Not Just A Pretense

Chapter 5 - Louis Tries To Spy

Arielle's POV

Three days later

It's been over a week since my date with Prince Edward. A week and three days to be exact. I've been on pins and needles ever since my aunt came into the library three days ago to tell me the prince was trying to look into the incident of three years ago. A knock on the door startles me, and I look up from my book and sigh.

"Enter," I speak clearly. The door opens, and my butler enters with a tall man I saw at the palace the other day. I suppress the urge to run as I smile at the man.

"Duchess, this is Master Louis," my butler introduces, "he's Prince Edward's steward."

"Thank you, Jeeves," I said.

"Madame, I've come to extend an invitation from his royal highness asking if you would accompany him to dinner over morrow." Louis bows.

I nod slowly. "Please tell his highness, I'd be honored to accept his invitation." Smiling, I indicate the chair across from me. "Have a seat. You should take tea with me. I'd hate to send you all the way back to the palace without offering you some refreshment."

"That is kind of you, but I couldn't impose," he shakes his head.

"Nonsense," I smile. "You're welcome to tea and cakes." He smiles sheepishly and nods.

"Thank you, Madame," he sits across from me. Jeeves nods as he steps out of the room or a minute before coming back in and taking his place near the door. After the incident three years ago, Jeeves has never left me in a room alone with anyone, especially a man.

"Master Louis," I begin slowly, "you are his Highness' personal steward, are you not?"

"My lady-"

"Just Arielle," I smile.

"Lady Arielle," he smiled politely, "you are correct. I am his Highness' personal butler."

"Then I must be of some importance to his majesty if he sent his personal steward instead of a footman to deliver a simple invitation." The door opens, and a maid enters with a tea tray and some small cakes. She sets them on the small table between us before curtsying to me and leaving. "How do you take your tea?" I ask as I begin to pour a cup for Louis.

"My lady! It would be unseemly for you to serve me. I have no objections to serving you since you have so graciously allowed me to join you," Louis says frantically.

"It's no trouble, Louis, however," I began pouring myself a cup, "I do believe I asked you to call me Arielle." I set the tea pot down as I looked at him. "Now, would you care for sugar or milk?"

"No, thank you, Lady Arielle," he took the cup and saucer from me slowly.

I added a cube of sugar to my own tea and stirred it slowly. "Now, why is it that your master put you through the trouble of coming here instead of sending a footman?"

"Well, my lady," he sipped his tea slowly, as if trying to find an answer. "Prince Edward thinks very highly of you and did not want to send a simple footman to someone so dear."

I smiled as I sipped my tea. I know the real reason Prince Edward sent him to me. He's here to try and find out my secrets. It isn't that difficult to figure it out.

"Lady Arielle," Louis begins. Here it comes. "If I may be so bold, your home is so lovely," he looks around the library, "I heard you recently moved here from Charles' countryside."

"I did," I nod. Bingo.

"Did you always live in the countryside?"

"No," I set my tea cup and saucer down. "I moved there from this city three years ago. I only recently moved back."

"Oh? Forgive me if I am being impertinent, but, why did you move?"

"I needed a change in my life." I repressed a sigh. "I suppose my life at the time had become quite busy. I was always rushing around, and I never had a moment for myself. It was time for a change of pace and to recover."

"I see," he nods. "Sometimes rest is the best remedy." He sets his tea cup down and stands. "Thank you for your hospitality, my lady. I am afraid I must take my leave now."

I smile politely. "Thank you for joining me." He bowed and exited the room with Jeeves. I have a feeling Louis will be reporting everything back to Prince Edward. If only the prince would decide he no longer wants to court me. That would make my life much easier. I sigh and finish my tea.

Jeeves POV

As I escorted Louis to the door, he turned to me and asked, "is your employer always so generous?"

"She's the kindest lady I ever did know," he nods.

"I see," he nods. "How long have you worked for the family?"

"Fifteen years," I say as we reach the door.

Louis nods. "I'm sure you can understand my position. I'm quite loyal to my master and only want the best for him."

"I am loyal to my mistress, and I can only hope your master is worthy of her." I open the door and bow politely. Though it is above my station to talk in such a manner, I would dare to risk penalty for my mistress. I don't care how much power the man courting her has. If he is not good enough for her, I will make my disapproval known.

"I can see that she commands respect. She must be a remarkable woman indeed to have won such fierce loyalty."

"Aye, she is. There is no woman on earth that can equal her virtue. Our prince has his work cut out for him if he intends to pursue Lady Arielle." I nod.

"Indeed, he does," he nods as he exits. Shutting the door, I can't help but feel that Louis was slightly impressed by my lady.