THE next morning, I sat at my vanity and watched Kitty weave my hair into a single braid. Learning how to ride with Uncle George yesterday was so delightful. As the horses strolled around the Manor, we conversed about an array of subjects.

He even told me a few stories of his beginning with Lady Stratford and how she came to be. I appreciated his lighthearted spirit, opposed to Lady Stratford's rigidness.

"I am pleased to hear that your riding lesson with Lord Arlington and Lady Astrid went well," Kitty commented. I had told her a brief story last night, but I didn't dive into any detail.

"Oh. Well actually, Astrid thought it would be a better idea if Uncle George taught me. Her and Lord Arlington rode by themselves. Abigail was their chaperone."

Kitty's fingers froze, "You mean Lady Astrid changed the plans?"

I shrugged a shoulder, "I didn't mind it."

"I envy your patience for her intolerable antics," She continued to braid.

"Oh Kitty," I laughed pleasantly, "I cannot be prodded over her wanting to spend time with Lord Arlington."

"I used to be Lady Astrid's maid, and it was not a pleasure to say the least. She spoke to me like I was dirt," She spoke with such an unknown fiery passion, "Because of my freckles. I just know it. Why did I have to be cursed with such ugly spots!"

I got up from the vanity, facing her with a sorrowful expression, "I am so sorry."

"Thank you," She smiled with a tight lip.

"But if you ask me . . . I like your freckles," I whispered. Kitty immediately hugged me. True, having freckles was not something to be prideful about. But strangely, I have always had a fondness for them.

I pulled out of our embrace, "You think you are cursed with those freckles. While I presume myself to be cursed with a single dot on my cheek!"

"I assure you that is no matter," She giggled.

"Well. I shall not be late for breakfast. I do not want another scolding from the Ladyship," I smiled and headed out of my chambers, down to the dining room. The scullery maid was setting the breakfast food on the table.

Uncle George was sat at the head of table, engrossed in a newspaper.

"Good morning Uncle!" I chirped.

"Morning dear," He sipped his glass of ale.

I sat down in my usual seat and soon everyone joined entered the room, exchanging greetings. I helped myself to pouring a cup of chocolate. Kitty had bought me some earlier this morning. I took a sip and closed my eyes, letting the rich, warm liquid glide down my throat.

When I opened my eyes, I was met with Lord Arlington's. He wore an amused smile and chuckled quietly. I averted my gaze down to my plate, why was he always laughing at me!

I knew that my cheeks were flushed with an embarrassing shade of red.

"Is there something funny dear?" the Duchess inquired.

Good heavens, no.

Astrid giggled, "It must be something from yesterday when we went riding, your Grace. We shared much banter."

Lord Arlington cleared his throat and put on a smile, "Yes we did darling."

"Just like the olden times," Lady Stratford commented gingerly.

"He would always beat me in racing," Astrid reminisced.

"And that still holds true to this very day," Lord Arlington chuckled. I was thankful that Astrid's assumption saved me from absolute mortification.

"I have an announcement for everyone," Lady Stratford gained the table's attention, "Della since you are like one of my daughters, it would be proper for you to have a ball."

"A-a ball?" I asked with incredulity, "All for me?"

"Of course all for you," Abigail chirped.

"You are of age to come out into society, and it is very important for you to find a suitor," Lady Stratford explained.

"I cannot wait to have one! Oh to have so many eligible suitors at my disposal," Abigail placed a hand on her chest and released a dreamy sigh.

"And God help them all," Alaina sighed.

"Clara, I think that is a wonderful idea. This beautiful young girl deserves it," the Duchess agreed. I smiled at her graciously and looked down at my lap.

I noticed that while she enjoyed contributing to table conversation, the Duke was a man of very few words. But strangely, Astrid had nothing to say either. She continued to sip her tea as if Lady Stratford hadn't said anything at all.

"Cat's got your tongue, big sister?" Alaina called her out boldly. Astrid gave her an icy stare, just as lethal as her mother's.

"I agree with everyone's sentiments of course," She shrugged a shoulder. I looked over and saw Alaina's victorious smile. I hummed a quiet laugh and finished my breakfast.

• ~ •

Later in the day, Lady Stratford summoned the girls to help her with the guest list for the ball. the Duchess even volunteered to contribute her list of connections. In no way did I want all of this attention.

A ball, in my honor? I would be wracked with nerves upon so many pairs of eyes on me. But it was clear that I had no say in this. I decided while everyone was occupied with their activities, it would be a perfect opportunity to try my hand at the piano.

I began to hum a melody. Papa told me that my mother used to sing a song to me. It was called Little Flower, but I could only remember the melody and a small fragment of the lyrics.

As a sang under my breath, I tried my best to press certain keys that matched the song. It didn't sound very good, though.

"So you sing, Ms. Andrews?" I whipped around and found Lord Arlington standing at the entrance of the drawing room.

"No," I denied confidently.

He ambled further into the room with his arms behind his back, "Well fortunate for me, I've been standing here long enough to know you are lying to me."

I sighed hopelessly and his lips quirked into a grin.

"So you wish to play?" He took a seat next to me, on the bench.

"Y-yes. I was trying to teach myself as you've heard that dreadful noise."

"The singing wasn't dreadful," He shook his head, "Sing it again."

"What?"

He looked at me and nodded, "Sing it and I'll try to follow the melody."

I opened my mouth to object but his words beat mine, "Please, Ms. Andrews."

He pleaded with me through those mesmerizing eyes and suddenly my wall of objection had been knocked down. It seemed like everything in me had been knocked down.

I took deep breath in attempt to filter out my budding nerves, and began to sing. My eyes followed his slow moving hands across the piano. The more I imagined him not sitting so close to me, the more comfortable I felt.

"Do you want to try?" He asked. I nodded and tried to mimic the beautiful sound that he just created. I was amazed at his ability to follow the melody of my voice. Astrid had been right about his musical talent.

I, on the contrary was turning out to be the complete opposite.

"I am absolutely terrible at this," I shook my head.

"Nonsense," He smiled widely. He placed both of his veiny hands atop of mine and my heart pounded unceasingly. So loud, I was certain he could hear it too.

"Follow my fingers," He instructed. My hands moved beneath his in a coordinated dance across the keys. I would only be lying to myself if I didn't admit how natural it felt. I smiled at the effective method, I was playing the piano!

When he took his hands off of mine, I pushed a tendril of hair behind my ear, "I am very grateful for your help my lord."

"Do I make you nervous?" The sudden question took me aback. I wracked my brain with how to answer the question tactfully.

I certainly did not want to tell him his very presence made me nervous. But I knew most of it was due to the fact that I have no experience with men, at all. How was I supposed to have a ball filled bachelors?

"I apologize if I do. It is not my intention in any way," He read my contemplative countenance well, "You look down quite often and avoid eye contact with me."

At that moment, I had to turn and look at him. I saw in his face how sincere he was, "We cannot obtain a friendship if you can't look at me."

I wanted to apologize, but something told me that he would only tell me it wasn't necessary. I nodded and a smile began to grow on my lips, "You are quite right, my lord."

"Call me Christopher."

"As long as you call me Della," I shrugged.

"Done," He winked.

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A/N - really hoped you enjoyed this cute little chapter!

Votes/Comments are much appreciated! x

~ kya h.