MarshAngel Everlasting Love Watsonma@hotmail.com http://members.xoom.com/MarshAngel/Mysailormoonhomepage.htm This is not set at all in the Sailor Moon time line. Most of the characters belong to Naoko Takeuchi and any other companies that claim a right to Sailor Moon. Good heavens! What was it with those blasted females, he thought as he strode down the hall with an annoyed expression on his handsome face. What on God's green earth made them think they had the right to be late to every event, as if to torture each and every man forced to wait on them, giggle like silly schoolgirls over silly tidbits of conversation, and flirt as if it were their only purpose in life? If he had to put up with another one of those ridiculous balls he was going to have to shoot himself, or the closest offending individual. He was tired of silly women falling over themselves trying to get his attention, and making every effort under the sun to try to please him. He was still young, he was tall, handsome, in great shape, and he still had all his hair, so why in the world did his parents want him to get married so soon? It wasn't like they were going to drop dead anytime soon, so why the big rush for him to marry? If he had it his way he'd stay a bachelor forever, or until he found true love, if such a thing existed; and if it did, forever would probably come first. ********************************************************** Serena sighed tiredly. All this was so exasperating, not to mention pointless. Why couldn't her mother understand that she really didn't care about dressing up in those heavy gowns, ribbons and whatever other frippery that went with being 'a proper lady?' She just couldn't see herself waltzing in a ballroom or even walking gracefully, or in her case tripping over anything and everything in her way. True she was already sixteen years old and most other girls of her age and status were busy with trying to be pretty and getting ready for their introduction to society and declaration of their readiness for marriage, but she had no desire to do any of those things. She instead spent most of her time out on the meadow snuggled up to her favorite tree reading yet another of those books she loved so much. When she wasn't reading she was off somewhere riding her favorite horse, Blanca. She was definitely Daddy's little girl. Her father adored her and had introduced her to riding and everything there was to love in nature. He had even allowed her to ride astride when she was younger instead of the usual sidesaddle that was appropriate for ladies. She still rode astride when no one was watching. He taught her how to appreciate each and every sunset and how to watch the cute little white bunnies that hopped through the backyard, quietly without scaring them off. On the days when it was stormy or wet, he had introduced her to so many different wonders in the world of books. When her tutors had come by, they were fascinated with all the knowledge she had retained from everything she had read, and after much begging and pleading she convinced them to teach her everything they had taught her older brother, Andrew. She knew as much, and often much more than many men, especially in matters of history and philosophy. She was also quite good in the art of sword fighting, and she handled a rapier better than most men could. Fencing lessons had taken a lot of begging and pleading for her father to come around. Her mother thought it highly improper, but she had long learned to accept and love her daughter's strange behavior. It never ceased to amaze those who knew her, that the same girl who performed the graceful, quick movements required in fencing, could constantly trip and fall over her own feet while performing the simple act of walking down any hallway. She was about to open her mouth in protest to the yellow gown her mother and the seamstress had brought in for her to fit, but quickly shut it again when she saw the rebuking look her mother gave her, her piercing blue eyes staring up at her through pale blonde lashes, managing to make Serena feel remarkably even more uncomfortable than she did before. There would be no arguing in this matter. It was rare enough that Lady Graham had bothered to sit in on the fitting as it was. This time she had insisted that if it killed her, her daughter was going to look like a proper lady whether she liked it or not. This was the fifth dress Serena had tried on today and she was tired of being pulled and pinned. She wasn't even allowed an opinion in the matter, as her mother insisted on making all the decisions, knowing that if Serena had her way there would be no dresses at all. Serena's stomach growled loudly, announcing to everyone in the room that it was time for lunch. "Alright Serena," her mother sighed exasperatedly, brushing back a white-blonde strand that had fallen lose and into her face, causing Serena to blush in embarrassment. "We'll take a break for lunch now and continue the fittings later this afternoon." Serena gratefully stepped down from the stool, barely managing not to trip and rip the new gown in the process, and hurriedly changed back into her morning gown and rushed down the stairs and out onto the patio where lunch would be served. She was early, which was normal for her. She was late for just about everything else except her meals. ********************************************************** "Lord Wyndham, there is a message here for you and it's marked urgent," Darien's butler announced on entrance to Darien's office. "It doesn't sound like good news my lord." "Anything marked urgent is rarely good news, Jones." He sighed, turned to face the tall white-haired man before him, and accepted the letter, hoping it was nothing serious, but nevertheless feeling a great sense of foreboding. He opened the letter slowly as if attempting to delay the news. He turned away from the large window overlooking the vast meadow that led up to the wide expanse of trees in the distance. The light from the window seemed to mock his mood, which had become darker with the arrival of the letter. He pulled the letter from its envelope, opened it, and began to read. Only one line in the short note caught his eye and made sense. ...I regretfully inform you that your parents' carriage was overturned and both were killed in the accident...He sat down in the leather chair beneath him and stared at the wall refusing himself the release of tears. ********************************************************** "Milady, milady," Agatha yelled while running down the hall, the ends of he long skirt in her hands. She almost tripped before she could reach Serena who was just outside the open doors that led to the rose gardens. "Whatever is the matter, Agatha?" Serena questioned concernedly. "The Duke is in your father's office," she gasped trying to catch her breath. "He wishes to see you immediately. It appears to be very serious. I hope everything's fine." "I hope so too Agatha." Serena disliked the man that stood downstairs in her father's office waiting for her appearance, but if he could appear to care about anything, as Agatha had suggested he had looked, then it must be very serious indeed. In her hurry to find out what matter could possibly require the presence of her father's older brother, she had forgotten her attire. After sword practice this morning she hadn't bothered to change her clothing before going out into the gardens and so she rushed into the office in a loose men's shirt and dark breeches. Her long blonde hair had been pulled back into a long loose ponytail that fell down her back to her knees. Her uncle looked down his nose at her in disapproval. His hard angled face would have been remarkably handsome especially in contrast to his silvery hair if he had bothered to replace his permanent frown with even the smallest of smiles. He had always thought his brother and his wife had always been weak with their daughter, but the wisp of a girl with messy blonde hair, dressed in men's clothing standing before him was just proof that they had been far too lenient. For Christ's sake the girl was running wild! That would change however. He'd make sure of it. Serena didn't like her uncle much. He was strict and cold, not to mention a complete bore. She had often wondered how he and her father had come from the same family. She put up with him however because he was family and if he was a relative of her father's he must have a soft spot somewhere inside, despite the fact that previous situations pointed in the opposite direction. Most people who knew him disliked him and that was the best they'd say about him. "Serena, I'm afraid I have some terrible news," the Duke said in a rather gruff tone. "I'm afraid your parents were in a carriage accident and they were both killed instantly." If he could have been more blunt the maid outside the door couldn't possibly see how. Agatha gasped before covering her mouth realizing she really shouldn't be eavesdropping outside the door. Oh the poor girl! Someone so young and innocent does not deserve this. She could barely believe that any of this was happening. Serena's face turned a pasty white and her legs collapsed beneath her as she went unconscious. The Duke sighed. He should have expected as much. He was mildly upset with himself for neglecting to prepare for her expected fainting spell. Women could never handle such things. He picked her slumped body up from the floor and placed her on the couch before ringing for the maid to bring him some smelling salts. When the maid arrived with the salts he changed his mind and decided to let her sleep off the shock in the comfort of her own bed. With that final thought he brought her upstairs and had her immediately put to bed. ****************************************************************** The carriage rocked gently back and forth as it moved onward to it's destination. It had been a full week since the funeral and Serena was weak and tired. It had been a while since she had sat down to a full meal and she had lost weight and her face had lost its glow to become pale and her eyes sunken. Even in her depressed state of mind and body, she had to admire the beauty of Muncaster Castle, her uncle's home. Her home at Weston Park was beautiful but was really no comparison to the grand mansion before her. The gardens here were some of the most beautiful she had seen and even though the building itself was quite imposing, the grounds more than made up for the dark, forbidding structure. She remembered the beautiful Azaleas and Rhododendrons from visits when she was younger and the Esk River that ran behind the great castle. This might not be so bad after all. When she was settled in her room that overlooked the river, she stared in the mirror atop her vanity and sighed. This was her home now. With her parent's death she was now her uncle's responsibility. She missed her parents so much. Her Uncle was so cold and strict. She knew she wouldn't be able to do half the things that she had done at home. Here she would have to follow his rules, however ridiculous they might be. She would not dishonor the memory of her parents. ****************************************************************** The mansion was beautiful. No. It was much more than just beautiful, she thought. It was the ancestral home of her family. She had never visited it before. But it already felt like a gilded cage to her. The house had everything one could ever dream of, except emotion. It was beautifully decorated with much effort and great expense, but there was no human quality anywhere. The place had no personality. She again felt the emptiness left by the loss of her parents and the beautiful house that had always been filled with laughter and happiness. The Duke looked up from his dinner at the enormous dining table, at which they sat on opposite ends, and saw her eyes get that far away look that indicated she was again thinking of her parents. His heart seemed to soften a bit and he said to her, "It will take some time, but I'm quite sure you'll be able to and just think of them with happiness instead of the heartache you feel now. Serena was startled out of reverie by her uncle's comment. She was grateful for the effort he had just made to make