We woke up to the first pale streaks of sunlight peeking through the horizon, slowly piercing through the cold fog that seemed to blanket our home, ensuring it was not easily seen from a distance.
I looked at my mother and smiled sadly, as I thought of how much I would miss her when he did come to collect me.
I took a bath in warm water and scented soap that was a blend of lavender and peppermint.
I scrubbed myself clean as best as I could, toweled myself dry and slipped into the prettiest dress I had which was a pale blue dress.
I combed my hair and tied a blue ribbon through it.
Gently rubbed on pink powder to my cheeks and pink lip cream to my lips to give my pale face some colour.
"You look radiant, sweetheart, absolutely beautiful." My mother said as she came to inspect me and adjust my hair.
"Here's a small wedding gift I wanted to give you so you do not forget us."
She placed a small beautiful pearl comb in my hand.
The gold comb shone and the white pearls were exquisite.
"Mother, I cannot take what you wore on your wedding day when you married Father."
"Yes, you can and you must, its my most prized possession and you must have it."
"I love you sweetheart." My mother said as she left my room to prepare breakfast.
I entered the kitchen after packing all my things into a trunk.
Father sat down and ate his breakfast in silence while sipping a hot cup of coffee.
Mother placed a plate of fried eggs, toast buttered with jam and a cup of tea before me.
I smiled and ate happily, feeling hungry at this hour in the morning.
A knock on the door interrupted our silent breakfast time.
Father stood up and walked with quick steps to the door.
"Please come in," he said after a few moments of talking in hushed tones to the stranger.
The stranger walked in, he was a towering man with brown locks of wavy hair and green eyes.
Those eyes found me at the dining table while I ate.
I stood up after wiping my mouth on a napkin.
"May I present my daughter, Sir Ivar. This is Enya Rose Castell."
"It is a pleasure to finally meet you Rose," Sir Ivar said greeting me with a friendly smile.
"Likewise," I replied politely and gave him a smile which I hoped was sincere.
I started to feel nervous, it felt as though butterflies were in my belly.
I began to silently pray in my heart that dear God would help me in this situation.
The man before me seemed rather mature for his age, even though Father had revealed he was only twenty-nine.
"May I have a private word with your daughter," Sir Ivar then announced rather briskly cutting across the conversation that had begun with my father.
"Of course," my father replied as he gently took my mother's hand and left our little dining hall.
He pulled a chair and set it opposite from me, he took a seat while observing me with those calm eyes of his.
"Rose, I know this is sudden for you and I felt to ease the separation from your parents if you would not mind if I courted you during which time we may get to know each other a little better."
"I seek a willing bride, dear Rose and I hope in time you will be willing."
"That is very kind of you, Sir Ivar I will be compliant with your wishes."
"How generous of you, therefore I shall make a bargain with your father to seek your hand in marriage next week then, I shall visit you everyday from today onwards till we are better acquainted."
"I agree to your terms," she replied simply.
He nodded his head and then opened the door to allow her father and mother to walk back into the dining hall.
Mother took my hand gently as she stepped inside."Is everything settled?" she asked, though her eyes were already brimming with the answer.
"Yes, Mama," I said softly. "He will come each day to court me."
She nodded and looked to Father, who gave a small, approving grunt before turning to Sir Ivar."You have our trust, Sir. Treat her kindly."
"I intend to," he replied, bowing his head with quiet solemnity.
A comfortable silence followed, full of things we had no words for.
I glanced around our little home, the wooden beams, the scent of tea and toast, the tiny window with the crooked lace curtain. I had always found it too small, too plain. But today, it seemed perfect.
"I will take a walk before I begin to pack the carriage," Sir Ivar said. "It is a lovely morning for thought."
He excused himself, leaving the door ajar behind him.
Father left for the stables to see to the horses. Mother lingered by the fireplace, pretending to adjust the logs.
I stood there in the middle of the room, feeling the weight of my decision settle on my shoulders.
In a week, I would no longer belong here.
I held the pearl comb tightly in my hand. It was warm now from my touch, as if it carried my mother's love into my palm.
Then I placed it gently back in my hair and turned to her."How do I look?" I asked.
She smiled with tears in her eyes."Like someone I once was and someone I will always love."