“Eloise!” I hear Mother's warbling voice call.

I hurry into the parlour, my skirts swishing around me. Smiling politely, I kneel in front of Mother's grand armchair, smoothing my dress and looking up at her expectantly.

“Eloise, you are betrothed.”

There is no emotion in her voice as she says this, no indication as to how this came to be. Her face is set like stone, she regards me as one might look upon their possessions, something to sell and buy at the twitch of her will. 

“Pardon me, Mother?” I rise from my kneeling position, a gloved hand flying to the locket at my neck.

Mother looks up at me sharply, “Eloise, do not look at me like that. Do not look at anybody like that; it is very unattractive. And yes, you are betrothed. To a young man named Emmanuel Colleton of Stonegate.”

“Mother, I do not even know this man and you are saying I am betrothed to him!” I exclaim.

Mother gets to her feet, “Oh, do not make such a racket, Eloise! It is most unbecoming of you. Of course you don't know Emmanuel, you were betrothed to him when you were seven.”

“Mother, why did you not inform me of this before?” I ask, aghast.

Mother raises an eyebrow, standing and saying, “Eloise, I am not fond of your tone, so I suggest you refrain from taking it with me. Now, Emmanuel and his family will be arriving tomorrow. They are staying for the summer and your wedding will be held just after summer ends. I expect your attitude and etiquette to be immaculate.”

“Mother, just how old is this Emmanuel?” I question anxiously. 

Mother sighs exasperatedly, “He is only twenty, Eloise. Stop being so ungrateful. He is a wonderful man and he will keep you very happy.”

“Are you sure, Mother?” I inquire icily. 

Mother's response is to slap me with the back of her hand. I fight the urge to cradle my stinging cheek. I know from experience that this just makes Mother angrier and that is not what I want right now. I need some sort of escape, so I can think about this and come to some form of solution that can get me out of this promise.

“What did I say about using that tone with me? I shan't tolerate this nonsense at all tomorrow. Understood?”

“Yes, Mother.” I reply, my eyes downcast.

“This is your chance to make your life your own.” Mother sighs, smiling sadly, “You won't have to look after your old biddy of a mother any more. I am going to take to my bed for the night. Instruct Mary or Gerard to light the lamps.”

“Yes, Mother.” I sigh, attempting to smile. There is no way out; not that I can see right now.

Mother pats the same cheek she slapped just moments before and withdraws from the room. I collapse into the armchair Mother has just vacated and close my eyes.

“Miss Eloise, do you require some tea?” 

I open my eyes to look up at a woman. She wears a maid's garments and her long locks of auburn hair are secured in a bun at the nape of her neck. She is bearing a cup of tea. Mary - not just a maid, but the woman who takes care of all the duties that concern me, my best friend, my almost-mother, my confidante. She means the world to me, and right now, she can most probably sense the turmoil I am drowning in.

“No, thank you, Mary. Could you accompany me to my room?” I smile warmly at her.

“Of course, Miss Eloise.”

I clasp my hands in front of me as we leave the room, walking down the corridor and approaching the intricate staircase.

As we climb them, Mary states, “I trust your mother has broken the news of your betrothal.”

She glances at me, waiting for my reaction calmly.

I sigh, “Mary, you have been a dear friend and an advisor to me in all the years I have known you. You understand me, my attitude and my way of thinking. I am not certain of the fact that I will be able to live with a stranger my whole life, but I cannot go against Mother's wishes.” 

I run a hand through my chestnut ringlets absent-mindedly, my eyes watering with the burden of what I know I will have to do at the end of this summer, “And just imagine what society would have to say if I broke off a betrothal that was made ten years ago! The family honour will be in ruins. There is a standard expected from a Duchess's daughter. I have no choice, Mary. Whoever this man is, however he is, I have to marry him.”

Someone is shaking me nimbly, “Miss Eloise, Miss Eloise! You must wake up! Miss Eloise, please!”  

I sit up in my bed, pushing back stray curls, “Whatever is the matter, Mary?”  

