- Ralph Waldo Emerson, Emerson in His Journals

Rhea was sitting at her writing desk and staring at the blank sheet in placed in front of her. She was so ashamed of her actions towards Lord Vale that she decided to express her apologies through a letter.

But what was she to write? She couldn't even look the man in his face? How was she to compose a letter requesting for forgiveness?

She looked out upon the field that the Hemmingway's owned in the back. It was a beautiful landscape. She had remembered painting such a serene scene. The trees blew with the wind and rustled among each other. The lake was broad and full of life. Winter had finally passed and it made the outdoors look lively and welcoming. At the moment, she longed to frolick in the gardens, but there were matters she had to attend to that did not allow for such freedom.

A knock sounded on her door. "Come in." she called out, not looking to see who it is.

"Are you ready for mornin' ride?" her maid, Lily, asked. Rhea turned to smile.

"Yes. I presume Lady Edmond awaits?" Rhea asked, moving to the screen to change.

"Yes, milady." Lily agreed.

"When I'm gone, Lily, please find me my paints and put them in the yellow room. I believe I'll be occupying that room 'til the eve." Rhea murmured. Lily nodded and left as soon as she girded Rhea with her riding habit.

Lily followed Rhea until they came into view of the parlor. "Oh and Lily?" Lily turned to meet her lady's eyes. "Don't tell my parents where I am to be today."

Lily nodded and scurried out. Rhea had still did not resume speaking with her father and mother. She couldn't believe they had lied to her. Would it have mattered if they told the truth? Would it have changed anything?

Rhea sighed. It probably would, but she respected her parents enough to follow along with their wishes. She was not one to defy, she was honorable.

She had avoided her father and mother at all costs, she simply wasn't ready to see them as of yet. It still hurt that Lord Hemmingway wanted to sell his daughter for a political standing. Her heart was in obvious despair and the recalling of her father's words.

She even remembered Lord Vale's expression as he watched her something kindled to regret and . . . compassion?

She shook her head; she was not to dwell on the matter. Seeing Lady Edmond would surely lift her spirits. She was determined that it would, even if she had to force herself to do so.

She took a deep breath, calming herself before greeting her friend. She entered the parlor with a genuine smile. She did enjoy her friend's company. Leia always did know how to lift her up in times of need.

Leia was most definitely the strong one of the two. She had a strong spirit and a rebelliousness that Rhea is still pursuing to get rid of, but either way, she couldn't have asked for a better friend.

"Rhea!" Leia smiled as she greeted her childhood friend. The two embraced each other. "How have you been?"

"Awful. I've so much to tell you, Leia." Rhea sighed. "But let us not ruin such a beautiful day . . . I plan to use it wisely."

A mischievous look came upon her friend's eye. "How about we go down to the park? That handsome young man, Lord Ashwin, I believe, has an eye for you."

Rhea blushed. Although she was altogether eighteen years, nearly pass the age of her bloom, she was still timid and careful. She remembered meeting Ashwin in Lady Barlow's ball nearly a fortnight ago!

"Dear! Look at your face; you are nearly red as that rose in your garden!" Leia giggled. Rhea flushed.

"Oh shut up!" Rhea groaned. "Come, let's get on!" Rhea said eagerly, she hadn't been on Almond for a while and she desperate to get on her again.

She connected with Almond very easily when her father had bought those horses.

There had been Boaz and Mingo. Both were males and had been shipped to England nearly thirteen years ago. Boaz was the oldest while Almond was the youngest.

Rhea and Leia walked towards the stables. She and Leia had always loved horses. Rhea had always been fascinated with them, excited to paint one as much as ride one.

Leia's horse, Brute, was scary giant horse. He was brutal and cruel when Leia's father, Lord Edmond, first got him. Lord Edmond didn't let his daughter near the horse until Brute was trained and even then there were five sturdy stablemen at arms-length when she rode the horse.

But somehow, Brute got another feeling about Leia and became her protector as well as her friend. Brute was somewhat fond of Rhea but he loved Leia more.

"Off to the park?" Leia questioned. Rhea nodded and went to Almond's stable.

"Hey there, girl." The horse neighed softly. It trotted closer to the fence separating her from Rhea. "We're off to ride today, you, me, Leia and . . . you remember Brute? The big dark brown horse? The one who tries to get your attention?" Rhea grinned when Almond neighed with less enthusiasm.

