The Trip to the Country Estate

Jacob redirected his attention towards me, his gaze filled with concern.

"Pray to tell, my beloved, what is troubling your delicate soul?"

I hesitated for a moment, carefully choosing my words.
"Fear not, my lord, for it is nothing of great significance."

His brow furrowed, sensing the formality in my response.

"Why do you persist in such a distant manner, my dear?"

I lowered my gaze.

"I humbly apologize for my behavior last night, my lord.”
“It was unbecoming of me."

A gentle smile graced his lips as he reassured me.
"Worry not, my darling, no harm was done.”
“Your nervousness was but a fleeting moment."

His words relieved me, yet I knew I had to maintain my facade.

"Come, my love, let us descend to the courtyard and await the arrival of Jake and Vivian."


I acquiesced, calling upon my maid with a soft command. She appeared promptly, her presence a comforting sight.

"Kindly transport my belongings to the carriage, and then you may enjoy the remainder of the weekend at your leisure," I instructed her.

Jacob interjected: his voice filled with contempt.
"My sweet, I must interject.”
"If it pleases you, my dear, I shall indulge in the task myself."

He nodded, allowing my decision to stand. Macy, dutifully collected the bags without a hint of complaint. Evidently, she yearned to escape the premises as swiftly as possible, her unease palpable in Jacob's presence.

Once she had departed, Jacob swiftly guided me downstairs, eager to embark on our journey. We stepped outside. Macy deftly placed my belongings in the carriage.


"Jacob, will we be taking the carriage?" I inquired, my voice dripping with anticipation.
"No, my love, the carriage is solely reserved for our luggage.”
“We shall be indulging in the pleasure of riding our majestic horses," Jacob responded, his tone filled with sophistication.

"I have made arrangements for you to accompany me on my noble steed," he continued, his words laced with chivalry.
"If you so desire, a guard shall accompany your horse."


I stood there, poised to voice my objections. Jake and Vivian glided into our midst, their arrival like a breath of fresh air in the stifling atmosphere. Vivian, a vision of grace and poise, seemed to radiate elegance with every step she took, her presence almost ethereal beside Jake, who exuded an air of quiet confidence.

In a seamless display of authority, Jacob beckoned the stable boy, who hurried to present Jacob's sleek black Mustang, its glossy coat reflecting the sunlight in a dazzling display. With practiced ease, Jacob lifted me onto the saddle behind him, his touch both gentle and commanding, as if he were orchestrating a delicate dance.

He handed the reins to the timid stable boy, who looked awestruck in the presence of such a magnificent creature. Jacob's confidence remained unshaken, his demeanor exuding a quiet assurance that seemed to ripple through the air around us.

I noticed Jake's attentive assistance as he helped Vivian onto her own saddle. I overheard Vivian's remark. A tinge of annoyance crept into my expression, my frown betraying my inner turmoil.


"Why don't you ride with me in such a manner?" she playfully questioned.
"They are already wedded, and I highly doubt your father would deem such an arrangement appropriate," Jake interjected, his voice tinged with frustration.
"He would not approve of my plans for this evening either, but I shall proceed nonetheless," Vivian defiantly declared.


Before we set off, Jacob pulled me closer, enveloping me in his embrace. With a burst of energy, we galloped forward, the sensation akin to soaring through the heavens. I knew Jacob's intention was to distance us from the prying ears of Vivian and Jake, and he succeeded admirably.

We rode on. the wind carried whispers of secrets between the trees, and the sunlit path seemed to unfold a carpet of enchantment beneath the hooves of our horses. The days air was filled with the fragrance of blooming flowers, enhancing the magical atmosphere.

Jacob's strong and steady hands on the reins guided our journey, each movement of the horses synchronized with the rhythm of our hearts. The sun cast its golden glow on us, turning the simple act of riding into a dance under the golden spotlight.

Vivian and Jake, now behind us, were enveloped in their own private world. Laughter and hushed conversations trailed behind us, fading into the symphony of the day. I stole a glance at Jacob, and our eyes met, speaking volumes in the silent language of love.

We ventured further into the day. The landscape transformed into a dreamscape of rolling hills and meadows, painted in hues of orange by the sunlight. Our horses moved effortlessly, their hooves creating a rhythmic melody on the earth.


"Whilst we reside at the estate, I implore you to exhibit obedience.”
“No quarrels or disputes with me," Jacob commanded, his voice firm.
"As you wish, my lord," I acquiesced, my response laced with obedience.

"Excellent, for last night's behavior was utterly unacceptable.”
“I am well aware of your refined upbringing," he admonished, his words carrying a hint of disappointment.


I yearned to retort, but before I could, Vivian rode up beside us, her presence interrupting our conversation. I did not seem to mind her presence. It keep Jacob’s mind off of me. Though he was too close to me for comfort.


"Your highness, I am deeply grateful for the honor of accompanying you and Katherine on your honeymoon.”
“It is a privilege beyond measure," she expressed with utmost gratitude.
"Indeed, my dear.”

“I believe it is essential for you both to acquaint yourselves before the nuptials," Jacob replied with a gracious smile.
"I trust that your father has given his blessing to the plans for this evening," he inquired, hoping to appease any concerns.

