Wilton House, Wiltshire, April 1884
Lady Alexandra "Lexa" Herbert was in her tea hour, when her father burst into the room, and declared that he was to make an announcement to her. Of course, Lexa did not expect the worst out of his announcement, but alas, she placed her cup of tea down on the table in front of her and stood up, and marched her way into the family room, where everyone in the household awaited her. When she made her entrance, she looked to see everyone's eyes fall on her. Lexa made a confused look on her face as she sat beside her sister, Araminta, and watched as her father closed the door and cleared his throat.
"I am rather glad that you joined us, Alexandra," her father began as he sat on his armchair beside the fireplace pushing his spectacles up the bridge of his nose, "I have been meaning you see, to tell you of such great news."
"What great news are you to announce, Father?" Lexa questioned.
He took a deep breath and said, "You know my good fellow the Duke of Wellington and I are arranging for you to meet his son, Edward Wellesley, the Marquess of Douro."
"Lord Douro?" Lexa exclaimed, "Why must I meet him?"
"Because," said her dear father, "You are to marry him in a few months."
Lexa blinked a couple of times and said nothing. She could not believe what her ears were hearing. Marriage? How can this be when she hardly had her first Season? And by far the worst part of all this was that she was to marry the Marquess of Douro! He was the only son of the Duke of Wellington and his former wife, Charlotte Llewelyn. She hardly knew him to be wedded as his wife. Turning to her father, she said in a gentle yet firm tone, "I humbly refuse to accept this marriage."
"Alexandra!" her mother cried.
Lexa turned to see her mother sitting on the sofa beside her brother, Lucian, standup. "You will know your duty. You are to marry Lord Douro as part of the agreement we made with the Duke."
"Agreement?" Lexa said, "What agreement?"
Her mother glanced over to her father and said, "I believe, that you are fully inclined to tell her the entire truth, Anthony."
Her glance was met with a glare on her father's part. "I very much do not appreciate this, Amelia. Why must you always rush over our discussions?"
"Because the child does not understand she is to be a lady rather than a lovesick girl."
"I am not-," Lexa began, but her mother's glaring look silenced her. Lexa just sighed.
"My dear girl," said her father, "What your mother is saying is the truth. We are well acquainted with the Duke and it was because of our friendship that we decided to unite the two households in marriage."
Lexa gazed into her father's gentle blue eyes and sighed. Her father has always been gentle, whereas her mother has always been strict and demanding. Lexa sighed and said, "Very well if you insist that I meet him, I very much will."
Her father nodded and said, "I shall write to the Duke of your decision."
Lexa nodded and then excused herself from the presence of her parents, and left the family room entirely.
***
My dearest Alexandra,
How are you? I am quite well here in London. I really wish that you would be so incline to visit me. His Lordship is out and about on his business and to live a married life is both joyful and lonely. Miss Redford is well and very much energetic as always. Dorothea wedded not long ago while you where in America. (I have been corresponding with Amara).
Lexa paused in her letter from her dearest friend and pushed her reading glasses up. It has been a while since she has been in the company of Lady Caroline Hastings. The last encounter she had of Caroline was at her wedding, and that was when Lexa was to return back to the university to complete her education. Dorothea, on the other hand, she has not made contact with.
...Word has it that you are betrothed to the Marquess of Douro. I am quite sure that you are unaware that everyone in London as been talking about it for the past week!
Lexa froze. A week! Everyone is aware that she is to be married? Dear heavens, she must sit down. Lexa fell to her bed, and continued to read about all that Caroline has to say.
...I have not met Lord Douro, though I believe from my dear Lord that he is quite handsome and very suitable for you. But one can't be sure of that. Well, I shan't say much of your future-husband-to-be. Do make an effort to visit me.
Until then,
Caroline Crawforde, Countess of Hereford
Lexa pouted and folded her letter and placed it on her nightstand beside her bed. She got up from her bed, when over to her mirror atop her dresser, and sat on her stool, and began fiddling with her hair.
The person in front of her was quite elegant and beautiful. She had fair ivory skin, loose, curly and long golden blonde hair that fell past her shoulders. The girl's eyes were a lovely gray, the kind of gray one would note to resemble a dreary weather of a cloudy sky, shaded with her dark butterfly of lashes. Her face carved in an oblong structure, high cheekbones, well-defined nose, and dark red Cupid's bow lips.
