CHAPTER ELEVEN

   "My lady, a word please." Edmund smiled easily at the people present as he waited for his wife to turn to him. Savannah did so, at her leisure. The women surrounding her waved their fan's and fluttered their lashes coyly as they shot coveted glances at Edmund before begrudgingly looking at Savannah. She smirked at them knowingly, placing her hand in her husband's outstretched one, she turned towards the ladies.

  "It was a pleasure, but I must tend to my dear husband, he has need of me." The innuendo was not missed as the women watched her leave with resentment. If one could look into their hearts, they'd see their desire to claw the smug satisfaction off the Lady's face. What they did not know was, it was all a façade, and they had nothing to be jealous about. At times the humankind was indeed a pitiful creature, living for others rather than for one's self. 

    They walked silently down the hall, looking the part of a handsome couple, one with no burdens to fill their days. The facade ended as soon as they reached the safety of Katherine's chambers. Once they were safely behind Katherine's chamber doors, Savannah snatch her arm away. "You should have sent a servant."

  Edmund sighed, ignoring the hate which coated her words. It was a long, useless battle, one he chose not to take part in, much to his wife's displeasure. He had long ago learned the games of life.

   "I have an important matter to discuss with you." Edmund took a seat on Katherine's neat bed, putting a safe distance between himself and his wife.

  "It could have waited, I was having a very meaningful conversation with the ladies." Savannah lifted an arched brow, her lips twisted scornfully as she looked upon him with arrogance. Dressed in a perfectly tailored tunic and breeches, he looked the part of the perfect lord of the manor. His fair hair was lightly streaked with silver, his hunter gaze missing nothing. Even now, years later, he managed to quicken her heartbeat solely with his presence. The damn man wasn't even sparing her a glance. 

   "The fashion of slippers is constantly changing, I am certain you shan't miss anything." Edmund snorted.

  "Regarding the gossip you pursue ever so religiously, I believe your friends shall make certain you are well aware." He said dismissively as he, finally, held her gaze.

  Savannah stiffened her spine. "What need do you have of me? Would you finally like an heir?" She sneered as she watched him with perverse glee.

  "I did not call you in our daughter's room to discuss the marriage bed." Edmund snapped, his patience seemed to always abandon him when he came near his wife. A flaw on his part, surely, but nevertheless, still troublesome.

  "I need to discuss Katherine."

  "What of her?" Savannah asked carelessly, itching to be rid of his company and this dreadful conversation. There was nothing to discuss regarding her daughter. She was a nuisance. The sooner she was rid of her the better. 

   "A marriage proposal has come for her. As you are the one who gave birth to her, I want your opinion before I make my decision."

  "There is nothing to discuss, Abbot has asked for her hand, you must draw up the contract. Tis not very difficult, my lord."

   Edmund smiled, an eerie coldness coated his words as he regarded his wife with contempt. "What makes you certain it was Abbot who proposed?"

  He kept his anger in check, he wouldn't, couldn't let her see how much her one assumption affected him. She may have a sick liking to sard the old berk, but he wouldn't have his daughter go through it.

   Savannah's gaze hardened, "who else would ask for her?"

  "Anyone would be lucky to have her." Edmund growled, anger making his tone harsh.

   "That was not my question." Savannah snarled, her own ire growing. The chit made everything difficult for her.

  "I shall humor you, but your opinion is of no use to me, nor will it change my mind. Lord Jonathan Rivers has asked for her hand and I have accepted."

  "You shan't." Savannah's nails dug into her arm as she crossed them over her abdomen.

  Edmund cocked a brow arrogantly.

  "And who shall stop me? You?"

  Savannah gritted her teeth. Her daughter would marry Abbot! She would make certain of it, even if it were the last thing she did. But first, she had to try to appeal to the man she had wed.

  "Rivers would only cause her pain and misery; he is a mere boy. Abbot is affluent and wealthy. He shall be able to fulfill her needs."

