Burn for You

Chapter Three

"So tell us Miss Du Carte about this intended fiancé of yours," Amelia said as they sat down for brunch.

Victoria was seated at the head of the table while Amelia was to her left and Danika to the right. Holly stood by the door, hands clasped together in front of her. Plates stacked with fruits and baked goods covered the table. Danika stilled, surprise flickering across her face. Her fingers hovering over her cream pastry slice.

Victoria reached forwards, patting Danika's arm. "Your mother told us, dear but word of such a thing will not leave this house until the engagement has been officially announced. Right, Amelia?"

"Right."

Danika's shoulders slumped in relief. A smile lit up her face. "He is handsome and kind. Quite romantic at times in his letters. We met, well more like bumped into each other in the town square while I was collecting a new shawl for Mother. He would send a dozen red roses each day and I appreciated such a sweet gesture. Apologies I got so carried away, I forgot his name, William Arbor..." her voice trailing off as she saw their expressions. As if they knew something she did not and almost pitied her for her ignorance of it.

"Forgive me, I don't believe I am familiar with that family," Victoria said, the lie rolling off her tongue smoothly. Oh my poor girl.
Amelia averted her gaze from Danika, her spoon clinked against the tea cup as she stirred as if her life depended on it.

Footsteps and the butler, Niall appeared.
"I have a message from a Master William Arbor to Miss Du Carte," he said, clasping his hands behind his back. "Ahem, it seems he has fallen ill upon his return to London and sends his regrets that he is unavailable though he wishes that you could be by his bedside."

Victoria pressed a finger to her lips to suppress her snort.

"Oh," Danika said in a quiet voice. A sinking feeling in her stomach. Niall glanced at the viscountess who gave him a slight shake of her head. In this household, what the ladies knew the staff knew too.

"Please convey my best wishes that he has a swift recovery."

Beneath the table, Danika's nails bit into the palm of her hand. Don't cry, do not.
With a nod, the butler turned to leave only to return a short while later. This time, he wasn't alone.

"Silvio," Amelia breathed out, rising to her feet.

The De Medici family was a long standing dynasty whose wealth and influence caused the arts to flourish in Florence, Italy and in other countries through their descendants such as Catherine de Medici. Silvio was a descendant of Giuliano de Medici and while he could appreciate the arts, his interests involved a sword rather than a paint brush. His smart tactics and wit in battle earned him his friendship with Alexander during their time in Romania and later, his position as the ambassador. He was also a senior member of Alexander's council alongside another, Rohan.

Tanned skin from hours in the sun training and a body hardened from the battlefield, there was no denying Silvio was a handsome male in his early thirties. His hair a dark shade of brown. Hazel eyes set in a square face, his jaw coated in stubble. His smile enhancing his beauty as he reached for Amelia's hand.

"What are you doing here?"She asked, alarm flickering across her face.
Both ladies enjoyed having sex with various men of high society but it was always done under the cover of night to avoid scandal.
Silvio brought her hand up to his mouth, brushing a kiss across her knuckles.

"No need for alarm," he said in his baritone voice. The words punctuated by a Italian accent. "I am here on official business. In welcome of the Princes' arrival to London, King George has arranged for a ball to take place tomorrow evening. I was hoping Ms Salzburg, you would accompany me for the ball."

"I would love to," Amelia said with a smile. He returned her smile then faced Victoria. In his hand, he held out two envelopes embossed with the red wax seal of their king. "Viscountess Salzburg, you and a plus one are invited to attend too."

"We would be delighted to, wouldn't we Danika?" Victoria said, half-turning towards Danika.

She looked up, startled. Her hands cradling her tea cup. It would be a chance to raise her spirits and something to do instead of wallowing in sadness.

"I-I would love to attend the ball," she said softly.

Victoria beamed, accepting the invitations. She would let Danika have some fun before she broke the news to the young lady. Silvio kissed Amelia's hand again, desire dancing in his eyes as he did so.
"Until later, my dear," he said, his voice low.

Amelia all but purred when saying goodbye to him. Victoria rolled her eyes but couldn't stop her smile.

"We'll go the modiste shortly, I am sure she can whip up a gown for you," the viscountess told Danika.

"There is no need, I have a gown already," Danika replied, catching Holly's eye. The maid's face lit up.
I will not let a good gown go to waste.