Yours, Mine, Ours

Staring each other down proved to be the only entertainment they could find that day. Surrounded by white walls with pictures of their past and the laughter they used to share, sitting on a plaid red sofa that had the torn fabric from previous owners. The way the circumstances played out that day both of them were wrong but neither of them would ever admit to being the guilty party. Teresa slowly stood and walked around the wooden coffee table to look out the window. She laughed at the ticket being written to the green Buick in the parking lot that didn’t have a parking permit, and saw the puddles on the baseball field across the street and thought of the impending summer vacation. Teresa didn’t want to leave in two weeks with this still standing between them. Turning to face her roommate and her best friend she was dreading the words that were about to be said.

            “So.” Teresa said. “How are we going to proceed?” Andrea looked up from her computer screen that she had picked up from the coffee table. Teresa was hoping for a respond, but knew she wouldn’t get one from her friend sitting on the sofa. “Listen I didn’t know that you liked him before I started dating him. I know you think I betrayed you, I didn’t know you wanted him for yourself.” Andrea could only stare at Teresa, not believing what she was hearing.

            “I want him back. You have to give him back!” Andrea said. She stood and walked up in front of Teresa. “You will give him back to me.” Andrea lifted her finger and pointed at the door. “You will go right now, and tell him you don’t want him anymore. Make him realize he wants me instead.” Teresa lifted her chin at the demand. Walking toward the door Andrea was still pointing at, when she reached out and touched the cold metal handle attached to the door she realized she could never give him up. Teresa turned back to her roommate and just smiled, hoping that someday she would forgive her.

Empty Hallways

            I hate empty hallways. The feel, the sounds, and the way your footsteps echo down the hall. Staying after school was another thing I hated doing. I felt like I was a failure, that I wasn’t good enough. I told lies, and hid the fact of where I was going from my friends. I was ashamed and felt like I wasn’t good enough. It was November 2000. I was in the eighth grade. In October, we had to take a reading assessment test. It was a test designed to discover what reading level you currently read at. 

            “Today we will take the reading test, please sit down and take your seat and take out your number 2 pencil.” Mrs. Edmonson was my favorite teacher. I hated what she taught, but she was my favorite teacher because she didn’t just teach English, she made it fun. We played games, and acted out stories to help us better understand what we were reading.

            I sat down in my desk and thought to myself how stupid this test was going to be. I was a great reader. I read every night before bed, the library was my second home. I knew most of the librarians and where any section was. I was like a 14-year-old librarian.

            “How do you think you did?” I turned my head and looked at my friend Kimberly. She was just a little bit shorter than I was, and her hair was approximately 10 different shades of brown. She had just moved here from Tomah, Wisconsin. We didn’t like each other when we first met, and according to my experiences that meant we would be best friends.           

            “I know I did really well! I can’t wait to see my reading level is, if I had to guess, I’d say I have the reading level of a tenth grader.” I told her in my snottiest tone. Kimberly laughed.

            “I’m thinking freshman in college.”

            “Oh, high ambitions. I’m so proud.” We continued down the hall toward our math class.

            Two weeks, that’s what it took. I was talking with my friends in English while we waited impatiently for Mrs. Edmonson to arrive. She walked into the room with a stack of papers

            “I have here your results for the reading test, when I call out your name please come up and get your test.” She started calling out names in alphabetic order. Kim got hers first since her last name started with a B, and I had to wait till halfway through for my last name to come up. She read over her paper and started laughing. She had guessed right.

            “Told you, freshmen in college, that’s my reading level, I’m so smart” I laughed at her; she could be so mean but nice at the same time. She turned back to her paper and continued looking over her scores. Kim was an English freak so of course she had a high reading level. Finally Mrs. Edmonson called my name. I took it from her and looked down the paper till I found what I was looking for. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. It couldn’t be right. Fourth grade; I had the reading level of a fourth grader. Kim nudged me and asked me what I got. I didn’t hear her at first; I was too busy thinking of all the possible reasons why I had such a low score. It had to be wrong. There was no way I could have gotten this score.

            “Come on Eva, I told you what I got.” I turned to her and plastered a fake smile on my face.

            “I did better. Senior in high school, that’s pretty good right.” She laughed and turned her attention back to the teacher. I felt horrible for lying to her, but it wasn’t like I was about to admit that I had the same reading level as my eight-year old brother. All I could do was stare at my paper. Finally the bell signaling the end of class rang. I stood up and grabbed my books and started to head out the door.

            “Eva can I see you a moment.” I looked up at Mrs. Edmonson. She knew about my score, and she wanted to talk about it, I could see it on her face.

            “Uh, Kim I’ll meet you in Math, don’t be late.” She nodded and headed out of the room. I really didn’t want Mrs. Edmonson to yell at me for being stupid, but I waited till the last person left the room. She sat in her chair and told me what was going to happen.

            “Eva I’m sorry to say that your reading level isn’t where it should be. After talking to your parents this afternoon, we decided it would be best to enroll you in an after school reading program. This program is designed for students who, like you, don’t have reading level that is consist with where they should be.” After-school reading program, they had to be kidding. That was for dumb people, I wasn’t dumb. All I could do was stare at her. “The program meets three times a week for two hours after school. You are required to attend every meeting unless Mr. Trolander is notified ahead of time that you will not be attending. Do you understand?” I couldn’t even nod my head in agreement. She gave me a permission slip for my parents to sign, and information about where and when. She then handed me a hallway pass so I wouldn’t be counted tardy for math.

            Three days a week for two hours. That was like torture. Nobody should be subjected to that kind of cruel and unusual punishment. The group was to first meet in the cafeteria. Our cafeteria was located in the basement of the school. The basement was mostly just lockers, the industrial technology rooms, and the swimming pool. I hated this place; a couple of the lights were always out, and it was just creepy. The walls were all white, and the floor was this ugly tan tile that had so many skid marks it didn’t look tan anymore. When I rounded the corner I saw about 15 students sitting at random table in the cafeteria. I also saw Mr. Trolander. He was about 5’10”, he had an entire head of gray hair and probably hasn’t gained any weight since he was in high school. He was in his late 50s. I walked up to him. He asked my name and when I told him, he marked it down on his spreadsheet. I handed him my permission slip and then proceeded to find a seat.

