Prologue

He caged her against the wall. Her vision became blurry and was filled with nothing but him. His manly scent invaded her nostrils, immediately sending fire throughout her veins. How she yearned for him over the years. For his touch, for his caress. And now he's here... offering his lips.

He bended down to take her lips in his but before he can, with all her strength and might, she flattened her palms on his masculine chest and pushed. Hard.

He stumbled back, shocked. No woman had pushed him away before. But for some odd reason, she did. Was she not attracted to him at all?

Her breathing heaved, chest rising and falling rapidly.

"Come on now. Just one abrupt kiss. Why do you refuse?"

Because once, I loved you. I longed for you. To hold me. To bring me happiness. But it wasn't me you loved. You never loved me.

She didn't know what undid her more. The heat of his gaze when he looked at her or the effect of his touch that coursed through her veins after years of feeling numb.

Chapter 1

June 18, 1815

Jane Andres Parker sighed as she viewed herself in front of the mirror. This can be the only night where she can be herself. Where she can be free.

And surely she will take advantage of that.

Her long blonde hair was tied up into a high neat bun, soft blonde curls escaping its pins masking her beautiful face. She looked rather better now than she had looked in other dresses. Yes, she is the Marchioness of Birmingham, a rich title indeed.

But that is just it. It is merely a title.

She did not have the fortune, or the power. Instead, the fortune and power belonged to her mother and step-father. It is strange indeed. Because sometimes, she felt like she was Cinderella, off of the fairy tales. At home, she can never be free. It has always been her family. In truth, since her real father had died, she was left with her mother, Stephenie. She was a kind and gentle woman. But when she had married her step father, George, everything changed dramatically. She stopped caring for Jane all together.

Jane was the daughter of the Marquess of Birmingham, and luckily, she was an only child. Her father was an only child as well, so there was no legitimate heir. Except for her of course.
So the title was passed to her at only the age of sixteen. But there were lots to be done. They had to go through series of documents to documents until finally a decision was made. The title and fortune will have to wait until she had reached the age of eighteen. Her mother was signed to be the parent to decide if she is ready to take the responsibilities.

So the day she turned exactly eighteen, that is what Stephenie announced. She was ready. But in truth, she was not. Stephenie did not teach her anything. Only told her that she will handle the rest. Just accept the title and keep her mouth quiet. Now five years later, she still is her mother's little pawn.

But tonight she will be free.

Even for just a couple of hours, she can experience what she had always wanted to experience. When an aristocratic member invited her and her family, she did not get to enjoy herself at all. Instead, she felt shackled. Everywhere she turned to in the past balls; their eyes were always glued to her. Watching her every move, watching who she is talking to.

Tonight. Tonight will be different. Tonight is a different ball. It was a masquerade ball. Her identity will be hidden and no one will know her. It is true that her family will attend but they will not notice that she attends. Right now they probably think that she is too sick to attend. In bed with numerous numbers of cloth and blankets around her small bedroom. But thankfully, her maid and footman manage to come up with a plan to bring her all the way here. At first she opposed the plan of course, but when they told her all the reasons why this was a good idea she was in.

She had to admit, deceiving is not one of her special skills. But somehow, she managed to accomplish it at that. Now here she is, nervously setting on her dark green mask that matched her beautifully handmade sea green ball gown. The dress and mask brought out her skin complexion which was an oddly pale white color. Her emerald stone eyes under long dark lashes.

"You look beautiful mistress. Surely you will be the most outstanding female in the ball. And maybe this time, you can be able to woo a husband," Temera, her trusted maid and friend smiled.
Jane smiled and touched the diamond necklace around her neck. The jewels shining whenever light hit its way, the same earrings dangling down her ear. "I do not think I can wear this Temera. It is too expensive."

Her friend smiled and waved a hand through the air. "Nonsense. You earned it. And I trust you. This is the night where you can be yourself. Where you can find happiness even if it is a little amount of time."

She nodded in agreement and walked over to her, taking both of her hands in her own. "This could never have happen if it wasn't for you and Miguel's idea to bring me here. Thank you so much. I will never forget this,"

Temera nodded smiling. "And ye better not my lady. After the painful way your own family treated you. OH I still do not understand why you would not report this to the authorities. They deserve to be punished."

Jane shushed her, a sad smile forming on her soft, natural red lips. "Even when father died, my mother gladly took me in. She did not leave me in the streets where some parents would. I am grateful that she put a roof over my head and food, so that I wouldn't go hungry,"

She frowned softly. "You are too nice milady. Even if the devil himself was brought up against you, you would never resort to punishment. You are just like your father,"

"And I am glad to be," She was told that by everyone she knows so many numerous amounts of time. And she is glad she is just like her father. Even though she inherited her mother's facial features, she also inherited her father's courage, wisdom, knowledge, and love. Her father is the only reason how she managed to overcome all of the difficult tasks Stephenie made her do. And for that she is thankful. "I do hope the members of the Sapphire Roses attend the ball."

Temera chuckled. "Of course they will. God forbid if you seven will be separate then all hell will break loose,"

Jane laughed. It is true. When her father was alive, he had encouraged her to join some sort of women's club so that she can be able to enjoy herself. In fact, if she couldn't manage to find a club she should create her own and she did. When she attended the England's Boarding School For Young Females, she had made a couple of good friends. And till now she had been with them. All of them agreed to join the club. The Sapphire Roses club was about this group of women who would wait until their special prince charming would whisk them off of their feet and take them away to their castle. Yes, it may sound odd and strange but that was what the club was meant for.

True it did sound childish but they all knew that somewhere deep inside their heart that someone out there was waiting for them. Someone who would dedicate themselves to them.

But unfortunately seven years later, there was still no success. Unfortunately, each of their hearts has been broken so many numerous times that they just gave up on love. If it wasn't for Jane's courage and reasoning the club would be disassemble right now and she will have no safe heaven.

The emotion of guilt suddenly rose in her stomach and settled there. It has been a couple of months since she hadn't attended. Mostly and again, it was the fault of her family. Stephenie, George, and her younger sister Margaret all thought that the club was foolish and should be destroyed. Each week they send letters asking if Jane was alright and if she is coming but each letter that was sent was never answered.

George would destroy them in front of her face. When she did try to speak her mind, her punishment was no food for a whole week. She would be placed in her room, the door locked with nothing but the dusts to entertain her. Thankfully, Miguel and Temera were around so she wouldn't be alone. They offered to bring the letters she writes to them and the letters they send to her. It was a generous offer and she accepted immediately. They gave her small trays of food so she would starve in the whole week. Jane had said it so many times, that she owes them her life but they dismiss it with a smile. Instead they said. 'Someday, you will find a way to escape this whole cruelty. Instead you find shelter in the arms of the person you love and you will forget this ever happened.'

Still Jane had no sense of what that little heed meant but hopefully, they will explain it to her. "I do hope they will be here. I can't wait until I see them again. All I heard of them was from the letters."

Temera nodded smiling. "Then you better get going, the ball is already starting. Do be careful, remember. Your family will be there so be cautious on your surroundings. Don't be so obvious." She went behind Jane and tried to push her out of the room and into the hallway. They had managed to sneak in an inn where the ball was only held a few blocks away from where they were at the moment. She walked Jane onto the carriage. It was simple.

Miguel, her footman, was waiting there patiently smiling when he caught sight of her. "You look beautiful are you ready?"

Jane nodded and with Temera's assisted, stepped on the carriage and closed the small door, securing her in place. "Do not forget mistress, when the clock strikes after midnight you must go. Your parents and sister will be heading home by then. Good luck and I wish you well. Enjoy yourself," She waved goodbye while the carriage lurched forward and into the dark cold night.

Chapter 2

Miguel opened the carriage door and helped Jane out of the carriage. It did not take them long to arrive in the front steps of the grand front doors of the masquerade ball. Carriages come and go, dropping off families, couples, and friends along the smooth cobblestone pavement. She almost fell as she observed the place where the ball was located in. It was sponsored by the Queen and King of England to celebrate Britain’s victory against Napoleon. In the morning paper, it had been said that soldiers from the war who survived and some injured, was seen entering the docks. Tonight, the celebration was not just for victory, but Jane had a feeling it was also for the soldiers who sacrificed their life to give Britain power in Europe. Thousands of soldiers died and a number of few survived in the tragic battle. Tonight, the signing the second Treaty of Paris will be signed. And Jane cannot believe she is present of such an important part of history.

The battle of Waterloo was said to be the last war with Napoleon and everyone hoped that it was right. No one would want to go through all the pain and the loss again. “Madame, I will wait for you over at the corner of the street. Do enjoy yourself,”

Jane smiled nodding. She walked into the palace. Thick red velvet curtains draped over the window tied by a single golden knot. Warmth seemed to fill the entire palace. Everywhere she had looked every gentleman and woman were wearing masks, their gowns unique in their own way. Some men were dressed in black, some brown, and some dark red.

Though winter was over and spring was in the air, no one can dismiss the cold climate yet. It is not like she has never been to balls. She had plenty of times, but not without someone telling her directions so in a way… she is still new to this. Jane guessed that the ballroom was where the lightened room was. She smiled nervously and gave a slow and polite nod, handing the shawl over to the kind butler. “Welcome to the ball miss,”

Jane entered and caught her breath. The room was at least the size of her whole house. And it is just a room out of the entire palace! And additionally, her house was big. Royalty, she thought in a daze. No wonder why they are so grand.

Making her way toward one of the tables, she sat herself down. She was conscious that some of the eyes were on her and she did not like the feeling at all. Her pale cheeks suddenly grew the color of light red cherry. Blast her blush! Sighing, she picked up a glass of wine from the tray that was offered to her and took a sip. The flavor of the wine suddenly filled her mouth and she let out a small moan. This was only the only time she can drink wine. At home, her family never offered her any. Not even tea.

Just plain water from the well that was beside their home.

A voice from behind her almost made her choke on the drink. “I do think,” a woman said. “That you should not be drinking alcohol beverages. Your mother and step father will scowl on you,”
Jane jumped from the seat and gleefully turned around. One of the Sapphire Club members was standing in front of her wearing a soft light blue gown, blue crystals surrounded the hem of her sleeves and gown. Her brown curled hair was up in a neat bun, all pins securely in place. Red lips the color of the wine that was being served. “Loretta,”

Loretta Chase smiled and wrapped her arms around her smiling. “It has been too long indeed, I haven’t seen in you in forever!”

She happily hugged her friend back, fresh tears teasing the corner of her eyes. “Snow White. Oh I’ve missed you,”

“We all have,” She announced then her smile suddenly transformed into a frown, then to a glare. “What have you been doing? It has been years since you attended the club,”
Jane laughed shaking her head. “It has only been months. You elaborate,”

“It felt like years. We are completely and utterly lost without you. BEING the president of the club and yet you don’t come, I ought to strangle you,”

“How did you know it was me?” She asked smiling.

“Strawberries,” She mumbled sitting down beside her. “You always smelled of strawberries,”
“It’s my favorite jam,” Jane declared proudly.

Loretta laughed and looked around. “Vivian, Christine, Avery, and Savanna are not attending. They told me they had better things to do than go to a flimsy ball,”

“I take it you didn’t want to go too?”

She shrugged and took a biscuit out of the tray that was on the table. “Like always, I have no choice. My parents wanted me to go. They hope I would meet an eligible bachelor. So far, I have not seen any eligible bachelor. All I see are soldiers. And the others are rakes, scoundrels, and more rakes.”

Jane looked around. There seemed to be no sign of any soldiers she was referring to. There is only a bunch of gentleman with masks and their suit. She can understand about her saying about the rakes and a scoundrel, the ton is filled with them. “I do not see any soldiers Loretta,” She looked back at her friend who only smiled.

Loretta motioned for the man across from the many tables that was splayed about in the room. “Tell me. What did you know about the soldiers?”

She thought for a moment. “Well, I knew they were recruited by Queen Victoria. They are merely commoner’s aren’t they?”

Her friend shook her head. “No. That is when you are wrong. Queen Victoria selected mostly all of the royal families to send their sons into battle,”

Dumbfounded, she dropped her gaze on the plate, her thoughts trying to make sense of this information. “Why would she do that? Does she not know that there are lots more commoners than royalties?”

Loretta shrugged. “I do not know. That is one of the gossips that were splayed across London. See the man over there?”

Jane looked over to see what she was referring to, and then nodded. “Yes,”

“Every soldier that fought from Britain received a medal. So they would be wearing it tonight. Each person you see with a medal is royalty and did serve as a soldier in the war.”

Now that she had mentioned it, a soft light glinted off of their coat. Funny, before she did not see them but now they are clearly visible. “What about the women? Who are they?”

“Now you have to remember. Some men here are not a soldier. They may have come for the victory party and as for you question about the women,” she shrugged. “They can be family, wives, mistresses…,”

“Mistresses?”

Loretta smiled. “Most men are not innocent and dependable,”

Jane knew that very well. In the past, her step father’s son, John had tried to persuade her to bed him. It disgusted her. Until now, she had barely managed to escape his grasps. Thankfully, John did not live with them. He only came over whenever there was a special occasion that was in the past though. But now when she turned of age, he started to come by frequently. He had asked many times for her hand but she refused. And each time he grew angry. She knew it was only a matter of time till he does something reckless.

She shivered.

“Are you alright Jane? You’ve gone awfully pale.”

“I’m alright,” She whispered smiling.

“It isn’t about John?” In the past years, between her and the members, they had been passing letters about what had been going on with their life. She had mentioned John often. They all knew that John was not a good companion the first time they had seen him.

She opened her mouth to lie but knew better. Instead, she kept silent. “It was finally peaceful when I married Marcus. John had stopped coming. But when Marcus died, it started again.”

Loretta’s features softened and held her friend’s hand. “You are a widow now, Marcus and John is no more to you. Forget about them, tonight is the night you will have fun.”

Marcus married her when she was eighteen exactly when she inherited the title. Her parents were really the one who arranged the whole wedding. They married not out of love but out of duty. It was the longest two years of her life. When Marcus died, she did not know if she was supposed to be sad or grateful. A year later, she was out of mourning and be able to finally go out to places. “I suppose you are right,”

Loretta stood up from the chair and motioned her out of it, leading her towards the wall. Together, they both watched as the orchestra began playing again, the couples from the dance floor twirling, staying in rhythm with the music. She smiled softly. They moved so fluently, like they were the music.

“Oh no,” Her friend said beside her. Jane looked over at Loretta, concern in her eyes. She had gone paler than normal and immediately followed her gaze. Her insides turned cold and her body stiffened. A man was approaching them slowly, taking his time. But even with the mask, she would not have to guess who it was. With the way he walked and carried himself, she knew immediately who it was.

John.

As he stopped in front of them and gave each of them a bow, he held himself steady. Then his gaze landed on Jane. “May I have this dance?”

Jane’s stiffened body suddenly went even stiffer. Even if she did not attend balls regularly, she did know the rules. If you refuse a dance, that would mean disrespect and she knew John will not take no for an answer. She made her tone change slightly, thankful the mask was hiding her identity. But whenever he looked at her, she can’t help but doubt that he did really know her identity.

Before Loretta can speak for her she nodded. “Of course,” Placing a hand on his arm, she let him lead her onto the center of the ballroom. He smiled and turned her to face him. He wrapped a hand around her hand and the other to her waist. An unpleasant pleasure ran through her body. Her only instinct was to run but in the midst of this entire people, she couldn’t.

“You do look awfully familiar. Do I know you? Have we met somewhere else before by any chance?” He asked gliding her throughout the dance floor.

“No. I don’t suppose I have,” Was all she said concentrating on more than not running away to her footsteps but she was graceful. Her father was the one who had taught her to dance. Her mother did at some point but after that it ended.

