Lady Isabel, daughter of a duke, had been away from home for 6 months, living with an aunt, studying music and art in France. Now she was back, and everything looked the same. The trees at the road, the long drive, the expanse of green lawns, and the huge house. The carriage pulled up beside the house, and a footman rushed to open the door. Isabel accepted his hand and stepped down, her hat shadowing her face as she looked around. She glanced back towards the horses as she was led to the house, and saw a figure standing there, holding the bridles. It was him. Tall, dark hair, strong arms, piercing blue eyes. His hair was a little longer than it had been when she saw him last, but other than that, he was the same. Nate, the one person she had always been able to rely on. The sight of him still sent a bolt of excitement through her. His eyes were on her, his face so full of love and longing, she thought surely they must be caught. But no one was looking at a stable hand, no matter how handsome. Isabel held his gaze for a moment, hoping to put everything into the look she couldn't say out loud. I've missed you, I love you, I want to be with you. She gave him a small smile, and he nodded. She knew he understood. She ducked her head, her hat hiding her eyes once more, and turned back to the house.
The evening passed slowly. All Isabel wanted to do was to be alone, and hopefully see Nate again as soon as possible. Her mother fussed and said she had gotten so freckled in France. Her father huffed and wondered why she had to go so far away. Why couldn't she have studied music and art closer to home? Isabel nodded and agreed with everything said, hoping she could go to bed as soon as possible. She stifled a yawn behind her fan, but her mother saw.
"To bed with you daughter," she said, nudging Isabel to stand. She smiled, kissed her mother and father good night, and headed upstairs. Her maid was waiting, as tired from the journey as Isabel was. Isabel hated to make more work for her friend, but she needed to see Nate.
"I know you're tired, Marge, but could you make sure a note goes to the stable tonight?" Marge nodded, smiling. Isabel had always expected Marge knew more than she was letting on, but she also knew nothing could be proven, and she trusted her maid more than she trusted most of her family. Marge would never betray her. Quickly she scribbled a note. "Please have my horse ready for a ride tomorrow morning, first thing." She gave the note to Marge who bade her good night, and slipped out the door.
Dressed in nothing but a robe, her long hair loose, Isabel sat on her bed to wait. Almost half an hour later, a small stone pinged off the floor of Isabel's balcony. She smiled. He still remember the old code. She quickly ran to the door to make sure it was locked, and then opened the doors to the balcony. Nate was standing on the lawn below, staring up at her, a smile on his face. Isabel touched a finger to her lips, and beckoned him. He grabbed a hold of the wisteria that snaked up the wall close to the balcony and began to climb. Isabel went back into her room, and made sure the curtains were tightly closed on all the other doors. She heard Nate come in, close the balcony door and lock it, and shut the curtains tight. She did nothing as he came closer, touched her waist, and then spun her around and enfolded her in his arms. She returned the hug, finally feeling that she was home. He smelled as he always did, of hay and soap and a little sweat. He buried his face in her neck, and she felt some wetness against her skin. He was crying. He pulled back, his eyes watering, and touched her face and hair.
"Oh, Izzy, I missed you," he whispered.
"I missed you too," she replied, wiping away his tears and stroking the back of his neck. "But we have to keep quiet, so hush."