            For the next three weeks I attended this after-school reading program. It was beyond boring. Finally, at the last meeting we had to retake the reading test. I didn’t feel any smarter, or that I had changed as a reader at all. We had to make appointments with Mr. Trolander, so that when the results came back we could go over the test with him, and he could show us where we improved and where we didn’t.

            The day of my meeting I walked into his classroom. He was at a desk waiting for me. I sat down across from him. He handed me a piece of paper with a number circled.

            “You improved your reading level by four grades. You’re at the normal level.” He smiled at me. All I could do was stare at the paper I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t feel like I improved at all. I looked up from my paper. “You didn’t that you changed at all did you?”

            “No, I didn’t think I learned at all so why does the test say I did?” He handed me a hallway pass and smiled.

            “It’s one of those mysteries of life.” I shook my head and walked out the door, and I mumbled to myself.

            “I hate mysteries.”

Behind Closed Doors

When she had stepped onto the elevator that day she had not anticipated that her world would come crashing down her. Being in this small space with the one woman in the world who could destroy her sense of purpose almost made her laugh out loud. Tasha tried to push herself as far into the corner as her body would allow her too. She wanted to disappear in that moment; this would prove to be the most uncomfortable elevator ride she had ever taken.  

She smelled like lavender. The smell surrounded her, soaked into her skin and started to make the inside of her nose tingle. Tasha tried to discretely move the smell away from her nose with her hand, however not accomplishing it but rather made a fool of herself. Tasha turned her head to the left and saw her standing in the opposite corner; luckily there were four others between the two of them now.  The metal doors sealed them inside and Tasha felt the elevator begin its ascent.  She hoped that this was an unusually fast elevator ride.

She watched the numbers light up. One, two, three and it stopped, Tasha inhaled a deep breath of the clean air that swept through the small enclosure. She watched in horror as the others left the elevator, when the doors closed again she was left alone with her. They only had one thing in common and he didn’t know that they both knew of his deception.

Tasha stole another glance at the woman in the other corner; she folded her arms, and felt her nails dig into her skin. She felt the pain but it couldn’t compare to what she was seeing in the elevator. Tasha couldn’t figure out if she was the other woman, or if it was the other way around. Tasha wanted to speak to her, that woman, wanted to know why, but she wouldn’t. She didn’t want to know what the other woman had to offer that she couldn’t give him. It hurt so much to see her, to be in the same space as her. She saw her shiny dark brown hair lightly brush against her cheek from the air conditioner; saw the sparkle in her eyes, and the smile that touched her lips. Tasha lifted her dark blonde hair in-between her fingers disliking the lack luster shine to it. She knew her eyes weren’t shinning with the hope of the future, and she couldn’t smile because of the unfolding events in her life.

Tasha felt the elevator make its final stop on the 50^th floor. The doors opened, sunlight from the windows shone unto the wall between them. She made the first move; Tasha watched her leave the elevator. Not following her, but rather just watching her. Tasha released a sigh of relief that it was over, but it was too soon. The other woman turned around to face Tasha in the small confines of the elevator. With the light behind her face was partially hidden in the shadows. Tasha watched her open her mouth, and smiled at the words that were said.

“I hate you too.” Tasha knew in that moment there had to be some justice in the world.

 

Thrice as Nice

 

Prologue

17, March 1864                                      Bristol, England

The Duke of Gapison was considered both powerful and feared; not only by his own family but by his peers. Only one person had the slightest control over him, and she knew it.

His wife had control of his heart, and she was the only one he would allow to know what was under the surface. Nobody expected the Duke to make a love match, but a love match he made. But it was just like the Duke to surprise everyone.

Now hearing his beloved Margret screaming in the room down the hall he felt his world crumbling around him. The doctor assured him over and over again that even the simplest child birth seemed like a miracle, nothing could ease the Duke’s fears. The screams coming from the Duchess did not seem to be in the realm of normal child birth.

Seven hours had passed, and the Duke’s pacing was starting to create a pattern in the rugs. The butler watched in horror as the carpet became more and more worn.

From the beginning the pregnancy had been abnormal; the Duchess far exceeded the normal proportions of an expecting woman. She had gone into confinement far sooner than any of her friends.

The Duke boasted to his fellow club members that he was just more extraordinary than most husbands, but inside he felt nothing but fear. Then he finally heard the sound he had been craving.

The shrill cry of a child, he prayed for a son. Every man wanted an heir, but a daughter would be just as welcome right now. He just wanted his Margret out of pain.

A lifetime of moments seemed to pass before the door opened and he saw the mid-wife walking towards him with a blanket. The Duke held his breath as he accepted the child into his arms. The moment he saw the child’s face he knew he had his son, his heir.

“Come quickly!” The Duke looked up to see the doctor’s frantic eyes looking at the mid-wife. Then he heard Margret scream again. The child in his arms, who he was going to name Christopher after his own father, just stared at him. It was a moment that seemed completely perfect.

“Well Christopher,” said the Duke as he sat down. “You need to pray that your mother makes it through this, because I have no idea how to raise a child.” Margret continued to scream, and every moment seemed like another knife entering his heart.

Then his world changed when he heard the cry of a child. Looking down at Christopher’s serene face he laughed. It could not be. Two children? What was he going to do with two children?

The mid-wife came out again, this time with an even bigger smile on her face. “Seems as though you got your heir and a spare all in one try.” The Duke adjusted Christopher in his arms so the mid-wife could lay the second child into his other arm.

“Good lord, what are we going to name this one?”

“Her Grace said Alexander,” The Duke looked up with a rare smile on his face and nodded. She gave birth to two sons in one day, she could name him whatever she wished.

“Alexander it shall be then.” The Duke heard the door open again, but the expression on the doctor’s face did not soothe him at all.

“Diane I need you!” The mid-wife frowned in concern and then quickly rushed off. When the door was shut again the Duke looked down at his second son. Alexander looked exactly the same as Christopher. He could already imagine the trouble these two would cause around the house.

            Ten minutes later the Duke’s world completely fell apart when he heard the cry of a third child. Margret had been strangely quiet. The thoughts racing through his mind had not been kind, but when the mid-wife stepped out with the doctor who was holding another child he just shook his head.

            “Your Grace, I have never seen this in my life. But you have three sons, it is a miracle. Her Grace named him Rian.” The Duke just nodded in shock. What was he going to do with three sons? There was no way this could end well.