As her fingers played through her hair, the golden chain glowered in the light of the morning as the blue-purple alexandrite glimmering in the light, rested on the base of her breast. The girl wore a very beautiful and elegant dark blue dress, the dress skirt was layered with white ruffles, and her arms were also sleeved with covering the elbow with eloquent ruffle lace designs.
The door creaked opened and Lexa turned to see her mother appear in. From all the five children, Lexa was the one of the two daughters to resemble her mother, Lady Pembroke. Her mother, who possessed great beauty, had lovely golden-blonde hair, well-defined features that seemed to make a graceful curve on her oblong face shape, her gray eyes narrowed, but she smiled.
"Du det godt, min kære?" her mother asked in Danish, gently as she came over. Lexa knew what her mother was asking, you all right, my dear?
Lexa drew back her breath. She wanted to feel convinced that she was all right, but the thought of get married before any of her sisters frightened her, and Lexa knew the truth; she wasn't all right. Turning her head around, Lexa gave her mother a weak smile and said, in Danish, "Ja."
However, as it seemed, that although she had said yes to be all right, her mother looked unconvinced. Lady Pembroke walked graceful over to where her daughter sat and as Lexa turned her face towards the mirror, her mother placed her hands on Lexa's shoulder.
"Look at yourself, Alexandra," her mother said, "What do you see?"
Lexa blinked, "A frightened girl."
"For the time being, yes," her mother said staring at Lexa's reflection, "but the reflection is a girl of the past."
"The past?" Lexa asked, frowning up at her mother.
"Why yes," said her mother, "When girl gets marries, she must forget her past self, and start anew, as a wife and soon-to-be mother."
Lexa pursed her lips. Clearly what her mother was trying to say was she was to stop her foolish ways and grow up. After all, she was to be a wife soon, but yet again...
"Have you met the Duke's son?"
"Lord Douro?" her mother questioned, and then she snapped her fingers in remembrance, and said, "Why yes! Lord Douro is a very polite young fellow, handsome and charming."
"Is that so?" Lexa asked, her lips curling.
"Do you not like him?"
Lexa sighed and said, "I hardly met Lord Douro to make my judgment of him."
"Well then," said her mother, "It's settled then. You shall meet Lord Douro. Therefore, we must strike up a ball and prepare for your debut."
"My debut?" Lexa asked, swallowing.
"Why yes," her mother said, "As you to be betrothed to Lord Douro, you are to be introduced to the London society as a lady."
"A lady," repeated Lexa, "right."
London, the great city of London was where she to present herself as a lady. Lexa drew back her breath. She felt somehow uneasy about the whole idea. To leave her childhood home of Wilton, to leave her father's estate, and to move into another's still frightened her.
But Lexa knew better. She turned back to her mother, "When am I to meet Lord Douro?"
Her mother's lips curved up, and stretched into a smile, "You will meet him tonight of tomorrow."
Lexa nodded and sighed. Her mother loosened her grip on her shoulder and walked gracefully out of Lexa's room. Sighing to herself, Lexa continued to play with hair. A few minutes after her mother left, the door creaked opened and Lexa turned to see her maid, Miss Antonia Keane.
Anna was a young girl of her age from London. Her father, John Keane was the late valet of her father's, who also had become a close friend. They had been playmates because of their fathers and were tutored by the same governess. It does not matter, he father had told her: if Anna was of low-class. Every girl deserves an education. Shortly after the death of her parents, her father had the compassionate heart to allow Anna to work in his household to support younger brother.
"Anna," said Lexa, turning back to face the mirror
"You're really are getting married, milady," Anna said as she coming over to brush Lexa's hair. Lexa handed her the brush and nodded as she allowed Anna to gently stroke the brush on her curls. "You must feel excited."
"No," said Lexa, "This is hardly something to feel excited about."
"Perhaps you'll fall in love," Anna said dreamily, "There has to be love in marriage."
Lexa pure her lips when Anna said that. Love...Oh God, she had fantasized in her dreams the type of husband that would love for being herself and nothing else. But of course, that was not possible. After all, she was the daughter of an earl. Marriages were not for love, but for status. She had witnessed it when Caroline married the Earl of Hereford. Plus, her father has chosen someone for her. Edward Wellesley. The name played out in her mind, and she wondered; what kind of man was Lord Douro like anyway?