It seemed like centuries before the music ended. She bowed, turning to go but his hand on her shoulder stopped her. “Don’t go. Stay with me for a while madam. I do not know why but you fascinate me. There is something about you that reminds me of someone,”

Her lips curled into a thin line. Even if she want to leave. She could not. Not if he want to leave her in peace. Jane smiled and nodded. “As you wish my lord.” She cleared her throat and raised her hand up to it. “I am rather thirsty,”

His eyes sparked and he nodded immediately. “As you wish,” Disappearing through the crowds of people.

Now is her chance. Jane picked up her skirts and speed walked her way out of the ballroom, running past people. She looked around, breathing rapid as adrenaline coursed through her veins. She was in a massive hallway, doors everywhere; leading to God knows what kind of rooms. She glanced back as she heard footstep behind her. He had gone to get her drink already? Jane turned back around and hurriedly searched for an empty room. She placed her head next to a door and heard a scurrying sound. No. That will not work. She repeated the same procedure and didn’t hear anything. She smiled and turned the knob, throwing herself in the room. She closed the door behind her with a fast speed. Her chest raised and fell as she closed her eyes and leaned against the door just as the footsteps passed.

Looking around, her face grew scarlet. The room was dimly lit by candles. The carpet was the color of red velvet, the same as the curtains that hung every window in this massive palace. The room was obviously used for not talking but for something else entirely. The fireplace was lit so someone was here before her. The footsteps came back and her heart that was beating evenly, suddenly picked up its pace. Running toward the window, she placed both of her hand on the handle and pushed. It didn’t budge. She looked around and saw a candlestick, without another hesitation, she grasped it in both of her hand and stopped.

Is she mad?

This is not even her home and yet she is willing to break down the clearly expensive window. The candlestick was grasped hard in both of her hands; she can imagine the sharp edges digging into her skin, giving her scratches.

Letting in a breath, she walked slowly over to the nightstand where the candlestick was before and softly placed it there. If she was going to get caught then let her get caught with dignity. Fixing the loose locks from her hair, she let in a breath.

This was not her idea of having fun. More like laughing and talking with her friends, dancing with every gentleman in the ballroom. Instead she was stuck in this room that’s supposedly used to satisfy ones hunger. She looked down at the dark red sheets; she ran her hands through the soft fabric. Linen.

It was made out of linen. She used to have this kind of fabric on her bed. But instead, it was rags. Dirty rags that needed to be cleaned twice to try and bring back at least one fourth of its regular color.

Tears stung her eyes. How did her life turn into such a tangled mess? How can things end up like this?

“What do you think you’re doing?”

Chapter 3

Jane turned around to see where the voice came from. Her heart skipped a beat and another and another. This was far worse than John, worse than Marcus, worse than her parents. There, on the far corner of the room was a man. He must have been quiet for her not to notice him. His brown hair was mussed as if he had been furiously tugging on it. Eyes deep as endless fields of green, eyes that had look so familiar. She could tell he was attending the ball because of the way h dressed, though it did not surprise her. Even if he did not attend the ball, he is still part of the aristocracy. He had no choice but to wear elegant clothing. But that is not what frightened her. His mask was on the table next to the bottle of whisky and his overcoat was tossed on the back of the chair. Clearly, he was waiting for someone.

And that someone was not her.

She inhaled the breath that seemed to rob her. Every corner and line on his face had been so beautiful but now… he looked cold. Cold and heartless. Suddenly, the memories rushed back inside her head. Memories she fought to forget but was unsuccessful. Memories that was once so good. Her home in the country, soft patches of grasses and flowers. The both of them playing in the garden, chasing each other, rolling on the grass. Her heart ached, her belly fluttered. What’s he doing here? Out of all the places in England they can come across.

William.

The name that teased her ears, the face that appeared in her dreams both day and night, the voice that made her stomach clench with need. He stood up from the chair and placed the empty goblet down the table. Jane remained where she was, not finding herself to move an inch. This felt like a dream.

The only time when she can see him was when she was dreaming. But this… this was real. It has been seven years since she had last seen him. After Margaret rejected his proposal, he was never seen again.

Why is he here now? A glitter of light reflected somewhere off of his overcoat right by the chair. A medal. She looked at it in disbelief. He was one of the survivors who survived the war. No. There was more, he was a soldier from the war. But that can’t be possible; there was no hint of him being in war. Not a single scar on his face…. Then her gaze landed on his unbuttoned ruffled shirt. An ugly scar was visible. By the size and looks of it, it did not end there. So that was it. He had been in war? Fighting for England? Tearing her gaze away from his chest, she met his gaze. Her breath caught in her throat.

Once he had been so familiar. So loving. But now it seemed like he was a totally different man. A man who has been wounded and hurt so many times. “What are you doing here?” He asked again, clearly annoyed that she did not answer the question the first time he had asked her.

It took a few moments to find her voice again. But even when she did, she couldn’t even fashion the words. “I’m sorry. I thought this room was not occupied. I clearly misunderstood,”

“Clearly you have,”

Jane flinched at his rude comment. What happened to you? What has happen to the both of them? Her heart leaped for a few moments. Who could have known that even years later he still could affect her so? They were friends once yes, but that was all they could ever have been. Even as the bittersweet memories coiled through her, the painful memories overpowered. Before her father had died, William and she were friends. They were inseparable. It was just the both of them.
They had everything in common together. Even the people they knew teased them about their friendship. The towns’ people had always said that they were always meant for each other. It was just the two of them in the past; of course it stopped when William suddenly turned fifteen. That is when his male features grew. When he grew muscles and hard flat chest, bulky stomach, Margaret suddenly found him attractive. Her younger sister was used to staying indoors with their mother, while Jane played with William outside. But all of the sudden, out of the blue, Margaret asked if she could join along. Both of them accepted. They ran through the grass and beside the trees. Then that was when Jane knew something changed. When William and Margaret grew close. It was odd really; somehow she had the feeling that he has always felt affection for her younger sister. Who wouldn’t? Margaret was a blonde haired beauty. Her skin soft, almost made out of silk. Eyes the color of the darkest blue anyone had ever seen. She was a tall woman even back then. Her curves and features always present while Jane had curves yes, but not as much as she. Jane, in contrast, was a medium heighted woman. She was quiet and not out going like Margaret.

She knew that William preferred more of a woman who is seductive, out-going, and always ready to flirt. He had never been interest in her. Not even once. But she had feelings for him countless of times. Even when she lay awake at night, imagining his soft lips, tanned muscles. He was the person who haunted her dreams at night. He was the person who made her dream.

That is exactly it. He WAS the only person that made her dream.

And he still is.

The realization sent both hurt and relief in her veins, traveling toward her heart. It contracted then stopped, then did the same procedure again and again. Holding her head up high, her shoulders straight she straightened her gown. Something she does whenever she gets nervous, a strange habit to break. “I can see you are clearly waiting for someone. I will take my leave.”
Just as she stepped around him, footsteps radiated off of the empty hallway followed by a voice. Her eyes widened. John. He was looking for her. Jane froze. Damn it all, she’s stuck here. At least until he’s gone and looked somewhere else. She nervously looked around. There is nowhere she can possibly hide. The wardrobe was too small for her to fit in, there is no bathroom in this room and from what she can see and this room maybe large, but there was no hiding places. Her heart raised a beat slightly. Then another and another.

She’s going to get caught. She staggered back until a hard body collided with hers, causing her to stagger some more. A large hand was on her shoulder, steadying her. Jane hissed in a breath, the warmth of his hand spreading throughout her body, leaving her with a burning sensation and emptiness. “What’s the matter?” He asked. At last, finally she can be able to detect some kind of emotion other than his cruelness.

“I am just trying to avoid someone. That is why I came into this room. I was trying to find a place to hide but the man that is looking for me is awfully stubborn. He will not quit until he finds me,”

“A lover?”

“No,” She answered immediately. He turned her around slowly, supporting her with both of his hands, on the either side of her shoulder. Right now, Jane could tell he was going to leave an imprint of his warmth on her skin. An imprint she will surely not forget any time soon.

“Then who?” He asked in a low voice.

“You sure are persistent aren’t you,” She mumbled, gazing into his light green eyes, she could be lost in them. Jane could not look away, she was under his spell. The spell he had always casted on her even when they were young. “Even though I do not know you,” She added.

He smiled, and if the world could have end. It would have end at that moment. The smile alone can make every woman’s heart bend down his will. It was a smile that could kill and a smile that could save. “My name is William. William De’Lacour,” She opened her mouth to retort about his introduction but was interrupted as the door opened. Her heart skipped a beat, then two, but before she can react, he had shoved her on the bed.

Too shock to speak, she couldn’t find her voice even when his large, masculine body covered hers. Her eyes widened as his head bended down to claim her lips.

The kiss was simple, unfeeling. Her hands tingled next to her body. His frame was large and her legs easily straddling his hips. He stared down at her as their lips still melded together, fusing. But as seconds pass by, the kiss became fierce. An urgent feeling washed through her and before she could do anything to stop her reaction, her hands came up to his trace his back.
The simple gesture made his heart aflame. He braced himself on his elbows to keep his weight from crushing her, but continued the torturing kisses. As the door opened wildly, he withdrew from her lips just a couple of inches. “The room is taken,” He growled possessively.

“Ah- Oh dear. Right, I beg your pardon,” John said closing the door again, heading to the next door.

Jane stared at him from above her, her lips still tingling. At last, she finally tasted him. Even for just once. She heard the door close, but still he did not move. They just laid there gazing into each other’s eyes. Then it seemed like forever till he broke the silence. “Why do I have a feeling we have meant somewhere before?”

She gulped down the words she wanted to say. That she was his childhood friend, that she still had feelings for him even after through all these years. But… she knew that was unlikely. Everything was different now. He had changed and so did she.

It is time for her to give up these fantasies and actually move on. He had no emotions for her. He has emotions for her younger sister, Margaret. It is not her he lusts after. Even though the pain was too unbearable, she had to face the facts.

And additionally, he was the reason her life has been so chaotic! If it wasn’t for him leaving her sister, then she would not have had to take responsibility on marrying Marcus. If he had married Margaret, she should have never suffered. Yes, that is right. All she had to do was to remember this and she’ll be able to move on. With determined fierceness, she tried to shove him aside.

But what she was not expecting was for his chest to be hard as the brick wall. Heat scorched through her hand, and she suddenly pulled back, afraid the fire will burn her.

Clearing her throat, she closed her eyes and inhaled a breath or two then opened them. “Thank you for saving me. I do greatly thank you. He is gone, so you can move now.”

As moments passed, their breath mingling together, she was afraid that he won’t move but when he finally did she immediately shot up from the bed and made her way to the farthest side of the corner, away from him.

William gazed at her with amusement in his cold eyes. “So I was right, he was your lover.”

Deciding not to continue this conversation any further, she made her way toward the door but was stopped as he beat her there, his large frame blocking the two golden knobs. Drag, that was her way out. “Would you please let me through?” She asked annoyingly.

He didn’t make a move, but instead he walked toward her. She backed up, stepping back two to three strides and still he had followed. The red wallpapered, wall welcomed her back. She took a nervous breath and two as he stopped just a couple of feet away from where she is standing.

He caged her against the wall. Her vision became blurry and was filled with nothing but him. His manly scent invaded her nostrils, immediately sending fire throughout her veins. How she yearned for him over the years. For his touch, for his caress. And now he's here... offering his lips.

He bended down to take her lips in his but before he can, with all her strength and might, she flattened her palms on his masculine chest and pushed. Hard.

He stumbled back, shocked. No woman had pushed him away before. But for some odd reason, she did. Was she not attracted to him at all?

Her breathing heaved, chest rising and falling rapidly.

"Come on now. Just one abrupt kiss. Why do you refuse?"

Because once, I loved you. I longed for you. To hold me. To bring me happiness. But it wasn't me you loved. You never loved me.

She didn't know what undid her more. The heat of his gaze when he looked at her or the effect of his touch that coursed through her veins after years of feeling nothing.

“At least take off your mask. So I can be able to see your face,”

Jane shook her head walked around him, literally speed walking toward the door. He followed after her, immediately grabbing her by the wrist, stopping her from going any further. “No? Well what about a name?”

She bit her lip but did not say anything.

“No name? Well alright then, then how about I call you… Grace,” He smiled. “Yes that is a perfect name to call you. Grace. God sent you to me, to take away my problems. You are my blessing,”

Jane closed her eyes, his words sinking into her heart. How much she had longed for him to say those words in the past. With just her. Not anyone else. The door opened again and this time she braced herself… but it wasn’t John. In fact, it wasn’t anyone she knew. But one thing she did, it was a woman.

She was beautiful. Her brunette hair had been worn down and her dress was the color of the roses just outside of the garden. Her cheeks were pink and Jane immediately knew that she was intoxicated. And additionally, she was the woman who William had been waiting for. Sharp long needles stabbed at her heart. She was coming here to meet with him.

And not just a few seconds ago, Jane was the woman who was present on his bed, kissing him! She should have known, should have stood by her opinion. Better yet… she turned around to look at him smiling. “I am really thankful that you had helped me,” She was thankful that she had managed to hide the tremble of anger and hurt in her voice. “So I suppose a reward is what you want,”

William’s gaze shot up in surprised, not even bothering to look at the woman who just entered at the doorway, instead, his gaze was fixed on the woman before him. She was an interesting one. More interesting than the women he had encountered in the past. “What reward are you babbling about?”

Jane flinched at the rude tone. He had changed. Changed completely. “A reward,” She took out the pouch from her gown sleeves and sat it on the table, smiling. “Exactly as I said. A reward. I figured a commoner like you would need the money to get out of here. After all, you are just a mere soldier,” And with that, she turned and exited out of the room with her shoulders straight and her head held high.

It took a couple of moments for her words to sink in before his amusement turned into something more… menacing. He opened his mouth to reply but she was already gone. With a few strides, he made his way toward the door and looked outside. She was nowhere in sight. Amazing how a woman as tall and slim as her cannot make a sound at all.

Lillian smiled and sat herself down the chair. “You didn’t see me at all brother. I was afraid I died and was turned into a ghost. Your whole attention was fixed on Jane,”
William whirled around to look at his younger sister who was twenty-two years old, not married, and is a spinster. “Jane?”

“Yes brother. Jane. You did not know it was her did you?” She sighed. “You are blind. Jane, the woman who used to play-,”

“Yes… yes I know Jane,” He mumbled. “How did you know it was her?”

His younger sister smiled. “She always smelled like strawberries,”

He smiled at the memory. “It’s her favorite jam,” It was the scent that reminded him of home. That reminded him of his Jane. His Jane? Where had that thought come from? So she was Jane. Well then, she had turned out to be a fine and beautiful woman. He can give her credit. Her assets have been improved into something more…. Feminine.

Jane.

His childhood friend. The person who had always played with him whenever he was lonely. The person who had managed to make his life exciting and fun. What had happened to her all these years? Was she wed? “Lillian,” He mumbled snapping out of his thoughts immediately. “Tell me what you know about Lady Jane Andres Parker,”

Chapter 4

Jane sighed and made her way back to whence she came, but not before checking to see if John was there. Straightening her wrinkled gown, she hurriedly made her way toward the ballroom.

The golden dance floor was filled with different aristocratic members, all wearing extravagant ball gowns and well-tailored suits. She scanned around until catching sight of her friend.

Loretta just finished dancing with a gentleman, kissing her hand and said his farewell. She slumped down on the chair.

