I HISSED at the tiny prick of the needle I was attempting to embroider with. In the drawing room, Lady Stratford, Astrid, Abigail and I, busied ourselves with embroidery.

Alaina was enthralled in one of her books. I studied the four them, each content in their activity. Lady Stratford wore a hard, concentrated countenance as her hands moved cautiously with each stitch.

I, on the other hand, desperately tried to save my travesty of a creation.

"Looks like someone needs an embroidery lesson," Abigail sang teasingly.

I breathed a nervous laugh, "I never used to do this often back at home."

"Silly Abigail," Astrid sighed, while keeping her eyes trained on her work, "You must excuse how she did not have a mother to teach her the way."

Abigail turned her head, Alaina looked up and Lady Stratford rose a brow. Her bold statement snatched every word from my tongue, leaving me speechless.

"What?" Astrid frowned, "It is only the truth."

"I . . . suppose you are correct," I managed to say. Alaina shook her head and returned to reading.

"You have quite a bit to learn dear child," Lady Stratford brung her intimating gaze up, "But not to worry, you have me. Follow what I do carefully."

I nodded and tried my best to follow the manner she moved her hands. How she completed each stitch with such ease. I bit back a hiss when I pricked my finger for the umpteenth time.

How long was this supposed to go on?

My gaze floated over to the piano. I ached at how much I wished to quit this embroidering and attempt to teach myself how to play. I wouldn't even know where to begin, but I was convinced it would put an end my misery.

I couldn't help but notice that Astrid looked especially presentable today. She was even wearing a pinkish lip salve, giving her plump lips a shimmery appeal.

The Arlingtons were arriving today.

My heart quickened. Just as I was growing used to the company of my estranged family, in enters another family - high in the social system.

Another family with a mindset that wildly differed from mine. Another family who would remind me I was thrown into my own uncharted waters.

A sharp gasp escaped my lips when the needle pricked me again. I had been so submerged into my thoughts, I wasn't paying attention to my doings.

"Good grief," Lady Stratford sighed with annoyance. My hands froze though, when I caught sight of a carriage on the long path.

"Um . . . I believe your company has arrived."

Astrid whipped around to the window so fast, it was shocking to me she didn't get whiplash. Her and Abigail exchanged looks of excitement and popped up from the sofa.

Abigail squealed.

"Compose yourself Abigail," Lady Stratford spat as she stood up. I watched as Astrid straightened out non existent wrinkles in her daisy yellow dress. Abigail swept rebellious strands of hair behind her ear. I smiled when I saw that Alaina shared no part in it.

"Would it kill you to show a sliver of emotion?" Disgust and aggression gripped Astrid's tone.

"Forgive me if I don't see the purpose in behaving like a half witted fool," She answered swiftly.

"Have you any manners?!" Astrid gaped.

"Quit your quarreling!" Lady Stratford intervened sternly. She walked toward the entrance of the drawing room and motioned for the girls to stand next to her, "Come, come! Make haste!"

Both Astrid and Abigail scurried by her side, while Alaina calmly walked over and placed her hands behind her back.

I placed my things down and slowly stood to my feet. I knew that I had no part in the reunion that was about take place in only a few moments. So I just stood in my spot, patiently.

"Let me stand next to Mamma, Abigail," Astrid commanded.

"But it shall not matter!" She complained.

"Indeed it will, now move!" Astrid tugged Abigail's arm and quickly took her place.

"You are such a-"

Lady Stratford stuck her arm out in front of them, ceasing Abigail's words. The door opened and in came Mr. Simon with their trunks.

"The Duke and Duchess of Brent . . . And their son, Viscount Arlington," He announced. The three of them stepped into the house promptly.

Mr. Simon set their trunks down and offered to take their belongings. Lady Stratford and the Duchess of Brent immediately united into an embrace.

"What a pleasure to see you again, dear friend!" Her Grace exclaimed.

Uncle George sauntered into the scene and joined in on the reunion. The five of them conversed happily, while the girls stood glued to their spots, patiently. Lord Arlington walked over to them with a smile.

I couldn't quite see his features well from my standpoint. But his flashing smile could align the stars, alone.

"Chrissy you have returned!" Abigail leaped to embrace him. I stifled a giggle at his slightly alarmed expression.

He chuckled as he returned the hug, "A mistake on my part for thinking that you would be any less wild."

"I shall not be tamed!"

I saw Astrid shake her head in disapproval, taking a deep calming breath.

"Alaina, my, have you gotten taller!" He looked to her with amazement.

"I say the same for you. And what on earth has grown on your face!" She went to place a hand over the light stubble around his mouth and chin, but he gently caught her wrist.

"I beg your pardon, Lady Alaina?" He feigned incredulity.

The playful banter between the two put a smile on my face. Last but certainly not least, he turned his attention to the girl who had been patiently waiting for his eyes to fall on her.

"Astrid my darling. You have grown even more beautiful than the day I have seen you last," His smile grew wider.

"Oh you are too kind," She giggled excessively, "I cannot wait to hear all about your travels!"

"As I cannot wait to share them with you."

After a few moments, his eyes fleeted past Astrid and landed on me, "You must be the long lost cousin."

He began to walk toward me and butterflies erupted in the pit of my stomach. It was then that I was able to get a better look at him.

His tall figure made my heart drum to an unceasing beat. His lightly stubbled jaw was so defined. The green waistcoat he wore, brought out the striking green specks in his eyes.

The man that had been so heavily spoken about was finally standing before me.

"Y-yes," I sputtered, "I'm Della Andrews."

He bowed his head, "Pleased to make your acquaintance Ms. Andrews."

"Likewise, my lord."

A gasp sounded from behind. Both the Duke and Duchess walked up to me.

"Ms. Della Andrews is it?" The Duke asked, with one hand gripped on his black cane.

"Yes, your grace," I nodded, "Pleased to meet you."

"How beautiful you are," the Duchess took in my appearance with admiration held in her eyes.

My cheeks grew hot when everyone gathered around me, "Thank you for your kind words, your grace. But your beauty is no comparison to mine."

She really was beautiful with her green eyes and high cheeks bones. Her chestnut hair was just beginning to grow grey strands of wisdom.

"Well we shall get along just fine," She winked.

"Christopher, you must hear how well Astrid has gotten at her playing!" Lady Stratford interjected.

"What a splendid idea!" The Duchess agreed.

"I pronounce myself as the best at Moonriver," Astrid responded pridefully.

"Forgive me if I doubt you have passed me in skills," Lord Arlington prodded playfully.

Astrid hooked her arm around his and pulled him toward the sofa, "I shall make you eat those words."

"Be my guest," He took a seat on the sofa as did everyone else. His family sat on one side, while the rest of us sat on the opposite. Astrid took a seat on the creme piano bench. She straightened her back, and a soothing melody sounded throughout the room. Her hands moved as effortless as the waves of the ocean.

A smile lingered on Lord Arlington's lips as she played. He watched her with such an endearing admiration, keeping his captivating green specked orbs on her.

Then I realized I was burning a hole into the side of his face from my staring. He turned his head, feeling my eyes on him.

I quickly averted my gaze to the ceiling, as if I was studying it's nonexistent beauty.

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A/N - aaah I loved writing that little part at the end. Imagine Del realizing that she's staring like a fool and Christopher NOTICES 😂.

What do you guys think of Christopher so far? Wait until you see him again in Chapter 6 🌚.

Stay tuned!

Votes/Comments are much appreciated! x

~ kya h.