Baron Merton had listened attentively to the conversation between the Grand Duke and the young Lady Fleuret. It seemed like a miracle that he hadn’t killed anyone, especially after waiting so long. Oddly enough, he was quite friendly.
However, it had already surprised him that he was so interested in this proposal. To make the effort and show up in person instead of just having a letter sent wasn’t common for him at all. Still, he would not be averse if the Grand Duke were to consider an association. Lady Fleunet seemed to be a clever young woman who was also downright beautiful.
“… So why choose the devil of the north?” He heard the Grand Duke say and sighed inwardly. If that is his way of promoting himself, he will die alone.
“Because you are extremely handsome,” replied Lady Fleuret and the Baron’s heart stopped for a moment. Did she really just say that?
He looked at her maid who was standing behind the Lady’s sofa to see if she was just as shocked by this answer. But she just rolled her eyes as if she were already used to it.
The Grand Duke also confused him, because instead of getting angry, he actually burst out laughing.
The Baron’s gaze wandered back and forth between the Grand Duke and the Lady. Oh no. They’re both nuts.
+++
Celia was completely taken aback when the Grand Duke suddenly started laughing. This wasn’t natural! How can a person be so perfect?
She would have loved to listen to that deep, melodic laugh forever. Unfortunately he stopped shortly afterwards and pointed to the man who was accompanying him. “Baron Merton is also said to be very handsome. He’s also a bachelor, just like me. If I tell you that I would be able to arrange an engagement with him instead of me, would you … “
“No!”, She interrupted him stormily and apologized directly for her outburst of emotion. “Forgive me, Your Grace. But even then my choice falls on you.”
She felt how everyone in the room looked at her blankly.
Although Baron Merton was ranked below her, he would be an ideal match. She had heard her sister talk a lot about him. Although he was only the second son, he had a good job with the Grand Duke and even the King had once publicly praised ihm. He had a very good chance of advancing in rank at some point. He also was quite the looker. Big, well built, with a soft and at the same time intelligent look in the eyes. The soft blond of his hair, which took on a slightly pink shade in the light only made his deep green eyes stand out even more. He couldn’t hide these two jewels behind his glasses either. And yet …
Her gaze slid back to the Grand Duke and she immediately felt her heart start beating loudly. She just felt herself being drawn to this much more dangerous option.
This time the Grand Duke didn’t laugh, just looked at her thoughtfully for a while. Then he suddenly got up and bowed politely. “For now, I’ve taken up enough of your time, please forgive me for my sudden appearance here.”
Celia panicked. Did that mean he wasn’t interested in her? Was she too brash in her answers? She jumped up quickly. “Not at all, Your Grace. I was very happy about your visit.”
“I really would have liked to spend more time with you, but unfortunately I have some business to attend to this afternoon. We also end up having to find a place to sleep.”
Just as Celia was about to invite him to spend the night at their Estate, Lora stepped forward. “If you will allow me to say, there are always rooms available at the Nox Inn at this time.”
Grand Duke Dumain smiled coldly at her maid. “Is that so? Thank you for this helpful information. I assume the rooms there are also clean and spacious?”
Lora returned his cold smile. “There are very clean rooms, Your Grace. Of course not very big, but I’m sure you are used to much harsher circumstances from war.”
“As a matter of fact. I just hope I won’t feel too lonely there, with no company at all.”
“Your Grace must have forgotten that he is with the Baron,” her maid replied directly, without breaking eye contact with the Grand Duke.
Celia didn’t know what was happening, but it couldn’t go well for much longer. The two of them behaved like cat and mouse. So before they jumped by the throat, Celia came in between the two. “Of course you are cordially invited to stay here overnight.”
Grand Duke Dumain turned to her and his expression relaxed again. “Very kind of you, Lady Fleuret. We gladly accept the invitation.” Then he gave her maid a little triumphant grin and Celia heard how Lora clicked her tongue disapprovingly.
“We’ll find our way out. See you in the evening, Lady Fleuret.” Then he and his secretary left and Celia collapsed on the sofa again. That was nerve-wracking.
“Lady Celia,” came the cold and sinister voice of her maid behind her.
She winced slightly and turned around, smiling nervously. “Yes?”
“You are aware that your father will be back tonight?”
Celia turned white. Damn. She had completely forgotten about him.
“It’ll be fine,” she tried to calm herself down more than her maid. She didn’t look at all convinced, however.
“I’m afraid I’ll have to call in sick for today”, she explained and Celia raised her eyebrows. Lora then gave the worst pretended cough she had ever heard. Wow, she doesn’t even try. But not with her! Not this time.
She smiled at her maid with the sweetest smile she could bring out. “I’m sure you can take it until tonight.”
Lora sighs in resignation. “I guess I’ll be having more free time anyway, after your death today”, she only mumbled and, as always, Celia tried to ignore it. Even when she had said exactly what she was most afraid of.
