I do hope everyone had a lovely Christmas and will have a fantastic end to 2012 tomorrow night. I hope 2013 will be prosperous for us all!

I do want to thank the readers on this site who have left me the lovely, encouraging reviews so far!

-Bella-

Now that the excitement of Edward's arrival had ceased, myself and the rest of my staff back to normality I was able to take a few hours away from the house. Mrs Dwyer had sent me to give the cook's list for the store cupboard from her regular supplier. I took the chance to call on Sue, as she had not escaped my mind since Lord Edward had come to the house and I had caught-up with Jacob which unfortunately had to be cut short.

I grasped the bunch of flowers in my hands after knocking on her door. Fortunately, Tyler allowed me to take some flowers that he had picked from the garden himself. Instead of using them to place inside the house purely for decoration purposes. In no time at all, the door opened and revealed Sue, who instantly greeted me with the widest smile, bringing me straight back to my childhood.

"Isabella! Oh Goodness, Bella. How long have we been apart?" Sue wrapped me in a tight hug, the state of the flowers in my hands forgotten about as she held me tightly, the familiar smell of her perfume surrounding me. I felt like a child, again. Even though we had both kept in touch through written letters, seeing her face to face was so much more of a joy and pleasure. I had known that Sue had wanted to marry my father, my father felt my mother's loss more than the rest of his family ever realised. I should have liked so much for her to be a female figure in my life. Another mentor other than my father to confide in.

"How are you, Sue?" As we pulled apart, I looked down at the fate of the flowers. As expected the many petals had scattered on Sue's doorstep, she must have caught my gaze and let out a sigh.

"Oh Bella, I am sorry, I didn't once think that you had brought anything. They look beautiful, well what is left of them, anyway." I prevented my desire to smile at Sue's sudden bashfulness.

"No matter. I wanted to apologise for not coming to visit, sooner."

"Oh my dear there is no need for that. You're a busy young woman now, with a very rich family who employ you. I know what long hours work can do for the soul. Come in, my love I have just boiled some water on the stove."

I wiped my feet on what was left of the mat on the stone floor and walked into Sue's house. I loved the constant smell of food that she was busy making. Sue had always had a fondness of pastries and pies and being a stout woman in shape she had the good sense to not deprave herself of those luxuries. As for me, I was always small in shape, not much of a curve anywhere on my physical body and sometimes I did find myself loathing what I saw in the mirror. Especially as a teenager, I was not always a happy person. I used to look at Sue and wish that I could be as content as she is on such a small fortune. Money is such a material advantage and I of course was surrounded by the people who found it to be of no object at all. What makes Sue different from the Duke and Duchess is that Sue had people around her; real friends who cared for her and genuinely liked her. The visitors who had I had seen in the richer family were individuals who I had never set eyes upon again. With money comes power and with power comes the 'luxury' of destroying anyone who happens to be inferior. In truth or by choice from the richer. Sue had succeeded in making a living for herself in this small home in which she only had her own company to endure. All I wanted in life was contentment and enough financial stability to still maintain my gratitude for what I have earned.

I took a seat and welcomed the china cup held out in front of me; Sue always made such lovely tea which I could never find myself to drink in the servant's kitchen. Sue sat down opposite me after she had prodded the fire to expand the flames. The house was always naturally draughty so when there was a chance Sue could have the fire on, it was welcomed.

"So lovely Bella. What of the big house? Is there much news us lowly town folk can fawn over and be horrendously jealous about?"

"No, Sue. There is no new, only that of Lord Edward's arrival. Since graduation it seems that he must reside back in the family home before finding an estate of his own. That is, if he finds a suitable wife and his father can give him some of his own land and housing to raise a family. They all hope for heirs of course."

"Have you met Edward properly?"

"I have only served him at mealtimes. We spoke a little when I became distracted with his horse the other afternoon. I'm surprised that Mrs Dwyer didn't give me an interrogation after such an unprofessional situation happened in front of the family."

"Oh nonsense. A man cannot place blame on a maid who cares for a horse, his own horse to be precise. So what is he like?"

