4 A guest arrives

The following week rolled in and I began to adjust to my life as the duke's daughter. I was taught etiquette, history and the ways of high society.

It came as a surprise when I was summoned by my father. I was brought promptly to his office late one evening after lessons. He sat in his office behind a large oak desk. There were piles of paper strewn about the place. The office lead into the library which I peaked through the cracked door. I could hear the fire crackle from inside the library. A chair was pulled out in front of his desk and I took a sheet.

The duke smiled wearily and I detected a hint of nervousness.

"How are you finding everything?", He asked when I sat down.

"Everyone has been kind. I think I am making progress", I answered.

"Brilliant. Yes, I am glad", HE paused as if reluctant to say the next word, "I thought a change of pace might be refreshing. I have a friend in town. He is well known in the capital. I thought he may become a friend to you once you make your debut into high society".

HE cleared his throat and stood up. He led me into the library. I found the immensity of books secretly thrilling. There was an open fire where two seats were set out in front of it. I couldn't see the face of the seated figure at first.

We came closer and a man stood up. He bowed and I was able to lay eyes on him. He was flaxen-haired with the lightest shade of hazel eyes. In the light of the fire they appeared a smouldering red. His smile was utterly disarming. He had pale, porcelain skin and wore the finest garments. He was the most beautiful man I had ever seen. But he had the most immense presence like standing in front of a wild beast.

My father stepped forward and gestured.

"Let me introduce you", He began,"This is Lucian Urellus. He is a distinguished Count who holds the county border to the south. May I introduce you to my adopted daughter, Arabella."

Lucian tilted his head slightly with a twinkle in his eyes.

"It's a pleasure, your grace", Lucian said. He had a low, smooth voice. He kissed my hand ever-so-lightly.

"The pleasure is all mine, your excellency", I replied. I felt I could barely speak a word. Everything about Lucian was hypnotizing. I felt relieved when my father rejoined and I could compose myself.

"I have asked Lucian for a favour. Your debut will be in the coming months but I have not yet completed my year of mourning for my wife. I don't think it is appropriate for me to attend the season this year. So I have asked Lucian to play your chaperone at the debutante ball", My father stated.

I immediately looked to father but he did not meet my eyes. I felt Lucians gaze and turned back at once. I didn't want to embarrass him or my father. I answered with my best smile.

"I would be honoured".

I saw a flicker of amusement in Lucian eyes. I wondered what it meant. I wanted to talk more with my father but quickly rejoined,

"You must be exhausted daughter, your tutors tell me how well you study! That is all for this evening".

"Yes, father", I answered reluctantly. I had been dismissed. As I left the room, I couldn't help but glance behind. Lucian met my eyes, he bowed politely as I exited. And for some reason, whether it be the strangeness of it all, I was left wanting more.

That evening, my maid entered to prepare me for bed. I was sat in front of my mirror as she brushed my hair.

"That man that came here this evening, does he come here often?" I asked nonchalantly .

I felt her stop then quickly resume brushing.

"Yes, your Grace. You mean the Count? He used to come often before the Duchess died", She said thoughtfully.

"What sort of man is he?" I followed.

"By all accounts, he is a charitable gentleman. His father was a famous hero in the demonic war. He even fought alongside his father in skirmishes along the border. He lost his father on the battlefield. They say he was greatly changed after then".

"Changed in what way?"

"I couldn't really say anymore. I've only heard rumours"

"What rumours", I asked becoming intrigued.

"Well", She hesitated, "It's not really my place to say.."

"Oh do tell me. I shan't tell anyone you told me"

"Well, if your grace insists. I have heard he became a worldly man. That is, he has a reputation of being a rake. Apparently, dozens of ladies, and even some gentlemen, in the capital fell under his spell. He pulls them all in, and then, well...He cuts them loose"

"IF he has such a reputation why would my father..."I began to trail off into thought.

"Ah you see, I've said too much!" The maid cried.

"No, listen. What is your name", I asked.

"Mirelle, your Grace"

"Mirelle, I am indebted to you for telling me. I have no friends here. No one to rely upon. Your insight is invaluable to me"

Mirelle seemed to become calm once more.

"Now, Mirelle. Give me your thoughts. Why would my father select such a man as chaperone?"

"The Duke has made the count your chaperone? I can only think of one reason, your Grace"

"Go on, Mirelle. Tell me"

"Well... i think it can only mean he intends for you to marry"

"Marry?!" I jerked my head back without thinking. Poor Mirelle jumped back a pace.

I suppose it made sense. A counts daughter would marry. And that was who I was now. Still, could father really be thinking of separation after only reuniting such a short time ago. The whole idea felt unnatural to me. And there it was. That feeling creeping up again. All my horizons closing in upon me.

Was my aunt right? She still had not written me back since I had left. I dismissed Mirelle and wrote another letter to my aunt. I asked her to come visit me. I told her I could use her counsel.

Early next morning I gave my letter to the butler to send off. I went through the day with my regular lessons. My mind began to stir and recall the events of last night. I determined to talk with my father. After my lessons had concluded I went directly to his study. I knocked once on the door and waited. After several moments of silence, I knocked again. No reply. I gave a swift looked from side to side, no one was around. I turned the handle slowly and stepped into the office.

Inside, my father was nowhere to be seen. I should leave. I should leave after just one glance. I thought of all the books in the library. Since I was here already, one quick look wouldn't hurt. I turned to the library door and began to turn the handle.

I stepped in. The room was full of that wonder scent of old books and the fire of last night. And then I noticed it. Another door inside the library that I hadn't noticed the night before. I must have missed it in the dark. I decided since I had come this far to just open one more door. I quickly stepped over to the door by the heath.

It was locked. A locked door inside a library. What was there? I hadn't much time to think on the matter when I heard footsteps in the hall. I scurried quickly back into my fathers office where I met the stern faced butler.

"Lost", I blurted out, "How silly of me! I seem to have gotten quite lost".

"Indeed. I will show you the way, your Grace", He returned gravely.

After that incident I often caught the sharp eyes of the butler whenever I walked the halls.

The weeks passed and I had learned much about the capital and high society. My aunts education on world history had been more thorough than I would have guessed. I excelled in history and religion. And finally I was able to piece in some blanks about our dukedom.

Our family had held the dukedom for several centuries. Not only did our family own the largest piece of land in the continent, we had a close relationship with the imperial family. The dukes often serving as members of the ruling inner circle. I came to understand that there was a lot of pressure for the dukedom to continue supporting the crown. An arrangement that worked best if the line was continued. My father may have adopted me again for this reason. The idea did not shock me.

Even though my father had given me everything. I still felt a coldness. An emptiness where fatherly love ought to be. I didn't feel the sadness I expected, instead it felt like the natural result. It did not matter either way, did it? I would get everything that this life could give me. I could find love elsewhere. I was a person who could be loved now.

I threw myself into studies. I will be the perfect duchess. And it will all be perfect.