NOTE: I have changed many things in this chapter. Chastity has been renamed to Caroline. Lord Holbrooke is now Lord Morington, and Edward Hemming is now Edward Wellesley. I'll re-edit Chapter 1 to prevent confusion, hope you like this chapter!
2ND NOTE: I have been editing, and have changed Edward's title again, instead of the Earl of Morington, he is the Marquess of Douro, following the correct order of subisary titles of the real Dukes of Wellingtons. :P
"Alexandra Marguerite Rose Herbert! Where the bloody hell have you been?" said Caroline Crawforde, Countess of Hereford marching inside Lexa's room. Startled, Lexa whirled around from packing, and locked her eyes on a very furious Caroline Crawforde. Lexa tilted her head and smiled amusedly. Caroline was not the kind of person to get angry. It didn't fit her really. Caroline was a small, short, curving chit with auburn hair and jade green eyes. She was wearing a lime coloured dress, and her lace gloved hands were placed on her hips. Pursing her lips, Caroline shook her head and said, "I asked you to come visit me in London if you were ever to go there, and you made no reply. No letter! No announcement! I had to learn you were at Matilda's engagement from Lord Douro and that you were to stay at your London home for a fortnight. And here I thought I was your best friend."
"Oh Caro, you are," Lexa said coming over and hugging her. "I'm very sorry that you felt that way. My mind was occupied with my engagement that I completely forgot. Do forgive me."
"Oh, all right," replied Caroline, breaking the hug and going over to sit on Lexa's bed. "Tell me. When is your wedding?"
"Before that," Lexa said, "How did you get here?"
"I had Richard arrange me a carriage and when I got here, I demanded myself inside to have a word with you. Mr. Davis, your butler was kind enough to escort me inside."
"How is His Lordship doing these days?"
"Very busy I must say. He has been held up at Parliament for legislation of the Criminal Amendment Act. He says it's to benefits ladies and minors and that it was a repeal of the Offends Against the Persons Act that was introduced ten years ago."
"Will it come into effect?" Lexa asked
"In August," Caroline replied, "Now, enough about the parliamentary reports, tell me about your wedding."
Oh dear...her mind murmured as she felt her cheeks go warm. "I'm not-we're not planning it yet," replied Lexa, sitting beside Caroline, "I want to get to know Edward first."
"Goodness! Have you two starting calling each other by your Christian names?"
"Yes," replied Lexa.
"I sense a happy marriage in the cards," Caroline forewarned.
"I hope," said Lexa blushing. Then frowning she said, "You're not seeing Mademoiselle Augustine are you?"
"She read the cards and told me that I was to be a happy, plum mother to future sons," Caroline said, happily. "Clearly one must always be prepared."
"Dear me, have you no faith in God's providence?"
"I do," Caroline said, then lowered her voice and asked, "Are you to see him?" Caroline asked.
"Yes, he insisted on touring me around London. Papa is to accompany us."
"That's good," replied Caroline, "Touring the city is beneficial. 'Side the fact you are to be living in his house of Drumbroke."
"Drumbroke?" Lexa asked
"His London house. 'Course, he has estates in other parts of England such as Hampshire, Scotland, Wales, and even Wiltshire."
"And you know this how?"
"My dear Lord is acquainted with him," Caroline replied, a matter-of-factly, "When I told him that you were to be married to him, he said that he was a wealthy and well off man with various of estates."
"Including the inheritance to the Duchy of Wellington," Lexa said. Once she said that though, she has a pang of worry. Dear God, she hoped that her marriage would not mean that she was to be a trophy wife and a vessel of producing heirs.
"Yes, that too." Caroline agreed.
Suddenly the door opened and Martha Lewis, the housemaid popped her head inside and said her brown eyes gazing to Lexa, "His Lordship awaits you by the carriage, milady."
