Alix and the Spy

Chapter Six

London, England

1825

There was nothing more exciting than a dashing young son of a Duke sweeping into their home on a rainy Sunday afternoon, especially since said son of a Duke was soaked to the bone from said rain, making him appear especially devastating and powerful.

Alix found herself drinking in the sight of this Mr. Oakley, who had already enchanted her mother with his low bow and accompanying compliments; not that her sisters were any better. Elsa was staring at him open-mouthed, Diana looked positively thrilled at this turn in events, Bianca was looking at him as if he were a Greek god who had descended from the heavens, and Juliet probably compared him to one of the heroes from her novels, that she loved so much.

Was Alix really the only one who noticed he was destroying their carpet?

But then again, her family was not to blame, for he painted quite an impressive sight, even more so when he came round to each individual girl and kissed their hands gallantly. Alix was the farthest from him, and so the last to receive his greeting, though she found herself shying away slightly when he came near. Gorgeous gentlemen like this did not turn up suddenly on Sunday afternoons just to call on them; did he have another purpose in mind?

"Miss Hathaway," Mr. Oakley murmured, as he bent over her hand. To her surprise, Alix felt a little chill run down her spine as she felt him brush his lips against the back of her hand.

"Mr. Oakley," Alix acknowledged, feeling uncomfortable enough that she wondered when was an appropriate time to yank her hand away.

He caught her gaze, and for a moment they simply held it, his green eyes clashing with her grey ones. Then the moment broke, and he stepped away to an appropriate distance, before taking a seat at the chair Lady Hathaway gestured him too.

He began the conversation, explaining his visit by, "I have just returned from my travels overseas, and I thought it was time I began visiting the prominent families in London, if just to acquaint myself better with society."

"You are often away, are you not?" Lady Hathaway inquired curiously. "I rarely see you at functions, or during the seasons."

He inclined his head. "My business often takes me away from town during those periods of time. I however, was present at the ball hosted by my parents two nights ago. Surely you were in attendance, Lady Hathaway. I have been informed your family is always invited to the Oakley ball every year."

"Yes. My eldest, Alix, and my second daughter, Elsa, were with me. We had a splendid time, I assure you, Mr. Oakley. Your mother is an incredible hostess."

Was it just Alix's imagination, or did he rake a long gaze over her, as her mother began speaking? She mentally shook herself; he was probably only picking her out from her mother's speech.

"I thought the masquerade was a particularly good idea, Mr. Oakley." Alix was surprised as Elsa quietly ventured to say politely; she would have thought her sister too shy to speak unless spoken to. Her sister, being a rigorous follower of decorum, usually stayed quiet during gatherings. "It was great fun guessing who was who."

"It was, wasn't it?" He smiled warmly. "I wonder if I saw you at the ball, Miss Elsa."

"I was in purple, sir."

Mr. Oakley shook his head ruefully. "I am afraid I saw an overwhelming amount of purple that day. It was quite impossible to pick out any particular lady. But I am sure," he added charmingly. "You stood out even amongst them."

Alix stared as Elsa blushed prettily, suddenly wondering whether Elsa was attempting to flirt with him. Well, why shouldn't she? Elsa was already out, and an engagement was certainly in the question; it made sense if she was hoping to attract Mr. Oakley's attention.