V

BELLA

2 July 1897

London, England

It was to my immense relief that I woke up in Mrs. Cope's guest room once again. I'd never cared much before if I stayed in one place—though certainly, some places I enjoyed more than others and had hoped to stay longer. Still, it had felt somewhat like tempting fate that I had gone to bed that night, praying I'd wake up there again.

After I'd cleaned myself up and dressed for the day, I made my way downstairs. I met Mrs. Cope in the kitchen again, and after a rousing breakfast, I got to work helping her with the morning's chores.

I was in the midst of dusting the furniture throughout the house when I heard Jasper's voice float in through the open windows. He was speaking to a girl with a light, fast-paced voice. Though I couldn't hear exactly what they were talking about, I could tell whatever it was, had the girl excited.

My stomach dropped, my brain connecting things a moment too late. Young Alice was about to walk into this house and I was most definitely not the cousin she expected to find.

I spun around, looking for somewhere to hide, even as the front door opened and Jasper stepped in. I didn't even have enough time to blink before the young woman bounced into the house behind him.

She was short, smaller than me, with dark hair and a pale round face. She looked young, even though I knew she was referred to as Young Alice. Her eyes swept Mrs. Cope's parlor, and I felt my breath hitch in my chest as I waited for her to expose me as a liar.

I should have been honest from the beginning.

"Ah, Alice," Mrs. Cope said, entering the parlor and dusting her hands on her apron. "How are ye, lassie?"

Alice graced Mrs. Cope with a wide happy smile.

"Fine, thanks," she said.

"Come ta see yer cousin, then?" Mrs. Cope asked, her head nodding toward me. Alice's face swung around, and I almost flinched when her grey eyes landed on me.

"Cousin!" she said with a sharp, loud squeal. I flinched as she marched her small frame toward me and wrapped me into a hug. "It's been so long since we've seen each other," Alice tittered into my ear. "I hardly recognized you."

She squeezed me roughly before letting go and taking a step back.

"And you as well," I said slowly, unsure.

Alice grinned and looped an arm through mine. "Mister Whitlock, given the circumstances of our unusually long separation, might we skip our lessons this morning so that I might catch up with my dearest cousin?" Her face was cherubic, her voice turning honey-sweet. It was a very convincing act, but it seemed as if Jasper had been on the receiving end of it more than once.

"You missed your lessons yesterday, Miss Brandon," he reminded her with a scowl. Alice let go of my arm and clasped her hands behind her back as she stalked toward him.

"Please, sir, would not you have mercy enough to grant such an important but simple request?"

From my vantage point, I could see Jasper looking a little flush. Though I couldn't see her face, Alice was charming and very convincing. I wondered how often she'd turned that charm on Jasper.

He cleared his throat, looking uncertain.

"W-well," Jasper said, trying once more to loosen the words caught in his throat. "I-I…" His eyes flickered up to me before landing on Mrs. Cope. I turned to see my landlady smirking, her face a mixture of amusement and disapproval. "We shall need to do double lessons twice this week to make up the time," Jasper said, his face turning back to Alice.

"Yes, of course," she said, eyes wide and innocent.

"And I want to hear no complaint on the matter," Jasper continued, his voice growing firmer.

"Certainly not," Alice agreed.

Jasper let out a breath. "Very well, then."

Alice spun 'round to me, but I turned my gaze back to Mrs. Cope. "Would it be all right if I took a break this morning?"

Mrs. Cope nodded. "Ye worked hard this mornin'," she said with a motion around the room. "Ha' fun."

At her words, Alice's arm slipped back into mine.

"Excellent. Come along, darling cousin. We have much to discuss." She tugged on my arm, leading me toward the door. We stopped so that I could put on my hat before we headed out of the house.

The moment we were on the street, Alice's arm linked through mine again. It was too noisy to talk right here, and anyway, I didn't want Mrs. Cope or Jasper to overhear anything, so I waited to say anything until we neared Soho Square Gardens.

