CHAPTER SIX
Sir Clifford's voice filled the room, "The marriage proposal has been approved. The union between Maximilian and Lady Mirabelle Worthington will take place in a month's time."
Lady Yvette's face radiated joy, her eyes shining with tears. "Oh, wonderful news!
Maximilian's expression still remained composed, but his mind reeled in turmoil. A month!. He have only just a month to found her – the mysterious lady. He couldn't marry another.
Lady Yvette continued, "We must start preparations immediately. I'll summon the seamstress for Maximilian's wedding attire."
Meanwhile, Julian listened intently, his face serene. "Finally, Maximilian will be out of the way. I can openly pursue Lady Sophia without fear of comparison or rivalry", he thought to himself
Julian's eyes flicked to Maximilian, observing his brother's strained expression. A hint of satisfaction crept into his thoughts:
Maximilian's distraction will work in my favor.
His mother beamed with pride. "Max, dear, you'll make a fine husband."
Maximilian forced a smile and nodded.
*************
After the family gathering to discuss his impending nuptials. Maximilian strode to the liquor cabinet, his footsteps heavy with desperation. He grasped the bottle of drink, uncorking it with a swift motion. Without bothering with a glass, he raised the bottle to his lips and gulped the amber liquid.
The burn of the drink coursed down his throat, but it didn't quench the fire burning within. His heart rebelled against the arranged marriage, longing for the mysterious lady who haunted his thoughts.
Maximilian's eyes drifted to the window, his gaze lost in the darkness. He had to find her – the woman with piercing green eyes and raven hair. He was determined to find her within a month, before his marriage to Lady Worthington.
With each swig of brandy, Maximilian's resolve strengthened. He couldn't marry another when his heart belonged to the unknown woman. The liquor dulled his senses, but his determination remained crystal clear.
As the bottle almost emptied, Maximilian's thoughts grew more resolute:
"I'll find her. I'll make her mine. I won't betray my heart".he vowed to himself.
He rang for his butler, Wynton. Wynton appeared promptly, his expression impassive. "Yes, sir."
"Wynton, I need quill and parchment, immediately."
He gave a quick bow before hastening out of the room. A few seconds later, he returned and handed Maximilian the requested items and stood waiting.
Maximilian scribbled hastily on the parchment, his handwriting uneven. After he has done. He folded the parchment, sealing it with his signet ring.
"Wynton, deliver this to the Inquiry Officer. Ensure utmost discretion".
"Right away, sir."
With a subtle bow, Wynton departed to execute his master's instructions.
************
Meanwhile,at the Worthington's manor. Mirabelle stormed down the hallway, her usually radiant face now clouded with distress. Her strides echoed through the corridor, drawing attention from passing servants. Spotting Suzanne conversing with a maid, she hastened her pace.
Suzanne's eyes locked onto Mirabelle's troubled expression, instantly sensing a melancholy look on her face. "Good morning, milady," the maid curtsied, greeting Mirabelle.
Suzanne's gaze narrowed, scrutinizing Mirabelle's tense posture. "We'll discuss this later," Suzanne whispered to the maid,
The maid curtsied and departed, leaving the two alone.
Mirabelle opened her mouth, but Suzanne's gesture said, 'Not here, milady.'" Noticing a male servant heading their way.
Suzanne guided her into her room, closing the door behind them.
Mirabelle collapsed onto her plush bed, exhaustion and despair etched on her face. Suzanne sat beside her, concern radiating from her expression.
"What's troubling you, milady?" Suzanne asked gently.
She sat up, facing her and her voice trembled. "Father arranged my marriage to Powell's son." Tears welled up. "I've never met him. How can I marry a stranger?". Suzanne wrapped reassuring arms around her, offering comfort." I understand your concerns; we'll face this together. "
A subtle smile curved onto her lips as she wiped away tears. "I have something to tell you, Suzie." Suzanne's curiosity piqued.
"What is it, milady?" Suzanne asked, eyes locked intensely.
Mirabelle's voice barely whispered, "I met someone...at the Falcon Ball." Suzanne's eyebrows arched.
"We danced, shared a kiss..." Mirabelle's cheeks crimsoned.
Suzanne's expression transformed from concern to astonishment. "A stranger?" she whispered. Mirabelle nodded, her smile deepening. Suzanne's eyes sparkled with intrigue. "Tell me more, milady"
Mirabelle confessed, "Just a brief kiss but it ignited an unshakeable connection. He's tall, and handsome. He possesses a gallant presence, with sharp jawline, and warm, mesmerizing eyes that...i feel entranced."
"Your smile betrays deep feelings. Guard your affections, dear. Your marriage has been arranged. Suzie advised her.
Mirabelle's eyes sparkled, "I must find____
Suddenly, Lady Carina swept into the room, interrupting Cecilia's fervent declaration.
Lady Carina's eyebrows arched. "Find what, Cecilia?"
Cecilia's countenance betrayed surprise.""A skilled seamstress, Mother. Suzanne's aiding me".
Suzanne bowed silently. Her expression remained discreetly neutral.
Lady Carina's voice held subtle melancholy as she lightly touched her chest. "It would have been exquisite if your wedding attire had been made by Isabelle. Oh, my dear Isabelle, what a loss! If only you were here to witness this.
Regettably, your daughter, Suzanne lacks your dressmaking prowess."
Suzanne's heart sank at the mention of her mother and Lady Carina's doubts about her abilities. She recalled how, when she was first learning dressmaking, she had made a dress for Lady Carina, only for the lady to dismiss it, claiming it wasn't to her taste. She wanted to tell her that she had improved, but chose to remain silent.
A subtle smile played at the corners of Cecilia's lips, aware of Suzanne's skill, yet choosing to keep it to herself, knowing she was the one who had designed, sewn, and styled the falcon ball dress she wore. At the same time, a wave of sadness washed over her as she thought of Isabelle, who had been like a mother to her. She couldn't help but wish how overjoyed Isabelle would have been to see her getting married.
Lady Carina's curiosity lingered, but Cecila's quick thinking alleviated suspicion. "Perfect timing! I've summoned Madame Butterfly, an esteemed seamstress. She awaits in the drawing room for your measurements,Mirabelle."
"Ah, excellent! Mother" she rose straightening her shirt as her mother led while Suzanne trailed behind.
Mirabelle's quest forgotten, she rose, smoothing her skirts. "Very well, Mother."