“Miss Eloise, please get up!” Mary pleads, “You have to get ready, the Colleton family will be arriving in two hours.”  

“Of course.” I sigh, rolling my eyes.  

Mary shoots me a pitiful smile, “I'm sure he will be most charming, Miss Eloise.”  

“Oh, spare me, Mary.” I say without the least amount of spite.

Mary knows I never say anything to hurt her. She is one of the most important people in my life. I wrap a robe around myself and lower myself into the stool in front of the dressing table.  

Mary begins to plait my thick hair tightly, pulling it into one braid, “Miss Eloise, Damon was here an hour ago.”  

“Damon?” I frown, “What did Damon want at this time in the morning?”  

Damon is my best friend; he has been since we were both young. The only thing that restricts our friendship is the fact that he is poor and I am the daughter of a Duchess. I was always given glares when I walked around in public with him, so Mother hired him as our footman to stop people from talking.  

“He heard the news, Miss Eloise. He wanted to know if it was true. He said to meet him by the plum tree in half an hour.”  

“Oh, whatever are you dawdling for then, Mary? Do hurry up so I can meet him!” I urge her.   

“Yes, Miss Eloise.” Mary begins to braid my hair a speedier rate.  

I slip into my riding gear, tightening my helmet and zipping up the boots.  

“Right, come on, Mary. Let's go and see Damon.” I glide over to the door.  

Mary looks at me anxiously, “But, Miss Eloise. Mistress Adeline has instructed for you to be on your horse when they arrive. She says you will look most attractive with some colour on your cheeks.”   

“Oh, Mary. Mother is so pretentious.” I huff at her, “I was wondering why I was getting dressed like this. Well then, we'll pick up Chastity from the stable boy on the way. Is that okay?”  

“Yes, Miss Eloise.” Mary hurries after me.  

We take the servants' door out as it takes less time, although Mother would positively murder me if she witnessed this. We walk over to the stables and a red-haired, red-cheeked young man saunters out.   

“Good morning, Miss Eloise.” He bows to me.  

“Good morning, Peter.” I curtsy, smiling, “Could you please prepare Chastity? I need to take her for a ride.”  

“Of course, Miss Eloise.” Peter bows again and retreats into the stables.  

I hear Chastity whinnying and then moments later, she emerges with Peter, her saddle on her back.  

“Thank you, Peter.” I smile, hauling myself on to the horse. “Come along, Mary. Lets go.”  

I beckon Mary as Chastity breaks into a slow walk, eager to set off. I ride her to the garden. Mary walks a few feet behind us as she has a childhood fear of horses.  

I spot a figure in the distance and dig my heels into Chastity's sides, “Easy, girl. Stop here.”  

I ease off the horse and walk the rest of the way. A man leans against the plum tree, gazing at me casually. He has cropped dark hair, a thickly muscled body and light blue eyes the colour of aquamarine gems.   

Damon, my best friend. The boy I danced with at the ball yesterday.  

He smiles, dimples appearing in his cheeks. “Good morning, Eloise.”   

“Good morning, Damon.” I smile, instantly relaxed by his presence.  

Damon's face darkens, “I heard some news about a certain Colleton family arriving today.”  

“It's true, Damon. My mother arranged my betrothal.”  

Damon nods sullenly, “Does this mean we can't see each other again? Society would deem it improper if you were seen roaming with another man while being betrothed.”  

“To hell with society!” I hiss.  

Mary and Damon both gasp. A lady should not speak this way. I can almost hear my mother retorting these words.  

I sigh, “Damon, you are one of my closest friends. I shan't give you up simply because I must marry another man!”  

“But, Eloise, what of the society?”  

“Damon, I do not care what they have to say. Ever since I have been a little girl, all I have wished for is to be free from these balls and cotillions and bachelors. I wish I was like you.”  

“But I have no money.” Damon frowns.  

“I do not care for money! I wish for happiness and satisfaction. The world I live in makes my head ache, Damon. I hate it.” I sigh, turning my back on Damon.  