  "Wealth is not all that is required for happiness. Nor is Katherine shallow enough to think so."  Edmund snarled bitterly as his eyes filled with an age old betrayal and loss of innocence. In that split moment, he was engulfed with emotions he had suffered through long ago.

  "You would be surprised at the faces people have. They show one while they hide the other. The girl shan't be happy with the lad." Savannah looked at her nails, a malicious smile coating her face. While she addressed him as 'lad', her mind drew him as the man he was.

   Edmund smiled without humor, how true those words were, only he would know.

  "I am well aware of the faces people portray, especially innocent maidens. Did you know, they are capable of intoxicating a man, and then bedding him, only to have him think he took advantage of her? Tis no small feat to accomplish."

   Bold as she was, her cheeks did not stain with color, nor did remorse or guilt steal over her features. She ignored his words entirely.

  "She should wed Abbot. I believe she has already caused a scandal."

  Edmund laughed without humor. "Did you know, blood is not so thick after all? There are certain things which are thicker than blood, like morals, or character, but you wouldn't know."

  Savannah opened her mouth to retort.

"Enough." Edmund snapped, he didn't need to hear anymore, it wouldn't be useful information either way.

  "Whether it pleases you or not, Katherine shall wed Rivers. If you desire Abbot, I shall file for an annulment. You'll be able to wed him then, so you wish."

   Savannah clenched her hands, biting her tongue hard enough to draw blood. She hated this man, loathed him. How dare he speak to her in such a manner? Katherine was her daughter, only she had the right to decide whom she would wed. She was the one who carried the girl for nine months, not he. She was the one who scarred her body for the wench, not he. She would be the one to decide her fate.

   "Do you not think I have a right in the matters pertaining to my daughter?"

  Edmund regarded her coldly. "Quite frankly, no you do not."

   He walked briskly passed her then, effectively dismissing her and ending the conversation. He had no desire to stay in her company longer than necessary. He would have his steward arrange for new dresses to be made for Katherine as well as whatever else a girl wishes. With these plans rushing around his mind, he opened the door to find a slightly startled Katherine.

  "Papa, I was just going to see you." Katherine smiled tentatively, not noticing her mother behind her father.

  Edmund took in his daughter's appearance. She looked better than she had earlier in the day. There was more color to her cheeks, and her eyes, so like his own, seemed lighter, her earlier demons finally leaving her in peace. If he remembered anything from his youth, then she had just left the lad.

   Behind them, a look of confusion and loathing covered Savannah's thin countenance.

   "Aye? I was coming to see you as well, my darling."

  Katherine arched a straight brow, looking pointedly in her chambers.

  A deep laugh resonated from within Lord Atkins throat at her silent reprimanding glance.

  "Ahh, I understand. Your mother and I were discussing an important matter; although it's not important anymore. Have you decided then, my darling?"

  Katherine nodded, glancing at her mother before her gaze returned to her father's. "Aye, papa, I have no objection."

   "Wonderful." Andrewson smiled. He hesitated briefly before bending down to place a chaste kiss on Katherine's forehead. Katherine's eyes widened in stunned amazement. When was the last time someone had kissed her affectionately? Other than Jonathan of course, but he was different.  

    "I shall draw up the contract now." He grinned before giving her another peck before leaving.

  A smile adorned Katherine's face as she watched her father's retreating form. It was a shame, now that the time for her departure was here, she was able to see and understand her father. Life had a humorous way of dealing out situations.

   She entered her room, lost in thought, not noticing her mother standing a few feet closer than she had earlier.

   Savannah waited all but two seconds to be ignored.

  "Explain yourself, child!"

  Katherine kept her startled expression hidden as she held her mother's gaze.

  "I do not understand, mother."

  "I believe I told you to call him father, why then, did you address him as papa." Her voice was a shrill pitch as she spoke, unable to hide the rage she felt within.

  Katherine shrugged a shoulder, looking at her mother curiously.

  "Because father told me to address him as papa."