               

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 1

2 June, 1882                                               Mariton, England

                Sophie stared down into her reflection in the well’s water. Once she was absolutely sure, she closed her eyes tightly and let the shilling fall out of her hand.  The sound of approaching hoof beats masked the sound of the shilling hitting the water. She remained still for a few moments, hoping that whoever it was would just continue on. Slowly opening her eyes Sophie saw come into focus a man walking towards her that she had never seen before.

The town of Martion where Sophie lived with her parents was not the type of place where strangers remained strangers for long. Besides Sophie’s mother had every eligible bachelor’s name posted in the sitting room. And from the endless parade of country bachelors this is not the type of man who frequented Mariton.

 

Alexander slowed his horse, when he saw the unexpected sight of a girl with her eyes closed standing next to the well. What was she doing he wondered as he slowly started moving forward as to not startle her. As he approached and dismounted he saw that she had the most amazing green eyes he had ever seen on a person.

She looked up just then and their eye’s locked, and both froze for just a moment wondering if the other were truly real.

“I wished for you,” she whispered. Alexander tilted his head in wonder. When her face started to turn five shades of red he knew that she had truly said it. Then he took a moment to try and remember if he had not wished for her as well.

Striding forward a smile grew on Alexander’s face when her face continued to stay red.

“And what pray tell did this wish entail?” he said with all the confidence he could muster.

“I amsorry my lord. I did not mean to be so frank. Please forgive me.” Being the son of a Duke, Alexander was used to girls swooning over him, girls flirting with him, but frankness was never an issue. Well until now, but he rather enjoyed it.

That afternoon went by quickly for him. He had only meant to stop and water his horse, but he just might have found the mystery woman who haunted his dreams.

He was only staying at his friend Nathanial’s home for the summer. Having just finished school at Oxford he was delaying his trip home to London as long as possible.

He knew he was expected home, but he was going to avoid his responsibilities as long as he could. However his father reminded him the entire summer that his time with Sophie was short.  It made their time a little sweeter, knowing it was not going to last. The first time he kissed her was the night he convinced her that a trellis was invented for the sheer purpose of escaping troublesome Lady maids. That night he took her back to the wishing well and gave her another shilling, she had been begging him to do take her for weeks.

“Why do you need another wish?” Alexander asked Sophie as she leaned over the wall of the well.

“Because my last one came true, so I need to make another, how give me the shilling.” Alexander handed her the coin she requested and watched as she squeezed her eyes shut and let the coin fall from her hand. Seeing her with the moonlight on her face, and the smell of lemon’s on her skin he knew he had to kiss her.

The moment his lips touched hers he felt the overwhelming sense of completeness within himself. She melted underneath him and he let the sensations take over his body. She pulled her closer and gave himself ten seconds more to kiss her before he knew he would not be able to stop.

Pulling away he looked down at her and watched the smile he had grown to love spread across her kiss swollen lips.

“I need another shilling,” Alexander let out a laugh, that was not what he was expecting her to say.

            “Why?”

            “Because you just made my wish come true, so I have to make another.”

            “What will you wish for now?”

            “I will let you know when it comes true,”

 

            The summer was coming to an end and both of them knew what was coming, though neither of them wanted to admit the truth. The fact was that Alexander would have to leave soon. Alexander knew he had to go home, not only did his father expect him home. But he also knew that Sophie was too young to marry, he would have to wait for her. He just could not ask her to wait, it felt selfish. So he was going to trust his enemy fate.

            At last the day of his departure arrived and Alexander woke up early to reach London by nightfall. He’d decided that he was not going to say goodbye to Sophie. He could not bear to see her tears, but he also knew he did not have any answers for her.

            But after he said goodbye to his friend Nathaniel and walked out the front doors he came face to face with the woman of his dreams.  The sight of Sophie standing there in the driveway of Nathaniel’s home, the look on her face broke his heart.

            “How did you know?”

            “I heard the way you said goodbye yesterday, it was written all over your face.”

            “Guess I will never make in the theater.”

            “I should say not, your emotions are usually right there on your face. No matter how much you try to hide it, I can usually tell what you are thinking.” Sophie stepped forward and grabbed his empty hand. Lifting it to her lips she placed a kiss on his palm. “How could you leave without saying a proper goodbye?”

            “I was terrified I would beg you to wait for me.”

            “Why do I have to wait for you? Why can we not be together now?”

            “You need, no deserve a season in London. When the time comes you will have your season, I cannot take that away from you.”

            “And if I have my season, and still love you more than any other suitor then what?” Alexander dropped his satchel and wrapped Sophie into his arms, her head rested against his chest. Looking down the driveway he whispered the truth.

            “Then you will be my wife, my love, my forever.” He felt the wetness from her tears start to soak his shirt, but he also felt her nod in agreement. Lifting her chin he kissed her, a memory he would hold for a year. “How did I ever find a girl who knows me better than I know myself?”

            “Maybe you wished for me?” Alexander smiled.

            “I know I did.”

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 2

12th of May, 1883                                         London, England

Daphne stood in the middle of her room trying to remember now to breathe as Trudy tightened her corset strings. Her mother was there with a stern look on her face, continually telling Trudy to pull tighter. There were to be twenty other debutants being presented to the Queen this day and Daphne’s mother was determined for Daphne to have the smallest waist. Dissatisfied with Trudy’s performance Lady Seaton dismissed her and took over the preparations.

“Stand up straight, you will never find a husband looking like a hunchback,” every other word was spoken as she pulled tighter. Daphne but her hand on her stomach, trying to remember how to pull breathes into her lungs.

“If you tighten those strings anymore we would not have to worry about that because I shall expire from lack of breath.”

“It is exactly talk like that that will get you married to someone unsuitable.”

“Maybe I want to marry someone unsuitable.” Daphne jerked as Lady Seaton pulled even harder. “Suitable men marry for money then keep mistresses to make their wives laughingstocks, unsuitable men are happy with the women they marry.”

“There’s no hope for you, I shall have a far easier time launching your sister into society.”

“Pity for her.” 

 

At the Queen’s court Daphne was quickly losing her patience. There was no reason this should be taking this long. Granted she was second to last in the line, but did that mean she had to spend her entire day here. She knew she was being unreasonable but she was starting to become frustrated. “If I knew it would take this long to be presented to the Queen I would have just married the butler.”

