen's, but still, money. Money was key.
"Ah, yes, send him in." Edward said, with in seconds Micheal walked in, a smug smile about him. His blue eyes showing nothing but excitement.
"Where is your mask?" Bella asked surprised.
"Ah, yes it's here." Michael said waving it around.
"Put it on." Edward instructed, Bella smiled at him, her mask covering half of her face, but you could still tell it was her.
"Right." Michael said as he put on his black, plain mask. It wasn't anything special, perhaps, genaricif anything. He had no real art to it, it was plain, black with a suede tie at the back.
"Isabella, may I have the first turn on the dance floor?" Edward asked bowing his head curtly.
"Who is this Isabella you speak of?" Bella asked laughing, Edward laughed too.
"I'm dreadfully sorry, Madame, will you allow me a dance?" Edward asked, fueling her joke, Bella nodded her head and took Edward's out stretched hand.
As they danced more people filled in to the ball room, most went to get drinks. Bella had to of danced with Edward a hand full of times, and it was no surprise that every time she got a new dance partner, he'd steal her away half way through the song. Alice and Rosalie wore dresses that were similar to each other. They were white, and had lace on the sleeves and it had a chokercollar of lace. They danced with their husbands for a bit, and of course traded partners to keep it spicy.
Later on they had the grave yard walk which people were very excited about. Emmett and Jasper helped with the ghoulsand Edward was said to be a Vampire walking around. Charlie, Bella's father was a knight with an axe in his hand, he was very cautious and when guests came around he'd have the axe closer to his body so nobody would be stuck accidentally. Many people got scared when Sir Jacob Black popped out with many wigs on, obviously a werewolf. (there are so many ways to spell it I just can't remember the correct one)
The night went on until twelve o'clock where people joined in one last dance, and of course, Edward danced with Bella, Alice danced with Jasper, and Rosalie danced with Emmett. Carlisle and Esme were nowhere to be seen, but it was sure they'd be up stairs, ready to announce that all hallows eve was over.
"Take off your masks!" Yelled Carlislefrom the top of the stairs, they all did. There were several pairs that were embarrassed. Michael Newton was paired up withJessica Stanley, Bella's maid. Lauren Mallory was dancing with Sir Tyler Crowley. Several looks were on Lauren'sface as she saw that Angela was dancing with the Duke of Millershire, who's name was Ben. Green withenvy Lauren walked out of the ballroom, holding her popping stomach with pride. Edward looked at Bella and kissed her hand, he lead her put to the top of the stairs where his parents were.
"I do hope you all had a wonderful time. Ladies, if your husbands found themselves a stray from you tonight, just remember, you found yourself in the same predicament, and we've all had a generous drink or two. I hope you all travel safely, for the party is over. Happy Halloween!" Edward said to all of them. They all cheered, held up their masks and walked out of the mansion in a polite, orderly fashion with their companions in their hands.
"I had a wonderful time, dear." Esme said as she hugged Edward, and Carlisle clapped him on the back of his shoulder.
"And I as well." Carlisle said, he smiled at his son, appreciatively.
"Thank you for helping, it was truly wonderful." Edward agreed, his sister came up with Jasper and hugged him and said their good byes, of course Rosalie did not hug, but thanked him for the wonderful time and smiled at him as she hugged Bella tightly.
"That is everyone, Sir." Said Edward's footmen. Edward nodded and looked over at Bella who was setting by the fire, watching the flames that died down due to lack of wood. Edward put his hands on her shoulders and smiled down at her, a smile that showed affection.
"Did you have a good time?" Edward asked her, Bella's eyes looked up at him and smiled.
"Of course, it was a delight."
"I'm glad... Are you ready, Bella?" Edward asked, Bella looked into the fire for five more minutes before responding.
"Yes."
"My chambers? I think you'd be more comfortablein my bed." Edward said. Bella stood up and turned to him, Edward's eyes were bright green, however, they were not filled withlust, they were filled with affection and caring. Bella smiled at him, she was uneasy, but she was ready. She had plenty of brandy to help calm her nerves.
