Chapter 1

Daughter of Sir William and Lady Elizabeth Barton, Lilian was as lively as she could be. Having been brought up not to believe what others only seem to be, she was quite determined not to let her younger sister, Emily, create her own images about people's secret lives. At seventeen, Emily was exceedingly disappointed in the lack of diversity of character around her. She had been, therefore, influenced by the outstanding traits of the countless characters which were mentioned in her childhood reading. Lilian ventured to ask her how long she would be waiting for Prince Charming to reach her door and knock at it; Emily, without any further explanation, simply answered "As long as I am in need of it".

Sir William owned a large estate called Barton Hall in Hertfordshire, which he was very proud of. He was obviously vain and few prejudices ever crossed his mind. Very different was his wife's temper. She looked around her with doubt and never seemed to agree with anything. Of course, their two daughters were the only things that counted and deserved their infinite attention and love.

Lilian had taken from her father not only the eyes and hair, but also the general sense of openness of mind; on the other hand, Emily had received her mother's low opinion of everything. Even then, the two were close and advised each other whenever it was sought-after. Lilian, being the eldest, had a more sensitive way of explaining and giving reasons to Emily's different, often or possible mistakes.

Emily's disappointment was justified. They lived in a dull community indeed. Few neighbours ever called on them; and it was only their friends, Mr Holmes and his sisters that ever sent invitations to dinner. They were very agreeable and of the same age as the two young ladies; they had known each other for more than five years and, whenever bad weather prevented them from walking around Barton Hall and Ellsworth Manor, they found entertainment in a game of whist.

It had been somehow expected that one of the two Barton sisters would develop affection for Mr Holmes; yet it was not Lilian that found interest in his dreamy blue eyes, long blonde hair and tall figure. Emily Barton considered herself to know everything that could be known about Mr Holmes and soon found herself in love.

Having been in this state for almost two years, at seventeen years old, Emily expressed her wish to form new acquaintances; it was a rainy day of spring. Mr Holmes and his two sisters, Catherine and Cassandra, happened to be there. They were playing cards and seemed not to be entertained. Lilian, while focusing on her work (sitting aside due to an unknown headache), wanted to scold her sister for making others believe that they were not entertaining or agreeable. She was reduced to silence by Catherine Holmes' invitation:

"Miss Emily, I did not know that you were in need of renewed entertainment! Cassandra and I were planning a short trip to London; our aunt, Mrs Redford, has invited us to spend at least a fortnight with her. It is, as you know, very vexing to live by yourself in so large a town as London. Will you join us, my dear Emily?"

Emily, very happy to be offered such new opportunities, quickly jumped out of her seat and shouted, "Why, of course I shall join you! Nothing pleases me more than a fortnight spent with two of my most intimate friends, oh, so far, in London! How can I refuse this invitation?"

Lilian, a little amused, added to herself, "My dear Emily, pray tell me, what other intimate friends do you have?!"

"Then it is settled. You three shall leave on Monday, that is the day I desire to leave as well, for I am expected to be in Richmond."

"Richmond?! All the way to Richmond! But, Mr Holmes, it is very far, indeed! And by that you mean to say that you shall not come with us to Mrs Redford?" said Emily, surprised at the easiness with which Mr Holmes announced the distance he had to travel.

"Yes. You seem quite disturbed and surprised. But what are two hundred miles for a good rider?" said Mr Holmes, smiling.

"Mr Holmes is right. May I ask, what is the reason of your leaving?" Lilian interfered, noticing Emily's strange look.

"An old college friend has asked me to visit him. I am not really eager to renew the acquaintance, because he may spoil my sisters' attention to myself."

They all laughed, and Lilian added with a smile:

"You may not be in need of bringing him to Ellsworth Manor; he may have altered. It happens often today. One never stays the same for too long."

"It is some truth in what you say, Miss Barton," he answered looking deeply in her eyes, "but I have known him for too long to doubt his steadiness of character."

"Miss Emily, why do not you play something?" said Catherine, after a long pause in which, it seemed, they had been thinking of this friend of Mr Holmes'.

"Will you accompany me, Miss Catherine?" she answered, smiling to her.

They were seated at the pianoforte and played a lively duet that added good disposition to everyone.