  "I thought I had made it clear you are to wed Abbot."

  Katherine felt her heart pick up speed as dread coiled around her stomach. She assured herself, mentally, that her father would take care of the matter, she need not worry.

   "Papa said I am to wed Lord Rivers." Katherine kept the fear out of her voice, her face devoid of all emotion.

  "Papa asked you for your decision." Savannah sneered, roughly grabbing Katherine's arm and pulling her closer.

  "Listen here, child-" She grabbed Katherine's cheeks in between one hand, digging her nails into the young woman's flesh hard enough to draw blood.

   But Katherine did not wince, nor did she cower in fear, and nor did her heart beat unsteadily. Her body remained loyal to her as her blank eyes awaited for her mother to speak.

  "I said you are to wed Abbot. You will go to your darling papa and tell him you do not wish to marry Lord Rivers. Have I made myself clear?" Savannah menaced, digging her nails deeper into Katherine's tender flesh. The metallic scent of blood filled Katherine's nose.

   "He already drew up the marriage contract." Katherine whispered, making sure to stay completely still.

  Savannah shook her. "That is not my concern." She spat as she finally let go of Katherine. 

Katherine kept herself immobile, not flinching as her mother struck her.

   "Have. I. Made. Myself. Clear?" Lady Atkins repeated slowly, maliciously.

  "Quite." Katherine mumbled as she felt the blood trickle down her cheeks.

  "There shall be consequences if you shan't be able to pull this off."

   "I understand, mother." Katherine answered obediently.

  Her mother leveled her with a glare before walking out the door. Katherine headed towards the looking glass, seeing the streaks of blood on her hollow cheeks.

   She smiled without humor, her eyes filling with unshed tears.

  "At least they shan't leave a scar."

  She let out a long breathe as a tear ran down her cheek, before the others slowly began. They felt hot against her face as they raced with each other, trying to reach the bottom of her face before the latter. Her sorrow was a tangible force, so forlorn she was, it seemed to her; whatever she touched would be plunged into despair. 

  "Joy does not seem very fond of me." Katherine whispered to her reflection.

  "What was the saying? Good things happen to good people? Mayhap I should be wicked. Good things are certainly not happening to me."

  The human body, mind, was a strange creation. She woke up feeling alright, no different from any other day. But in a span of two to three hours' time, she had felt hopeful, irrational anger, desire, hope, again, and now utter despair. Who knew one could feel so many emotions right after the other? She watched her tears mix with her blood. It would dry soon enough, until then, she would let it run its course. There was no point in wiping anything away. No matter that her tears stung her wounds. The smallest wounds made one feel the most pain.

    Katherine was still staring in the looking glass when there was a knock on the door, followed by its opening and then closing. She didn't have it in her to look up. It would either be her mother or Leslie. And quite frankly, she did not possess the willpower to deal with either one. She closed her eyes, childishly thinking if she couldn't see them they couldn't see her.

   "What happened to your face?" Annabelle whispered as she looked at Katherine's face through the looking glass.

   Katherine opened her eyes to Annabelle's voice, watching her through the looking glass.

  "Lady-"

"Annabelle." She corrected before letting Katherine speak.

   "Annabelle, my apologies, I hadn't-"

  "Tis alright." Annabelle said soothingly to Katherine's rambling. Slowly, she walked around Katherine until she stood in front of her. She pulled the looking glass away, placing it on the armoire as she assessed her friend's wounds.

   "Care to divulge your arcane activities?" Annabelle smiled as she pulled a small sack from beneath her skirts. Katherine watched in silence as she opened it to reveal different bottles and vials.

   Annabelle gently wiped away Katherine's tears, not caring for the blood which smeared her hands.

  "You don't need to tend to me, my lady." Katherine protested.

  Annabelle ignored her.

"It seems The Lord has a remarkable liking towards me. The ones I love tend to always manage to injure themselves. It's quite tiring, really." Annabelle grinned impishly as she cleaned Katherine's face.