"Rest assured, my father is in agreement," she replied with a confident nod.
"I see.”
“He is eager for an heir to inherit our estate," Jacob remarked, knowing full well the true intentions of Vivian’s journey.


We both shared a knowing glance, aware that her father was unaware of her true intentions.


"I am certain that we shall hear of an heir to the throne soon," she declared with a hint of excitement.


While Jacob spoke I felt a sense of dread. I was not prepared to bear his child, nor did I desire to do so. Jake noticed the terror in my eyes, but I dared not speak a word. In the hushed silence that followed, the sun cast long shadows, accentuating the tension between us. The air became thick with unspoken words, and I felt a weight on my shoulders, heavier than the silken gown I wore.

Vivian's gratitude and anticipation for the evening ahead masked the turmoil within me. I plastered a smile on my face, concealing the inner turmoil that threatened to consume me. We continued our journey. The day seemed to stretch on endlessly, echoing the uncertainty that loomed over my future.

Jacob's gaze lingered on me, a mixture of expectation and duty etched on his face. I knew that the path laid before us was laden with expectations, traditions, and responsibilities that I was not ready to shoulde r.
I found myself trapped in a web of obligations. Every step towards the impending nuptials felt like a step away from the freedom I so desperately craved. As Vivian reveled in the privilege of accompanying us, I wondered if she, too, harbored secrets and fears beneath her composed exterior.

We rode on. The sunlit path stretched ahead, shrouded in mystery, mirroring the path that awaited us all—a path I couldn't foresee, and one that left me yearning for a way to break free from the chains of expectation.

While Vivian continued to converse with Jacob, I gazed out at the breathtaking rolling hills, wishing for Jake's company. Alas, I knew it was impossible with Jacob by my side. If only he were not there, we could make
our escape. Such a thought was foolish, for we would be caught in mere moments. We must plan our escape with utmost care and precision.

The grand country estate soon emerged into my view, a sight that compelled me to acknowledge its breathtaking beauty. Its sheer magnitude easily surpassed that of the manor, leaving me in awe of its splendor.

We approached the estate. The estate unfolded like a masterpiece painted by the hands of gods. Towering oak trees stood as silent guards, their branches intertwined like ancient storytellers whispering secrets to the passing wind. The manicured gardens sprawled in a riot of colors, a symphony of blooms that danced with the gentle breeze.

The estate's architecture, a testament to the craftsmanship of a bygone era, boasted grandeur in every stone. Ivory columns adorned with intricate carvings reached towards the heavens, framing the entrance like guardians of a forgotten realm. The facade, bathed in the golden hues of the setting sun, exuded an ethereal glow that added an air of enchantment to the scene.

We drew nearer and, the details of the estate came into sharper focus. A cobblestone path, worn smooth by the footsteps of time, led us to a colossal wooden door adorned with ornate ironwork. The entrance beckoned with an air of mystery, promising hidden tales within its walls.

I marveled at the expansive grounds that surrounded the estate. Lush meadows stretched like a carpet of emerald, green, merging seamlessly with the distant woodlands. A tranquil lake reflected the colors of the twilight sky, its surface shimmering as if holding the secrets of centuries within its depths.

The sun, now dipping below the horizon, painted the sky in a palette of warm hues – amber, coral, and lavender. The estate, bathed in this celestial glow, stood as a testament to a world untouched by the passage of time. It was a place where history whispered through the rustling leaves, and the very air seemed to hum with the echoes of a storied past.

We approached the entrance. The imposing gates swung open with a creak, welcoming us into a realm of elegance and splendor. The gravel path crunched beneath the hooves of our horses, and as I gazed upon the majestic estate, I felt a sense of privilege to step into a world where each brick and blade of grass held a tale waiting to be unveiled.

My mind wandered to the thoughts of the estate's staff and their perception of me. I yearned to ally with at least one of them during our stay, hoping to secure a confidant amidst the unfamiliarity of this new environment.

Determined not to succumb to Jacob's dominance once more, I pondered whether it would be advantageous for him to take a mistress. Such a decision would undoubtedly divert his attention away from me, allowing me to seek companionship more befitting of his extravagant lifestyle.

The notion of entering the premises alongside him, where I would inevitably be reduced to a mere trophy wife, repulsed me. I vowed to defy such a portrayal, refusing to be viewed as his possession.

Perhaps Jake and I could devise an escape plan under the cover of Jacob's slumber. However, this proposition posed a predicament concerning Vivian. I was well aware of the trouble she would bring, a spoiled brat accustomed to having her every whim catered to.

I knew she would fail to treat Jake with the reverence he deserved, demanding his heart without earning it. The mere thought of their union turned my stomach, compelling me to take action to prevent our destinies from intertwining in such a manner.

It was evident that Vivian would find a way to conceive, effectively trapping Jake in a loveless marriage. I was certain she would prove unfaithful, prompting me to seek a means of proving the child's paternity was not his. If she were to betray him, he would have justifiable grounds to dissolve their union. My task then would be to rid myself of Jacob, knowing full well that the opportune moment would eventually present itself.