her feel comfortable. Maybe the man did have a heart. Was that understanding she had seen in his eyes or was she just deluding herself? She looked at him curiously and watched as his emotions faded and his stern exterior returned. As soon as dinner ended, her uncle rang for the maid. "I suggest you have some rest and tomorrow we shall discuss your life and just where it will go from here," The Duke said. Serena was amazed how quickly her uncle switched temperaments. She wondered if he was always like this. ****************************************************************** Darien stared out at the view of the vast meadows from his bedroom at Thornwood Manor. He had spent all day yesterday with lawyers going over his family's estate and all his father's holdings. He was reminded of just how much he disliked lawyers. It had been rather tiring and he was not looking forward to today or any day hence. The death of his parents had forced him to assume the title of Lord Westmoreland Duke of Westwood. He had been responsible before but now there was so much being placed on his shoulders the greatest burden being that of marriage. Now with the death of his Father he was being pushed to produce an heir to the title and if that weren't reason enough for marriage, it was of course one of his parents' last great wish for him to marry as soon as possible. ****************************************************************** The new Earl of Lancaster stared out of the window of the French Manor. His face was drawn and his eyes held a great deal of pain. He had been completely unprepared for the news when it came well over a week and a half late due to bad weather on the English coast. His parents were dead and his sister was now a ward of his Uncle. His parents had been great people. Only two weeks before, he had been sent off on his honeymoon to France. He wished he could have been there with his sister for the funeral, she was probably in a far worse state than himself. He at least had the comfort of his new wife Elizabeth. ****************************************************************** Darien opened the Invitation and read the text. He had been invited to the home of the Duke of Muncaster for a week and half long hunting expedition. Normallyhe would never accept such and invitation from anyone especially at this time in his life; he had a greatly underdeveloped interest in hunting. However, being a Duke had its obligations. Besides it was a chance to get away from the actual business of being a Duke. His Father had been excellent in keeping things in order and now he must do the same. He rang for his secretary and a small harried man harried with messy brown hair and glasses, rushed into the room books in hand and papers sticking out. He was trying his best to get himself in order but only managed to drop a few more papers and paint an even more humorous picture of himself. Darien barely hid a smile as he watched the man, who although they were approximately the same age, managed to look more nervous than normal, and thus older. "Melvin," Darien said, "Please calm down. You're making me nervous." "Sorry your Grace." "That's fine. All I wanted was for you to return this invitation with an affirmation of my attendance." ****************************************************************** Serena had been living at Muncaster for two weeks and things had not been as she had expected. Her uncle had very strict rules regarding her behavior. She was not allowed to wear men's clothing or practice her fencing. She had to eat dinner with him every evening in the dark forbidding dining room. Many times they sat in silence, which over the past few weeks had grown more comfortable for her but not by any means more interesting. She did however have most of the days to her leisure and she spent them wandering the beautiful gardens or gazing out over the river. Business and whatever else it was he did often occupied her uncle's days. He often spent hours locked in his study and no one dared to interrupt him. It made her sad the way he lived his life, locked away from the world, the warmth and beauty of it never touching his heart. As much as she enjoyed the beauty of the estate, it left her with a growing longing to go riding or practice her fencing skills that she now feared were diminished due to her lack of practice. She hoped that the little practice in the limited space of her room, that she did after her bedtime was good enough. Although she had no sword in her bedroom, she could practice her form and stance. She hoped that was good enough. The only persons she had ever fenced with in her life were her father and her older brother Andrew. She thought it unlikely that she would ever make use of her abilities but she had always been interested in collecting knowledge. **************************************************************** Darien walked up slowly, curious as to whom the young man, with ridiculously long blonde hair, fencing with an imaginary partner was. The young man, whomever he was, was of slight build and had excellent form. At the moment he could certainly use a good challenge. He stepped out from behind the tree, and announced his presence. "How would you like a real challenge for a fencing partner, good sir?" The young man jumped at the sound of the voice, almost dropping his rapier. He turned to face the newcomer. "I accept the challenge he said in a feminine voice." Darien was startled to see that the young man before him wasn't a young man at all but rather a beautiful young lady, with bright blue eyes and wild golden blonde hair. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize..."That I was a woman?" she finished for him. "You aren't going to back down from your challenge now are you?" 'What in the world,' why am I challenging him?' She thought to herself'. Looking directly into his dark blue eyes, she felt lost in them. His black hair fell into his eyes and the perplexed look on his face only served to make his face even more handsome. Darien took her bold stare as a challenge. He most certainly hated to lose a challenge to a mere girl despite how her hair shone, her pink lips moved, or her courageous blue eyes glistened with her inner light. "I would never back down from a challenge. I will go easy on you however. I'd hate to harm a lady." "It's presumptuous of you to assume victory in this fight. I assure you sir, I am no weakling." With that she charged him. "En garde!" ****************************************************************** "Why that little chit! Insolent wench!" Darien cursed, unbuttoning his shirt. She had actually defeated him. He was humiliated, to say the least. He had been beaten by a woman, an incredibly beautiful, sexy woman, but a woman no less. It wasn't for a lack of skill that had lost. It was pure luck on her part,based solely on the fact that she distracted him. She caused his thoughts to run wild, trying to get his mind off how good she looked in the men's black breeches and white shirt, she'd been wearing. ****************************************************************** Darien rose early the next morning, dressed and joined the Duke's hunting party. He most certainly could have come up with a better way to spend his day. The gentlemen's company had been something of a relief from his usual business duties he had attended to on his own estate and his offices in London, but he found their lack of concern for their businesses somewhat distasteful. His opinion was a rather unusual one considering most titled and wealthy gentlemen spent their time at leisure. The conversation had run along the lines he expected, veering towards politics and lighter conversations on the subject of women. That however had been the most interesting part of the whole event.  The hunt had however, been as he had expected, completely boring. It may have been more interesting had he been able to keep his mind on the actual hunt. Even the incessant barking of the dogs failed to distract his thoughts from the path they had taken. It seemed he couldn't get his mind off her. He tried to gain control of his mind but all he could think of were her slender legs and flared hips, perfectly accented by the breeches she had been wearing and the curve of her breasts when the billowy white shirt had been blown by the wind or shifted by her graceful movements. Who was she anyway? He had never gotten the chance to ask her name. She couldn't have been a servant; her speech had been too perfect. But then they hadn't spoken that much, so she may have been putting on airs to impress him. She most certainly couldn't be a lady. None of the ladies he knew would even dare to put on men's clothing and would find it distasteful to exercise in a manner that would cause one to sweat as fencing did.  No, she was definitely not a lady. He found himself wanting to see her again. He denied himself any thought of having any interest in her. He simply wanted a rematch and a name. A name would be very good. ******************************************************************** Serena sat straight backed facing her vanity as her ladies maid dressed her hair. She was trying extremely hard not to fidget but the effort was taking its toll and she was becoming increasingly more frustrated. She wished she did not have to attend this dinner party. It meant spending the time in the company of frivolous ladies whose conversations meant nothing to her as so many of them seemed to have few intelligent thoughts in their heads. It also meant she had to wear one of the many dresses her uncle had ordered to be made for her not long after her arrival at Muncaster. She was not comfortable in many of the gowns that had been made for her, not because they were physically binding or discomforting, but simply because she felt inadequate. She did not feel she did many of the beautiful gowns justice. Worst yet, she had the distinct feeling that she would pale in comparison to the other ladies invited from neighboring estates. Thinking of the guests who would soon arrive caused a sensation in her stomach that reminded her of soft plum pudding, a dessert she particularly disliked for its rich taste and soft slippery feeling in her mouth. In her nervousness she began to fidget once more causing Molly, her maid to sigh in exasperation as she attempted to pin one of Serena's long curls into the upward sweep covered with light curls that was presently in fashion. Serena winced as sshe was poked in the scalp by yet another pin. She hoped Molly would be done soon, she needed to move to calm herself. A few moments later Molly was done and Serena was allowed to move finally. Molly positively gleamed with pride as she saw her handiwork. Serena looked wonderful. Her golden curls were pinned up at the top of her head so they spilled over her ears. Nervousness had had a positive result on her pallor by bringing a light blush to her cheeks and the pale peach silk gown flattered her creamy skin to perfection, and displayed her narrow waist perfectly. When Serena saw herself in the mirror however, she saw a nervous child, who was a little too thin for good taste and dressed to look like a princess when it was plain to her, and would be to everyone else, that she was simply an orphaned waif dressed in finery. Her blue eyes reflected an insecurity that once would never have graced her normally happy and confident face. She bit her lips causing blood to rise in them making them more swollen and pinker than usual. Sighing, she resolved to make her way down the staircase and into the drawing room where her uncle was expecting her. He would not tolerate lateness from her so she was making an effort to be on time. ******************************************************************* Darien made his way down the main stairs of Muncaster. As he went he admired the beautiful tiles beneath his feet and the intricate designs in the black metal of the banisters. As he came to the landing he noted a beautiful Roman-style statue of a woman carrying water. Making his way to the drawing room he noted once again as he had when he had first arrived, the cold beauty of Muncaster. As he walked into the wood paneled drawing room he greeted some of the other gentlemen who had also gathered there to talk before dinner began. There were a few ladies, one, or two of whom he recognized. First there was Lady Dermont and her daughter who lived on the nearest neighboring estate. Her husband was a wealthy squire, with whom he had hunted the day before.   