  "You need not worry yourself, they are minor." Katherine repeated.

   "Tis the small wounds that are disregarded which lead to infection, slowly killing its host." Annabelle mumbled as she peered more closely at the small marks. The blood had already ceased to flow. She looked through her medicinal bag for a salve just in case. Taking her comfrey salve, Annabelle mixed yarrow and rose to it before applying the ointment to Katherine's face. She sat perfectly still as Annabelle worked on her, watching the look of concentration on her face. Her golden orbs were filled with tenderness and concern. Mayhap this was the reason why Lord Dramore tended to get into a number of brawls. Lord knew, if someone showed such tenderness to her every time she was injured or hurt, she would do it more often.

  "May I know how you came about your injury, or at the very least, what caused the piercing to your skin?" Annabelle's questioned pulled Katherine from her reverie.

   She hesitated to answer. What was she to tell her?

  "The object which caused this shall not cause an infection, Annabelle. Tis the only thing I can say to ease your mind." Katherine replied softly.

  "Humph." Annabelle frowned but let her be.

  "I shan't push you, this time. Next time you shan't be so fortunate."

   "You expect a next time?" Katherine giggled.

  Annabelle grinned. "Did you not hear me, Kastry? The people I care about have a tendency to get hurt. Of course there shall be a next time."

Katherine laughed, shaking her head indulgently.

   "Keep this salve and apply it ere you go to bed, it shall heal your face soon enough." Annabelle instructed as she filled an empty vial with the salve.

   Katherine took the vial, thanking her. No sooner had she done so, there was a quick knock on her door followed by Leslie and her mother.

   "Katherine- Forgive me, I had not known you would have company." Lady Atkins looked over Annabelle with interest.

  "No need to worry, my lady. I was just taking my leave." Annabelle smiled as she stood up."

  "I do not believe we have been introduced." Savannah eyed her daughter pointedly.

  Katherine stood up. "Mother this is Lady Annabelle Davidson, my lady, this is my mother, Lady Savannah Andrewson of Atkins."

   "Tis a pleasure." Savannah mumbled.

  "Likewise." Annabelle smiled as she tied her pouch.

  "You may stay, if you wish. I was going to have Leslie prepare Katherine for the ball tonight." Savannah smiled sweetly.

  "Thank you, but I must decline. I had come in here to ask Katherine something and by the time I finished tending to her wound it slipped my mind." Annabelle shrugged.

  Savannah's brows furrowed in faux concern.

   "What happened to her face? Is she alright?" She walked towards Katherine, and with a tenderness Katherine thought her mother incapable of possessing, she gingerly took her daughter's face in between both her hands.

"Tis not too deep is, is it?" Savannah frowned, playing the role of the perfect concerned mother.

  "Nay, my lady." Annabelle assured with a gentle smile.

   "Do you know how she managed to come about them?"

  "Nay, my lady. Katherine did not mention it to me and I cannot tell. Whatever it was though, it did not possess the properties to cause her much harm."

  "Thank divine providence for small blessings." Savannah smiled as she finally let go of Katherine's face, taking a step back.

   It took Katherine years of training over her body to not stare at her mother in shock.

  Annabelle mumbled an agreement.

   "Are you certain you cannot stay, dear?"

  "I must decline, my lady. My father is expected to arrive at any time today."

  Her smile was slow as she spoke, "I shall seek you out in tonight's ball."

  Annabelle smiled bashfully before taking her leave, the door shutting with a soft 'click' with her departure.

  "It would be in your best interest not to be seen with her." Savannah stated causally.

  "Why would you advise that, mother?" Katherine's voice was devoid of emotion as she asked the question. But no amount of training could have prepared her for the sting of her mother's words.

  "No one looks your way as it is, with someone as beautiful as her by your side, you shall most certainly look horse faced."

  ***

"Edward. Edward. Edward. Edward. Edward. Edward. Edward. Edborg. Ednog. Edgerg. Ed-idiot. Edboar. Edpit. Edsnot."