I rolled my eyes, knowing Sue's tone of voice could only mean that she wanted me to share some facts in which no one else could know. I did trust her completely but I was in no position to be forming an opinion on Lord Edward. Forming closeness with Lady Alice was frowned upon but being her Lady's maid my position gave me a better position of trust for her.

"He seems good-mannered. University I believe has changed his demeanour somewhat, the staff members seem convinced that they will witness something that will take them back to Edward's old behaviour as a child. I've heard him deemed a 'little horror' from Mrs Dwyer and slightly more offensive names from cook. Being a fussy eater is enough to condemn a person in her eyes."

"What do you make of him, Bella?"

"I do not anything of him. He is a quiet sort. Perhaps he is fond of solitude. I've seen him walking around the gardens on his own or going out riding on Masen. His friend that he came home with did not stay long and he did show some civility in the mouth of judgement in the Duke and Duchess. Rich people can do so much to a person whether that be beneficial or not. So it seems that Lord Edward has become a mystery to us all."

"Are they kind to you, Bella? The family?"

"Yes they are kind. I like them as I should as they are my employers. That is all they can be. I haven't made many friends, only Esme. Lady Alice cannot be my friend even though she is a person I can find myself trusting completely with my deepest secrets if indeed I had any to express. After nearly four months of working with them, I still consider Jake to be my closest friend."

"Billy has not been very well, Bella. I don't think that he has much left in him and Jacob is so busy with the farm, he does not have the time to care for his father." Sue looked saddened, she was as close with the Black family as my father and I had been. I suddenly felt the pain for Jacob, relating to having a father whose health you could never repair with your own hands. I finished the last of the tea in my cup and put it on the arm of my chair before lying further back, putting my hands on my lap.

"I wish there was something I could do. Only the other day he was saying how nice it would be to have me work on the farm again with the boys. Now that I have found work up the house my old life before being a staff member of the Duke and Duchess seem so far away."

"Jacob will always need you, Bella. After all this time he still cares and feels deeply for you. As much as he may try and brush it off in front of you."

I knew of Jacob wanting to spend the rest of his life with me when I was younger. My father would have welcomed the match if the news had reached his ears at all. Billy wanted his son to marry a woman of some fortune to invest further into the farm, Billy of course was fond of me but I was not the most desirable match for his son, growing up in farming Billy knew of the advantage of having a wife with money. Jacob's mother had died in childbirth with him but Billy had married her out of love, the extra bonus of his lover having money was just lucky. Like my father, Billy had not gotten over the death of his beloved wife, either.

Jacob had told me of his feelings before I had gone out to find work and I had never replied to him with an answer because of Jacob's knowing that Billy had spoken to me about refusing his son's advantages. I was not pushed to refuse Jacob, he still remains the only man who has ever shown feelings to me beyond friendship and the farm girl would have easily accepted him because of how nice he has always been to me. Now, that my situation in life had altered so drastically and with the recommendations that Lady Alice or even her mother could give me if I ever chose to find another position of work, I could climb a little higher. I would like right now to have fewer hours to work but with the amount of work I was completing on a daily basis, there was never much time to dwell with one's thoughts, dreams, desires or fears. I didn't have the time to imagine a life outside of work and in all honesty I had grown to like it that way. No matter where I ended up in my future however, Jacob Black was always going to be a dear friend.

"I know, Sue. I wish that I could accept him and make him the happiest man in the world…However that is all our marriage could ever be. There is no doubt in my mind that with my being his wife I could give him a lifelong happiness that men may dream of. What about me? I am not a selfish person, Sue but papa taught me to be sensible with men. A man who wants to be with me may be something that can never become a reality for me but if it does then I must ensure that I am also as content as he is. I want to be in love, Sue. I want to love someone who loves me as equally in return and yes, considering where I have come from that may not be possible. I may always have to work and end up living on my own but if my chance came along, I should like to embrace it."

"Oh Bella. Charlie would be so proud of you right now. Getting on with your duty and not complaining once about how you're treated up there by his Lordship and his wife. I am not fond of the family, Bella just like I am not fond of other rich families who gawk and look down their noses at people like me in the street. I am proud of what I have done in my life and I want you to do the same. I've always loved you like you were my own daughter, you know that don't you?"