Lexa sighed and said to Anna, "I really hope so."
Anna said nothing, but giggled.
Drumbroke Manor, London
Edward Wellesley, Marquess of Douro scowled at his father, Horace, Duke of Wellington. Early this morning while having breakfast, Horace made the announcement that he made a marriage agreement with the Earl of Pembroke to have Edward wed to the earl's eldest daughter, Alexandra. Edward choked on his tea upon hearing the news.
"I don't understand," Edward said, "why have you decided this without my consent?"
Horace took his handkerchief and softly patted his mouth and said, "Lady Alexandra is a respectable lady. Her father and I based the match on suitability. I also believe Lady Alexandra is suitable for you."
"And you know this, how? You've hardly been married for twenty years, divorcing my mother." There was a tinge of anger starting to build up in his voice
Horace waved his hand in dismissal and said, "Your mother and I were an arranged marriage like yours will be. You cannot uphold tradition. Plus, my father chose wrong in his idea of suitability. But I assure you that you will be pleased with my choice. After all, you must produce an heir."
Is this what this is all about? Edward thought, that I secure an heir to the Dukedom of Wellington and ensure that the Wellesley line continues on before your passing? Pursing his lips, Edward drew out a breath, and said, "What is she like?"
Horace smiled wickedly, "Lady Alexandra? Why she's rather a very pretty lady."
Edward arched an eyebrow, "Pretty? I was wagering you'd say she was beautiful."
"Well," said Horace, "That you'll have to decide for yourself, dear boy."
"When will I meet her?"
"To-morrow at Lady Matilda's engagement party. The lady is to be introduced into the London society for her Seasonal debut."
"And do I propose to her or what?"
"No," his father said, "You're just to show London to her. The lady is not familiar with the city, living in Wiltshire most of her life."
"Show her the city," Edward repeated, "Of course."
"And for Heaven's sake don't frighten her." His father cautioned, "If you do, the poor girl might want to run to her father's estate and never return."
"I'm not even a frightening person," Edward said, defensively. What on earth gave his father that idea?
"Yes, you are," his father said, "Especially when in anger. You do know have a terrible temper which you unfortunately inherited from your mother."
Edward muttered in defeated, "I-I've learned to control it."
Horace nodded and said, pushing his chair back, "I hope you're right, Edward."
Edward picked up his champagne flute, and said, "Come what may."
"Let me get this straight," said Henry Montagu, Earl of Sandwich, after Edward told him the whole story, "You father and the Earl of Pembroke made an agreement for you to marry the eldest daughter and you still haven't met the girl?"
The day after the announcement was made, news about the son of the Duke of Wellington expected engagement to the daughter of the Earl of Pembroke made it was to the streets of London. Edward then decided to visit Harry at his London home of Rochester.
" 'The girl' you keep addressing is Lady Alexandra Herbert, and have you not been listening to me this entire time? I said I was to meet her tomorrow at Lady Percy's engagement party."
Henry looked at Edward and said, his blue eyes darkening a bit, "And you agreed to this? The marriage, I mean."
"I need to produce an heir," said Edward, "it's my duty."
"Just for duty?" Harry asked as a servant marched inside and set the tray of tea on the table between and curtsied before leaving. Harry took the teacup and said, "Is that what you believe?"
"Yes," Edward said, taking a sip of his.
"Well, I thought you'd do it for love."
Edward nearly choked on his tea. "Love?"
"Yes," Harry repeated, "is that what marriage is all about? To 'love and cherish' that the 'husband should love a wife the way Christ loves the church.'?"
Edward smirked and said, "Ephesians. You ought to have become a vicar instead of an earl."
"I know," said Harry, "Anyway, Lady Alexandra would want that from you."
"What does she want from me?"
Harry sighed and said, "My dear friend. Did anyone ever mention that you're rather obtuse?"
"I am not," Edward said, defensively, and then added, "Has anyone mentioned that you're very obnoxious?"
"No," Harry said, "I have been told that I'm wise beyond my years."
Edward snorted.
