A Complicated Arrangement

Chapter 2

Above is Elizabeth / Elly
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I am Isabelle Jacobs. I am currently engaged to Lionel King, a knight. I do not want to get married, I want to stay with Elly. Not to mention that I will miss my parents, I love them so much.

I have been avoiding marriage for a long time now. It is expected that when a girl becomes 17, she will get married. Her parents will either arrange a groom for her, or she is sent to London for her season. At London, there will be many balls where young ladies and gentlemen will attend in attempt to choose their suitor and get married. Men will normally occuly the ladies of their choice and court them continuously. Ugh, I am glad I never went there. It sounds exhausting.

I already have too many men here drooling over me in the village. I don't need the whole of London drooling over me as well. I am pretty sure that there are more beautiful women there. And besides, at 21 years of age, I am sure no man there will be my suitor.

It is assumed that once an unmarried lady passes 18, there has to be a reason as to why her no man would want her, and it is usually unpleasant. She may be diseased, a wanton or unpleasant to gaze upon. But that is not the case with me, no. I simply want to stay here longer with my friends and family.

I had begged my parents to delay my season to London on my 17th birthday. When I was 18, I had fallen ill and was unable to attend. On my 19th year, I had purposefully missed my train. And the 20th year, I had promised to get married by 21. Elizabeth was now 19 and luckily wanted to spend more time with me. Her parents was a bit more understanding and allowed her to enjoy her single life, providing that she marries before 25. I know that they will marry her off before that of course, seeing that I will leave soon.

They are such nice people, well atleast now. The Warner family has always been enemies of my family. When they moved here, they was unaware that the Jacobs was residing nearby. It was during that time that I met Elly. We became good friends. Little did we know that our parents were grave enemies. When our parents' found each other, they fought against each other and forbade us from meeting.

That did not hold us back from our secret meetings of course. Our sisterly love amongst the two of us softened their hearts, especially when Elly saved me when we were running from the soldiers who were ready to take us back to our homes. I am proud to say that our stubborn parents are now allies and friends because of us.

I look over to Elly and see her smiling. "What is that about? Who made you so happy? You must tell." These days, I am noticing a secret blush on her face. She never tells me what is the matter but I know that she is hiding something.

"Oh it's nothing."

"That is so unfair Elly. We tell each other everything"

"Fine. There is a man I like. He is so..." With that she smiles and melts a little. I scream. "Who is he? Do I know him? And when did you get time to hide a boyfriend from me?"

"Oh hush Bella. He is not my boyfriend. And while you was busy training to be miss perfect bride, I have been seeing this new man in town. He has not seen me yet but he comes everyday by the river to give his horse a drink. I just never had the courage to talk to him. God he is so handsome."

"Aww, you should talk to him though. Don't be insecure. You are a beautiful and sweet girl, he will be lucky to have you." I encourage her.

"Easy for you to say Bella. You are much more beautiful than any other girl I know. Men get weak towards you. I don't have that effect on men. He may not like me." Says Elly, worried.

I sigh. "I am not a liar my dear friend. I mean it when I say that he will be lucky to have you. You are a gem, truly a loveable person. Have faith. You should approach him before another gal takes him. You said he was handsome."

"Yes he is! He has chiseled features and bulging with muscle. He has beautiful light brown hair that never looks unkempt, even when messy! And those eyes! God those eyes! Are so mesmerizing!"

I laugh and notice one of my father's men approaching us. "I must go Elly. But remember, stop drooling and start talking to him. You might just marry with me this year." She beams.