A Persevering Lady

Prologue

Prologue

Suffolk country

Witherspoon Manor

1812

"There you are again." Edward Lancaster resisted startling at the voice that had just sounded in his ears. He knew from experience that Lady Annalise liked creeping up on him whenever he came to do his biddings in the Witherspoon manor. In fact, he dare say he had grown accustomed to it and even looked forward with enthusiasm, to these little moments they often stole to play together. The little moments they spent away from the eyes of her watchful parents. Only a few servants knew of their friendship. Apart from her peculiar habits, he had come to know the little Lady's voice so well, that it was one he would recognise anywhere, even in his dreams. So yes, as much as he might have been caught unawares, he was anything but surprised by Annalise's sudden appearance.

Immediately, he rose to his feet, and dusted his arms and clothes, feeling as conscious as he always did in her presence. How could he not? For Annalise, no matter her all of just twelve summers, was the fairest maiden he had ever set his eyes upon. She always looked neat, perfectly gorgeous and poise to the finish. The grace with which she carried herself at such a tender age, assured him of the unmatchable beauty she would be when she eventually transforms into a woman, in the years to come.

"Good day mi'lady. I wasn't quite sure if you were home." His bow was grateful, deep, and even as he stood, Edward could not quite look her in the eye. Though Edward was not of noble birth, he was quite the scholar and his father had made his education, the little of what he could afford, his priority. For this reason, Edward spoke quite well and was eagerly becoming acquainted with words and letters so much, that he could read and write, almost like the young boys of noble birth. He would never be a Eaton or Oxford product but he didn't mind one bit. He would take the meagre private coaches, over nothing else, any day.

Annalise snorted but was quick to catch herself, stopping the unladylike sound with a hand to her mouth. As she felt better in control, she dropped the hand, clasping the other in front of her, just like she had been taught, and settled into a smile. As always, she was charmed by this friend of hers who ever chose to remain formal around her.

"Of course I'd be home Edward. Where else would I be? Father is yet to return from his visit to London and mother has visitors from the peerage over. As always, I've been left to my own devices. Though I must admit I have not become any better with telling the time so I only got to know you were around when I heard the maid talking about the new utensils you have just delivered. It took me nothing to find you here."

Edward smiled at that, happy that she had thought him significant enough to seek out. He held her her eyes. The unusual colour of brown and golden flecks surrounding it's globe, pulling him in for a brief moment. He blinked as he recovered, then lowered his gaze again.

"I am quite sorry to hear of your boredom mi'lady. I have some time to spare before I am needed at the shop. Perhaps, if you wouldn't mind, I could find something to entertain you with in that time?"

Her laughter was more graceful this time and it's gale pleased Edward. Without thinking, Annalise linked her arms with the boy's and broke into a walk, causing Edward to follow.

"Oh Edward. You amuse me so, any time you choose to be so formal with me. We have been friends for almost a two summers now and you know very well that you are free to address me as one. There is no need to call me 'mi'lady' and I do not appreciate the bowing either."

Edward felt his cheeks grow red at her reprimand, although the smile on her face calmed any alarm he might have felt. Her lady was not crossed with him, despite the fact that he could never bring himself to act informally around her as she would like.

"You speak so wisely, like you have been around for more seasons than your years." He dared to tease in return, knowing fully well she would not take offence. Indeed, she did not, giggling instead.

"And you are only seventeen, Edward, but God help me, you remind me of father some times. I can easily conclude that my wisdom is due to my acquaintance with you." He smiled at that, intelligent enough to see the compliment embedded in that simple statement.

"My father says a man must be sharp and wise, if he is to have any success in leading his household and managing his affairs." Annalise appeared to ruminate over that before speaking.

"It sounds like something my father would say too." Then she paused, sighing tiredly. The pout that settled for a flash second betrayed her for the child she really was.

"Enough of the adult talk Edward. You promised to make my afternoon worthwhile. I must admit, I look forward to whatever delight you have for me today. There is always something new up your sleeves."

If pride was a person, it would bear the name Edward, for the lad's shoulder immediately squared, his ears grinning at her praise."Your praises flatter me mi'la... Annalise." He quickly corrected himself as her gaze turned to slits and a smile tugged at his lips. "Nonetheless, they inspire me to do better, to attain your expectations of me."

Annalise abruptly stopped, causing him to too. She looked worried when he turned to look at her and he feared he might have spoken out of turn.

"Is anything amiss mi'lady?" She rolled her eyes at that and he breathed, relief filling his lungs.

"You said nothing wrong Edward. I just do not want you thinking I am setting impossible heights for you. You are my friend and if we only spend hours looking at the sky, it would not in any way, be less enjoyable."

Reassured by her response and adding to the list of reasons why he admired the young lady Witherspoon, Edward nodded his understanding, a smile on his face.

"If that is so, I know a good spot where we could sit and watch the sun set, without gifting you more freckles. Although, you look all the more pretty for them." The smile she bestowed upon him then made him feel like the richest man on earth. Still, it was the pink that stained her cheeks that told his young heart that this was far beyond friendship. No indeed, for no matter the disparity in their ages and class, it was no secret, only to Edward, that he cared for Annalise in a special way, beyond friendly fondness and admiration. What that meant, he did not know. All he knew was that he loved spending time in her company.

Her giggling brought him out of his thoughts and as she said "In that case, take me there right away", they continued their walk.

True to his words, Edward found a nice shade not too far away from the house and close enough to the stables where stable hands could easily see them. However, instead of watching the sun set, he taught her how to make a kite and fly it, out of paper, sticks and a rope. He had come prepared, in anticipation of this time out.

Her happiness reflected his own as she ran around the tree, playing with the kite she had quickly picked up on how to make. As he watched her, her soft peach day dress flowing around her, her gale laughter filling the silence, his heart warmed. Annalise was special, but he knew better than to wish for more than they had. For he was but of lowly birth with no wealth or title to his name and while he hoped the attain the former, the latter was likely never to be in his grasp. How could he hope to offer for her hand years from now? As much as he would love to, Annalise deserved so much better. Someone who could give her all the good life she deserved. It was not him.

He was apparently so lost in his thoughts, watching her play that he did not realize the commotion that was happening just outside the stables, did not see Lord Witherspoon return from his trip. Did not see him come down from his carriage and immediately get drawn to the sight of his daughter playing in the field, unchaperoned. If he had, maybe he would have taken off and maybe... Just maybe he and Annalise would have had more time before fate so cruelly ripped them apart.

For when he did, it was already too late and Lord Witherspoon was staring at him, eyes hard, wondering what the black smith's son, was doing with his dear blue-blooded daughter, all alone in a field of grass, in his home.