Their daughter Mina was very beautiful and an incessant flirt. On many other young ladies it would have been a somewhat annoying trait, but as she was engaged to the equally playful Lord Jason Whittaker, a young Earl, many thought it a somewhat endearing quality. Lady Rachel Harrison was also there; her beautiful black hair piled high on her head. He had known her rather well before she had married Lord Harrison of Mondale. Mondale was a selfish bastard, but knowing Rachel she probably had him completely under her control. She seemed comfortable in the atmosphere of mostly men, and her beauty shone, her mysteriously compelling violet eyes catching his across the room. He was making his way over to her when he saw a beautiful delicate-looking blonde in peach silk, and beautiful curls framing her face enter the room. She looked slightly familiar but he couldn't really place her face. She seemed like so many other ladies he'd seen, delicate, demure, and seemingly perfect in every way. He knew better however. If he had ever met the perfect female he would already be married. He was beginning to think she did not exist. He turned his attention back to Rachel and made his way across the room to meet her. "Lady Harrison, it's a pleasure to see you again," Darien said as he kissed her gloved hand. "Surely My Lord," she said stressing the address, "you know better than to address me so formally." "I beg your pardon Rachel. Please try not to remind me that I am the new Duke. It reminds me I have work to do that I'm neglecting for this hunting expedition." "Forgive me Darien. You're not enjoying your stay then?" "Not entirely." "I can see why." She said glancing surreptitiously around the room beneath her smoky lashes. "The company isn't particularly engaging. Were I a gentlemen I'd be easily bored by many of these men." "It seems to me they already bore you without adding to yourself the burden of masculinity." She smiled gently at his comment, a sweet slightly seductive smile, and one that reminded him why he'd stolen a kiss from her when he was only fourteen. "You're absolutely right." Darien glanced around the room again. His thought once more drifted to the wild young woman he'd met. He hadn't seen any sign of her since. Her company would be a welcome change to the usual boring chatter he had to endure. He'd even let her beat him again if he could escape this dinner. Meanwhile however, there was a beautiful woman before him who he knew very well. ****************************************************************** Serena made her way nervously into the room. Most of the men and ladies were strangers to her, as she had never had the chance to meet them when her parents were alive. She hoped she wouldn't make any grave mistakes. Her lessons in perfecting her knowledge of etiquette would not be until next week. She could only hope she didn't say the wrong thing or trip over her skirts. She found herself feeling a sense of relief as her uncle walked over to her and took her arm. He led her towards a group of people conversing in one of the corners of the drawing room. He intended to introduce her. As they made their way to the group he spoke a few words to her that may have been meant to allay her nervousness but failed to do so. "You're on time. That's good. You look like a lady." "Thank you Uncle," Serena replied politely but said little else. It was going to be a long night. Glancing around the room she saw one face she did recognize. It was that same gentleman with whom she'd been fencing. She hadn't seen him since even though she kept hoping she'd run into him and yet at the same time feared she'd have anything to say. Worse yet she feared the wildness within her which she hid well for the benefit of her uncle would come through as it had when he'd challenged her that day. In just the few moments she'd fenced with him he'd immediately stirred feelings in her that made her both nervous and angry for reasons she couldn't explain.She hadn't even considered the idea that he'd be here. She must avoid meeting him at all costs. If he exposed her disobedience to her uncle she'd be in a lot of trouble. She became even more nervous than she had been. She had recognized him but would he recognize her? If forced to converse with him would he bring up the fact that she had challenged him to fencing while she was dressed in men's clothing, a direct disobedience to her uncle's wishes? This evening could turn out to be a disaster and she hadn't even tripped over anything yet. After polite introductions to a few of her uncles friends, and the appropriate conversations concerning the weather, her uncle led her towards yet another group of people, this one younger than the others. In her direct line of sight was an absolutely beautiful woman. She had dark hair and smoky lashes and even from across the room noticeably blue-violet eyes that seemed equally mysterious and seductive. She exuded and air of confidence and sophistication that made Serena feel like a child despite the fact that she knew the young lady couldn't have been that much older than her. As her uncle led her to join the group she realized to her dismay, that the tall dark-haired man whose back had been turned towards her was the same man whom she had hoped to avoid. There was no possibility of escape as her uncle began the introductions to Lady Harrison and her Husband Lord Anthony Harrison, Count of Mondale who had just joined the group. The way Lord Harrison looked up at her as he pressed his wet lips to the back of her hand made her nervous and slightly disgusted. His wife Rachel gave her an understanding look. She pulled her hand away as quickly as civility allowed and moved on to the next two people. She was then introduced to Mina Dermont and her fianc? Lord Jason Whittaker a handsome young earl who reminded Serena of her older brother Andrew who would arrive in less than a week. Serena took and instant liking to Mina who seemed an unlikely but good friend of Rachel whom Serena also liked. She then turned to face the moment she'd been dreading. "Serena I'd like you to meet Darien Wyndham Lord Westmoreland, Duke of Westwood," her uncle said." Serena curtsied slightly as Darien took her hand firmly and pressed his warm lips to it. He held it tighter as he felt it shake slightly as a result of her nervousness. "My Lord," she said demurely as was expected of her. Darien smiled slightly, teasing her with the look in his eyes, showing her he recognized her. He had recognized her bright blue eyes, as soon as she was close enough for him to see her in detail. He was both surprised and amused. So the insolent little brat was a lady after all, or appeared to be one. Instead of increasing her nervousness as he had expected by showing her he recognized her, he saw her eyes light up like a sudden flare in a furnace. She was angry that he knew who she was and she knew he would tease her for it. The fire in her eyes made her appear more confident and it didn't go unrecognized by Rachel who raised a perfect eyebrow at Darien intrigued by the effect he had on the girl before him. Most women swooned and flirted endlessly in Darien's presence, this one seemed to be angry at the very sight of him. What could he possibly have done to this innocent young girl? Darien simply smiled back at Rachel, puzzling her greatly. His mood seemed to have vastly improved since the arrival of the Duke's niece. She was a beautiful young girl, but she didn't seem to be Darien's type. She was too petite, too cute, and too perfect. All through dinner Serena avoided meeting Darien's line of sight. It was a hard job as he was seated directly across from her. Every time she looked up there he was, teasing her with his deep blue eyes without saying a single word. It was definitely going to be a long evening. ****************************** Darien walked through the gardens closest to the Esk River in the back of the large mansion. He admired the beauty of the wild roses and the sound of the birds in the morning. The entire world was so alive at this time of day. As he walked closely to a patch overgrown with shrubs and a few trees he thought he heard something. He listened more closely. It sounded like a woman humming. Maybe one of the maids was out doing something. He parted the trees to get a better look at the mystery woman. He recognized her immediately. Now what was she doing? He watched from behind some bushes as the young girl stepped from behind the bushes by the river, revealing she was wearing nothing but her chemise. Good heavens, for all intents and purposes she was practically nude! He watched as she walked down to the bank of the river and stepped down into the water. She was going for a swim. She was definitely not like anyone else he had ever known. Serena stepped up on the embankment and retrieved her towel. It had been wonderful taking a bath in the river. It gave her a sense of freedom from the restraint, with which she had to act, in the presence of her uncle. Looking up she saw a dark figure and screamed. "What are you doing here!" He seemed to be examining her with a sly, mischievous grin on his handsome features. He seemed highly amused at her state of undress. She wrapped the large towel more tightly around her, only succeeding in making the outline of her body far more obvious. Her entire body was flushed red with embarrassment at being caught in such a compromising situation. "Have you no honor your Grace, walking in on a lady during her bath?" "With regards to this particular situation, it is not my honor that is in question. Besides, are you a lady? I have no proof of such a thing. Most ladies I know do not bathe in rivers." Her face turned an even brighter red with indignation and further embarrassment. How dare he question her as to whether she was a lady or not? "Are that many ladies willing to subject themselves to the torture of your company, that you can make such a judgement your grace? I am not most ladies, if by your definition of a lady you mean frivolous fools who would fawn over you." "Those ladies to which you refer have good sense, not only to know which gentleman is worthy of their attentions but they have better sense than to bathe in a river and then act surprised at being caught. You are quite correct you are not most ladies. You are most definitely unlike any lady I have ever had the displeasure of meeting." She restrained herself from walking up to him and punching him right in one of his perfect, beautiful blue eyes. See what those prissy ladies would think then. With her luck they'd pity him and give him even more of their attention. She restrained herself and said, " Your Grace, I do believe you've embarrassed me quite enough, do you suppose you could take your leave that I may remedy my state of undress?" Moving towards her he said, "Why correct that which nature has ordained natural?" "Your Grace?" She was both confused and nervous. He was less than five feet away from her now. What would her mother have said? She was naked and alone with and unbelievably handsome duke. This could be trouble."What are you doing your Grace? "I am not in the habit of ignoring, beautiful, wet, naked ladies," he said still moving towards her. He was right in front of her now. "Now would be a good time to start," she barely whispered, staring nervously up at him. He stared down at her and raised a finger to her chin, forcing her head backwards. He leaned his head down to meet hers and kissed her on the lips. Her knees weakened and she just about fell into him deepening the kiss. She wanted to pull away she really did but she just didn't seem to have the strength. ****************************************************************** For the first time in days Serena's mind wasn't dwelling on the moment Darien had kissed her. She had been upset for a while after the first time, when he'd kissed and left her standing in her towel. That time wasn't the last time. The intolerable bastard had had the gall to kiss her again when he'd seen her in the rose gardens and once again they had argued before he'd pressed his lips to hers and simply walked away. Today however, was a beautiful day and the sun shone brightly down through the large windows of the drawing room. The flowers in the garden were more beautiful and more fragrant than ever, the grass greener and the company couldn't be moree exhaustingly boring. Serena sighed inaudibly and remembered to straighten her back. Why was she stuck in this stuffy mansion, on a beautiful day, learning etiquette, and various other lessons for her season in London? What she wouldn't give to be out riding her horse over the meadows, astride with the wind in her hair. She sighed again, this time a little more loudly. "Young lady, am I boring you?" the tiny gray-haired lady asked in a stern voice. "No, of course not Madame Saint Andre." "Bon! Your next lesson I believe is ballroom dancing?" Serena almost burst out laughing at the thought of dancing with this little old lady. She soon stopped laughing when moments later she was tripping over her feet trying to keep pace with the surprisingly fleet-footed old lady. "Please, please Madame Saint Andre, can we please stop for a while?" "Alright then. I can see you need more lessons in this activity." Serena plopped herself down on the couch. 