CHAPTER Two

8 YEARS LATER

"Sapphire, I want you to return to the manor in fifteen minutes!" Lord Rivers yelled to Sapphires retreating form. Staring at her back lord Rivers thought back about the years. His little girl had taken everything quite well despite her age. Never once did she break in front of anyone. Tears she surely shed, there's no doubt to it, but in the privacy of her pillow. Either that or she would confide in nature , her special place.

"John, did you let Sapphire off alone before dinner again?!" Lady Rivers questioned incredulously.

"Yes I did." Came his simple yet curt reply, daring her to challenge him further.

" Your love towards her has turned her into a hoyden." Lady Rivers said with narrowed eyes.

"Ah , but she is a wise hoyden. It matters not if she doesn't act like a lady all the time."

Letting out an exasperated sign lady Rivers returned inside. Lord Rivers rested his eyes where his beloved wife had left to. He knew she loved Sapphire. Saphire is a lady, acts like one as well , but in the safety of her home she should be free to do as she pleases. Whether it be lady like or not.

Sapphire felt the wind hit her face, throwing her raven locks, which she had left down, behind her. Thank the Lord it wasn't winter or else she wouldn't be a happy person. Sapphire urged her horse faster, she only had fifteen minutes or else uncle John would send out a search party for her. He knew of her secret hiding spot yet he never came, for which she was immensely grateful. He knew everything about her but would never approach the subject until she would, or at least until he deemed it important. Ahuuh....how she loved her uncle. At times he was the greatest of friends.

She stared at the beauty that lay ahead of her. Clear blue water. There was a lake along with a waterfall, add to that flowers of all different colors and shapes surrounding it. Acting as if a border of some sort. One could hear the waterfall roaring from where she stood. The grass was the perfect shade of green, not too dark nor light, like jade. Trees covered with vibrant green vines hid this area from view, hiding who ever needed to be hidden. She breathed in the scent of nature which would often calm her to the core. She could smell the grass, the different fragrance of all the flowers, which did not suffocate her the least, the smell of fresh, clean, water; everything just screamed peace. She marveled at the creation before showing her gratitude to the creator. Smiling , she mounted her horse and headed back towards the manor. Ever since she was young she loved riding horses. She could make her horse run at the speed of lighting and still not be afraid. She saw her uncle and slowed her horse to a trot. Smirking he began," maybe we should race one day." He finished off with a mischievous smile.

"Of course but don't go crying to aunt Katherine when I hurt your manly pride." Saphire smirked back.

"You've got to give your old man some credit."

" Oh but I do, but its not enough for your ego thats the size of a hippopotamus."Saphire replied while she unmounted from her horse in a very un- lady like manner. Just as she finished smoothing her clothes down, lady Rivers came rushing out wide eyed and said , rather dramatically.

"Saphire that is no way to dismount a horse. Swinging your legs and jumping, why if I didn't know any better I'd-"

"I would have thought you were a hoyden much less a noble lady." Saphire and lord Rivers finished simultaneously while rolling their eyes for a dramatic effect. They looked at each other and burst into fits of laughter.

" That is not the way a proper lady laughs!" Lady Rivers exclaimed.

Saphire gave her aunt a droll stare before replying , " aunt Katherine, do you really think I wouldn't laugh at something as ridiculous as what you just said?"

"She's right you know." Lord Rivers quipped up from beside his daughter.

"You should have seen yourself in the mirror, it would make me a fortune if I let the world to see.."

" You spoil her to much , you shall ruin her."

" Uh - uh" Saphire tsked, "thats why I have you aunt Katherine. You always take the fun out ; forever discipling me to be a fine lady."

Lord Rivers placed a hand to his heart in mock hurt, " I discipline you as well milady, you can't possibly give all the credit to this..this thing in front of me."

Lady Katherine narrowed her gaze on her husband with tightened lips thinned into a straight line, she spoke.

" Care to repeat yourself, milord." She asked curtly.

" Oh no, I only speak my mind once , no repeating from me , no sir re."

" Very well then." Her cold front diminished opting for a softer more sympathetic look she said, "You two are always pairing up against me." She stomped her foot childishly, pouting for emphasis.

Saphire raised a perfectly shaped eyebrow, " Did you just stomp your foot, milady?"

" How very un-ladylike , wouldn't you agree lady Dracmore?" Lord Rivers mused.

" Why certainly, milord, I never expected a lady to act this way let alone a noble."