"But what I said was of truth," Henry said, rather seriously, "Lady Alexandra will expect you love her as her husband, she is a girl after all. All girls believe in that notion one way or another. Duty and status rarely concerns them."
"And Lady Alexandra is equal in her beliefs as the other girls?" Edward asked.
"That," Harry said, lips twitching upwards into a smile, "you'll have to uncover yourself."
Stupid Harry, Edward thought to himself as the carriage started to roll away from Rochester, what made him believe that this is a love-match? Glancing out of the window to stare at the passing trees, he thought to himself and mentally agreeing this is for duty; and duty alone.
"Hold still," said Anna
Lexa took a deep breath, and held it as Anna started lacing the back of Lexa's dress. Today, she was to go to London and meet her fiancé. Today she was to be introduced to the London society as Lady Alexandra. Lexa let out a gust of breath as Anna finished the lacing. Stepping back, Anna looked at the tied lace and said, "All done."
Lexa glanced at herself in the mirror in front of her. She was wearing a burgundy colored dress, with black ruffled sleeves. Her golden hair was bun in an elaborate braid. Her alexandrite pendant that often pulsed around her neck was replaced with a pearl necklace. She smoothed out her dress and then twirled around.
"You look beautiful, my lady." Anna squealed, clamping her hands together, her blue-green eyes sparkling.
"I really wish you'd stop calling me 'My lady' as if I'm your mistress," Lexa said, turning to Anna, "You are my dearest girlhood friend. Therefore, starting today you should call me Lexa and no other."
"But, it's not proper-" Anna began, but Lexa cut her off with her hand and said, "I hardly care if it proper. We are friends, aren't we?"
She turned to Anna and Anna fell silent and blinked at her, her blue-green eyes falling steady on her. Anna then nodded and said, "We are friends indeed."
Lexa squeaked in delight and flung her arms around Anna. Anna startled to be even hugged by her, staggered back and hugged her back.
Breaking apart, Lexa grinned at her, and said, 'There you go. From now on, you shall call me Lexa, and nothing other."
Very well, Lexa," Anna corrected.
"Alexa? That's good," said Lexa.
In that instant, her mother opened the door of the room, and said, "There you are! What is taking you so long, Alexandra? The carriage has been ready for nearly thirty minutes."
"I'm ready now," said Lexa as she started to walk swiftly past her mother.
"Good luck!" Anna called after her, and Lexa's lips curved upwards as her mind whispered to her, yes, good luck indeed. I'll need all the luck there is.
It was a long trip. From Wiltshire to London was to be a long journey, and anxious as she was, Lexa opened her fan and waved it in her face. The carriage rattled against the bumpy roadside, and Lexa glanced at her mother. Her mother locked eyes with her and said, "Don't look so nervous, Alexandra!"
"But I am," Lexa squeaked.
"Don't be," her mother, taking her hand touching Lexa's arm and gently squeezed it
Lexa took a deep breath and nodded. It was time.
***
"Edward, please would you relax?" his father said
Edward paced back and forth in his father's study. He was anxious now. Today was Lady Matilda's engagement party. The Duke of Northumberland was holding the celebration in their London based home near Belgravia. It was there, would he meet his soon-to-be-wife, Alexandra Herbert. In all his twenty-three years of life he never feel haunted than he thought of getting married in less than a year haunted him.
Turning to his father, Edward shot him a dark glare that said otherwise and continued pace back and forth.
Horace sighed, and said, "Do you wish to look like a nerve-wrecked fool in front of the lady?"
"No," Edward muttered.
"Then take a deep breath," Horace said.
"How can I? I don't know how to do this!" Edward cried in frustration.
He stopped and sat on the nearest chair. Taking a deep breath, he raked his hand through his dark hair, and sighed.
"Do what?" Horace asked.
"Be a husband!" Edward cried, and his tone turned bitter, "After all, I hardly had an example to look up to."
He felt his father flinch. Edward had expected him to snap, but Horace was surprisingly composed, when he calmly said. "Your mother and I were not meant to be. Our marriage, as you know didn't not last. But I learned better."
"In your second wife?" Edward replied, bitterly.
"I never married," said Horace, "You're my only son, Edward. My only child."
