Forgotten

"I cannot believe someone brought up that jerk, Lord Galley," Rilla said while shaking her head.

"I agree, that was odd."

Florence could understand people talking about her and Henry, and the rushed wedding. But she did not fathom how Marquis Galley's name was in there as well.

"Here it is." Kassandra walked back into the room, holding a large dress.

Florence recognized the fabric they had decided on during her last visit. It looked a bit different now that it was stitched together–more beautiful.

"Let us try it on," Kassandra rejoiced.

After the dressmaker and her assistant finished fastening the hooks in the back of the dress, Florence was finally allowed to look in the mirror. She gasped, causing a satisfied smile to tug on Kassandra's lips.

"You look like a fairy, my lady," Rilla complimented with tears in her eyes.

"Thank you," Florence whispered. She was unable to look away from her reflection.

"Let me make it even more perfect," Kassandra uttered before starting to inspect the dress. She fixed a few spots and made sure it fit correctly.

The changes were minor, so it did not take long for the dressmaker to be satisfied with her design. When Florence changed back into her dress, it had been a little less than an hour.

'What should I do? We still have half an hour to kill before Henry comes back.'

"I will bring the finished dress the day after tomorrow so that you can try it on one last time before the wedding."

"I am grateful for everything, Madame Kassandra."

"Nonsense, it is my job. Plus, I really like you, Lady Kalwen."

They bid each other farewell before Florence decided to wait for Henry outside. Standing in front of the shop door was a bad idea, though. The gossiping ladies were not limited to the shop. Everyone entering or leaving the boutique threw her peculiar looks before adding to whatever rumors they chose to discuss.

"Maybe we should move a bit away from the dress shop, Rilla."

Her maid followed her as they walked to the end of the street, a couple of shops away. They waited and waited. They had been standing there for almost an hour, but still no sign of Henry.

'Did he forget to pick me up?' Anxiety was spreading through Florence's chest, fast.

"I am sure Lord Flock was held up, my lady," Rilla reassured her, sensing her state. "Why don't we have some tea at that café across the street." She pointed at the cute little shop on the other side. "If we sit outside, we can keep an eye out for the carriage."

"Great idea, Rilla."

They sat at one of the small iron tables outside. Thankfully, the afternoon weather was perfect. They ordered tea and cake which only took a few minutes to be served.

Florence barely touched her cake. She sipped her tea absentmindedly while her eyes fixed the entrance of Madame Sauer's shop. She chewed on the inside of her cheek nervously.

She tried to think of a way back home, if Henry did not show up. She could rent a coach, but she had no idea where she could do that, or how. She was always with her mother when she went out in the capital, and they always had their private carriage.

She was too preoccupied that she did not pay much attention to the gossiping whispers. Rilla was grateful that she did not hear them.

"Lady Kalwen," a voice called, startling Florence. Her eyes travel to the carriage that just came to a stop a little further from the café. A handsome man hopped down with a big grin.

"Lord Zahl?" Florence tilted her head to the side, confused. "What are you doing in Throka?"

"Ah, I had a few permits that I needed to get for the mines. What about you? Are you alone?" Elias' eyes roamed around before finding hers again.

"I…I am waiting for my fiancé."

"Oh yes, I heard. Congratulations. Henry Flock, right?"

Her nervous expression did not go unnoticed. "Correct," she answers.

"Actually, I just saw him."

"You just saw Henry? Where?"

"The Grand Theater, I can take you there if you would like," Elias offered.

"Are you friends with my betrothed by any chance, Lord Zahl?"

"You can say that." Elias smirked.

Florence finally noticed the eyes that were on her. She sighed. 'They will probably start new rumors about me and Lord Zahl.'

"Let me pay for our tea first–"

"Nonsense, please allow me, my lady." Elias made his way toward the door. "You can wait in the carriage."

"That is awfully nice of Lord Zahl," Rilla said with a smile. Florence had not shared the details from the night she had followed him to the brothel.

"It is," Florence responded. She knew Rilla would make a fuss about traveling in the same carriage as Lord Zahl had she known about his reputation. So she did not say anything.

"To the Grand Theater." They heard Elias order before he climbed into the carriage with them.

"I am most grateful for your help, my lord," Florence said with a smile.

"It is my pleasure, my lady."

The ride was short. Elias spoke of the mines and some jewelry designs that he was working on with a local jeweler in the south.

"We have arrived, my lord." His coachman opened the door.

Elias helped Florence down as she took in the gigantic building before them–The Grand Theater. She looked from right to left, a bit confused. There was no performance at this time of day.

'Did he have business with the owner? Should I look for him inside?'

"My lady, I see the carriage over there," Rilla pointed to the Flocks' black and golden vehicle.

Florence sighed in relief at the sight. She turned to Elias with a dazzling smile. "I can never thank you enough, my lord."

"Not at all, it was my pleasure. Please send my regards to Henry, and your brother."

"Of course."

Elias bowed to her, gently taking her hand to his lips and placing a peck on it. The gesture made Florence's face blush as she quickly retreated.

'This man is extremely dangerous,' she thought to herself as she hurried toward the carriage.

"Oh my goodness, it is so good to see you, Reid."

The coachman paled when his eyes lay on Florence. "My–My lady, what are you doing here?"

"I was lucky to run into an acquaintance who knew where Henry was. Could you please inform him that I am here. I do not mind waiting if he still has business to take care of." Florence said as she ascended the stairs of the carriage.

"R–Right away, my lady."