“Hold your tongue Daphne, this is not the place.”

“Well where would be the place mother? Because I am afraid this is exactly who I am, and shall always be.”

“Daphne this is no way for a Lady to act.”

“Well then maybe I am not a Lady,” said Daphne. It was short burst of laughter that made Daphne look over her shoulder. There she caught eyes with the one other person who might possibly be in a worse position than her, the last girl to be presented.

Daphne smiled at her and the girl smiled back. An hour later Daphne finally got her moment before the Queen, and it seemed like it lasted only a moment. What in the world was taking so long?  

Daphne was walking as slowly as she could so she could hopefully get an introduction to the girl who had been standing behind her. Daphne needed a friend now more than ever. Her best friend had gotten married the season before to the Marquess of Bridges. She always knew having a friend who was a year older would come back to haunt her one day.

 

Daphne watched her mother take a left around the corner towards the exit. Turning around Daphne smiled when she saw her intended target standing directly behind her. Daphne smiled and quickly introduced herself.

“Daphne Seaton.”

“Sophie Danbury.”

“Are you going to the Roseshire debut ball tomorrow?”

“It will be my first,”

“Good you can keep me away from my mother. I am sure she will drive me crazy within two minute if I am left alone with her too long.”

“My Aunt should be equally terrifying.”

“Daphne!” Daphne shuttered when she heard her mother’s voice behind her. She waved quickly to Sophie as she disappeared to find her mother.

 

The ball was in full swing by the time Daphne and her parents walked through the door. She greeted the hosts and then quickly scanned the ballroom for Sophie. A friend by her side would make this entire experience all the more bearable.

It took her fifteen minutes to find Sophie, but when she did she seemed to relax all the more. The two of them sat down at the outskirts of the ballroom. Both of them agreed that they were heading toward the title of wallflower, but neither of them were really too worried about it.

“See that girl with the pearls in her hair?” Sophie nodded. Daphne had been giving Sophie a run thru of all the members of society that she knew. “That is Cynthia McTurner, truly the devil in disguise.”

“You must be joking.”

“No, she glued me to my desk when I was seven. Apparently she did not want to share my toys. I do not know what she is going to do today, but she would not sit quietly as Ashley has her debut.”

Daphne was sadly proven right about half an hour later when Ashley finally entered the ballroom, and both girls watched Cynthia’s face transform. Sophie and Daphne could both see why, Ashley had made the unfortunate mistake of wearing the same dress as Cynthia.

Daphne and Sophie could only watch in horror as Cynthia started to walk across the ballroom with a glass of the red colored punch in her hands. Both of them could see that punch ending up on the front of Ashley’s dress.

It did not matter that Ashley was the daughter of the Duke of Roseshire, Cynthia would not let anyone wear the same dress as her. Both the girls watched how truly brilliant Cynthia was, she made the entire maneuver look like a complete accident.

Ashley ran so quickly from the ballroom, but it did not stop the gossip from moving like a tidal storm. “Come on Daphne,” said Sophie as she started to move toward the ladies retiring room where Ashley had disappeared into.

Both girls entered the room without knocking; nobody was in the sitting area. But they heard crying coming from one of powder rooms. Daphne walked over to the door and knocked gently. “Ashley? It is your cousin Daphne, open the door for me.” The door creaked open and Daphne came face to face with Ashley.

“Daphne!”

“Ashley I hate Cynthia McTurner just as much as you do, remember when she glued me to that desk.” Ashley walked completely out of the bathroom and both girls saw how completely ruined Ashley’s dress was. “Ashley this is my friend Sophie Danbury, come, let us sit down.”

The three of them sat on the chaise together and sighed at the same time. “This season is going to be horrible is it not?” asked Ashley to the rest of them.

“Not if we stick together, if we stay together we can most definitely find husbands,” said Daphne.

“I do not want to find a husband,” said Sophie. Both girls turned to look at her in shock. She quickly told them the story about Alexander, and her determination to marry him. She just could not fall in love by the end of the season.

“How do you know he will wait for you?”

“He writes me letters once a week, but I am not allowed to see him. I have to tell him what functions I am attending so he will not attend. He hates society functions so he claims it is not much of a hardship to be banned from some societal functions.”

“Alright so Sophie does not need a husband, but that just means she can help us all the more. She can be the one to help us see the folly in others because I am sure to be distracted by the more appealing blokes.”

“Agreed.” Sophie nodded, the girls all started to laugh. They had no idea what they had just formed, but it seemed like it was going to be a good thing.

“Ashley how is Anna doing?” Sophie had heard the story of Daphne’s cousin Anna. She was betrothed to the son of the Duke of Gapison.  She was a year older than Ashley, and her parents were denying her a season. A season was only for girls who needed to find a husband, and Anna already had that.

“She is going out of her mind, our parents hardly even let her leave the house,” Sophie could only stare in shock at Ashley. She could not believe what she was hearing; she had not realized the extent of what Anna was going through.

“Are your parents allowing visitors?” Ashley nodded at Sophie, and then Sophie turned to Daphne. “Do you think we could visit her?”

            “I think that is a splendid idea! I shall talk to my parents this evening, and write to you tomorrow.”

            “I shall ask as well, where does Anna live?”

            “Bath, it is not terribly far away, shall we try to leave next week?” Sophie nodded then turned to look at the door. “I guess we better head back out there before our chaperones find us.” Ashley encouraged them to head back to the ball; she was going to go change into her other ball gown.

 

 

 

 

Chapter 3

18th,May 1883                                                  Bath, England

            A week later the girls were headed to Bath to visit Anna. They were invited to visit, but only for a couple of days. Neither Daphne nor Sophie’s aunt would let them miss too much of the season. The girls traveled with Daphne’s mother, it only took half a day to travel to Bath. When they arrived, the coach had not even come to a complete stop before the front door was flung open, and a girl flew down the stairs. The footman was relieved of his job; the door to the coach flew open from Daphne letting it fly open.

