Chapter 17
1006 Words
They have received a letter from her father, telling them that their business trip will be longer due to an unexpected venture they have faced. Unfortunately, they cannot be with her at the start of the season but they will try their best to come home early from what they planned.
Amanda, in charge of her showing up at social events, is stressed out. The gowns, the shoes, the carriage, the invitations, and the escort. The latter is what the woman is most distressed. Without her father, there is no one to escort them. It is unfortunate enough that her presenter is her companion because her mother has passed. And now, her father would not be present at the start.
“We must find someone else! We can’t go there with just the two of us!” Amanda said, walking back and forth in the drawing-room, holding the letter aggressively.
She was still occupied with her handiwork and just lets the woman handle the whole debacle by constantly complaining. “Hand me the finished ones,” she whispered to Jane.
The abigail gave her the basket, stacked with handkerchiefs. She moved her fingers on top to feel the fabric. She still doesn't know where to take these finished products. Or mayhap she does but she doesn't want to acknowledge it. Because after Lance suggested, she was quite determined to sew more handkerchiefs. She even thought of making other garments.
“Are you even listening to me, Miss?” Amanda asked, stopping in her tracks.
Amelia raised her head to the woman. “I just don’t think we are in need of an escort. We can perfectly go there alone.”
“We would look like losers!” Amanda exclaimed. “Anything could happen in a season, dear. Royals may attend. Dukes, earls, and other titled men. We wouldn’t go to war without a weapon.”
“I don’t think it’s that big of a deal,” she said lowly but Amanda heard it.
“Indeed, you would think that. You haven’t been around in society. But for you to have a great marriage prospect, you have to be as great as well. Having Barkis by our side is a major rise from the other debutantes. Without him, you would look like a common lass, in the hunt for marriage.”
“I don't see what my father's attendance will contribute with. Besides, I am not hasty to get married.”
"As for your father, if he is present, he would know who to talk to and who is best suited to be your husband." Amanda heaved. "You should also think of getting married, Amelia. You are already seventeen!"
“And you’re seventeen as well but still not married.”
Amanda raised a brow. “It’s a different case for me.”
The start of the season is a week away. The coach ride is a three-day journey from Beauville towards the capital of Genrovia—Amarus. For the past few days, Amanda was busy making sure that their stay in Amarus would be perfect. Her companion had a list to do and everyday things are added and Amelia doesn't know if the woman would be able to finish it before they leave.
Some of the gowns will be made there, courtesy of her father who has set an appointment on a notable dressmaker in the capital. The shoes, however, have to be brought by them. Amanda had the servants packed countless shoes and that total could already fill a carriage.
“Make sure that by the end of the day, you give me the list of what you want to bring. I’ll have to check it first,” Amanda reminded her.
The whole house is restless. Amanda had been bombarding orders left and right. It has never been that busy since her coming out.
While the woman is busy, she finally has some time for herself and cannot be easily slighted when she does something that is unfavorable to the woman’s taste.
Donning her most comfortable gown and bonnet, she went to the orchard alone. With a basket on hand, she passed down the line of trees and picked some apples. The sun shining brightly up above and feeling the earth underneath her as she walks barefoot. Her hair was cascading freely on her back while the wind occasionally blows.
She had never felt freedom such as this. Free from the constricted gowns. Free from people's prying eyes. Free from everything.
Moving up to her toes, she reached for an apple she spotted. It was too high. She puts down her basket and, ungraciously, jumped for it. Her fingertips were able to graze it but not enough for it to fall.
She breathed deep and tried again. Only to be stopped when a hand grabbed her shoulder and pressed her down. She caught a whiff of his scent and she immediately knew who it was.
Towering her from her back, Lance reached for the apple she wanted. He was able to pick it but his hand remained on her shoulder. She can feel his breathing on her hair. Then she felt his hand moving up to her neck. Unconsciously, she tilted her head.
The wind blew profusely, making the leaves dance in one direction. She grabbed her skirt to prevent it from rising.
Lance did not settle on her neck. His hands started to travel upwards to her chin where her bonnet’s ribbon is tied. He pulled one ribbon, making the knot be removed. He took the bonnet off and moved the apple to her lips, waiting for her to eat it.
He adjusted himself to her side so he could see her. Finally seeing him at the corner of her eyes, she was completely certain not imagining things.
She opened her mouth and bite the apple just like what he wanted. Some of the juices oozed out on the side of her lips. She heard his breathing hitched, saw his eyes flicker with desire.
#DTSOAM
- Writer