I feel his calloused hands on my shoulder, “Whatever happens is for the best. You should go now, Eloise. The Colleton family will be arriving. Your mother will require me and she shall require you. Promise me that you will not get up to any of your tricks.”  

“I promise, Damon.”  

“Good.” Damon takes my hand, leading me over to Chastity. He strokes her long face and Chastity snorts in glee.

His hands secure around my waist, Damon helps me onto Chastity and then bows. “Ride back to the front entrance. I should be there shortly after reporting to your mother.”  

“Yes, Damon.” I nod and then nudge Chastity, causing her to turn and trot along, Mary trailing behind us. When we finally arrive at the main entrance, Mother is outside, her long hair piled on top of her head, her white dress flowing around her.   

“Eloise, where have you been?” Mother hisses up at me, squinting due to the sunlight.  

I look back at Mary guiltily and clear my throat, “I went to take Chastity for a morning stroll like you instructed, Mother.”  

“Oh.” Mother says, seeming flustered, “Okay, well, in that case, well done.”  

Gerard emerges from inside the house and turns to Mother, his bald head coated with sweat, “Mistress Adeline, I have just seen a carriage from the terrace. It is approaching our lane.”  

“Thank you for your help, Gerard. Stay here so you can help the Colleton family with their luggage. Now, where is that Damon?” Mother looks around, dabbing at her powdered face with a lace handkerchief.   

“I am right here, Mistress Adeline. I apologise if I am not on time.”  

“No, no, Damon. That is quite alright, they should be arriving now. Mary, please can you go up to the room you have prepared for Emmanuel and see to it that everything is perfect?” Mother sighs as Mary retreats into the house, “Eloise, please take Chastity around the corner. When you hear my voice, please return. And make the horse run a little so you have some colour in your cheeks.”  

“Of course, Mother.” I turn Chastity around. She breaks into a trot and I lead her around the gardens, stopping every so often to admire the greenery.  

It hasn't been long when I hear Mother squeal, “Oh, Elizabeth!”  

“This is our cue.” I pat Chastity's neck, “Come on, let's go and meet this mister Emmanuel, huh?”  

Chastity sprints back to the front entrance. I see the horse-drawn carriage and people emerging from it. Seeing the arrival of new people, Chastity gleefully rears up on two legs.   

I hold on to her desperately, “CHASTITY! Easy, girl, easy! Calm down! Honestly, Chastity.”  

I guess it's unnecessary to say that I had everybody's attention by now. And that I most probably did have some colour in my cheeks. Mother rolls her eyes at me and then smiles charmingly at a plump woman with beady eyes and a far-reaching nose, “Lady Elizabeth, meet my daughter, Eloise.”  

I slide off the horse and curtsy, “Pleasure to meet you.”  

“Eloise, this is your future mother-in-law.” Mother says.  

I nod, smiling courteously, going over to Mother's side. I remove my helmet, shaking out my braids, letting my chestnut hair fall down my back. A young man lowers himself out of the carriage.  

He has blonde side-swept hair, stormy blue eyes and a chiselled jaw line.   

“Meet my son, Emmanuel.” Elizabeth says, her hand on the small of his back.  

Emmanuel steps forward, taking my hand in his and bending down to brush his lips against it. I try to smile, though I'm finding it hard to stop myself from wrenching my hand away.  

“I'm Emmanuel.” He says in a low, gravelly voice.  

“Eloise.” I nod politely, forcing myself to smile.   

“This is our footman, Damon.” My mother says, finally giving me an excuse to avert my gaze.   Damon bows deeply to Lady Elizabeth, taking her hand and kissing it. I smile; he has been a true gentleman since the moment I met him.  

“Our butler, Gerard.” Gerard steps forward and bows before joining Damon at the foot of the carriage, taking big trunks in his arms and lowering them to the ground gently.  

“And this is Mary. She is our maid and our cleaner.”  

“Good morning.” Mary curtsies, blushing.  

“My, your house is certainly a beauty.” Lady Elizabeth gazes up at the stone structure with it's wood-framed windows, ivy trailing up the sides and fenced balconies so you can enjoy the cool evening air.  

