Lady Sarah

Chapter five

The coach ride was only a few minutes, I honestly believe it would have been easier and better if we’d walked. I was glad when it was over, Victoria and Frederick did not converse and there seemed to be an underlying tension. I wondered at their relationship. I wish I had a brother, I would never cease to talk to him.

We arrived at the Duke’s vast estate and menservants met us and guided us to the doors. The Duke himself greeted us at the hallway, a beautiful hall that I did not get a good look at because my vision was filled with the Duke. He looked very handsome in a dark long dinner coat over a fine gold and brown pattered waist jacket and his long athletic legs were adored by a suiting beeches and dark shores. All together with his wild captivating smile of greeting and sharp blue eyes he was dangerously handsome and I understood why some girls might be prone to feeling faint before a male.

“Lord Frederic, Ladies Sarah and Victoria, how fine and beautiful you are”

“Even me my Lord? I am beautiful and fine?” Frederick said with homour.

“If it pleases you Fred, but the ladies have my sincere praise” The Duke said taking hold of Victoria’s and placing a small kiss of greeting. When he came to greet me his eyes captured mine as he looked up and I felt a strong shiver start at the point of contact. I also felt he held my hand longer then it was necessary.

“Miss Victoria, may I escort you to dinner and Frederick may you your cousin Sarah. The rest of the guests are already seated” Him and Victoria led the way and Frederick and I followed with Mrs. Canines silently following behind.

Once we entered the dinner hall my feelings of anxiety increased and I was desperately looking for an exit. The dress I wore was suffocating and the elegancy and beauty of the Duke’s residence were overwhelming me.

I did not belong here.

“Are you ok cousin?” Asked Frederick and I realized I was holding onto his arm tightly. I took a deep breath and loosened up before responding.

“I am fine, thank you”

The Duke sat Victoria and I noted five other people already seated. Frederic and I took our seats too.

“This is Lady Sarah Lieven McCartney, if I may be so bold to introduce my good neighbour’s niece and guest” Spoke the Duke at the top of the table, he extended his arm to indicate me. At that moment I believe I blushed deeply and could not find a place to look at as five pairs of eyes and Victoria’s cold grey eyes focused on me.

“My Lord Wellington, how utterly unconventional of you to introduce a young woman in such a fashion, in front of people she has never met. I see military has aided your skills to embarrass young woman of the ton” Spoke a beautiful dignified lady that was dressed almost like royalty in a gold dress and pearls. Her green eyes focused on me and I saw kindness and an apology in them.

“O lady Jersey, that picture of the young lady blushing was surely worth the Duke’s unconventional introduction. I for one would welcome it again” Said a blond gentleman to the right of the Lady Jersey.

“But it must be said that if our generous host wishes to cause a young woman embarrassment in order to see her prettily blush he must do it in private” Commented an older gentleman with shoulder length dark hair and all in black dress coat.

I followed the exchange and wanted to disappear under the table.

“No Sir William, that logic is wrong, embarrassment and that colouring could only be achieved with a public audience” Stated the blond gentleman.

“I believe you have all acted more ridicules then Duke’s rash introduction with your insistence with this talk. I am sure the Duke will never have us all again and Lady Sarah will shun us in public” Spoke a lively and rounded lady sitting near the Duke.