            Sophie watched the two girls embrace. She assumed the girl who had flown from the house with such exuberance was Anna. She was quite a lovely girl. Sophie had heard that Anna was lucky to have made an arranged marriage, her height was a quality not appreciated on ladies. Sophie could see how much taller Anna was than Daphne, but she looked graceful. Her height did not appear to be a hindrance, but in actuality made her who she was. Her blonde hair was done with a wild assortment of curls, some of them able to be maintained by her clips, but many were floating around her face, which only made her blue eyes stand out so much more.

            “Oh Daphne I am so glad you are here! I have been truly going insane, especially with Ashley gone,” said Anna on what seemed like a single breath. Daphne’s mother stepped out of the carriage, said a quick hello to Anna, but then made her way into the house. Sophie breathed a sigh of relief; she felt a strange sense of not being able to be herself around Daphne’s mother. Everything had to be so proper around her, Sophie had no idea how Daphne became the person she was with a mother like that.

            When Sophie stepped out of the carriage Anna turned to her, Sophie could feel some of her muscles tense. She had no idea what kind of reaction she would receive from Anna. They had never meant, and she and Daphne had only known each other for a short while.

            “Sophie! I feel like we have known each other forever! Daphne wrote so much about you, and this trip was your idea, and for that I will be forever thankful!” Anna enveloped her in a hug. Once she let her go, Anna took a step back and stared at both of them. “I am glad your both here,” Anna inhaled a whole lung full of air, she looked like the next words were causing her physical pain. “I am getting married next month.”

            “What!” Daphne grabbed Anna’s hand. “When did this happen?”

            “Let us go to my room, and then we will continue this conversation.” The girls headed inside and followed Anna up to her room. Neither cared where they would be staying, they needed to hear the story.

            The girls all sat upon Anna’s four poster bed, once they were all settled Anna told the story. “Well you know that my betrothed went on a sabbatical. He refused to commit to the marriage unless his father agreed to let him do this. So he has been traveling for some years now, well he has finally returned. We just received a letter from the Duke, giving the date for the marriage. My mother just came into my room and told me right before you arrived.”

            “You had no say? Have you met your betrothed?” Anna just shook her head.

            “We are to meet on the wedding day; I mean I know of the family. I have never met him, or any of his brothers. However everyone who I have spoken with have told me my betrothed is extremely handsome, and would be the catch of the season if he was not already spoken for.”

            “I do not understand how parents allow this. Do they not want you to marry for love?” the moment the words left Sophie’s mouth she regretted saying them. Her parents had a love match, and wanted nothing less for their daughter. But in town it was not the same, it was all about wealth and titles. “I am sorry Anna.”

            “It is quite alright, I shall survive. Once he receives his heir I shall just spend my time away from him. I have my own interests, and shall be quite content.” Daphne and Sophie nodded in agreement. But both of them knew that Anna would give anything for a love match

After a few moments of silence Anna finally perked up again, “There is a fair in town. Father said we could go, since you are guests. We can go in the morning.”

“That does sound splendid,” said Daphne. “It will be nice to get out of the house, and explore the town.” Sophie nodded in agreement.

 

The next day the three girls left the house to head to the fair. It was only a twenty minute walk, and luckily they only had a footman to accompany them. Once they reached the edge of the town they stopped to stare at the quantity of people milling about.

The streets were lined with stands, people seemed to selling everything. The first thing that attracted each of the girls was stand that held a rainbow of ribbons. Each of them grabbed several different colors, they had no idea when they would have the need to use the ribbons, but it was exciting.

Anna quickly paid for her ribbons, turning she looked to see what else the fair had to offer. Then she saw him. She only saw him for a moment, but that was all it took to feel herself be attracted to him. He merged into the crowd, and she felt a moment of panic when she could not see him. Moving forward she tried to catch sight of him again.

She started to run the moment she saw him. He turned a corner, heading to the road. Anna did not know what she was doing, or why, but she knew that she had to see him again. She heard Daphne and Sophie screaming her name, but she could not stop.

Once she turned the corner she saw him standing in the middle of the road watching her. Anna came to a complete stop; both of them just stared at each other.

“Why are you following me?” he asked.

“I do not know,” said Anna in return. Finally looking at him she let out the breath she did not know she had been holding.

“Do you usually follow strangers? Because I fear that is a dangerous habitat you have obtained madam.”

“Well…I…” Anna had no words. She did not know what she was doing; only that following him had seemed like the most important thing at the moment. How that she was hearing him speak, she was speechless. He was so handsome; his dark brown hair was longer than the norm. But it was the intensity of his blue eyes that left her mesmerized. 

She watched as he walked towards her, the look on his face should have her running. However her feet would not move. Once he was directly in front of her she let her gaze travel up his body, she just stared at him.

 

Christopher just stared at the woman in front of him. He could tell she was a member of the gentry; he just could not place her.  He had been out of the country for a number of years, and now he was biding his time before he had to get married. He knew it was beyond time for him to marry and take on his responsibilities.

But this woman intrigued him. She was so bold, what sort of woman just approached a stranger.  England certainly had changed since he left. Leaning towards her, he knew he just had to see how bold she truly was. Just inches from her mouth he heard her whisper, “I am engaged.” Chris felt himself smile.

“So am I,” then he kissed her. It seemed as though the world stilled. She was like heaven, he had plenty of women in his past, but nothing compared to the taste of this woman. He heard her sigh and that only made him want to try harder to please her.

Wrapping his arms around her he pulled her in close to his body. He anticipated a little bit of a struggle, but she just relaxed against him. Finally Christopher pulled himself away and stared at the woman in front of him.

“Do you want to go for a walk?” Christopher watched as the focus came back into her eyes, she finally nodded. Grabbing her hand he started walking, everything in that moment felt right.

The rest of the day past in a sort of comfortable companionship, they talked about everything, except their names. They both agreed that nothing could be gained by knowing their identity. 

“So my secret Lady, who is your betrothed?” Christopher stopped them at the edge of a lake, and sitting down. His Lady followed his lead, leaning her head on his shoulder.

“And what would you do with such information?”

“Well of course I would most thoroughly trounce him, and make you mine forever.” Anna looked at her mystery Lord and smiled.

“Oh I wish that could be possible, but we only know each other in this magical moment. I am sure on every other day we would be ready to kill each other. I am told I am quite difficult to live with.”