Edward looked at his father. Until his eighth birthday, Edward had been living in Wales. He lived in a small cottage with his mother. It was a blissful time in his childhood. The day he turned eight however, he returned to the cottage empty, with a letter lying on the table. His mother had abandoned him, and her handwritten letter said two words: I'm sorry.
It was those two words that changed him forever. Following his mother's abandonment, his grandfather, the former Duke, took pity on him and took him in. it was the first time he had been in London. It was also the first time he saw his father, his father who was the spitting image of him, his dark hazel eyes glaring at him.
Those dark hazel eyes were now amusedly looking at him. Then a sting of pain crept up his right leg, and Edward stopped and rubbed it. He had completely forgotten how painful sore his right leg was, or rather crippled, his mind thought.
Suddenly there was a knock to the door and standing by the door way was their maid, Selena Lyons. Miss Lyons's chestnut brown eyes lay steadily on him, and she curtsied, "Your carriage is ready, Your Grace."
Horace nodded and said, "Yes. Thank you, Selena."
Miss Lyons cheeks burned scarlet and she turning away closing the door behind her.
Edward had been staring very intently at her, that his father sighed and said, "You really didn't have to do that."
"Do what?" Edward asked.
"Glare at her," Horace said, "You know how timid Selena can be."
"I was not! I was studying her."
"Intently? Good heavens, you ought to have a lighter mood or else you'll frighten your intended."
"Lady Alexandra?" Edward asked
"Yes," Horace said, "No come on! The Duke of Northumberland expects us at his daughter's engagement party."
Taking a deep breath, Edward got up and swiftly walked after his father, the door shutting behind him.
The castle was grand and extravagant. There was music playing swiftly throughout the room, strings of violins, cellos, violas, and bass. Couples took to the dance floor in a play of waltz. Lady Matilda Percy chatted amongst the ladies, showing off her engagement ring. She looked happy. Lexa was standing by her mother taking a sip of her champagne, the taste of the Italian red busted into her mouth.
She continued to observe Matilda. Matilda as she studied earlier was smiling. Her blue eyes glistened in the light. She had a healthy and youthful glow to her face. She wore a lovely turquoise colored dress, her dark chocolate brown hair was pinned up in a bun, and diamond earrings dangled from her ears, sparkling with the touch of light.
In the midst of the chatter, Matilda's blue eyes gazed over to hers and they locked. Matilda smiled at her and turned briefly to the lady on her right, and then broke apart from the crowd and walked towards her.
"Such a lovely party you have, Matilda," Lexa said as Matilda joined.
"Yes. My dear father must have his lavish parties in celebration of my engagement."
"Who's the lucky gentleman?" Lexa asked, "Your fiancé?"
"Algernon Campbell," Matilda gushed, her cheeks burning scarlet.
"What's he like? In person, I mean."
"He's rather reclusive," Matilda said. Lexa noted that there was a lot of affection in her tone, "He is awfully shy, kind-hearted and intelligent. Father saw a good match in us."
"Were you two arranged?" Lexa asked
"Of course not! We're not in the medieval period, are we now? He courted me."
"Oh," Lexa said.
Matilda must have realized what she said, because she cautiously said, "I didn't mean to offend you, Lexa."
"No worries," Lexa said, "I wish you and Algernon much happiness."
Matilda smiled and giggled, "Lord Douro's staring at you."
Lexa held her breath, and she turned. Standing by the swan ice sculpture, in dark clothing was her fiancé. He seemed to have been studying her intently that Lexa felt her cheeks burn, and her heart did a thump. His dark hazel eyes made her turn away on focus on Matilda.
"He does seem to take notice."
Edward saw her staring back at him. Lady Alexandra with her steel-gray eyes and golden-blonde hair. Father was right. She was beautiful, and the minute their eyes locked, he felt some strange pull towards her. Edward must have been staring at Lady Alexandra for some time, as he didn't realize his father's approach.
Placing a hand on his son's shoulder, Horace leaned in and whispered, "Go and say hello to her. Introduce yourself." Taking his hand off, Horace around and mingled his way into the crowd.
Taking a deep breath, Edward sauntered towards Lady Matilda and Lady Alexandra. Lady Matilda immediately smiled up at him as he approached her, and curtsied a graceful bow to him.
