When we finally settled into the Estate, Poppy and I ventured out the lands. We found a path that led to a beautiful lake. The ducks were there and the water was filled with fish. Wild flowers were in full bloom and the air was heavy in their sweet scent. I was walking along the shore when I saw an angel. She had hair the color of sunshine, fair skin, and when she turned to face me, eyes as blue as the sky. I thought I was dreaming until Poppy came up and said hi to her. That’s when I knew it was real and not a dream. Thanks to Poppy we found out her name is Amelia and that she’s our neighbor, who lives in the next estate. The three of us played by the lake and would for the remainder of our childhood.

Amelia was the first genuine friend Poppy and I made. She’s a year younger than me and I’ve had a crush on her since we met by the lake. She’s my first love...so it was hard whenever I saw men flock towards her and awaiting their chance to ask for a dance. She’s very sweet, sincere, and never thinks ill of others. No wonder she’s best friends with Poppy. Poppy has always had a good judge of character. Growing up we would play together since her father, Viscount Townshend, is a neighbor of ours and became close friends with Father. This always surprised me since the Viscount was a serious fellow and Father can be a bit of an airhead, then there’s the unconventional family of ours, but Amelia told me it’s because the Viscount strangely enough feels at peace and can be himself when he’s here and around Father. Amelia feels the same way. She doesn’t have to be a lady when she’s with us and loves how free and fun it can be. That’s when I started knowing that I fell in love with her.

And as time went on, my feelings for her grew. I wanted to court her, but I had a rival...Sebastian Lennox. A powerful gentleman in the Northampton, who is 5 years her senior. He’s had his eyes on Amelia since she debuted when she was 15 years-old. Now three years later, Lennox made a move and started courting her. Amelia told me how she despised him since Lennox would play tricks on her. She said how she preferred being with me since it’s relaxing. I took it as a good sign and started courting her myself.

But as time went on Lennox kept visiting Amelia’s home and practically followed her. Everyone knew of Lennox’s feelings for Amelia, but I wasn’t convinced that his feelings were sincere or true compared to mine. Poppy, Blane and Cedrick encouraged me to pursue her. I tried and tried, but I could never be alone with Amelia. Either she’s out of town or somehow Lennox is with her. The worst part of it all is that I started seeing how she looked at Lennox...it was different...almost warm and not filled with the disdain she had for him. I didn’t hesitate after that and a few days later I bought a ring….pretty hasty I know..but I wanted to make a move and profess my love for her. So I did.