The former Duchess of the Burton’s family was very sickly and spent a good portion of her time indoors. The very few times she had been able to step outside, was spent on admiring her favorite flowers, which were white roses. The Duke out of adoration for her, planted a garden full of white roses in her honor.
Fredrick used to talk about the rose garden often around Leticia. It was the very few things he was fond of, since it was the only remaining memories that he had with his mother who had passed a few years prior to his departure for the borders.
Leticia felt a strange sensation of guilt for making her way towards such a sacred place, as the cobblestone road that led to the greenhouse had split into multiple paths. The left led towards the stables, the middle was the cottage and the right would lead to the greenhouse. Leticia turned towards the right, as she made her way down the path towards the garden of white roses that were planted in the honor of Fredrick’s mother.
A small reflection of light from the sun had caught Leticias eyes, and she knew that her destination was nearby. The glass panels cut in multiple rectangles that was about 24 feet high and 46 feet long surrounded the green house, which allowed for the inside to be fully visible.
The Duchess had spent her final days here, from what she was told, and she stopped herself to admire the large building that had been built out of pure glass. Her hands slightly tightened around her sides, as she had to muster up some courage.
Back straight, head lifted up, and one more look over her outfit before she stood at the glass entrance where a small handle of glass was visible. She reached for it ever so gently, not to apply to much pressure but just enough to lower the knob to turn it. It made a small clink sound, and then it shifted, and unlocked.
Inside, was just as elaborate with a fountain as a centerpiece of what looked to be an eagle spouting out water. The sides were evenly spaced with different variation of flowers from sunflower, daisies and even lilies that too were white which were planted in a horizontal line. The vertical lines had some greenery and boxwood shrubs that were lined perfectly next to one another.
Towards the east was a table of glass that was rectangle in shape with several metal chairs that had been crafted by one of the Burton blacksmiths with an intricate vine pattern on top and a small curled bottom around it. It was simplistic, and fit with the scenery. Meanwhile, in the center was a person plastered out of place, a woman in a purple dress laced with fine jewels that befitted a person of high nobility. Her hair a dirty blonde that was tied up with flowers embroidered evenly around her head with a noticeable fan in her hand. It was the woman that had come to visit Fredrick, Lady Natalia.
Leticia looked at her for a short duration of time and envied her attire.
“Lady Natalia.” Leticia kindly gestured her hand out with those steady steps towards her and bowed out of etiquette, and the lady in return curtsied.
“Duke Fredrick.” She replied, while those cunning eyes peered at her, as to analyze her every movement.
Who was this lady, and why was she here to see Sir Fredrick?
Leticia gestured for her to sit and they both settled onto their seats across from one another. A servant just as she had requested, entered through the glass door with what looked to be refreshments and some snacks on a tea cart.
The servant who was not much older than Leticia had a subtle round face, pale in complexion, and short flaxen hair. His nose was slightly crooked, and his hands were thin and frail. He gave them both a bow and with his gentle hands, picked up the teacups made of porcelain and placed them onto the table. The teapot would be next with a very plain flower of red on its side as the only decoration. The remainder of the items were some simple biscuits and several variations of cake from velveteen, chocolate to vanilla. He would soon depart not to long after.
“It has been quite some time Duke Fredrick. I had heard you were not well, so I had come to pay a quick visit while I was nearby your territory.” The lady motioned with some concern displayed in her eyes. She slightly lowered her head to allow for her face to put on a show.
“I am thankful for your concern. I was not expecting any visitors, so I do have to ask what business do you have for meeting with me?” Leticia got straight to the point.
Lady Natalia lifted her head slowly to not disturb the flowers that had been pinned onto her head. She gave a small stare, before her hands grasped the fan of gold and silver on her palms tightly. She slapped it once. Twice and a third time. She then placed the fan onto the table and gestured that she would like to pour some tea for Leticia and herself.
Leticia gave her a small nod of approval, as she watched Natalia’s hand gracefully touch the porcelain teapot with her fingers and gently wrap it around the handle. She then lifted it up, and slowly adjusted it. Then cautiously stabilized it, before she tilted it just enough for the contents to pour in a steady stream from the opening into the teacups.
Once completed, she placed it back onto the table without a sound, and reached for her own cup. Her fingers were swift, as she tilted her cup just enough that it touched the tip of her lips and drank the contents while waiting for a reply.
She blatantly replied. “Our engagement.”
Letica who had picked up her own cup of tea, and had taken a mouthful stiffened, as she felt her stomach churn. The contents in her mouth would have probably made for a perfect fountain, yet she managed to keep it in. She forced herself to swallow and continued her stare for a while with a single word being, “What?”
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