Nodding Lexa got up from her spot and smooth her dress out with her hands and readjusting her shawl that hung over her shoulders, Lexa turned to Martha and said, "Tell my father that I will soon be down."
"Yes, milady," said Martha, giving her ragged curtsied wave and again to Caroline before disappearing off. Caroline looked at Lexa as she placed her bonnet on her head and ribboned it, "Where is your lady-maid Miss Keane?"
"Anna?" Lexa asked, "Why she stayed behind to care for Amara. Father insisted that she stay for Amara to have company. After all, Asteria's still in Boston."
"Are you still calling her by her Christian name?" Caroline asked her tone of voice sensing disapproval. "You know you aren't to associate yourself with the servants."
Lexa frowned at her friend. Yes, she knew that it was improper to associate oneself with the domestic laborers. But if her father can spurn conventions then why can't she? It's not as if Anna was an improper lady. Why if ever she married Lucian she would make a fine countess. Lexa smiled darkly to herself. Of course, since her dear brother was deeply infatuated with Anna it would likely so, unless Anna had fears of scandal. She remembered how Lucian drunkenly exclaimed Let us away at once to the nearest brothel! I seek scandal and low companionship!
"What on earth are you smiling about? Has something amused you?" Caroline asked, eying Lexa with curiosity.
"No it's nothing," Lexa said, "Come now. Papa will become impatient."
Caroline nodded and the two ladies made their way about down the stairwell and out the manor doors where at the gate were the carriage and her father leaning against it with his cane in his hand.
"Lady Hereford," her father said, "what a pleasure it is to see you."
"Pleasure is all mine, Lord Pembroke," Caroline said smoothly, and then nodded at Lexa, "I best be going now. His Lordship awaits me."
Caroline turned around make her way towards her own carriage and Lexa watched as the coach driver opened the door and allowed her inside. As the coach driver got to his place, his whipped the horse to move and the carriage rattled away.
"Well," her father said, offering his arm, "Shall we?"
Lexa smiled up at her father and said, linking her hand to his arm, "We shall."
* * *
"So this is Sir Nelson?" Alexandra asked. Edward looked at her, followed her gaze to the tall pillar where the statute of Sir Nelson stood on top of his column, his gaze casting over all of Trafalgar Square.
"Do you not know your history?" he asked her, teasingly.
"Unfortunate as it seems," Alexandra replied, "All I learned was how to flutter my eyes at gentleman, how to be a proper lady and learning the duties of a wife."
"Well my dear lady, shall I tell you that not knowing the history of one's nation is upmost unfortunate?"
Pointing to the statute Edward said, "That is Sir Horatio Nelson. He fought in the Battle of Trafalgar and because of his heroism, he was memorialized here to be remembered for generations to come in the eclipse of history."
"The Battle of Trafalgar?" she asked, her eyes sparking interest.
Edward looked at her. Dear God, he hoped that he wouldn't bore his intended with facts of history. He never was good the ladies. He knew couldn't find himself to talk about the latest fashions or the scandalous reports of the Prince of Wales's next illustrious affair. He also most certainly did not want to bore her with parliamentary reports about Criminal Law Amendment bill that was to be passed in August.
"Edward?"
"Hmm?" he snapped back to her.
"Can you tell me about the Battle of Trafalgar?"
Edward arched an eyebrow, "Are you interested, my dear?"
"Now that you mentioned, yes," she replied.
"Well then," he said, as he placed his arm gently on her back, "I'll tell you."
* * *
"The Battle of Trafalgar was a decisive British naval victory against the combined French and Spanish fleets," he began. "General Nelson led twenty-seven naval fleets and eventually defeated the French and Spanish, just off the coast of Spain, near the coast of Cape Trafalgar."
"And because of the victorious win of the battle," observed Alexandra, "the British ton saw Nelson as a war-hero and erected this statue in his honor."
"Clever intelligent lady you are," Edward said, "Yes, indeed. Because he died a war-hero, he is to be remembered forever in the eclipse of history for generations to come."