  Jonathan sighed in exasperation. Edward seemed to be in some sort of trance. Jonathan followed his friend's line of vision, snorting once he discovered the cause of his addled brain.

  "Close your mouth, a fly might decide to occupy it."

  No answer.

  Jonathan sighed again. He grinned mischievously as he spotted the flute of wine in his friend's hand. Jonathan knocked it over, causing the wine to spill on Edward. Still no response.

   Jonathan glowered, not at all amused. What must a man do to receive an ounce of attention?

  Taking the heel of his boot, he stomped down on Edward's foot, eagerly expecting a reaction. The bloke didn't even flinch. Jonathan gritted his teeth.

  "Say, is that git trying to look at Annabelle's backside?"

   "Where?" Edward growled as he frantically looked for the culprit.

   "I see something was capable of getting your attention."

   "You sardi-" Edward growled only to be interrupted.

   "Save it. You can stare at Annabelle all night. Pray tell me, why do you choose this moment in time to gawk at her as a randy lad?"

  "I was not gawking at her like some randy boy." Edward snapped.

   "Are you sure no one was staring at her?" Edward looked around frantically. Although only Jonathan could tell his gesture was frantic, an onlooker would assume nothing but an air of calm. 

  "I'm fairly certain people are staring, Edward. You can't duel them all." Jonathan remarked dryly.

"Like Hell I can't." Edward growled, his eyes trained on Annabelle.

  "I know she's beautiful, but how much shall you stare, Edward?" Jonathan sighed after another five minutes of his friend's silent admiration.

  Edward blanched. "She's not beautiful, Jonathan."

  It was Jonathan's turn to look towards Edward with confusion.

  "Are you daft?"

Edward shook his head

  "No, my friend, it is you who is daft. Annabelle is not merely beautiful. I don't believe there has been a word created that could describe her. You must think I'm daft, but look at her through my eyes." Edward whispered as his eyes continued to follow his love.

For some reason unknown to Jonathan, he decided to humor his friend.

  "Alright."

His voice was a low timber as he began, as if, if he spoke too loudly, everything he knew would come crashing down on him, leaving him in despair and ruin.

  "Her golden gown does not cling to her body as the rest of the women's does."

  Jonathan cast a quick glance around. True enough, Annabelle's gown was fitted, more so on the loose side, but even then, it did not make her seem unappealing. Meanwhile, every other lady present, whether be it she was in her prime or not, their dresses were plastered to their bodies.

   "It plays at her modesty, she has no care to entice men. Look at her eyes, she is speaking to Lady Edgar, they do not look down upon her. Nor is she making polite conversation. She is being genuine in her attentions. We are aware of the scandal attached to Lady Edgar, yet, Annabelle does not scorn her. She treats her as her equal. Her smile is not a façade, it is a very real action in this cruel world of ours. Everyone has sorrows, everyone's known grief, but we should not use that as an excuse to rid ourselves, or others, of a simple act such as smiling.

   "Look closer at her eyes, the way the light catches in their golden hues. Just as her eye coloring is disarming, so is the depth of emotion within them. But even if she bears no love towards you, those eyes will still not be filled with hatred; they will look upon you with compassion.

    "Her hair is raven, I would say darker even. I have never seen hair as dark as hers. Even with light, it does not lessen its inkiness. The darker her hair, the lighter her heart. Kindness and compassion is something which seems to overflow from her, only growing along with the days. I know not how she loves me, or even agreed to marry me, I'm a lucky bastard." Edward mumbled, transfixed.

  "You may think I am saying all this to get under her skirts, but I have yet to bed her. Not until our wedding night, I promised myself I would not touch her. The most I have allowed myself is to kiss her. She was adamant on waiting for your return to wed, and I was adamant on keeping her pure until our wedding night."

Edward laughed softly, his eyes filled with so much love, it was physically painful for those who have yet to have a taste of the emotion.

