"Hmmm."
"Wake up."
"Hmm."

"Tis time rise."
"Hmmm."
"Is incoherent mumbling your only form of communication?"
"Hmmm."
Mayhap an insult would do well here, he thought to himself.
"Your hair resembles a bird's nest."
"That is rude to say. Even if a lady's hair may be unpleasant, proper manners calls for your silence, not opinion."
He stared at her in bewilderment, not believing his ears. Did the chit just...
"I say, wake up." The words were followed by a quick jostling.
"Mind your manners that was quite painful." Katherine mumbled as she moved away from the offensive touch. She wanted to sleep. She was so tired.
Jonathan stared at her in bewilderment. The chit was asleep and she still spoke of manners. Good God! He prayed for the man who married her. He wouldn't even be able to kiss her during the light!
"I say, wake up." Jonathan growled. The chit was also a deep sleeper, another one of her remarkable traits. He had been in her room for the better part of the hour now and she had just began to show signs of life.
"No." Katherine carped. She did not know who was trying to awaken her, most likely Leslie, but she was very tired. She had not slept well the previous eve, and being disturbed so early was not something she was willing to accept. How she wished Bertha, her woman's maid, was present. She was so sweet to her...A sweetness her mother despised...


"I will take your furs." Jonathan warned.
"That would be the height of impropriety. One does not remove a lady's covering." Katherine grumbled sleepily as she covered her face with her furs.
"To hell with propriety."
Katherine's eyes opened instantly, all thoughts of sleep fleeing her. Leslie did not speak in such a manner. Come to think of it, Leslie did not sound like.......Katherine threw the blankets off her face, the light of dawn enough for her to see the silhouette of a man in her room.
"Who are you?!" Katherine squeaked. She could barely breathe let alone talk, there was someone in her room!
A man.
Alone.

In the early hours of the morning.
While she was still in her shift.

"My lady, I dare say, you are not very bright in the morning. I believe we agreed to see each other at dawn." Jonathan said dryly as he sat beside her on the bed. Finally, the chit was awake.
"I made no such arrangements." Katherine squawked in disbelief. She would never, never make any arrangements with a man. It was beyond the height of impropriety!
"Aye, you did. I am to teach you to read, sweets."
"Oh, aye." Katherine nodded her head, before tilting it slightly to the side, the furs tightly clutched to her chest. She remembered. She now had a better understanding of whom she was speaking with, but she had yet to know exactly who?
"You did not introduce yourself."
"You may call me Jonathan."
"Jonathan?"
"Jonathan." He nodded.
"Jonathan?"
"Aye, Jonathan." He repeated slowly. Was the chit daft? Perhaps she was deaf?

