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Hi ... anyone still interested? I know it has been forever and a month, and I really have no excuse except to say that life has been crazy and as much as I wanted to write, the words just wouldn't come. They're flowing pretty well now so I'm writing as much as I can while the muse is here. For those of you who have waited patiently, THANK YOU! For those of you who are new, WELCOME! I promise I will finish anything I start ... even if it takes a ridiculous amount of time.

As always, Fran is wonderful! Without her help, this chapter really would be a mess!

Upon our arrival at the Swan home, we were greeted by Mrs. Dalton, who confirmed that Mrs. Swan had yet to return from her afternoon visits, but that Miss Isabella was home, and dinner would be served within the hour. Charles nodded at his housekeeper while handing her his hat and waiting as she received mine as well before making a request of her.

"Thank you, Mrs. Dalton. Would you kindly ask Isabella to meet me in the library, please? I have a matter of some importance I wish to discuss with her, and we will need to remain undisturbed until the evening meal."

"Of course, sir." The housekeeper was efficient in her duties and was gone with our hats before Charles indicated I should follow with a tilt of his head. I glanced up as we passed the staircase, wondering if Isabella might present herself before we arrived at the library. My mind raced with the knowledge that she was within these same halls and she would know the truth of my love for her before nightfall.

It was that thought that caused my steps to falter as I sucked in a sharp breath. Charles gave no indication he noticed other than the slight upturn of his mouth. At least he chose to contain his amusement rather than flaunt it for my humiliation.

Once we arrived at the library, Charles continued to yet another door on the left side of the room, which was obviously his personal office as he dropped his leather case beside the desk. He turned to face me as we heard the door to the library swing open once again, and Isabella's sweet voice call out for her father.

"My lead, remember? Wait here, listen carefully, and you'll know how to proceed." His brow lifted in question, and with a quick nod of my head in understanding, he pulled the door behind him, leaving it open only enough that I might hear their conversation.

"You wished to speak with me?"

"Yes, my dear. Come, sit with me. I have something I wish to tell you."

I could hear her steps, the sounds giving away her location in the room, the gentle tapping of her heels on the wood floor vanishing as she stepped onto the woolen rug. The light rustling of her dress, followed by silence, set my nerves on edge as I waited for one of them to speak. It was Isabella who broke the stillness.

"Have you come to a decision then? Will you allow me to travel in the months ahead?"

"No. No, I will not allow it." Her protestations fell on deaf ears as he continued to speak over her. "I believe I have allowed you too much freedom, Isabella. You have become strong-willed and outspoken in matters that are not always befitting a lady."

"You've always encouraged my strength, Father."

"I have. I do admire your spirit, but I fear your husband will not find it as enjoyable."

"Husband?" The one word she uttered was barely a whisper but held a great depth of emotion.

"Isabella, I've arranged your marriage. The gentleman is of a solid background, a good family. He's a well-established businessman and will provide generously for you."

"You know I have no care for such things, Father! You promised you would allow me to marry for love, not position." Her voice held an edge of panic, and I found myself struggling to stay behind the door. I trusted Charles, but I had no idea what his plans might be in upsetting her this way.

"I believe you will grow to hold affection for him. Your mother and I married as an arrangement, and you know I love her dearly. He is a kind man and will – "

"No." The rustling of her skirts and the sound of her heels on the wood floor revealed her movements once again. Her next words echoed a bit and I believed her to be standing near the windows. "I will not take him."

"Isabella," Charles tone was a reprimand.

"No! I don't care who he is or what you have agreed to, Father. I will not take him. He's not the man –"

Her words stopped abruptly and then, silence. The weight of it stretched out through the room and reached me in the study. It was heavy and thick with meaning as I held my breath, hoping she would finish her statement. A heavy sigh and heavier footsteps were the only sound until Charles spoke softly.

"He is not the man you want." More silence, and I dared not move as I waited breathlessly, hoping for some sound, some confirmation.

"What am I to do?" Her voice was small and pleading, and I felt the need to press my toes to the floor inside my shoes in an effort to remain hidden.

"You are to marry the man who has received my blessing today."

"I won't!" Ah, there was her spirit!

"Isabella! It is done! Stop and think, girl. It's your own stubbornness and pride that has brought you to this end. Had you bothered to look past what you believed to be true, you'd have seen young Mr. Cullen for the honorable man he is. Instead, you mope around this house, begging to hide in Europe for months rather than congratulating Rosalie on her engagement!"

A single sob broke from her, and after a moment, Charles heavy steps sounded once again, this time coming closer.

"I will take your tears and bowed head as acquiescence. The gentleman is here and will be joining us for dinner. Take a moment to compose yourself, and I will send him in."

I stepped away from the door and waited until Charles shut it behind him, keeping my voice low so as not to be overheard.

"That was bordering on cruel. Why not just tell her, rather than toying with her that way?"