"Must be proud Brits then," she murmured.
Edward smiled at her and they continued to walk, with the Earl prodding behind them.
"Tell me," said Alexandra after awhile, "Were you ever against this marriage?"
Edward fell silent. What could he tell her? If he told her the truth would she be upset with the fact that he thought that she was unworthy and unaffectionate? He felt her gray eyes staring at him, eagerly awaiting his answer.
"At first," Edward confessed, "I was angry with the suddenness of the marriage. My father didn't bother to mention it until we were in breakfast hour. Quite a nasty row that morning." He paused, "But I think this marriage will do us both good. And you?"
"Upset at first," Alexandra glancing over at the dome building whose middle resembled the Pantheon, "To be married off before any of my sisters when I hardly knew the man that would one day be my husband joined in matrimony to be true until death doth us part."
"Your sisters? How many sisters do you have?"
"I'm eldest," Alexandra began, "I'm turning two and twenty in June. Next is Asteria, but she's not here. Father sent her to study in America, and she's one and twenty, and the youngest of us three is Amara who is nine and ten."
"So you have two little sisters," Edward said, "Any brothers?"
"Only Lucian." Alexandra blushed, "They're little no more."
She then paused and said, "And what of you? Any brothers or sisters?"
"No," said Edward, "I'm an only child."
Alexandra looked at him, her eyes wide, "Dear me," she said, "You must have been lonely."
" 'Twas," said Edward, "but one can not be lonely if you've been surrounded by nature that it becomes a playground."
"And you've got the romantic notion of William Wordsworth that nature is solitude and refuge."
"Quite so," he said, "but I have only lived in London for nearly a decade."
"A decade?" Lexa asked, astonished by this truth, "Where were you raised?"
"Wales," said Edward, "Gwenydd in particular. It is very beautiful with mountainous ranges and echoing green."
"So do you speak Welsh?" Alexandra asked.
"Yes, I do." He said, "You know, in Gwenydd there's a place called Cadair Idris. It's a popular place where hikers and walkers go. Legend has it that whoever sleeps near its slope will ever turn mad or become a poet."
Alexandra's lips twitched, "Are you a poet?"
"No, nor have I yet gone mad."
Alexandra laughed. Yes, he liked the sound of her laugh. It was melodic and pleasant. "I don't think you can go mad by a silly Welsh legend."
"How rude, I'll have you know that being raised there it has become part of my belief system."
"Oh, and you believe in Santa Claus too?"
"Saint Nicholas was a jolly man."
"Oh Lord," Alexandra groaned, "You must be like Caroline. She believes in folklore. You two would be excellent friends."
Alexandra looked around and found that they were well past the Square and that her father was chatting behind to some old fellow.
"Where else do you wish to take me?" she asked
"Westminster Abbey," he said, "never has there been a place where kings and queens of England have been buried, married, and even crowned."
"Then lead the way," she said
* * *
She walks in beauty, like the night / of cloudless climes and starry skies /And all that's best of dark and bright / Meet in her aspect and her eyes.
It seemed to Edward as he flipped the pages to Lord Byron's poem, "She Walks in Beauty" that it has been a fortnight since she was in his presence, and the more she was in his presence, the more he found himself attracted to her. He was even reading bloody Byron for Christ's sake! Byron who was one of the famed six Romantic poets, he never would dream of reading him. But Byron or not, Edward could not help but think of her. Her eyes... her smile...her precious lips that he so desperately wanted to kiss.... Edward shut the book and jolted. Did he really think about kissing her? It was the second time he thought about kissing her. Christ, he never thought of kissing any lady of that sort. But Alexandra seemed to have captivated both his mind and soul. Even as the artist he is, Edward could not get the image of her out of his mind as he sketched her numerous of times in his sketch book.
The door creaked open and William Collins, his Scottish valet popped his head inside and said, "The Duke wishes to have a word with you, m'laird."