"You do not have a title or anything of that ilk? What of your surname? I cannot call you by your given name." Katherine said affronted. As if the act of calling him by his given name was one of intimacy. While Katherine stared at him expectantly, Jonathan was counting his own blessings.
Thank the Lord, he had thought there was something wrong with her brain. It seemed the chit was worried about a title. Pity.
"Why can you not? I call you....." Jonathan frowned. He didn't call her by her given name, she would probably faint if he did. What to call the chit? He cleared his throat, smirking slightly. He would have to come up with one.
"I see you have noticed my predicament." Katherine muttered dryly.
"Tis not a problem. You may call me Jonathan, while I shall think of a name for you, wench."
"I am not a wench! I am Lady-"
"Aye, I know who you are." Jonathan drawled.
"Then it should only be fair I know who you are." Katherine tried to reason.
"Life is not fair, Kitten."
"Katherine."
Jonathan stared at her in confusion. Why had she said her name?
"My name is Katherine, not Kitten." Katherine explained at the blank look on his face.
Jonathan smirked.
"I like kitten. It becomes you."
"How so?"
"When you get angry, you think everyone shall cower, but you simply look doltish."
Katherine's lips thinned at his explanation.
"I would prefer Katherine."
"Wonderful, I prefer Kitten."
"Then I shall call you.....an...a lout!" Katherine said in triumph as she tilted her head up slightly. In her excitement, or frustration, the blanket had slipped a notch, revealing her pale shoulders and collarbone. Something that Jonathan took note of as he lowered his gaze.
"Very well." He shrugged.
"Very well? You cannot be happy with such a name, my lord. Tis-" Katherine stopped herself, peering at him unsurely.
"You are of gentry, are you not?"
"Aye, Kitten." Jonathan answered dryly. A twinge of annoyance covering his words.
"Now, if you're done with your questioning, I suggest you get ready. We need to begin your lessons."
Katherine's ears burned for reasons she could not explain.
"My lord, I cannot dress with you being in the same room as me."
"I shall close my eyes but you must hurry."
"My lord!" Katherine was shocked, even though she should not have been. The fair haired lout was something else entirely.
"Hurry along, Kitten. You have already wasted enough time sleeping away." Jonathan smirked as he closed his eyes and snatched her furs away, throwing them atop himself. Once his face was covered with the furs, he positioned himself to lay on his back. Right beside a mortified Katherine.
Katherine stared at the man's audacity. How? He?
"Tis rude to gawk, my lady. You have precisely five minutes before these blankets come off." Jonathan warned, feeling the heat of her gaze.
Katherine scrambled out of bed, somehow managing to look decent and regal. Quickly, she donned a simple day dress and went about performing her ablutions.
"You may remove the furs." Katherine informed as she sat on the chair across the room.
Jonathan removed the furs, looking in the direction of her voice.
"Why are you seated over there?" He frowned.
"Tis the proper way. We are alone in a room. We should keep our distance." Katherine shrugged as she fixed her skirts.
"Is that all you think about?" Jonathan questioned wryly as he walked towards her. Picking up the chair with her on it, he walked back towards the bed.
"My lord!"
"You did not care for propriety with the dress you had on yesterday." Jonathan reminded her as he took out his parchment and quill. It angered him when people claimed to be something they were not and then have the arrogance to look down upon someone who was being true to themselves.
Katherine's ears burned with humiliation and anger. She willed her tears back, years of discipline over herself had done her well.
"I assure you, my lord, the dress was not my choice, not that it concerns you." Katherine snarled, her feelings had been piquant. She knew not if it was because of him thinking so lowly of her, or because she was not the mistress of her own fate.
Jonathan blew out a breath. He had not been kind.
"I apologize, my lady."
Katherine remained silent as she watched him light two candles. The curtains in her chambers had been pulled back to reveal the early morning hour.
Jonathan cleared his throat.
"Before we begin, is there anything which you do know?" Jonathan asked hopefully, a bit too hopefully. The chit shook her head as her large eyes widened further.
"Tis alright. We shall begin with the alphabet first. I will show you how to write the first five as well as the sounds they make. Once you've learned those, we may proceed."
"We only have a fortnight, my lord." Katherine whispered, slightly pale. How was she to learn how to read and write in a fortnight? It took people years to learn how to read and write!
"A fortnight is time enough, if we make use of it. There is an old Arab proverb, 'time is like a sword, cut it before it cuts you.' If we work diligently, and you put your heart to the task, we shall reach our goal soon enough."
"My lord, I shall barely learn how to write the letters, how am I to read?" Katherine babbled, she was close to hysterics. Why? Her dream seemed so close, and yet, she felt as if she wouldn't be able to accomplish it, and that would surely crush her fragile spirits.
"We most certainly will not with your attitude and will to waste time. I could have taught you one letter by now." Jonathan remarked sternly.
"Now, no more of your nonsense. Here's parchment and a quill. I will write on my parchment while you attempt to copy it, based on your attempt we will proceed."
Katherine stared wide eyed before nodding. It should be simple enough. All she had to do was copy him.
Katherine lifted the quill. It felt foreign in her grasp, as if it did not belong.
Jonathan watched her. The chit didn't know how to hold a quill. Basics. He had to begin with the bare basics.

"Chit, you mustn't hold the quill in such a manner. You shall only tire your hand."
"There is a specific way to hold a quill?"
"Well, no. But tis easier if done in a certain manner. Once you begin to write you may hold the quill in whatever manner you are most comfortable with." Jonathan explained.
Katherine nodded before mimicking the way he was holding his quill.
"Is this correct, my lord?"

Jonathan nodded his head. The woman took his words without question.
"Alright then, dip your quill in ink and write." Jonathan instructed as he dipped his own quill in ink and then proceeded to write the first letter.
Katherine watched, fascinated.

"Go on." Jonathan encouraged at her slight hesitation.
Katherine dipped her quill in ink, her heart pounding in her ears but her hands were miraculously steady. The tip of her quill touched the parchment. Katherine glanced towards his writing before attempting to copy it.
Jonathan grimaced slightly.
"Mayhap a line will be of assistance." Jonathan suggested as he took her parchment and made two parallel lines.
"Try writing it in between these two lines."

