DELLA

❀ Chapter 7

ASTRID wasn't herself for the rest of the night, and it bothered me to no end. She tried her best to mask her feelings, but I saw right through the facade. Was she upset because of something I did? I couldn't shake the aching feeling.

My mind ran circles around the possibility. So after dinner, I decided to talk to her. I saw her lady maid walking toward her door with a teacup on a saucer in her hand.

"I will take it to her Charlotte," I whispered.

"Are you sure, Miss?"

"Yes," I nodded, taking cup of hot chocolate from her hands. She smiled in return and walked back down the corridor. I gave a gentle knock on the door.

"Who is it?" The shake of her voice sounded so foreign. The confidence she always had in it had vanished.

"It is Della."

"Come in," She answered weakly. Upon entering, I saw her laying atop of her bed. She wore her cream colored night dress, and her blonde glory was swept on one side.

"Charlotte brought you a cup of chocolate," I placed it down on her bedside table.

She sat up and swiped a finger under nose with a sniffle, "When will you learn that this is simply her duty, little cousin?"

I didn't know what to say, "Um . . ."

She broke into a smile and patted a seat on her bed.

"Are you well?" I asked as I sat next to her, "Is it something I said at dinner?"

"No," She shook her head, "Christopher could gush about that futile book to a tree."

"Oh," I frowned.

"We talked before dinner time," She began, "He said that he had thought about me often, while he was abroad."

"Well that's wo-"

"But he said he would like to take things slow, and get to know me again," Her face was struck with distraught. "I don't want to take things slow, Della."

"Because you know in your heart that you love him?" I tried my best to understand her bursting emotions.

"Because we have been intended for each other since we were children!" She laughed as if that was something I should've known. "Christopher and I are the perfect match. The Duke of Brent's only son and Earl of Stratford's eldest daughter."

I nodded slowly.

"I know that you may not understand. But it is my duty to ensure a beneficial future, and the Arlington's are very plump in the pocket. So I must secure Christopher during his stay here. Going riding tomorrow shall be a magnificent start."

"I agree," I gave a smile. It still did not sit right with me how love was such a secondary component in marrying. Was it wrong that Papa did not intend for me to marry me off soon as possible?

"Well I only wish for you to be happy. So please let me know if I can be of any assistance with . . your endeavors," I offered.

Astrid smiled ear to ear, ". . . . Thank you, Della."

• ~ •

We agreed to meet at the stables an hour passed noon. My stomach has been tied in knots all throughout the morning, hindering my appetite. I had seen horses plenty of times in my life, but the thought of riding one gave me chills.

Kitty helped me get dressed into my riding habit a bit early, so I walked to the stables and decided to filter out my nerves amongst the company of the horses. Midnight's dark, mysterious beauty had me drawn to her. I could see why Lord Arlington wanted to entrust her care with someone so important to him.