"Very pleased you can make it, Lord Douro," Lady Matilda said.
Edward took her hand and kissed it softly, as she let go and smiled at her, "I wouldn't miss it to congratulate the lucky lady."
"My," said Lady Matilda, "I am utterly flattered."
Suddenly the course of the orchestra changed and everyone grabbed a partner and started to make their way to the dance floor for another play of waltz. Lady Matilda excused herself and took the nearest man to be her partner and made her way to the dance floor.
Silence befell the air between him and Lady Alexandra. Turning to her, Edward said, "would you care to dance, Lady Alexandra?"
Lady Alexandra looked at him and said, in a voice that hinted nervousness, "I'm afraid I can't, Lord Douro. I'm not good at it."
Edward cocked an eyebrow, "Surely you can't be that bad."
Her cheeks flushed pink as she said, "believe me, I know I'm bad."
Edward gracefully held out his hand and said, "I wish to see a demonstration."
Lady Alexandra looked at his offering hand and took it. "I have warned you, my lord," she said.
Edward took Lady Alexandra to the dance floor and as she placed her free hand on his shoulder. He snaked his free arm gently around her waist and together they moved with the tune of the music.
"You're not bad of a dancer, Lady Alexandra," said Edward.
Lady Alexandra flushed as they moved swiftly across the dance floor. Her soft curvy Cupid bow lips twitched up into a smile and her gray eyes sparkled as she said, "I'm not much of a dance, Lord Douro."
"Yet you dance splendidly," he replied.
The dance ended and Edward released his hold on her waist just as she broke free of her hand from his should. Taking her hand, Edward kissed it and said, "It was a pleasure to dance with you, Lady Alexandra."
"Alexandra," she said, "Do start calling me by my Christian name as we are soon to be acquainted well enough."
Edward bowed gracefully before her and said as he straightened himself, "Very well. If you insist that you should wish to be called by your Christian name you might as well start calling me Edward."
"Very well, Edward," she said, just as Matthew Hill strode over towards them.
"Enjoy the rest of your evening, Alexandra," and with that said Edward turned around and strode into the crowd.
"Lady Alexandra," asked Mr. Hill, "is you enjoying your evening?"
"Hmm?" Lexa looked up to Mr. Hill. As she was dancing with Mr. Hill, her mind was elsewhere. She could not stop thinking about Edward Wellesley. Dancing with him felt like bliss, he was an excellent dancer. He knew how to sweep her around the ballroom. Perhaps, Father did her a favor in finding Edward to be her husband. He was extremely handsome as well. Dark hazel eyes, dark chocolate brown hair that tipped over to black, he had a muscular build with broad shoulder. She had felt the broadness of his shoulder as she placed her hand on it as they danced. He has beautiful luscious lips, full and pink. Just think about what it was to be like to kiss them. Of course she would be kissing-
"Lady Alexandra?"
Lexa snapped her attention back to Mr. Hill and flushed. 'Truly sorry, Mr. Hill," she said, "I'm rather dazed."
"I noticed," he said, "Are you enjoying yourself?"
"Why yes," Lexa replied, "You're an excellent dancer."
"Pleased to be complimented with my ability to dance," Mr. Hill said.
He weakly smiled at her, and twirled her around in a circle, and with the one last dance step the music ended, and they broke apart.
Edward was sipping on his Italian red when he saw Alexandra and her father; the Earl of Pembroke and Horace approach him. Edward placed the champagne glass flute gently on the table beside him, and straightened his posture as the earl and Horace approached him.
"Lord Douro," said the earl, "Have you met my daughter, Alexandra?"
Alexandra gracefully curtsied a wave to him, and Edward couldn't help but smile. There was something about her that he found charming.
"Yes," Edward said, "I had the pleasure of offering her a dance. She is a very splendid dancer."
"Oh dear," said Alexandra, "I'm flattered that you compliment me, Lord Douro."
"Edward," he corrected.
"Well you both must now know that you both are soon to be joined in holy matrimony."
"I indeed am looking forward to see Alexandra as my wife," Edward said.
"As am I honored to be seeing you as my husband," Alexandra replied.
"Why don't you show Alexandra the garden?" Horace asked Edward. Edward moved forward towards Alexandra and asked, "Do you wish to see the garden with me?"
