Rules are the very foundation of Regency London. Everyone is raised to them, and they understand their role, their purpose. A young marriageable lady must make the best choice for her future and her family. A young lord must make the best selection...
While we do not yet have confirmation, dear readers, it has been whispered that the Prince has been seen at the Potter Residence every day the past week. Ever since he so charmingly saved Miss Potter from her own demise, and she snubbed the Duke of Wiltshire, he has been in attendance during receiving hours. It is quite exciting to see the various other suitors that arrive during the hours, only to leave a short while later, while the Prince...
He arrives first, and leaves last. It does not take an expert to guess that Miss Potter has not yet dismissed his interest in her. And why would she? He is, after all, a Prince.
The Duke of Wiltshire, however, has not been seen since Miss Potter was so delightfully saved by her Prince. There has been much bustle at his home in London, which leads us to believe that he is still within the city, likely residing at Nottingham Manor with his friends, who have also not been seen.
Have they cloistered around him, protecting him in his solitude? Is there some great secret as to why Miss Potter so quickly moved on from the Duke? And when will they all emerge, so that we may once more be graced with the presence of all those that reside within?
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"You're really leaving."
Draco turned around from where he had been looking out the window down to the square below. Most of his trunks were packed, which was simple, given that he did not have much at either residence. Every piece of his wardrobe, the few personal effects, all of it was ready to leave the city.
He was a single man with no wife, no family, and while lacking in wealth, also no debt. He could do whatever he wanted.
And the first thing he wanted to do was get the hell out of London before any of his friends killed him, or worse... he made a mistake.
Like accepting an invitation for lunch with Potter. That was... the biggest mistake he had made thus far. Draco had had every intention of turning the man down, but he knew that he at least owed Potter an apology. The mess he had created with this ruse... and the pain he had left Hermione in...
He should apologize, if for no other reason than the fact that they had been friends for a decade. And, should the conversation turn towards the Viscount's sister, well... it would be rude for Draco to not ask after her.
Mistake! He knew it would be something he would later regret, if he asked after how Miss Potter was, but how could he, a man in love, resist?
"I'm really leaving," Draco said to Theo, not meeting his old friend in the eye. "It's for the best."
"You're running away," Theo accused him.
"I'm leaving for her own good," Draco insisted, still not looking up. "It's better this way."
"The two of you are in love," Theo said, closing the door behind himself as he stepped into the room. "There is nothing better than love."
"She barely knows me," Draco said as he turned back to look out the window, his gaze drifting towards Potter House. It was not in view, as Nottingham Manor was not in the main square, but it didn't matter. He knew where she was. Always.