Katherine nodded her head as she tried once more. Although her writing had a very slim resemblance to his lettering, she noticed it was straight, unlike her previous attempt.
"May you make more lines?" Katherine requested as she looked at him expectantly.
"Certainly." Jonathan said, perplexed, as he made more lines on her parchment.
"Is there something amiss, my lord?"
"You're desire to learn disarmed me slightly."
"Do we not desire those things which do not belong to us?" Katherine asked, not expecting an answer as she took the parchment and began writing once more.
"Aye, my lady, we do."
Katherine looked up at his answer, feeling uncomfortable at their proximity.
"We are indecently close to the other." Katherine informed as she moved her chair away from him.

She wrote as Jonathan watched her. Perhaps the chit was not as doltish as he had first assumed.
"I believe I am finished with this piece." Katherine said some ten minutes later.
Jonathan glanced at her parchment. Sure enough, all the lines he had made on the right side were filled. Although her writing had not been perfected, it was better than when she had originally began.
"Wonderful."
Katherine smiled without humor.
"I am not a child, my lord. You may tell me where I am wrong. I know I must practice more. I would like to learn more than one letter, if tis alright."
"I did not call your work wonderful, I called your will to learn and the effort you put into it, wonderful." Jonathan informed her as he took her parchment and filled the rest of it with lines.
Once he was done, he returned her parchment to her, focusing on his own.
"I shall teach you four more letters. You are to practice writing them throughout the day. Tomorrow we shall learn more." Jonathan said before beginning to write said letters.
Katherine nodded, watching his quill intensely.
"The more you shall practice the better you shall become. If I do not see an improvement then we shan't continue."
Katherine nodded once more.
"You may keep my parchment. Any questions, my lady?"
"Nay." Katherine said as she stared at his writing.
"Do try to rise before dawn."
Katherine opened her mouth to answer when there was a very loud knock on her door followed by what seemed to be an attempt to open said door.
"Katherine, why is your chamber door locked?"
Katherine paled. This was twice now that her mother almost stumbled upon them.

"I didn't..."
"I did." Jonathan explained as he glanced away from the door.
"Tis improper, my lord." Katherine admonished as her worried eyes glanced at the door before coming back to him.
"In hindsight, a very good deed on my part." Jonathan retorted, watching her carefully. The light from the sun brightened the room, and he was certain the lady had lost her color.
"Is something amiss?"
"Aye, you must leave." Katherine worried her bottom lip as she looked around the room.
"Why is this door locked?!" Savannah all but screeched.
"Surely your mother knows you are a deep sleeper?"
Katherine shook her head, quickly rising to rid of the parchment and quills.
"She was not thinking the door to be locked. I get water thrown on me every morn." Katherine distractedly informed him as she took the candles and placed them on the other side along with the chair.
"She dumps a bucket of water on you?" Jonathan needed to ask, to be certain. The chits fear filled gaze looked towards him, nodded once, before returning her attention to the rattling door.
"She does not have time to awaken me." Katherine babbled.
"I see." Disapproval was clear in his voice.
"You must hide."
Jonathan watched her for a moment longer before saying, "Lay in bed with the furs covering you. I shall disappear."
"My lord-"
"Trust me, kitten."
Katherine really didn't want to but what choice did she have? She nodded her head before getting under the covers, hiding her face.
"Pretend to be asleep." Jonathan advised as he closed the curtains.
Katherine nodded. She could pretend. She had been pretending her whole life.