'These ridiculous lessons are driving me out of my mind!'  Just then her uncle walked in and looking over the situation asked, "Are the lessons going well Madame Saint Andre?" He glanced over at Serena on the couch and she immediately straightened up trying to appear studious and lady-like. "Well your Grace, she has done passably on everything else but she is quite clumsy on the ballroom floor." "Maybe she needs a more skilled partner," a new and familiar voice suggested. Serena resisted the urge to sink down into the couch. This was too embarrassing. "A wonderful idea, your Grace," Madame Saint Andre tittered," Addressing Darien as he entered the room." In long strides Darien walked over to the couch on which Serena sat. He put his hand out for her to take, with a slight bow and a "milady." Serena accepted his hand, managing to hide her annoyance but not her embarrassment, as her face flushed bright red. Darien put a firm hand on her waist and held her and held her other small soft hand in his large one. The unknown woman at the piano began playing, and he led her over the floor. Amazingly enough she managed not to trip over anything. "Was it really necessary to embarrass me in such a manner you Grace?" she whispered just loud enough for him to hear. "What manner would that be? My name is Darien." "Yes your Grace. So it is. And as to the manner, my uncle did not need a demonstration of my lack of talent." "I meant for you to call me Darien and you're dancing just fine. I can't see what the problem was." She could find nothing to say to this, as he was quite right. So far she hadbeen dancing beautifully never once tripping over anything real or imaginary. "I must remember this moment," he whispered to her. "Why is that?" "I believe it is the first time I've ever managed to leave you speechless." ************* Serena couldn't believe the day was here already. Tonight she would be making her debut at Almack's in London. The fall season would be a flurry of activity. She was a little excited and very nervous. Things had been going rather well after her Uncle's week long hunting expedition was over and all the gentlemen had returned to their homes including the bothersome Duke Westmoreland. She refused to admit it herself that she enjoyed kissing him by the river or that she had been a little disappointed when he had stopped and simply walked away leaving her standing by the river clutching her wet towel and shivering from more than the chill of the water on her skin. She'd managed to get her mind off him when her brother had arrived with his wife Elizabeth whom she already loved dearly like a sister. They had comforted each other and talked of the upcoming time in London. She had wanted to stay with them in London but her uncle insisted she have a more appropriate chaperone and that she stay with him. As he was her legal guardian there would be no arguments to the contrary. So here she was under the vigilant eyes of Madame Saint Andre who looked as though she were about to doze off with her embroidery in her hand. Serena wondered how the woman could possibly sleep through her horrible banging on the pianoforte in the drawing room. Madame had insisted she practice however, so she had spent the morning pounding out the notes incorrectly forcing the staff to close the double doors and run for the safety of their hearing. As she grew bored with playing. She got up and walked over to the large picture window, looking out over the ladies and gentlemen passing by with their parasol and canes, some with their purchases others simply walking leisurely seemingly without a care in the world. She had once found herself wandering through her uncle's library in search of something interesting to read. Madame had of course wandered in a few moments later discouraging her from 'silly undertakings unbecoming of a lady.' Those were the moments when she most wished things could be as they once were. When her parents were alive she didn't have to worry about what proper society thought of her. She'd never had to face them. Her parents had always protected her from the harsh rules surrounding appropriate male and female behavior, allowing her to do as she pleased. But then she had been a child. It wasn't really so long ago but it felt a world away when she had been carefree. Now all her days seemed to be centered on looking and behaving the right way to attract an agreeable suitor. She didn't see any reason for her to be getting married so soon, but she was supposed to be an obedient girl so she did as her uncle wished. She only hoped she could be as lucky as Elizabeth had been with her brother. Very few people married for love as her brother had but she wished the same for herself however unlikely it would be. She hated being subjected to the will of others. If he so wished, her uncle could simply choose a husband for her and she would have no say in the matter. If she could not find and agreeable match chances were her uncle would do just that. ********* "Serena walked into Almack's on her Uncle's arm. He steadied her arm as they walked down the stairs. She was nervous and very afraid she would make some horrible mistake and embarrass herself and her uncle. As they came to the bottom of the stairs where her uncle would leave her in the company of Madame Saint Andre, her uncle turned to her and shocked her out of her nervousness by kissing her on the cheek. "If I ever had a daughter, I'd hope she would be as beautiful as you look right now. There is absolutely no reason for you to be nervous. Even though some of those older women are vicious crones and vipers, there is no reason why anyone here shouldn't adore you." He squeezed her hand to reassure her and left a very shocked Serena staring at the back of his black tuxedo as he disappeared into the crowd. "Well don't just stand there young lady, walk this way before people begin thinking you don't have a brain in your head," Madame screeched at her. Serena smiled and followed her. She hoped to soon escape the old lady's company. The rest of the evening found Serena chatting with Lady Rachel, who had shown up without her husband who she presumed drunk and in gambling debt at the gentleman's club, and Mina who flirted away while smiling at her fianc?e across the room. Serena found herself enjoying the evening. She'd met some of Mina's and Rachel's friends, Ami and coincidentally her sister-in-law Elizabeth, whom everyone had called Lita since she was a child. Lita shared the same wild heart Serena hid. She had her share of dances with handsome young gentlemen many of whom were fascinated with her intelligence and wit that she demonstrated as she grew more comfortable. In fact she was surrounded by a few young men, laughing and enjoying the conversation, when Darien came up behind her and whispered in her ear in a mildly intimate gesture that surprised her and everyone around her. It especially surprised many of the women who were not only surprised at his attendance and more importantly his interest in the young Lady Graham. Darien swept her out unto the dance floor before she could answer the request he'd whispered in her ear. "It seems you already have a fan club. Whatever would those fops think if they could see you swimming in the river Esk?" "You seem to have a fan club yourself," Serena said glancing around the room, while purposefully avoiding the jealous eyes of some of the young women staring at them. "Why are you here? From what I've heard men like you don't usually attend these events. Darien raised an eyebrow. "Just who are men like me?" Serena was at a loss for an answer. Quite frankly she had never met another man like him. He exuded a power and sensuality that drew her to him in such a way it was positively demonic. She could easily see him as the devil; dark, dangerous and seductive she could see herself committing sinful acts because of him. She had drifted off in her thoughts of Darien as the devil. "You are the devil," she whispered to herself not realizing she'd said it out loud with a smile on her lips. "Darien smirked. He'd been watching her face expecting one of her witty answers. Instead she had drifted off before she whispered the words that had him dubbed as the Lord of Hell and all things sinful. "I already have a title Lady Graham and Lord of Hell is not it, although it could have its benefits. Maybe I could induce you to commit sinful wanton acts." Serena's face turned bright red as she realized that she had spoken the words out loud. She then realized what he'd said to her. "You definitely are a demon from hell. Maybe you should return to the sulfur pits of your home." She turned out of his arms and left him on the dance floor smiling. She could feel eyes watching her as she left the dance floor and headed out onto one of the balconies that led down to the gardens. They probably thought she was out of her mind. What single female in her right mind would leave the Duke of Westwood standing in the middle of the dance floor when he had chosen her out of all the women to dance with? That in itself was an honor many women would swoon over. Why did he go out of his way to infuriate her? One moment he made her heart skip a beat with his gorgeous eyes and shiny black hair, not to mention the handsome figure he posed in his tuxedo. The next moment he would make her so mad she felt she would explode. She considered this to herself and was halfway through the gardens before she realized she wasn't really angry, or the least bit infuriated. In fact the whole thing was rather amusing. She had to admit he was devilishly handsome, intelligent, and a match for her in almost every way. Most importantly she was beginning to realize she was completely fascinated with everything about him and utterly in love. Was it possible for it to happen in such a short time? They'd never even had a real conversation. Every time they met it was a battle. What difference would it make anyway? He wouldn't love her anyway. She was just a gangly little girl, barely a woman. All the women he knew were probably just like Rachel, beautiful, sophisticated, and very knowledgeable in the ways of men. It'd be best if she forgot him and moved on. A frown played on her delicate features as she stood next to a small Lily pond, frozen in thought. Her thoughts were so intense she didn't hear someone come up behind her until they were breathing on her neck. She was so frightened she tried to turn around too fast and fell backwards into the pond. She let out a squeal as the cold water splashed all around her soaking her clothes and her hair. Her curls were plastered to her head as she sat up, her blue silk gown completely soaked through. Darien couldn't help laughing. His deep laugh echoed through the garden. She looked like a shocked porcelain doll. Her expression was priceless. "You really have something for water don't you?" He teased her. Serena's expression was quickly turning from shocked to enraged. How