So not mine.
Chapter 20
Bella hummed quietly to herself as she enjoyed an afternoon stroll. It was a sunny, warm afternoon and she had time to herself. Katie and Beth were spending their time being fawned over by Mrs. Cope and the girls in the kitchen.
Mrs. Esme all but shoved Bella out the door to get her to spend an afternoon off. Bella saw no reason to be relieved of her girls but Mrs. Esme insisted.
"Go, enjoy some quiet. Gather your thoughts and meander around the park. Soon those babies will be crawling, talking and into everything. It is best to take some peace where ever you find it." She said while handing Bella her cloak.
Bella didn't have it in her to argue. Although she did wonder how much time was sufficient to find one's peace.
Hoping she had spent enough time outdoors, she slowly made her way back to the Cullen mansion. Teatime should be soon and Bella had taken a liking to Mrs. Cope's generous offerings.
She followed the shrieks of childish laughter that came from the kitchen window and saw two plump girls bouncing on the kitchen table, hands held firmly by Maggie and Jenny. They both had lovely dark ginger curls massed around their faces. Matching white kid slippers on their feet were the only matching item they wore. To the delight of their grandmother, the girls were not dressed in the same outfit to each other. Better to support the individual personalities they expressed even at their very young age.
Katie was more outgoing than Beth, more exploratory and brave. Beth was more circumspect and thoughtful. Where Katie was happy to try each and every new food in front of her, Beth examined it from every angle before giving it a small lick. Katie would grab for anything in her reach but Beth would wait until it was handed to her.
Beth was more cuddly than Katie for Katie always had somewhere else to go, but both loved the many kissed they received each and every day.
As Bella walked in the happy kitchen, Mrs. Cope took her cloak and ushered her upstairs to the library where the Cullens were waiting for her with a surprise.
Bella opened the library door and was definitely surprised to see the Cullens, all of the Cullens.
Edward Cullen was standing in front of the fireplace with his back to her. His hair, the same colour as his daughters, was unruly as if his hands had been pulling at it. His suit was crisp and well appointed, fitting exactly to his frame.
Dr. and Mrs. Cullen were seated in the armchairs banking the fire. They both looked up sharply when Bella opened the door.
While Mrs. Esme's smile was broad and joyous on her face, her husband's smile was more careful. He was concerned for Bella, wondering how she would fair meeting Edward formally.
Edward did not turn when he heard the door but his entire countenance stiffed when he heard his mother speak.
"There you are, Bella, how was your walk?" Esme stayed in her chair and waited for Bella to come closer. When Bella was a few steps away from the group Carlisle stood.
"Fine, thank you, Mrs. Esme." Bella was unsure as to what she was supposed to do now, sit, stand, or leave.
"Bella, dear, may I introduce you properly to my son? This is Edward. Edward, this is Isabella, the young lady who has been looking after your girls." Carlisle gestured between the pair hoping for a cordial meeting.
Bella looked briefly at the man, bobbed a quick curtsey, and lowered her eyes to the floor. She wondered to herself what he would do this time. He had already kissed her and attacked her, both verbally and physically.
Edward turned and drew a sharp breath. He had not realized that the girl was so small. Delicate even, and young. Much too young.
He remembered the look in her eye as the blood ran down her cheek after he had struck her. That look haunted him, it woke him from nightmares and made his stomach clench.
He slowly moved towards her, much like one would approach a wild animal. As he stood before her she spoke to him, clearly the braver of the two.
"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Cullen."
What Edward did then shocked the entire gathering.
AN: Because you all seemed to enjoy the cliffhanger last time, I thought I'd treat you to another.