27 Pricked by Thorne (AVOT)

"Lord Blackthorne," Daisy's mother greeted with a gentle curtsy. Daisy, on the other hand, could only stare in surprise.

The man before them was a vision of impeccable elegance. The tailored lines of his clothing highlighted his tall, statuesque figure. The grace and ease with which he moved betrayed a refined sophistication that never ceased to catch her off-guard.

"This is quite an opulent place you have arranged," Helena said. 

"It is but my duty to ensure the comfort of my mother-in-law," Rhain responded with a gracious ease that somehow, impossibly, made her mother blush.

"Thank you, my Lord," Daisy said, unable to bring herself to be informal in front of her mother.

His response was a warm smile, a slight upward curve of his lips that reached his peculiarly colored eyes, causing a small flutter in her stomach. "Allow me to show you around," he offered.