"Alice," I said, the moment the green space was in view. "Why did you pretend as if you know me?"

Alice looked at me in surprise.

"Because you seemed like you needed help, and Mrs. Cope is one of the best persons in the empire."

"But your cousin—"

"I do have a cousin," Alice said, cutting me off. "As far as I know, she's in Sheffield recently married to a pig farmer." Alice's nose crinkled at the thought.

"But you told Mrs. Cope she had plans of coming down here."

Alice nodded. "I did indeed." She looked at me. "Sometimes…" Her voice trailed off and she let out a sigh. I waited in silence for her to continue. "Sometimes," she said finally. "I get this sense. I start to say something I can't be certain is truth but somehow know to be." Alice looked at me. "I knew you were coming, that you would need a safe place to land."

"You knew I was coming?" I asked, trying not to trip as my mind nearly skittered to a halt at this thought.

"Yes. I didn't know what you would look like or who you were; I just knew a woman was coming who needed help." Alice looked at me. "You think I'm mad, don't you?" She didn't sound upset about her assumption, but I rushed to clarify anyway.

"No," I said quickly. "No, I … well, no I don't think you are mad." Alice looked at me in surprise and I offered her a small smile. I was hardly someone to judge her ability to sense the future. As far as I knew, there was a whole world of people with bizarre and wonderful gifts. "What else have you been able to see in your life?"

Alice shrugged. "Lots of things. Small mostly…" Her voice grew soft and a haunted look came over her face. "I knew my parents were going to die before it happened."

A cold sweat broke over my skin. "I'm so sorry," I said softly.

Alice blinked and looked at me. "We were living in India when sickness took them both. Papa made arrangements for me to come back to England, to move to Sheffield and live with my cousin, but I got back to London and never left," she explained, answering my unspoken questions.

"How old were you?" I asked.

"Eight," she said softly. "Almost ten years ago now."

I shook my head. "Do you have family in London?"

Alice looked at me. "No. I ended up in a children's home for girls. It was all right, a place to sleep and mostly enough to eat." She shrugged. "That's why I take lessons with Jasper," she said. "My education stopped when my parents died, and Mum always wanted more for me than the life of a seamstress."

I let out a breath, overwhelmed by the circumstances Alice had already had to overcome in her short life.

"So, what is your name?"

I glanced at Alice in surprise. Our arms were still linked, and her frank and honest conversation had made me forget we weren't even acquainted yet.

"Bella," I said. "Bella Swan."

Alice nodded. "It's a pleasure to know you, Miss Swan."

"You as well, Miss Brandon."

Alice grinned at me, and I felt my stomach flip a little. Alice was unexpected, but there was something about here that felt familiar. Whether it was because she was so frank, or merely the fact that for once, I didn't feel so alone in the secret I carried about my life.

"I've got a sense," Alice said, her arm squeezing mine slightly.

"Oh?" I asked.

Alice nodded. "Yes. You and I, Bella, are going to be very good friends."

I felt a smile crack over my lips and I gently squeezed her arm back. "I do believe you are right, Alice."

Alice and I returned to the house about an hour later. Before I could even remove my hat, Mrs. Cope was greeting us, a wide smile on her face.

"I dinnae ken who tis from," she said with a shake of her head, "but ye ha' a delivery."

I frowned at her. What sort of delivery could I have?

Mrs. Cope motioned me into the parlor where a smartly dressed man stood beside an enormous box.

"Miss Swan?" he asked, glancing over my clothes.

"Yes?" I asked, taking a look at Mrs. Cope and Alice before glancing back at him.

"Lord Edward Cullen sends his regards and hopes that you find this item suitable for tonight's festivities," he said, gently moving to lift the lid of the box. The breath stole from my lungs before I stepped forward, letting out a tight breath.