dare he laugh at her? "I knew you weren't a gentleman," she said icily. "A real gentleman would have helped me up by now instead of standing there like a nit wit laughing at my misfortune." Darien finally got around to his senses and reached out a hand to her to help her out of the pond. She grabbed hold of his hand but instead of using it to pull herself up she used all her strength and pulled hard on his arm, sending him off balance flying into the pond himself. Before he could recover from the surprise, she helped herself up and stepped out of the pond leaving him lying in the water, completely soaked from head to toe. "Let's see how you enjoy it! She snapped at him. She turned her back and strode away not quite sure where she was going. She found herself heading towards the main building. A hand grabbed her arm and twisted her around. "Just where do you think you're going?" Darien asked her impatiently. "That's none of your business." "Well I could let you go back inside and embarrass yourself. You do realize you are soaking wet," he said glancing her over not missing the way the wet silk clung to her body now that it was wet. If he didn't stop staring he was going to pull her close to him and he might not let go. "And just what do you suggest I do?" she snapped back impatiently, realizing he was right. She couldn't go back inside like this. She would embarrass herself and her uncle in front of the entire ton. "Her anger only turned up the heat. He wanted her now more than ever. He didn't say anything else to her he simply pulled her closer to him and kissed he passionately. Serena was shocked to say the least, not that she wasn't enjoying the moment. His behavior was so confusing. One moment he was teasing her mercilessly, the next he was kissing her passionately. The last time he'd kissed her he'd just smiled at her and then turned around and walked away leaving her with her mouth hanging open in shock. When he paused for air she questioned him. "Why do you kiss me when I'm angry with you?" "To shut you up," he said huskily and then kissed her again, his hand trailing the curve of her hips and her waist to her breast. "Ahhem," a deep voice said "Oh dear!" a high pitched woman's voice squeaked. Serena and Darien broke of their passionate kiss and turned to face the couple to whom the voices belonged. There were also three other people, two older women, and an old gentleman behind them. "Isn't that the Duke of Muncaster's niece?" one of the ladies whispered audibly to the other. "I knew the moment I saw her she wasn't at all a wholesome girl." Serena's face flushed bright red, embarrassed to be caught in such a compromising situation. ********** Serena sat in her room wondering just what would be done. Her eyes were bright red from crying. Her embarrassment had become quite public when those awful old ladies had spread horrible gossip about her 'loose' behavior in the garden with the Duke of Westwood. Her uncle had been positively livid, especially when he'd seen the state of her gown. Darien had conveniently disappeared. Her uncle hadn't said one word to her since they had arrived home last night. She hadn't left her room since then. She did not want to face him. One of the maids had came up to tell her that her brother had stopped by but she would not go downstairs. She was an embarrassment to her entire family and it was all Lord Wyndham's fault. At least that's what she had been trying to convince herself of all morning. Unfortunately it wasn't working in the least. She had enjoyed the way he'd touched her, his kisses, everything about him. She didn't feel the least bit guilty about what she had supposedly done, as much as she regretted the embarrassment it had caused her family. All her life she'd been an embarrassment. Why must she always be so different? She heard a gentle knock on the door and uttered a week response to come inside to whoever it was. Melissa the young maid came in and told her nervously that her uncle was awaiting her in his study, if she could please join him there for a discussion. Serena nodded politely and dismissed the young girl.  *************************************************************** Serena took each slowly, trailing her hand along the mahogany banister. She dreaded every step that brought her closer to the entrance of her uncle's study. She feared he would toss her out on the street, but more than that she was afraid because she had no idea just what he would do to her. Thinking about it made her hand shake from nervousness. She walked up to the imposing dark door that would reveal her future and raised a shaky arm. She rapped gently on the door and composed herself as best she could. "Come in Serena," her uncle's voice called. Serena opened the door and walked into the room. Her uncle stood facing the windows with his back turned to her. "Sit down Serena." She obeyed him and sat nervously into the chair, smoothing the creases of her skirt but finding her palms sweaty, she stopped. "I'm very disappointed in you. I had hoped you knew better than that. You embarrassed yourself and this family." Serena chose this moment to put in a word for herself. "But I didn't do anything." "Serena," her uncle sighed her name and turned to face her, "Serena, you were seen by those two gossiping hags kissing the Duke of Westwood while soaking wet. It doesn't matter if in your eyes it was innocent, by the time those hags are done with your name, they'll have you as his mistress." Serena was shocked by her Uncle's speech. He seemed so nonchalant about the idea. In fact he seemed to care more about her reputation than anything she might have done with Darien. He was right of course.  The two widows Lady Stimson and Lady Rhodham were horrible gossips. But she couldn't hide her surprise at her Uncle's reaction. "Serena, since you've come to live here you've become in many ways like a daughter to me.  I know I haven't exactly treated you like a daughter, but I guess I was afraid to get close to you, I was afraid I might lose you too. You see I once had a daughter." His face was empty but his eyes seemed pained. He turned his back to her once more so she wouldn't see his face as he spoke. "Not long before you were born I was married to a beautiful woman, her name was Melissa. We were very happy. We had a daughter, Helen; she was such a beautiful little girl. When she was only four, she and her mother were returning from a shopping trip in Paris where they also visited Melissa's aunt. There was a horrible storm in the channel, and their ship was destroyed. You remind me so much of Helen. So bright-eyed. You're so alive; especially when you don't think I can see you practicing with that sword.  Serena was so surprised at all this. Her uncle did have a heart after all. She felt guilty for all those times she had thought badly of him. "Serena, this is not what I had wanted for you. I had hoped you would have been able to make the choice as to whom you would marry on your  own. Your season is now over however, because of this incident, and you'll have to return in the fall as a married woman." "'What?" Serena was completely shocked by this news. Surely there was another way to do this than to give her away to the first man who offered. "But, Uncle you can't do this to me. Who am I to marry? No one has offered as yet. "Serena, don't be na•ve.  You must marry the one who disgraced you and he knows it just as well as you do. I'm sorry it has come to this but it must be done. I won't have your reputation ruined. It's what is best for you." ********************** Serena had sat in the chair in shock as her uncle strode out of the room determined not to hear any arguments from her. She couldn't believe it. Her uncle was actually forcing her to marry. More shocking he would force her to marry Darien Wyndham, a man she was now completely in love with but whom she knew had no love for her. It was true he seemed to want her, but that meant nothing. He lusted after her but he didn't love her, not in the same manner she loved him. She didn't know if she could survive a marriage with a man who might never return her love. Her parents had found love, her brother had too, and even her uncle had had it at one time, she shouldn't have to marry without it. Outside of her family anyone elsewould have thought her na•ve and idealistic. Most marriages weren't based on love but rather money and status. Serena had hoped all her life she would never be trapped in a loveless marriage. She knew many men kept their mistresses after their marriage but she didn't know if she could put up with sharing the man she loved with another woman. ********* Serena's eyes were dry the next morning but her mod was dark. The bright sunlight and chirping birds, unusual for London mocked her very mood. She had cried herself to sleep the previous night and she was now lacking in tears or emotional expression. She didn't blame her uncle for this situation. Her mind had moved on to other matters. She now wondered if she would be as upset if in three days she would be marrying a stranger. Had she been in the position to marry a man she didn't love she would have been in far less despair. At least in such a situation the emotional lines would be very clear between them. Instead, she was marrying a man she loved but who did not love her, a man who was just absolutely infuriating because of her inability to guess what he would do next. He would probably detest her for forcing him into a situation where her had marry a woman he hadn't chosen himself simply to save her honor. She was almost hoping he'd refuse. She knew better than that however. Whatever she had to say about him, he was after all a gentleman.  He wouldn't leave her in disgrace. He'd marry her, but he wouldn't love her, no matter how much love she felt for him. Darien sat at his desk attempting to focus on the writing before him. He really had no need to be doing any work at the moment especially when he had to be concentrating so hard to get anything done. In two days he'd marrying Serena. He had for a moment entertained the thought that she had trapped him into marrying her but was embarrassed at thinking so when he realized she had never once made any advances or suggestions towards him. If anything she constantly insulted and snapped at him. Any advances between them were completely initiated by him. "Jut my God damn luck to saddle myself with a bride who'll probably hate me."  That was highly unfortunate since she was quite pretty. He thought her especially adorable when she was busy snapping at him and her cheeks turned bright red and her eyes a bright warm blue. It was too bad that he'd probably never get close enough to his wiffe-to-be in order to show her just how intriguing she was. His thoughts were so distracted by her he was having a hard time writing "So," Darien's butler began, "The Duke of Muncaster is forcing you to do the honorable thing and marry his niece." Darien didn't look up from his writing.  "No one's forcing me to a damn thing I don't want to." "So you are saying you want to marry the young lady then," your grace?" "I haven't said an such thing," Darien said tonelessly, continuing to focus on his writing. "Well it certainly solves the problem of having to find a wife." Darien looked up and glared at his butler. "What the hell makes you think I had a problem finding a wife?" "I didn't mean..." "Oh forget it," Darien snapped and mumbled something about being insulted in his own home. "Bring the carriage around. I'm leaving." As he strode out to the front hall, he realized he didn't have any idea where he was planning to go. Darien got into the carriage and ordering the driver to a street he'd been hoping to avoid today. As the carriage rattled on, he found himself wrapped up in a dozen thoughts going through his head. He still hadn't quite grasped the fact that he'd soon be married and there was the disturbing fact that it didn't seem to bother him. Granted, he had been planning on finding himself a wife, he just hadn't expected to find one so soon or in such a round about manner. But the idea seemed to rest well in his mind and unlike many of his friends he did not find it at all disturbing to be "tied down", as they'd say. The fact that he was taking this well meant little in terms of the grandpicture. He doubted his bride to be was taking as well as he was. No doubt she was probably angry and depressed. He found himself wondering just why he knew emotions so well. He was even more curious as to why she would be depressed, she was about to marry a Duke and be a wife. Wasn't that what all women wanted? But he knew that her emotions were in turmoil almost as if they were his own. He knew her pride was hurting. In such a short while he came to know her so well. It was strange to him how he understood her but was confused by her. No woman had ever refused him and yet here was this girl, barely a woman, defiant and proud. She didn't seem to care what title he held, how handsome he was, or what a skilled lover he was supposed to be. She wanted things on her own terms and under her control. She was certainly very contradictory. She seemed such a wild cat at times and yet that glimpse he'd had of her as she had walked in the drawing room the second time he'd seen her, she seemed so unsure of herself, delicate and nervous. Then when he'd spoken to her, he'd seen fire in her eyes, one that he constantly wanted to stoke to see just how far he could push her. He realized for not one moment of this day had his mind wandered from his beautiful bride- to-be, he was utterly and pathetically in love. The carriage came to a stop in front of the grand London mansion. Darien stepped out into the street and began his walk up to the front steps. As he raised his hand to rap on the front door, the door opened and out stepped the Duke of Muncaster. "Your Grace!" Darien was very surprised to see the Duke. The Duke did not, however, seem very surprised to see him. "Good day, Lord Westmoreland, And how has the day found you?" without waiting for an answer he continued. "I certainly hope you're not here to inform me that you refuse to marry my niece after what we talked about." "Of course not sir. Serena's honor is very important to me." "I'd most certainly hope so. She is after all going to be your wife." "Actually I was hoping to see Serena." "Yes, of course. I was surprised she was actually accepting visitors this morning. She was rather upset last night, but she rose early and composed herself. She's in the garden with young Nicholas Manchester, just returned from Europe, he says. He's an old friend of hers. The man was very blunt, Darien thought to himself. It was strange. When the Duke had first met him he'd seemed angry as he'd expected. He had after all compromised his niece's integrity. Strange how easily compromised women were. If they same rules applied to men... the thought made him smile. After having one of the strangest conversations he'd ever been involved with the Duke seemed to relax. For the entire time they had conversed, it seemed the man had been studying him intensely. He had seemed genuinely concerned with Serena's welfare and it had reminded him of his father. Serena had not been expecting anyone and she did not welcome the idea of visitors. Her mood was hardly welcoming. However, when the Stewart, the butler had announced a Lord Manchester to see her she had been surprised and had readily accepted his presence. Nicholas was her childhood friend and former fencing partner. He had always been her best friend. He was only a few years older than she was but not as old as her brother Andrew. He had gone on a tour of Europe as was usual for young men of his age when he'd left. But after returning to the shores of England he had felt the pull to return and within a year he had gone once more to expand on his travels. Serena had wondered if he had not had some sweet Euroopean beauty pulling him backto Europe when he'd left for the second time. She had been somewhat jealous and genuinely upset by his leaving a second time. It was a childhood crush however. The truth was she was probably more jealous of the fact that he had the opportunity to travel Europe while she had to stay at home and defy her mother's wishes to teach her how to embroider and play the piano. Nicholas had walked in the room looking more handsome and arrogant than she had seen him before. Despite her mood she had smiled at his familiar face. He obviously had learned some of the French arrogance on his second tour through Europe. Travel quite obviously agreed with him. "It is wonderful to see you Nicholas. I can't believe you are back already. You look wonderful, traveling most definitely agrees with you. How have your journeys been?" "All went well as it always does. How are things with you?" Even as he asked the question he instantly knew something was wrong. Her eyes were tired and sad, a look he rarely saw on her face but knew quite well all the same. He took her hands into his. "Tell me everything." The Duke's butler let him in and took his coat. From the foyer he could hear muted conversation coming from a room close by and instead of letting himself be announced to Serena and her guests as was usual, he simply entered on his own.  He stood in the doorway surprised at the sight that greeted him. Serena and a tall young man with dark auburn hair stood near the center of the room, holding each other closely. He found an odd but burning bitterness in his stomach that he couldn't identify. He clenched and unclenched his jaw. Whoever was this man and why was he hugging his Serena. "Ahhem." He cleared his throat. Realizing they were no longer alone, Nicholas withdrew himself from Serena's arms and brushed a few tears off her cheek urging her with a simple look to compose herself so Darien wouldn't glimpse her upset. She managed an acceptably composed look and he moved to the side so Darien could see his fianc?e.  "Good morning Your Grace," Serena said with a small curtsey, her face red from being caught in a situation that could be easily misconstrued. Darien's face held no emotion however, he did not seem the least bit upset. That disturbed her. "Good Morning Serena, I trust the morning finds you well?" His greeting was without emotion, but Nicholas had not missed the look in his eyes. Serena was wrong; Darien cared very deeply for her. If he didn't, Nicholas wouldn't feel as though he was being challenged. He could feel Darien's jealousy from across the room. Darien probably didn't even recognize it. "Forgive me Your Grace," Serena said, "I do not mean to be rude. She gestured towards Nicholas; "this is Lord Nicholas Manchester, an old friend of mine." Darien shook Nicholas' hand none too gently. "I didn't think you were old enough to have old friends Serena?" Day had dawned but five hours previously and already he was teasing her, and in her own home at that. "Perhaps I should have said childhood friend. I'm sure you would find that much more pleasing to your ears?" she said with just enough edge to her voice to show she wasn't going to let the comment slide. Darien smiled slightly. Nicholas was confused at the exchange between the two. Just moments ago he had the impression teased her mercilessly, but in the short exchange, he could easily see that she gave as good as she got. These two would certainly not lack conversation after the wedding. "I'm afraid you'll have to excuse me," Nicholas said preparing himself for his exit. I have business to attend to. As you two are engaged, I'm certain you no longer need a chaperone, besides I doubt I'd make a good choice in that department. It was an honor to meet you, Your Grace." Darien simply nodded politely, as Nicholas excused himself from their presence. Now alone with Serena, Darien found himself completely lost as to the reason for his visit. He wondered the true status of her relationship with Manchester. Was he her true love and she was simply being forced to marry him because of her Uncle? He needed to get out of her presence so he'd be able to think this through. He simply stared at her for a moment, fascinated with the way the morning light played of her hair and her face, making it seem as though she had a golden halo encircling her entire head. "Is something the matter?" she asked softly. "No, of course not. I simply stopped by to reassure you that there is no reason to fear being married to me. I will be an honorable husband."' To say she was disappointed would have been the understatement of the century. She was devastated. She had hoped he would approach this wedding with some feeling, any feeling at all. She sensed he saw this as an inconvenience. It was a merely a business arrangement that he needed to complete. Why did fate see it fit for her to fall in love with this man? He was so completely confusing. His kisses were full of passion and feeling, but for the rest of the time he was cold and distant, as he was now. "Well, I'm afraid I must take my leave now, I have some business to attend to," He said in a business-like manner. Before he had the opportunity, to leave, Stewart entered, announcing the arrival of new guests.  With a swooshing of pastel skirts, into the room, floated Rachel, Mina and her fianc?, Jason and Serena's brother Andrew and his wife Elizabeth. Serena was surprised they had dared to visit. No one concerned with their reputation would want to be seen with someone who had disgraced themselves in such a public manner until she was properly married. She was grateful and touched that they cared. Rachel greeted Serena and Darien warmly and Mina's eyes twinkled at Darien's presence. In her odd way of thinking she thought of their situation as being delightfully romantic.  Darien and Jason greeted each other formally although Andrew didn't return his greeting, obviously angry with him for what he had done to his sister. Darien prepared himself to leave once more. He needed to leave her presence so he could concentrate, not to mention if he said the wrong thing her brother might just try to kill him. He guessed the only reason her brother had not confronted him before was because he had proved himself honorable in agreeing to marry her. He had completely forgotten why he was here but he was sure it was not the reason he stated. In fact hadn't he planned to tell her about his love for her? "Your grace," Rachel addressed him, "surely you do not take your leave so soon? I came bearing an invitation for you and your fianc?e." Darien found himself amazed at how fast news traveled in society. He had barely found out her was getting married before everyone else also seemed to be aware of the fact. He raised an eyebrow at her invitation but said nothing, waiting for her to complete her announcement. "Yes, yes," Mina said in her typically bouncy manner. "Our dear friend Rachel has invited us to her home for an early dinner, tow days hence if neither of you will be too busy to attend." "Incidentally," Rachel began, "Lord Manchester will also be attending, He is a friend of yours isn't he?" She asked, looking at Serena who nodded her head in acknowledgement. "I saw him on the way out. I met him once or twice before, shortly before I got married." She turned to face Darien who nodded in agreement. "I would be happy to attend." He glanced over at Serena and she nodded in agreement. "If that's all, I must be on my way. Good day ladies, Lord Whittaker, Lord Graham." With that he left the room. "This is so exciting," Mina said after Darien had left. "You're marrying the man you love." Serena stared at Mina blankly. How had she known? Andrew was far more serious however, he could see his sister was distressed by her situation. She was just short of panic. Mina, much like anyone else, couldn't possibly understand why anyone would not want to marry Darien. There were many other young women who were simply quite jealous of her for managing to trap him into marrying her. He was extremely handsome, wealthy, titled, and seemingly perfect in every way. She had just assumed that their being caught kissing in the gardens was a sign that they must be deeply in love. Of course she wasn't far from the truth. Andrew chose to change the subject, seeing his sister was not really in the mood for Mina's chatter about weddings and the like. Rachel was instructing the staff on the upcoming dinner party. She had not expected her husband to be around for this considerably minor event in comparison to the parties that they usually attended. Her