Jane made her way toward her. As if sensing her, Loretta’s head shot up and met her gaze just as she came to a stop. Immediately, she raised herself off the chair and practically speed walked. “How are you? Are you well? Did John do something? I saw you disappear out of the ballroom. Oh please do tell me he did not hurt you,”

Jane gave her friend an assuring smile. "I knew it is always like you to ask so many questions in one sentence,” She laughed and shook her head. “I’m alright… well partially,” Loretta opened her mouth to say ask what she meant but was interrupted again by Jane. “I will tell you everything you need to know but please… can we talk in the carriage, on the way home. I do not need to be sighted by John again,”

Loretta sighed and nodded. “Well alright. As you wish,” She took her hand and made her way out of the ballroom, dodging a few people along the way but somehow managed to survive. Then when they were out of sight and into the hallway, they both broke into a run, picking up their skirts as they did so.

Outside was their awaiting carriage, it was odd considering there were other carriages but when they scanned the outside area, their carriage awaited. “There’s Mark,” Jane panted, following Loretta as they dodged other carriages as well then finally giving a nod at Mark who opened the carriage door. “Take us home Mark, and flick on it,”

He nodded smiling, flicking the reigns, lurching the carriage forward.

Jane tried to catch her breath as she leaned against the dark brown, leather seat, dark red curtains hanged on both sides of the carriage windows, golden door knobs signaling and flag, that this was not just a hired coach. It was hers. “I thought I was going to die,”

“It was just John,” Loretta managed to say, gasping for her own breath.

“Exactly,”
Then a moment of silence followed, both of their gazes met and held for a single second. Then the next thing they knew, both of them… laughing, so excessively that the whole carriage seemed to shake with their loud voices.

It seemed like eternity when they finally managed to calm down. Jane wiped the tears that formed from their unladylike moment.

“That was ridiculous, completely hilarious.” Loretta smiled leaning against the leather seat, the carriage moving along the busy London streets. Lampposts hang in every pole, providing light in the dark city. Jane looked out of the window, beggars walking by, asking aristocratic members for small coins. She’s used to it by now. Every night, every day. Children or families, no money to make a living. It was truly sad. It was not their fault their life turned out this way.

“Will you tell me what happened when you disappeared out of the ballroom?” She asked disrupting her thoughts.

Jane nodded sighing, her gaze landing on her lap, her hands messing with the hem of her dress. “Well, I asked John to fetch me wine, so as soon as he left I immediately slipped out of the room and into the hallway. The palace was so big and there were so many rooms. All I had to do was go in one. But some of them were preoccupied and well… when I finally found one that I thought it wasn’t occupied, I opened it and entered. I looked around to see if I can find a place to hide. The room was big, but everything inside was small. I couldn’t hide anywhere. The bed, the wardrobe, next to the library shelves. That’s when I thought maybe I could hide outside of the window. But it was locked. I tried to lift it up but it wouldn’t budge. I was frustrated and glanced around to see if I could be able to find an object, anything that will help me escape out of that room,”

Loretta’s eyes widened at both excitement and surprise. “I had not known you were like that under pressure,”

She laughed. “Neither have I but well… it was not like I intended to break down the window. But do not worry, I never did. I managed to put some sense into my brain just as I was about to throw the candlestick. I sat it down back on the side table where I have found it and… that’s when I knew that I regretted coming into that room. Do you remember what had happened nine years ago?”

Her friend nodded. “Of course, how could I not? Everything that was ever good suddenly was thrown into the fiery pits of hell. That’s when your life turned upside down,”

Jane nodded as the memory came rushing in yet again, everything that had happened that led her here in this life she have now. “I saw him,” Was all she said.

That’s all she needed to say, instantly Loretta’s eyes narrowed slightly. She was a very smart woman. She may seem innocent but she is a complete professional when it comes to these sort of scenarios. “I take it by him, you mean William De’Lacour,”

The name brought shivers down her body, stopping slightly at her very core. The memory of their kiss suddenly became reality again, the way her body responded eagerly against his.
With a sigh, Jane nodded.

“Blast it!” Loretta exclaimed leaning back against the carriage seat. “I did not know he would be at the ball. I did not even know that he would be in London. What is he doing in London?”
“He never left. Except of course when he was fighting for England,”

She stopped her ranting and looked at Jane. “He is a soldier?”

“Was a soldier,” She corrected but nodded all the same. “Yes. That’s the reason he was present at the ball. He wanted to be recognized by the Queen,”

“Selfish bastard,” Loretta whispered. Jane’s eyes widened. She had never cursed before. Not Loretta. Mostly it was Vivian but she was an aggressive woman. Loretta on the other hand was calm and kind. Never saying rude words. Until now. She met Jane’s gaze, her eyes softening softly. “What happened next?”

“Well, we talked.”

“Did he recognize your identity?”

Jane shook her head. “No. I was wearing the mask. But he on the other hand had his mask off so immediately knew it was him,”

“Even if it has been nine years,” Loretta whispered softly. “I would have thought you would at least forget about him by now,”

No, that’s impossible. How could she forget? William is a man who wouldn’t let anyone forget about him. Even if he was only at young age of only fifteen. He always had this aura about him that will make his presence noticeable. Even in a crowded room, he would let others know that he was there. Now at age twenty four, William changed drastically. He seemed colder and distant. Completely different than the Will she had used to know. But of course, the Will she had used to know always laughed and smiled.

Not the William she had seen today.

“Do not be ridiculous,” Jane whispered. “I did not remember him. He told me his name. That is how I remembered him,”

Loretta laughed, a cold sound filling the carriage as it scurried along the empty street. “You had always been a bad liar in the past. You are still now. I don’t want you to get hurt. That’s all Jane. You’ve been hurt a number of times in your life. I have a feeling this time would be different. You will not be able to recover so easily,”

Jane smiled faintly. “I don’t need you to worry about me,” She whispered taking both of Loretta’s hand in hers. “I don’t love him anymore. And besides, even if I do, this night would probably be the only night I would see him. Chances are, London is large city. There are only two of us. We won’t meet again. I would stay cooped up in that large house with my family.”

“Yes,” Loretta frowned. “Of course,”

When the carriage pulled over in front of the massive Victorian state house, Mark opened the door for her; she smiled softly and made her way down the steps and onto the concrete pavement. “Thank you,” She whispered bowing. “For everything,”

The young footman nodded, bowing his farewell. “It is a pleasure to help my lady out. Me and the other house staff wanted you to be happy. Even for just one night,”

“I am,” She turned toward her friend in the carriage. “Take care of yourself Loretta. Please be careful and good luck with your family,”

“The luck is yours. You need it more than I do,” Loretta blew a goodbye kiss at her. “Farewell Jane. Please be careful. I do not want anything harmful to happen to you. And come to the meetings once in a while,”

Jane nodded and bid her goodbye, watching as the carriage lurched forward and out of sight, turning onto the next corner. She turned back around, her shoulder straight and firm. Her night of freedom is now over. Now she’s back in hell. And it will be years till she regains her freedom again. At least not until someone rescues her.


William sighed and looked around the ballroom as the sight of his Grace was nowhere to be found. Jane.

It was still hard to believe that, that was her. His hands tingled to place his palms on her fragile body, to inhale her strawberry scent. To take her and make her his.

The thought of her naked body under his was enough for his body to respond. His blood boiled, his body burned to be united with hers.

He wanted to hear her soft moans coming from her luscious lips. He wanted to hear her pleas, for him to enter her, to never leave her body. He wanted to thrust-…

“A penny for your thoughts?” His sister asked behind him. William turned around to greet her, his black trimmed masked securely in place, over set of emerald green eyes.

“What do you want Lillian?” He asked his voice rough, something he didn’t intend it to be.

“I can see you from across the ballroom. You haven’t dance with a single woman in this room…. Could it be that you are still thinking about Jane? Oh William, she is gone. I have not seen her anywhere,”

“Neither have I,” He whispered.

Lillian raised a brow. “You were looking for her too? Well that is a relief. Ever since you came back from war, you didn’t even show even an ounce of emotion. And yet now you decided to?

Because of Jane. I would have thought you would have forgotten her by now. After all this years. I do think nine, to be exact.”

William brought the goblet to his lips, savoring the dark wine as it touched his tongue. No. He couldn’t forget Jane. She was the reason why he had made it through the war. She was his safe-haven. Dreaming about her smile every night. Her delicate features soft and fragile as ever. Jane was the reason that he survived.

At least, a small amount of his soul. “Yes,” He muttered. “Nine long years,”


“And in those nine long years, her life has been hell.”

That caught William’s attention, his gaze turning to her in question. “What in the world are you talking about Lillian?”

She yawned softly a hand on her mouth. “I do think it is time for me to leave. I will talk to you tomorrow of the things that are needed to be done with the estate you soon will be living in,”

“But you haven’t told me what I wanted to know,” He called out as she walked out of the ballroom and onto the massive hallway.

William sighed in frustration, running a hand through his brown chestnut hair. Then with quick few strides, he followed after her. When he had reached the hallway, she was nowhere to be found. He looked around and then headed out of the massive palace. The street was still crowded with fancy carriages, he caught a glimpse of Lillian’s purple gown and immediately followed after her, a hand stretching out to put it in between the door and its closed hinges to keep the carriage door from closing. She let out a startled scream and laid a hand on her chest as she caught a glimpse of him. “You scared me,”

He let out a small apology and climbed onto the coach, sitting himself down comfortably.
“I did not know you would be coming home with me. I thought you would want to stay in the ball for a while more, dance with the ladies, and find someone to wed.”

“How many times do I have to tell you that marriage isn’t what I am seeking for at the moment?”
Lillian let out a un-lady like snort. “Oh fiddle sticks, every man wishes to wed someday, you cannot remain single forever.”

William let out a sigh, leaning against the red leather seat, the carriage creaking slightly as it lurched forward, leaving the massive palace behind it. “I am not every man Lillian,”
“Oh yes, you are a man whose goal is to sleep with every woman in London,” She replied coldly.
That comment made him smile, which completely transformed his cold emotionless face. It was rare indeed. “You do know me my dear younger sister,”

She snorted yet again and folded her arms. “What do you want?”

“What did you mean that when I left, Jane’s life became hell?”

Lillian smiled emotionlessly. “You don’t know do you?” She asked her head tilted. Before he could reply a sarcastic comment, she cut him off. “After you left, Jane’s father died. Heart failure. Poor soul, at the young age of only forty. Jane was left with the title of the Marchioness. But she didn’t receive it until she was at proper age. Then a couple of months after she received her title, there was an announcement that she was engaged to a man. The gossips sailed throughout England for two months before it died.”

William’s jaw tightened, but other than that particular notion. He made no movements. “What else happened?”

“I’m afraid I have to stop there. I will not interfere her life. If she wishes to tell you, she will. But for now, I’m afraid that’s all I can tell you. If you want to know so badly, then talk to her yourself. You know who she is and no doubt she knows you are. But she won’t know that you know it was her,”

He raised a brow. “Do you think her family would actually let me into their home after what I had done?”

Lillian smiled softly. “Do not worry brother. That’s when I have your back. Do not worry about a thing, I will handle everything.”

Chapter 5

Jane awoke at the sound of birds chirping from her small window. The morning sun greeted her happily as she sat up, stretching her arms and letting out a yawn. She had arrived just in time last night to change out of her ball gown and into a comfortable chemise.

Not long after her arrival, the rest of her family followed. She was in bed by the time they had called for her. Her stepmother strode in her room with her dark blue masquerade ball gown. “It was a shame you did not come. We all had fun. Especially both of you sisters,”

She pretended to cough and then cleared her throat. “I’m sorry mother. If I could have come I would have. But I do feel unwell,”
Stephenie smiled. “Well go to sleep. Tomorrow you have to wake up early to fix us our breakfast,”
Jane looked at her. “I thought that is the Cook’s job. That is why I hired her,”

“The Cook will accompany us for our outing while you stay here and clean the house. From top to bottom. I want it all spotless,”

“But mother-… I am sick,”

“I do not care. You are sick, not invalid. Now go to sleep, so you can feel better tomorrow,” I am feeling better. It amazes me how you treat me coldly as if I’m not your own child but instead of how you treat a servant.

It didn’t bother Jane at all that her mother had treated her like that. All her life she had been casted aside as if she was not human. But instead an animal.

She stretched and stood up, a yawn escaping her red lips. Another day filled with chores and duty. No doubt it will be a long day indeed.

Once she was dressed in her morning gown and hair pinned up into a tight bun where no blonde hair can escape, she made her way out of the room. “You know,” She mumbled looking down at the small cat that was purring itself on her leg. “I do feel like I’m Cinderella from that fairy tale. But instead of being poor, I am named the Marchioness of Huntington. But with no fortune,”
The cat purred in response. She laughed softly. “Well alright, I will get your breakfast Phenie. Thank goodness you aren’t that mean cat from the fairy tale. You are completely different from that of Lucifer,” She smiled and kneeled down to pat her head. “And additionally, you’re a female.”

Phenie yawned and decided to go on ahead and into the kitchen. She smiled and followed behind her, starting the fire and placing the pot on top. Ever since she was young, her father never bothered to hire a Cook. Instead, he believed that if someone wants something, they should work for it. Her father taught her to cook and read, while Stephenie, her mother, taught her ways of a proper lady, to never slouch in the table, back always erect, her chin high. She taught her how to sing, dance, and play instruments.

Sometimes she wonders where was that mother now? The mother that used to love her and treat her as her daughter.

When she had finished preparing their breakfast, she laid the plates down on the table along with the individual china dishes, followed by a hot steaming tea pot.

Without a minute too soon, her two step sisters made their way out of their room smiling. “Good morning Jane,” Natasha smiled running up to kiss her in the cheek. “Oh you should have come last night, it was so fun. And… aren’t you supposed to be sick? What in the world are you doing out of bed? Did mother tell you to do the chores again?”

Jane’s answer is a guilty smile. Then winced as Natasha let out a frustrated sigh. “What in the world is wrong with mother? Doesn’t she know that sick people are in need of resting?”

“It’s alright Tasha, really.” She looked around to check if anyone was there but when the cost was clear, she leaned in towards her ear. “I lied,” She whispered a small smile on her lips. “I was not really sick. Instead, when you left, I attended the ball myself.” She pulled away winking. “No one recognized me at all,”

Lucy looked over at them with a smirk. “What in the world are the both of you talking about now?” She was a couple of years older than Natasha, which made her the third eldest.

Natasha smiled. “Oh I will tell you later,” Only the age of seventeen she already had a mind of a proper and etiquette lady. Her fiery red hair pinned up on the back of her head, light blue eyes as blue as the ocean sea. Lucy, the same as Natasha, had crimson red hair, but unlike her, Lucy wore her hair down, in loosely braids. Blue eyes, like their mother, hair like their father.

“Whatever the secret is, keep it. I have no intention of finding out whatever it is. Considering it is Jane. Isn’t that right elder sister?” The voice slowly crept up her spine and made its way to her chest, an invisible hand gripping her stomach. Margaret’s tall and elegant figure appeared on the dining entrance. Her hair was a total contrast to which of her sisters. She had long blonde hair, just like her mother, but eyes as blue as the azure sky. Curves where they should be were visible on her body. She was always the beautiful one.

Jane was gifted with her mother’s pale blonde hair and her birth father’s emerald green eyes.
She won’t lie. She had always envied her sister. For both her beauty and her charm. She can be able to woo anyone she lays her eyes on. Including William. Jane didn’t know what had happened between the two of them because after he had confessed that he had feelings for her younger sister, she was blocked away from his heat. They grew apart and so did his heart. But never Jane. She had always tried to be always tried to be there for him.

Instead of thanking her, he pushed her away. After three months of both Margaret and William’s relationship, suddenly it ended. Margaret had come home crying, saying that William had tried taking advantage of her and then he just disappeared.

Jane knew that William would never do that. But then again… William changed. He is capable of anything. Even back then. She knew that men who crave for someone will stop at nothing to claim what is theirs. It’s like you are mine and forever you shall be, territory.

“And how are you this morning Margaret?” She asked wiping her hands on the apron.

