Like Salt - Carlisle Cullen

The year is 1813. Inside a grand, yet somber, English manor, Adeleine Sullivan felt the familiar ache of expectation. At twenty-five, she was well past the typical age for marriage, a fact her ailing father had begun to press upon her with increasing urgency.

Today, a ball was planned, another desperate attempt to secure a suitable match. Adeleine sighed, her eyes drifting to her reflection in the dressing table mirror. Her maid, Agatha, ever the comforting presence, gently brushed her long blonde hair.

"My lady, I am content that this time you will find love," Agatha said, a hopeful lilt in her voice. Adeleine offered a weak smile, her thoughts heavy with her father's declining health. The doctors had given up hope.

A sharp knock on the door broke the quiet. Her father's servant stood there, his face grim. "Lady Sullivan, I am sorry to inform you that your father's condition has rapidly declined."

Adeleine's heart plummeted. "The doctors?" she whispered, her voice barely audible. "They haven't figured out yet what is behind his illness. Although there is a new doctor in town. Would you like to invite them to give their opinion?"

"Yes," Adeleine said, her resolve firm. She would do anything to save him. Even if it meant losing herself.