This was inspired by a visit to Waddesdon Manor and has been nagging at me for ages, so I've finally committed it to paper.

Summary: Marie has been locked away in Creston Manor for 12 years. When she is seen at her window by Hayden, her presence must be kept secret...but at what cost?

Rating: PG-13...nothing big, but, you know, just in case!!!

Chapter 1 - Girl at the Window

Marie wandered aimlessly about her quarters in a state of boredom. Though she had access to several rooms and could move freely around the Manor during certain hours, being locked away from sight was not her ideal life.

Flashback - 12 years ago

'Mama,' asked a young girl, no older than 6, 'where are we going?'

Her mother was packing a small satchel for the child, with a few dresses, books and toys.

'Darling, we can't stay here. You're too young to understand.'

'I'm always too young. Why doesn't anyone tell me anything?' The hurt in her green eyes was obvious as she made puppy-dog eyes at her mother.

'Marie, you must be quiet. We mustn't wake anyone. I will tell you on the way,' the young woman whispered urgently, 'now follow me.'

No-one saw the pair slip into the stables. Marie was posted at the stable door as lookout whilst her mother saddled up a horse, Twilight, and came running into the stables with a whispered cry of, 'Mama, men are coming. Why are they coming? Is it for us?'

'Yes, Marie, it is. I have a secret. When you're father was alive, he killed a man and child. It was not his fault, I swear to God, and now I am wanted for protecting him. Now, can you ride a horse?'

'Yes. Peter taught me how.'

'Good. If anything happens to me, I want you to ride to the next inn you come to. Show them this note,' she slipped a piece of paper into the girl's satchel, 'do you understand?'

'Yes Mama,' the child showed understanding and her mother was surprised to see such solemnity in her daughter's eyes. She gave Marie a leg up, and slipped into the saddle behind her, putting her arms around the girl to grasp the reigns. She guided the mare out of the stables and pushed her to a trot, then a canter as they reached the main road out of the village.

Suddenly, there came a shot from behind. Marie screamed as her mother slumped forward in the saddle, slipping sideways. The horse bolted in fright, but sensing her young rider's fear, she slowed to a trot.

'Clever horse,' whispered Marie, 'Good horse.'

It was only now that she realised that her mother was not with her. Tears slipping down her face and not thinking of the consequences, she pulled Twilight round and cantered back to the spot where her mother had fallen. The next thing she knew, she was being led by a strange man back to Creston Manor, the mysterious mansion on the hill above her village.

End Flashback

Marie sighed as she stood by a window overlooking the sweeping drive. Eighteen years old, and she'd never been seen by a suitable man. Suddenly, she heard the sound of horses' hooves on gravel and looked up to see a large coach approaching the house. The butler made his way forward and opened the coach door. An elderly gentleman stepped out, followed by a young man who could be no older than 20.

Marie looked on, intrigued. Who was this well-to-do man, worthy of a visit to the Manor? Why was he here? Her attention was suddenly drawn to the fact that he was looking straight at her. She hurriedly made herself scarce, but her mind couldn't be dragged away from this handsome gentleman visiting the Manor.