husband was a horrid nuisance even more so when he was sober, which he was now. But he wouldn't be later tonight. Because he spent so much time drunk she was able to go about her affairs and live like a free woman. She had been very upset when her father had suggested marriage to the oily, Count of Mondale. It had been his deathbed wish that they be married however, and for this reason she had gone through with the wedding. She hadn't thought much of the Count before her wedding but once they were married, she had discovered he was a pathetic drunk with violent tendencies and a gambling problem. She had hoped he would have continued with his drunken foolery with his gambling friends elsewhere but he had chosen this night to stay at home and possibly ruin the dinner party she'd planned. She rarely invited friends because of his presence and he had chosen this moment to show his presence again and embarrass her. She paused for a moment after conducting the servants as to their duties. She thought everything out in her head hoping she had gotten everything right. The sound of heavy stomping feet came trodding into the room. She heard a derisive snort of disgust. "I don't know why you're inviting that pretentious duke and his little whore," her husband muttered. We don't need their kind ruining our reputation." "Serena is a lady, not a whore." "Whatever you say," he said nonchalantly. Rachel was really beginning to wonder if she didn't prefer him drunk. At least he would eventually pass out and she would no longer have to handle his presence. Serena found herself travelling in an uncomfortable silence with Darien to Rachel's estate. She hoped the journey would be over soon. The silence between them was far from comfortable. They'd already had their first argument of the day at the start of their journey but beyond that there seemed to be little left to say. So Serena smoothed the creases of her skirt, and stared out the window at the passing scenery. "Will we be there soon?" She asked like a curious child. Darien simply smiled at her. He'd spent the entire ride alternating between glancing and outright staring at her when she wasn't looking. She was absolutely radiant. Only when she gave him a questioning look did he realize she'd actually spoken. "Is there something wrong," she asked, wondering just what he could possibly be staring at. She wondered if he disapproved of her appearance and began to feel slightly self-conscious. "No, of course not," he replied brusquely. "We're almost there, it will be but a few minutes." "Why are you doing this?" Serena asked suddenly immediately regretting the words even as they left her lips. "Doing what exactly, Serena?" "Marrying me. I'm sure you'd rather not be tied down to a wife now. I know men like you would rather be out sowing your wild oats or whatever it is you men do. You don't have to you know, my reputation is of no concern to you." Darien was caught somewhere between smiling, frustration and anger. Of course he wanted to marry her. Men like him? Why was she being so difficult? Did she really dislike him that much? And what the hell did she mean her reputation was of no concern to him? "Did you come up with all that just now, or have you spent the past few days coming up with that ridiculous statement? Where in the world did you get that nonsense about sowing wild oats? Is that what your friend Manchester spends his time doing? Do you even know what that means? "That's an awful lot of questions you just asked. I'm sure your poor brain is suffering overload from having to think them all up so fast," She said dryly.  None of them are worthy of an answer. Must you be so rude and inconsiderate every time you open your mouth?  Besides, what Nicholas does is of no concern of yours. I was simply pointing out that my honor is of no concern to you. I should hope you are under no duress to marry me. I assure you I can take care of myself and..." "And just how were you going to take care of this matter? Your reputation is completely ruined with no hopes of repair beyond marriage. Do you think after the contributions I've made to your ruination that I'd simply leave you alone to fend for yourself?" "So I suppose I'm you responsibility? How wonderful for you! You must be overjoyed at the opportunity to save the damsel in distress, the opportunity to be a knight in shining armor!" Her face was red hot with anger, and her eyes were filling with tears she had never wanted him to see. She had never been more beautiful than she was now, her incensed face and brilliant eyes were being monopolized by his eyes.  For the second time since recognizing his love for her, avoiding the true nature of his feelings and letting his other more basal instincts take over as he stared in fascination at her pouty pink lips. Before she could say another word she felt his warm hand reach up and caress her cheek as he pulled her toward him for one of his oh so random and yet extremely passionate kisses, and as usual she'd give in to him wholly. She felt guilty for doing so, knowing all he felt was lust, not the same love she felt for him, but maybe it wasn't so bad. Besides she enjoyed the taste of his lips much too much. He kissed her more passionately pulling her closer to him until she was sitting on his lap. He wanted to cover every inch of her body in kisses, but her clothes seemed to be getting in the way. He groaned as she planted delicate kisses along his jaw line and neck. She was bound to drive him mad. Their passion was reaching new heights, as he began wrestling with the buttons on the back of her gown. The carriage suddenly jerked throwing her off his lap and into the seat across from them, he jerked forward, his face landing right into her cleavage. He looked up from her milky breasts and grinned. I guess we're here. Remind me to pay the driver extra for that smooth stop. Serena's face turned a bright red causing him to chuckle lightly. They got out of the carriage and Serena got her first look at the large estate, Rachel called home. To say the estate was creepy would have been an understatement. The gloomy weather did little for the enormous mansion that in the distance was backed by forest that looked dark and forbidding. It was undoubtedly one of the oldest mansions around. It had been built on the ruins of an old castle and incorporated many different kinds of architecture that only served to increase its dark gloomy and oppressive atmosphere. Serena couldn't imagine living in a place such as this. It brought to mind ideas of ghosts and spirits lurking within its ancient walls. She was sure that if she lived here she would not be able to get a good night's rest due to its gloominess. The inside though warmer was not less depressing. A chill pervaded through all the rooms and though they were beautifully decorated, it made her wary. There were paintings on the wall of Lord Harrison's ancient ancestors and they seemed to stare at her, their creepy eyes following her down each of the dimly lit hallways of the enormous maze of a building. On the walls hung tapestries, possibly as old if not older than the house itself. The family emblem was hung right in the center of the foyer, crossed with medieval swords and daggers. The Count's family was certainly an old one. She was happy when Rachel came to meet them immediately, relieving the creepy looking butler with the slightly hunched back and bad breath who had met them at the door. Rachel had led them inside and her husband had insisted on giving them a tour of the first floor before any of the others arrived. The mansion was enormous, cold and bleak. She found herself standing closer to Darien as his presence seemed more comforting, and his warmth seemed to protect her. Throughout the entire tour Lord Harrison seemed very jovial, and in good humor, better than she remembered him being when he had been at her Uncle's or at any of the events she'd attended in London. He seemed to direct everything he said towards her, which was rather unnerving but she assumed he was just being a good host. Darien didn't feel as assured about Harrison's behavior. He shared glances with Raye as they both contemplated what could have possibly caused his sudden change in behavior. Darien new Harrison well enough, to find this behavior from him particularly disturbing. Having seen Harrison's violent tendencies and drinking habits in person, he had tried to convince Rachel not to marry him, even offering his own hand in marriage. She had of course refused. She had promised her father that she would go through with the wedding and she would not go back on her promise. His parents would have never approved of the wedding anyway; he had been too young at the time. Raye had always been somewhat more practical; in many ways she was his best friend, a relationship that was extremely rare. Serena didn't miss the glances Darien shared with Raye and she just managed to place a bright smile on her face in response to something Lord Harrison said, ignoring the jealous fire burning in the pit of her stomach. She still couldn't understand why he was marrying her, especially if he was attracted to Rachel. He could be so cruel, playing with her heart like this. One minute he waskissing her with so much passion and the other he was looking at another woman even as she stood at his side. She was beginning to wonder of her uncle hadn't threatened him, forcing him to marry her. After spending so much time with him and their last conversation, she wouldn't be too surprised if he had done such a thing. It certainly wasn't beyond the realm of possibility. They did not even manage to complete the tour of the first floor before Rachel's other guests had begun to arrive. She was happier and more comfortable when all the guests, her friends, arrived and dinner finally began. Rachel was feeling particularly good. Dinner was going well and her husband had yet to embarrass her. He seemed to be taking it slowly with the spirits tonight which though odd was a slightly welcome change, at least at the moment. The conversation at the dinner table had been particularly stimulating and Darien and Serena seemed to be relating better to each other. Rachel had spent a good portion of the evening watching the two. She knew Darien well enough to realize his every word and consideration involved her somehow even when they disagreed which they had, often, much to the amusement of the rest of her guests especially Andrew who easily recognized that Darien was completely in love. It wasn't so long ago that he had fallen head over heels with the beautiful lady seated across from him. It seemed all was going well until her husband chose the moment to prove perfection was never meant to last. As they enjoyed their glasses of port in the library with light conversation, he came up behind Rachel and Serena and said just loudly enough for both to hear: "So, my dear, how does it feel to be the slut of society? You must be really wonderful to have captured one like the Duke." Serena went pale and still, shocked and mortified at his suggestion. She began to shake before bursting into tears and running from the room. Everyone turned to see her fleeing figure and hear the sounds of her crying as she went fleeing down the dark hallway unaware as to her direction. Rachel turned to her husband shocked and dismayed at what he'd just said. Fire blazed in her eyes and she was surprised she'd tolerated the pathetic bastard for so long. She raised her hand and slapped him hard across the face. He winced at the stinging pain in his jaw and touched a hand to his face surprised at her defiance. "I always knew you were an uptight little bitch." He raised an arm to hit her across the face but never got the chance as Nicholas had somehow crossed the room and punched him hard in the other jaw. Darien was disappointed that he hadn't got the opportunity to do the same, he'd always hated the bastard and at the moment he was seething. Whatever he had done to upset Serena he was going to pay. Unfortunately, Harrison seemed unfazed by Nicholas' punch and before anyone else had the opportunity to pound on him, he left the room like the coward he was. Everyone was disoriented for a moment. Suddenly Darien and Rachel seemed to have the same idea at the same time and ran off to find where Serena had disappeared. After the leaving the room, Harrison found himself a few moments later in his study.  