DELLA

❀ Chapter 6

SUNLIGHT poured into the library, from it's large windows. I sat in one of the chairs, basking in the soothing warmth as I read a book. I had found a small black, gritty textured book, tucked away in a corner on one of the shelves. It was nice to have time to myself. Time to escape the commotion of change.

The love story I was engrossed in was so intriguing, I felt more immersed with every turned page.

"What do you think you are doing with my book, Ms. Andrews?" A deep, gravelly voice made my shoulders jump, and sent the book flying in the air. I was left fumbling to catch it in my hands.

Lord Arlington stood in the doorway, leaned up against the door frame with one legged swiveled over the other. There was no denying that this man was intimidatingly handsome.

Good lord.

I quickly stood to my feet, "I-I'm so sorry. Forgive me, my lord."

He strolled into the room and I walked toward him, holding out my arm with the small book in my hand. I kept my eyes trained to the ground and attempted to swallow the hindering lump in my throat.

However, I was forced to look up after several moments went by with the book still in my hand.
When I did, he took it with a light chuckle, "I just wanted you to look at me."

Heat rushed to my cheeks, "Forgive me once more, my lord."

"Please stop apologizing," He shook his head, flashing a bright smile.

"I would also give just about anything to see you jump out of your wits like that again," He began to laugh.

"W-why are you laughing at me?" I frowned.

"And why aren't you?" He presumed to question, "You cannot deny it was quite comical."

Everything in me wanted to object. To run out of the room and pretend this never happened. But something about his contagious smile, put me at a slight ease.

"I suppose it was," I nodded, eventually breaking out into a giggle. We laughed in unison, probably thinking about how high I flung that book into the air.

Our laughs subsided and he cleared his throat, "But I would like for you to hold on to it. I shall not deprive you from a good story, it is my favorite."

He held out his arm with it in his hand. I furrowed my brows at the polite gesture, and he gave a nod in confirmation. I took it from his hand with a hesitation, "Thank you for your kindness, my lord."

"I assure you it is no matter at all. Enjoy the rest of your day Ms. Andrews," He bowed his head and then left the library. I stood in my spot, pressing the book against my chest. A heavy sigh pushed past my lips as I went to sit back down in the chair.

• ~ •

Kitty finished the final touches to my hair, wrapping a satin lilac ribbon around my bun. I was certain that tonight's conversation at the dinner table would be an interesting one. It was the first dinner of the Arlington's stay.

I was a bit nervous to how the interaction between Lord Arlington and I would go. Would he bring up what happened in the library? Would he laugh at me again?

I took a deep calming breath as I studied my appearance in the mirror. I wore a soft purple gown with a white, laced overlay.

"Lilac suits you Miss," Kitty complimented.

"Thank you," I smiled and turned to face her, "But please call me Della."

"I'm afraid it will be a hard habit to break," She spoke truthfully.