“Well I am sure I could find ways to soften you. Ways to spend our afternoons that would delight us both.” Anna just smiled; she was raised in the country. She was not some ignorant Miss, she the ways of a husband and wife. Her nanny said it was the same as the animals, which she had seen on occasion. Not that she made it a sport to watch, but sometimes just coming upon it was unavoidable.

“I am sure you could, however I am most thoroughly obligated to my family. And you are betrothed, how would you explain your abandonment?”

“I am sure I could convince her that I am most unsuitable.”

“I highly doubt that you could make anything about you undesirable.”

“You are correct. I am perfect,” they both laughed then fell silent. Anna watched the sunset and knew the day was coming to an end. A most perfect day with her mystery man, someone had to say what they were thinking.

“I have to go,”

“I know,” said Christopher on a sigh. Standing up, he brushed off his breeches then holding out a hand for her. Once she was on her feet she just smiled at him, rising to the tips of her toes she gave him one more kiss. She knew it had to be one to last her a lifetime.  “I will think of you always.”

“And I you, now walk me back to my doom.” The walk back to Anna’s home seemed like the shortest walk of her life. It seemed as though she had been searching a lifetime for this mystery man, but it only took seconds for life to tear them apart.

Once they reached the end of her drive she stopped him. “I think it is best I continue alone,” said Anna. Christopher nodded in agreement then slowly let go of her hand. It was one of the hardest things he had ever done, just letting her walk away. He had found a woman who made him laugh, challenged him, and made him feel things no other woman ever could before. And he was getting married to someone else in a month’s time. Looking up at the sky he sighed, the Heavens sure had a twisted sense of humor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 4

24th, May 1883                                        London, England

 

            Daphne had no idea what they were going to do without Sophie for the next couple of weeks. Her grandmother had grown ill and she had gone back to the country to be with her. They had only been home one day from visiting Anna and Sophie had to leave again. She promised that she would be at the wedding, but it was so far away.

She hoped Sophie’s grandmother recovered, Daphne did not know what she would do if Sophie had to go into mourning. The two of them had grown so close over the past couple of weeks, they had become seemly inseparable.

            Now Daphne was left to her own devices. She had not attained any suitors, and she knew it was because no suitable ones had presented themselves. However her mother did not share the same sentiment. It seemed as every gentleman in the marriage mart was a scoundrel, gambler, simpleton, or just plain unappealing.

            Daphne looked around the Brooklyn ballroom and sighed. This was her first ball without Sophie and she was miserable. Her dance card hung from her wrist, not a name printed on it. She knew being a wallflower with her friend was not going to help her find a man, but not a single name was a little disheartening.  Giving up on the stuffy ballroom, Daphne decided to take her chances on the garden. Maybe the fresh air would calm her nerves, and then maybe she could actually engage in the night’s activities.

            The Brooklyn gardens were famous for their alcoves; many ladies had been compromised in the dark corners. Daphne’s mother had warned her not to venture outside, but if she could not even get a name on her dance card, she was not going to worry too much about her virtue.

            She loved the way flowers looked in the moonlight; there was something magical about the way they shined even in the darkness. Tonight was a full moon which some called the Witches Moon. Things were said to happen under a Witches moon.

            Daphne took the path that led into the darkest part of the garden; she was hoping to have some excitement tonight. She quite frankly did not care where she got it from. It only took five minutes for Daphne to hear voices, and they were none to gentle.

            “What does a lonely widow have to do to get you to give her a second look?” Daphne heard a gentleman’s laugh and she moved closer.

            “My dear Sarah, I think you are doing perfectly well,” Daphne listened as the widow started to say things to this gentleman that made Daphne’s face burn. She should definitely not be hearing any of this, it was not meant for a ladies ear, but she could not make herself turn away.

            “Rian, take me away now.” The almost desperate tone that the woman’s voice had taken on made Daphne snort in laughter, this was getting ridiculous. Except when the leaves started to move and Daphne came face to face with a man’s face coming out from the hedge did she pause to think. She probably should have kept herself silent.

            “Hello.” That was all she could think of, the fact that words even came out surprised her. “I am lost.”

            “Trying to find your way back to the ballroom after your own tryst?”

            “I did not come out here for a tryst,” the last word came out as a whisper. This man may be the most handsome man she had ever seen, but the smug look on her face did not appeal to her at all.

            “Oh, so you led the poor man on and then refused to follow through? Typical.”

            “I beg your pardon! I did no such thing to any man. I was merely overheated and stepped outside to cool then lost my way in the garden.”

            “So standing there for the last ten minutes listening was not your intention at all?”

            “How did you know I was here?” the smile across his face got bigger.

            “I did not, you just told me.” Daphne wanted to smack herself. She knew better, deny, deny, deny until they can prove it. It was how she got away with everything as a child. “Now turn your backside right around and head back toward the ballroom before you get everyone in trouble.”

            Daphne just lifted her chin at this arrogant man. She did not need him to tell her what to do, she could do anything she pleased. “This is not your garden; I can go where I please. I do not have to listen to you.”

            “Daphne!” at the sound of her mother’s shrill call Daphne quickly started to panic. Turning away from the sound she looked at this man who was called Rian. “Hide me, that is my mother.” She could have sworn she heard some pretty unpleasant words cross his lips before he grabbed her arm and started to drag her toward the back of the garden.

            “Rian!?” Daphne turned back to see if the widower had seen her, but she could not see anything in the darkness of the garden. Daphne just continued to follow Rian. The sound of her mother’s call faded, but Rian continued to walk.

            “I think we are safe now,” said Daphne, her voice coming out in gasps. The corset was hindering her breathing.

            “We cannot be found, by anyone.” Daphne stopped right in her tracked and just stared at him. “Woman keep moving.” Daphne felt nothing but sorrow to the bottom of her soul. She truly was nobody’s choice for a wife. She would end up a spinster, watching Sophie and Anna live with their husbands. While Anna’s was arranged she would still have the joy of children to comfort her.

            “Because I am such a horrible choice for a wife? That’s why you do not want anyone to see us together! Or is it because I am hideous! Would you be ashamed to be seen with…” the words were cut off by the feel of his lips on hers. Every thought escaped her, she had never kissed anyone before and the feel of his lips was magical. 

            He pulled away, and even in the darkness she could see his eyes. His hands came up to hold her face so her eyes would lock with his. “You are beautiful, and any man would be privileged to call you his wife. This is about me, and me never wanting to have a woman call me her husband.”

