Our guest deserves the best

- Josephine -

I made my way to the dining room. Aria had already gone off to the maid’s quarters. For some reason they weren’t very welcoming towards Aria, they were curt when they spoke to her, and had hurried off with her in tow. I wasn’t worried. I knew she could take care of herself, and I still believed that she could dig up information. When Aria wanted to know something she would find out, she knew how to disarm people with her charm.

I was completely lost in this house. I turned a corner and Lord Leven suddenly appeared.

“Miss Felton, you look radiant.”

“Thank you my Lord.” I was far more comfortable in my satin gown than that beaded monstrosity.

“Come, let me introduce you to my children”

I nodded and followed him into a lounge area in the room beside the dining room, where two figures were stood by the fireplace. They heard us come in and instinctively turned to face Lord Leven.

“Father.” A male voice boomed in a deep voice.

“Miss Felton, this is my eldest son Silas”

Silas stepped forward and took my hand, gently kissing the back of it.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Miss Felton.”

He was the tall man with black hair that I saw in the garden. He had the same deep blue eyes as his father, but his were less welcoming. He had looked stoic in the garden, but now that I was standing in front of him I could feel a cold stiffness that felt intimidating.

“And this is my daughter Elodie.”

Elodie beamed at me with the same excitement as her father.

“Miss Felton, I’m so pleased to meet you. I’ve been so excited to have another young woman in the house. Dare I say we can share wardrobes?”

I smiled back at her, she seemed sweet. But her smile faded as she turned to Lord Leven.

“He’s not here father.”

Lord Leven sighed and looked at the door. Elodie noticed my confusion and leaned towards me.

“Our younger brother Tristan. He’s never on time, if he even turns up at all.”

“He will turn up.” Lord Leven grumbled. “He knows that we are welcoming Miss Felton.”

Silas scoffed and turned back towards the fireplace.

Suddenly, Lady Leven entered the room with a frustrated look on her face.

“My dear we will have to start without him, I can’t find him anywhere. Good evening Miss Felton.”

I bowed my head and proceeded to follow the family into the dining room.

The food was warm and comforting, and the conversation was light. I hadn’t had a family dinner in so long, and I didn’t realise how much I had missed it. We were well into our meal when a young man bounded into the room.

“Good evening all!”

This was definitely Tristan. He had the Lord’s deep blue eyes and black hair like Silas and Elodie, but he was nothing like them. His hair was scruffy and his clothes were relaxed. His shirt was open at the top exposing his collarbones, and his jacket was too big and awkwardly hung off of his shoulders. He was panting as if he had been running.

Suddenly his gaze landed on me.

“Ah, Miss Felton.”

He hurried towards me and I flinched at his chaotic energy.

“These are for you.” He placed a small bundle of flowers on the table beside me. “Welcome to the Leven estate.”

Before I could answer he turned his attention to his mother, who was scowling at him. He walked over and stood behind her chair. Holding her shoulders he leaned down and kissed her cheek.

“Sorry Mother, I couldn’t find the perfect flowers.”

Her expression instantly softened and she leaned into his hand.

“I do hope you haven’t butchered my garden.”

Tristan chuckled, bowed at his father, and moved towards the empty seat next to Silas.

“I wouldn’t dream of it Mother, I just felt our guest deserved the best.”

He flashed a cheeky smile at me as he lowered himself into his seat.

We continued to eat, but I couldn’t help but stare at Tristan. I watched him, desperately trying to hide my disgust. He ate like an animal, and lacked all manners and etiquette.

Silas shot him several disapproving looks, but instead of straightening up and behaving in a proper manner, he simply smiled and winked at his brother.

I was not impressed.

Once we had finished eating, Lord Leven turned in his chair to face me.

“Miss Felton.”

“Yes, my Lord?”

“I didn’t want to overwhelm you today, but tomorrow we will have to discuss your future here and the subject of marriage.”

Tristan laughed and cut across him, “I dare say you are too old for her Father.”

Elodie and Lady Leven stifled giggles, as Silas whacked his brother’s arm.

Lord Leven sighed and continued, “Anyway, it is a serious matter and I want to make sure we are on the same page. Come to my study at midday and we can have a discussion.”

My mouth went dry, and a lump formed in my throat. I forced a smile and nodded.

“Yes my Lord.”

The exchanged had crashed me back to reality. I wasn’t here to be part of this family, I was a transaction for them to deal with.

I excused myself, and made my way back to my room… rooms. I was keen to meet back up with Aria and hear what she had found out about the Leven family.