Court of Flowers (Sutherland Book 1)

XX | To Dance with a Belle

Her morning was spent having breakfast with Jade and Ruby, both of whom concerned about what happened the other night. Jade had to repeatedly convey her apologies, claiming that if she had controlled herself last night, Sasha would have not been left alone.

Sasha had to repeatedly assure them that she was fine. And yes, she shall send a report against Willoghby the soonest that she could.

When Aliya pulled Sasha to the side during an afternoon tea in one of the drawing rooms, Sasha realized that news traveled fast even outside of Belcourt.

"Are you certain you are all right?"

"Yes."

"This is not the first Willoghby has done something, but this is surely the first that he went overboard. I insist that you make a report, Sasha. It is all for our safety."

"Thank you for the concern, Aliya. I will make the report within the week. I will send my servants to Belcourt to deliver it the soonest I can."

Aliya nodded and firmly said, "You are a new Belle, Sasha. There is more you must learn. I hope this is a lesson."

Sasha swallowed. "It is."

Aliya eyed her with suspicion. "I hope you are not saying that to appease me."

"No, I am not."

"Very good."

Aliya never approached her or any of the Belles after that. It seemed that she had a world of her own. She had her own circle of admirers and friends.

All throughout the morning and even that afternoon during luncheon, Sasha had not seen West. It was understandable, for there were hundreds of guests in attendance, the most that Humbrick could accommodate.

That night, Sasha was relieved that her servants, most particularly Iyana, seemed to now believe that she was fine, recovered from last night's attack.

Of course, she was not. She would still shudder at the memory of being dragged into that garden...

But it was a consolation to know that Willoghby had failed again.

Or did he? Sasha asked herself, remembering the last words the man said to her.

"I will be up all night waiting," Iyana told her before she left for the ball downstairs.

"There is no need, Iyana. Ruby promised to personally accompany me back to my chamber later. Jade swore she would not be drinking a drop of sherry."

"And of your gentleman?"

Sasha shrugged. "I do not expect more from him."

"So do I."

Sasha sighed. "He was not the one who attacked me, Iyana. You must know that."

"I know. But he was not there to save you."

"It is not his duty to." She smiled at Iyana. "Please, go and get your well-deserved respite. I will be fine. Aaron assured us that his own footman saw Willoghby climb into his carriage this morning. He is no longer in Humbrick, Iyana. There are no more threats."

Iyana nodded, although still looking unconvinced.

Sasha left, hoping her maid would get the rest that she needed because tomorrow, Sasha was planning to send them back to Coulway without her.

*****

West found Sasha with Ruby and Jade. The entire morning, he had done nothing but have Darren follow her around in secret. His valet was only happy to do so, always eager to return and report that Lady Sasha was having tea with her friends; that she went for a walk with Sir John, the navy hero and that the man had shamelessly plucked a poor budding flower for her, with not a care that the flower had barely had its time in spring; that she walked to a nearby lake with her friends; that she retired to her chambers and must be preparing for the ball; that she was now at the ball; that it was best he did the stalking alone for he feared Lady Sasha saw him wandering about.