"NO!" He said flatly.
I was expecting a no but maybe a shocked no; a haughty no, a cold arrogant no but he said no like he was turning down more of the terrible wine served at this boring function. As if a total stranger, me, asking for 'his hand in marriage' was as trifling as asking for a dance.
"Of course the marriage I am proposing is not just to my benefit, you my lord will not be shortchanged I promise. If you would only allow me an audience, it will be worth your time." I had prepared for a 'no' but I was expecting him to be thrown aback; incredulous at my boldness which would then be a base for my negotiations and I would have the upper hand in composure and lead the conversation, that isn't the case now. I will take an offensive approach.
" I have reason to believe you plan to break away from your family and inherit the ducal title of your maternal household, you had previously stayed away from all marriage talks and entanglements but now you will need a wife." This was quite confidential information I seemed to have said so carelessly but he seemed impatient, I needed to catch not just his attention but intrigue too.
''And…" He said as he looked at his watch. And? I had made quite the effort to eavesdrop on his conversations with count Egor when I had followed them to a tea house earlier this week, hoping to gather 'negotiation' material. Bribing servants of his household didn't work, the outer servants I could reach were far to scared too divulge even his favourite colour. I had meant to elicit anger at least.
"I want to be your wife." I paused. "I am not of the most noble birth but noble still; the graveness of your intentions will deter families well matched with yours from allying with you, the opposition from your family will scare of smaller families. I stand alone, and you need not consider family standing. I come from a complicated background, surely not as tough as yours but I do know how to avoid for myself a silent tragic death. You cannot fight outside and also fight in the boudoir; I will do that for you. I am not seeking a sham marriage, I will stick with you to the end and bear your children. You are competent my lord and do not need a wife truly to accomplish your plans but it would be much smoother with one." With me… I did not say that out loud.
"Miss…" he looked straight at me. "Casi" said I. "Miss Casi, you should go back now. Your chaperone should be alarmed at your absence" he said and walked out of the garden. "My lord…" I started after him but he was greeted by count Egor and Mr Lysander. I retreated.
Fail.
The sun was already high in the sky when I woke up. The only small window in the room let in warm rays. I sighed.
"What time is it?" I asked Ama who moved to help me up. "It is after eight my lady" she pushed my hair off my face.
"Goodmorning my lady, breakfast has been set up already" Ibis said quite grimly walking in. "I need to hurry then, before my pit becomes so deep I cannot crawl out of it" my feet hit the cold marble flour as I got out of my bed.
"I already prepared a cold bath" Ama said taking of my night robe. "Cold bath in the morning Ama, goodness." I grimaced.
"My lady you ran a fever for most of the night, do you not have any recollection? had me quite scared, this one was the scariest so far." Ibis said helping me into the bath.
I pondered hard for a while. "Has everyone made it downstairs yet?" I asked. ''Master Jesi is yet to come in from a night out and miss Nia is sleeping. Madam is at the table already and the lord is sending out his morning correspondence." Ama informed. I was done and Ama helped me out of the bath, I dried my hair as Ibis laid out my clothes.
"Say ladies, do you think looking at all of them in the same place at once, that person would stand out"
"Who are you referring to my lady?" they asked.
"Naturally, the person who poisoned me" I said.