"C'mon, girl, he isn't that bad." Rhea whispered.

"Yur off to ride 'er, ma'am?" Rhea turned to greet the stable boy – Luis. He was watching her stroke Almond.

"Good morn Luis, and yes, I'm talking Almond for a ride down at the park." Luis nodded and grinned toothily. He opened the stable door and swiftly brushed her down before leading her out and into the open.

Once Luis helped her onto Almond she had Almond trot her over to where Leia and Brute sat. Brute came alive upon seeing Almond in all her rushed glory.

"Cassie and Mary are to ride in the carriage . . ." Rhea nodded and went beside Leia to start off walking. "So what is the nonsense about?"

Rhea lifted a surprised brow, but she knew she wasn't that surprised. Leia could always see through her like glass. Rhea looked away.

"You mustn't say anything." Rhea warned. Leia smiled sardonically.

"Of course, since the only one to converse with me is the cook's son – David." Rhea reluctantly grinned.

"Of course," Rhea agreed. She sighed and looked at her friend. "My parents have fallen into greater debt. They not only have ten percent of an increase but we might also loose the Hemmingway estate."

Leia held her gasp. She knew Rhea was having a difficult time adjusting to the news.

"And what of you? How do you feel?" Leia asked softly.

"It does not matter. I must help my father and mother." Rhea had forced the words 'father' and 'mother' without crying.

"Rhea." Rhea's eyes widened slightly at the tone of voice Leia used. "I know that you feel it is your 'duty' to make up for the fact that Lord Hemmingway was unsuccessful heir, but it is wrong to not think of yourself at times."

"I do not have time-"

"That is bloody nonsense, Rhea!" Leia cried.

"Leia! Language!" Rhea whispered furiously.

"You do not understand the situation, Rhea, how far will you have to go to make up for your parent's unsuccessfulness? How long can you go?" Leia asked, her tone softening.

"Enough, Leia. I do not wish to continue this discussion." Rhea said quietly. Leia sighed, but relented. She would bring it up later.

"Alright, then." Leia sighed. "If it is your wish."

"It is." Rhea implied. Leia rolled her eyes and smiled when she saw a blonde man, fitted in a habit atop his horse with a fellow friend. Leia had Brute trot over to them.

"Look, Rhea. 'Tis Lord Ashwin. Come, let us greet him." Leia smiled.

"Wait. Leia!" Rhea desperately tried to stop her friend but her friend ignored her cries.

"Ah, Lady Edmond, Lady Hemmingway." Lord Ashwin smiled. "Such a beautiful day for such lovely young ladies to be out, is it not?"

"Why yes, my lord." Leia smiled. "By the by, how is your ankle? The last time we had all met you had such an unpleasant ache."

"'Tis fine, my lady." Lord Ashwin smiled and switched his gaze to Lady Hemmingway, who was blushing, and his whole demeanor changed.

He admitted to himself that she was quite beautiful, and in no way would he deny the fact that he had become attached to the young woman, even developed several feelings for her.

"And how are you, Lady Hemmingway?" Rhea saw the tender smile he gave her and blushed again.

"I'm quite alright." Rhea murmured.

"Wonderful." Lord Ashwin grinned. "Excuse my lack of propriety, this is my old friend, Lord Utteridge." Lord Ashwin introduced. "Utteridge, this is two ladies I met not too long ago. Lady Edmond and Lady Hemmingway."

"How do you do?" Leia smiled. Utteridge nodded politely. Rhea watched the dark-haired man with ease. He was obviously a little older than Lord Ashwin but he was attractive, his brown eyes held a bit of a mystery though . . .

"Pleasure to meet you both." Utteridge grinned. He turned to Rhea. "Drew has told me much about you, Lady Hemmingway."

Rhea flushed slightly. "'Tis a wonder since I am such a bore these days."

"Ah, now how can a beautiful young woman, such as yourself, say a lie as such?" Rhea blushed under his appraised and Lord Ashwin looked highly uncomfortable.

"I suggest you watch your words, Utteridge." Rhea's eyes widened as she heard the threatening words from such a familiar voice. "It would not do well to pursue a man's fiancé, especially when that man is myself . . ."

_______________________

Unfortunately, last update for a while, hopefully this chapter will boost your desire to comment, if not .... well, we'll see when we get there.

Comment and vote!