London, 1917

Sixteen Years Later

Racing through the field with her hair dancing to the rhythm of the wind, it was difficult to keep the happy laughter that escaped her lips, in.

The castle came into view as the horse raced toward it. Even from afar, it wasn't difficult to see the disapproving look that creased the woman's face as she stood on the front porch with her arms crossed.

Bringing the horse to a halt, she dismounted and hurriedly made her way up the front stairs.

“I know what you're going to say,” she said, wrapping the woman in her arms and planting a kiss on her cheek. “And I promise, I was careful.”

“You can never be too careful with the war in progress,” she huffed. “While I would like to stand here and scold you Ellie, you have a ball to prepare for and considering the fact that you have been horseback riding, you're going to need a scrubbing!” Gretchen said with a frown.

“Forgive me, Mother but considering the fact that it's been nearly a year since I've been horseback riding, you can't possibly blame me for giving in to my yearning desire.”

Gretchen released what sounded like a tired breath. “The guests will be arriving in two hours. Such a short period to get dressed for your debutante ball but we'll have to manage.”

Taking captive of Elizabeth's wrist, Gretchen led her through the house and into her bed chamber.

Thirty minutes later, Elizabeth was seated before the vanity mirror and watching as her mother expertly pulled her hair into a curly mass behind her head. Once that was done and she was completely dressed in a white ball dress, Gretchen leaned forward and wrapped her arms around her.

“I'm so proud of you, Ellie. Promise not to fall in love down there.” She whispered, and Elizabeth grinned, turning around slightly to return her mother's hug.

She sensed her mother's fear even as she tightened her hold around her and leaned against her head —it was the fear of losing her to a man, it was the fear of having to say goodbye to her someday.

It was that same fear that nearly saw Elizabeth skipping Finishing school because her mother did not want to say goodbye to her for an entire year. She could only imagine how hard it would be for her mother to let go of her for what seemed to be forever.

Releasing her hold on her mother, she leaned back. “I know you think you'd want me around forever, but...” She began, the words dying on her lips as a loud sound tore through the air.

Turning sharply to the door, she found the source of the noise dressed in brown pants and a white shirt with several missing buttons. Mud ran from his freckled face to his shirt and trousers.

“Sammy!” She groaned, a frown immediately settling on her face.

Samuel, her overactive six year old brother, stuck out his tongue in response, mischief flashing in his silver-gray eyes as he turned sharply to race out of the room.