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.

I stood up and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze, before leaving my chambers. I knew Lady Stratford would scold me if I was a minute passed dinner time. Because a proper lady is never tardy, her voice rang in my head.

When I got down the stairs, I saw Lord Arlington and Astrid conversing down the hall. They spoke in hushed tones and Astrid wore her gorgeous smile like a crown. Lord Arlington swept a strand of hair behind her ear, it was a sweet sight.

"Did your father not teach you how rude eavesdropping is?" Lady Stratford seethed in my ear.

"I-"

She pulled me by the arm into the dining room, ceasing my apology.

Uncle George was seated at the head of table, conversing with the Duke - who was seated on the opposite end. Lady Stratford took her rightful place beside Uncle George. I sat by Alaina, and Abigail was seated across from me. The burnt orange evening gown she wore, suited her well.

Lord Arlington and Astrid made their appearance, and settled into their seats. He sat next to Abigail, while she sat on the other side of Uncle George. I swallowed hard and averted my gaze down, when I realized that Lord Arlington was sitting diagonal from me. I wouldn't dare to get caught accidentally staring at him again.

Dinner commenced and the scullery maid came out from the kitchen promptly, ladling cream of mushroom soup into our bowls. It was always a quiet process.

"Thank you," I smiled politely.

Soon as those words left my mouth, all three of the Arlington's looked up from their bowls. I shifted uncomfortably under their stares of slight shock. The Duke and Duchess returned to their soup, while Lord Arlington's lips quirked up into a smile.

"So tell me what you think of the book so far."

"I absolutely love it. The way the author incorporates the setting makes me feel like I have already been to France," I gushed.

"Ah I share the same sentiment," He nodded enthusiastically, "Quite glad you are enjoying it."

"Very much my lord," I smiled widely.

"Are you a reader too dear?" Her Grace tilted her head, "I'm sure you and Christopher could form a friendship solely on the love of that book."

"It is a very intriguing read," Alaina chimed in, spooning soup into her mouth.

Astrid cleared his throat.

For a split second, I forgot our conversation had been on display for the whole table to listen into. In no way did I want to dim Astrid's shining light.

"Christopher my dear, we must go riding together," She expressed with enthusiasm.

"Absolutely," He nodded, "I trust you have taken good care of my girl?"

"Of course. I know she has missed your presence as much as I."

"Shall we go tomorrow?" He proposed.

"I would be delighted," She giggled.

"Would any of you girls like to join?" He switched his gaze between me, Alaina and Abigail.

"I think Della should go," Alaina answered immediately, "She has never ridden a horse before."

"That would be a perfect opportunity!" Abigail added.

"But I think you would be a more sufficient chaperone Abigail," Astrid rejected the idea, "Christopher is so well experienced and I would not want my dear cousin to fall behind."

"So it is true," Lord Arlington looked at me with intrigue, "You have never ridden a horse?"

"I-I'm afraid not," The pound of my heart shook my voice.

"Please join us. I think it would be a rather thrilling experience. Don't you concur Astrid?" Excitement danced in his eyes.

Her response was delayed, ". . . I suppose so."

"Well. It is settled then," He smiled. I turned my head to look at Astrid and noticed her smile seemed different. Almost like it was been tainted. She looked back down to her bowl of soup and I watched the feigned smile wash away.

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A/N - In regency books, dinner time was always where things would go down, I love it lol.

what'd you guys think!

Votes/Comments are much appreciated! 😊

~ kya h.