We travel a short time longer then come to a huge manor.

"Is that yours?" looking out at the massive house we are pulling up to.

"It is as it will soon be yours also since we are basically engaged now. Our announcement will be out in the town news tomorrow."

The carriage pulls up, stopping then he helps me out as I look at the huge manor that stands before us.

"Come, let me show you around." I take his arm as he leads me into the front door. He shows me all the different rooms, dining room, ballroom, bathing rooms, kitchen area, the parlor, a room where he tells me that I will be doing my embroidery work with the society women. "Now, the best room in the house, in my opinion" as he pushes the doors open to his bedroom that is decorated with dark blue colors, having silver trim all over the place along with a huge four-post bed that stands in the middle of the room.

"Your house is amazing. It looks like a King lives here."

He puts up his pointer finger. "Almost, but not quite."

"So, where will I be staying until the ceremony?" He sweeps his arm around the room. "What? I can't; we're not married yet."

"It's my house, my rules, so what does it matter? It's not like you are a whore or something. I will be your first and your last, so it doesn't matter if we wait or not."

"But....." he puts his finger over my lips.

"No buts, this is your room now, just like it is mine. Come, we need to see my seamstress getting you the proper attire for your title also."

We walk to an area in the back of the house; he opens the door. An older lady stands up, bows then smiling at both of us.

"Good afternoon, your Grace. How may I help you today?"

"Amelia, I need dresses for my fiancée. She will need ball gowns, regular clothes to wear around the manor, along a wedding dress. The ball is in four days, and the wedding is in six."

Amelia smiles a little "Congratulations, sir. I didn't realize that you had taken a fancy to a lady. She is very beautiful."

"That she is. I will leave you so you can get her sizes to get started."

"Yes, sir" he leaves, and she comes over to me. "Take your dress off" as her hand motions to my attire.

"Ok, thank you," trying to remember my manners.

"For what, milady?" her eyes snap to mine.

"For doing this," nodding to the cloth on the table.

"It's my job; you are very polite for a noble."

"I was raised to be thankful for everything that is given to you in your life. Not to take things for granted."

"You were raised differently then. Your parents didn't raise a snobby brat that demands everything now. That's good with being a nice breath of fresh air. A lot of the women think I can snap a finger having it done. You're going to be a delightful woman to have in the household."

Looking at her, "You live here in the manor?"

"Yes, milady. I have quarters downstairs. Most of us live down there or in the multiple houses outback" as she points towards the back wall.

"How long have you worked for Nicholas?" just trying to get a little information on him.

"I have worked here for about fifteen years. His father hired my mother when I was a teenager learning her trade. She is still here but retired now."

"Do you enjoy working for him?" trying to push for some more information on him.

"Yes, the master is nice. As long as you don't cross him, we are not punished. If you do, the punishment is horrible. Whippings, starvation, or even exile off his lands."

My mind whirls at the difference from where I came from to here. "I hope not to see that. I don't like to see beatings or punishments of anyone."

"It doesn't happen much, but there have been a few. He makes the servants from whatever area watch the punishment saying it shows them what can happen to them, so it usually turns them away from trying anything that might be defying him."

"Well, hopefully, nothing else will happen," twisting my fingers slowly around each other.

"What all do I need to make for you miss?" as she changes the subject.

"I need a few everyday dresses, a ball gown for my engagement ball in four days. Our wedding is in six days, so that I will need one for that day also."

"What are your favorite colors, miss?" nodding over to tables of cloth that are laying not far off.

"Blue and purple. He said the wedding dress needs to be white, of course. I will wear about any color dress, though. He wants me to look like a duchess also," wringing my hands slowly.

"Yes, mam. I have a dress started but needed to get your sizes. He told me yesterday to start on a ball gown, so I did. Just have to see what your size is so that I can put the two halves together." She measures me then smiles. "Ok then, I have everything I need right now. This ball gown will be done by tomorrow. I will also have a couple of your dresses done in a few days. Your wardrobe is my main priority right now."

Laying my hand on her arm gently, "Thank you so much. I appreciate everything you will be doing for me."

Her smile is warm as she answers, "Your welcome, Miss."

I walk out of the room, trying to start back towards the bedroom. I make a wrong turn winding up in a section of the house that's very dark, looking like no one has been in for years. A cold wind blows down the hallway, making me shiver. It's not a huge area, a smaller hall with about four doors in it. I walk up to one turning the knob as it opens; I push the door open slowly. When I walk in, there is a bedroom decorated up in pink frilly bedspread, curtains covered with a ton of small girl things. A beautiful white rocking horse sits in the corner with pink bows in its mane and tail. As I walk around slowly looking, it is a beautiful room. I wonder why it looks like this, and no one is staying in here.

"What are you doing?" his voice makes me jump as he snarls behind me.

Saying in a worried voice, "I took a wrong turn accidentally winding up here. Who's room is this?"

He grabs my arm, dragging me out of the room, then closes, making sure he locks the door. "These rooms are off-limits. Do I make myself clear?"

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry. I'm still learning my way around this big house," hoping he is not mad at me.

His voice is cold and harsh. "Well, next time, instead of poking your nose where it doesn't belong, then ask for directions."

Nodding my head slowly, "Yes, of course. I am very sorry." He guides me out of the area back into the main area of the house. "Is there a library I can go to?"

His demeanor changes a little now. "Of course, I'm not poor, you know. It's this way." We walk down a long hall with gold accents and high ceilings. After turning a corner, he pushes on two heavy wooden doors; then we walk in, a huge library. "You may stay here for a short while if you would like. Supper is in an hour, so I will come back to retrieve you at that time." He turns around, walking out; I can't figure out why he is so cold. What happened to him? That's a mystery that I will figure out soon.