Looking up, Edward closed the book and got up, "Is His Grace in his study?"
"Nae," said Collins, "He is in the garden." With that said Collins gave him a wary smile and departed. Edward walked out the door, and closed it behind him.
His father was in the garden, though it was no surprise. For as long as he could remember, Edward knew that his father loved the garden. He was sitting on one of the tables, his eyes closed with a book in his hand. Placing a hand on his father's shoulder and walked across him to sit on the chair in front. His father's eyes fluttered open and his dark hazel eyes set its gaze on Edward.
Edward smiled at his father and said affectionately, "You called for me?"
"Yes," said Horace, straightening his position, "I wanted to give you something."
"Oh?" Edward asked.
Horace set his book on the table and drew his hand to his side where he then pulled out a black box and handed it to Edward.
Edward took the small black box, and opened it to find cushioned inside a diamond ring. Edward took the ring out and tilted it to find the words FOREVER AND ALWAYS carved around the rim.
"It once was your mother's engagement ring," Horace said softly.
Edward looked at his father, and sighed, "You must have once loved her."
Horace nodded, "Yes, I loved your mother once. Foolish and blindly but not enough to realize the truth until it was too late."
Edward looked at his father, "Do you regret it?"
"One can not regret things which was," said Horace, "If I regretted marrying your mother, I would have regretted having you."
Edward looked down at the ring and placed it back in case. Soon or later it was to be slid on the ring finger of Alexandra. His cheeks grew warm; as he closed the box shut he murmured, "Guess I'll propose soon, when the time is right."
Horace smiled, "Hope it's soon."
"You're not planning to run to Whitmore House, are you?"
"Maybe." Horace shrugged, "I do miss Scotland."
"Father!" Edward snapped.
"What? Do you expect me to stay with you?"
"Well I don't want you to leave," Edward said, "If I have children I'm pretty sure they would be overjoyed to see Granddad Horace."
Horace laughed, and said, "That is if I live to see you having children considering the fact that you are a virgin."
Edward face burned red and mouth gaped opened, "Just because I lack sexual desires does not mean you should bring it up!"
"Do you deny that you're a virgin?"
"I deny nothing," said Edward, "I was valuing my education at Cambridge."
Horace chuckled.
"Oh God," Edward said as he buried his face in his hands to hide his mortification, "I cannot believe I'm having this conversation with you."
"I had the same conversation with your grandfather and trust me and it was not as easy as you think it was."
"Well Granddad has been dead for nearly a decade," Edward said, "I can only imagine."
"Yes, may God bless his soul," Horace, "Though, he was determined to have me at his word."
Edward sighed, "I swear you will not pleased for I will not have it at your word."
"So then, Edward Llewellyn Reginald Wellesley," said Horace, "When have realized your love for Alexandra?"
Edward gasped at his father's amused smiled, "W-when did I ever? Since when have I confessed to being in love with Alexandra?"
"I don't need a confession, Eddie. I know you quite well."
"You looked into my artwork, haven't you?" Edward scowled.
Horace smiled fondly, "You have your grandmother's talents. It brought back fond memories."
Edward's irritation fizzled down, and he sighed, "I know."
"Do you love her, Edward?"
"I like her," said Edward quietly,
Horace smiled once more and got up from where he was sitting, "I'm heading back inside. Do you wish to come?"
Edward shook his head, "No, I'll stay here for a while."
"Very well then," his father said. Horace started make his way back to the manor, only to be stopped by Edward, "Father?"
"Yes?" Horace turned around,
"Thank you," Edward said, "For everything."
"You're going to Copenhagen?" Lexa asked her father.
Anthony gave his daughter a hard stare. "Why are you asking? You know quite well that your mother and I take our annual spring trip to Denmark seriously."
"And you're all leaving me!" Lexa snapped.
"No. Lucian is staying. And I believe Asteria's still in her studies in Boston."
