A Complicated Arrangement

Chapter 10

Isabelle's POV

Glancing at myself in the washroom vanity mirror, I produce a smile, almost forgetting my problems at hand. I look like a beauty in my golden and clear crystal jewels. I had chosen a light, beige colour so as to not attract any attention since my father would not be here to ward off any lewd suitors. However, this hue is not making quite a difference! Here I am, worrying and hiding in the powder room of Lady Smith's mansion.

Lady Smith is an aged widower who generously offered to host the annual Fair Lady's convention at her grand home. And what a beautiful home she has. I have never been inside but I find myself staring at every detail of her house. Her antique portraits, painted by the best artists across Europe, the large glass chandelliers hanging off her marbe ceiling - for a moment there I really thought that the chandeliers wer made of crystals but it is glass! She is quite a collector, for she has a great variety of souvenirs and ornaments that goes well with every room and furniture that she has.

I smile again, almost, just almost forgetting my personal issues. Then he appears in my head. That, that rogue. He who keeps me awake at night, he who crosses all boundaries with me, he who makes everything seem so wrong, that rule-breaker!

But then, I find myself feeling nervous around him, my heart beats a rhythm so fast, I feel as if an explosion will erupt in my chest. Never have a man touched me like that, nor have a man ever made me feel that way. I bubble with hatred for that man, yet I am a bit bewildered about my emotions towards him. Maybe I am just guilty.

I sigh. Oh poor Elly. She must be so hurt right now. I long to see her, hold her, comfort her and tell her of my plans. At times like this, when I am bored or stuck with a servant as company, I need her here with me. I just, I want my Elly back. As I am about to spill with emotions out of my eyes, I am interrupted with a soft knock. Then a louder knock when I fail to answer.

"Who ever is in there, please come out right this minute!" Shouted Lady Smith in a hushed but angry tone. She is always the one to try to not to make a scene, even when she is agitated.

Slowly and quietly, I open the door. "I am sorry Lady Smith. I, I was just.."

"My dear, what seems to be the matter?"

"I am just feeling alone. My parents could not make it today."

"Oh don't you worry dear, you can mingle with anyone here. Patrick, oh Patrick my boy. Would you do the honour of entertaining Lady Jacobs?"

Oh no, not another man. He looked so happy by her suggestion. He, like every man in this ballroom tried their best to get my attention, I have left all of them.

"It would be my pleasure, Lady Smith." He beamed brightly and pulled me gently into a waltz. "Maybe a dance would take make tonight more enjoyable."

I tried to refuse him but he kept me firmly planted against his body. His hands seem too eager to wrap around mh waist, to play with my hands as we dance. For a moment I could have sworn that the man sniffed me and almost swooned. Who does that?!

"Patrick, as much as I appreciate your efforts, I would prefer to be alone. But thank you" I feigned a kind smile.

"But Lady Smith said that you were lonely. I would be happy to fill in that gap. I could be the man to make you happy. I would really like that Isabelle." Sure you would.

I must have been really desperate, because I couldnt believe what I am about to say, "I'm afraid that cannot be possible. I already have a man in my life. I'm eng-"

"Engaged." A familiar voice responded huskily behind me. Lionel took my hands and wrap his arm around my waist.

Lionel continued, "Allow me to introduce myself, I am Isabelle's fiance, Lionel King." He smiled victoriously and kissed my hand. "I do apologize for being late my dear, please excuse us, I would like to take over from here".

I raised a brow. What a drama queen. When Patrick left, I was dipped in his arms.

"Why are you here?" I said through gritted teeth.

"Is that how you greet your future husband? No hi? Or thank you?"

I scoffed. "Why would I thank you?"

"That pest looked as he was about to devour you. You looked so helpless. Seems to ne that you needed saving. So, you're welcome."

I huffed in annoyance. He pressed me closer to him. I gasped. "Fine, thank you. Now let me go, before you too devour me infront of everyone. I do not want to dance with you."

He chuckled. "As much as I would love to, I would maintain control today, for you. And please don't be so bitter. I came to ward off tongue-waggers and represent our joined families with you. And, I want to learn how to make my bride smile." With that he rubbed my cheek and smiled ever so handsomely.

He did earn smile from me. And as I gazed around, I noticed that everyone's eyes were fixed on us. I cannot publicly refuse him, it wpuld make a scene. So I agreed to spend time with him and danced all night with him. It was fun actually, I didn't think that I would be able to enjoy myself with him without feeling an ounce of guilt.

He escorted me home while entertaining me with light conversation. I couldn't stop laughing at his jokes. And then he took my hand in his and smiled at me.

"Shall we do this again Isabelle?" He sensed my escape, "Just give me a chance. No tricks this time"

"But we are not supposed to see each other before the wedding. Mother and Father will not approve."

"When will they return?"

"On Saturday"

"Then I will meet you twice this week. For the tea party and a private outing."

"I cannot. My tutor will be watching me closely at the tea party. She will recognize you."

He stroked his chin and looked deep in thought. "Fine, after the party, meet me for lunch. Tell her that you are meeting a friend to invite to your wedding. She will let you go with just a servant again." He kissed my hand and rode off. "See you again!"

I waved and hid my blush. This feels so wrong, but so right. I guess I owe him lunch for being so mean to him all this time. I smiled to myself not realizing that I am allowing myself to get too close to him, to make him fall deeper in love with me and to make me fall for him.