“Oh I’ve been better,” She answered with a bored sigh. “Have you prepared out breakfast Jane?”
She nodded and motioned for the table that was full of different varieties of food. Warm newly baked bread on one, the other plate apple pie, peach cobbler, jam, newly cooked bacon, ham, and a plate of cheese slices. Her father taught her well.

“Well it is about time. I thought I was going to starve to death,” Margaret complained dramatically.

Jane bit her lip to keep herself from replying with a rude comment and just smiled. “I am sorry. I am sick and feel unwell,”

"Well that is not our fault now is it? It is yours. You should have been more careful but instead you let yourself get sick. You can't blame mum for your little careless mistake,"
Natasha’s eyes widened immensely. “Margaret! You do not have to be so rude about it. You cannot possibly blame Jane for making herself get sick. Everyone gets sick,”

“Yes everyone who is careless. Jane is one of them,”

Lucy rolled her eyes in an unlady like manner. “You are one of them as well Margaret. Just a couple of weeks ago, you were ill. Jane is probably the reason why you are still standing in this room this very minute,”

Her eyes widened in embarrassment. “If I do recall, it was mother’s care that I am well. Jane did nothing,”

“That is not true, Jane-..,”

“Let’s just drop the matter now shall we. I am starved,”

Always dropping the subject whenever she feels uncomfortable. Jane is use to it by now. After all, Margaret and she were never close, even if they were just half-sisters. Even before William had showed up, they never gotten along. Jane had always tried tying the bridge between them together but every time she had tried, it always fell apart. She doesn’t think the both of them will ever get along.

“Did you call mother and father?” Jane asked looking over at Margaret who already began eating.
“That is not my duty. If I do recall Jane. That is your duty.”

Before she can say anything, Lucy sighed and rose from her chair. “I will do it,” Before Jane can protest, she disappeared off into the long massive hallway.

She sat herself down the chair and leaned against the wooden texture. “Maybe this is not the right time to talk about this but I need to know Margaret. What had I done for you to dislike me? I tried to recall in the past but I cannot think of a moment that I have ever did you wrong,”
Margaret paused just as she was about to take a bite from the golden colored freshly baked biscuit and met Jane’s green gaze with her own dark blue ones. “What has gotten into you all of a sudden big sister?”

She winced as she emphasized the word. It was true that Jane was the oldest of the bunch but they are all nothing but merely two years apart. She was three and twenty, Margaret one and twenty, Lucy nineteen, and Natasha seventeen. “I am just curious. I do not think I had done anything for you to treat me this way,”

“Treat you like what exactly?” She raised a brow and took a bite off of the biscuit, her expression clearly annoyed.

“Like I do not belong in this family,”

Jane can see Natasha winced but knew better and just remained silent. Margaret met her and smiled, though the smile was cruel and cold. “You do not belong in this family. You’re just merely a half breed. An offspring by that ungrateful man which Mother married for wealth and title. She had never loved him. You were a mistake,”

Natasha opened her mouth to retort but was interrupted by Temera, their housemaid. “Lady Jane. I do believe someone is here to see you. A young woman,” She looked from Jane’s ashen face to Margaret’s cold ones clearly knowing that she interrupted something. “She is asked to wait in the library,”

She nodded and raised for her own chair making her way out of the dining room and onto the massive hallway. The air around her seemed to crackle and shake. The world around her seemed to blur but still she continued walking, her heeled slipper echoing through the marbled floor, quieting as her feet met the red feathered carpets then becoming audible again as it hit the marble. Her words echoed around Jane’s mind. You were a mistake. How odd. She had warned herself about Margaret’s shrewd comments and yet she thought she would be prepared for what she was about to say. She WAS prepared. But that did not stop a stab of ice piercing throughout her whole body.

Jane stopped at the front of two enormous set of wooden doors, two sets of golden knob side by side. Beyond this door was her library. Other than her room, this was her safe haven. This is where she can escape the reality awhile other than in her dreams. In her free time, she would come here and pick out a book by famous authors and read. She opened a door and stepped inside, closing it behind her.

“Jane,” A voice from behind her greeted. It was a woman’s voice. A voice she had not heard for quite a long time. A voice that sounds like church bells in the spring. It has been years and she almost didn’t recognize it.

Quickly and almost immediately, Jane turned around and greeted this woman a soft smile on her face… at least hoping that the smile reached her eyes for once, trying to ignore the harsh words that was said to her just a few moments ago. Then her eyes widened. It was the woman who was heading inside William’s room, back at the Palace.

“Oh please tell me you remember me,” She smiled softly, her blonde hair pinned up into a high bun, loose curls masking her beautiful face.

She shook her head in response. Does she know that Jane attended the ball last night? That she was the woman inside the room with William. Is she here to tell Stephenie about her?
“I’m sure it will come to you. Look closer, try to remember.” The young woman grinned. By the looks of it, she was in her younger years. Probably in her teens. Her green eyes, eyes the looks so familiar, were under thick light brown lashes. Her eyes widened as the realization came over her. “Lillian?”

Lillian smiled, a soft smile on her face. “Finally, I was afraid you will no longer remember me Jane,” She laughed softly and made her way toward her with open arms.

“My goodness!” Jane whispered clearly shocked. “Is that you Lillian? The last time I had seen you, you were merely the age of eight,”

“And you were at the age of fourteen. But I remember you too clearly. Do you remember when we used to play by the summerhouse in the country?”

She laughed. “How can I forget? You used to pick up the earthworms and tease me with them,” She shivered. “I hate earthworms,”

“Well that is because you used to jump fifty feet in the air just to get away from them. If I didn’t know any better, you would have jumped in Will’s arms,”

Jane smiled softly. She would have, that is something she cannot deny. “My, how you grew. I did not recognize you,”

Lillian smiled softly and twirled around. “I did grow did I?”

“You definitely did,” Jane agreed.

“Did you attend the ball last night?” She asked pulling her along the sofa in the center of the library, sitting down with Jane following.

She laughed softly. “No. I did not. I was feeling unwell so I had asked to stay behind… why do you ask?”

“Well your family attended, your name was announced but you were not there. Your mother attended in your place instead. It has been a while. I apologize I could not attend the funeral of your husband. I was far too busy. I even have less time for myself,”

A knock was hurt through the door and Jane motioned for whoever it was to come in. Temera smiled softly and bowed in greeting. “My lady,”

“Ah Temera dear, good for you to arrive. Please fetch us a tray of tea and some freshly baked lemon cake,” She nodded and bowed farewell, making her way out of the door, closing it behind her. Jane’s gaze drifted back to Lillian’s. “No need to apologize. I completely understand,”

“You are out of mourning correct? If I heard correctly, it has been five years,”

She nodded. “That is correct. It has been five years since his death.”

“I am sorry to hear that,” Lillian mumbled looking down at her gloved hands.

Jane smiled. The atmosphere in the room seeming to lighten up by that simple gesture. “It is alright Lillian. I had been doing well since Marcus had passed. It was sad at the first year but it lightened up eventually. I was dreadfully angry that he had left me. I loved him dearly,”

Lillian met her gaze. Something about her blue eyes told Jane that she knew what she was feeling. All of the hardships she had went through in the two years of her marriage. It was like Lillian’s eyes told her that she understands. That she didn’t need to lie. “So what brings you here?” She asked clearing her throat, deciding to change the subject.
“Right, I am here to invite you to come to my place,”

Chapter 6

“To come to your place?” She asked clearly confused.

“Yes. Just for one day. I want to show you my new home. My family just arrived from Italy. We missed the city so we chose to move back here again,”

“How many days exactly?” Jane asked clearly worriedly.

“What do you mean?”

“How many days will I stay in your place?”

Lillian smiled. “As many days as you want. Though I only meant for two,”

“Two days? Well I suppose that will be okay,” She mumbled more to herself than to the both of them. It was not like she did not want to. She’ll do anything to get out of this place, even for just a couple of days. But… the thought of staying in the same roof as William, it brought shivers through her bones. “Who else is living with you?”

“Well, Mother and Father live off into the country with an estate of their own. There is none other than the housemaids, footmen, me, and my brother in the mansion. Though my parents tend to visit from time to time, see how we are holding up. As for my brother, he just got back from the Continents. He leaves the estate from time to time to be off with whatever business he is attending to. So what I am trying to say is that he is not home much so you will be alright. Nothing improper,”

Jane felt herself relax a bit and for once leaned against the red velvety sofa. The soft material complementing the fabric of her worn out dress. A soft blush made its way onto her creamy cheeks. It seemed that Lillian did not mind her raggedy dress, thank goodness. The door of the library doors opened, Temera heading inside to bring the tray of tea and the fresh lemon cake, setting it down onto the small newly polished table. Giving a bow of farewell, she exited out of the room. Jane poured tea on to each china teacup handing it gently to Lillian, followed by a slice of cake.

“Thank you,” She smiled, bringing the cup to her lips and drank.

Jane did the same, murmuring you’re welcome, the freshly herb content making its way into her mouth calming her taste buds as she took a small bite out of the lemonade cake.

“Oh!” She grinned and sat the teacup down. “I almost forgot. My elder sister and her husband are visiting for a couple of weeks. She has three children: Lewis, Tiffany, and Jody. The reason for their visit is because they wanted to congratulate Will’s safety return. I do hope you don’t mind the children,”

Jane laughed softly. “No it is alright. I am fond of children. I do wish I can produce a child…,”

Frowning, Lillian met her gaze. “I am sorry to hear that. I did not mean to-….,”

“No! It’s absolutely alright. I SHOULD be the one apologizing. I did not mean to bring up such a depressing subject,”

She shook her head, loose blonde curls falling. “Not at all. The fault is mine,” She smiled and took Jane’s hand in hers. “I still have hope that someday you will have children of your own, with the man you love,”

Jane smiled and nodded. “I do hope you are right Lillian,” Then her gaze landed on carpeted floor, a frown upon her lips.

Lillian noticed it immediately and pulled her hand away, only to place it on top of her shoulder. “What is wrong?”

“I do not think my mother and stepfather will allow it. You see… my family needs me and I don’t-…,”

“Jane, it’s alright. I had already send the word to your parents. They won’t mind as you come, on a condition that I serve as your chaperone of course.”

Jane relaxed a bit and smiled once more. “Well alright. Should I start to pack my things?”
She laughed. ‘That would be up to you dear. You can wait until tomorrow or you can go ahead and come home with me today, I’m sure I won’t mind,”

Jane laughed and rose up from the couch with a determined expression. “I shall go pack my things. Do you wish to come with me? Knowing you, you do get bored easily Lillian. You always get bored so easily,”

She smiled in response and followed her out of the library and turned left, continuing off into the long hallway and up the long flights of stairs. Then just as sudden, she placed a hand on her forehead. Oh no, she forgot about the fact that her room was all the way in the attic. Covered in dust and debris. Panic bubbled inside her making its way into her stomach. But oddly when she stopped on the last step, Lillian did not ask any question. Instead, she already went ahead and let herself in, looking around then strode over to her bed, sitting down with gracefulness.

Jane averted her gaze and headed over to the wardrobe to take out a wooden worn out luggage, taking all of her dresses and shawls, placing them inside with great care. Then heading over to her dresser to retrieve her brush, extra pins for the hair, and finally her jewelry box. Its golden frame beautiful hand-made, mahogany wood, a golden keyhole in the middle of the box. But the keyhole wasn’t a shaped of the key; it was instead, a shape of a heart. Lillian glanced over her shoulder and a smile formed on her lips. “That is beautiful,” she whispered glancing down at it in both curiosity and interest.

Jane turned back to look at her. “It is isn’t it?” She asked a hand over the opening.

“Who gave it to you?”

“My father,” She whispered a smile on her soft red lips. “For my eleventh birthday,”

“Do you know what’s inside?” Lillian asked.

Jane shook her head in response. “I have no idea. It is not a key I know that. But more of a heart shaped object… I have no clue what it is though,”

“Have you tried possibly to open it?”

She nodded. “Yes. With a knife, pin, but none of it will work,”

“Have you tried a pistol?”

Jane looked over at Lillian, eyes widening in surprise. “Good heavens no! I could not imagine breaking my father’s most precious gift,”

Lillian only laughed and headed over to sit by the bedside again. “I was just teasing Jane. Of course I will never suggest such an absurd idea,”

“I know,” she nodded and placed too in the luggage with great care. “I never leave home without it. Or mostly any of my belongings. I have very few, so I mostly carry them with me wherever I go if I can,”

Lillian smiled. “I see,”

After Jane was through packing her belongings, she led Lillian out of the room and down the long flights of stairs, out of the hallway entrance and into the hallway itself. When goodbyes had been said, she exited out of the massive estate and down the step entrance. A black fancy coach was waiting for them. A coachman stepped off of the rider’s seat and onto the ground, his olden aged hair combed neatly back, gray eyes hidden over white lashes, but other than those features he looks absolutely healthy. He opened the carriage door for them, waiting patiently.

Lillian thanked him kindly and took his outstretched hand, helping her up onto the steps and into the carriage, settling herself down the leather seat with Jane following behind her smiling. “It is going to be a while till we reach Bakewell. Make yourself comfortable, please.”

She nodded in understanding and looked around the seat, making herself relaxed as she said. Jane let out a yawn as she glanced one more look over to Lillian’s now sleeping form before closing her own eyes.

William grunted collapsing onto the spot beside his mistress; sweat covered his naked body as Lisa curled up beside him, her head up on his chest.

“You were wonderful baby,” She chuckled and closed her eyes, sleep trying to consume her.

“I should still say the same for you my dear.” And with that, he made his way to the side of the bed, beginning to slip on his trousers followed by his boots and his ruffled shirt that was thrown onto the floor.

Lisa sat up, her hand on her head looking over at him. “Where are you going?” She frowned, wrapping the sheets around her naked body. “I thought you could stay so we could sleep here for a while. Come on back to bed,”

He shook his head and stood up, buttoning his trousers, raising the shirt up and over his head, brown hair still tousled by their love making earlier. “I can’t,” He muttered. “My sister is coming back from her visit to the City. I have to be there to greet her,”

William grinned as he saw her frown. “It’s alright honey. I will visit you again tomorrow,” He made his way back to her and kissed her on the forehead.

Lisa closed her eyes a smile on her face. “Yeah because you needed to be tamed again,” She mumbled licking her lips. “I just need to remind you William-…,”

“I know,” He mumbled standing up to tug on his knee-long black boots. “Do not worry. I will see you tomorrow,” And with that he left the small hut, untying his horse’s reins, hopping up and over the saddle, securing his foot into its proper place before thrusting the reins. The horse neighed and lurched forward, running toward the woods and into the vast forest.

Fresh maple, birch, pine, and other unique trees were everywhere in Bakewell this time of year. Flowers bloomed on each bush, different variety. The sun was set low onto the sky, making his tall form blurry as he passed through the forest rapidly. The late winter wind stabbing his masculine chest inside his simple ruffled shirt.

As soon as the front gates of his estate opened, he headed over to the stables and threw the reigns to the stables boy, tossing him a golden coin before making his way to the four story mansion. The footman, Sanchez, greeted him with a smile. “How was your day my lord?” He handed William a cloth.

He took it with a grin. “Splendid. Thank you Sanchez,”

Sanchez bowed, locks of silver hair falling on this wrinkled forehead, dark gray eyes soft as he looked at the person before him: a man who used to be a small boy but now grown up to be such a successful and handsome man. “Shall I get you something my lord?”

William shook his head in response. “No need thank you. When did my sister say she is arriving?”

Sanchez took out his pocket watch and opened the glass covering an odd look crossing his elderly face. “Well my lord. From here to Birmingham, it will take about a couple of hours,”

“When did she leave?” He asked.

“They left about a quarter past nine in the morning, my lord.”

