CHAPTER TWO- AN EARL FOR A SON-IN-LAW

The morning was rather more solemn in the house of the Baron as the incident of yesterday had not yet been washed away. The kitchen maids had served breakfast on the table for the family as the ladies maids were already preparing them for that day’s work. The seasons official first ball was to be held tonight at the home of the Dowager Amelia Oakley, as they had already received an invitation from the host. Emery was getting ready with the help of her lady maid as her mama walked in to the already dressed damsel whose hair was getting ready and was escorted by her sister The honourable Lady Hayven. Hayven was far more brutal than her sister, she was a force to reckon with and could not easily be persuaded by simply talks of getting married.

"Oh You look ready"

Mama said as she gave a smile

"Yes mama, you do seem very excited for tonight's ball"

Emery said

"You have no idea darling. This is our very first official season and I suggest a new dress from the most stylish modiste"

Her mama suggested

"But mama, I still have new unused dresses"

She said

"If you do wish to marry this season you must be the pink of the ton at that ball tonight, do not forget we still have merely a total of 50 balls, 60 parties, 30 dinners and 25 breakfasts to attend before this season is over but we do hope that it will not be over before you find a suitor"

Her mama said as she turned to take her leave

"Breakfast is served"

She then said as she took her leave and Hayven stayed back as her sister Rose soon joined them. As her lady maid was done and left her room and the trio made their way to the breakfast table

"Is mama taking this a little too far?"

Emery asked

"Well.....a little, but we do have to understand her"

Rose said

"Understand? you only say so cause you are not the one getting married"

Hayven revolted

"We cannot dare complain can we?"

Rose asked as they arrived at the breakfast table and took their seat

"Our soon to be bride has arrived"

Teased Elise

"Elise I will stuff my plate up your nose if you do not stop"

Threatened Emery

"You will do no such thing"

Sophia said

"Well watch me"

She said about to stand as her mama held her back

"You will not exhibit such characters at the ball tonight"

Her mama scolded

"Where is Matilda?"

Rose asked bringing out a book

"Good question"

Hayven said

"Rose drop your book"

Their papa scolded as she slowly put the book on the table

"I'm sorry"

She said as breakfast began. After breakfast was over they moved to the drawing room which was decorated with gold and white, from the long cushion chairs and little stools which faced each other, to the tea table settings of four chairs and a table with white table covers on it behind them and the single cushion chairs of three with a centre table before the grand piano and other wind instrument settings which sat directly behind the long cushion chairs. Directly facing the long cushion chairs sat a fire place for the night and winter as Rose sat on the piano and her governess with her, giving her instructions on how to play beautifully. She was a fast learner and within the space of two months already she had mastered her table manners, eating etiquette, walk, pose and stance all at once. While Matilda came in after the morning mass, Emery sat with a cup of tea in her hands as she discussed with Hayven who held a book on how to run a business as they sat on the long cushion, while their mama sat on the tea table with Sophia and Elise with their who governess and gave both a lecture on the proper way to have tea as a maid walked in interrupting them.

"Baroness, The Dowager Amelia Oakley is in the waiting room"

She announced

"Why don't keep her waiting then, send her in"

Lady Dalton replied as she went to get her in and she after a while she came in, as they both moved to the single cushion chairs of three.

"I thought you would be busy by now preparing for tonight's ball"

Lady Oakley said

"Ugh, indeed but I have some pressing issues to discuss with you urgently"

Lady Oakley said

"Shall we go for a walk then?"

She asked

"Of course, shall we?”

Lady Oakley was led with the Baroness to their rather big lawn where they took a stroll

"I may have found a suitor valuable enough for your daughter"

Lady Dalton quickly and eagerly turned to her

"Well who is he?"

Lady Dalton asked

"An Earl or the Earl of Malton, Lord Carlisle Knight who is currently caught up in a dilemma and his desperate mama needs a liberation, I have already put in word for your daughter all we need now is your approval" Lady Dalton gave a rather beaming smile which eluded her dark skin .

"That would indeed be lovely Lady Oakley, an Earl for my Emery would be delightful indeed, an Earl for a son-in-law is indeed going to be perfect"

Lady Dalton expressed her bungle of extreme joy of the news.