THE HEIRESS (Sample)

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Emilia stood up in surprise as carriages rode and came to a halt, some distance from the main door of the house. One of the carriages was familiar but the others weren’t.

Matilda stood by her side also curious. They had been sitting in the shade of a large tree discussing when the entry of three carriages interrupted them. She squinted lightly as servants alighted from the two unfamiliar carriages, carrying gifts and chests and bouquets of flowers into the house. Emilia glanced down at Matilda.
“What’s happening? Did anyone order for things I wasn’t informed about?”

“Not at all your Grace.” Matilda replied, looking as baffled as Emilia.

Suddenly, Lord William gracefully alighted from the familiar carriage looking extravagantly dressed as usual. He plucked a single stalk of flower from the fourth bouquet one of his servants was taking into the house and he smiled charmingly as he approached the women in the shade of the tree.

“I should have guessed better.” Emilia sarcastically murmured to herself and Matilda.

“Your Grace!” he swept her gracious bow.

Emilia, stunned but not deceived by the title and act, stared down at him as he took her hand and kissed the sapphire ring on her finger which she had inherited from the late Duchess.

“How ravishing you look this afternoon!” He acclaimed and handed her the stalk of rose which she reluctantly accepted, his deceitful presence always annoyed her but she had no choice than to tolerate him. “That should look good in your hair.”

Ignoring his admiring remark she asked. “Who are those servants?” she gestured with her eyes towards the servants who were still coming to the carriage to carry all types of gifts into the house. “...And what do they take into my house?”

Lord William removed his hat and placed it against his chest. They are but my humble servants. I bring milady, gifts.” He said.

“Gifts huh?” she stared at him suspiciously. “I celebrate nothing yet Lord William, what are the gifts for?”

“Just a generous cousin bringing gifts to his fair one. You don’t mind, do you?” he pulled out a shiny little box of gold from his inner breast pocket, opened it to reveal a pair of  dazzling diamond earrings that even Matilda was awed by the sight of it. “A pair of earrings made with diamonds.” He announced proudly.

“It must have cost you quite a fortune.” She said unimpressed.

“Nothing is too great to appreciate your rare beauty. Please do me the honor by accepting this little token of love from me.”

“Love huh?” Emilia hesitated then called over her shoulder. “Matilda?”

Matilda dutifully stepped forward and collected the box from him still awed by its content. She closed it, admiring the gold box.

“Thank you very much Lord William for such beautiful present. Your gifts are well received.”

“It’s my pleasure your grace.” He smiled. “I hope you shall grace me with an invitation to dinner someday.”

“I will consider that.” Emilia forced a smile.
He took her hand again and kissed it. “I beg to take my leave beloved cousin.” He said politely.

“You are obliged Lord William.” She answered.
Lord William turned around and got back into the carriage. The servants quickly occupied the other carriages and all three carriages began to ride out. Emilia watched them go as Lord Williams put his head through the window and blew her a kiss then doffed his heart before the carriage reached the bend and out of sight.

“How sweet and charming of him!” Matilda commented still peeking at the earrings inside the box.

“Don’t be fooled by his acting sweetness, Matilda.” Said Emilia, not the slightest bit impressed by what just happened. “That vile creature is up to something and I bet I won’t like it when I find out.”

“You never can tell Your Grace.” Replied Matilda. “He might be a changed man now.”

“Change doesn’t occur overnight. I can feel it in my bones that Williams is up to no good and I better act fast.”

“If you say so.” Matilda said with a nonchalant shrug. “I just hope the rogue changes his mind and come to our rescue.”

“Oh pleeaasseeee….” Emilia rolled her eyes. “Good riddance to bad rubbish I’d say. From the way you described him and the details you told me, it meant he is so egocentric. Men always are! They carry it around when there’s simply nothing to show for it.” When Matilda gave her an accusing look she quickly added. “Fine!” she sighed. “I know I have got a little bit of pride too but... But for good reasons.”

“Dear, I’m sure when you see him you will find him irresistible. I was stunned by his looks. I could swear he reminds me of somebody. He just needs a little bit of makeover to reveal all that is hidden and besides he might be a rogue but he is quite a charming and promising young man.” She teased with a wink.

Eager to change the topic, Emilia said. “You have been peeking into that box for a while.” She said accusingly. “Do you like them?” Matilda smiled shyly and in embarrassment then nodded. “Then you can have them!” Emilia stated.

Matilda’s eyes widened in shock. “But Your Grace, this a personal present for you, what would an old hag like me do with such expensive jewelry? I can’t accept it.”

Emilia cocked a knowing brow. “Okay, I will give it to Lacy!”

“No!” Matilda blurted then composed herself. “That daughter of mine will go berserk with this jewelry, I will keep it.” She closed a protective palm over it.
Emilia smiled mockingly. “I had better check what Williams brought. Come with me, you will distribute most of it to the servants.”

She started for the house while Matilda wearily shook her head and followed.