Summary: The year is 1662, a prosperous time for the New World. After nearly 200 years, in the growing town of Ipswich, England, Klaus and Elijah believe to have finally found the hiding place of their elusive Petrova. Upon arriving, Elijah meets a human who requests an usual favor from him. By accepting, unwanted feelings start to develop between the two.

Genre: Romance; Supernatural

Pairing: Elijah/OFC - Marian

Disclaimer: I do not own The Vampire Diaries.

Authors Note: Hola! Glad to find all positive feedback thus far. Thanks AnaleighJames and Sam0728 for reviewing my story. And also thanks to all those who have Alerted and Faved. I really appreciate you guys giving this story a chance. Hope everyone enjoys the next chapter!

CHAPTER TWO

Joanna begged Marian once more to tell her the name of that dashing man she was speaking to in the market square. "Since when do you find Ellsworth handsome, sister," Marian questioned. "Should I set up an engagement between you two?"

"I would much rather enjoy a meeting with the man you so greedily keep to yourself," replied Joanna. "Come on, you must tell me his name."

"I do not know who you are referring to," said Marian, firmly denying the existence of the Lord Elijah.

"You cannot fool me, Marian," Joanna said cheerfully. She began to circle her sister, as they walked down the dusty trail. "I saw him!"

Marian eyed Joanna in annoyance. "Must you do that," she commented. "You look like a vulture circling their food. Please stop."

"Not until you tell me who your new friend is," said Joanna, continuing to circle her. Marian only shook her head at her younger sister's childish antics. "Do you wish me to inform father?"

Marian shrugged. "If you must," she said. "Though you understand, he would never believe you." Joanna ceased her dancing and came to stand directly in front of Marian and lifted her head proudly as she spoke.

"Mind you, I did witness your kiss."

"That was harmless." Marian nearly laughed as she said it.

"Not in the way I shall tell it," warned Joanna. "The kiss I witnessed was not upon your hand."

Marian's eyes grew to the size of saucers. "You would not tell such a story on me to father!"

"No, I would not," she confessed, "as long as you tell what I want to know."

Marian signed in annoyance and grasped her sister's arm. They began walking again, their destination coming into view. The two-story farm house just beyond the barley fields was home. It was a very convenient spot, just ten miles from the town. Their father had taken the horse and cart earlier that morning, leaving Marian and Joanna to walk the dusty trails. Today, thankfully, the weather was rather mild, working in their favor.

"His name is Elijah," said Marian, breaking the silence between them. Joanna's eyes lit up with anticipation, waiting for her sister to continue. "He is a Lord from Norwich."

"A Lord," asked Joanna, thoroughly surprised. "Really?"

"I couldn't believe it either," answered Marian. "I am very thankful I ran into him. I believe he may have saved me from Ellsworth once and for all!"

"What do you mean?"

"I asked him to pretend he was courting me."

"You did not," said Joanna laughing.

"Yes, I did," replied Marian smiling. "The idea just popped into my head and when I asked his Lordship he agreed, providing I…" Marian hesitated a moment, unsure if she should share this information.

"Go on."

"Do you promise me that you will not tell father?" Joanna nodded. "Now I mean it, you must really promise me."

"Marian, I promise." Joanna watched her sister, a confused expression upon her face.

"Lord Elijah agreed only to my request providing I grant him a favor in return."

Joanna's eyes widened. "What on earth did you agree to do?"

"I don't exactly know," she responded slowly. "He failed to tell me what he wants."

"You're going to see him again, aren't you," asked Joanna practically bouncing up and down.

"Eventually," Marian confirmed. "But I have no idea when that will be. I don't even know where he's staying."

"Well, that shouldn't be too hard to discover. One can only imagine what this Lord Elijah wants from you," mused Joanna briefly.

"I have been wondering since our encounter."

"He could ask me for anything."

Marian shoved Joanna's shoulder playfully. They continued home, all the while, wicked images of the dashing Lord began to fill their heads.

Jonathan Parrish jumped down from the cart. He called for Henry, his youngest, to unhinge the horse and return it to the stables.

