Chapter 23: Escort (2)
"Have you decided who will walk beside Rafael? He must have a young lady next to him."
Delilah shifted in her seat, as this was her moment.
"I would love for there to be someone at his side, but you know Rafael. I cannot force him to take anyone to his side, or he might call off the party and make me have it at my own home. He prefers to be alone when he is not fighting. I worry for him, but I cannot push him so much. He fortunately has time. It is the one blessing of being a man," said Beatrice.
Though Beatrice wished to have a daughter she could spend more time with, she appreciated that there was no rush for Rafael to get married in the eyes of the town. There were no clocks ticking for him as the town would say there are for young women who waste time not getting married as soon as they debut. Young women had to rush to secure a husband in their prime so there would be no questions about their ability to have a child.
No matter his age, Rafael would always be sought after by the young ladies here in town. His wealth and achievements as a knight made him a strong candidate for a husband. Most young women also saw comfort in the fact that Rafael would spend most of his time outside of his home. They would have a moment to themselves to not keep up their duties as his wife.
"I have a wonderful solution. Delilah and Rafael have known each other for ages. He must show up with a lady on his arm, and Delilah should have an escort. It would only make sense to pair the two. It would open the opportunity for Rafael to introduce Delilah to some of his friends," Rachel proposed.
Beatrice saw through what Rachel was doing. She might not have a daughter who needs to play these games, but there were so many women with daughters who approached her with these tricks that she picked up on them right away. "That would be something you must ask Rafael at dinner. He is the one who needs to agree to it," she replied, leaving the task to Rachel and Delilah.
For once, Beatrice was too busy to play matchmaker, and she had already told Delilah that she could not help with Rafael. Still, Beatrice hoped Rachel could convince her son.
"Very well. I shall have a word with him when we all meet for dinner," Rachel said, dropping this for now since Beatrice would be of no use. She wasn't upset with Beatrice for not trying. Rachel was around Beatrice long enough to know it wasn't easy when it came to Rafael. "You've had enough of planning the party, Beatrice. How about a drink? I know you must have one hidden somewhere in this room."
Beatrice smiled. "You know me so well. That is my secret to planning parties so quickly. Annalise, be a dear and bring the bottle over there," she said, pointing to a bottle was already opened. "Along with a cup for the three of us."
Annalise quickly moved to get the bottle and three cups for the women. She was glad Beatrice ordered her to do something since she was not fond of just standing around. She wanted to do more to show she should be picked to serve the king.
"Delilah, you know I don't like you drinking, so you should find something to do while I speak with Beatrice," Rachel practically shooed Delilah away. Delilah should have used this time to be near Rafael. Time was ticking, and it was only so long before another young woman would show up looking to capture his attention.