Chapter Three

So happy was she to have someone with not much age differences as her governess. How she yearned for Diane would understand her since the difference in their age wasn't much. She didn't want to be forced to a ballroom filled with men of titles and sheep clothing. She didn't want a matching marriage. Anthony. She couldn't tell her straight about her feelings for him. Oh, how she so loved him. Still what use would Diane be to her when the young lord Anthony's family and hers are not on good terms? It is said that lord wark James, the earl of Wessex was responsible for the deaths of lord and lady CeCil but Elisa wasn't having any of it. She had always known Anthony since she was a babe and their love had always blossomed not until the death of her parents. The Lord and lady CeCil had gone to Paris on vacation where they decided to lodge in one of lord Wark's mansions where they had died in their sleep. It was said that they were poisoned and lord Wark and his family were always blamed for it. There was more to it than what was said but the duchess wasn't having any of it. She didn't want more scandals. A scandal was enough so she wrapped the case up and buried her only beloved son and his beloved wife. Now two love birds are tied in misery one can't seem to come out from.

"Your sister my lady?" Diane asked calmly breaking into her thoughts.

"Eloise, she's in her room." She replied calmly. "Please let me show you to your room if you don't mind. I'm sure the butler has ordered for you things to be sent to your chambers."

Thank you, my lady." She said and followed her gently. She was going to be the perfect governess but why did she feel a soft spot for Elisa like she had been through a lot? Was it the death of her parents? She thought. She was curious as to how the duke and the duchess died but who was she to ask? Maybe with time she was going to get close to Elisa or maybe the mischievous Eloise as the duchess had referred her.

"Here," Elisa said breaking unto her thoughts. "Please let's keep the formalities while we are alone." I do not need much of the guidance you will render. I believe my sister needs it more." She said calmly. Walking with the grace matching that of the duchess. Indeed she did not need a governess but however she needed one. "If you want to see Eloise, she would be in her room. Her room is r next to mine on the right side. I believe she would be so eager to see you. She loves making new friends. She might be difficult but you will enjoy her company more than mine." She said calmly.

"Why do you sound like you are in no need of my assistance my lady?"

Eloise needs you more. I am due for the season or should I say I have been due for the season for a couple of years. I can't push it anymore. I know everything a lady must be thought. Eloise needs help. She is all but one and three. She needs you. If I need your help I will call you." She said

"I will serve you both my lady for that is what the duchess wants and that is what I am going to do."

"Very well Diane. Please let me leave you to retire you've had a long journey."

"Thank you, my lady."

Elias left shutting the door behind her gently. She wasn't going to press it. She wanted Diane out of her way. Since she couldn't control her. She wanted someone she could easily control but she wasn't getting her wish. She looked forward to working with her.

************

"I do not wish to get wedded to Edward and even if I do, I do not wish wed a woman of the ballroom who knows nothing than how to sew and gossip." Richard waymann, son of the third duke of Norfolk. Every woman's dream but indeed it was also every wish of all mothers that their daughters avoided him. He was known for his notorious ways as a rake. He was the kind of handsome that got into the bones of all ladies, that spoke of olden times. He was handsome from the depth of his eyes to the gentle expression of his voice. So deep. When he spoke, his voice spoke volumes. He sparkled with new ideas. He had the kind of face that stopped you in your tracks. He was used to the sudden pause in a person's natural expression when they looked his way followed by a seducing smile and the blush that usually accompanied it was a dead giveaway but a nonchalant gaze and a weak smile were all he could return. It didn't help that he was so modest with it, it made the girls fall for him all the more. He had bristle eyebrows and a concrete jaw. A Viking-gold hair and a hawkish nose.Well-defined cheekbones and a titan's shoulders. He was dishy and moved with a leopard-like grace. What else could a woman ask for?

"You do seem to overlook the fact that you would be a duke someday and you would need an heir." Edward pointed out.

"I am not oblivious of the fact Ed, you just don't seem to understand. I do not just want a submissive wife. I want a companion, Ed, I need an educated woman. I do not know how to sew nor do I wish to learn." He said in admiration and disdain.

"Whatever would you be doing with an educated lady?" Edward asked confused.

"Exactly what I won't be doing with an uneducated one." He retorted

"I do not understand you my friend for if you had said love, I would have."

"You were lucky to have a love match with lady Fiona."

"I know and I want the same for you."

"Thank you. Seems like one rocky edge is done with."

"Nevertheless, you need an heir Rich and you would hardly see an educated lady," Edward replied.

"I am quite aware. I would be traveling to London soonest. I have pressing matters of obligation."

"May I ask what those matters might be?"

"Firstly Elisa is due for the season again and I must be there."

"She's done pushing finally. Wish her great luck for if she was ready I would have wed her." Edward said with a laugh.

"It's a good thing she wasn't," Richard replied with a smirk. "For you wouldn't be wed to your lady Fiona."

"Aye, that's true. How about her lad?"

"I'm quite sure she knows there's no future with him as long as the duchess lives."

"It is quite heartbreaking for them both."

"Aye. Very"

"And secondly my friend?"

"I'm in need of a wife."