In the early hours of the morning Ella Hunter laid awake, painfully aware that this was the last day of whatever freedom she once had. As she tried to remind herself that she made this choice to save what little reputation her family has left in this world, she heard a faint knock coming from her bedroom door.
"Ella? Are you awake?"
"Unfortunately Becca. Please come in."
Rebecca Chambers, Ella's eldest friend, had been by her side throughout. But even she was surprised by Ella's decision to agree to an arranged marriage. Of course explaining that the whole reason for it was to ease her parents pain from the constant shunning from society do to some unfortunate rumors that she was in part responsible for, was not as easy as one would expect.
"Well you certainly look joyful on the eve of your big day." Becca's light hearted chuckle filled the darkened room.
"My dear friend, you have enough joy in you for us both."
"Nonsense Ella! You are the one that lights up the room whenever you enter."
Becca headed over to the window and opened the heavy curtains causing a burst morning of light to encase the room. As Ella's eyes adjusted to the flood of light, she saw Becca twirling a strand of blonde hair around her finger.
"I still don't understand the need for this. I just hope it's not because of all the drama she caused." Her bright blue eyes looked at Ella in seriousness.
Ella could not help but wince at the reminder of her younger sister.
"I believe drama is a light way to describe the mess that Annabelle made."
"But Ella, to throw your life away....." Ella raised her hand to interrupt the pleading in her eyes.
"I'm not throwing anything away, I'm simply trying to find the best way to make everyone happy."
"At the expense of you own." Her words came out almost as a whisper.
"You never know, this could end up like one of those fanciful romance poems of yours."
"Ha! If that was the case I would have found a husband long ago." Ella felt relief to see her smile return.
The two ladies sat on Ella's bed until their laughter finally subsided, and they began the task of readying themselves for the long day ahead.
******
As Ella and Becca began the journey to the nearby village, Ella took a moment to take in the world around her. The sun was shining high in the sky illuminating the lush green fields surrounding the small dirt road she and Becca walked. The road itself was shaded plentifully by the row of trees that lined it.
A light breeze pleasantly blew, slightly ruffling their dresses. Becca was radiant in a pale yellow dress that matched her blonde hair perfectly. By comparison Ella wore a dark red dress against her twilight black hair. The dress of which Becca felt appropriate to wear to showcase Ella's mourning period as she liked to joke. To match her humor and to add to Ella's gloom, Ella had paired her outfit with a parasol for extra drama.
"At least it is a beautiful afternoon." Becca twirled for added effect.
"Which we could have spent at home instead of dealing with the disapproving stares of the townspeople."
"Oh Ella, you know not everyone in town thinks you are a creature of evil. Plus I must find ribbons to match my dress for your wedding!" Becca added with a wink.
"I suppose it will be the last time in awhile I'll be here so I might as well send my farewells to those whom actually like me."
"That's the spirit! Maybe someone will also have news of your betrothed."
Ah, yes, her betrothed. The mysterious Lord Winters. Rumor had it he kept mostly to himself and his small group of companions. Ella's father's meeting of Lord Winters' father, the Earl of Dorset, was a mere accident which turned out to be mutually beneficial. While her family needed a link to a upstanding connection in society, the Winters' need Ella's rather sizable dowry.
As the ladies approached the village Ella's thoughts were interrupted by a young boy running their way.
"Miss. Hunter! Miss. Chambers! You must come quick! Miss. Peters is speaking quite ill of you Miss. Hunter to some new folk who just arrived!" The boy shouted in between breaths.
"Well this all seem rather shocking indeed!" Becca said with honey layered sarcasm.
"I'm going to pretend I didn't hear your sarcasm as clearly young master John here is worried for my reputation unlike most here."
Ella and Becca followed John deeper in to the village while containing their laughter to deal with whatever is ahead.