The chill hit her first.
Gasping, Lyanna broke the surface of the pond, coughing as water streamed from her hair and face. Her limbs trembled with shock as she scrambled toward the bank, lungs heaving for air.
"Easy—here, take my hand," a woman's voice called out.
Lyanna blinked through her lashes that was dropping with water. A poised woman in an elegant dress stood at the edge, her gloved hand extended. Something about her voice made Lyanna reach for her.
"Th-thank you," Lyanna stammered, gripping her hand. The woman helped pull her up and onto the mossy shore.
The stranger looked her over, eyes flickering with genuine concern. "Are you hurt?"
Lyanna shook her head, breathless. "No... no, I just—what the hell just happened?"
The woman tilted her head slightly. "You probably almost frowned, fortunately you emerged from the pond. Although that alone is rather unusual, it's still good news."
Lyanna stared at her, her cloths were soaking wet and she was shivering, her eyes darted to the woman's full-length gown, pearl accents, and high-collared blouse. She looked like she had walked straight out of a museum.
Lyanna swallowed. "Okay, this is going to sound crazy… but what year is it?"
The woman didn't even flinch. "It's 1907."
"1907?" Lyanna shouted in surprised, her heart thundered slightly. "Are you serious?"
The woman nodded. "Quite."
Lyanna stumbled back a step, her mind spinning. "So… the pond. It brought me here? Through time?"
"You're not the first," the woman said gently. "There are other places like it—gateways, I suppose. Rare, but not unheard of."
Lyanna's eyes widened. "And you… knew I was coming?"
"I had a feeling," the woman replied with a faint smile. "It's not the first time I've had such a feeling, and so far, I haven't been wrong."
"Right…" Lyanna exhaled slowly, trying to calm the tremor in her chest. "Who are you?"
"My apologies. Where are my manners?" The woman offered her hand again, this time for a shake. "My name is Edith Vanderbilt."
Lyanna blinked. "Wait—the Edith Vanderbilt?"
"That's right," she said with a polite nod.
"I'm Lyanna. Lyanna Asher." She accepted the handshake, her skin still clammy from the pond. "It's… really nice to meet you. You're kind of famous where I'm from."
Edith raised an eyebrow. "Am I?"
Lyanna nodded. "Yeah. Biltmore, your legacy—it's still known in the future."
Edith offered a soft smile but then frowned as she noticed Lyanna's shaking. "You must be freezing. Come. Let's get you into some dry clothes before you catch your death."
Lyanna didn't argue. "That sounds amazing. Thank you."
Edith wrapped an arm around her and began leading her up the hill toward the towering mansion.
---
Later, at Biltmore House
The grand façade of Biltmore House loomed above them, it looked elegant and intimidating at a glance, in the winter dusk.
"Here we are," Edith said. "Welcome to my home."
Lyanna looked around, stunned. "It's... breathtaking."
"It is," Edith said warmly. "My husband put his soul into building this estate. He'll be pleased to know it left an impression."
They entered the warm interior, the scent of polished wood and faint lavender meeting Lyanna's nose. Edith guided her up a sweeping staircase, her heels clicking softly against the marble.
"This will be your room for now," Edith said, pushing open the door to a guest suite. Rich burgundy curtains, carved furniture, and a roaring fireplace welcomed them inside.
Lyanna's jaw dropped. "This room is… wow. It's gorgeous."
"I'm glad you like it. Now, here—" Edith handed her a thick wool cloak. "Put this on to warm up. I'll fetch something dry for you to wear."
"You don't have to do all this," Lyanna said, genuinely touched. "I appreciate it, really."
Edith gave her a firm look. "You've had a shock. And you're my guest now. Rest. I'll be back soon."
---
Meanwhile, in George Vanderbilt's Study
The knock at the door came precisely ten minutes later.
"Come in," George Vanderbilt said without looking up from his papers.
Edith entered, her expression composed but thoughtful.
"Is everything alright?" he asked, rising to greet her.
"Yes. But there's something I'd like to discuss, if you have a moment."
"Of course." He gestured to the chair across from him.
Edith sat, smoothing the folds of her dress. "A friend of mine passed away not long ago. Before she died, she asked if I would take care of her daughter—help her find her place, perhaps even… a husband."
George raised a brow. "That's a generous offer on your part."
"She's a remarkable young woman," Edith continued. "I was thinking… she might be a good match for William."
He leaned back, considering. "You believe so?"
"I do. She's intelligent, kind, and has a unique spirit about her. I've only just met her, but something tells me she'd be good for him."
"What's her background?" he asked.
"Her family is originally from Germany, though she grew up in Colorado."
George nodded slowly. "Interesting."
"She's had a hard journey," Edith added. "Lost her belongings on the way here. I'd like to help her get what she needs. If that's alright with you."
"Of course. If you believe she belongs here, then she does."
"I was thinking she might attend tonight's Winter Solstice Ball," Edith said, standing. "It could be a perfect opportunity for William to meet her."
George smiled. "Then let's make sure she has everything she needs. I look forward to meeting her."
Edith returned his smile. "Thank you, my love."
---
Back Upstairs
Lyanna stood by the fire, wrapped in the cloak, staring at the flames as her thoughts raced. A new century, a new world… and a stranger who felt oddly familiar.
She didn't know what awaited her in this new world that the magical pond had brought her to, but one thing was clear... nothing would ever be the same again for her... She wasn't sure she could even return back.