Ode to Aphrodite

Chapter Ⅸ

   Madeline shifted her umbrella to shade the light from her eyes, its thin silk frills hanging by the ends. It was a particularly hot summer day, her throat parched from the heat and nervousness welling up inside her. As soon as her father got to read the letter from the Duke of Wisonbourne, another hug was upon her. He immediately got to work on the reply, and now here she stood.

   Beyond the distance of the striking sunlight was a silhouette she realised was not completely stranger to her. The familiar tall stature stood there with a long straight-ironed suit and a top hat that accentuated his blonde locks, transparent in the view.

   The man from the balcony...

   Although now she somewhat knew why he called upon her, it still seemed a bit strange to pick her when they had hardly talked. Madeline and her mother, Baroness Dorsey, slowly inched closer to where the Duke stood.

   As soon as his gaze met hers, he turned to make wide strides towards the pair. He bowed his head to cup Janet's hand, kissing it as he greeted,

   "Baroness Dorsey."

   Evidently, Janet smiled at the agreeable young man who stood before her. Unlike the other men at the ball, the Duke of Wisonbourne was definitely special. The baroness could truly understand why the duke was so popular amongst families and younger ladies.

   "I believe I have not formally introduced you to my daughter that night, Your Grace."

   "Ahh yes, of course. Please do so." He replied. The memorable voice coursed through her, and for the first time since she saw the man, Madeline allowed her eyes to meet with his.

   He was looking at her.

   Not with a gaze that seemed to have been attracted to her for any reason, it was more so stern and serious. It made all the gloom amidst the warm and sunny day.

   "Your Grace, I'd like to introduce you to my daughter, Lady Madeline Grace Dorsey. Madeline, this is His Grace, Duke Augustus Martin Winton of Wisonbourne." Janet smiled, pleased at herself.

   "Pleased to make your acquaintance, Your Grace." Madeline said as she bowed.

   "The pleasure is all mine, Lady Dorsey." The duke bowed himself, and lightly took a hold of her gloved hand. Placing it on his lips, his eyes still locked to hers.

   "Well then, I shall be at the living room as you two get to know each other," The Baroness cut in and she added, "I trust my daughter is in good hands?"

   "Yes, My Lady, I shall see that she is comfortable with me."

   And with a smile, Baroness Janet Dorsey left the garden grounds off to the insides of the Duke's residence.

   The wind breeze strengthened against the bushes' leaves, Madeline's dress and bonnet victim to the flurry of air. She tightly held onto it, looking at the magenta geraniums as they securely swayed on their stems. She had reflected upon herself that hopefully, like these flowers, she would be as ever withstanding and strong in this meeting with the Duke.

   Everything was going great so far, not considering that nothing was ever truly happening. Just like that night on the balcony, the two had stood in the wind ever so stiff and silent.

   "Lady Madeline, how was the carriage I sent for you? Was it comfortable enough?" The duke suddenly said.

   Breaking from the peace, Madeline jolted at his question. Although she was not very obvious about it, she fixed her dress to stay straight as she faced him.