Chapter 18: Just Like A Pretty Trophy
The bell rung again, signifying the arrival of a very important figure. The duke was coming to our manor today and he was also a Reagan's cousin. This was the first time I was going to be meeting him since I couldn't at the wedding. He decided to come see us himself to congratulate us and now he has arrived and I was so late.
It wasn't entirely my fault this time around for being late, I had no maids to help me get ready! Heather and Lagertha decided to take a day off for family reasons and you'd think I would get spared another maid but no, they were all busy attending to Marina. Sourcing for the finest clothing for her and Adrianna to wear for the duke's arrival.
I had to figure out everything by myself. Look for my shoes, lay out my own clothing wear and draw my own bath. By the time I was finished, I couldn't decide which was which anymore. My hair hung out in loose waves and tumbled down all the way to my waist. My dress, well at least I was clothed, that's what counts right and so the race against time begins.
I ran as fast as I could, run down to the hallways and to the courtyard where the rest of the family were waiting. My dress had a lot of layers which I kept tripping on just but thankfully I didn't stumble and I made it to the courtyard in one piece where all of the family were already waiting and the entourage of the duke were already arriving.
Marina cast me a look of disapproval as usual while Reagan just arched a brow up at me because of my appearance. He looked like he was about to say something about my appearance but fortunately for him, he decided to keep his mouth shut.
The duke rode in and in a way he looked like Reagan, the only difference would be his brown hair and he looked a little bit lean than Reagan but still fit all the same. I watched as he got down from his horse, his eyes scanning the premises before they landed on us.
A smile graced his face as he approached us. Reagan and I decided to meet him halfway, to welcome him properly into our home. I kept my walk steady, raised my head high as I walked beside Reagan while keeping my eyes on the duke who was also staring at me.
It remained only two more stairs for me to meet the duke and welcome him when the most embarrassing thing happened. I tripped, I tripped on the many layers of my dress! I was sure I was about to go down and make a fool out of myself and a small gasp escaped me as I stumbled forward, but instead of me to hit the ground, warm hands immediately grabbed me by the waist, steadying me.
I looked up into the eyes of my savior only to meet the duke staring up at me with a small smile on his face. For a moment all I could do was just stare at him, my mouth parted slightly. The first thing I noticed were his brown eyes and when the sun hits it, it changes into the color of honey. The duke was handsome, very handsome. Straight nose, long dark eyelashes and full lips that now curved into a smirk that seemed almost mischievous.
Someone soon cleared their throat behind us and just like that the moment was broken. Feeling my cheeks heat from embarrassment, I immediately eased away from the duke. "I am so sorry my lord." I mumbled an apology,
"Believe me my lady, it's no worries. The pleasure is all mine." The duke drawled out smiling at me and I narrowed my eyes at him in suspicion.