That had been a mistake. He should have waited until he could have gotten a moment alone with the little slut before he said anything. He needed a drink. He'd first caught sight of her when she'd been swimming in the river, at that hunting expedition the Duke of Mondale had put on. He had been planning to approach her himself when that stupid fop, Wyndham had showed up and taken the opportunity himself. He had walked away when he'd seen them kissing. Knowing Wyndham, he'd probably taken her right there by the river. It wasn't fair he'd seen her first. It was only later not long before the expedition ended that he'd realized that the little slut was the Duke's daughter, pretending to be the innocent little virgin he knew she was not. And Wyndham had the heart to pretend he didn't know her when the duke had introduced her to them. He didn't doubt by that time she was quite happy enjoying her time in his bed. He also didn't doubt that her time would have been better spent in his own. He couldn't help laughing at the irony that it had been a mere kiss, mild compare to the other things he knew she'd done, at some pitiful ball that had had the little whore ousted and shown up for just what she was. He hadn't expected Wyndham to marry her of course. The pathetic man probably felt he had to do the 'honorable' thing. What did he know about honor anyway, the pathetic fool. He picked up the bottle of scotch, the most potent kind that had been resting in the wine cellars for more than three times as long as he'd been alive. He picked up a crystal goblet, to pour the amber liquid in but decided against it, instead putting the bottle to his lips and gulping it in a disgusting manner. He was already well on his way to being drunk. Everyone had been too busy, chatting away to notice the amount of wine he had consumed between that pathetic dinner party and the time they'd spent in the library. Now that he was thoroughly inebriated, he decided it was time he got what he'd been waiting for all evening, that frigid wife of his was no use so he might as well make use of this opportunity. Serena ran fast down the hallway, unaware of tripping up a flight of stairs. She had never been so insulted in her life. Her life had been turned upside down within the last year and everything seemed to be going horribly wrong. Did society really think her a slut and a whore merely for kissing? It just wasn't logical. Why was life always so unfair? She managed to compose herself slightly, and began to dry her tears but she soon realized she had no idea where she was in this maze of a house. It was dark and chilly and she was all alone in the hallway. Looking at the old brick of the walls, she realized she must have run into the oldest part of the house, part of which was still an old castle. She chose to go forwards as she could only see darkness behind her. Ahead of her she could see light coming through a door up ahead. She walked forward in the hallway, turned the corner, and entered the room. The room was all shadows and moonlight coming through an open balcony door that seemed horribly out of place in this section of the house. It must have been added on later. She wondered why the doors were open but didn't spend much time dwelling on it as she walked out onto the balcony. She was surprised to find herself much higher up than she had expected. The land under the balcony must have been lower than the parts of the house, because she couldn't remember going up that many steps. There was a gentle breeze coming in and the sky was still light, despite the late hour. She found herself relaxing as she stared up at the unusually bright half moon, high in the sky; it was a beautiful night. She frowned as the perfection was ruined by the blue-gray clouds covering the light that had seemed to be shining down on her. She was about to go inside when she felt hands on her waist and warm breath on her ear, and the smell of liquor and hot stale breath drifted unpleasantly across her nostrils. She jumped surprised at someone being in the room with her. She tried to turn around but the strong hands wouldn't let her. She started to panic as she felt his hands moving up her body and his tongue on her cheek "I just thought you could do me the same favor you did that pathetic fianc?e of yours. I bet you're quite good at it." "Get off me," She squealed as she tried to wriggle free of him. "Stop acting like you're so innocent you little slut. Just relax and enjoy yourself" "Let go!" She screamed and stomped on his toe for good measure. "Why you little bitch," he yelled angrily, grabbing her and pushing her onto the balcony edge. He pushed her down, trying to get on top of her struggling body, but a kick to the stomach sent him flying back. A pair of hands grabbed him from behind and tried to pull him away. Harrison turned in a rage to see his wife pulling at him, attempting to defend her friend. He lashed out in his rage and hit her hard sending her flying backwards into the room and into Darien who'd rushed in.  He turned back to face Serena who stood as if frozen leaning on the balcony edge. He stumbled towards her and Serena realized that he was completely drunk. He grabbed her but instead of pulling her towards him he pushed her backwards sending them both flying over the edge. Serena screamed as she felt herself falling towards the ground. He hands flailed hoping to find something to hold on to. Her hands caught the balcony railing and she grabbed on and held to it for dear life even as she heard Harrison's body hit the hard ground below with a sickening thud. Darien was stunned as he fell to the floor as Rachel's limp body slammed him into the ground. She seemed to be unconscious but Serena was still in danger. A chill ran through his body as he saw Harrison stumble towards her sending them both flying over the edge. In the few short seconds it took him to get to the balcony he found himself praying that this was all a dream and she would just turn around and call him pompous inconsiderate, rude, and any other insult she wished to toss at him. He wished she he was holding her wet body in his arms again and he prayed that by some miracle, if this wasn't a dream that she'd just appear before him. In the next few moments he blessed his mother's immortal soul for the fairy tales she'd told him when he was young of dreams coming true. His dream was realized as he looked over the balcony's edge to see a frightfully pale Serena hanging on to the edge of the balcony for dear life. Without a second thought he grabbed her hands even as they had begun to slip from the metal bars and pulled her up. He didn't say a word as he held her close to him kissing her hair and touching her face, reassuring himself that she was ok and she was real and not a ghost. "I love you," he whispered in her hair repeatedly making sure she'd never forget the fact should she ever try to leave him again. "I've loved you since you since I challenged you to that fencing match. Don't ever leave me." Serena's eyes opened in shock as she heard him professing his love to her. He loved her. She could hardly believe it. All this time, all this pain and all this worry and he'd loved her. With that thought she kicked him hard in the shin. He stared at her in shock as she separated herself from the warmth of his embrace. "You mean to tell me that I've been upset for all this time. I spent a good portion of my nights crying myself to sleep and you love me? Good heavens, couldn't you have told me this before I was forced to marry you, instead of sullying my reputation?" Darien stared at her in shock, and so did everyone else who had entered the room, including Rachel who had woken up to find herself in Nicholas' comforting embrace. She turned to Lita and asked, "Are men always this inconsiderate or is it only him?" They simply stared at her blankly. Darien sighed in exasperation. "Serena will you please be quiet?" With that he pulled her back in his arms and planted a long passionate kiss on her lips. When he'd stopped she stared into his intense blue eyes. "Are you trying to shut me up again?" "Of course." He kissed her again much to the amusement of their audience. "I thought you said they wouldn't lack conversation," Rachel said, addressing Nicholas. "It seems to me they'll be far to busy to argue." Serena's face was positively glowing. It seemed everything in the room was shining. The high arches of the building welcomed her on the arm of her husband. She was nervous and worried. She sighed as Darien helped to remove her cloak. She hadn't wanted to wear the dress she had on, but Molly had insisted that as a married woman she was allowed to display, what she considered to be, an excessive amount of flesh. She turned around to face her husband and take his hand. She watched as his eyes fell from her face and down to the milky breasts peeping from above the blue silk that matched her brilliant blue eyes. Darien suddenly had the urge to grab his new wife and return to the house from which they had just come and discover what lay beneath the clothing, which just seemed to tease him with the way it accented her perfect figure. Was it his imagination or under his constant attention she seemed to be blooming into an even more beautiful blossom than she had been before, provided that were even possible. He swallowed the urge to kiss her right here in front of the guests waiting before him. He held out his arm and she took it smiling up at him, fascinated at his reaction to her display of skin. Molly just might have been right after all. The way his face had gone pale at the sight of her before the blood rushed to his cheeks had quelled some of the nervous feeling in the pit of her stomach. Tonight would be their first public appearance since their quiet marriage in a small town not far outside Thornwood Manor, their new home. She knew the gossipmongers had heard of the engagement and had suspected the marriage, she wondered if they would accept her. Darien sensed her discomfort, and he whispered in her ear as they made their entrance down the grand staircase, just as the steward announced their presence as Duke and Duchess Westmoreland.  She didn't even see the eyes staring up at her as she laughed lightly as Darien whispered his love in her ear. "Ignore them," he said softly. "You are my wife and that's all that matters." That said he nibbled on her ear, which luckily went unnoticed by the throng of dancers and onlookers below. What didn't go unnoticed was her laughter and the whispering and the way Darien was looking at her. There was no doubt that the Duke Westmoreland was thoroughly besotted with his own wife, unusual considering many men of his age and status had a mistress and showed no real affection for their own spouses. The loving couple was the talk of the ton. Darien held the tiny babe in his hand. She giggled and squealed with joy, her brilliant blue eyes shining just like her mother's. Her older brother seemed fascinated with his tiny baby sister and spent as much time as he was allowed playing with her, protecting her by claiming himself a knight in shining armor. It seemed the only time he abandoned the poor child whom he'd taken to calling Cat, a shortened version of Catherine, was when his Great Uncle, the Duke arrived. The two were almost inseparable. The Duke was completely taken with young Darien, spending as much time as he could with the young boy. He was a completely different man when with his niece and nephew. It was sweet really, although Serena found it oddly amusing watching the young boy attempting to choose between his handsome father and his doting Great Uncle. It was a hard decision and he tried not to offend his father too much. Life was finally complete for Serena, she had a loving husband two beautiful children and her best friends had recently married. Raye, after completing the traditional mourning period had married Nicholas and of course Mina had finally married her fianc?e Jason. Life was good, and it seemed the love she felt in her own heart and saw in the faces of her friends and family would last forever.