            “Why?”

            “Since you know nothing about me, I am sure this does not make any sense. However I would be the worst kind of husband. I can never love anyone.”

            “I see.” Daphne stepped away from his grasp. “I am going to see myself back to the ballroom, but thank you?” Daphne started to walk backwards towards the light she could see over the hedges. “For everything.” With that Daphne literally turned and started to run. When she reached the stairs leading to the ballroom doors, she had to stop because she just started to laugh.

            “Daphne where have you been?” When she heard her mother’s voice Daphne turned around so fast that she tripped over the bottom step.

            “I felt very ill, so I walked along this path. Just back and forth. I am sorry I did not hear you calling for me, will you help me up?” Daphne grasped her mother’s out reached hand and stood up. Pasting a smile on her face she thanked her mother and then headed up to the ballroom doors. She knew she could not turn around and look for Rian, her mother was going to question her every movement for the rest of the evening. Plus if she saw him, she might just run right back to him.

 

            Rian could not get that girl out of his head. He quite literally saw her everywhere he went. Even though he refused to attend any more balls, he saw her shopping with what he assumed was a friend. He saw her strolling in the park.

            Seeing her yet again, wearing her green morning gown, she drove him a little more insane. He had to end this obsession with her. She would not leave his thoughts. Following her path he saw her maid get distracted by some children screaming.

            Taking that moment he strolled right up next to her and pushed her into the hedges next to the path. On the other side he looked into the startled gaze of Miss Daphne Seaton. She really was beautiful; he could see why she would not leave his thoughts.

            “Hello my stalker,”

            “Stalker! Are you insane! Let me go this instance.” Daphne quickly lowered her voice when she realized how loudly she had spoken. “Do you realize what would happen if you were caught with me here?”

            “Something’s are worth the risk.”

            “Is there something you wanted?”

            “Just to talk to you.”

            “Talk? You know there are these places called homes, where one may call on another person, to talk.”

            “Yes I am aware of these places, however when one calls on another there is always a certain level of assumption that is given on the intentions of the caller.”

            “You could just be my friend; that kind of relationship does not exist.”

            “They do, but not between us. Do you know your mother? Because based on our last encounter I think not.”

            “Oh shut up. What did you specifically want to talk about?” that’s where Rian was lost. He actually did not know what he wanted to talk about. He just had needed to hear her voice.

            Daphne began to grow anxious when he did not respond right away. She heard the frantic calls of her ladies maid. “Rian?” She could not believe she actually used his given name, but it felt right. “Rian what did you want to talk about?”

            “Miss Seaton! Miss Seaton!” Daphne knew if she did not reappear soon it would be all over the society pages, and then her mother would most likely send her to Scotland to live with some distant sheep farming cousin. 

            “I have to go,” with that Daphne walked through the bushes, coming face to face with her maid. Pasting on her biggest smile she leaned forward to whisper. “I am sorry for disappearing, but several of my hair clips fell out, I went into the bushes to fix it. Did I do alright?” The maid nodded.

            “We must be heading home.”

            “I agree,” said Daphne. She started to follow her maid, with only a quick glance behind her at the bushes. She knew Rian was still in there, it made her smile that he had to hide. She knew that he was probably kicking himself.

 

            Rian watched Daphne walk away through a hole in the leaves. This was completely insane. What was he doing standing in a bush. This was not like him, chasing after a woman. Once Daphne was out of viewing distance, he strolled out of the bushes. He needed to go back to his townhouse, his brothers were meeting him there.

            Looking at his two brothers sitting across from him in his study he sighed. Alexander was the only one who had a smile on his face.

            “Why are you so happy?”

            “Because I am in love, and I have accepted my fate. Unlike you two sorry bastards who are fighting it,” said alexander with a sing song quality to his voice. Alexander had once again received a letter from his Sophie, and there was no denying that he was still in love with her and from the sound of her letter she returned his sentiment.

            “I am not fighting anything, I am getting married,” said Christopher.

            “I know that Christopher, but I am not seeing the excitement.”

            “I met a woman, and she was as perfect as a woman could be. Except she is not my betrothed,” Christopher heard both his brothers sigh. He knew he was a cliché waiting to happen, but he knew what he had to do. He had a duty to fulfill, and he knew he had to get this woman out of his head. It was easier said than done. Christopher was eager to move the conversation along, turning face Rian he said, “Well what about your woman?”

            “Well her name is Daphne Seaton and she…” Rian stopped when Alexander started to laugh. Staring at his brother he felt a moment of jealous sweep over him. “What is so funny?”

            “My Sophie has become extremely close with a Daphne Seaton. Apparently they have become companions of sort; Sophie speaks extremely highly of her.” Alexander sat up straight and continued. “Daphne is the marrying sort Rian. If you do not want that from her, then you should walk away before she gets hurt.”

            Rian leaned back and thought about Daphne for a moment. Then he thought about never seeing her again and he felt an overwhelming feeling of loss. Her smile brightened him, her quips always made him laugh. For a moment he thought of a future, and she was there, with him.

            Bolting upright in his chair Rian looked at both of his brothers. “Well I see that Rian just had his revelation. I am glad you finally realized how lucky you were to have the love of a woman,” said Alexander. Rian let out a growl of frustration; his brothers would never let him forget this. He always swore he would never let a woman into his life, let a woman mean anything to him. Now here he was, falling head over heels for a woman.

            “Well I am happy for the both of you, but I am getting married first. You two cannot have your happy lives until I am stuck with my wife.” Christopher knew what he wanted, but he had to marry a stranger, it was his obligation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 5

19th, June 1883                                        Bath, England

                                                                                   

         Smoothing the lapels of his jacket Christopher stared at himself in the mirror. Today was his wedding day, and he felt nothing. He could not believe that he going to stand in the front of a church today and say vows that would tie him to a woman he did not love, or even know. The only hope he had was that he could build a friendship with this Anna. His father had finally told him her name, she would be his wife, but he would never love her. Not like his mystery lady, she sparked something inside of him that he knew no other woman would ever be able to do that to him.

         Christopher left the bedroom and stepped into the hallway, he dreaded meeting this woman, his fiancée. He wished his brothers were here, but it appeared like always they were late. They had written that they would arrive the day of his wedding, but Christopher was beginning to think that they would be missing it. If he could he would miss his wedding too.