William glanced over to the grandfather clock, a frown forming on those soft lips. “It’s half past five in the afternoon. Birmingham is not that far away to take nine hours,”

The footman looked out of the massive glass window, facing the country the sun sinking low in the sky. “Normally it takes about five hours by carriage. Hired by the slowest horses, but I made sure to tell them to hire the fastest horses this family own,”

“Did she bring anyone as an escort with her?”

Sanchez shook his head. “No my lord, the lady insists of traveling by herself and the coachman,” He scratched his silver hair and soon a frown followed. “Highwaymen should be lurking about on the road at this hour,” He mumbled more to himself, William knew, than the both of them.

Quickly, he took the overcoat from his arms and made his way to the door. He is right; those bastards should be outside right about now, waiting for their next unfortunate target.

“Where are you going my lord?” He asked staying his place.

“To see what the hell happened to them,” He growled in a low voice before pulling open the back entrance heading outside into the stables, untying his horse’s reins out of the post and swung his long and powerful body over the saddle, turning their direction to the west where the carriage should be going and finally scurrying off into the long and empty road, hoping that his fear of them being in some kind of danger, is not real.

Chapter 7

A loud thud woke Jane from her sleep, and not just a loud thud, but also the carriage stopping abruptly. Her sleepy eyes took a moment to adjust to her surroundings. Lillian was also waking up on the opposite side of her.

She looked outside of the glass window. The vast grassland viewed itself before her eyes. No signs of houses, stores, or any people at all. The carriage was stopped at the middle of the rocky pathway. “What in the world happened?” Lillian asked, her hand moving to her mouth to cover a soft yawn.

Jane shrugged, not knowing at all what had happened. “I do not know,”

“Deviling!” She called out through the carriage. There was no response.

A slight ounce of emotion settled through Jane. It was odd really, this kind of feeling only happened twice in her life. The loss of her father and the loss of her best friend.
It was the feeling that she had somehow lost something. Something in her life that is precious. “I do think I will go see what the matter is,” Jane volunteered, opening the carriage handle before Lillian can say anything and stepped out. The spring breeze, teased her senses, making loose curls mask her narrow and pale face. “Stay there,” She murmured, closing the carriage door yet again, picking up her gown to walk over to the front of the carriage. Unlike the interior of the carriage, which was the color of white cotton, the exterior was pure black. The only contrast of the exterior colors out of the carriage was the golden handles and glass windows, dripped with the spring colored emerald curtains.

She approached the front of the carriage slowly. “Deviling?” She called out, remembering the name that Lillian called out earlier. Still there was no response. Something was dreadfully wrong, she just knows it. As she neared the driver’s seat, she knew that her hunch was correct. There, by the ground, lay Deviling’s still form. She gasped and made her way toward him, kneeling down to check his pulse…- only to find a pistol pointed at her face.

“Well ‘ello there girly. What have we got here?” The man with the gun said, a smile on his face, showing completely yellow, unattractive teeth. There are at least three of them. All of them wearing the same clothes, aristocratic clothes. They probably belonged to unfortunate victims of these Highwaymen.

Jane remained silent, slowly observing them. Her heart was beating away in her chest, fear starting to consume her. She had never faced highwaymen before in her life. She had heard stories of what they do to innocent people. Specially people with fortune. Such as Lillian. Jane on the other hand was alright. She only had the title of the Marchioness. But not the fortune and wealth. Lillian on the other hand had the fortune, title, and wealth. She has to be protected.

“Ey! I was talkin’ to you. This carriage belongs to you ‘ight?”
She nodded in response.

“You h’ve fortunes here ‘ight?”

“Yes,”

A smile spread from their faces as the man with the gun walked toward her, grabbing the front of her bodice letting her on the feet, but not before letting them trace her breast. She winced in disgust and pulled away.

A laugh came from the man. “Such medium sized breasts you have. One is enough to fill my hand,” He held up one lean hand. He had long fingers, nails as long as two inches.

Jane cringed in disgust, her arms crossing around her chest.

A laugh came from another man, a man that was behind him. “Is it?” He walked toward her, she backed away until she hit the corner of the carriage driver’s seat. “Now, now. You don’t have to be afraid ‘irly. We ain’t going to hurt you. Just be a good girl,”

“Get away from me. Just leave us alone. What is it you want?” Surprisingly, her voice didn’t waver. A deadly calmness to it.

“We ‘ever seen a lady like you come by through here before. It’s always the oldies and never the young ones,”

“What is it you want?” She asked yet again.

“Anything ‘ou have,”

Jane bit her lip. This is a very difficult situation. She did not bring anything with her. At least nothing that will be of importance to them. Just then a loud scream came from the carriage; Lillian stumbled out with another man, his hand wrapped around her wrist nudging her along. “Cork, found this one in the ‘arriage,”

Lillian tried twisting away from his grasp, the look of fear clearly in her eyes. “Jane,” She called out, finally the man let go, letting her stumble toward her, needing for Jane to catch her, helping her with her balance.

Jane stepped in front of her, shielding her from their view. “Leave her alone. I am the one who owns this carriage. She is nothing but my maid,”

“A young perty maid,” Cork grinned, showing those disgusting yellow teeth.

“Leave her out of it,” Jane replied more firmly, her eyes staring daggers.

He only smiled along with his other fellow highwaymen. “A woman with att’tude. We l’ke that,”

In a flash, he grabbed her by the waist and pulled her close to him, his filthy body pressed against hers, curves not matching any of his at all. “I do’t think that that will work darl’ng,” He announced an ugly smile on his face.

“Jane,” She heard Lillian say behind her. Fear clearly visible in her voice. “I wish to go home,”

“You will darling,” Jane mumbled, keeping her gaze locked on the highwaymen. “Since I own tremendous amount of fortune and she doesn’t. I would bid you to leave her be,”

“And why, your highness, will we do that?” Cork whispered, his head bent to her ear, sending a shiver of disgust through her body, the same disgusted feeling when she with Marcus, her previous husband that had passed away a year ago.

“Because I will offer myself as an exchange for her safety,” She answered calmly. “I’m the one you want. I am the one who is wealthy, a Marchioness. I have access to tremendous amount of fortune,”

That caught his attention. “Well that IS good to know lady but you see… we have many fortunes already. We had already collected them from our previous…. Well… um… friends,” He grinned.

The same shiver made her skin crawl with revulsion. “I’ll do anything. Please, just don’t touch her,” She begged, all of her calmness melting away replacing by fear. These men killed before, she can tell by the atmosphere they carry.

“Jane,” Lillian whispered, remaining at her position though. “I do not need any of your sacrificing. You need not anything of that,”

“Lillian-,”

“No Jane. We just had you back. We do not want to lose you again,” She turned her gaze to the highwaymen. “I am the one you are referring to. Jane here is my longtime friend. I am the sister of the Duke of Bakewell. My friend here is nothing but a commoner from the City that I happened to admire so I had hired her as my chaperone,”

Cork and his fellow highwaymen turned to face her direction. “I believe this girly over here is telling the truth,”

Dunk licked his lips. “I don’t mind if we take the both of them. Come on Cork, we can each take turns. It won’t harm any of us, right?”

Goo nodded.

“Alright, take them.” And with that Cork turned to tend to his horses, getting ready his saddle. “But I want the fair-haired. You take the other one,” He said to Dunk who happily obliged.

Jane’s eyes widened as Cork came closed to her, when he was done settling the saddle, and ran over to Lillian’s side, stepping in front of her. “No. You shall leave her be. You may take me but you will not take her,”

He pointed the pistol at her forehead. Lillian gasped. Jane stood still. “You will take her over my dead body,” Her British accent strong and firm.

The highwayman looked at her with amusement. “Th’ts the f’rst time I seen a woman l’ke you bef’re. I gotta say. You amuse me, but I am sorry. It’s a shame to lose the other when it’s so close in reach. And besides, she saw us,”

“You won’t take her,” She repeated.


Lillian gripped Jane’s shoulder and closed her eyes, willing this nightmare to end.

Cork grinned and stepped toward her, his hand coming up to skim his fingers through her pale and soft neck, then down to her cleavage. “You have a use for me girly. I was planning to put the plan to work when we get to my hideout but it seemed there was a change of plans. You’re beautiful. Young, attractive, and energetic. A perfect person to be my woman,”

Jane shivered and slapped his hand away, only to be slapped by him back, a red bruise on her cheek starting to form. Lillian winced beside her, as if she was the one who got hit. The sound still leaving an aftereffect across the empty fields. “You have been a very bad girl. It’s time to each you a lesson or two,” And with that he took her by the hair and threw her on the ground.

The man, Dunk, came to stop Lillian from running to Jane, his dark arms wrapping around her, keeping her from moving.

She lay on the ground, her hair dangling down her face, tear stinging on the corner of her eyes. The bun was no longer a bun and additionally, her green gown that Lillian lend to her was ruined. The man started to unbutton his trousers as Jane watched in horror, her legs kicking out to hit him on the chin. He let out a scream and furiously looked down at her, dropping so he locked his legs around her own to keep her from kicking, thrashing, or hitting him anywhere. “LET ME GO!” Tears escaped those light green eyes, trailing down her cheek as she helplessly watched him in horror, his hand pinning both her wrist on top of her head while his free hand moving her skirts up to her waist, his fellow friends cheering, Lillian’s face nothing but a blur.

She’s helpless now. No one will save her. No one has ever saved her. Except for one person. The only person that can be able to grant her liberty. Happiness. Joy. Love. The only person that can be her salvation. But he wasn’t here. He didn’t even know her. He pushed her away as if they have never meant.

The slight amount of hope that started to form inside of her heart vanished. Her thrashing stopped, her eyes closing. She was alone. She will always be alone. But that couldn’t stop her from saying his name. The name that always sent shivers of pleasure down her spine whenever mentioned. “William,” She whispered.

Just then, the sound of a gunshot fired through the air startling all of them. Including Jane. The bullet hit Goo right on his forehead, a perfect aim. Cork looked around, positioning to a standing position along with Dunk. Lillian ran to Jane, sobbing, helping her into a sitting position, holding her trembling body. Another gunshot followed and Dunk was on the ground, screaming in agony as a bullet sunk deep into his shoulder. “Who the hell are you? Show yourself?” Cork called out onto the vast grassland, looking around wildly as if he was a mad man.

“Help me to stand,” Jane whispered, leaning on Lillian as she helped her to her feet. Stumbling at first to regain her balance failing at first then the second, giving up after the third and just simply held onto Lillian. A figure emerged from a hill; it caught Jane in the corner of her eyes. He was dressed in black attire, his brown locks falling onto his forehead, hiding his eyes. But Jane knew the color of them. The expression he held. The scenery around her started to blur, and she held onto Lillian more tighter.
William.


“Who the hell are you?” Cork asked furiously, pointing the gun directly at William’s tall and powerful figure.

“Someone who wanted to save you for last,” He answered in a deadly calm voice.

The highwayman pulled the trigger, all ready. But William was faster and a loud gunshot fired, making Jane wince, closing her eyes for a couple of moments. When she finally opened them, Cork was on the ground, a bullet on his forehead. And just then the scene before her started to vanish.

Her gaze met William’s as he strode toward them with hurried strides. His green powerful eyes was the last thing she saw when everything turned black and she fell onto the ground, hearing Lillian call her name before totally slipping into darkness.

Chapter 8

“Jane! Jane! Are you alright?” Lillian asked, gently nudging her still body.

William broke off into a run and kneeled beside Jane’s unconscious form. “She’s alright. She’s just unconscious,” He picked her up, surprised by how light she was. Has she been eating? “Open the carriage door,”

He saw her hesitate and gave her a soft reassuring smile. “She’s going to be alright Lillian. I promise,” That seemed to ease her worry. He entered the carriage and placed Jane on the seat gently, trying hard not to release the anger that lurked inside of him. “Support her,” He mumbled before jumping out, glancing one last look at those bastard who dared to mess with him, feeling the urge to shoot at them one more time but figured it would be unwise since his sister was watching.

William made his way on front of the carriage, kneeling down to check Deviling’s pulse. A wash of relief coming over him as he felt his heartbeat. “Deviling,” He called, nudging him. “Wake up,”

Immediately, the coachman opened his eyes and sat up, his eyes widened knowing exactly why he is acting this way, William placed a hand on his shoulder. “It’s alright. They are gone. Lady Jane is unconscious and I would like you to take the carriage home. Ride as fast as the horses can take you. I’ll strap my own horse at front so it will have an advantage,”

Deviling nodded, taking a moment to make sense of everything. “But my lord, where will you be riding?”

“I’m going to assist my sister and her friend. I’ll ride inside the carriage,”

He nodded yet again and sat onto the driver’s seat and took the reins in his hands, looking around.

William jumped down the carriage and took his horse, tying the strap onto the reins that was attached to the horses before making his way back into the carriage, locking the door behind him as he seated next to Lillian, looking down at Jane’s still form. Her chest rising and falling, indicating sleep.

“I was so scared,” His younger sister whispered.

He looked over at her, a sigh escaping his lips as he took her in his arms, giving her a comforting hug. “It’s okay Lillian,”

She shook her head. “No. It’s not alright. Jane and I was almost killed by those highwaymen. I really thought my life was going to end Will. If it wasn’t for you showing… Jane would be in real trouble… thank you,”

He smiled softly. “I need you to remember this little sister. It does not matter even if you are married, I will always be there for you,”

Fresh tears escaped her eyes and she leaned against him. “Promise me Jane will be alright.” She whispered.

“What happened a few moments ago must have shocked her to the point that her brain cannot process it. Those bastards…,” He trailed off, his fists tightening. “I should have been there. I should have come with you,”

“But you were with your mistress,” Lillian whispered, her gaze outside of the window.
William sighed. “I know,”

“When will you find a proper wife to wed?” She asked looking over at him.

“Lisa is a proper wife to wed,” William remarked. The defenses that had broken down when he had seen them in danger was building back up again. Creating a massive wall that no one can penetrate.

“As you say brother,” Lillian mumbled. Feeling exactly his walls come up. He always does this. Whenever she enters a particular topic he does not want to talk about.

His lips formed into a thin line but other than that he said nothing: Instead, his gaze landed on Jane. She was sleeping heavily, some of her loose hair falling on her face. He felt the urge to reach out and brush it behind her ear, feel her skin against his palm. He remembered everything about her features, even after all these years. The way her pale skin glows whenever the sun hits them. The way her smile transforms her facial features, bright green eyes seeming to glow from under those long brown lashes.

“She has changed hasn’t she?” Lillian asked. He was surprise that she was watching him…watching her.

“I don’t know what you mean,” William mumbled looking away, placing a hand under his chin as he looked out of the carriage window.

“You know exactly what I mean,”

The rest of the trip back to his home was nothing else but a silent one. As soon as the carriage entered the massive black gates, Lillian was helped out of the carriage, greeted by the whole staff asking her if she was alright. William followed behind her, Jane in his arms, her head resting on his chest. The footmen came rushing to him, offering to take her out of his arms but he insisted and told one of the maids to, instead, ready a room.
As soon as the maid came back a couple of moments later to tell him the room was ready, William walked up the long flights of stairs with Lillian following. “You should chance Lillian. You look like a mess,”

She smirked. “And leave you alone with Jane? Not a chance big brother. And besides, it is improper for a lady to be alone in her chambers with a man. Especially a man like you brother,”

He grinned. “It is not like I am going to ravish her Lillian. I have a better sense than force myself on a woman that is unconscious,”

“Exactly as you said brother. Unconscious. And besides, she would be relieved to see a familiar face,”

“Is my face not familiar at all?” William asked as if hurt, taking two steps at a time, that grin still on his lips.

“Your face is too familiar for someone like Jane. Or any woman on that fact that you tried to seduce,”

“Oh sweetheart, I did not try. I succeeded.” He winked at her.