"Then let me visit her," Lexa pleaded.
"Why?"
"Does she not know of my engagement?"
Anthony fell silent, "She does not."
"Did you not send a letter to her?" Lexa asked.
"I simply forgot," Anthony said.
"Then I will write her a letter and I will go to Denmark."
"Alexandra...." Her father said, shaking his head, "What about Edward?"
"What about Edward?" Lexa snapped.
"You'll need to tell him if you wish to go to America," Anthony replied, "Or Denmark."
Lexa sighed, "I suppose you are right."
"Maybe you should see him in his London home before we leave to Wiltshire."
"I don't know where he even lives in the first place," said Lexa.
"My dear girl he lives here in London. Not far from us really. Drumbroke Manor is in Bloomsbury."
Lexa pursed her lips, "Bloomsbury? Can Mr. Edison take me there?"
"Yes, but you must tell Lord Douro quickly. We are to leave to Wiltshire."
"When are we leaving?"
"Tonight," Anthony replied.
She looked to her father and as she excused herself, Lexa made way to the door and as she closed the door of her father's study shut. As she made way to her bedchamber, she wondered to herself, should she visit Edward? Lexa felt her face burn red as she thought of Edward. No, not now, she told herself, you cannot fall yet.
Then she made her decision. She will go see Edward. She had to. Lexa walked down the hall and approached her brother's bedchamber. She knocked on the door and opened it, creaking halfway as Lexa poked her head inside.
"Yes?" Lucian was sitting on his bed reading something. "Lexie?"
"I need you to accompany me somewhere," she said, straightforwardly.
"Where to?" he asked.
"The Duke of Wellington's London residence."
"Okay," said Lucian setting aside what he was reading. "Let's go."
As the carriage rolled to a stop, Lexa popped her head out of the carriage window and gazed up at Drumbroke Manor. Drumbroke manor was by far, larger than Wilton House. Built from the finest white stone bricks, it was designed as if it was to replicate Osborne House-the house Queen Victoria formerly took to her private lodgings. The gardener neatly mowed the lawn, and there was a marble fountain that actively was cascading water from tip and into the basin.
Lexa brought herself inside the carriage, and turned to face Lucian who was studying her.
"Well," he said, "We're here. Shall we?"
Taking a deep breath, Lexa nodded, and the coachman opened the door. He took Lexa's hand and as Lexa pulled up her skirts to step down, Lucian followed out behind her. He looked to her and said, "Here goes nothing."
Taking her brother's arm, they walked down the path that lead up to the front door, and Lucian knocked the door three times before a butler opened it.
"Yes?" said the butler.
"I am Lord Herbert," Lucian began, "and this my sister, Lady Alexandra Herbert. We are here to see Lord Douro."
The butler stepped said, "Please come inside and make yourself comfortable in the drawing room while I get Lord Douro."
Taking her brother by the arm, Lexa took a deep breath and stepped inside the manor. Se walked down the long corridor hallway and glanced up at the rows of painted portraits. As she walked to herself, soon I will be Lady of the house.
As they entered the drawing room, Lexa did a quick study of the drawing room. There were was a crystal chandelier hanging down in the centre of the room, there were three large windows, its curtain drapes pulled open to allow the large garden that accompanied a lake to come into view. There was a crackling and pulsing fire in the fireplace, which on top had a large mirror that casted the room's reflection. The furniture was embroidered the finest of floral prints and dark chocolate coffee tables that each has a bundle of flowers in vases set in the center.
Nervous as she was, Lexa squeezed Lucian's arms tightly only for Lucian to grimace painfully and said, hissing at her, "Lexie-Ow!"
"Sorry," mumbled Lexa as she let go of Lucian's arm.
"Relax will you?" Lucian said, as he rubbed his arm.
