Chapter One North Carolina 1896 Emerald Rose Lockheart adjusted the wide brim of her be-ribboned, white straw hat so as to block the sun's rays from her fair skin as she watched the tennis match on the south lawn of her childhood friend's new summer cottage in Asheville. The match was between her friend, George, and her would-be intended, Troy Amstede, and it looked like George was about to win. Emerald inwardly grimaced at the thought. In the two years since meeting Troy and getting acquainted with him, she knew, all too well, that if George did win, Troy would be in a sour mood for the rest of the day. Unfortunately, she also knew that if Troy would happen to win, he would still be in a sour mood of a different sort, for he was not only a sore loser, but also a sore winner. So either way the game went, Emerald began preparing her apology to George on Troy's behalf. Again. "I don't understand why you feel you have to apologize for him, Em," George told her later, after he had bested Troy at tennis, as they walked past the shrub garden towards the house. "We're just a couple of men playing a game. Don't worry about it, alright?" Emerald looked up at her friend and smiled. "You've always been one of the good guys, George." George modestly shrugged his shoulders. "Mother taught me well." Emerald grinned. "So, have you accepted Troy's proposal yet?" Emerald shook her head. "No. Not yet. But you'll be one of the first to know when I do." "I'd better be," George grinned as he playfully tugged on one of the smooth, pink satin ribbons that trailed down her back from her hat, making her giggle, just like when they were kids. "Say, I do believe that another one of my guests has arrived," he said as they approached the top of the steps nearest the library terrace along the south side of the cottage, giving a clearer view of the front where a black carriage pulled by two greys now stood. Several of the servants were out there helping the latest arrival with his trunk and preparing to show him inside. "Will you excuse me, Em?" George turned to her now. "Of course," she smiled up at him. "Thank you. I'll see you at dinner," he patted her on her upper arm and then sprinted down the steps and off toward the carriage that stood in front of his new home. She watched George hurry to meet his friend as she continued on her walk, heading towards the doors that led into the library on the south end of the house, not really wanting to go inside yet. She knew if she did, Troy would be in there, and she just didn't feel like putting up with his petulance right now. As she stood under the purple wisteria that covered the pergola next to the house, Emerald looked out over the landscape behind the estate, to the smoky blue mountains in the distance. Turning her head, she saw the outdoor swimming pool, it's bright blue water sparkling in the sunlight. Below the pool, to the east, was the expanse of grass where the lawn tennis match had just taken place. Right next to it was the flower garden, all decked out in roses. And out farther eastward was the large brick and glass conservatory. That was where her gaze stopped. And that's where she headed. She needed the solitude the quiet conservatory had to offer. As she descended the steps, she heard George's laughter floating on the breeze, and found herself grinning. Dear George. He was older than herself by eight years and had always been her champion. Once in a while over the years, Emerald would find herself contemplating the prospect of her and George one day getting married, but no matter how much she loved him, and he her, it was about as likely as a brother marrying his sister. Emerald nibbled on her lower lip. How could you be thinking such things when you are contemplating accepting Troy's proposal that he offered over a month ago? the thought berated her. Oh! how she needed to think. She picked up the pace as she wondered at all the heavy pondering she had been doing ever since arriving at Biltmore. She truly cared for Troy, and he for her. Even George, after she had introduced him to Troy, had commented to her later that Troy's obvious devotion to her made it easier to let her go. Her parents, too, acknowledged Troy's singular attention to her. Troy was handsome, thoughtful, very attentive and considerate, well liked by family and friends. He was intelligent, seemed to be a hard worker, and very diligent in the handling of his family's business that was based out of India. And he was faithful in attending church. Then why am I not rushing to answer his proposal in the affirmative? she asked herself as she stepped inside, inhaling the warm, sweet, humid air that could so easily soothe her soul, as well as turn her dark brown waves into a halo of careless curls. Making her way through the tropical flora and fauna, she found her sanctuary: a carved wooden bench, surrounded by calla lilies, near a small pond with a fountain. Taking her seat, she closed her eyes and prayed. "LORD,” she whispered, "I am so perplexed right now. I don't understand what's wrong with me. I need Your wisdom in this. Help me see what I need to see. Help me know— " her head dropped to her chest. "Help me." Chapter Two Edward Grayson turned when he heard his friend call out his name. "Hello, George!" Edward reached out and grasped his friend's outstretched hand, clasping George's shoulder with his left hand in greeting. "I am so glad to see you, Edward!” George exclaimed as he held Edward’s hand in both of his. What has it been? A year or more?" "Try over two years," Edward smirked. "Gad! Has it really been that long?" "It has." "How was your trip?" "Very restful." George threw his head back and laughed. "Of course! How could I forget that you've always been able to arrive anywhere completely rested and refreshed?" Edward chuckled. "Some things never change." "I'm glad for that, my friend," George smiled as he released Edward's hand. "As am I," Edward spoke sincerely. "Well, now, what say you that we get you nicely settled in your room so you can freshen up after your travels— and I can freshen up as well," George indicated his tennis wear, "and we'll get in a couple rounds of billiards and some catching up before dinner?" "Sounds good to me," Edward gave a nod of approval as his gaze turned towards the towering chateau now. George stepped closer. "What do you think of it?" he modestly asked in a quiet tone. "Well," Edward paused briefly. "I think you could have gone bigger," he smirked. Once again, George laughed and patted him on the back as he led him inside. End of sample. The Twelfth Of Never Copyright © Jae Blessing 2016 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED