2 Chapter 1

Windamere Estate

1794, England Countryside

Spring

Olivia couldn't sleep any longer, she was to excited because it was her 19th birthday today. It was today where Michael would be visiting this afternoon, and where he promised her last year at her 18th birthday to propose to her. They were going to spend the rest of their lives together.

She couldn't stop smiling, knowing she will be Michael's wife.

Olivia laid there in bed and could see the light coming through the window in her bedroom. She was wide awake, when she suddenly heard a knock on the door, it's was Lisa. "Are you awake miss Olivia?"

"I'm awake Lisa. You can come in." Lisa came in then and she was holding a large box in her hands. "You're new gown just came in from the seamstress. Would you like to put it on now?"

"Yes, I was thinking about wearing it today since it is my birthday. And Michael will be visiting later this afternoon."

"I believe that will be a wonderful idea." Lisa smiled at her, and then she set the box on the edge of the bed. Olivia sat up then and got out of her bed. Lisa went over to open the curtains and opened them. The window overlooked the gardens and in the distance you could see the pond. "It looks like it's going to be a rare sunny day outside. Before I forget your father wanted to let you know he had to leave early this morning to your uncle's estate on urgent business. He will be home for this evening for your birthday dinner."

"I hope everything is alright? I wonder if Marie will still be coming later this evening?" Olivia was concerned hoping it wasn't anything serious. "Let's see the new dress." Lisa opened up the box containing the gown, and she pulled it out of the box. The gown itself was a pale blue color and white lace around the edges of the sleeves. "It's going to look so beautiful on you miss. You going to wear it this evening for the dinner party?"

"Yes, I'll wear it this evening, but for now I think I'll wear the pale yellow day dress."

"Would you like me to fix your hair, would like it up or leave it down?"

"Maybe leave it down, but pin it half it back." Olivia sat down in front of the mirror and Lisa began brushing her hair. Olivia's hair was a dark auburn color, wavy and it went past her shoulder. "So today is the day Michael is returning home?" Olivia couldn't help herself and smiled. "Yes, he's returning home today from Greece. Can you imagine seeing all kinds of different places."

"Perhaps one day he can take you with him?"

Lisa smiled for she knew how much Michael and Olivia felt for one another. She was her main confident, and was dearest friend in the world. "Let's make you look extra beautiful for Michael then." Lisa started working Olivia's hair, when there was a knock on the door. "Come in."

It was Olivia's cousin Marie, the two of them have grown up together and are really close. Marie and her were like sisters and shared everything. Olivia could trust Marie with the truth about her and Michael. They were the only two people she could trust in telling them about the promise Michael had made to her a year ago. His promise that one year after her 18th birthday he wanted to marry her and make her his wife. She had loved him for many years, and he loved her back but neither one never told the other one until last year. Olivia knew she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him.

"That dress looks good on you cousin, and I like the way your hair is let down and half pulled back like that. I'm sure when Michael would love that. Before I forget, happy birthday. I have a gift for you." Marie handed her a small gift wrapped box, Olivia opened the box. Inside was a silver bracelet with little charms and glass blue glass beads on it. "Oh Marie it's beautiful, thank you so much." She leaned over to give her cousin a hug. "You're welcome. Now I'll let you finish getting ready."

"Marie before you leave, do you know why my father had to leave very early this morning to meet with your father?"

"He didn't say anything to me nor did my father, but you know that I have other sources." Marie was always finding out information and gossip from everyone. I knew she would know something that was going with Olivia's father.

"I did over hear some of the valet talking with one of the groomsmen." Marie leaned in closer to Olivia to tell her what she had heard. Lisa also leaned in, all three of us trusted one another with secrets. "Supposedly my father received a threatening letter from a business partner who claimed that he was cheated out of his share. When meanwhile the man had gambled all of his inheritance into investing into a poor profit. My father, and yours were in on this deal. And now they have to deal with this man."

"Thank goodness it wasn't Michael's company that wasn't involved in the scheme. I don't his business to fall into ruin."

"No, he didn't invest in this venture with our fathers. It is to be handled, from what I over heard from this morning."

"They didn't see you did they?"

"No, I wasn't seen. I'm just glad Michael's company wasn't involved with that awful scheme. Well, everything will be taken care of, at least that is what I over heard."

Olivia was relieved to know Michael wasn't involved, and that her father's business wouldn't be threatened any longer. "I'll let Lisa here finish getting your ready. Isn't Michael to be arriving soon?" Olivia didn't even realize what time it was, it almost 11:00 and he was coming around noon. "Yes, I need to finish getting ready. I'll see you later tonight then cousin?" Marie leaned over and hugged her. "I'm really happy for you, and you will make a beautiful bride." Marie then turned and left the room, and Lisa turned back to finish styling her hair. "I'm so happy for you too miss." Lisa patted her on the shoulder, and Olivia took her hand and squeezed it. She couldn't wait to see him, her beloved.