         Stepping into the sunshine Christopher tried to swallow the disappointed of seeing the woman standing across the lawn from him. Her back was to him, but he could see her standing there in her wedding dress, his future wife.

         He started striding towards her, ready to just begin the life that was set for him. She must have heard him; he stopped cold when she turned. It was her; he could not believe his fortunes. Anna was his mystery           y girl, he could not stop himself. He watched her face change as the recognition of who he was caught up to her.

        Reaching her he cradled her face in his hands. “Anna, I do not believe it. The Heavens must be smiling down on me.”

         “Christopher? Is it really you? I have had this dream a hundred times; please tell me I am awake. For if this is a dream, I never want to wake. Let me dream forever with you.”

         “Today is our beginning, I have missed you Anna. You changed me that day, I have thought of nothing else,” leaning down Christopher kissed her and the world tilted. The feeling of forever coursed through him. He could not let him release her, so many nights spent wishing for her, and now he had her.

         “Did we miss the wedding already?” Christopher smiled against Anna’s lips and then turned his head to look at his brother. Both of them were standing there grinning from ear to ear, both staring shamelessly at the two of them.

         “No you are both just in time,” Christopher looked down at Anna; he laughed when he saw her expression. All three of the brothers were rarely in the same place at the same time, so not many got to experience all three brothers together.  “Anna these are my brothers, Alexander and Rian.”

         “Oh really, I could not have guessed since you look nothing alike,” said Anna. Christopher loved the sarcasm that dripped from her lips.

         “There’s my Anna, come let us be married so that we may begin a life together. Alexander, Rian we will see you in the chapel.”

         Alexander and Rian went back into the house, intending to find some brandy while they waited for the ceremony to start. Christopher smiled down at his bride and then took a couple steps back. “And you my bride, I shall see you shortly.”

 

         Anna ran to her bedchamber where Sophie and Daphne were relaxing before the ceremony. They both sat straight up when Anna burst into the room. “Christopher is the man from the fair. They are one and the same!” Both of the girls squealed as Anna shared the news. Nobody had known what to say to Anna. The man from the fair had left such an impression on her that the thought of marrying someone else had sunk her into a deep depression.

         “It is truly him?”

         “How Anna how fortuned you are,” said Sophie. The girls all joined hands, a day that had started with sorrow had turned into one of great happiness. “Well Anna, let’s get you married!”

         The girls left the bedchamber and headed to the estate chapel where close to fifty guests gathered.  The chapel doors were still closed and the three girls turned to each other. “This has been the best season,” said Daphne. Rian had sent her a letter asking if she would be interested in a courtship. She was beyond ecstatic of the thought of seeing Rian try and court her. She had yet to even learn his last name, but she knew finding out would be more than worth it. She was already more than half in love with him.

         Anna smiled at the butler so he could open the chapel doors. Giving their hands one last squeeze Anna let go and motioned for them to turn around. Daphne was the first to let out a horrified scream. Sophie merely stumbled backward. “What’s wrong? Sophie? Daphne? What is going on?” both girls turned to Anna, Sophie already had tears running down her cheeks. “Sophie! What is it!” Anna was starting to get extremely worried.

         “That is Alexander,” whispered Sophie. Anna shook her head, it could not be true. She watched as Sophie started to run.

         “No Sophie you are wrong that is Christopher.”

         “He is neither, that is Rian,” said Daphne, her tone a mere hint at the anger she was trying to contain. With that she followed Sophie. Anna turned to Christopher who was quickly approaching her.

         “What is going on my love?” Anna knew the entire church was watching them. Her wedding was turning into gossip of the year.

         “Did you know either of the women I was with?” Christopher shook his head.

         “Why? What is going on?”

         “Did you court them? Did you confess your love for them? Please tell me the truth.” Anna knew her voice was becoming desperate, but she had to know if her love for him was in vain.

         “Anna, believe me when I say that I have never seen those women before in my life. I love you, and only you.”

         “Did we miss the wedding again?” Christopher slammed the chapel doors shut, hoping to prevent further ruin of anyone’s reputation. He turned to face his brothers, he was about to open his mouth to speak when Anna screamed, “oh my god, oh my god.” Then she took off running toward where Sophie and Daphne had disappeared.

         “Your bride is a bit on the insane side.”

         “Hold your tongue and follow me.” Christopher took off after his bride. His brothers merely steps behind him.

         Everything became so much clearer when Alexander screamed, “Sophie!” he watched his brother run past him, to the woman sitting on the bench.

 

         Alexander could not believe his eyes; his Sophie was right in front of him, crying. He ran to her, kneeling in front of her. “Sophie!” she tried to shove him away. “Look at me Sophie, tell me what is wrong?”

         She finally raised her head and looked at him, and then her gaze caught his brothers standing behind him. Then she started to laugh, uncontrollably. “This has to be a joke,” Alexander did not say a word, he waited to see where Sophie was going with this. “When you mentioned brothers, you might have wanted to specify that you all look the same. I thought you were the one standing at the altar. You broke my heart there for a moment!” Then she threw herself into his arms. “I have missed you so. Please tell me I do not have to finish the season,”

         “Now that I have you back in my arms, I would not be able to let you go. Marry me?”

         “With every breath in my body, I answer yes. I love you Alexander,” said Sophie. Looking into his eyes, she saw it was him. His eyes told the truth, she could see that all the brothers looked the same, but only her Alexander had that look in his eye.

         “This is all fine and dandy, but I would really like to get married,” said Christopher. Anna announced her agreement. The two them headed back up the hill toward the chapel where the butler was keeping a firm hand on door. London would be flooded with gossip, but Christopher did no care, he would be with his wife on their honeymoon.

         Sophie and Alexander followed right behind them, hand in hand. They were unofficially betrothed and to them that was all they needed. Sophie’s father would probably disagree, but in their hearts they were already united. 

         Daphne could only stare at Rian, with a smile on her lips. “So you have two brothers?”

         “I do. Do you still want me to court you?”

         “Maybe.”

         “Are you going to make this difficult?” Rian said with a smile.

         “You have no idea,” said Daphne as she walked toward him. Leaning up she brushed his mouth with a kiss. “But you are going to enjoy every second of it.”