Charles eyed me for a moment, then grinned widely. "You speak as though you haven't been toying with her for weeks."

His words felt like a blow. "I take your point, sir."

"She is of strong character, Edward. She can have a sharp tongue and hold her opinion in a grip of steel. But you also know she has more compassion and kindness than most and will protect fiercely those she loves."

"I do," I nodded in agreement.

"And you have heard today just how deeply your actions have hurt her?" Charles tilted his head to look over the top of his glasses, his brow raised and eyes hard.

"Yes," I swallowed; my throat thick with emotion. "But it was never my intention."

"I know that, which is why I have agreed to all of this. I have no doubt you love her." He turned and took a few steps across the floor, settling his hand on yet another door on the opposite side of the room. "But if you ever cause that look in her eye again, I will destroy you. Understood?"

I nodded my understanding, knowing he would not hesitate to do exactly as he said. His expression softened then as he opened the door. "We will be in the dining room. Join us when you have it all settled."

I took a moment in the stillness to consider Charles' conversation with Isabella and how I must proceed to gain her favor. She would be angry, certainly, but I took comfort in the fact that she had not contradicted Charles when he claimed she wanted me. Squaring my shoulders, I opened the door to the library and stepped inside, shutting it soundly behind me, alerting her to my presence.

She did not turn.

She stood silently, staring out the windows, which stretched from floor to ceiling on the opposite side of the room. Her dress was a delicate cream in color, which contrasted beautifully with the rich, deep green of the garden beyond. She looked ethereal in the muted, late afternoon light, but her back was straight, and clearly displayed the distress in her posture.

I stepped forward, my heels now marking my place in the room. At the third step, her hand lifted to the side, and she spoke.

"Come no further." Her hand dropped, and I stood still, waiting for her to gain her composure. I watched, fascinated as her shoulders rose with her deep breath and then lowered gently as her postured aligned into a more regal stance. After a moment, her head lifted, and I knew that her chin was set in that elegantly defiant bearing she held when she felt strongly about a matter.

My breath stilled as I waited, my eyes focused on the back of her head, willing her to turn and face me.

She remained motionless as she spoke.

"I know you have an agreement with my father for my hand. I have no details of the arrangement, but I believe there is something you should know before deciding if you wish to proceed." She blew out a stuttered breath before continuing. "I will endeavor to be the upstanding, moral, and good wife you seek, but I must make myself clear on this one point. I will not love you. I can't, for my heart belongs to another, and the best I can offer is friendship. I apologize if you were led by my father to believe otherwise."

Bowing my head to contain my grin, I took a deep breath and sighed loudly as I took another step toward her and spoke, revealing myself to her.

"Well, that is unfortunate…"

"Edward!" She spun to face me, my name falling breathlessly from her lips.

"… and disappointing. You see, I must make myself clear as well, Isabella." I took the final step, closing the distance between us and took her hands in mine as I met her gaze. "I love you. I have loved you for as long as I can remember. If, however, you cannot return my affection, I won't force you into a marriage that will be miserable for you. Tell me now, and I will release you, and that will be the end of it."

Lifting her hand, I kept my eyes on hers as I pressed it to my lips. Her breath stuttered, but she didn't pull away, and in that small victory, I found hope.

"Rosalie?" It was more a statement than a question, but I knew what she was asking.

"Come, sit, and let me explain." Leading her to the settee, I waited for her to settle herself and I began to pace, wanting to choose my words carefully, knowing this was my only chance to win her trust completely.

"The evening of Victoria McCarty's engagement party, Emmett sought me out on a private matter."

Isabella nodded. "I remember."

"Yes, well, he was seeking employment at Cullen, which I gladly granted. But he was also seeking assistance with Rosalie." I turned and faced her fully, pushing my hands into my trouser pockets to keep from reaching out to touch her once more. "Mrs. Hale refused to consider him as a suitor for Rose. She had her hopes set on Royce King for her daughter and would not relent. He asked me to approach Mr. Hale with a request of courtship to keep her from Mr. King until such a time that he could gain Mrs. Hale's favor. I agreed to his request with a few conditions."

I paused, searching for the best way to proceed, knowing what I was about to reveal would likely trouble her the most.

"Conditions?" She prompted. I glanced at her, noting how she was leaning forward on the edge of the settee, her focus entirely on me, anticipating my words.

I cleared my throat and nodded. "Yes. Rosalie, of course, was knowledgeable and supportive of our agreement. I felt if I were … if she … " Closing my eyes, I shook my head and took a deep breath. Lifting my gaze to hers, I smiled softly, embarrassed at my next words. "I required Emmett and Rosalie to do their best to cast me in a favorable light when in your company."

Isabella's brow furrowed, and her gaze dropped to the floor between us. "I thought her to be so enamored of you that she could speak of nothing else."

"There is more to tell, Isabella." I waited until I had her attention once again and then revealed to her the worst of what I had done. "My last condition was an agreement I made with your father."