"I yearn for the day our estate will be filled with small lassies who look just like their mother. As much as I love her youth, I am looking forward to the day it begins to fade. I want to see the lines of laughter by her eyes, knowing her, they shall be aplenty. I want to see the lines of silver in the depth of her murky locks. I want to watch as she feeds our babe until the poor thing won't be able to breathe."  To the onlooker his love was foudroyant, bypassing his anger by far. 

  Jonathan laughed then, very softly as he wiped a tear from the corner of his eye. The picture Edward painted was sheer perfection.

  "Then I can imagine you coming and throwing the child in the air, Annabelle shall have your head for that, by the way. But you will charm her over, you always do."

Jonathan was too afraid to speak. He was enthralled with the vision Edward created, he could only see joy and laughter. He did not see Annabelle the way Edward did, but he knew, in his heart of hearts he knew, if he were to look through his friend's eyes, he would surely see her the way Edward did.

   "Imagine the babe catching a wee cold, Annabelle would be in hysterics." Edward guffawed, causing many a eyes to turn their         way.

   "I am of the opinion that you shall be in hysterics while poor Annabelle holds her head." Jonathan snickered.

  "Shall we place a wager then?" Edward grinned.

   "Fifty." Jonathan agreed easily.

   "What are you two hooligans gambling about now? Do you not have anything better to do? Other than lift the maids' skirts of course." Lord Davidson grumbled, his eyes twinkling in mirth as he saw the younger lords backs stiffen right before they slowly turned to face him.

  Edward cussed low and harsh, Jonathan following in his wake.

  "How long have you stood here for, my lord?" Jonathan asked slowly as he prayed the old git had just arrived.

  "It depends on what you two rakes were discussing." He danced on the balls of his feet, eyeing the two friends with faux suspicion, not that they thought it was a facade, they were under the impression it was very real indeed.

   "I don't know what my poor qalbi sees in you." Lord Davidson eyed Edward as he spoke.

  "Tis a pleasure to see you, my lord. Was the trip here to your liking?" Edward asked politely as his hands itched to straighten the sleeve of his tunic.

   "I wish I could make the same claim regarding you." Lord Davidson retorted.

  Edward shifted uncomfortably. The sight was comical. Jonathan and Edward both towered over Lord Davidson a great deal, and yet, the short, potbellied man was able to cause the two oafs a great deal of discomfort.

   "Are you keeping your distance from my qalbi?"

  "Of course I am." Edward assured quickly.

  Lord Davidson raised an amused brow. He loved disturbing the lad.

  "Are your rooms far enough from the other?"

  "Aye, my lord." Jonathan nodded, coming to his friend's aid.

  "Humph, then you would not oppose to me residing in your room." Lord Davidson said to Edward, a twinkle in his eye.

  "There are many rooms to reside in, my lord. You can take your pick." Jonathan smiled, trying to charm the dear old man.

  "I already have. I shall be staying in Edward's room." He grunted, smiling wickedly.

   Edward's, as well as Jonathan's, smile was slightly strained as they both spoke at once.

  "As you wish."

  "Edward's chambers?"

  "Do not fret, boy. You shall be staying with me."

  This time, Jonathan and Edward could not hold in their grimace, nor their cusses.

  "Sarding-"

  "Consarn it!"

  "Is there a problem?" Lord Davidson raised an amused brow.

  "No." The two friends answered simultaneously, both thinking what to do with their respective antics.

  "My qalbi looks beautiful tonight."

  "She certainly does." Edward agreed as his eyes began to follow her once more.

  "Lower your gaze, boy. I did not say it so you could stare at her." Lord Davidson snapped, humor hidden in the depths of his green gaze.

    Edward's cheeks colored slightly as Jonathan looked for a topic of discussion.

  "My lord, how was your time overseas?"

  Lord Davidson wrinkled his nose. "I do not make the long journey any longer. Only when I need to have gowns made for Annabelle."

