I leisurely descend the staircase with my arm linked around my best friends Eliza and Diane. We follow the laughter echoing from the parlor. We took small steps as we continued to discuss the details of our dresses for the upcoming ball, and when we reached the entrance to the parlor we stopped. The parlor was empty except for the usual items, but what caught my eye was the single round tufted emerald green chair sitting in the corner of the room by the dark cedar-wood bookshelf. Its diamond buttons and golden legs shone brightly as the sunlight crept across its velvet bodice. Its lining was stitched with golden thread, and It shimmered under the cascade of lighting from the sun, it was magnificent. Its fabric was free from dust as if it was cleaned recently, and knowing my mother it was due to her overworking the staff to suit her high maintenance.

        I take a seat on the marvelous chair and sigh in relief. It was comfy. I glide my hands across the fabric, and it is smooth under my fingertips. As the scent of vanilla and strawberries floats from the chair to my nose, I realize this chair was for me. Eliza and Diane stand at my side, and admire the beauty of the chair. Footsteps sound in the parlor, and my father and the Duke enter hurriedly. They are whispering something I can not make out, and before I try to strain my ears to listen in they notice me.

        My father smiles and nimbly walks over to me. "Good afternoon, Eliza, Diane. How are you two?”

        “Good Afternoon, Sir Devereux. I am doing excellent.” Eliza beams.

        “I am doing fantastically Sir Devereux.” Diane speaks as she searches the bookshelf for something to read.

        “Fantastic. My dear Rose, how do you like your chair?"

        I smile. "I love it! It is beautiful, and has my signature scent."

        “It is all yours my darling.” He smiles and pats the Duke on his shoulder proudly.

        "Miss Devereux, it is delightful to see you this morning." The Duke smiles, and I can not help smiling back.

        "Good Morning, Your Grace. We were just on our way to the kitchen for our afternoon tea and some cakes. Would you like us to send the servants while you conduct business?" My father sighs and gives me an amused look.

        "I am not here on business at this moment. Shall we have the servants bring your tea and lunch here? You could enjoy your chair and I could keep you company so you won't be bored." The Duke winks at me.

        I open my mouth to respond, but Eliza speaks ahead of me. “She would love that. Diane and I will send the servants on our way out. We shall see you at dinner tonight. Good day.” She plants a kiss to my cheek and smiles at my father as she drags Diane from the room.

I glance at the Duke in bewilderment as he smiles at me. I stand and search the bookshelf for my favorite book, Villette by Charlotte Bronte. I sigh delightedly as I pull it out from where I hid it upon my arrival, and once again take a seat in my new reading chair. I have read this book several times, and each time it brings me happiness. I pay the Duke no mind getting lost in the words on the old stale pages. I begin to read the first chapter as the Duke quietly grabs a book as well. I am well into the second chapter when a servant returns carrying a tray of sweets for two. I place down my book and turn to the table in the corner next to my reading chair. The Duke joins me and we quietly eat our strawberry cake tarts. My father busies himself with something at the parlor desk, but I steal a glance at the Duke. When I do, he is already staring. His eyes moved to the book I placed on the center of the table.

        "Were you always a romantic Miss Devereux?" The Duke speaks softly.

        I stop eating and  steady my gaze at him. "I believe I have. Are you a romantic?" 

        "I believe there's someone for everyone, but I would not call myself a romantic." he laughs. 

        I look to my father and he is studying us closely. I scoff. "That is sad, Your Grace."

        "On the contrary, Miss Devereux, it is not so bad. I believe a certain lady could change my mind." he smiles triumphantly.

        "Is this the same lady you mentioned at the Quill and Egg?" I inquire.

        He nods considering his next words. "Yes it is. I have decided to know more about her. Her family are close friends it turns out."

        "Hmm, did you know this beforehand?" His face is blank as it searches mine.

        "Perhaps. I had an inkling." I close the book loudly and stand.

        "It may be wise to let her know before you get better acquainted." I take a deep breath.

        "I did not want to frighten her. I thought it was more important to know her than anything else. Did mull things up?” He moves closer, but not too close.

        I sigh. “I can not say. I know not who you speak of." I clamp my mouth shut to keep from laughing. 

        "Well let me be quite clear. The young lady I speak of is you, Sabine Devereux." He smiles, and our eyes connect.

        "Your Grace, I am flattered, but…” He interrupts me. 

         He stands and turns to my father. "I would like to promenade in the gardens with Miss Devereux. Do you mind Sir Devereux?" 

        I look at my father and he sighs. "You may, but be careful with my Rose. She is dear to me."

        My stomach flutters as he holds his hand out to me. It was his way of asking me and letting me decide. “Would you join me for a promenade in the gardens, miss?”

        I hesitate for a moment before grasping his name and nodding. “I should like to join you, Your Grace.”

        A few minutes pass before the Duke and I reach my Golly tree. I sit next to him, and again we sit in silence before I turn to him.

        "So how long have you known my brother’s?" he stays silent and I do not say more. 

        After several minutes he finally speaks. "I have known them since I was thirteen. Sam and I are best friends. I am sorry I did not tell you before."

        "It is quite all right. Is… is all of the gossip true?" I ask softly. “Diane and Eliza told me things…rumors that have spread. Is there truth to them?” I study him and wait for his answer.

        "Yes I'm afraid so, Miss Devereux. I have a checkered past. I do not wish for it to hinder me any further. I want to move on from it all, and start anew." He stares at the grass.

        I am surprised by his revelation. "Might I ask what happened?” 

        He nods before speaking carefully. “My father passed two years ago, making me an extremely unprepared and grieving Duke. I spent the first year of my Duke-ship mourning and drowning my sorrows in bourbon and women of all sorts. Married, widowed, and several young ladies who have been scandalized. I fell so behind on the estate that my mother became ill from the stress. In fear of losing her, and ruining my father's name any further, I turned over a new leaf. I am just getting things back on track, and I want to meet a like minded person. I can not afford to get side tracked, and fall behind again. I rather hate being alone, and I have had plenty of secret rendezvous to quench my insatiable hunger. It is time for a change." I ponder on the information for a few moments.

        "I thank you for your honesty, but I'm afraid of what this means." he glances at me confused.

        "I am not sure I understand your meaning." he searches my face.

        "You shared something personal, and we both know a bit about each other. I have sympathy for your situation, and I find you moderately agreeable." I explain.

        “Noted, but what does it mean?" He asks, confusion etched in his handsome face.

        "We have just become friends, Your Grace." I smile.

        “Just friends?” He questions

        “Yes. We shall see where things go from there. Do you accept my offer?” I nod.

        He ponders for a second before smiling at me confidently. “I accept your challenge.”

        I roll my eyes back in response. "Please do not flatter yourself, Your Grace." 

        He laughs lightly. "Please call me Elijah. Only call me Your Grace in public." 

        I nod in agreement. "Only if you call me Sabine. Leave the "Miss Devereux's" for the public eye as well." I smile at him and he hides a smile from my view.

        "Then it is agreed, my friend Sabine." he stands and holds his hand out to me. "Shall we go for our tour of the garden?"

        I nod. "I would be happy to show you around, my friend Elijah."