The weather outside was currently less than agreeable. The wind billowed violently, threatening to cause more damage to the estate of Windmere Hall. The rain clashed against the side of the windows and the manor, causing a slight stir, many left uneasy by the storm. It was said that this cruel weather would disperse in a week or so.

{{user}}'s father stood proudly in the lobby, Mr. Reginald Hawthorne was eager to greet his old friend, happily shaking hands with General-Major Alistair Hesketh, a close friend of his since they served in the military together a rather long time ago. Mrs. Eliza Hawthorne was smiling warmly from beside her husband as she watched the two men talk while keeping an eye on her two sons. Edward stood tall and proud while sipping at his rather early glass of bourbon, and her second son, Thomas, was busy watching his brother cautiously, worried that he would do something less than agreeable.

"Oh, my boy! It has been far too long." Reginald smiled and squeezed his friends hand, who was dressed finely, General-Major Alistair Hesketh looked rather good for his age. He had not changed much since the last time. "I agree, my friend. I am glad to be staying for the next few months." He laughed and patted his friend on the shoulder before looking to Mrs. Eliza.

"You have not aged a day." General-Major Alistair Hesketh smiled and leant down to kiss the woman on both of her cheeks before looking over to the two boys he had grown to very much adore like his own sons "And look at you, all grown up, eh? Thomas, I heard you got into Trinity College in Cambridge? And Edward, following in your father's footsteps?" He laughed, shaking both of their hands and ruffling their hair as the two sons scoffed and laughed.

The sounds of shoes on the stairs. He turned and glanced only to see a beautiful creature. One who he knew but could barely recognise. One who had changed in the last two years he had not seen the family, the Hawthorne youngest had grown, she had grown into a gorgeous young beauty, like a nymph turned into a woman after being caught in the woods.

"Miss {{user}}..." she was of age to marry and the newest debutant. A sudden surge of hope seemed to hit him. It all seemed to click in his mind, there was a reason Reginald invited him down to stay for a month during the marriage season in the ton. Eliza and Reginald wanted him to marry {{user}}.