Ella sat idly at her library's bay window, listening to John retell the ending of the latest story she had lent him. Hearing his excitement over the little details within the book began to fill her with emotion that she has spent the past few weeks trying to shut off.
As she looked out at the vast yard of Knighton Park, she wondered if she would ever share these small joyous moments with the young boy she had tutored these past few years.
"Miss. Ella may I ask you something?" John asked shyly.
"Always John."
"Who will help me with my reading once you're gone?"
"I'm sure Becca will, and if you're extra sweet mother will as well. In fact I made sure to let her know that anytime you wished you may borrow any book you wanted for here. Plus I'm expecting many letters about how much you've enjoyed them."
"What if I find one you have yet to read?"
"Then I shall hunt down a copy and read along side you!"
John suddenly jumped from his seat and wrapped Ella in a warm hug.
"I'm going to miss you Miss. Ella."
"And I you John. Now we must hurry along, we mustn't be late for today's services."
"No that would do us no good Miss."
After spending several painstaking hours preparing for her wedding, Ella found herself standing beside Lord Winters in the village church as the Reverend spoke. She took a brief moment to scan all the faces new and old that filled up the pews of the church. Seeing such somber faces made her think she was at a funeral instead of a wedding and could not help but chuckle at the ridiculousness of it all. As tears begin to prickle at the corner of her eyes, the Reverend looks at her with concern.
"Oh, my apologies, it's just such a lovely sermon and I just cannot contain my emotions on this beautiful day!"
The Reverend simply sighed as she looked towards James, who looked down at her with a surprising smirk on his face.
******
The rest of the day passed in a blur as acquaintances give Ella their well wishes all the while eating cake and sipping tea in Knighton Parks' vast gardens. As she took in a brief moment of solitude, Ella's mother approached her.
"Oh my dear Ella, I do hope you have at least a little bit of joy in the coming days."
"Mother please, you know all to well I often find joy in simply observing those around me."
"I'm most certain the whole church witnessed that today."
"As father says, "If one does not find humor in their own misfortunes, then they shall never laugh."
"Truly wise words." Mr. Hunter spoke as he joined his wife and daughter.
"Only you would believe laughing at oneself is wise dear."
Ella watched as her parents fondly gazed at one another and she became all to aware that it may be the last in a while that she would be able to interact with them. Lost in her thoughts her father began to speak.
"Now now now, let us enjoy this moment without teasing each other."
"That hardly sounds fun father."
As they all shared a laugh Ella noticed James cautiously make his way towards the three of them. In that moment she could not help but notice what appeared to be guilt flash across his striking blue eyes.
"I am sorry to interrupt, but we must be off."
"Lord Winters I do wish you luck. This one can be quite a handful." Mrs. Hunter slyly stated.
"I shall do my best to endure, Mrs. Hunter."
Ella and her new husband settled into the carriage that would whisk them away to her new home. As they drove away she could not help but look back to all of her waving friends and she could not help but shrink just as her childhood home did the further they drove away.
******
As the last light of the day finally began to fade, the gloomy grey of dusk took over the last bit of orange and pink from the setting sun. As Ella looked to the horizon she could not help but think back on the journey that had led her there.
The after wedding "celebration" was cut short, not painfully so, by James' eagerness to be on the road. Ella was not entirely sure if it was because he could no longer tolerate the people she had spent her life with, or because he was as uncomfortable as she was by the hollow showers of affection.
Thus far the two of them had traveled a few hours through the northern English countryside, heading south towards her new home. The only stop along the way had been briefly at an inn for a quick meal and the rest the horses. As with the rest of the journey, the meal was taken in near silence between the two of them, only speaking simple pleasantries on how they enjoyed the food.
Ella found it odd though, thinking back, that the silence was not considerably uncomfortable. Or comfortable for that matter, it was just silence. Maybe listening to Becca's constant droning about her romance novels made her think she should feel at least some small amount of awkwardness. But alas no, nothing at all.
"We should be arriving soon." James' sudden voice broke her reverie.
"Wonderful. I cannot wait to see Hamsfield Manor, I have heard it is quite beautiful."
"Yes I suppose it is."
Ella softly smiled at the bit of pride she could detect in his voice. But before she could ask more, the carriage is stirred, turning down a smaller drive shrouded by trees before slowing to a stop.
James quickly offered his hand to help her out of the carriage and just as quickly removed it as Ella's feet stepped firmly on the ground. She barely register his less than subtle attempt at distance, because she was taken by the view in front of her.
Hamsfield Manor was nothing as she had pictured it. Ella had expected some grand overly done estate that most noble heirs seem to be know for. No, Hamsfield is simple in its elegance. Rose bushes line the front of the house, giving it an almost romantic fell. Carefully maintained vines crawled up the pillars that held up the covering to the front doors. It was difficult to tell in the darkness that night brought, but the Manor itself seemed to be painted a light color, which contrasted the what appeared to be grey window shades. Somehow Hamsfield Manor was both grand and homely at the same time.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the approach of an older gentleman and a younger woman, both of whom bowed and curtsied respectfully.
"My Lord, My Lady, welcome home." The gentleman announced.
"Thank you Mr. Collins. I assume everything has been prepared."
"Yes My Lord. Lady Ella, It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Robert Collins, Hamsfield Manors butler. If it pleases you, allow me to introduce, Jane, your lady's maid."
"Pleased to meet you My Lady."
Jane curtsied to Ella again and she took a calming breath remembering this was her life now.
"The pleasure is all mine Mr. Collins, Jane."
"The kitchen staff has made small offerings if you are hungry." Collins dutifully said.
"Thank you Collins, but the journey has been long and I am sure Lady Ella would care to rest as would I."
Ella tried to hold herself steady. It was only now after the long day that it began to sink in that there is still one bit of business left as part of the wedding day. And that was to consummate the marriage.