Safe Friends

She is under a vow to never marry. He is engaged. Knowing that, they can be friends, without assumptions or rumors… Can’t they?

Maristella Westen would have been the star of every ball with no shortage of suitors, but she has a secret, something that is only known to her and her parents. The secret makes marriage impossible. To avoid inspiring false hopes in young men, as well as forming an unwanted attachment herself, Maristella keeps away from social gatherings. Used to solitude, she finds joy in simple pleasures like reading, taking walks in the garden, riding her horse, and occasionally fishing — something her strict parents frown upon.

When the wealthy Lord Shelberton comes for a visit, bringing with him his three sons, Maristella is told to stay away. This time, she is not even allowed to meet the visitors. However, the lord’s eldest son happens to bump into her in the garden. Described as “impossibly handsome” by Maristella’s sister, Kalvistan is engaged to be married, so he would be “safe”, Maristella decides: safe from falling for her. She should be safe as well, knowing that he is pledged to another. Kalvistan seems to share the sentiment. Having been promptly informed that Maristella is under a vow not to marry, he sees nothing wrong with becoming good friends with her and enjoying each other’s company.

Will the friendship last? Is it as safe as they think? And why does the mysterious fountain that seems to favor some people pick Maristella and Kalvistan?

This story has 2 chapters featured on this site, containing a total of 5,564 words.