6 Unwanted Attention

"Your Grace, please forgive my discourtesy," I said quickly, dropping the book in my hasty to curtsy.

I then realized I wasn't wearing shoes because I'd kicked them off to get comfy in my chair. Even better.

"At ease. I will not tell your mother," he said with the ghost of a smile on his face. "As long as you tell me what you were reading."

I gaped up at him in shock. This guy was surprisingly persistent in talking to a girl for someone who was nothing but a military counselor in the novel.

I tried to remember if it said whether or not he was married. He probably was. Duchess was a highly sought after title, after all.

But like most political marriages there was most likely no real affection between them. That was one of the central themes of this novel because Alpheus and Marcy overcame that cultural hurdle.

I couldn't meet his eyes in my mortification. Talking to guys in this world was even worse than talking to them at home because I had to maintain my manners. I was awkward enough without this extra barrier!

"Manheim's Treatise on International Politics. Your Grace," I tacked on at the end in case I was being rude again.

The duke didn't look nearly as shocked as I had when he arrived but definite surprise flitted across his face. "Students in the academy don't study that until their final year and you are reading it on your own?"

"I have never formally studied politics," I lied. And what a lie it was. The countless hours I'd spent writing papers! "But I am interested in them. I've studied many of the policy books in this library."

"And what do you think about Manheim's foreign policy?" the duke asked with a hint of interest.

I gained a bit of confidence. I'd written my senior thesis on a similar subject.

"I think he's wrong. Each nation offers something of value to the greater world and going to war to change someone's mind on policies they don't personally agree with is a waste of resources and human life. There is much to be learned from other countries' cultures and they should be respected for their differences."

It was the most words I'd ever uttered in the Duke Orla's presence.

"Very interesting. I'm inclined to agree with you, to a point. Sometimes the nation's best interest involves going against another but not for the reasons you mentioned," he mused. "Have you read anything by Scotford?"

"Oh yes, I've read all five of his books," I said with a small smile, trying hard not to fidget out of nerves. He was definitely noticing me now. Could he just leave already?

"You've studied well. What other subjects are you well versed in?"

Nothing he'd know. Most of the random knowledge accumulated in my brain pertained solely to my world. Marine biology, ancient artifacts, mythology, ceramics, classical music, modern art…

"Architecture and some herbistry." The herbs weren't much different here than from home and cacti weren't the only plants I was interested in.

"Politics and architecture? And you have not yet debuted, correct?"

"No Your Grace, I debut in the autumn," I said demurely.

He was clearly impressed by me. This wasn't good. I should have lied. I should have just said I was reading a dumb gothic novel!

I'd done a lot of dumb stuff in my life but this took the cake. Was my pride really more important than my anonymity in this crazy place?

"I see. I look forward to meeting you again in the capital, Lady Catherine." He bowed stiffly before heading out the door.

I finally breathed again when he left. Was he really going to search for me at my debutante ball? Ugh, my debutante ball. How awful.

I just wanted to stay here playing with Adele, riding my horse, and hiding in the library forever. Although…there might be more impressive libraries in the capital. But would the strict countess ever let me near one? She didn't pay enough attention to her children to know how much time I spent in here but I'm sure she wouldn't approve of me reading about such unladylike subjects.

The duke didn't corner me again the rest of his visit but I could feel his eyes on me now and then. No one else seemed to notice but it gave me goosebumps.

That guy acted like a perfect gentlemen but gave off a weird vibe. And he was in cahoots with the main antagonist of this novel so I wanted him to stay far, far away from me.

Prince Sigmund was one messed up puppy. He'd do anything to keep his power. Alpheus wasn't even a threat to him at first! Through his mistreatment of his younger brother he created his own worst enemy later on.

No matter how handsome Duke Orla was or how good a friend he was to my brother I didn't want to be involved. A thought struck me. If Edmund was friends with him…would he end up siding with the crown prince? I didn't recall the name Edmund du Pont being mentioned in the novel. It was probably because Edmund was the second son.

He wouldn't have any trouble finding a wife since he was the son of an earl but he held no political power. Good. Edmund was too goofy to be a henchman.