Lillian rolled her eyes in response. “One of these days brother. I swear you will learn your lesson. I promise you,”

“There is no lesson to learn Lily,” He remarked smiling. Recalling her nickname he used a long time ago when they were younger.

Lillian stopped and looked up at him.

He stopped as well, turning around midway to look at his sister, Jane still in his arms, unconscious and sleeping soundly.

“You remembered,” She whispered. “I thought all this time you had forgotten. Ever since you came back from War, you were more of a stranger than a brother. I was afraid that you were scarred forever. Of all the horrific images you had seen. I’ve heard what War can contain. People dying on the battlefield,”

William’s expression was unreadable. “I am forever scarred Lily. I will not lie and say War hasn’t changed me because clearly it had. I am not the same silly brother you had in the past,”

Lillian’s lips were set in a firm line. “I know.” She replied bitterly. The relief emotion she had felt when he called her by her nickname disappearing and was replaced by anger.

“Because the brother I had will never have slept with different women every night ever since he had come back from War. The brother I had will have never hurt his best friend because of some silly lust for her younger sister,” And with that remark, she went ahead stepping around him before going up to the guest room where Jane will stay. Her head held high, shoulders straight, back erect: Like any proper lady would act. She knew she was out of line but his last words hurt her. Additionally, she was partially correct. The Will she had known would have never abandoned his best friend for a selfish woman.

William watched her went around them, ignoring the sudden stab of ice in his heart as the past memories unfurled in his mind. He didn’t abandon Jane. It was the complete opposite. She was the one who had abandoned him. Left him all alone.

And he wasn’t prepared to open up the emotions he tried so hard to conceal because he had just seen her. He will not lose his head yet again.

He will see to it that Jane will not break the ice in his heart, which she had built.

Chapter 9

The birds chirped outside the window, sun peeking from the draped curtains. Jane’s eyes slowly opened. Blinking a few times before her vision finally adjusted. The last thing she had remembered was the highwaymen attacking the carriage. Cork had almost forced himself on her. And then she remembered who had saved them.

William.

Her eyes softened at the sight of the person next to her bed, sleeping peacefully, her form on a leather chair her head on the back side of it. “Lily,” She whispered, recollecting Lillian’s nickname whenever she was a child. “What are you doing here? You should rest in your room,”

Lillian yawned and opened her eyes. “Oh horse feathers,” She mumbled rubbing her light green eyes. “It is the least I can do for you saving me. I could have been the one under that…horrible man,”

Jane smiled softly. “I do not think Lord William will forgive me if I let them harm you,”
“You know that is funny. I do not think William will forgive ME if I let them harm YOU,”
She looked confusedly at Lillian who only smiled. “I thought you were the smart one. Well, be on your feet. Come on. I have to introduce the famous Jane who saved their lady from danger. You are the hero here you know,”

“I am no hero. I am just trying to do what’s right,”

“And that righteousness you possess will get you killed. Do not worry. I will not scowl on you. I do think William will do the scowling. He is quite mad at you,”

“Mad at me? Why would he--…?”

“Do you have to ask?” By Jane’s expression, she sighed. “You are a smart woman but a naïve one at that,”

She opened her mouth to retort but was interrupted as Lillian hauled her to her feet, letting out a small squeal as the room opened, two maids came in. They had a friendly smile. “Hello miss. We are here to assist you of your personal care,”

“Oh you don’t….,”

“Fiddle sticks Jane. They are here to assist you and that’s that. You are my guest and you will be treated as one. As for your gowns, I ordered the footman, Maris, to throw them out. You will receive new ones. They are all in your wardrobe,”

Jane’s eyes widened instantly. “Really Lillian, there is no need for you to replace my-…,”

“Hush,” She remarked motioning for the two maids to continue.

“But really I can dress myself. There is no need of a hassle,” She said breathlessly jumping slightly as the maid unfastened her faded light blue gown, revealing a low cut bodice, the other maid getting to work untying it then the next moment was on the floor, followed by her corset leaving her with nothing but her silky chemise. Her face blushed red but a soft smile formed, replaced by a laugh as they motioned for her to enter the bathroom, the golden tub filled with hot steaming water.

Maryse, the younger maid smiled softly and lifted up her chemise over her head and onto the ground. While Marisa, the other younger maid with shining light brown eyes took the scattered pins out of her hair. The rest of her clothing followed as they helped her ease her way inside the hot steaming water, a soft sigh escaping her rosy lips. It has been so long since she had taken a bath with hot water. Back in her townhouse, she was left with only warm water. Almost cold.

Once she was finished bathing, Maryse and Maris helped her out of the tub, assisting her, wrapping a towel around her naked body, fair-hair dripping wet. Lillian was sitting on the bed, her own peach afternoon gown, sprawled about her. She smiled softly at the sight of Jane’s form exiting out of the lavatory, skin flushed. “Well you look like you enjoyed yourself,”

“It was heavenly,” Jane responded in a lazy voice, sitting herself down the mirror compartment. Her comb on top of her mahogany desk, a silver mirror attached to the wall, golden chained necklace on the table also.

“Here, this would look beautiful on you.” Lillian said behind her a grin on her own pink lips. In her hand was a breathtaking, difficult handmade gown. A beautiful light green gown with sapphire gems on each long sleeve, low cut on the shoulders and chest, and also a trail of emeralds and rubies on the base of the gown.

Jane looked at it, her eyes wide. “I cannot possibly wear such a…complex dress. It must cost a fortune and I..,”

“You are a guest Jane. I insist,” Her tone was final and she knew there is no way she can change it.

“But it does not look like a morning gown at all,”

“It’s not morning dear. It’s the middle of the afternoon. You overslept,”

“Middle of the afternoon?” She asked clearly not believing it one bit.

“Yes. You were sleeping so soundly. I did not want one of the staff to bother you,”

“I told you. It is of no matter. I can handle myself well Lily. I am not invalid,” She muttered. Lips curving into a frown.

“I know you are not. But still…,”

Jane’s eyes softened. She can see the concern in her friend’s eyes. Strangely, she was still unfamiliar of someone caring for her. Guessing if you lived with a heartless mother, selfish step father, and the selfish step father’s depraved son, it’ll change you in matter of ways that one man cannot understand. “Thank you Lillian. Now help me dress will you. I do not want to waste any other time,”

As soon she was dressed and her hair was neatly made, Maryse and Marisa smiled, their gray eyes glowing at the sight of her. “You do look beautiful my lady,”

“She’s right,”

“Indeed they are both right,” Lillian smiled and took her hand. “Now let me introduce you to the house staff. They are excited to meet you,” She let her out of the tall structured door and into the long hallway filled with more different doors, each one designed differently but their knobs was all the same. Dark red carpet stretched out of the hallway, the same matching curtains draped either side to let the afternoon sun enter the hall. When they reached the center of the hall, they turned right to view a beautiful marbled fountain on the center in shape of the beautiful Greek Goddess, Aphrodite. She was undressed, her arm draped over her husband, Hephaestus, their lips connected. Water were surrounding them in the center of a small pillar, exiting in different directions onto the ground. The stairway was carpeted as well, the same color as in the hallway, golden railings was at the edge of the stairs, stopping at the very last step, looping down. At the very bottom was a line of people. All dressed in their needed uniforms, from maids to footmen. At the sound of their slippers, they glanced up and a smile formed on every lips.

When Lillian and Jane made it down, she introduced her to everyone. Each bowing and smiling, beaming at her thanking her for saving their lady’s life. She is a hero. But she knew she was not.

Jane glanced around, trying to spot a particular man. But couldn’t help but frown when he was nowhere in sight.

“Who are you looking for?” Lillian asked watching her.

She shook her head, masking away her disappointment with a smile. “No one,” There is no way to deny it. She was looking forward to seeing William again. Hoping that he would show some sort of emotion towards her. Not that emotionless stare she saw before.

“Come. Let us go to the sunroom. There, we can have our afternoon tea,” Lillian took her hand and led her through the stairs and into the hallway they were in before, turning a corner to reveal another glimpse of a hallway, in the center was a massive mahogany double doors. She opened them, leading her inside. There was a piano on the far corner of the room, chairs surrounded each length, too many windows to count, curtains draped the sides, and a chandelier was located at the center top of the room not lighted. She closed the door behind them, but not just before ordering for a maid to fetch them a tray of tea and lemon biscuits.

Jane made her way to the far side of the room, sitting down on the leather chair facing outside of the window. The sun was set low on the sky now. And still there was no sight of him. She sighed. She shouldn’t get her hopes up with something that is so ridiculous. Both of them had changed. They were not the same adolescents who laughed and played in her father’s townhouse. Both of them have evolved. None of them were the same. William had chosen Meredith.

Never Jane.

The sudden stab of realization brought her back from her dreams and dragged her to the cruel drenching reality.

“William must be with his mistress,” Lillian muttered lowly.

And just like that she felt her whole world crumble into nothing but a pile of ashes. You will not be affected by this. You foresaw this coming. William should have a mistress. There is no surprise in that. He is handsome, wealthy, and noble. You can’t get affected. You won’t. But still, she can’t repudiate the fact that sharp needles stabbed her heart. It is ridiculous. But it seemed that her heart has a will of its own. She is still deeply in love with him. Even after all these years. Such long years. No matter what he has done. She cleared her throat. “Mistress?”

“Knowing him, he will not be back until tomorrow-…,” She broke off as the double doors opened. There, striding in the room was William.

Jane’s eyes widened in surprise. He was dressed in a white ruffled shirt, his black cravat tied around his neck, dark brown overcoat matching his trousers, over knee length black boots. His hair was mussed because of the wind when he was riding she guessed.

“Well this is a surprise Will. What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be in Lisa’s bed?” Lillian asked annoyed.

He didn’t answer her, instead his eyes were focused on Jane. But still, he looked at her with nothing but a veil in his eyes. Uncaring, emotionless, dead. The sight of him was so powerful, it nearly melted her heart. But no, she can’t. She can’t lose herself to him. He feels nothing for her. He feels for her younger sister.

He left her behind.

And by the sight of him, he has no intention on slowing down his pace, keeping her from catching up to him. In this long and winding road.

Chapter 10

Damn it, he tried so hard to forget about her. But the thought of Jane lying in bed, possibly broken and hurt… it tore him to shreds. He couldn’t forget about her. The way she was positioned under that bastard’s body, it made his blood boil. He couldn’t concentrate on what he was doing with Lisa. All his mind can grasp was only Jane. Finally, anger flamed through him. How dare that woman still affect him so. He rode all the way from Lisa’s home to his estate, determination and anger in his eyes. But the minute he walked in the sunroom and saw Jane, all of that anger fled.

Instead, it was replaced by desire.

A desire he tried so hard to ignore.


Lillian’s gaze landed on William then back to Jane, repeating the same process. Her brow raised slightly eyes glowing, a look of pure amusement in them. Clearly there was something going on with the two that she cannot understand. But then, she doesn’t think that the two even know that there is something occurring between them. The two is unaware of each other’s thoughts. She shrugged a shoulder, leaning back against the settee. But then again, Jane’s a widow who’s kind and caring while her brother is a hardened man back from war, who has a mistress that lives not far away, and additionally has a reputation that is enough to cause a scandal to every woman in London. She let out another hardened sigh and waved a hand through the air. “You should get back to Lisa’s bed before she finds another man in the country,”

Jane’s eyes widened at Lillian’s words. “Lily! You should not talk like that,”

“You almost had yourself killed, fainted because of stress and fear. I know he saved us but could he not spare a time from his mistress to at least tend to your well-being?”

Now at that Jane could not argue. It wasn’t like she couldn’t but she shouldn’t. It was not her place. This is a quarrel between him and his sister. His family. Which she is not part of. She can never be part of. “It’s alright,” Jane answered firmly a hand on her gown, not realizing she was gripping it tightly. “I am not his responsibility. He is free to do whatever it is he wishes.”

Her lips formed into a thin line, tilting her chin up, crossing her arms together over her chest in an unlady like manner. “That may be but he should at least care,”

William turned his head to glance over his sister, his expression still unreadable, an invisible veil over them. “As she said, Jane is not my responsibility. She can tend to her own conflicts. In fact, if I didn’t know any better, I would assume that she enjoyed herself in that position.”

Jane’s pale skin seemed to go even paler, her features the same as Lillian’s ashen face. “William! You have no right to say that. If you were there-…,”

“I was there Lily. I saw everything,” He answered with an impassive tone. “She acted improper. Not a lady but instead a whore. She should have done everything in her power to at least handle the situation until help arrived; instead she let that man touch her,”

“She was trying to protect me,” Lillian argued, her eyes blazing. What he had said was far too cold. Even for him. Jane is a gentle hearted woman. She did not deserve to be talked about that way. “Something you couldn’t do! If you would have accompanied me to Birmingham, then this should never have happened! You failed to protect me, she didn’t. Instead, you were off to your little mistress. Disgusting,”

Her words fazed him. To hear those words from what used to be a sweet innocent child. But instead, he just smirked. “I am just stating what my eyes grasped,”

“What your eyes grasped was your own-…,”

Jane’s voice cut through the tense atmosphere. “Enough,” She said, her voice cold and icy, thanking the gods that it didn’t waver. “Please Lily. As I have said, his words do not faze me. He is no one who can be able to hurt my feelings,” Even though that was a complete lie. Her heart felt like it can contract in her chest until it disappears, leaving an empty void behind. “I do feel a little unwell. I shall spend the afternoon and night in my room. Please call for me when you are in need of my presence. Lady Lillian,” She bowed in farewell. “Lord William,” She bowed and made her way out of the room and into the long massive hallway, once she turned the corner, she picked up her gown and ran. When she reached her room, she closed the door behind her, not allowing herself to release the unwanted tears until she was on her bed, still in her light green gown. She buried her face on the pillow, finally relinquishing the tears. She didn’t know why she was weeping. But the tears just can’t stop falling.

It wasn’t just because of William’s words though it contained a great deal of amount related to him. But it was the fact that she can never be happy. Not until she escapes everything about her past. William. Lillian. Stephenie. George. Everyone. Is this the punishment the Creator has placed upon her because of marriage to Marcus? Was this her punishment of not being a good wife? She had done everything Marcus told her to do.
She had not only been her mother’s pawn but also Marcus’s. Surprisingly enough, her life in the Birmingham manor was much more pleasant than living in Marcus’s roof. He had always insulted her in many ways. Blamed her for every little thing that he did not approve to his liking. She remembered clearly the day that he announced he did not love her. That he only married her because of her fortune. That he was forced into this hideous marriage.

“You disgust me Jane,” Marcus had said a low growl escaping his lips.

Jane sat on the corner of the library. Her sanctuary. The only place where she can be free of him. She bit her lip, but said nothing. Over the months, she learned that not speaking was a better way to shorten their conversations. Leaving her short with arguments, insults, and harsh words.

“What kind of woman cannot produce an offspring? Well I’ll tell you what kind of woman. A kind of woman who is not fully developed. A woman who is sent by the devil!”
Still by the insult, she said nothing. Fresh tears threatened to escape her eyes but she refused them, blinking them away.

“If you cannot produce me a child then I will just find another way by myself,”
Jane glanced up from her book, for the first time he had strode into the room met his gaze.

“What are you suggesting?”

“I am not suggesting anything. I never loved you Jane. The only reason why we married was because of your mother and my father. I decided to take the matters of this conflict into my own hands,”

Her eyes widened, a small flicker of hope forming. “Do you mean you wish to grant me an annulment?”

Marcus bowed his head back, laughing. “An annulment? Don’t be absurd. You do know that if I divorce you, you will be taking the title and fortune don’t you? I can’t risk that,”

She frowned. “Then what are you proposing?”

“You will find out soon,” He smiled coldly.

