Between Love and Time | Chaelisa

Chapter 1

Devonshire, England, April 5th, 1710

A growl wanted to escape her lips. Unfortunately, she would have to maintain a "proper" attitude. Even though she didn't have the best relationship with her siblings, they looked up to her as a role model. If she acted out, her siblings would mimic, and her professors would quickly inform their parents.

But what could she do instead?

It irked her beyond belief; she always had to be present when the professors educated her siblings; she no longer needed to be "educated." Rosé was twenty years old, but she was still living under her parent's wings. She needed to follow their rules, including the strict and absurd regulations set by her father, William Cavendish. Incredulously, she was not allowed to marry until she was twenty years old.

Why would he torment her like that?

Other girls at the age of fourteen would marry, but her? She would always have to turn the other cheek while hearing the gossip concerning her circumstance. Her father's excuse for waiting so long; he had accepted a marriage proposal, on her behalf, from a significantly wealthy family. Their firstborn son was close to the queen. The lucky man had long been interested in Rosé and had already proclaimed her as his. Work travels and expeditions internationally forced their marriage to be postponed until the end of the current spring. The thought of marriage had previously filled her with happiness. She had perfectly primed herself for her husband-to-be. Now that she had matured, things were different now; after all...Well, she did not want to recall those disturbing and appalling memories.

"Miss Cavendish!" Their instructor called out to Rosé.

The firm footsteps over the hardwood brought her out of her deep thoughts.

The instructor proceeded, "Stop drifting off into daydreams! No wonder why the town gossips. God, I am not surprised that no man has married you yet..."

"When spring ends, Aaron Warwick will come for me; the whole town of Devonshire knows this. You don't need to be a bitch about it." Rosé wished she could shout these thoughts to her instructor. Instead, she politely whispered, "Please allow me to apologize for my behavior, Madam Doyle."

Her siblings let out a giggle, but their instructor's cold glare quickly made them cease, and they continued with their lecture in silence. The Cavendish children, including the youngest, were educated at home by two professors. They learned maths, history, geography, philosophy, languages such as French, Italian, and Latin according to their age. The professors educated them so they would be able to recognize superb paintings, moral perceptions, and taught them the Catholic religion. The children were also professionally trained by their instructors, musical talents such as the violin, piano, and singing.

William was eleven, Jane was ten, Elizabeth was nine, James was eight, and little Charles was six. They all had to endure the cultural enrichment, also known as "torture," that their parents demanded. Their parents expected children worthy of high society with rich knowledge about the world around them. Fortunately, Rosé had become adept at all their requirements and would dedicate her free days to social works, gathering with her friends, and teaching music to other noble families' children. Nevertheless, she hated supervising her siblings' lectures!

"Miss Cavendish, shouldn't you be practicing for tonight's ball? Everyone is anxious to hear your new piano piece". The instructor cordially advised.

Why was the instructor now being nice when she had been yelling at Rosé for her behavior a few minutes ago? Rosé didn't know what to think of the cold woman. She was terrified of the other woman's bipolar attitudes.