"Yes, Sue. You have been incredible and such a good friend in my life. Along with papa you're my inspiration."

"Strive to be your own inspiration, Bella. I may be biased but you are destined for great things. I've known you since you were a tiny little thing and even back then the beautiful Isabella Swan was going to be a woman to love by many."

I found myself getting emotional at Sue's words. I brushed down the back of my dress as I stood up from the chair, I glanced at the broken bouquet on the other chair arm and chuckled a little under my breath.

"I must get back to work. I am due some time off, soon but until the days can be assigned to me I should like to come and visit and check in on Billy."

"I will sort those flowers out; it was so thoughtful of you to bring them. Please do come and visit, you're welcome here anytime Bella whenever you should need us."

I threw my arms around Sue. Meeting with my old friends who I had known since childhood once again proved that there were not enough hours in the day to catch up with my old life. I would never forget where I came from, that much was certain. The Duke and Duchess may have enough money to feed the entire world but true happiness, in my belief, comes from the people who love you. A kind of love which cannot be altered with materialism like a dress of London fashion. I fought back the tears as I walked out of Sue's house, looking out to the fields where I knew Jacob would be and headed back to the house. It was a long walk without the town car or a horse as my choice of transportation and so seeing friends is near enough out of the question. I had to get away even if it was for only half an hour. The family had not disallowed me from walking around the grounds and appreciating its grandeur.

Taking a slightly different route to my usual one back to the house, I passed under a bridge, folding my arms to my chest in case I should come across any unwanted behaviour from strangers. I was no fool to realise that not all the habitants of this town could be trusted, especially if you did work for the people that many had come to envy. I stopped in my tracks when I heard a soft cry coming from where the bridge ended, walking up closer I realised that there was a bundle of some kind up against the stone. I crouched lifting the material which was as rough as gravel and gasped uncontrollably to find a pair of eyes staring up at me.

It was a baby.

A small, helpless, beautiful baby. I was confused as to how many people had walked past the bundle. Or perhaps people may not have seen it because it could only have been placed under here but mere moments ago. I knew then alone under the bridge that this baby could not be left on their own any longer. I may not have experience of looking after babies but I knew of a home to keep the little angel safe until I could find someone loving enough to place it under their care. I picked up the bundle as carefully as I could manage. Shushing and cooing the baby as I cradled it close to my heart. I hunched over and walked at a faster pace back to the house, I could not have gone back to Sue's as I would be late to report back to Mrs Dwyer.

As I reached the house, I slipped my way towards the back to the servant's entrance. Fortunately the baby had fallen asleep surprisingly finding peace with the bumpy ride my arms had given as I quickened my walking speed. In that, I did not have much of a choice, I could not have left the baby in distress because under a bridge there was no chance of survival. I hurried towards the direction of the kitchen and was contemplating on temporary names for the baby when I was stopped so suddenly in my tracks.

I swallowed the dryness in my throat; I felt Mrs Dwyer's eyes on me. There was the Duchess and Lord Edward turning to gaze upon me and the unwelcomed young child in my arms. I was quick to defend my actions as the looks of both the housekeeper and her ladyship. I did not need the words to know that there was going to be disapproval in everything I had decided to do today at the spur of the moment.

"Madam, Lord Edward, Mrs Dwyer. I found this baby when I was walking back up here from town. I was sent on an errand by Mrs Dwyer to place an order in for cook and on my return…Well, I apologise for bringing the baby here but I found that I could not leave the child to die. I believe that she has been abandoned. It is a little girl, I checked."

Mrs Dwyer looked to the Duchess whose expression hadn't faltered at my story. Lord Edward, surprisingly was the next to speak.

"How dreadful." He walked over to me and gazed down on the baby who was still sound asleep. "Mama we must send out some kind of notice, to the parents and other relatives. Her family aren't perhaps all aware of this little girl's fate."

"Pray tell me this, who is to care for her, Edward? We are not equipped with a wet-nurse or any existing member of staff who are able to give the baby proper full-time care. All the staff are having to change the rota around because of sickness passing around, that is what we have been discussing for the past fifteen minutes before Miss Swan came in with the baby."