Then they heard footsteps approaching and a voice-familiar as it was calling out in annoyance, "Blast it, Dooley. What did I say about-" As Edward appeared, wearing a dark trouser, shirt rolled up at the sleeves, and boots, he stopped at his words and as his eyes fell on to Lexa, his dark hazel eyes widened in surprise and he said, "Alexandra?"
"Hello Edward," she said, sweetly, "I apologize for coming unexpectedly."
"No do not apologize," said Edward, "Though if I knew you were coming I would brought you some tea."
Lexa shook her head, "Do not trouble yourself," she said, "I only wished to have a word with you."
"Oh?" Edward asked, cocking an eyebrow, "and who is this gentleman?" he nodded at Lucian.
"This is my elder brother, Lucien Herbert, Lord Herbert." Lexa introduced.
"Hello," said Edward.
"So you're the gentleman my sister fancies," Lucian said. He turned to Lexa and said, "You were right, Lexie. He is handsome."
Lexa looked at him, horrified and embarrassed than he would even dare say such things, snapped angrily at her brother, her cheeks flushed red, "Lucian!"
"What? It's true!" Lucian said defensively, "That and-,"
"If you say one more thing to embarrass me I swear I will tell a certain young lady you fancy her."
At that Lucian shut up, and for a second Lexa swore that she heard a muffled laugh from behind her.
Turning to Edward she asked, "May we speak?"
"Of course," Edward said, smiling. He stepped aside and gestured, "This way."
She started to walk, Lucian following her, but she stopped, and turned to glare at him, "You stay," she hissed.
Lucian cocked an eyebrow, and asked, "Why?"
"Because I said so," Lexa said
"Afraid I might tell Lord Douro of your dirty little secrets?"
"And I'm sure Anna would love to hear about your dirty little secrets," Lexa countered, coldly.
"You wouldn't dare," Lucian said.
Lexa smiled, victoriously, and said, "I do enjoy dares, so try me."
Lucian scowled, and as he fell on a chair, he bitterly said, "You little minx."
Smiling cunningly, Lexa turned to Edward and said, smoothly, "Shall we?"
Nodding, Edward smiled, and gestured, "This way."
***
"Denmark? You're going to Denmark?" Edward asked Alexandra.
They were sitting one of the tables, in the garden. It was magnificent, several of flowers surrounded them, and there was a lingering scent that filled the air.
She gave him a meaningful glance, and said, "Yes. I'm going with my parents on their annual spring trip. I haven't been to Denmark in years."
"Are you Danish, my dear?" he asked her.
"It's my native country," Alexandra said.
"Guess none of us all fully Brits then," Edward muttered.
"Anyways, my father insisted I tell you that I'll be going soon, should you ever wonder," she said, taking the cup of tea in front of her and sipping it.
"Did you ever live there?" he asked.
Alexandra nodded, "Until my fourth birthday. Then we returned to England."
Edward smiled at her, "So you must speak Danish quite well."
"Fluently and accurately," she said.
"Well," said Edward, "I will miss your company."
"I'll miss yours too," Alexandra said, sweetly, "but you'll be busy with Parliament. I believe a new bill will soon come into effect."
Edward cocked an eyebrow, "How do you know that?"
Alexandra smiled, "I am well-informed."
"I didn't think you'd be interested. Women surely never are. Even my aunt."
"Then you don't know me," she said.
"Not yet I don't," Edward said.
"But you don't," she countered, as she took a stand of golden-blonde hair and playfully twirled it with her finger as she smiled, seductively.
Edward felt his cheeks flush, as he said, "Well my dear what do you to tell me about yourself?"
Still smiling seductively, as her gray eyes sparkled, "What do you wish to know?"
That if you continue to smile like that, I'll end up kissing you, he wanted to say, but the words froze on the tip of his tongue, and instead he said, "Anything."
"Hmmm...." Alexandra said tapping her finger on her chin, "Let's see. I come from a very large Anglo-Danish family. My mother is the second child of eight children, and my father is the eldest of seven."
Edward was intrigued.