***

Jonathan shut the door behind him, being grateful that the inhabitants of said room were somewhat deep sleepers. He hurried along the corridor, slowing down when he heard voices.
"I do not understand why she locked the room before retiring."
"Mayhap she is hiding something."
Savannah turned sharply on her lady's maid.
"Mayhap you are correct." Savannah muttered darkly as she stared at the locked door.
Jonathan glanced towards the maid. Sure enough, there was a pitcher of water filled with ice by her side.
His eyes hardened on the two woman. Luckily for them, fate was on their side. Albert opened the door behind Jonathan, surprised to see his lord standing there. Jonathan motioned him back inside the chamber.
"My lord, I do not fancy being in a chamber with you this early in the morn."
Jonathan scowled.
"You see those two woman?"
"Nay, my lord. The door is closed. I cannot see them." Albert answered nonchalantly.
"You know what I mean!" Jonathan snapped.
"Yes, the two woman who seem to be angered at the fact that the chamber door was locked. You would not happen to have knowledge as to the why, would you, my lord?"
"Tell them the door has a habit of locking by itself and then unlock the door for them."
"That would be lying, my lord." Alfred said as he studied his nails.
Jonathan gritted his teeth. Damn butlers who had raised their lords.
"Tis alright."
"I assure you, my lord, I will not be lying to cover your deflowering of our guests." Albert informed him, looking cross.
Jonathan didn't know whether he should laugh or be furious. He chose the former.
"What is there to laugh about, my lord? I could do with laughter. Awaking early to do the bidding of the gentry is not my cup of tea."
"You." Jonathan answered as he wiped a tear.
"I amuse you?" Albert asked sardonically.
Jonathan shook with laughter.
"Albert, I assure you I did not de-flower anyone." Jonathan answered once his laughter had subsided.
Albert looked confused, although still suspicious.
"Then why does it concern you whether the door is locked or not? Better yet, why did you lock it?"
"What makes you assume I locked it?"
"You may call it instinct."
"Instinct be damned. Rest assured, it is nothing of concern, although there will be if the door is not unlocked."
Albert studied his lord.
"Very well."
Jonathan breathed a slight sigh of relief. Damn his butler. It was time to awaken Edward.

***
"All this racket and we shall awaken half the estate." Savannah gritted as she stared at the locked door.
"I cannot pick the lock, my lady."
"Nor should you attempt to, madam." Albert said tartly. No need to tell them the locks were made in such a manner that they could not be picked.
Leslie's face colored at being caught.
Savannah was furious and embarrassed at being caught in such a position. Although she quickly recovered.
"If we are not to pick the lock, then what are we to do? My daughter is locked in the chamber."
Albert walked towards the door, knocking once.
"My lady?" He called towards the door.
When he received no answer, he turned to the women in front of him.
"It seems to be that your daughter is asleep, my lady. Next time should this occur, call for me. This door has a habit of locking by itself."
"How is that possible? Is that how you treat your guests?" Savannah snapped.
"Rest assured, tis only this door. It has been happening since as old as time what are we humans to the power of will." Albert said coolly as he unlocked the door.
"Pardon me?" Savannah's face was incredulous.
"If that is all, my lady, I shall take my leave now."
Savannah ignored him as she entered the room.
"Leslie, draw the curtains." Savannah ordered as she walked towards the bed, and pulling the furs back, dumped the pitcher of ice cold water on Katherine.

Katherine gasped in shock. She had known, had even been prepared for the water, but even then, she could not stop her soft cry.
"You sleep like the dead." Savannah snarled as she pulled Katherine's arm, making her sit up in bed.
"I did..... Did not hear you try to awaken me." Katherine stuttered, the water had been freezing.
"Worry not, dear, we shall rectify the situation."
Savannah walked towards the armoire, taking out a deep emerald day dress, she turned towards Katherine.
"You have half an hour before you are expected in my room."
"Ay..aye, mother." Katherine answered as her teeth chattered.
"Leslie, her hair and face need to be made up before she is to see me ere the morning meal."
"Aye, m'lady."
"We may have to request a change of chambers for you." Savannah muttered darkly as she made to leave the room.
Katherine silently stared at her mother's retreating form. She had to ask the lout to stop locking her chamber doors. Her mother would soon turn suspicious.
"Tricky door ye have."
Katherine turned to Leslie, not understanding the meaning of her words.
"Pardon?"
"Ye door, m'lady. The butler said it locks by itself. Ye are going to have yourself a miserable stay."
Katherine stared at Leslie, holding her tongue. Leslie could make it less miserable, but she was her mother's maid, she would go lengths to keep her mother pleased.
"I did not know the lock was damaged." Katherine said as she stood up to do her ablutions.
"Ye have changed into a day dress?" Leslie asked shrewdly as she took in Katherine's gown.
"Nay, I merely forgot to change it before retiring."
"Ye did not have it don ere ye went to sleep yester eve."
Katherine prayed her expression was neutral yet slightly confused as she answered the accusation.
"I had changed as soon as I retired to my room; the dress I had donned in the day time was not comfortable."
"By yeself?" Leslie prompted as she tied the laces to Katherine's emerald dress.
"You hardly assist me in dressing, Leslie. I dress myself when Berta is unable to travel with me."
Leslie said nothing as she began to apply powder on Katherine's face before moving on to her hair. And for that Katherine was immensely thankful. She did not fancy having to fabricate more lies.
***
"What were you about sneaking in my chambers in the early hours of the day?" Edward whispered as he sipped his wine.
Jonathan didn't glance his way. He was too busy looking at the unfamiliar faces which had gathered.

