Only One And Twenty

Florence paced back and forth under the watchful eyes of her maid. Her brain was in chaos as thoughts and plans raced through her mind.

The first thing she needed to do was make a list of eligible bachelors in high society. Her mother would never accept anyone who was not of noble blood, that much she was sure of.

'Maybe I should look for a guild that could help.'

"My lady," Rilla called. She could see how stressed her mistress was. "Please calm down, it is not good for your stomach."

"You are right." Florence sat down immediately. "Is there a trusted guild in Geirenger that could get information fast?"

"What kind of information?"

"A list of noble bachelors."

Rilla blinked at her a few times. She knew how much of a romantic Florence was, so her answer was surprising. "A list of bachelors?" she repeated.

"Yes, mother wants to marry me off to someone of her choice."

Rilla grimaced. "What?"

"She gave me three weeks to find a husband of my choice," Florence scoffs.

"But three weeks is a bit...?"

"I know, it is quite short." Florence took a deep breath. "But I have to try." There was a desperation in her voice that made the maid pity her.

Rilla had been with her since she was twelve. They basically grew up together and became quite close over the years. Since Florence was not very active in high society, she did not have friends. Thus, the young maid had become her confidant.

She knew about Florence's dream of a happy marriage filled with love. She also witnessed her struggle with her mother. She despised the countess for what she put her daughter through, and this was no different.

"My lady." Rilla walked to Florence and kneeled before her. "We will find a way." She smiled as she put her hand on hers. "I know the perfect guild for this mission."

"You do?"

"Yes. I will pay them a visit tomorrow."

Florence sighed in relief. "Great, that is great." Her smile widened. "I also need you to find out who my mother is inviting to my birthday. I need to know."

"Consider it done," Rilla said. "Now, should I make a tonic for you? All this excitement must have stirred your acid."

"Yes, please. You are the best, Rilla."

Florence moved to her bed and crashed, face down. She felt a bit better now that she had somewhat of a plan.

'Surely, there are some kind and handsome bachelors that would be willing to go with my plan. Who knows? I might even find the love of my life.' She smiled and closed her heavy eyelids.

"MY LADY."

Florence slowly opened her eyes. 'Did I fall asleep?'

"It is dinner time. The earl and her ladyship are waiting for you."

She jumped from bed and rushed to the bathroom to freshen up. "Help me fix my hair, would you?"

After she finished changing, Florence hurried to the dining room. Her mother and brother were already seated.

"You are late," Lina uttered with a glare.

"Apologies, Mother."

"Just sit already."

Florence obeyed.

Except for the idle chit chat of the dowager countess, dinner was silent as usual. Only the clinks of the cutlery filled the room.

"By the way, your sister's birthday is coming up," Lina said.

Richard stopped cutting his chicken for a moment, as if confirming it in his head. "It is, indeed."

"I am organizing a big party to celebrate."

"That sounds delightful."

Richard was never fond of big parties, but if that was what his mother wanted, he was not going to oppose it.

"But the real goal of the party is to find your sister a husband."

Florence had put down her fork when her mother brought up the subject. She watched the exchange with interest. She had hoped that her brother would share her view; that she was still young for marriage. His eyes met hers and hope spread in her chest.

"Are you not turning one and twenty?" he asked.

"That is correct. 'Only' one and twenty." She emphasized the word only.

"Do you have anyone in mind, Mother?" Richard turned back to Lina. His words were like a slap to Florence's face.

'Is he not even going to ask if I agree to this?'

"I have my eye on a few gentlemen, yes."

"Do you not think that I am still young for marriage, Rick?" Florence blurted out with a red face.

"Young? Nonsense," Lina shot back. "I married your father when I was nineteen."

"If mother thinks that it is time, then I agree with her. You know she only wants the best for us." Richard's words drew a satisfied smile on Lina's face.

"I see," was all Florence could manage to say.

She felt betrayed by her brother. They were always partners in crime when they were young and mischievous. But now he was the businessman, the earl, who is in charge of the family. Florence could not understand how a man as strong and successful as him could agree to everything their mother said without ever questioning it.

"I sent word to your cousin," Lina told her, "I am sure you can use her help."

"In what way can Hannah help me, Mother?" Florence's tone was cold, but her mother was too excited to notice.

"Well for starters, she could tell you how she managed to marry a marquis." She chuckled.

'Here we go again.'

"He is so in love with her, he does whatever she wants. I heard that he bought a house in Esslingen just because Hannah said she liked the color of the sea. Is it not the kind of marriage that you want?"

"Does she love him?"

"What's not to love? He's a marquis, kind and honest, and a rich trader."

"Maybe the fact that she is half his age. Or were you referring to the love you shared with father?" Florence regretted her words as soon as they escaped her lips.

"Florence." Richard's voice was full of reprimand.

"I am sorry, Mother, I did not–"

"I hope you will not show such behavior in front of our guests." Lina resumed cutting her chicken and brought a bite to her mouth. She took her time chewing it, then swallowing. "I will not tolerate any disrespect."

"Yes, Mother."