Mother beams with pride, “Why, thank you, Elizabeth. What do you say to some tea in the parlour?”  

“I would love some, thank you very much.”   

As Damon passes carrying a trunk, he catches my eye. Nodding his head at Emmanuel, he raises both eyebrows and makes a face. I fight the urge to laugh and glance at Emmanuel. His eyes are still glued to me. I run a hand through my hair anxiously and Mother notices this.  

“Mary, why don't you accompany Eloise to her room and help her change into something more appropriate?”  

“Yes, Mistress Adeline.” Mary bows and takes my arm supportively, leading me into the house and up the staircase. In my room, I sit at the table while Mary begins to braid my hair into a fashionable chignon.   

“I must say, Miss Eloise, your Emmanuel is most dashing!” She gushes.   “Oh, please, Mary. He isn't that attractive. I've seen better.”  

“That is rubbish, Miss Eloise. He is the most dashing man I have ever seen.” Mary declares.  

“You should marry him, then.” I state boldly.  

Mary instantly turns a shade of crimson, “Oh, Miss Eloise. You know Mistress Adeline does not approve of you talking like this. If she hears you, it'll be a smack round the ears.”  

“Well, Mother isn't here. What she doesn't know won't hurt her.”  

When she's done, Mary tightens my corset for me and then helps me into my dress. It is coloured a deep purple and has cinched sleeves that reach to my elbows. The embroidery is simple, yet elegant and pearls have been sewn on to the hem of the dress. Mary hands me a pair of gloves and eyeing them miserably, I stuff my hands into them.   

“You look ravishing, Miss Eloise. Come, lets go to the parlour.” Mary links arms with me. We glide down the stairs.  

As we're about to open the parlour door, Damon saunters out.   

“Damon!” I clutch his arm, feeling the muscles flex under his skin.  

“Eloise!” Damon grins, “Your Emmanuel has a square face!”  

I titter, “Shush! Do you think I haven't noticed? Oh, Damon. He does not seem lovely or wonderful, not one bit. How am I supposed to spend my life with him?”  

“Eloise!” Damon cups my face in his hands, “You have not even talked to him yet, you have not even had one conversation with him. You cannot judge him like this.”  

“Miss Eloise, Mistress Adeline must be waiting.”  

Damon glances at her, “Yes, she must be. Now get in there, Eloise. Remember, you have to be on your best behaviour.”  

I roll my eyes, “Of course, Damon.”  

Damon smiles, his dimples appearing and then swaggers away, his hands in his pockets.  

I turn to Mary, “Come on then.”  

We both step into the parlour.  

Emmanuel and his mother are seated at the plush sofas and Mother is in her usual armchair. They are all engaged in a heavy conversation, but all look up at the sound of the door opening.  

Lady Elizabeth rises to her feet, “My, you are a beauty!”  

I lower my eyes demurely, just how Mother had instructed me to do every time someone praises me.  

I look back up, a smile plastered on my face, “Mother, I trust you've all had some tea?”  

“Yes, darling. We have.” Mother simpers, “Did you require some?”  

“No, Mother. I have just had breakfast.” I stride over and take my seat, folding my gloved hands on my lap.  

“I was just telling Lady Elizabeth and Emmanuel about what you have achieved in Equestrian Training.”  

“Oh, yes.” I smile, “I am very fond of horses. My own horse, Chastity, used to be a race horse until she broke a bone in her front leg. Mother and I found her abandoned in a ditch.”  

“Oh, my!” Lady Elizabeth clutches her neck dramatically. Emmanuel just continues to stare at me as if I am some alien object.  

“What can I say?” Mother sighs, “Eloise hates to see any animal in pain. She insisted on putting the horse on a trailer and bringing it home. She nursed Chastity back to health in three months and the horse has been with us ever since.”  

“She can run the perimeter of the house in nearly ten minutes now.” I say with pride, my eyes glowing as I envision Chastity, her white fur shimmering, her muscles grinding in sync, her long mane of hair flying this way and that...   

P.S. The picture is of Damon. Isn't he a hottie? :D