It was now passed the noon meal and the beginning of the welcome ball. Jonathan had been introduced to a numerous amount of ladies throughout the morning. And quite frankly, he was tired of the fluttering lashes and the accidental bumps.
"I was not sneaking about your chambers, I was passing by. Thank the lord as well, I do not fancy seeing my friends in the buff."
Edward raised a brow.
"You have seen me naked more times than I can count."
"I was talking about Annabelle."
"She was decent." Edward hissed.
"She should not have been in your chambers." Jonathan retorted.
From afar it would seem as if the two gentlemen were simply drinking their wine and making pleasant conversation, all the while without looking at each other, of course.
"We would have been happily wed by now if it wasn't for your arse not being there. Not to mention this welcoming event your father has arranged." Edward smarted.
Jonathan smirked.
"You were waiting for my blessings for your nuptials?"
"I am not delaying the matter for my personal benefit that I assure you. I'm not allowed to touch Annabelle until our wedding night."
Jonathan was shocked with the truth of his friend's words. He had expected a sarcastic answer, but instead he had gotten an honest answer.
"If I had known I would have come sooner. Why did you not have the wedding without me?"
Now Edward turned to stare incredulously at Jonathan.
"Are you daft?"
Jonathan smiled slightly.
"Perhaps I am."
"You do not look appealing with that frown, darling." Annabelle said as she came into view. The men had not noticed her approaching.
"Sweet Annabelle, I find it touching that you find me handsome."
Annabelle rolled her eyes.
"I said appealing, not handsome. And I have told you before, Jonathan, we are not having our wedding unless you are there."
"Love me that much, do you?"
"Of course."
Jonathan grunted.
"Was there something in the meal I have no knowledge of?"
Annabella rolled her eyes.
"Why are you not with the other ladies, love?"
Annabella smiled sardonically.
"I do not prefer the company of certain people."
"None of these ladies are to your liking?" Jonathan smirked.
Annabelle scowled.
"I haven't spoken to all of them."
"What of you? They are here for you, after all."
Jonathan let out a tired sigh.
"I did not ask them to come to me."
Annabelle frowned before brightening up.
"I think I see a prospective friend."
"Isn't she gorgeous?" Edward said with a sloppy grin as he watched Annabelle walk away.
"Of course she is." Jonathan grunted.
"May I have everyone's attention please?"
Jonathan watched his father. He hoped he didn't announce anything ridiculous.
"I would like to humbly thank all of you for attending this humble event. Now that all of our guests have arrived, I would like to begin the activities with this small ball. Each of you will be given a card which speaks of the activities and events we have planned along nicely with their timings. I trust everything will be to your liking."
Everyone applauded. Everyone but Jonathan.
"You can pretend to be happy."
"I am happy." Jonathan smiled.
"Of course you are." Edward mumbled.
"I am glad you and Annabelle were able to attend." Jonathan said once everyone had gone back to their dancing.
Edward waived him away.
"So tell me of this chit."
"What chit?"
"The chit whose room you locked and Albert had to open."
Jonathan grunted.
"There is nothing to tell. The chit needed help and I was merely doing just that. She seems to have a remarkable mother." Jonathan answered dryly.
"May I at least know the chit who needed your assistance?"
"She should be coming shortly."
Edward scowled at Jonathan.
"I happen to be aware that the chit should be coming. She was invited, was she not? I would like to know who she is."
Jonathan smiled.
"Would you?"
"Do not tempt me." Edward warned.
"You would not believe me." Jonathan whispered as he nodded at a gentleman.
"Nonsense. I know you capable of doing the most ridiculous of things." Edward waved off.
"Pastry." Jonathan smirked.