"Yes," she replied.
"Follow me then," he said.
He led her away from the two patriarchs of their households and made their way from the guests and out of the manor doors. The garden was behind the great manor and as Edward led Alexandra inside the garden, he wondered if she seemed amazed by the beauty of nature's splendor. The garden consisted of the finest of flowers, especially at the peak of spring in the month of April. Alexandra walked past him and bent down in front of the red roses bush. "They are so beautiful!"
"You awfully fond of them," he said,
"Roses are my favorites," she said, "They look so romantic."
"Do you have others?" Edward asked.
"I do enjoy the lily," she said.
Edward looked around slowly walked towards another bush that had many violets. Plucking one, Edward walked towards Alexandra and presented it to her. Alexandra turned around startled and said, "For you."
"Generous of you," said Alexandra taking the violet.
"Violets are my favorite, did you know?" he said
"No," she replied.
" You might adore the red rose because it symbolizes love," he continued
"And what does the violet symbolize?" Alexandra asked.
"Faithfulness," Edward said.
"Is that was you wish in a wife?" Alexandra asked
Edward shrugged, his cheek burning scarlet, "Isn't that what you want? A faithful husband or do you wish to bear a man of infidelities?"
Alexandra sighed and said, "I believe you've proved your point. Though, I want a husband who can be faithful and loving."
"So you are like other girls who believe in that notion," Edward muttered under his breath, "Harry, you disloyal bastard. I hate it when you're right."
"Beg your pardon?" asked Alexandra
"It's nothing," Edward said.
"What notion did I have compared to other ladies?" Alexandra asked.
"My friend, the Earl of Sandwich believes that as a lady, you'd expect a husband who would love you unconditionally, and..." he trailed, embarrassed that he was even bringing this up.
"Well, of course, I would want a loving husband," Alexandra said, "I don't want an unhappy marriage. I won't expect him to fall in love with in one night. I hope to fall in love over time."
Edward looked at her and felt this strange compulsion to move and kiss her. Shocked at the thought of kissing his intended prior to their wedding halted him from doing so. Instead, he cocked his head and said, with a twinkle in his eyes, "You are an extraordinary lady, Alexandra Herbert."
Alexandra smiled, brilliantly, "Why thank you. So are you."
Suddenly a voice cried out and both snapped their head towards the direction where Edward saw the earl and the countess were ready to leave waving at their daughter.
"I best get going now," said Alexandra, "We are to leave."
She started to walk past him towards her parents, but Edward quickly without thinking on his part, grabbed her wrist, and startled, Alexandra turned and said, her gray eyes leveling on him, "Yes?"
"Are you heading back to Wilton?" he asked.
"No," she replied, "Papa says were to stay at our London home in Mayfair for awhile, only after we'll return home."
"Do you wish to see the city?" Edward asked.
"Yes, I would like to see the city's landmarks," Alexandra replied.
"Then I will call on you," Edward said, "Will anyone else join you?"
"Perhaps, my father," Alexandra replied
"Then it's settled. Tomorrow at Trafalgar Square?"
"Alright," said Alexandra, as she gently released her hand from his grasp. She started walking away from him, and turned slightly to wave goodbye. Edward flushed red, his heart kicking up its normal pace.
She started walking away from him, and turned slightly to wave goodbye. Edward flushed red, his heart kicking up its normal pace. Bloody hell, his mind wondered as he starting heading back, what's in St. George is happening to me?
"Well Alexandra?" her mother asked.
Turning her gaze away from the passing road, Lexa frowned at her mother, and asked, in Danish, "Hvad?"
"Don't 'what' me," her mother replied, "What you do think of Lord Douro?"
"He's handsome," Lexa replied, a bit dazed, "Especially his eyes."
"You only think his handsome?" her mother questioned.
"No, I think he'll be a good husband to me," Lexa replied, If I can hope, her mind murmured.
The carriage rolled up and approached the Pembroke London house, Montgomery. The Georgian architecture looked ancient and unfamiliar. Lexa has not been to Montgomery since the death of her grandmother, the dowager Countess of Pembroke, Helena Herbert. Father mentioned to her that to return would be painful. And now as the iron gates creaked open, Lexa felt like a stranger to a new place, as the carriage rolled in.