CHAPTER THREE
“He is here, Florentia! His Grace is here!” her mother cried excitedly from behind her, having just swept into the room in a state of anxious excitement.
“What?” Florentia spun about, having just been looking at herself in the mirror, a final moment taken to check that she was dressed and ready. “Already? He is early!”
“A good sign,” her mother said. “It means that he is eager.”
“I suppose so...” Florentia felt her stomach drop. Part nerves. Part anxiety. Part fear, for she was not nearly as set upon this arrangement as her mother and father were.
“This is the one, Florentia. I know it in my bones. All you need do is to be yourself...” She took a deep breath and exhaled, her smile growing. “Let His Grace see you as your father and I do. Let him know from the moment he sets his eyes upon you that you are the one for him.”
“And if he does not like what he sees?”
“Silly girl,” her mother tittered and waved her down, refusing to accept such a thing. “Now, we shall greet His Grace in the foyer. As we discussed, you are to appear at the top of the steps once he is inside. Hold his attention, dear, force his eyes on you as you glide down the staircase and into his world.”
“Mother...” Florentia clicked her tongue. “Perhaps that is a little... theatrical? Why not meet him with you and Father at the same time? Surely that is more?—”
“No, no,” her mother cut over her. “We cannot take any chances. This is the way, Florentia. Trust me.”
What could she even say? After what had happened with Lord Breccan, her mother and father were treating Florentia as a desperate case, convinced that they needed to control completely every aspect of her new courtship-to-be so there was no chance it would fail.
And considering who it was that was coming to see her this day... the expectations were high, and her mother especially had been certain to make clear that this was more than either of them could ever hope for. So, best not to take chances. Best that everything went perfectly.
“As you wish, Mother,” she sighed. “I shall see you shortly.”
Her mother beamed, clapped her hands together, and then rushed from the room.
Alone once more, Florentia turned back to take a final look at herself because despite her reservations, she needed today to go well. Especially if there was even a slight chance that the duke was exactly what she aspired for in a husband. After Lord Breccan...perhaps her mother was right. She could not risk another failure.
She was dressed elegantly today; half-dress, not quite a gown, but more than a simple pelisse and coat. With her blonde hair and blue eyes and fair skin, yellow was a color which Florentia wore often, and she was draped in it today as if she was a sunflower springing from the earth. Her hair was worn in ringlets. Her cheeks were colored pink. And she wore a simple broached necklace with a sapphire stone that sparkled and matched perfectly with her eyes.
“Well...here goes nothing...”
Yes, she was nervous. Yes, she was unsure. And yes, she was secretly wondering how a duke of all people had agreed to possibly court her when these last few days had seen rumors swirl about the ton concerning herself and Lord Breccan. As was expected, she was the one who was most blamed for the sudden ending of their courtship, as if something was wrong with her.
Typical. Why is it always the woman whose name is slandered?
Albina was to thank for today, as His Grace was the older brother of her husband, and the two had apparently conspired to bring them together. That alone felt odd to Florentia, as if the duke was doing his brother a favor. Again, she could not escape the feeling that this was too good to be true.
Nevertheless, when Florentia heard her mother and father’s voices carrying from downstairs, she was quick to leave her room and hurry down the halls, presenting herself at the top of the stairs as had been planned.
“Speak of the devil!” her father’s voice boomed the moment she appeared. “Here she is, Your Grace. May we present our daughter, Miss Parsons...” Her father’s hand swept across the foyer as all eyes turned to face her.
Florentia had heard a little of His Grace. That he was a businessman first. That he had been single his entire life. That he was a little cold, even stand-offish, but had a warm heart and a kindness that was pure to those who knew him well. All told to her by Albina, as well as the fact that he was very easy on the eyes.
And indeed, when Florentia caught her first sighting of the duke, she faltered and nearly tripped, for he was even more breathtaking than she had imagined.
He was tall, she noticed first. Even taller than her father. And broad of shoulder and thick of chest. Powerful, was her first impression. Standing beside her mother and father, there was a sense of command that emanated from his presence as if theworld turned at his beck and call. Ruggedly handsome also, there was something unkept about him that was not expected from a man of his station.
It was as if he’d come here straight from a boxing match, riding his horse full pace the whole way, caring not for the dirt and grime that swept through his hair and face as a result.
Oh my... dare I say it, but he is positively divine. Although now I feel a little foolish, having dressed so well for a man who clearly cares little for the concept. Or for me…
Florentia brought a smile to her lips and started down the staircase, making sure to keep her chin pointed, her back straight, her glide graceful. The whole way too, the duke watched her closely, and she felt her heart racing as their eyes met and he drank her in.
“Your Grace,” she purred as she reached the lower landing and made for him. “It is an honor to make your acquaintance.” She held out a hand for him to take.
“As it is my honor to make yours.” His voice was a deep growl which she felt in her chest. When he took her hand and kissed the back—when his lips touched her skin—she felt a ripple explode up her arm and touch at her chest.
