England • 1816

THUNDER boomed the sky as the clouds cried with an intensity, pelting droplets on my window payne. I've always somehow been fascinated by the rain - the way it fell from the sky so free and effortlessly. It would always spark an urge in me to run outside and feel the cool droplets on my skin.

The constant, loud patter almost matched the intensity of my fleeting thoughts. I didn't want to leave the only home I've ever known.

"The carriage has arrived my dear," Papa notified softly. I averted my gaze from the window and saw him holding my cloak. I rose from my bench and met him in the middle of my bed chamber.

"Papa I do not wish to go. Please let me accompany you, I would love to see uncle James," I attempted to persuade him with my best pleading countenance. But he shook his head with a look of sorrow, which made my heart ache even more.

"You must go, sweetheart. I have already written your Aunt. I'm afraid the Earl and Countess of Stratford are expecting your presence."

My stomach churned at their titles. Papa handed me my cloak and I reluctantly put it on. He went to pick up my luggage and began to walk out of my bed chamber.

"I'm scared," I whispered. Papa immediately stopped in his tracks and put my things down.

"Oh Della," He walked over and pulled me in to an embrace, "You are going to be alright. I promise."

He pulled from our hug and swiped away the tears that began to spill from my eyes, "I know how fearful you are. But I also know that you are strong . . . You are my strong girl."

I smiled weakly at his confidence.

"Now let us go," He prompted. I nodded and regained myself, following his figure out of my bed chamber.

We headed out into the unceasing rain and climbed into the carriage with haste. When we started to move, I watched as our cottage grew smaller and smaller the more distance we gained. Soon, it was out of sight.

Although the ride was silent, thoughts buzzing in my head were blaring. For majority of my life it has been just Papa and I. Now that he had to work overseas and leave me with my estranged family, it was like trepidation itself locked it's hands around my neck.

Lady Stratford is my mother's older sister, what would she be like? Would she look just like her?

My heart plummeted at the thought of my mother. I wish she was still here, I wish I had more time with her.

I wish I knew her.

But she passed away too early in my youth, leaving me with nothing but blurred memories. As the years went on, Papa has courageously taken on the role of both parents.

"Good heavens," He whispered, staring out of the window in mesmerization. A thick, dark black blanketed the sky now.

I scooted over to the window. We were on a winding gravelly path, that lead to a huge estate. I couldn't make out any detail, but the lights in the various windows stood out.

"It's . . . ," I was at a loss for words.

"Quite huge," Papa chuckled. I nodded in immense agreement. The carriage came to a halt and I looked to Papa with fear.

He leaned forward and planted a kiss on my forehead, "It is time."

I nodded sadly. But Papa gave my hand a reassuring squeeze, and a wink.

I smiled at the gesture, "I shall write you. And please give uncle my greetings."

"Of course."

The door of the carriage flew open to a tall, slender man with slicked back, brown hair. He extended his white gloved hand to me. I hesitatingly took it and stepped out into the cool night air.

It even smells different here.

"Welcome to Moonriver Manor Ms. Andrews," He bowed his head politely and proceeded to get my things. I gave Papa one last look before the carriage door was closed, and it began to ride away.

"Right this way," The man nudged his head toward the door. We walked up a small set of concrete stairs and the man set one of my trunks down to open the door.

I volunteered to grab one but the man gently caught my hand, "I have it, Miss."

"I could carry the other," I offered.

The man smiled, "Thank you for your kindness, but it is my duty."

"Oh," I said softly.

He opened the door and motioned for me to step in. There inside the house, stood five people. My Aunt, Uncle and their three daughters. My heart quickened.

Three!

One of the girls ran to me with open arms, wrapping me in a tight hug, "It is so nice to meet you, cousin."

"Hello," I laughed with a slight shock, from her unexpected enthusiasm.

She had sandy blonde hair that resembled mine, with island blue irises. Her long, voluminous eyelashes could probably blow anyone away with a mere blink.

"I'm Astrid," She smiled brightly. The other sisters joined with their introductions.

