Prolouge
November 3, 1876
Erik stood on his porch in the early morning. Drinking a cup of strong coffee, Erik watched the townsfolk begin to bring down the colorful decorations. He had not gone to bed. He was still too excited to sleep. It seemed like a lifetime ago that he had Manuela Monteville barge in on his life and on his heart. He couldn't believe it had only been five days. He would have brunch at her parents house again, this time taking Don Ricardo's advice and sticking with the bread and jam. Bread made him think of the Fairfeilds. After returning home that morning, he heard a faint whisper say,
"We'll see you next year dear...behave yourself."
"Or don't...After all with a girl like Manuela..."
"Mortimer!"
Erik chuckled now at the memory of it. Or perhaps it was a dream. Perhaps it was all a wonderful dream. If it was, Erik didn't want to wake up.