Chapter 6

It was very early in the morning, the sun had barely risen, but Annalise was awake. She pushed back her covers and got out of bed as quietly as possible. She was so quiet that one could barely hear the pitter-patter of her bare feet moving around the room.

An early morning ride through the estate was a part of Annalise's morning routine, and this morning would be no exception. She tiptoed down the stairs, a thick robe in one hand and a pair of flat shoes in the other. Annalise successfully sneaked off to the stables, where her beloved purebred horse, Blaze, was already prepared for her.

"Thank you, Jimmy." She said to her favourite stable boy.

"Anytime, miss." He tipped his hat in appreciation, giving her a toothy grin.

As Annalise mounted her horse, she thought of spending some time at the lake. Her visit would only be for an hour or so because if she stayed any longer, her mother would be upset and insist she returns to prepare for her day.

"Let us go, Blaze." She cooed in the ear of her horse.

True to its name, Blaze moved with agility and blazing speed. The horse swiftly past the manor hall and made it look smaller and in the distance until it was no longer visible. Now she was home to only trees and all the greenery of nature.

Eventually, the horse slowed down on its own, maybe due to making this trip countless times as if knowing they were just inches away from their destination. This was the most special place in Annalise's entire estate and probably in the world. The crystal clear lake seemed most calming and refreshing at that time of the day. Maybe this was the reason she liked it so much because it was quiet, just herself and her thoughts.

The only sounds to be heard were the sweet singing of birds on the trees, the splashing of fish in the lake with the occasional neighing of Blaze whenever he was enjoying fresh grass sprinkled with crystal beads of morning dew.

Annalise sat down on a nearby stone bench under a white willow tree after safely securing Blaze and produced a small journal and an inked quill from the pockets of her robe. She opened its worn-out pages before focusing on life outside the water, the shrubs, herbs, flowers and grasses surrounding her.

Reaching out beside her, she carefully plucked a couple of flowers and then studied them intently, writing out her findings. Annalise always liked botany; it had been that way for as long as she could remember, and the interest grew with each passing day. It was no mere hobby as Antoinette constantly prayed she would outgrow. On the contrary, Annalise was passionate about it, and her papa, George, supported and encouraged her with every botanical material he possessed.

However, her mama did not support this and wished she pursued this fruitless course no further. A woman should not become too knowledgeable or enlightened in her opinion. It would make her lose her femininity. Men did not appreciate that, and if she was going to have any chance of attracting a suitable suitor, she should not either. According to Antoinette, the lack of talent was the true virtue of a woman, and she should concern herself with matters appropriate to a proper Lady.

"Oh, dear!" Annalise exclaimed, discovering a lot of time had gone by, so she jumped to her feet, quickly untied Blaze, and they headed back the same way they came.

"Milady. You are awake." Clara said, not too surprised, upon entry. She found Annalise sitting at the edge of her bed.

"Yes, I am." Annalise feigned a yawn, stretching her hands over her head.

Clara was not fooled. Instead, she gave her a sly look. "I am sure you could not contain your excitement as you will have many male visitors today." She proceeded to open the curtains, which allowed sunlight to flood the entire room.

"Oh." Annalise's brow furrowed with disappointment. The little time she had outdoors made all her worries evade her. "I had forgotten all about that."

"I shall draw you a bath, milady." Clara gave her a comforting smile before leaving to get things ready.

Annalise sighed. She wished she did not have to go through this, her parents arranging matches they thought were best for her. Of course, they would thin the herd by selecting wealthy gentlemen with flawless reputations and impeccably strong family ties. Regardless, this does not change the fact that she would be getting married to a complete stranger. This was not what she wanted.

Annalise wanted to be free, travel the world, further pursue her education and not spend her day learning embroidery or housekeeping management. Could there not be more to life for her than getting married and bearing children?

There was a brief rap on the door. It was Antoinette, and she wasted no time making her entry.

"Bonjour ma chérie." It was her mama. She walked in with Annalise's maids. Antoinette was beaming. You could tell she was looking forward to this even more than Annalise was. She kissed her on both cheeks.

"Bonjour, mama," Annalise replied, not even returning half of her Antoinette's energy.

"Ma chérie, your bath is ready." Annalise's maids helped her undress, ridding her of the light piece of fabric on her slender frame. They helped her into the bath, and she sunk into its warmth and sighed with contentment.

Antoinette sat on a small stool beside her daughter. "Several distinguished gentlemen have sent out calling cards to our Nirvana Hall. Some were present at her majesty's court and had theirs sent immediately after you were presented."

Annalise shut her eyes, drawing her knees to her chest. "But of course, your father and I did some background checks and narrowed them down. You would be meeting a few of them today."

"How many?" Annalise asked, still with her eyes closed.

Antoinette hesitated. "Twenty-Six."

"TWENTY-SIX!" Her eyes popped open. "You said there will be a few."

"Oui, they are a few considering the number we received in total and the ones we are still expecting."

"There are more?" Annalise could not believe what her ears were hearing.

"Oui ma chérie, but it will all be over soon." She said in a miserable attempt to pacify her. "Now hurry, girls," She gestured to the maids. "Our guests will be here soon."

Clara and Susan quickly tended to her bath. Despite Annalise having two personal maids, with the assistance of Lady Grace. Antoinette could not just sit aside and let them do their jobs, constantly interfering in one way or the other.

In a way, Annalise understood and could relate with her mama. After leaving France, her country and home behind to get married to George. Antoinette tried hard to bear a child over the years but was always

heartbroken and devastated when she could never carry a baby to its full term. The heavens finally heard her cries and shone brightly on her, and they had their miracle child, their precious Annalise.