**
Katherine took a steady breathe. Only two hours and then she could leave.
"It seems my money was put to good use." Savannah muttered as she eyed Katherine distastefully.
"The emerald of the dress does wonders to your eyes. Do reserve a dance for Lord Abbot. By the end of this event he should ask for your hand. Do you understand?"
Katherine grimaced internally but nodded her head.
A knock sounded at the door as it was quietly opened.
"My lady, are we ready?"
Savanah nodded to her husband, taking his outstretched hand.
"Katherine dear, your mother and I shall enter first. You are a grown woman, I trust you will manage to be by yourself?" Lord Atkins questioned with a quirk of his brow.
Katherine nodded.
"Very good."
Katherine watched her parent's retreating forms. She need not enter with them, she could enter alone. This particular ball did not require the announcement of its guests. Katherine felt giddy. She could stay by the wall, and none would be the wiser.
Katherine left her chambers and hurried towards the ball. The faster she entered, the faster she could leave.
"Pardon me." Katherine apologized to a servant as she bumped into them right outside the ballroom.
The servant scurried away with a shy nod.
Katherine looked towards the daunting entrance of the ballroom which lay mere inches away. She took a deep, steadying breathe.
"Two hours." She promised herself as her head pounded in warning.
She entered the ballroom with her head held high and an elegance fit for a queen. She gracefully walked towards a slightly hidden corner and began to survey the room. The people were already dancing, some conversing.
Her father stood on the far left, his fair hair glistening in the light of the sun. She watched him as he smiled handsomely at a young woman. Even past his prime, he was charming as ever.
Her mother was on the opposite end of the room. Men, lords and others alike, surrounded her at a respected distance. She smiled coyly at one while her eyes undressed another. They returned the favor.
Katherine let her gaze wander. She spotted Lord Abbot, a flute of champagne in hand, as he too, took in his surroundings. Katherine felt a shiver of apprehension wash past her. The man was no more than five feet, a good four inches shorter than her, but the harshness to his face promised his stocky stature mattered very little.
Her gaze wandered further. She spotted her tutor, the fair haired lout, as he stood next to a dark haired man. The same dark haired man who had sat beside her at the morning meal. She watched as they both spoke to one another, their easy smiles, and the way they stood next to each other. Their persons very...relaxed with one another. Katherine smiled wistfully, if not a bit sadly. However, her melancholy was soon forgotten as she realized she had yet to know the gentleman who had entered her room in the early hours of the morning. Surely he had to be a rake to waltz into her room? Katherine shook her head. Did that then not make her loose for inviting him?
"People would think you mad for shaking your head in a lone corner."
Katherine turned to the voice on her right. Her champion from the day before stood beside her.
"I was under the impression you cared very little for the opinions of others, my lady."
Annabelle chuckled.
"Correct you are, my lady. But I was speaking for your benefit."
Katherine smiled slightly.
'Forgive me, I have not introduced myself. I am Lady Katherine Andrewson of Atkins. Thank you for yesterday. That was most kind of you."
"Pray tell me, what had I done?" Annabelle inquired, a tad bit confused.
"The way you had championed for me in front of the lady when we opened our fast."
"Do not thank me, that woman is vile." Annabelle shuddered.
"All the same, I am thankful."
Annabelle smiled. "I am Lady Annabelle Davidson."
"A pleasure to meet you, my lady." Katherine smiled slightly. Lady Annabelle was most kind although she did not know why she had sought her out.
"Call me Annabelle. We shall be spending a lot of time together, no need for formalities."
"We shall?" Katherine asked surprised.
Annabelle smiled widely. "Yes we shall."
