Chapter 4

Arianne is in the coach of the Asburg's. She looks out the window at the landscape to avoid any visual contact with Orion.

It's starting to rain outside.

Orion is in a relaxed position with his legs spread out (right ankle lying on his left knee) and his right arm on the backrest of the coach seat. He too looks at the outside, thoughtful. There has been silence since the beginning of the journey. Orion sometimes wondered if he should break the silence, but Arianne's facial expression discouraged him.

"I'm so uncomfortable in the presence of Orion... If it wasn't threatening to rain, I would never have accepted his proposal. Well, at least I got the information I wanted. (Sigh...) This is the last time I'm going to the Neuilly house. Charlotte is really annoying and pretentious, it's really painful to talk to her..."

"Come on, don't be so hard on my cousin, I'm sure she'll get better over time."

Arianne suddenly looks at Orion without saying a word. The latter smiles, while staring at her too.

The young woman realizes what just happened: she spoke out loud!

"Don't tell me I said that out loud?"

"I won't say it if it makes you happy..."

Arianne's thoughts:

"Raaaaahhhhh! Isn't that right?! I've been trying to get rid of this habit (thinking out loud) for years, without success! I really need to stop this, this fake could cause me harm in society..."

Orion, wonders about Arianne's behavior:

"Charlotte told me that you were asking a lot of strange questions this afternoon... Most of them were about the church feast..."

"Yes, indeed! It is said that the most beautiful relics of the Church will be temporarily displayed during the celebration! Among these, priceless jewels will finally be revealed to everyone! I was delighted to discover them... But as the ceremony is postponed, I'll have to wait a while."

Curious, Orion continues:

"I didn't expect you to say that. Usually young women only go there to hope to see the prince."

"Really? Ahah. That's not my intention at all."

"Yet you seem to be made of the same cloth as these women..."

Arianne's thoughts:

"But why did I agree to enter his carriage?! He's as unbearable as his cousin!"

She answers:

"I'm sorry to know that you have such a low opinion of me, but that's no reason for you to be familiar with me."

"Please excuse my manners."

"That's better."

The carriage stops in front of the De Fiennes house.

The doorman opens the carriage.

"It was a pleasure to meet you." Adds Orion

Arianne, answers while displaying a grin:

"So do I. I will take my leave. Thank you for walking me home."

She's getting out of the vehicle.

"I guess I'll see you at the church celebration. Take care of yourself until then." Orion said to her, with a slight smile

"I look forward to it." She answers before she quickly moves away

The carriage leaves.

Most servants watch it walk away with a look full of administration.

"It's... it was the Absourg family's carriage?!" Requests the steward

"I think so..." Answers a servant

(...)

Arianne reads her notebook while sketching a smile.

"It seems that the next events will proceed as planned. That's good to know. All right! I'm exhausted!"

She falls into his bed.

The next morning, Arianne was woken up by a servant.

"Miss? Your new violin teacher has arrived."

"Hmmmm..... Yes, I'm coming."

The maid is leaving.

Arianne's thoughts:

"Strange.... I still haven't chosen a teacher yet..."

A few minutes later, she joined her mother in the living room.

"My darling. There you are at last." Says Arianne's mother

She gets up from her seat and presents:

"Do you already know Miss Lily De La Mare? Well, know that she's going to be your new violin teacher."

"I am delighted to be your new teacher." Add Lily

Arianne, completely confused, yells:

"What?!"