A Step Toward Her Goal (1)

Mikael's eyes darted from Nicolaus to Lady Clarissa while they had a conversation, a subtle flicker of something crossing his features as the words reached his ears.

"I have to decline the offer, Esteemed Lady. I have a responsibility to look after my condition," Nicolaus said with a polite but firm tone.

Lady Clarissa did not show any sign of disappointment at his rejection. She smiled elegantly and switched her approach, changing her strategy and switching her target in the room who was trying to avoid eye contact.

"Then, maybe, the Marchioness would be interested in having a pleasant cup of tea with me. What do you say, my lady?" she asked in a honeyed voice that sounded too sweet to be sincere.

Mikael felt a rush of panic as she addressed him again. She gave him a sly wink and added in a sarcastically seductive tone, "I hope you won't let me down this time, my lady."