She continued, "My parents' marriage was a scandalous one. No one could believe that the Earl of Pembroke married a foreigner, much less a Danish, but God in Heaven, why not like us, Danes? The Princess of Wales herself is Danish, and one day she will be our Queen."
"So you're a scandalized baby."
"I have not be scandalized, Lord Douro," said Alexandra, "I am very much a proper lady."
"Of course you are," he said. He got up from his spot and said, "Come. I wish to show you something."
"Well," said Alexandra as she pushed back her chair and got up, "You need to do it quickly. Lucian's is growing impatient."
Lord Herbert was indeed impatient, when Alexandra and Edward returned. He glared at her and said, "Do you wish to leave now, Alexandra?"
Alexandra waved her hand, unconcerned, "You sound like Mother when you call me Alexandra, Lucian."
"It is your name," he said bitterly, "Unless you think I'd be calling you Lexa like your dear friends."
"You called me Lexie moments earlier," she said.
"That was minutes before you ran off with your lover," he replied
Alexandra flushed, "He's not-we're not-"
"Oh hush. I know you all too well, Alexandra Marguerite Rose."
"I regret bring you here, you arrogant bastard," she muttered in a low voice, coarse language much to Edward's shock, and instead said in a bitter and restrained voice, "Very well, big brother. Shall we get going?"
Lord Herbert stood up and said gesturing towards the door, "After you, little sister."
Alexandra glared at her brother, and Edward could see the boiling anger in them. She then turned to him, and said, "Farewell, my lord."
Picking up her skirts, Alexandra made her way towards the entrance, and disappeared.
Lord Herbert chuckled and said, "I hope you enjoy being married to that."
"You're unbelievable," Edward said shaking his head, "She looked as if she wanted to strangle you."
"It's not my fault if she's bad-tempered," Lord Herbert replied, "and if you're as equally bad-tempered then I'll say you two are well matched."
"She has not seen me in bad-temper," Edward muttered.
"Eventually, she will," Lord Herbert said she started to walk down the hallway.
"Are you sure you're elder?" Edward asked.
"Turned four and twenty this January," Lord Herbert replied as he reached the door. "And you?"
"Three and twenty. Am not to turn four-twenty until November."
"Guess I'm older then," said Lord Herbert. He tapped his hat and said, "Until we meet again, Lord Douro."
Edward nodded and said, "Until then."
Suddenly the carriage rolled away without Lord Herbert and wheeled as Lord Herbert swore running after it, "That little devil."
Edward swore he heard a melodic laughter, and he could not help but laugh himself. Alexandra was beyond extraordinary. As he entered the manor laughing, Horace came down the stairwell, to see Edward so amused.
"Why are you laughing," Horace asked.
"Thank God I'm only child," Edward said, sitting down on the sofa.
"Why?" Horace asked.
"I bear witnessed sibling quarrelling, which I believe was amusing."
"Who came?"
"Lady Herbert and her brother," said Edward.
Horace looked at him and said, "They came here?"
He nodded.
"That I would've loved to see," Horace snorted.
"Too bad you've locked yourself in you chamber," said Edward, getting up from where he was sitting. He paused for a moment and looked at his father from head to toe. "Where are you going?"
"To America to visit your aunt, Hestia."
Hestia Young formerly known as Lady Hestia Wellesley had been married off to a wealthy American businessman named George Young. Shortly after her wedding, they had moved to Boston, Massachusetts were according to his father were living moderately and happily. They have four children together. Nathaniel, who was two years his senior, Theodore, who was his age, Madeline, who was eight and ten, and the youngest Laura who was seven and ten. Edward was close to all of them, and maintained a regular correspondence with Theodore.
"And you're coming with me," finished Horace.
Edward snapped his attention back to his father and said, "Pardon me?"
"We're going to America, boy," Horace said.
"I can't," replied Edward, "go with you I mean."
Horace cocked an eyebrow, "And why not?"
