Two
As the ducal carriage rolled up to the intimidating family seat, known as Greenleigh Estate, Edward grimaced slightly. This mansion had never been his favorite growing up. It had felt less like a home and more like a place he had been conveniently put away too.
Being of nobility, Edward and George hadn't been allowed to interact with the village children. There was only so much time one could spend with one's sibling before dislikes started to arise.
"Here you go milord," said a footman indicating it was time to exit the carriage.
He murmured his thanks and stepped down to only to be greeted by the butler, Hodges.
"My lord let me be the first to welcome you home."
"Thank you Hodges."
After greeting each and every one of the household staff, Edward retired to the cozy confines of his study. He pulled out a bottle of whiskey and sat in front the roaring fire, trying to drink himself into a sweet oblivion.
The heat of the fire along with the bottle of whiskey lulled him into a dreamless sleep.
There was a deep pounding sensation behind Edwards eyelids. With a groan he tried to raise his head but the effort was exhausting. He struggled to open one green eye and was startled to discover that he was lying in his massive bed, the sheets tangled around his legs.
Someone must have carried him up the stairs. He scooted over to the edge of the bed, manfully ignoring the lull of the soft pillows and the headache that threatened to consume him.
His valet, Harsgroove, came into his room, bearing his masters clothes.
"Good morning my lord."
"Nothing good about it," mumbled Edward as he managed to stand up.
"Beg you pardon?" inquired Harsgroove.
"Never mind."
"Right Sir. Well, shall we begin?"
He nodded and stood in the center of his room for a good thirty minutes, before his valet settled on gray pantaloons, red waistcoat and a intricately tied cravat.
Edwards hair refused to be tame, so it was allowed to form in a casual disarray.
A footman appeared in the doorway bearing silver salver with a card on top.
"This just arrived for you My Lord."
Upon opening the card, his eyes strayed to the name Swan.
As his mind registered the name, his heart began to beat rapidly. Isabella Swan. The most desirable woman in London. She could have been YOUR woman.
His cravat suddenly felt tight. "Where did Hodges put them?"
"In the green salon. Shall I say your not at home?"
"No. I'll be down in a moment. Head down to the kitchen and tell Cook to prepare a tray of refreshments for the ladies."
"Yes My Lord."
He needed time to mentally prepare himself. He hadn't seen or spoken to Isabella Swan in five years. He had spent five long years thinking of her. And trying to forget her. Trying to forget the way those brown pools had darken when his kisses had awakened her desires.
Just thinking about those eyes had made his loins throb.
He ruthlessly pushed those thoughts aside.
Think of all those times when she was meddlesome and annoying. Stubborn and rebellious.
But even then, she had enchanted him. No matter, he thought ruthlessly. I can be cold and distant.
And with that mindset, he headed down the long hallway and down the spiral staircase to greet the one woman who had never stopped haunting his dreams.