Love Among the Nobles

in the heart of the Northwood estate. The festival was held once every year, a

wood himself. Although they were minor nobility, Lord Northwood h

the thought of being in the presence of so many nobles made her nervous. But her mother had insisted, saying tha

anged in an intricate braided style. She wore a simple necklace of pearls

ow anyone, and she was intimidated by the grandeur of the festival. She wandered th

the gardens, watching the festivities with a slight smile on his face. He was tall and broad-shouldered

other, as if caught in a spell. Then, W

voice smooth and deep. "I do not belie

eks flush with embarrassment. She knew that she was out of

gh the gardens and sampling the food and wine. William told her stories about his travels and his dutie

ed to wind down, William took Elizabeth's hand

u, my lady?" he said, h

eeling her heart ra

ike you," William said. "I know that our stations are different, and that it m

felt this way before, this pull towards someone she barely knew. But she could not den

an, but he cut her off with

t. "I do not want to be a lord or a nobleman with

but it was full of promise and possibility. Elizabeth felt her heart swell wit

again soon. Elizabeth returned to her family's estate, her h

They would meet in secret, stealing kisses and moments alone whenever they could. They knew that

e Elizabeth his wife. He knew that his father, Lord Northwood, would n

meeting in the gardens of the Northwood

ant to marry you, to spend the rest of my days by your side. But I know that my father wil

ith love and courage. She knew that their road ahead wou

ing his hand. "I will stand b

their love with a kiss, knowing th