When he had said those words, dreadful sensations made their way inside her. And of course, she had kept her guard on him ever since the moment he had said that. It wasn’t that a couple of days later she found Marcus, in her own bed, with her sister Meredith. She should have expected more from her sister. True Marcus was quite handsome, with his golden blonde hair, but he was not close to William’s powerful body. He was lean and tall. In fact, he looked more like his brother, John, that George.

As last tears from her eyes finally subsided, she frowned. Frustrated and definitely annoyed at herself for crying, Jane looked out of the window. She was surprised to see that the sun had gone down, nothing but a dark veil across the sky. How long has she been crying?

A knock on her door disrupted her thoughts. “Jane? Is it alright if I come in?” Lillian’s voice soft and careful.

She wiped the remaining wet trails from her eyes then her cheeks, sniffing and getting herself out of bed, making her way to the lavatory, cupping a handful of water from the wooden bucket that was filled with freshly fetched water, rinsing her face. She then cleared her throat, thankful that the redness of her eyes were fading, the flush of her cheeks dissipating. The cold water helped, though it only did her little. She made her way back to her bed after her face was dried off of water and comfortably sat herself down, resting her head against the pillow. She pretended to cough. Even though her feelings can be hurt easily, pride and dignity was still on her side. Jane can’t let her know, or anyone else knows that she was weeping, showing weakness. She had tried hard to avoid that in the past and so far, she was succeeding. She’d be damned if she let anyone know she was shedding tears.

Jane cleared her throat, thankful that her voice didn’t waver. “Come in,”

The door opened.

Jane can see that Lillian changed her afternoon gown. Now she was wearing her evening gown. And as always, she was beautiful. Lillian closed the door behind her and made her way toward the bed, sitting on the chair that was next to it. “Jane-…,” She started.

But Jane interrupted her before she can begin. “I do know what you are going to say. I told you Lily, his words are of no matter to me. It didn’t hurt my feeling one bit. I can assure you,”

Lillian hesitated and sighed, her eyes closing. “Do you really think that I am a fool Jane? It hurts my feelings you would want to lie to me of all people. I understand if it is Will but…. I thought that I was one of your friends. I suppose I was wrong,”

“No. It is not that Lillian. It is just…,” She sighed not knowing how to explain it.
Upset, she shook her head and raised from her chair. “It is alright Jane. You need not to elucidate the matter at hand,”

Jane panicked and reached for her hand just as she was about to make her way toward the door. “Lillian. Wait a moment. Please.” She inhaled a breath and released it ever so slowly. “Yes. What Mr. De’Lacour said had wounded my feelings. The thought that my best friend had to say those dreadful words to me…. I could not bear it,”

The confession seemed to ease Lillian for she made her way back to the chair next to the bed. “I did not need your explanation as I had said. But thank you for being honest,” She whispered. “Don’t take heed of my brother’s words. Ever since your slut of a sister rejected his proposal, he had changed.”

Yes. That was true and Jane was glad that she was not the only one who had noticed. She can vividly remember the day. As if it only happened seconds ago.

“I love you Meredith!” William screamed, barging inside their country estate. Jane was in a room upstairs. Thankfully, right next to the ledge where the entrance door can be visible. And also William’s angry form. “Please say that you will marry me. I love you. I will love and cherish you for the rest of our living days,”

Tears escaped Jane’s eyes and her heart felt like giant spears were stabbing it over and over again. But no matter what she remained quiet. Letting Temera comfort her, hold her.

Meredith’s beautiful and cold voice echoed through the massive estate. Her father was away on a business trip, only her mother and Meredith were present, in addition to the maids and footmen. “That is kind of you to propose Will. But you see, I cannot marry someone who cannot afford for himself. What about me and our future children what of them? What will you do for the rest of your life? Become a blacksmith or worse?” She shook her head in disapproval; there was no hint of sadness or care for him at all. “I can only give myself to a titled aristocrat. You are handsome I give you that but you are no match for wealth and title. I would want expensive dresses, grand balls, and luxurious foods. I do not think you can provide that,”

Already tears were escaping William’s eyes. “I’ll work hard. With all my power to provide for the both of us. I promise. I swear to the God Almighty I will do anything so you and I will not be able to starve in the streets,”

Her head was bent down, studying her nails. “It seems you are not listening to me, my sweet. You are not my type. You are handsome and very intelligent but that will get me nowhere in life. I will decline your proposal and if you shall propose again, I will decline repeatedly. I can never marry a man who’s poor and untitled. Johnny will show you out,” And with that settled, Meredith turned around and made her way toward her room. Unfazed by the fact that she had rejected a man’s offer.

The rest of the time was followed by William’s angry pleas and words. Her mother tossed him out in the streets as if he was nothing but a rascal. Rejected and alone. How she longed to hold him when her younger sister declined him. Declined his very being. It was then after that the light in his eyes died. She saw that very clearly. After that day he did not come over to see her anymore. Every moment she came to see him; he would refuse to see her.

Jane wished she could have given him comfort and support. Sometimes, she had the idea that if she wished hard enough that William would be hers. She would love him each and every day. Show him what she is capable of. That she is tenfold better than Meredith. She had not lost hope. Even after all this time.

But when he had said those appalling words, she said to herself a fool. She should not keep such hopes, knowing that there is nothing that will come about it. It is time to bury her emotions. Time to bury William from her mind and heart.

She needed peace. Peace from hope. Peace from love.

And if her heart and soul have to disappear in the process, so be it.

Chapter 11

Lillian saw something in Jane’s eyes. It was like a spark in a fuse… then suddenly it died. The whole light in her eyes. The eyes she knew so much. It died. She had made a decision, she realized. A decision that surely wasn’t a suitable one for the matter at hand. “Dinner is ready,” She whispered. “Will you be dining with us?”

She just simply smiled. But it didn’t reach her eyes. Lillian’s stomach churned slowly. A decision was made and she had a chilling feeling about it. Whatever it was. It wasn’t good. “Yes. I do not wish to miss supper just because of this childish emotion,”

“I do not think what you are feeling is childish Jane. In fact if anything I do think what you are feeling is-….,”

Jane cut her off with a simple wave of a hand. “Never mind. Will you help me with my evening gown?”

Lillian bit her lip but simply nodded and raised from her chair, opening the closet. “There are many gowns here I had picked for you. Do you see something you prefer?”

“I would prefer the black one. After all, I am still mourning of my dead husband.” Jane announced simply.

She opened her mouth to retort but instead bit her lip. Jane’s expression looked simply frightening. No it wasn’t that. Her eyes contained no emotions whatsoever. That is what frightened her. It was like she had no soul. The identical look in William’s eyes. Lillian saw it the minute he had returned that day from the Parker Townhouse when they used to live in the country. This wasn’t her fight, she realized. This was Jane’s and William’s. She must not meddle in. The best she can do is to try and support Jane. With that decision in hand, she merely nodded and took out the simple black gown, placing it down at the foot at the bed. Smoothing all the wrinkles and creases off of it.

Jane was surprised that Lillian remained quiet. Normally, she would argue about the color and design of the gown. It was simple really. The fabric was linen; some of the shifts of the gown were pinned in place. One three inch or so apart from each other until it ended to the waistline of the gown. The sleeves were long, leaving no skin exposed the same applies to the neckline and chest. No skin can be exposed. A total contrast to regular elegant gowns. Once the bodice was tightly secured, she pulled her hair into a tight bun.

No curls escaping.

Lillian bit her lip. This strangely made Jane look ten years older. And she had a feeling that she did this on purpose. Before, she had not seen her dress in black. In fact, she was dressed in nothing but a brown tattered gown. Hardly even classified as a gown. She wondered what decision could she have made. And yet at the same time, she didn’t want to. “Alright. I do think you are all set. Are you ready?” She asked.

She nodded in response. “Yes. Let us go,” Jane was thankful. She did not mention of her sudden change. If it wasn’t for the worried look in her eyes, she would have thought that Lillian did not notice her sudden change of attitude. She took her arm and led her outside of her room and through the massive hallways then down the stairs.

When they both reached the dining room, Jane saw that William was seated on the head of the table. That was his rightly place. When her gaze met his, she still saw that same veil in his eyes as before. And in his eyes, she did not see a look of remorse, or any sign that he is not sympathetic for what he had said earlier. He raised from his chair in short curtsy, moving to her side scooting the chair out for her to sit in, pushing it forward till she was comfortable and moved back to his side of the chair. The whole time, not a glimpse of a single emotion.

He annoyed her. As unladylike as it sounds. Jane fought an urge to frown instead kept an impassive face.

Lillian felt the tension around the room and sighed, clearing her throat. “So brother how was your day?”

William nodded at the footman who was serving them their dinner. Today it was baked ham with asparagus and fresh artichokes, drizzled with white gravy, a hint of fresh thyme and basil. “I’ve been better,” Was all he said, starting to eat.

Jane’s stomach clenched at the sight of the delicious food on her plate. She had forgotten what it was like to have this kind of dinner. Elegant and rich. She bit her lip, picking up the silver knife and fork, slicing a piece of ham and brought it up to her mouth. She managed to keep her emotionless expression, her eyes set firm. But on the inside, she was smiling, content and happy. She can’t recall the last time she had eaten a meal that contained meat. Two years since Marcus’s death, she had eaten nothing but potato soup and stale bread. The rest of dinner had gone by without such as a glance at each other. No words had been passed; Lillian’s attempt to make conversation earlier the evening failed. After the last course of the meal, Jane raised from her chair. She turned to the footmen and the Cook who were lined on the far side of the room, away from the table. She bowed and managed to summon a smile. Though it didn’t seem to reach her eyes but she tried her best. “Thank you so much for the lovely dinner. I must say, it was the best meal I had in my life.”

The Cook beamed, her eyes a shiny bright blue. She was surprisingly young, looking at best in her forties. “Thank you m’lady,”

“No need to thank me. I was speaking the truth. You are very talented. Thank you. The ingredients of the spices and herbs blended together perfectly. It was as if they fitted each other perfectly,” She closed her eyes. “Opposite flavors fighting, trying to overcome one another… and yet they belong together. Two halves in a whole,” Her voice seemed to soften. “As strangely as it sounds, your cooking reminds me of my father’s. He was an excellent cook. He taught me everything I know. If it wasn’t for him, I would have never understood the arts of culinary.” Tears threatened to escape her eyes yet again but she willed them away. “Maybe, if it is alright, may I come in tomorrow and watch you cook? I want to help prepare breakfast tomorrow. Before I leave,”

Lillian’s eyes widened and she stood from her own chair, making her way towards Jane. “But Jane. Why do you need to leave? Please remain here, at least for a couple of more days,”

“It has been two days. You said I can stay here for two days,” She remarked turning to face her.

“I also said stay as long as you like,” Lillian argued back, not refusing to back down. She has to stay. She just has to. She can’t leave without fixing their problem. “Please stay Jane. I beg of you,”

She couldn’t help casting a look over his direction. He was already through with his dinner, now leaning against his chair, watching them with no interest. Not even a bit of amusement. She met his gaze. For a moment, just a brief moment, she thought she had seen something in his eyes. But before she could have a chance to determine it, it disappeared. That damn veil back again. Still meeting his gaze, “I have overdone my stay. My family is in need of my help,”

“Your family has a kinfolk of their own. Not to mention they have their own life. They don’t need you Jane; you’re not their slaves. It is your choice whether to remain here or not.” His dark and seductive voice sent shivers of wonder up her spine.

Jane fixed her gaze firmly at him. “I cannot stay where I am not wanted,”

Lillian opened her mouth to argue but was immediately cut off by her brother, who still sat calmly at his place at the table. “Who said that you are not wanted?”

“I had the impression that I was not wanted,” She replied coldly. “I should say, the first time I arrived here, I was greeted by your nasty words!”

William rose from his chair and made his way toward her, snatching her wrist and leading her outside of the dining room. Lillian moved to follow behind them but was stopped by a surprising familiar face. Her eyes widened. Well if it isn’t Edgar St. Richards, Earl of Richmond and one of her brother’s friends. “What are you doing here?” She whispered.

His fair golden hair glittered under the chandelier light, light green eyes, elusive and mysterious. It was rare for Edgar to come here without being called for. He only smiled, showing beautiful attractive white teeth, dimples on both side of his cheeks making him look even more handsome. But really, Lillian wasn’t at all affected. For one, Edgar has always been brother figure to her. No matter how attractive he looks. “It is best to leave them alone Lily,” He said still smiling.

Jane was too surprised to react until she found herself in the library with William closing the door behind him. She turned around and glared at him. Her wrist tingled from his touch, refusing to be disappointed because he had to let go. Well there goes her strategy to lock her heart away. But really, she placed her palm on her chest. She felt the beat of her own heart, slow and steady. Her heart was sealed. Not from Lillian and not from her friends and sisters. But for the rest of the people who had hurt her in the past. William the most. But she’d be damned if she let him know that. She inhaled a deep breath and exhaled it. “I must say my lord you have a strange way of treating your guest. If I should have taken knowledge of this before, I would have been better prepared,” She said emotionlessly, rubbing her wrist as if in disgust.

“Watch your tone madam, for if you do not, I will make sure you truly regret it,” William growled lowly.

Her eyes widened at his sudden change of demeanor. He was so calm in the dining room table. But now he was not. She could not see the emotion on his facial expression and certainly not in his eyes, but there was a tone in his voice that she can be able to recognize quickly. “You watch yours,” She said with equal amount of irritation. “I am not your servant and other light-skirts you talk with in that tone,”

He looked over at her for a moment and then in mere seconds, he was striding toward her, like he was the devil himself. Long and powerful strides, his expression so cold that she was had to back away. But he just followed and continued to approach her.

She swallowed and continued backing up across the massive library, the shelves and books a blur as it passed her vision. All she can see, all she can focus on was him. She felt the cold glass window behind her and she was forced into a stop, not being able to move any farther.

William smirked and caged her against the wall. The situation all too familiar, she hissed in a breath and leaned her head on the glass, as far as she can get away from him. The reminiscence of that night, the night she first met him after all the long lonely years, reiterated in her mind. “What are you doing?” She whispered.

“I had enough of you my sweet,” He answered in a cold voice. “You seem not to know your place in my household, in my home. You do not wear,” He glanced down at the black dress she was wearing. “These kind of gowns. I seem to recall, before you were wearing a beautiful colored gown. Why are you wearing a mourning gown when you are not in mourning?”

“But I am in mourning my lord,” She answered in an equal amount of voice. “If you hadn’t heard. My husband is gone; it was a mistake to announce that I am through with grieving. But in truth,” She averted his gaze, instead looked down at her slippers. “I am still in mourning. I miss him,” A complete utter lie.

“Take it off,” He growled softly. “I want it off of you; you are not going to be in mourning in my household do you understand me,”

Anger coursed through Jane, anger she haven’t felt before. She felt an urge to slap him senseless, not caring if it wasn’t lady-like. “I beg your pardon?” She asked lowly. “Would you mind repeating that again Sir De’Lacour?” Her light green eyes challenging him. Daring him almost, as if a warning.

No one orders her around. She does not care if it is William.

William saw the challenge in her eyes, not even slighted perturbed by it. Instead he simply smiled. Oh how beautiful that smile was. His handsome face seeming to turn more attractive as the hint of two dimples were visible at his cheek, making him look younger. His normal age. The age of six and twenty. Merely a few years older than her. Her breath caught but she refused to feel. “I said, take off your gown. I do not want you wearing such a dull color in my home or while I am present,”

“You are not the superior of me,” Jane answered lowly, couldn’t help the rush of faint pink in her cheeks.

He leaned down and forward to where his hot breath was teasing her ears, making her shiver with excitement. She balled her hands on her gown but did not make further movement. “Ah sweetheart, that is when you are wrong.”

What was he planning to do? Does he really wish for her to shed her gown? While he is present? “I am never wrong,” Jane replied firmly, thankful that her voice didn’t waver.
“In this particular case sweetheart, you are wrong.” His tongue flicked out to nibble on her lobe, teasing her.