Edward raised an eyebrow at his father, "Have you forgotten that I'm being held up at Parliament?"
"Of course I know about the bill," said Horace, "But Hestia's been writing to me demanding that I visit her. She says I haven't gone to Boston since your twenty-first birthday."
Edward blew a frustrated sigh and said, "I'll write to Theo."
"Excellent!"
And with that, Horace walked out of the drawing room, leaving Edward to shake his head. As much as Edward loved his father, Horace always got Edward to do, as he wanted. Edward got up from where he was sitting and made his way to his bedchamber to write to his cousin.
"You're back!" squeaked Anna as she rushed to hug Lexa. Mrs. Lloyd, the housekeeper glared at Anna disapproving but Lexa did not care. Anna was much a sister as Asteria or Amara was. She let go of Anna and Anna stepped back, as Amara came and hugged her.
"You must tell me of London," said Amara, her blue eyes sparkling.
Amara looked very much like Lucien. She had chocolate brown hair; pale skin, full lips, and eyes blue the ocean.If Asteria were here, Lexa would clearly consider herself a twin. Asteria was the reflection of herself, gray eyes and golden blonde hair.
Amara looked at Lexa and said, as if she was reading her mind, "I wrote to Asteria and she wrote back us a letter." She waved a folded letter in her hand.
"Did she?" Lucien asked.
Lexa turned to him, as he continued to ask, "How is she faring?"
"Doing well," said Amara as everyone entered the manor. "Asteria says that after this term, she will be returning."
"That's great!" Lexa said.
"She also wishes to congratulate you on your engagement."
"You told her," Lexa asked
Amara nodded.
"That is good."
Lexa paused and turned to see Lucien staring at Anna's backside as she walked gracefully out the room. Studying his expression, Lexa recognized the gentleness of his stare-god, he was in love. Smiling to herself, Lexa walked past her siblings and slipped out.
Her father was in his study, reading a report, and when Lexa knocked on his door, Anthony looked up to see his daughter standing at the doorway.
"Alexandra," he said, "Shouldn't you be resting?"
Lexa closed the door behind her and said, in an amused tone, "It seems that our dear Lucien is love with Anna."
"I know," said Anthony, smiling at her. He set the report down and said, "I know he's in love with her. I've known quite a while now."
"Anna's unfortunately oblivious."
"Are you intending to play matchmaker now that you're engaged?"
"I'm not engaged," said Lexa, "Edward didn't even propose."
"He didn't?" Anthony asked.
Lexa sadly shook her head.
"Perhaps he's waiting for the right moment," Anthony suggested
"Well, I'm tired of waiting." Lexa sighed. "Anyways, do you see Anna as a suitable Countess-to-be?"
"Now, you sound like your grandmother," her father said.
"She always did say I was her favourite."
"Right," her father snorted, "And you know well that I love Anna very much as I do you and your sisters, and if marrying Lucien meaning her happiness then why say no?"
"Perhaps she feels that because she's a servant and Lucien is a viscount it will be seen as improper and scandalous.
"Might you remember that your mother's marriage to me was a scandal," her father said, "and after that no one cared."
"But Anna will care," she said.
Her father shook his head, and said, "What has this world come to?"
Lexa laughed and then walked over to her father, and kissed his forehead, "Good night, Papa."
"Goodnight, sweetling."
That night, in her nightgown, Lexa curled herself up in her bed. God in heaven, it was good to be home. It felt like a fortnight since she has been home in Wilton. But then again, London was nothing at all as she expected, and Edward... God she was going to miss his company. Lexa felt her cheeks go warm pink. She was thinking about him again. The way he cocked a smile, the way his dark hazel eyes sparkled in humour. The way his laughed was pleasant and warming, and again of the second time she thought about kissing him
Yawning, Lexa closed her eyes and thought to herself, the image of Edward flashing to her mind. Goodnight my sweet, tonight I'll dream of you.