There were yards and yards of red silk, expertly crafted and gloriously glossy even in Mrs. Cope's dimly lit parlor. It was hard to get the full design in the box, but I could see strings of pearls that delicately looped around the bodice. How had Edward been able to procure a gown so quickly?

"The gown is styled after the late Queen Mary Stuart's early fashion," he explained. "It is, of course, since recreated with only the finest materials, but his Lordship wanted you to be appropriately dressed for the costume ball," he explained, reaching a gloved hand into the box and gently lifting the bodice.

"Someone made this overnight?" I asked, beyond skeptical.

The man gave me a patient smile. "No, Miss. It was an order that never got fulfilled. His Lordship was lucky indeed to have come across it as he did."

I blinked, taking in the gown once again. I didn't even know how to begin dressing myself in a gown like this.

"Oh, that's gorgeous," Alice cried, stepping forward to inspect the beading. "Absolutely quality work," she assessed.

"Well noo, a dress like this calls fer some pamperin'," Mrs. Cope said, shaking her head. "Than' ye, fer deliverin' it."

He nodded, inclining his head toward us. "Attendants will be sent to help you dress," he informed us. "They shall arrive no later than three o'clock."

I blinked, looking over at Mrs. Cope. How long did he expect for me to get ready?

Mrs. Cope saw him to the door as Alice and I stayed put, fingering the perfect silk.

"What is this for?" Alice asked, looking at me.

"I got invited to a ball," I said absently.

Alice snorted. "By whom, a duke?"

I shook my head. "No, his son."

Alice made a choking sound and I looked up at her. "You're serious?" she wheezed.

"I am," I said with a nod. "I saved his life yesterday."

Alice's eyes widened before she let out a loud laugh. "Cousin, you are just full of surprises." She giggled. "Mrs. Cope is right. This dress deserves pampering."

I nodded, turning to look back at the box.

Even if there was a way to go back on my promise to Edward, there was no way I was going to miss the opportunity to wear this stunning gown.

Mrs. Cope hustled back into the house a moment later, her cheeks pink. "Take yer hat off, Bella," she instructed. "An make yerself presentable." She sounded winded with her excitement, and I stared at her in alarm. "Ye ha' a gentleman caller fer tea."

Alice gasped beside me, and I whirled around, my heart rate spiking. I knew who it was, and I was surprised by the surge of adrenaline through my body at the thought of seeing him again.

Alice reached for me, tugging the pin out before quickly pulling my hat off my head. She fussed with my hair while instructing me to pinch at my cheeks. I knew I wouldn't need the rouging technique because I was sure I was already flush from the sudden nerves and excitement at seeing Edward again.

Mrs. Cope grinned at us as we got me ready before she dashed back out of the room, presumably to lead Edward inside.

"You live a life far more interesting than I would have thought," Alice whispered to me. I glanced at her out of the corner of my eye and let out a light snort.

She had just enough time to hang my hat back up before the door was opening and Mrs. Cope was leading Edward inside.

He looked just as fashionable as he had yesterday, though today he was dressed in dark grey. He removed his top hat as soon as he was inside, and when his eyes landed on me, a breathtaking smile stole over his lips.

"Miss Swan," he said with a shallow nod of his head.

I had to force myself to remember the manners and protocols expected of me. "Lord Cullen," I said, dipping into a shaky curtsy. "This is my cousin, Miss Alice Brandon," I said when I righted myself. Edward gave her a nod, and Alice dropped into a much more secure curtsy than I'd managed.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, sir," Alice said.

"You as well," Edward told her. "I hope I am not unbearably rude by barging in here for tea," he said, his eyes flickering to me.

I shook my head. "Not at all. Please, come sit while I help Mrs. Cope make tea."

"Noo, lass. Sit ye down," Mrs. Cope instructed. "I'll manage."

Edward and I moved to two seats in the parlor, and Alice let out a little chuckle. "I'll just help Mrs. Cope," she said, giving me a wink before dashing off, leaving Edward and me alone.

