Chapter 1

London

Monday, 28 March 1853

"Annalise, where are you off to ?" Antoinette questioned.

"Bonjour mama, Bonjour papa." Annalise kissed both her parents on the cheek before running out the door. "Riding with cousin Edward."

"Riding again?" Antoinette scoffed. "This early?"

"Love you, mama." The door slammed shut.

Antoinette eyed her husband, expecting him to say something.

George flipped a page of his newspaper. "Do not look at me. She is your daughter, after all."

"Correction, our daughter." She reminded.

"Yes, dearest." He laughed at his wife's sombre expression. "Our precious daughter." Then he took her hand and kissed it. "Well, my dear, I shall be off as well. The Parliament meets this morning. I shall be back momentarily." He gave her a gentle pat on her hand before walking out with his paper in hand.

"Slow down, Annalise." George heard his nephew, Edward, yell, chasing vigorously after his daughter.

"Catch me if you can, Edward." She giggled, increasing her pace. Annalise loved this feeling, the thrill, the wind in her hair and the freedom. What in the world could be better than this feeling?

They ran past trees, a vast number of beautiful green trees, before she gently guided her horse to a halt near a small lake. Annalise got down from her horse, securing it to a sturdy branch before taking off her shoes.

"Cousin, what on earth are you doing?" Edward looked dumbfounded when he finally caught up with her.

"Join me." Annalise beamed happily as she walked into the edge of the lake and splashed water at him with her stockinged feet.

Edward panicked, sliding off his horse as fast as he could as the image of a furious aunt Antoinette flashed in his mind.

"Annalise Gabrielle Beacroft." He did not look pleased. "Just look at you." He gestured to all of her. "Is this how a proper lady ought to behave? And that is exactly what you are, A Lady."

"But," She protested, but he did not have it.

"I said out!" His tone did not leave room for further discussion.

Annalise hung her head, not wanting to upset him any further. But she could not help a bad idea that slid into her mind.

"Ow, my leg. It hurts." She cried.

"Are you unwell?" Edward rushed to her knee-deep into the water, and his boots got wet.

"I do not know what is wrong." She feigned.

"Let me have a look." He bent down to assess the problem. That was a terrible mistake on his path because as soon as he did, Annalise pushed him in and then ran out laughing.

Edward was soaked to the core. "Oh, just wait till I get my hands on you." He lamented as water dripped down his clothes.

Annalise quickly donned her shoes and got on her horse, knowing Edward would give her a good chase, so it was best to have a head start.

"Well, Edward Beacroft." She said mockingly. "You would have to catch me first. Hiya!" And off she went.