The World Cannot Know

Chapter 4

Prince Sebastian

Edited

The dinner was pleasant. Both Elizabeth and Alice are nice women who seem polite and pleasant. Maybe Alice, more than Elizabeth, she certainly is eccentric, in a good way. Throughout the whole dinner she tried every possible reason to touch my arm or hand, whether that was to re-position the cutlery near her or to re-position herself in her chair, causing her foot to touch mine every now and then. It was quite amusing, Alice does not seem like marriage material, more like a quick fun every now and then. Maybe I might take up her offer, if she continues. Matthew himself got the immoral sense from her, so she is off the list.

There are people who are artists, then some, themselves, are art. That's Matthew. Everything about him is different than any person who I have met. He is authentic, honest and well-grounded. A person who knows what he wants and will say whatever is on his mind to make his point. Matthew is the person who you can have fun with, yet after have the deepest conversations about anything. I enjoyed yesterday; it was the most meaningful company I've ever had in my life and something about that makes me feel light and a little free.

I was lounging in the drawing room, drinking some scotch and reading a book. There is always something special about being alone with a good book. Even though you are alone, you end up being less alone with a book than you are in a crowd. While being pulled into the story that I'm reading, voices brought my attention away. I put my glass down focusing on the conversation coming from outside in the hallway.

"We should spend some time. Get to know each other better" said a female voice, sounding a little alluring. Alice. This sure did intrigued me, who is her new objective?

"That will be nice, however I'm a busy man with no time, sadly" Matthew spoke, being polite as ever. This made me laugh. Matthew being targeted by non-other than Alice. The very woman who he informed that I stay away from and take off my list.

"I'm sure you could make time, 1 hour of your time away from work and with me, will not hurt" she said. I crept closer to the door, edging it open a little so I could get full view of both. Alice had her hand on Matthew's arm, Matthew himself stood ridged and stiff with an unyielding smile on his face.

"Maybe, but some other time" he said taking a step back. "I should get back to my work, I'll see you around, my lady" he bowed a little, however before he could walk away, Alice roped her arm around his. Matthew faltered in his steps.

"I'll keep you company, while you work" Alice said, inching closer to Matthew. I couldn't help but laugh more. Should I step in a save the poor old chap?

Matthew, trying to pull his arm back said, "It will be boring, you really don't want to spend time with me." He held that strained smile on his face.

Alice annoyingly giggled, then held onto Matthew tighter "Are you trying to get rid of me?" she asked, her eyes bright with excitement and interest.

Matthew let out an impatient sight, shrugging his shoulders away from her, a little more forcibly "While I'm working, my attention needs to solely be on work, with you there I'll get nothing done" he said, still being polite with that forced smile on his face. "I should really be getting to work now, I'll see you around, my lady" He bowed, turned and saw me standing in the doorway, watching the exchange between them and humours smile on my face. He muttered something under his breath, and walked towards me, without making it noticeable that I was there.

Laughter exploded from my throat, my shoulders shook, and my body convulsed helplessly as I took a step back as Matthew entered the drawing room, closing the door behind him. He ran his hand through his hair and took a seat on the sofa.