"It seems people have no care for propriety, opening their legs for anyone." A voice snarled.
Katherine noticed as Annabelle went ridged at the taunt before turning around. Katherine too turned around, her face a perfect mask, Annabelle's less so.
"Jennette, how disappointing to see you here." Annabelle said with false sweetness.
"Speaking about yourself?" Jennette sneered.
"My name is not Jennette." Annabelle answered tartly.
"Of course it is not. Did you not look at your size? You look as if a horse resides within you." Jennette replied acidly.
Annabelle bristled. How dare she!
"Green is not a very good color on you, then again, no color is."
"We are not speaking regarding colors. Are you that daft?" Jennette snorted.
Katherine watched the exchange.
Annabelle rolled her eyes.
"Green as in jealousy. It seems to me you are daft."
"You bitch! You think I would be jealous of a cow like yourself?" Jennette jeered imperiously.
"It is unbefitting for a lady to speak in such a manner, much less to use such language." Katherine's voice was sharp yet composed.
"No one asked for your opinion." Jennette snapped.
"Nor did anyone ask of yours." Edward menaced. He had seen Jennette approach Annabelle, he only wish he had gotten here earlier. The wench had a vicious tongue.
"L...Lord...Dracmore, what a pleasant surprise. I had not seen you approach." Jennette stammered.
"There was no need for you to do so. Kindly make your leave or else I assure you, I will be anything but pleasant." Edward growled with ill-concealed anger.
"I beg your pardon?" Jennette said affronted.
"I suggest you take your leave, his words were quite clear." Jonathan warned as he took a step forward.
Jennette stared at the group with malice before hurrying off.
"Annoying wench."
"I did not need rescuing." Annabelle snapped at the two men.
"Of course you didn't, love." Jonathan smirked.
"I find you delightfully lascivious, darling." Edward said softly as he placed a chaste kiss to Annabelle's gloved knuckles. His kiss may have been chaste, but the heat of his gaze was scorching, intoxicating.
Annabelle blushed but managed to hold her scowl.
"Why was she such a harpy?"
"Edward rejected her proposal." Annabelle explained to Jonathan.
"Of course I did, I am happily engaged."
"To whom?" Jonathan asked cheekily.
"Don't you have ladies to woo?" Annabelle interceded, annoyed at their interference.
"I was having a wonderful time before you two cretins decided to interfere."
Katherine watched them banter back and forth. She had yet to discover who the lout was but she was feeling extremely uncomfortable amongst the three. Before she could make her escape, Edward noticed her.
"Pastry!" Edward exclaimed.
Katherine blinked.
"How do you do?" Edward bowed to a confused Katherine.
"Where are my manners? I apologize." Annabelle babbled as she hurried to make the introductions.
"Edward, Jonathan, this is Lady Katherine Andrewson of Atkins."
"A pleasure." Jonathan winked as he took her gloved hand placed a kiss on her knuckles.
Katherine kept her face neutral as her insides boiled at his familiarity.
"How do you do." Katherine said quietly, not caring much for the answer, her stomach churned warningly.
Jonathan frowned slightly before smiling.
"The is Lord Edward Dracmore-"
"Annabelle's betroth." Edward interrupted cheekily.
Annabelle continued as if Edward had not spoken.
"And this is Lord Jonathan Rivers, our lovely host."
Katherine stared impassively as Jonathan gave her a wide grin.
"Now that the introductions have been made, you two carry along. I would like time with my new friend."
"One dance, darling." Edward pleaded, offering Annabelle his most charming smile.
Annabelle stared at Edward before saying, "I'm fine Edward, I paid her no mind."
"Ahem, my lady, I believe we should give these two love birds some privacy. Mayhap a dance?" Jonathan motioned to Katherine as Annabelle and Edward continued to stare a one another.
Katherine glanced from his outstretched hand to his face and back again before looking for her mother.
She was still occupied with the men.
"Of course." Katherine placed her hands in his.
Jonathan was quick to whisk her away.

