Pearls and Roses

9. Watchful Eyes

⌠⌠ERIC 👑⌡⌡

Gripping my glass, I ticked my jaw and raised a brow. Did she......turn her back on me? I was reaching the end of my rope with her.

"Is something the matter?" Lady Dore blinked at me, glancing at my hands.

"No, no. I was distracted." I took a sip of my wine.

She smiled and nudged her daughter who blushed then cleared her throat. "How has business been sir?"

I smiled, "It's been fine, thanks. I heard you donated beautiful handicrafts to the charity bazaar last week?"

Her cheek turned redder, "Y..yes sir."

"It's a shame I was out of town, I would've procured one for myself." 

 Miss Dore smiled at me, "If you'd like, I can make one for you."

"Really? How gracious of you. Let me know when it's done."

She glanced at her mother who in turn wiggled her brows at her.

Lady Dore's husband was an entrepreneur who tested the waters of the mining industry and found success, Before that, he was the patron for a young piano prodigy who was making his debut this year. Sir Dore's eye for talent and money was something I admired however, his wife's habit of pushing her daughter unto me was becoming taxing.

The girl had no flair for seduction and she would be better off with another. Our friendship was comfortable.

"Pardon me sir, are you in good odor with the Hooleys?" Lady Dore asked.

I sensed an idle talk forthcoming. "Quite. I am still getting familiar with them."

   "And that girl?" She spat, her face scrunching up as she turned to look behind her. I followed her gaze.

Miss Somers was standing gauchely, rubbing her hands against her dress and looking around.

"What of her?" I directed Lady Dore's attention back to me.

"You may want to be careful. She's quite....promiscuous. Her second husband died only seventeen days after they espoused, she has since been unable to secure a suitor. Rumor has it that his ghost has latched onto her."

She lowered her voice, "Others say she may be harboring dark secrets that scare them away, the same secrets that took her husband's life."

  Hmm...... I took another sip of my drink and looked Miss Somer's way. She kept glancing back at Philip who was speaking to Lady Beddoe still, almost as if she was waiting. Waiting to speak to him or to be noticed by him.

......I see. "I will be careful, thank you."

Lady Dore nodded, "You are welcome."

  "Lady Dore. Miss Dore." the King made his way towards us. Finally. After speaking with some ministers, we run into a group of men I'd rather not share company with and excused myself.

  Lady Dore and her daughter curtsied, "Your Majesty."

They exchanged pleasantries before he turned to me, "Come with me."

He placed his hand on my shoulder and we walked around, mindlessly I realized, acknowledging the guests who bowed our way.  A young lady smiled at me when she bowed and my father chuckled. "This one seems to take a liking to you."

  I held my tongue. We walked to the either side of the hall, "So.... how do you find Miss Somers."

"I'm afraid, I know nothing of her sir."