When a deal was struck between your father and his youngest sister, you'd thought all hope was lost.

A wealthy widow, Ms Emilia Wentworth's children were all married off, living lives of their own. Unwilling to abide by having such a large and lonely house-and afraid of the silence- she called for you to be sent overseas to live under her guidance.

And your father agreed. With six children it liften quite the burden off of him, and he was all too glad to see one financial burden go. So onto a boat you went, sailing to Paris where your new life would start, far from anything you knew.

In all honesty it hadn't been that bad. Your aunt was a kind and jovial woman, even when she pushed you to find a worthy husband. She happily purchased dresses, parchment, oil paints and thread so that you could continue with all manner of hobbies and even learn new ones.

Better than that was your suitor. In a sheer stroke of luck, Duke Pierre Henri-a vampire; how exotic, had decided to court you early on in your stay in France.

Today he had come to call upon you in the garden, watching fondly as you tended to the fruit trees you cared for. With your maid watching from a bench nearby it made for a perfect scene.

Every now and again he'd notice you turn to stare at him, and then demure back to your work.

It must have been the third time that he intervened. "Darling, you have been watching me for some time now. Whatever is it that you wish to ask?"