They danced a few minutes in silence before Jonathan spoke up.
"Thank you for dancing with me."
"Lady Davidson is a friend of yours?"
"Aye. Edward, Annabelle, and I have known each other for some years now. Edward cares deeply for Annabelle, he needed to be certain she was alright."
"The lady implied she needed to lose weight."
"That sarding bitch." Jonathan growled.
"Language." Katherine admonished as they moved to the left. He was an exceptionally good dancer.
"Lady Davidson is not overweight."
"The b- wench is simply jealous." Jonathan amended quickly.
"Annabelle is gorgeous."
"She is." Katherine agreed quietly.
There was a moment of silence before Jonathan spoke again.
"Are you alright?" Jonathan asked, concerned. The chit's parlor was pale and now that he looked closely, there were bruises under her eyes, although hidden with her powder. Add to that, there was something in her eyes which had not been there earlier.
"I am quite alright, my lord. If not a bit upset at you."
"Upset with me why?" Jonathan inquired.
"You are my host, are you not?"
"Nay."
"Nay?" Katherine repeated, flabbergasted.
"My father is your host, not me. He arranged this event, I am merely attending." Jonathan shrugged as he twirled her.
"I see."
"Enough about me. What is the matter with you?"
"I am quite well, my lord."
Jonathan snorted.
"I was not making idle chit chat. There's a tightness around your eyes, your coloring is off, and no amount of powder will be able to hide the bruises under your eyes, kitten."
Katherine's lips thinned with disapproval.
"My lord, it is unbefitting for a lady to show any sort of emotion-"
"So if you are ailing, you must pretend to be hale and hearty." Jonathan snapped.
"Tis rude to cut short someone while they are speaking." Katherine berated before continuing.
"And yes, that is exactly how a lady is supposed to behoove. Tis required of us."
"Bollocks." Jonathan growled.
"Tell me what is wrong." Jonathan tried to persuade.
"I told-"
"Infuriating woman, so help me God, tell me what is amiss." Jonathan smarted.
"You are a nedovtipa scallywag." Katherine informed him quietly as her green orbs burned with fury.
Jonathan missed a step as he stared at her in amazed shock. For someone whose face was stoic, and emotions held on a tight leash, her eyes betrayed her, exposing her more than she would care for.
"I thought you knew not how to read."
"I don't." Katherine said, startled at the turn of conversation.
"Nedovtipa is not an English word."
The dance was over, but Jonathan cared not, he spun her around, not willing to let her go until he got his answers.
"I... my lady's maid, Bertha, would often use the term to describe certain people."
"Do you know the origin of the word?"
Katherine hesitated but answered.
"Aye."
"Tell me." Jonathan whispered as he pulled her body closer, silently trying to compel her for an answer.
"Unhand me, my lord, seduction will help you very little." Katherine warned stiffly.
Jonathan immediately put distance in between them.
"I apologize, my lady. My intentions were..." Jonathan trailed off.
"You are so accustomed to seducing women to your will that you do not realize when you behave in a certain manner?"
Her words were cutting, how cutting, she had not the faintest of ideas.
"If you must know, the word is Czech. From the time you had left me this morn until about an hour ago, I have been retching nonstop. Come to think of it, I have been retching for the past few days. My head hurts, my back aches, and my ankle is swollen." Katherine informed him quietly.
Jonathan felt anger rise within him, but he kept it tightly within his grip.
"You must rest. If you had told me earlier I would have had the healer tend to you. It would have saved you the suffering."
The third dance ended.
"A woman must endure a great many trails. Not many know or care for her sacrifices." Katherine said softly as she curtsied.
"It doesn't always have to be that way." Jonathan bowed, his voice equally as soft as his gaze burned into hers.
"Life has laws of its own, my lord. Laws which mere humans can't change."
"May I cut in?"
Jonathan wordlessly stepped aside for the person, not willing to leave just yet, nor did he bother listening to what the person had said. He watched as Katherine smiled pleasantly, offering a courtesy. He heard not what she said, too busy focused on her face. When she looked up, her expression was clear, blank. Jonathan felt himself tense at her mask of indifference. She seemed hard, cold, the only semblance of warmth resided in her large green eyes, and even those he could not read at the moment.
"My lord?"
It took Jonathan a moment to realize he was being spoken to.
"Why of course, my apologies." Jonathan bowed as he made way for Lord Abbot to move towards Katherine. Hadn't he already made room for the git to walk?
"It was a pleasure, my lady."

Katherine risked a glance at the lord who was her teacher from beneath her lashes. Even in her mind she found it improper to call him by his given name. Lord Jonathan Rivers.
"Charming lad, is he not?"
"I beg your pardon?" Katherine apologized, missing what the older lord had said. With his short stature it was difficult to dance as it was, add to that, her thoughts were...disturbed. She could only concentrate on so much as it was at a time.
Lord Abbot nodded towards Lord Jonathan.
"I would not know, my lord, I had just met him."
"Three dances are a bit much, are they not?" Lord Abbot leered.
Years of practice had taught her well. Her body remained loyal to her, her heart rate normal as she responded.
"It seems you are not the only one with a handful of questions, my lord."
Lord Abbot studied Katherine, opting to remain quite.
Blessedly, the dance soon came to an end.
"It was a pleasure, my lady."
"Likewise." Kathrine curtsied. She waited long enough for him to ask another lady for a dance before hastily making her leave. If she didn't leave now she would be retching in front of her mother.

&&&&&&

Hope you guys like it

Vote

Comment

Tell me what you think

And if anyone wants to make a cover, you're more than welcomed to, just pm me plz