CHAPTER TWO

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“You can all have your seats.” Announced the Duchess, hands stretched towards the large dining table covered with several dishes of food, drinks and fruits.

The  guests, three in number, two males and a female approached the table and sat down after the duchess had taken her seat and the servants also sat the guest down.

The marquess and Marchioness of Medianbridge sat at the left, close to each other while the Earl of Torthenshire and nephew of the Duchess’ late husband, William Bennett Junior sat at the right side opposite the couple.

The Earl had on one of his best outfit that puzzled the Duchess if he always forgot he was actually being dressed for a dinner not of a ball.

The Earl's fingers were adorned with expensive rings, all these he did, to impress the old Duchess but besides the impression he tried to create on his Aunt, he did like to look good in expensive wears and command respect with his presence.

“You are looking good, Williams.” Commented the Duchess, idly.

Lord William offered one of his best captivating smile, pleased that the Duchess always acknowledged his outfit. “You too, are always stunning, Your Grace.”

The Duchess acknowledged him with a subtle nod and turned to the couple. “Lord Eugene, I can see your wife is heavy with child already.”

The marquess smiled proudly. “Yes your Grace, we should be expecting a heir soon enough.”

The Duchess cringed inwardly at the mention of a heir, making her remember her own childlessness. Composing herself, she wore on her smile again and stated genuinely. “I wish your wife safe delivery.”

“Thank you, milady.” The Marchioness finally said.

“I was beginning to wonder...” began Lord Williams. “...I noticed we aren’t quite complete here. Where is thy beautiful cousin?”

“Oh!” the Duchess' smile brightened. “She should join us soon, I believe.”

Just then, Emilia entered the dining room in one of her beautiful gowns. Lord William rose from his seat to welcome her, just noticing the Ferret circling the feet of her flowing skirts.

He hid his disgust with a warmer smile, took her hand and kissed it gently. “My fairest cousin, I longed to have you here with us.” He gave a low bow. Though they were not related by blood but Lord William preferred regarding her as a cousin.

“Thank you.” She replied, twisting her hand away from his and forced a smile for the Duchess' sake. She approached the chair in between Lord William and the Duchess and before a servant could help her sit down, Lord William did, always trying to play the gentle man.

When Emilia offered him a forceful smile again and sat down, the ferret leapt onto her lap and nestled in the folds of the warm gown. Lord William however, shot it a quick disdainful look, he hated animals!

“Lord Eugene, Lady Frances!” Emilia acknowledged both couple with a nod.

“I can bet, I have never seen any so beholding and beautiful. She would bring forth eligible suitors to your doorstep milady.” Said the Marquess admiring the duchess’ niece who winced and flushed in embarrassment.

The duchess smiled and clapped her hands twice and the servants standing by began serving the food.

Lord Williams tried to start up a conversation with Emilia. “So, how is schooling in Menxes like?”

“The journey is quite tiring and the lessons given are sometimes stressful but a lady of my class has to be learned.” She replied halfheartedly.

“Of course yes!” replied He. “I wouldn’t mind paying you a visit one of these days when you do return to school. I have been so busy in the Mine, I hardly have time for myself but I could spare one or two for you milady, if you wouldn't mind.”

Emilia smiled wryly, detesting the thought of his unwanted visit. She was just not comfortable with him. She felt there was something awry about him that she couldn’t quite fathom yet.

“So, how is the Mine coming, William?” asked the Duchess noticing Emilia wasn’t too keen on pushing a topic with him.

Lord William dabbed at his mouth with the serviette. “It is been back-breaking but we are making progress. A lot of diamonds were found near the dry creek at old stanfilde.”

The duchess nodded approvingly as they ate. “I knew I could count on your being in-charge of the Mine after my husband passed away. I bet the Duke will be very proud of you.”


“I am doing my best to keep the Mine running and I promise I won’t let you down, auntie.”

“I trust you to act on your words like you already are.” She stated. “Why don’t we all retire to the drawing room and entertain ourselves with some music.” She suggested.

“My wife here is a good pianist.” Commented the Marquess.

“Good idea!” agreed Lord William. “And I trust my fair cousin should be good in some musical instrument” he said, watching Emilia keenly.

“Of course!” Replied the Duchess. “Emilia here is very good in the Harp, Clarinet and the Piano.”

Lord William smiled warmly. “Then I would say I wasn’t wrong then. She has nothing lacking to be a good wife.”

Emilia cringed again at the word ‘wife’. He leaned closer till Emilia could smell his cologne all around her. “I hope Lady Emilia wouldn’t mind entertaining us a little bit.”

“No… I am not in high spirits for music now, Lord William, maybe some other time.” Emilia quickly countered.

“Alright then…” He straightened up. “There would be a next time before you depart to school.” He turned to the others.

“Shall we proceed to the drawing room, please?” He rose and offered his arm to Emilia who hesitated before slinging hers into his and in silence.

They all departed to the drawing room with the duchess’ lead.

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