She chewed on her bottom lip, feeling the electric currents run through her body. Her heart skipped a beat, another and another.

He pulled away and traced his finger on her cheek, feeling her smooth, satin skin. “So beautiful,” He whispered. “You used to be so young, so ignorant. Now you are a brave, elegant, young beauty,”

William’s words made her barriers melt. The barriers she tried so hard to build, even if it was only after a moment ago. How she yearned those words when they were young. Why now? Why did he decide to appear in her life now? Why didn’t he appear in her life before she married Marcus? When she needed him most? “You as well,” She whispered. “You changed. You used to be so caring, so kind. Even though you are still handsome, your whole entire being is different now,” Jane couldn’t help but raise her hand and touch him in the cheek, her fingers trailing down his strong jawline, recently shaved.

He considered her words for the first time. She was right. He was different now. He is a hardened, selfish bastard. And he fully respects that. His hands dropped to his sides and stepped away from her.

Her eyes hardened, he was pushing her away again. She refused it. She should be the last person he would turn away from. She followed right after his footsteps and forced him on the shelf where piles and piles of books were stalked alphabetically, her hands outstretched on his chest. “Don’t,” She said firmly, her green eyes meeting his light green ones. “Don’t,” She repeated.

William stared down at her with impassive eyes.
Her soft, gentle and yet feminine hands were placed on his chest. If only she can know what he is feeling. If only he can let her see through him. Through his piercing glare. Through his wounded heart. But strangely, she knew he will not let her in his private affairs. He can never open up to her. Because that is simply who he is. He doesn’t feel anything for her. Just for Meredith. She chewed on her bottom lip. “Is Meredith the reason why you are like this?”

He made no further movement, just merely stare at her with those tantalizing eyes.

“Well is it?” Jane demanded. “Is her rejection to you nine years ago too much for you to handle?” Her hands balled into fists on his chest. Her temperature rising by the minute.
“Did she really hurt you that much?”

William’s eyes hardened and something snapped. He backed her away against the wall, his palms flat against the wall, caging her yet again. “Leave her out of this,” He hissed. “This has nothing to do with her,”

“Oh is it? Are you positively sure about that?” She asked glaring at him. “Because what happened nine years ago was unsettled between us. Between you and Meredith I mean,” She corrected.

“Whatever happened between me and Meredith is none of your affair,” William said remotely.

“You have no business ever bringing it up. It has already been settled, nine years ago,”

“Nine years ago? Before you went to war?” She asked in disbelief. “I don’t believe you. SHE is the reason why you are like that, isn’t she?”

His lips were in a firm line, stepping away from her. “The business is none of yours,” He repeated. “Believe what you must. I simply don’t care.” And with that he turned around and made his way toward the library door, his strides stiff and stout.

Jane bit her lip but remained where she was. He was wrong. It is her business. He is her business. No matter how hard she tries to ignore it, it can’t be undone. She is still in love with him.

It was William after all.

Chapter 12

After what seemed like lifetimes later, Jane finally managed to step out of the library and onto the long massive hallway. There were not any signs of William, thank goodness. She bit her lip as she smoothed her gown. She was acting like a child. Where is her mind? She frowned and sighed. She should start acting like the woman she is.
Clearly, William is not the same boy she had known back then, and she not the same girl. He did not feel anything for her back then. And he still doesn’t now.
She sighed and made her way to the dining hall, surprised that Lillian was still there… talking to a handsome stranger.

He looked up from their conversation and smiled, a charming and dashing smile, showing perfectly straight white teeth. Lillian followed his gaze and grinned. “Jane. I would like you to meet Edgar St. Richards, the Earl of Richmond, Edgar this is Lady Jane, Marchioness of Birmingham,”

Edgar St. Richards rose from his chair and bowed in greeting. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Lady Jane,” His fair blonde hair glimmered in the candlelight, marking his features.
Jane bowed and smiled kindly in return. “No Sir Richards, the pleasure is mine.”

“Would you care to join us? There are plenty of chairs around the table for you to sit in,”

“Yes, please join us Jane.” Lillian agreed smiling.

“I would be glad to join you, surely I do. But unfortunately, I already had my fill for the night. I just came to check on Lillian then I must be off to bed. I am rather tired,”

Edgar merely nodded and bowed his head. “That is a shame indeed. I was seeing onward to distinguishing more about you Lady Jane. I guess the mystery will just have to wait until we see each other again,”

“Yes. Of course,” She did not know what he precisely meant. But she shoved it aside and bowed in return, murmuring her farewell before turning around to head back to her room, feeling relieved when she did not catch sight of William again.


“Now tell me about this idea of yours Lady Lillian,” Edgar leaned against the table chair, immediately interested on what she had to say.

“Well… it is not an idea really but just a theory,”

“Go on,” He prompted.

“Well, I am sure you have seen the way my brother was to her. They haven’t been in a most… promising relationship. With my brother being in War and Jane with her family,”

“I understand that they used to be good friends,”

Lillian nodded grimly.

“As long as I have been Will’s friend, I never heard him mention Ms. Jane not even once,”

“Yes well… before he went off to war, he vowed he will put everything behind him, become a new man. He did just that, he placed everything behind him, even Jane,”

He raised a brow. “And how do you know about this,”

She glanced down at her lap and fritted with her corset strings. “You will not believe me and it may not be clear, but William and I were once close.”

Edgar raised a brow. “Once? You are not close now?”

Lillian sighed and lifted a shoulder, shrugging. “That is just it. I do not know. He has been so distant. He used to be so different. So caring, but now it was as if he doesn’t have a care in the world anymore,”

“And you think this is because of Lady Jane’s younger sister… what was her name?”

She huffed and raised her chin, the look of pure disgust in her eyes. “Meredith,” She mumbled lowly.

“Ah yes, now I remember. Meredith was her name. Have you spoken to her?”

“Why would I speak with her? Ever since I was young, she disapproved of me. Thinking that I was a nuisance,”

“Well that is rather harsh,” He said lowly but the look of pure amusement in his eyes. “So what are you planning on doing?”

Too caught up in her thoughts, she blinked and tried to recall his question. “Oh right. Well I was thinking, would you mind assisting me?”

“I would be glad to. But what exactly are you trying to get them to do?”

“They used to be best of friends. Jane loved William, and I do think she still does. The way she had looked at him. I remember clearly. William, on the other hand is ready to settle down. It is time for him to, at the least. He is six and twenty. Jane would be perfect,”

Edgar regarded her with a grin. “So you are to play matchmaker?”

Lillian smiled. “Yes, if you put it that way,”

“But aren’t you forgetting something?”

She met his gaze. “Forgetting about what?”
“Lisa,”

Ah, the mistress. Yes, well she had forgotten about her. “To tell the truth, I do not know.” She whispered frowning. “That particular idea had not ran through my mind yet,”

He chuckled. “Then we just need to keep him from going to her,”

She met his gaze and smiled. “Yes. You are right.”

“I will stop him while you stop Lady Jane from leaving,”
That gave Lillian a pause. “Leaving?”

“She’s packing,” He replied, his voice low.

“Packing?!” Lillian half asked and half yelled at the same time, she rose from her chair almost immediately, making her way to the dining hall entrance but then paused. “How would you know about that? This was your very first encounter with her; I did not recall hearing her say she is leaving,”

Edgar shrugged and gave her his gorgeous smile, even though it did not affect her at the least bit. “I am known to others other than a scoundrel you know,” He said winking. “I have a talent of reading people,”

“Maybe that’s why they gave the title of a scoundrel in the first place,” She mumbled lowly immediately making her way to the hall and toward Jane’s room.

“Touché’,” Lillian heard Edgar call out after her, which made her laugh but continued making her way to Jane’s chambers.


Jane sighed and sat her baggage on top of the bed. In a few minutes, the footmen will come and fetch it for her then use the borrowed carriage to head back to her own estate. She figured she wasted her time here enough. It’s best for her to go. After all, her sisters will be glad for her to return. She was sure Stephenie and George would also.

A knock on the door startled her from her thoughts. She rose from the bed and walked toward the mahogany door, turning the copper knob, surprised to see Lillian standing by the doorway, seeming to be out of breath. She was wearing the same dress as she saw her last time, a few minutes ago to be exact.

“Don’t go,” She whispered bracing her hand on the doorway.

Then she immediately knew what Lillian was speaking about. “I have to Lily. My sisters… I mean my family will be missing me. I cannot afford to waste my time here any longer. I have nothing to accomplish here you see,”

“Nothing to accomplish?” She asked sadly. “You mean you do not think to rekindle our friendship?”

Jane blinked and shook her head quickly. “No! No. That’s not it at all. We are already friends, even before we met again. Ever since you were a young girl, we were already friends. We will always be friends. No matter how many years in the future,”

She made her way inside the room to close the door behind her, taking Jane’s hand in her own. “Let’s be honest about ourselves here Jane. This isn’t about your family. You and I both know they can be able to take care of themselves… what’s really the matter?” Even though Lillian knew perfectly well what her response will be, she wanted to hear it from her own lips.

Jane frowned and met Lillian’s gaze debating if she should share her personal thoughts with her. The look in her eyes was almost desperate, but knowing. She sighed and nodded, pulling her to sit on the bed. “I cannot stay where I am unwanted.”

“But you are wanted you see. I want you here,”

Her lips formed into a chilling smile. “Not the lord of the manor,”

“But William wants you here. It’s just he is too stubborn to admit it to himself,”

“You call that stubborn? No. I believe he showed me my place back at the dining hall. And that is clearly at the bottom of his shoe,” Jane replied coldly.

“You have to give him a chance… you do not understand Jane. Can’t you see? You’re the only one that can heal him from his scarred heart,”

“I am not going to heal what my foolish sister did. I am not her replacement,” Jane’s voice was emotionless, almost haunted and pained by the way Lillian accused her of. But she just couldn’t seem to hold back, her anger getting the best of her. “He fell in love with Meredith, not me. I wasn’t good enough. I don’t have the luscious curves she has. I don’t have her clueless mind; I don’t have her beautiful blue eyes. I don’t have what he saw in her......... do you understand Lillian?”

For the first time in her life, Lillian was speechless. She can be able to see the hurt and pain in her eyes. The sadness and longing in her voice. She did what a friend would do, she held her trembling form. “I’m so sorry you had to endure that,” She whispered. “I understand perfectly well what you had to go through,”

Jane accepted the comfort her friend was giving her and she relaxed against her. “It did hurt. Knowing I wasn’t good enough for him.”

Lily hushed her quietly. “You are good enough for him Jane. He was just a fool to have not returned your feelings. My brother was after lust. He let his cock do the guiding. He didn’t follow his heart,”

Her blunt comment made her chuckle through her falling tears. “I’m weak that is what I am. Look at me tearing because of an event that happened nine years ago,”

“An event that hasn’t yet been resolved,” Lillian argued but her voice was soft.
“It has been resolved,” Jane whispered against her chest. “A very long time ago,”

“Nothing has been resolved,” She replied in a low voice. “Look at the outcome, no one has had closure. The result of this 'closure' you are speaking about brings the two of you nothing but misery. Even the whole household can be able to confirm that. Jane… please you have to try,”

“I’ve been trying and I just….,”

“Have you been trying?” She asked her voice soft, understanding. “Have you been really trying Jane?”

Jane thought for a moment. It wasn’t necessary as to she wasn’t trying, but it was the fact that he wouldn’t give her chance to. “No. I guess I wasn’t trying but it was his fault. I have no reason to seek closure. He is the one who has problems. Not I,”

“That may be but as I said before, you are the only can be able to help him,”

“You cannot help someone who doesn’t want help,” Was all she said, murmuring against her neck.

“Even the cruelest person in the whole universe can obtain redemption,” Lillian whispered pulling away. “Just think about it. Please. If tomorrow your decision to depart is final I will not stop you. And moreover, traveling with no chaperone this late will do nothing but harm. It is best in the morning,” With that she stood and smoothed her wrinkled gown. “I would think you are a kind person Jane, not a person who leaves your own best friend out in the cold, heartbroken and alone after all these years. You say that you could not help him in the past, here’s your chance to make up for it,” She disappeared through the door, leaving Jane to make the decision.


Lillian couldn’t sleep last night. She was anticipating Jane’s decision. Scattered and rotating around like a whirlwind. Now she is seated in the dining room, alone.
Edgar had to go elsewhere. He would be back at later noon. The servants informed her that William had left early to take care of his ‘business.’ As if she was a fool to believe them. He had taken his fastest horse again. The only reason for him to take that horse is so he can make it to Lisa’s place faster than the regular horses.

Her own brother disgusted her. He never seeks her advice. Never takes it to mind. And that is what irritated her to an extent. But she can’t lose hope. She trusts that her brother can be able to see the light. That salvation is still in his reach. If only Jane agrees. William will listen to her she was sure of it. Maybe not the first time. Maybe not the second. But in due time he will grow fond of her and finally he can be able to start acting like the person he was before the War. The thought was promising enough. Easier said than done. She wasn’t even sure if Jane had remained or returned. Lillian glanced down at her untouched breakfast. She was not that hungry. Her appetite had been diminished ever since yesterday.

She sighed and pushed the plate aside.

“You did not approve of the breakfast this morning my lady?” Their footman, Charles, said taking away the plate and placing it on the wooden pushing tray.

Surprised, Lillian blinked and shook her head almost immediately. “Oh no! It is not that. I just cannot find my appetite this morning,”

Charles was a young footman. Handsome with striking features. He was the grandson of their past footman, John. He had to leave for an errand and won’t be back for a couple of days. Charles was left behind to see to their needs. Because he had been trained by his skilled grandfather, he was the head butler of the entire household. Gifted with a hair that almost resembled midnight, his eyes was the brightest honey gold color she had ever seen. He was tall, almost the same height as her brother which was tall enough. He was tall, dark, and handsome. He also helps with the labors around the estate, the result made his skin take on a tan color. Most of the female genders of the De’Lacour townhouse ogle over him whenever he passes by.

Over time, Lillian told herself it is of no matter to her. No matter how handsome he may be, she will not let him affect her. It is improper for a lady of high class to fall in love with a commoner like him. And besides, she was sure he sees nothing in her. She ignored the stab of a sudden emotion in her stomach, making her stomach churn in an uncomfortable way.

“Would you at least take a bite? It is not healthy for you not to eat. I am concerned about your health,”

The only reason why you are concerned for my health is because of the fortune you make under brother’s name. If he does not pay you, then you will just shove me aside. Like you shove away other lady’s hearts. That seem to focus mind off of him enough and she just raised her head, her back straight, shoulders erect. “You have no need to concern yourself in my well-being. I assure you if anything happens to me, you will not be blamed. You will still get your currency,”

His eyes darkened. She had a feeling if there was no one around her, he would have punched a hole in the wall. His jaw was set, other than that he said nothing. As the silence drifted between them, Lillian started tensing. It was going awfully too long. So when the double doors opened, she was thankful. Immediately, Charles rolled the cart away and headed toward the backroom, the door swinging behind him as his figure disappeared.

Jane stepped in, her gown different from last night. It was the pretty shade of light blue. To her relief, it wasn’t a traveling gown. “I had made my decision,” She announced her voice ringing clear around the massive dining hall. “I will remain,”

Impressum

Bildmaterialien: I don't owe the cover of this book. I got it from the internet. I don't claim it. XD But if anyone wants to know, this book is from Lisa Kleypas's book Married By Morning. Check it. XD It is an awesome book. I promise you won't regret it. The two characters is my inspiration for Jane and William.
Tag der Veröffentlichung: 21.06.2012

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Widmung:
This book is dedicated to my friend, even though i met her only two years ago, she had been with me through thick and thin. Katie, this one is for you. Always keep fighting and don't lose hope.