That’s a bit forward

- Josephine -

Once again I was completely lost in this outrageously large house.

I was still thinking about last night, and Tristan’s unwelcome appearance in my bed. I’m sure it doesn’t mean anything, I must have been overwhelmed by coming here, it surely wouldn’t happen again.

Now, I had to focus on getting to Lord Leven’s study. Everything looked different in the daylight and I must have taken a wrong turn.

Suddenly, I heard a loud crack that startled me. I looked through the window and saw a small carriage taking off down the driveway.

“Oh dear.” A voice came from behind me. I turned around to find the housekeeper, who was also watching the carriage leave.

“Oh hello Mrs….”

“Mrs Crook my Lady”

That was it, I had been told.

“I do apologise. Hello Mrs Crook”

She was smiling at me, but I can’t say it was friendly. Quite like a teacher or nanny who had to smile at you, but there was no affection in it.

“Who was that Mrs Crook?”

She sighed and fiddled with the rag in her hands.

“Oh that was Master Silas. I believe he had cross words with his Father this morning. I don’t suppose he will return until tonight.”

Interesting.

“That’s a shame. Could you show me the way to Lord Leven’s study? I’m afraid I’m rather lost.”

She nodded firmly and off we went.

The door was open, so I peered through the gap into the room. I could see Lord Leven reading a piece of paper intently. I didn’t want to interrupt, but I was already late, so I knocked on the door.

“Enter!”

I pushed the door further, and my heart sank. Standing behind Lord Leven was Tristan. He was illuminated by the large window behind him, and was already smiling at me as I entered the room.

“Good Afternoon Miss Felton. How was your first night here? Did you sleep well?”

My face flushed red immediately, praying he couldn’t read my thoughts.

“Yes, thank you Tristan quite well.”

She furrowed his brows but kept smiling, clearly confused as to why I had suddenly turned into a beetroot.

Lord Leven finally looked up from his paperwork. “Ah yes, Miss Felton. Please take a seat.”

I approached and gently lowered myself into the chair in front of his desk. My breath was becoming shallow, either from the impending conversation, or the fact that Tristan hadn’t taken his eyes off me once since I entered the room.

“Give us a moment alone boy. We will pick this up after lunch.”

“Of course Father.”

Tristan bowed at me as he left the room. “Miss Felton.”

Lord Leven smiled at me and sat back in his chair.

“Good afternoon, did you sleep well?”

He clearly hadn’t been paying attention.

“Yes, thank you my Lord.”

He nodded and poured two glasses of water before handing one to me. I sipped it hoping it would calm my red face, and then placed it down on the desk.

“Good, good, good… I was very sorry to hear about your Father’s death Miss Felton. We were very good friends when we were young men, but I’m afraid we had quite lost touch over the years. I only found out that he had passed when I was notified that you would be my ward.”

I didn’t know that. I thought Lord Leven had been randomly appointed.

“Did my Father request you?”

“Yes, it would seem so. I believe there is only one reason why he would choose me, even after all these years.”

I looked at him expectantly, urging him to continue.

“He knew my feelings on marriage. You see, when we were young we used to go to all of the balls during society season. I’m not surprised your Father didn’t continue to attend them after he married your Mother, he hated the retched things. One Spring we ran into Mary, Lady Leven. She was stunning, the most beautiful creature that I had ever seen. The problem was she was below my status and my Father did not want us to marry. I fought his decision of course, so did your Father. It took 3 years or me refusing matches, refusing balls, and not courting a single woman, before my parents finally relented and we were allowed to marry. Your Father was my best man at our wedding, and he was very impressed at my commitment to Mary. He and I both felt that love was far more important to a commitment than social status. Do you understand my dear?”

“It sounds like you and Lady Leven are very much in love.”

He smiled, clearly thinking of her.

“Yes, I dare say we are. But I believe that your Father chose me to ensure your happiness. If you had been made anyone else’s ward they would have paired you with who they felt was the best prospect, regardless of how you felt.”

Could he be saying that ultimately I can choose my own husband?

“It’s my choice?”

He sat up. “Well, obviously there are some rules, the man has to be fitting to your station.”

I nodded, Tristan and Lord Leven’s maid came to mind.

“But yes Miss Felton, I am willing to consider whomever you choose.”

I smiled and my eyes filled with tears. I couldn’t help it. I had been so afraid that I would be stuck in a loveless marriage, with my soul and spirit slowly being crushed. I dabbed my eyes and returned my gaze to Lord Leven.

“Thank you my Lord. I don’t know how to thank you. I’ve been so frightened.”

He stood and walked around his desk until he was stood beside me. He dropped to his knees and gently took my hand in his.

“Don’t fret child. I will do whatever I can to ensure your happiness.”

We silently shared a smile as he continued to rub my hand.

“Miss Felton, I feel I should tell you that Silas would like to court you. How do you feel about that?”

My heart sank. Silas was so rigid and stern. I couldn’t imagine him smiling, let alone laughing.

“I’m not sure my Lord. I would like to get to know him better, and I am very keen to attend the upcoming balls.”

His smile faded somewhat, that’s not what he wanted to hear. He slowly stood up and made his way back to his chair.

“Certainly, I understand. There is an upcoming Ball this Saturday. Elodie has already had a dress made for you.”

She had? That’s a bit forward.

“Oh?”

“Yes, she’s excited to have a companion to accompany this year.”

Maybe it would be best to go with Elodie, she could keep me out of trouble and fill me in on all of the society gossip. Something tells me she would know everything.