I stared at him across the room, trying to catch my breath. Just looking at his handsome face was enough to make me lose my train of thought.

"I want to thank you," I said slowly. "For the gown."

Edward looked pleased, his eyes shining bright and brilliant. "It was delivered then. Good. I'm glad to hear it."

"It was. I haven't tried it on yet, but I'm certain it will be the most wonderful thing I've ever worn." I stopped to take a deep breath and watched as a pleased smile stole across Edward's lips.

"I thought it might suit you," he agreed.

"Have you come for some specific reason?" I asked after a quiet moment. "Or simply for a social visit?"

Edward let out a small laugh and shook his head, reaching up to run his fingers through his hair.

"To be honest, I cannot quite figure out what has driven me to your doorstep in such an impetuous manner." His eyes flickered to my face. "Only that I had to see you again."

My heart flipped over in my chest. "I'm glad you came," I told him, my voice surprisingly shy sounding.

Edward's head ducked, but I could see he looked pleased.

If we were later in time, in the twentieth century maybe, I'd get up and kiss him. There was something so charmingly endearing about his bashfulness.

"How are preparations for tonight's festivities going?" I asked instead, quietly wondering what it was about Edward that appealed to me so much. Throughout my life, I'd meet many handsome men, some so unbelievably perfect, it was almost difficult to look at them.

None of them had turned my head the way Edward had.

"They continue." Edward chuckled. "It is rather impressive how vexed my mother can become over spoons," he joked.

I grinned. "She's a woman after perfection?"

Edward snorted. "She has far surpassed perfection. Mother exists in another realm completely in which perfection courts her."

I snickered and Edward's mouth flashed that one-sided smile that was doing a fabulous job of stealing my breath.

"She sounds formidable," I said after a moment.

"That's a good word for it," Edward agreed.

"And your father? What does the duke think of the duchess's demand for perfection?"

Edward looked at me, his head tilting slightly, as if he was considering my question.

"Mostly, I think, he tries to stay out of her way."

I chuckled. "He sounds wise."

Edward nodded. "He has been known for making shrewd decisions." Edward looked my way, his long lashes catching me off guard as he lowered and tilted his head again. "And you? What of your parents? How do they fare in the face of social pressure?"

The breath in my chest caught, and I brought a hand unconsciously to my heart.

"My father is the social one," I said after a moment. "He's kind and magnanimous, and that draws a lot of people to him." I paused and considered my mother before answering. "Maman is more direct, more abrasive." I stopped and smiled to myself. "But when she turns on the charm, there isn't a person alive who could deny her." I've never spoken about my parents like this, casually, as if the person I was speaking to might have a chance of meeting them one day. It was a wild, dangerously hopeful feeling in me to share this with Edward.

"They sound lovely," Edward said gently, and I could see on his face that he meant this. "Are they nearby?"

I let out a tight breath. "Both very far away, I'm afraid."

Edward's gaze was intense, burning with compassion and sympathy. I had to blink and look away from him.

Before either of us could say anything else, Alice and Mrs. Cope returned with a teatime spread. I watched as Edward shifted, becoming the confident son of a duke that I'd seen him act before. It suited him well enough, but the unguarded softness that had been on his face when we were speaking privately had by far been my favorite Edward yet.

With the presence of chaperones, conversation changed to polite topics. Even while discussing the weather, I found myself fascinated by Edward. There was something about him, something so disarming, I had no choice but to lean in a little closer.

I'd never met anyone like him before.

When tea was finished, I walked Edward to the door, stepping out onto the stoop with him as he righted his hat and waited for his carriage.

"Thank you for tea," he said, looking at me. He stood on the next step down, so our faces were almost level for once.

I felt a smile pull across my lips. "Thank you for being impetuous and coming without an invitation."

Edward's face broke out into a grin as he chuckled, and it took a lot of willpower to stop myself from leaning in to kiss him.