"So you are saying that, in the position that we have, the money that we possess, we cannot care for this baby? Isabella should just put her back under the bridge?"

"Don't be so melodramatic, Edward. You must see what an inconvenience this baby can do to the order of the house, a baby needs to have someone who can care for them the right way."

"Like a governess you mean? Or perhaps a nanny? Emmett, Alice and I have a lot of experience with them. Very well if you refuse to take care of the baby then I shall. I can tell father that my work at the hospital must be postponed because my mother wants to abandon a baby for the second time around."

I fought back the tears at the thought of having to take the baby back under the bridge, I rocked the baby on the spot looking upon her beautiful face and sympathizing with this start in life. Having one parent or even two who cannot care for you was a horrible situation for both parties. I did not want to see this baby suffer, no more than Edward had shown he did not want to as well.

With a sigh the Duchess placed Mrs Dwyer's paperwork on the dining table and folded her arms, contemplating the ultimatum her son had given her. The Duchess was not showing the correct response to this situation, not like a real mother would. In that moment I was convinced that her children barely saw her growing up and that there were underlying issues for all members of the family.

"I shall speak to my husband and see what can be done. In the meantime, the staff with continue with their duties as normal and the baby will find a home in the old nursery. Luckily we did not remove the crib from the room because we hoped to keep any future Grandchildren in there. Edward, you will make up some form of notice and notify Mr Todd, he knows most of the newspaper editors and spread the word for us."

"As long as the reputation of the house is not affected of course." Edward finished turning his back on his mother to look down at me. "You did the right thing, Isabella. No matter what anyone says, this baby owes you a lot. Can I take her?" I handed the baby into Edward's arms and watched him walk away back upstairs without another word.

"Isabella, I would like a word with you." The Duchess said before turning away and following in the same direction as her son had gone. I took a deep breath and followed, ending up in the library where the Duke himself was sitting reading his newspaper.

"Elizabeth…Isabella? What has happened, here?" The Duke put the newspaper down. His wife turning to me before sitting on the chaise longue in the middle of the room.

"Isabella Swan found something today, something that could prove to be the spanner that is thrown to destroy the management of the house my love."

"It was an abandoned baby, Sir. A little girl who was left under the bridge in some material that could barely keep her warm-"

"How dare you speak out of turn-"

"No Elizabeth. Please continue, Isabella." The Duke gestured with his hand for me to continue after silencing his wife.

"I was hoping to keep the baby downstairs with us, take care of it before ringing for the doctor to carry out some health checks. I am aware that it is a lot to ask and I would have paid for the health assessments out of my own pocket."

"There is no need for that, Isabella. Where is the baby now?"

"Your son after giving me a good telling off took her to the nursery." The Duchess answered.

"Good." The Duke stood up and walked over to me, standing merely inches away from me. "Now Isabella, despite what my wife says we both would have liked to have been informed before any doctor was called. I can see how this must have scared you and by bringing the baby here you have done the right thing. Elizabeth, please forget about the managing of the house for one moment and this about this child. No one should have a poor start in life, we may have money but that doesn't stop us from being good people. We cannot be heartless. We cannot turn the baby out of this house no more than we can dismiss Isabella for possessing a heart and knowing the difference between right and wrong."

"Who is going to take care of it?"

"I trust you, Isabella to make sure the baby is happy and well-fed. There is no need to hire a wet-nurse, used bottled milk and I will contact the doctor immediately to come around first thing tomorrow morning. I will speak to Alice and have one of the other maids look after her for as long as necessary. We must all find a way to sacrifice necessities and break away from routine. Perhaps this is the change in which Alice wanted so much. Isabella, please go upstairs and find Edward, tell him that he must come to the library immediately. I will send Mrs Dwyer to get Emmett and Rosalie. All of the family must know about this."

I curtsied and walked out of the library, soon the voices of both the Duke and Duchess could be heard from where I had come from. Since there was such an obvious clash between their opinions on the welfare of this baby that an argument between them was more than likely to happen. I headed on upstairs, suddenly worried that I had bitten off more than I could chew.

I feared that my position in this household would never be the same again.