Craig and Lily’s wedding day was everything she could have wished for. More than two dozen friends and family were in attendance. A merry celebration at the tavern was held where gifts, cards and congratulations were exchanged. It was a small affair but exactly as they wanted. Had there been any more planning or grand elegance required it would have taken much longer to organise.   Lily wore her hair down in beautiful flowing ringlets, looking like a goddess of nature as she carried her wildflower bouquet. Her blue eyes sparkled with so much joy in the long creamy dress it looked as though she could cry. Craig’s chest was puffed to its fullest pride in his dark blue suit. Although Athena had been unable to attend, she had sent generous gifts and a long letter updating him of her plans. Craig’s father had shaken his hand and congratulated him on such a rare beauty. Sophie had hugged him close

Athena had been exceptionally busy for the past three weeks. Avoiding social gatherings she had instead been studying Italian and researching where to head to when her ship sailed in two nights time. Lady McDonald’s generosity remained unsurpassed. In the luxurious Mayfair townhouse, Athena had felt like royalty.   Surrounded by chandeliers, golden trinkets, fine porcelain, and beautifully decorated rooms she wondered if she would become spoiled and unable to enjoy a simpler life after all this time amongst the wealthy. Two pieces of correspondence had been left on her dainty bedside table by Lady McDonald. She opened the first and a laugh erupted. In her beautiful script on top of an invitation to a ball at St James’ Court, the following night lay a set of demands.   “You shall be my companion in Lord McDonald’s absence, no refusals

 Though the dance continued, the music thrumming and beating strongly as couples twirled around them Athena came to a dead stop. Still being held by Felix she was frozen to the spot staring up at him with shock.   “You wish to marry me?”   “I do,” he replied, his face completely serious and set. A thousand butterflies of emotion seemed to rush around every cell of her body as the realisation sank in.   “I…I…accept…of course…I cannot believe it,” she finally whispered and as he gently smiled and exhaled deeply, she felt as though the sun was shining upon her. He had been holding his breath the whole time and it touched her to the core. A dampening thought leapt into her mind as she remembered the purpose of attending the ball.  

As his brother’s happiness ascended so Oliver's plummeted to new lows. Alone in the villa he found himself lonely and brooding like a stray dog. He began obsessively pouring over the gossip newspapers trying to dissect the merest mention of his name or that of the Gilded Falcon.    Farleigh was an attractive three bedroomed villa that Lord McDonald had offered on the understanding it would be vacated once Oliver found a London property. He had yet to visit London, the distaste in his mouth when the remembered how people in the hotel had looked at him that morning. Like an insect or other squashable bug, his value to them was even less than a commoner because he had squandered the gifts of wealth and family name so foolishly.   He was very surprised to see Felix mentioned in London section.

The hotel was the grandest money could buy. A royal suite had been arranged and every other room on the floor too to ensure absolute privacy. Felix wanted to avoid snooping guests or waiting staff and paid handsomely to avoid being troubled.  They arrived via a back entrance, the day had only just passed midday and Athena realised she was faint with hunger. Felix recognised her pale look and immediately requested one of the other suites he booked be prepared for dining. Feeling like a boat caught up the crest of a wave she watched all of these events as a bemused onlooker. In only five minutes she had been exposed to the true grandeur of Felixs wealth. Just in the suites he had spent more money than Athena had ever earned with her contract. The yacht he had charted was eye-wateringly expensive and now she was part of tha