" You two are ridiculous! Mind you, I only do what I do for her benefit." Lady Rivers huffed.

" Lets go inside my darling, we were only jesting." Lord Rivers stated with a hearty laugh.

Saphire stared at the old couple, well not in looks, but old to her, with a small smile on her face.

"Saphire, lets go, dinner." Lord Rivers called out.

" I'm coming uncle John" Saphire yelled and hurried inside and took her place at the table.

After dinner Isabella and Saphire headed towards their chambers.

" Spill it Isabella."

" I beg your pardon?" Isabella questioned wide eyed.

" You've been googly eyes all dinner. Who has captured your heart?"

" No one has captured my heart." Isabella said defiantly, while averting her gaze. Giving a very un-lady like snort Saphire said, " And I suppose pigs fly? I won't judge you Izzy, promise."

Isabella had always loved being the center of attention, but hated scandals. She was often afraid of being judged by the people she loved , although she did put up a good front.

" Do not put me in haste, I will reveal all in good time."

Saphire raised a quizzical brow.

"When we go riding tomorrow I will tell you, the walls have ears. Don't fret I can't hide my feelings from you. I just had to be sure of my feelings first. I shall show him to you at the ball tomorrow night. But let me ask you a question."

Before Saphire could protest Isabella began talking once more, " Answer me honestly. What is your opinion on love and marriage?"

Saphire stared at her dumbfounded. " I..I ....what has brought this on?"

" Oh hush you know very well that mother is taking us to the ball so we can be viewed. Besides we are of age and I would like to know your opinion."

" I honestly don't know. I can not have a marriage without love. He has to be kind , loving , caring. He can't be a man who looks down upon women , a -" A knock on the door stopped Sapphire from carrying on.

"Enter" Sapphire called.

" Sorry milady for interupttin' , Lady Rivers has requested both of you to go to sleep. She has to take you to the shops in the morning before the ball."

Isabella gave her friend a look clearly saying they will finish this. Sapphire let out a tired sign and began getting ready for bed. All the while she wondered who could have stolen her friends heart.

"Sapphire up you go."

" Aunt Katherine it's too early in the morning."

" Good to know you have a sense of time my child. Now up, Matilda has already prepared your bath water. Get ready and meet me downstairs for the morning meal."

Sapphire grudgingly got out of bed and got ready for the day. Her morning dress was a full sleeved white gown. The sleeves were rather nice and loose while the torso was fitted, though not to the extent that it was a second skin , but tight enough for her dislike. The maid did her hair and soon enough she was off to breakfast. Arriving at the table Sapphire helped herself to some eggs and bread.

" Lord help me! Is that YOU Sapphire? This early in the morning." Lord Rivers exclaimed.

Giving a snort Sapphire replied. "Aunt Katherine wanted to take Isabella and I to the shops , hence why I'm up at this godforsaken hour. Why are you up?"

" Unlike some lazy birds, I happen to wake up at this time every day." Lord Rivers took a seat and began eating. " So, are you excited for your trip?"

Sapphire gave her uncle a glare, " We both know I'd rather be jousting with you than shopping for more gowns. I've got one to many as it is.

" Don't worry we'll jest after your trip."

Giving her uncle a look which clearly stated how outrageous his idea was she said, " by the time aunt Katherine is done with shopping it'll be time for the ball."

" My poor child, I suppose we have to reschedule for tomorrow." Lord Rivers snickered.

"What do I hear about a match?" Lady Rivers questioned from the doorway.

" Oh nothing, we were just discussing those matches that involve sweat and swords. As well as vigorous exercise. You know, like a dual. It involves at least two people." Saphire answered with an innocent smile.

" You will do no such thing." Lady Rivers yelled appalled.

"Very well." Saphire replied.

" Sapphire, honey, you are a lady. That is no way a lady should act. It's not fitting." Lady Rivers tried to explain while taking a seat.

" I understand aunt Katherine. But you have to understand as well that I do all those things because I like to do them. It is done in the confides of my own home. No one will know. I am the perfect lady on the outside I can assure you."

"Good morning everyone! I expect everybody had a good nights sleep?" Isabella said cheerfully while deciding what to eat. Not giving the others a chance to answer she continued. "Saphire aren't you excited for the shopping trip?"

" Course I am Izzy."

" Stop being so sarcastic and Izzy? Seriously?"

" Yup ." Came Saphires smart reply.

After that the conversation took on a new turn, leaving Saphire to do her own thinking.