"Victor," he yelled quickly. "Victor, come help me!"

A couple of minutes later, a blonde haired man emerged from the house. "Yes, Father," he replied obediently. Victor approached the cart quickly, gripping the side and lifting himself with his arms, climbing inside. "I was expecting you back an hour ago," he said, lifting a box. It jingled as he picked it up. "What happened?"

"I was delayed," replied Jonathan, grasping the box from his son, "by Ellsworth."

Victor laughed. "Still pining for Marian, is he?"

"That was what I thought," he began, "but he did not ask for her hand this time. He wished to congratulate the family." As Jonathan unloaded another box he continued. "Ellsworth has informed me that my eldest daughter has suitor."

"Marian? Our Marian," asked Victor in disbelief. Soft bits of laughter suddenly filled their ears. Marian and Joanna appeared near the edge of the fields, meeting up with Henry as he left the stables. "Speak of the devil."

"Marian," Jonathan called for his daughter, waving a hand for her to come to him. She nodded politely toward him. She grasped her skirts, lifting them a few inches, and jogged quickly to her father's side.

"Good afternoon, Father," she greeted him with a light kiss upon his cheek. "Hello Victor," she greeted her brother. He returned the gesture with a warm smile. "Were you able to procure everything for the festivities?"

Jonathon nodded. "It was easy enough. Come," he said, "I wish to speak with you." He placed his arm around her shoulders, leading her to a small, slightly rusted bench, not too far from the porch steps.

Marian seated herself first, a little worried about what they were about to discuss. When her father settled down beside her, Marian asked him, "Have I done something wrong?"

"No," said Jonathan quickly. Marian's fear subsided instantly. "I simply wish to speak with you about your future."

"My future?"

"Do you have any new prospects you wish to inform me about?"

Marian shook her head, trying desperately not to roll her eyes in the presence of her father. "No. There is no one."

"Really?" She again shook her head in response. "Strange. Ellsworth has informed me otherwise. He says you have caught the eyes of a Lord."

Ellsworth, her mind screamed. I though I had solved this problem! "Father, please," she began, "you must make Ellsworth stop. I shall not marry-" Marian stopped a moment. "I'm sorry Father, what did you say?"

Jonathan eyed his daughter curiously as he continued. "Ellsworth says you have begun a courtship with the Lord Elijah of Norwich. Is this not true?"

Marian's eyes widened. "When did Ellsworth inform you of this?"

"I ran into him on my way back home. Is the Lord Elijah courting you, Marian," he asked again.

"Well," she began slowly, "yes but-"

"I should have been informed," he interrupted. "I should not have heard this on the streets, Marian."

"But Father," she tried to start again, "you must let me explain-"

"Lord or not, any courtship of my daughters must be approved by myself and your mother."

"What are you saying," asked Marian.

"I wish to meet this Lord Elijah."

Marian shook her head quickly. "No Father, you must listen to me-"

"You shall invite him to your Mother's birthday this week. It would make her happy to finally see you settle down."

"But Father-"

"It is decided," he interrupted once more. "I look forward to meeting him." Jonathan quickly rose from the bench and returned to assisting Victor with unloading the cart.

Joanna approached her awestruck, occupying the seat next to her. "Are you alright Marian? What did Father say?"

"Ellsworth told Father about Elijah." Marian paused a moment, trying to catch her breath. "They ran into each other and Ellsworth told him that his Lordship and I are courting one another. I tried to tell him otherwise, but he wouldn't listen." She shifted closer, attempting to whisper. "Joanna, Father wants to meet him."

"Really?"

Marian nodded. "He has extended an invitation to Mother's party."

"Perhaps he will say yes when you ask him," came the gentle voice of her sister once more.

"Joanna, I am not going to ask him," hissed Marian. "I cannot do that! And even if I did," she continued, "I have no idea where he is."

"More than likely he would be found within the town inn."

"Yes, but-"

"I will help you find him, Marian," she said softly.

"You relize this is not going to work in our favor."

Joanna shrugged. "Stranger things have happened in Ipswich." She smiled brightly. "We just might be able to convince him"