"I'm Abigail."

"And I'm Alaina."

They both had darker hair than Astrid and I. Abigail had stormy ocean blue eyes like mine, while Alaina had soft honey brown ones. All of their welcoming smiles almost melted all of my apprehension right on the spot.

Then a woman stepped forward, with light blonde hair and porcelain skin.

"Come child," she motioned for me to step closer. I did so cautiously, and she laid both her hands on either sides of my arms.

A smile blossomed on her face as she gently cupped my cheek, "You look just like her."

It made tears well up in my eyes that I begged myself not to let free.

"This is your uncle. Lord Stratford," She introduced.

"A pleasure to have you with us dear," He bowed his head.

"I must thank you for your kindness for letting me stay here," I made sure to switch my gaze between the five of them.

"Nonsense!" Abigail swatted the air, "We are quite delighted."

I smiled and placed a hand on my heart, that began to finally beat a normal rate.

"May I take your cloak Ms. Andrews?" I turned my attention to the man who helped me with my belongings.

"Thank you," I took off my brown, worn down cloak and gave it to him.

"And you've met our butler Mr. Simon," Lady Stratford gestured toward him.

"Yes," I nodded with a polite smile.

"Oh Mamma we must give her a tour!" Astrid exclaimed.

"Dear, it is much too late. Let her get settled," Lady Stratford answered.

"Why don't you girls show her to her chambers," Lord Stratford suggested. They followed suit and guided me up the dark wooded staircase.

As I followed them, my eyes roamed every wall. I admired the ancient paintings that were adorned on them. Even the intricate gold crown molding on the bottom was extraordinary.

"Here you are," Astrid opened the last door on the left of the long hallway. When I entered, I couldn't keep my mouth from from dropping open.

It was so much more capacious than my old room. The walls were painted a deep, calming red. A large bed with what seemed like a hundred pillows beautifully arranged, was on my left. While a wooden desk in front of a large window was straight ahead.

To my right, I saw a narrow doorway that had a plethora of dresses hanging up inside.

"A-are those all for me?" I asked incredulously.

"Mamma bought a few things for your arrival," Alaina explained.

"And that door leads to your washroom," Abigail pointed.

"You can see the river right out of your window. It is absolutely breathtaking at sunset," Alaina said.

I shook my head in complete awe, "I . . . I don't know what to say."

Astrid giggled, "We'll leave you. Our rooms are right around the corner."

With that, I was left to admire my new chambers on my own. I walked over to the bed and ran my finger over the detailed pattern of the quilt. I walked over to the window where the wooden desk was, and grew excited to write to Papa about all of this.

I swept the heavy, draping curtains back, to get a glimpse of my view Alaina spoke of. The moon hung in the sky, cascading a shimmering light over the river.

"Excuse me, Miss."

My shoulders jumped at the sudden sound of someone's voice. I turned around and was met with a young freckled girl with auburn hair.

"My apologies. I did not wish to startle you," Sincerity laced her dainty voice.

"It's ok," I eased with a smile.

"I'm Kitty. Your maid."

"My what?" I questioned with furrowed brows. The poor girl looked lost as she fiddled with her fingers nervously.

"I'm sorry. I suppose I have to grow accustomed to living with maids and butlers," I apologized with a light giggle.

"That is quite alright Miss," she smiled shyly. "I shall unpack your clothes for you."

She immediately got down on her knees and began to take out my clothes. I bent down beside her and proceeded to help.

"Oh Miss you don't have to," Kitty shook her head.

"I know . . . But I simply want to," I smiled earnestly.

She looked a bit shocked for a few seconds, "Thank you Miss."

I winked in response.

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A/N - HELLO wonderful people!

Every time I write a new chapter I go over it a lot, maybe having to do more research to make sure things are historically correct, so I hope you enjoyed this first chapter! 🙈

It's definitely a challenge trying to transform my mind to 1816, but it's a fun process 😁

What do you think of Della so far? That's her in the media box [Imogen Poots]

Votes/Comments are much appreciated!

~ kya h.