  "The English's fashion is not up to par?" Edward teased.

  "The bloody dress you're staring at was indeed made from overseas. Of course they have a sense of fashion. The English only believe in pastels." Lord Davidson shuddered.

  "I may fund your trips in the future." Edward took a sip from his wine glass, only to find it empty.

  "Do I look like a peasant to you?" Lord Davidson snorted.

   "Of course not." Edward hastily assured as color washed over his face.

  Jonathan felt like breaking Edward's nose. The git acted like a swooning lass around his father by marriage.

  "Ah, here she comes now." Lord Davidson watched with a loving expression as his daughter made her way towards the three.

  "Qalbi, you look beautiful." Annabelle bent down slightly so her father could kiss her cheek.

  "Abu, when did you arrive?" Annabelle smiled, her cheeks slightly red, and her eyes were a liquid gold filled with joy.

  "Not too long ago. Your old man tires easily. I shall be retiring soon enough."

  "I made baklava for you." Annabelle pouted.

  "You did not say you were making baklava." Edward and Jonathan whined as one.

  "I was upset with the two of you." Annabelle reminded sternly. The two men had the grace to smile bashfully.

  "They made you upset? Do you need me to intervene, qalbi?" His expression a tad bit too hopeful.

  Annabelle rolled her eyes. "No, Abu, there shall be no need for what you have in mind."

  Lord Davidson pouted, trying to appear saddened.

  Annabelle smiled fondly but ignored him.

  "After Abu has had his fill, you two or more than welcomed to help yourselves." Annabelle shrugged as she tucked a stray curl behind her ear. Edward's hand twitched slightly.

   Jonathan groaned. "The old coot won't allow us to have any."

  "Jonathan." Annabelle admonished.

    Lord Davidson smirked while Jonathan sulked. Edward's eyes never left Annabelle, and the rest of his senses were rendered useless due to her presence.

   "You three behave while I tend to the guests." Annabelle took her leave, glancing at Edward before quickly looking away, lest her father could see. They were betrothed, and still, in the presence of her father she felt as if she was doing something wrong.

   "Hmm." Lord Davidson watched his daughter's retreating form, rubbing his chin thoughtfully, for he had seen what only a single father who had raised a girl could see.

  "Is something amiss, my lord?" Edward frowned slightly.

  "My qalbi looks... There are lines of pain around her eyes." He squinted his eyes, trying to see the small details from across the room.

  "She is feeling unwell." Edward mumbled as, he too, watched Annabelle.

  "I suppose the blessing in this situation is you shan't be able to get your randy hands on her." Lord Davidson grunted.

   Edward's cheeks washed with color but he remained mum.

  Jonathan opened his mouth to comment when there was a slight hush over the room before it went completely silent. In the center of the room stood his father, flute in hand, along with Lord Atkins. Jonathan gritted his teeth, his body becoming tense. His father could have had the decency to inform him beforehand if he was going to announce his betrothment tonight. But apparently he had to find out along with everyone else. Jonathan searched for Katherine, did she know?

  Edward caught Jonathan's eye; who gave a quick shake of his head. Jonathan rolled his eyes, relaxing his stance. Edward was correct, for once, he couldn't behave rashly.

  "If I may have your attention. It has been a pleasure serving you all tonight. I would like to end a splendid night with joyous news." Lord Rivers beamed as he took in his guest's expressions.

   "Tonight I would like to announce the betrothal of Miss Katherine Andrewson of Atkins, daughter to Lord Atkins, to my son, Lord Jonathan Rivers."

  The news was greeted with applause. Jonathan searched for Katherine as he made his way towards his father. In the far corner of the room, beside Annabelle, his Kitten also began to walk towards their father's. Her composure was graceful, elegant, as if the whole of England should bow before her. But Jonathan knew differently. As they grew closer to the other, he was able to see her large, doe like eyes. Something was amiss, and he'd be damned if he did not get to the bottom of it.

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