The Compromise

Chapter 2 - The Compromise

"A suitor wouldn't help!" She angrily whispered. "These men would only chain me down- which I've told you I don't want to happen."

Missi knew the terms of her mother's agreement that she would only send her off after she was married - more of a honeymoon with her new husband, and before she would know it they would be straight back to dreary England. She'd be locked into an estate, unable to leave without her husband's permission.

"I wasn't suggesting the others," he hissed back and Missi's eyes widened for the umpteenth time that night.

"You're suggesting..." She could get the words out of her mouth as she stared up at the pale man.

"I'm suggesting a compromise. I'll become your suitor, we'll court and hopefully 'elope' before the marriage."

The idea didn't seem that bad - better than her own, and it gave her more time to iron out the details. However she would have to court this, Sir Duke - a man she barely knew and personally didn't want to get to know. There was just something off about him- however she had ran out of options and he'd agreed to help her through this mess.

Seeing the hesitation in her eyes, Duke gripped her hand.

"I'm your only hope Missi." He gave her a couple of seconds to let that sink in before pulling her towards the dance floor. "Come dance, we must impress your mother."

She let him lead her again, still trying to let the information sink in as he moved her into position, moving her arms, almost stretching them to reach his shoulders. She was reminded yet again how tall he was and her neck strained to look into his eyes with a calculated look.

"Before I place my future in the hands of a man that I've only just met, tell be about yourself Sir Duke. I'd prefer to know more about you."

A soft, finely orchestrated tune began - several violins and other stringed instruments harmonising with the flutter of piano keys - started their dance. Little attention was paid as they glided along the floor, Sir Duke seemed to have that covered.

"And a very wise decision indeed." He smiled, pointy teeth gleaming. "I hired further North from here, where my family has lived for generations. We run with respectable traders that import red wine from the fields of Italy but we also import other goods."

"Such as?"

"Fine art, my dear."

Her eyes sparked with interest and Duke couldn't help but chuckle.

"What has caught your interest?"

"Within your fine arts, do you perchance have any literature?" Missi's purple irises looked to him a bashful hopefulness and he gave her a sly smirk.

"I may do, My Lady."

Missi ignored his sly response, how his head tilted closer in an almost mocking gesture.

"I should like to see you house one day and browse your collection if I should ever have to meet them. My father will be insistent that he meet your family."

Duke looked a bit alarmed at her news but he quickly covered it over with a humoured facade. "My family is- how should I put this," he looked up, seeming to try and think of the right words. "Eccentric, I do believe is the right word."

Smirking slightly, Missi shared in his humour. "I can see it runs in the family."

Catching on, he unexpectedly dipped her into a low bow, her back arching upwards, her head trying to follow. "And why would you think that, my dear." His head had moved next to hers, whispering to her as if daring her to challenge him. Before he lifted her back, he took a long drag of her scent, but not long enough for her to question him, nor notice.

Pulling her back up, he twirled her around the room easily, his height being the upper hand that seemed to come a strange sense of agility.

He pulled her close to him again, something that came of as possessive, making Missi frown.

"Smile Missi. You need to look like you're enjoying yourself, otherwise we may never convince your mother," Duke purred, his head dipping to her ear.

Taking the hint, Missi giggled as if he'd told her something humorous and Duke smiled, beginning to slow his dancing to the ending music. They stopped within earshot of her mother, who's eyes had not left her since the two had begun dancing.

"I must thank you for this dance, Sir Duke." Missi pulled a sweet but polite smile on her face, forcing her hand to drift down Duke's shoulder to his forearm - the show had indeed begun.

Duke seemed to know exactly what to do to impress her mother, swiftly bending down to kiss her hand through the silk gloves. "The pleasure was all mine, My Lady."

It seemed her mother had finally decided to intervene and stepping up to them with a warm smile. Her silken robe draping down herself in rich light blues, and her crinoline pushed out to accentuate her tightened waistline. She wore a white petticoat over the top, preparation for the late winter chill, but each seam and button shimmered with decadence. She was the picture of sophistication and wealth, a clear beacon of a higher status.

"Well it seems my daughter has taken much liking to you Sir." Her voice was dainty, much like herself - hidden was her cunning nature.

"Mother this is Sir Duke. He is simply delightful company." Missi hooked her arm around his offered one and turned to face her mother.

"You flatter me so," Duke exclaimed, framing a perfectly happy smile on his face as he looked down at her before turning his gaze towards Missi's Mother. "And it is a pleasure to meet you, Madam?"

"Ah, apologies. It seems that my daughter has forgotten to tell you her last name. I am Madam, Spencer."

"Ah, it is a pleasure to meet the Duchess of Devonshire." A surprised smile crossed the Duchess' face, her many brown curls shifting as she craned her neck to see him.

"Ah... it seems you've read up on me."

"Indeed, my family is business partners with yours and many others. It is obligatory that I should remember them all, especially on a night like tonight where I've stepped in to represent them.it is also hard to forget my mother's idol. She loves your work." He bowed to her, placing a gentle kiss on her outstretched hand.

"What was your last name young man?" She gave an inquisitive stare, obviously interested on how their families had been linked.

"I'm Duke Casmir, but you'll probably know my father, Gabriel Casmir, the Grand-Duke of Vaults."

"Ah yes!" Missi's mother's eyes brightened with recognition. "Your family produces the most excellent wine I have tried. We must arrange to meet again at our estate. But enough of me interfering with your two. Please go enjoy the rest of the night here. I hope we meet again soon Sir Duke, and Missi?"

"Yes Mother?" She walked to the side where her mother indicated for her to come, close enough for her mother's hands to latch on to her shoulder with hidden harshness and whisper in her ear.

"You have an hour. Don't mess this up."

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Authors notes.

Heya again honeys! I thought I'd post the next chapters seemed as it's Christmas. I hope you like it so far, I'll post the next chapter next week.

So we've finally met Missi's Mother, the Grand-Duchess of Devonshire. I know my timing may be off with when this woman was around- I tried to accurate to the time. I also hope I got Duke and Missi correct so please do tell!

See y'all soon and Merry Christmas!

Watermelon ice x