"I look forward to seeing you again tonight," he said, his brilliant eyes sweeping over my face. I felt his gaze land on my lips briefly before they flickered back up to my eyes.

"Me too," I said, surprisingly breathless.

It felt as if Edward was about to kiss me, right there and then, the social rules be damned.

The sound of his carriage rounding the corner caught our ears, and we both let out a little breath, stepping back from one another.

"Tonight," Edward said, flashing me a smile. "Thank you again, Miss Swan."

"Thank you, Lord Cullen."

His smile was still on his face as he descended the last steps and entered his carriage. I stayed on the stoop until the driver pulled away, my heart beating surprisingly fast.

What was it about Edward?

Inside Mrs. Cope's, Alice waited for me with a wide smile on her face. Mrs. Cope was nowhere to be found, and Alice rushed to me the moment I was inside.

"He's perfect for you," she gushed, pulling me into a tight hug. "I should be jealous, but the man only has eyes for you anyway."

I felt myself flush at her words. "Well, I don't—"

Alice shook her head to stop my words. "You two are well suited. Who knows? Maybe this was why you were meant to come to London all along."

I frowned at the thought.

"I must be going. I'll be back as soon as I can. I want to hear all about the ball," she said, pulling on her hat. I watched her dress to go out, surprisingly disappointed that she wouldn't be around anymore.

"Thank you for coming to visit," I said, pulling her into a hug as soon as she was done dressing.

She squeezed me in response. "It was wonderful to meet you," she whispered.

I let her go and saw her out the door. When she was gone, I let out a long breath, trying to process everything that had happened.

There was too much, and needing the calming endorphins of working out, I sought out the next best alternative.

"Mrs. Cope, what can I clean for you?"

The rest of the day was filled with manual labor, despite Mrs. Cope's protests. I couldn't sit around thinking about the impending ball, so instead I worked.

Shortly before the attendants arrived, Mrs. Cope shooed me upstairs, drawing me a milk and honey bath. It felt strange and excessive, but there was something luxurious in it as well.

Unfortunately, when I landed in the tub I no longer had anything to distract my mind from my present situation, and I found my thoughts stewing over Edward.

Time demanded that there always be a traveler—just one, no more, no less. When my maman got pregnant with me, she stopped traveling, and I was told that the gift temporarily passed onto a distant female cousin. When I came of age to travel on my own, the gift was given to me.

Maman told me that our line was the dominant line, that women in our direct family were selected to travel first. It was only when we became mothers did we stop traveling for good.

It was why I'd never considered stopping, why I'd never even sought that option. My maman had taken a risk, given up the entire universe for a man she'd known less than two weeks, in the hopes that his life, and his time and place in the world, would be enough for the rest of her life.

In order for me to stop traveling, I would have to make a similar leap of faith.

But I just couldn't fathom it. Traveling was hard, and it was unbearably lonely sometimes, but what I got in exchange couldn't be measured. I was given access to the entire history of the world, unfettered and without much consequence. I was free to learn and grow and explore, so long as I didn't get pregnant.

I'd never once considered giving up all I had for a man I didn't know.

Not until now.

I didn't know a thing about Edward beyond his title and his family's apparent wealth. I didn't know if he was a good man, a schemer, or a politician obsessed with status. He could be anyone, and yet, I felt myself consider for the first time in my life what it might be like to stay.

It was a terrifying and deeply unnerving thought.

The truth of it was, I was attracted to him, but was there more to it? Could there be after only one short day?

It felt utterly impossible.

I wanted to push the thoughts to the back of my mind, to ignore them until another day, but I didn't have that luxury. Time was not on my side, and at any moment, the decision could be made for me. I needed to weigh if I truly wanted this life or not.

I let out a tight breath, sinking deeper into my bath.

Outside, I heard female voices speaking, and I knew my time was up.

Sighing, I pulled myself out of the tub, deciding to let my heart guide me through the night ahead.