*Pamella*

Lili looked so pretty dancing, I saw her smile at Duke Asmus. And when their dance was done others joined in to dance. I felt Marcus tap on my shoulder.

He cleared his throat when I looked at him, “Would you… maybe like to dance?”

I feel stuck in place, “You know, my feet are killing me, why don’t we just sit and wait for Lili?”

The smile on his face fell slightly, “Yeah, let’s wait for her… do you really think she wants to talk to me?”

“You hurt her feelings Marcus, and you’re not even that sorry about it.”

“Of course I’m sorry, I genuinely forgot. But she won’t even reply to my letters.”

“You only sent her one.”

“What?” his face turned to confusion, “That can’t be, I sent plenty.”

I purse my lips raising a brow, but the expression on his face is sincere, “You did?”

“Of course I have, but she just ignores me.”

I glare at him, “She would never ignore you. And she certainly didn’t lie to me, I saw the letter myself…”

“You saw that?” Marcus looked down at the floor, “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Not the point Marcus.” I press my thumb to my lips, “I think… maybe Clio took them.” Lili would definitely tell me if Marcus had sent her letters, and from what I´m aware there was just that one… and Marcus looks sincere.

“So Clio threw them away?”

“Maybe.” I’m not sure, looking back up at where Lili was dancing looking for her but seeing she’s still dancing with the Duke, “We have to tell her, this would fix everything, we’d all go back to spending time like we used to.”

“That would be nice.” Marcus said.

“Of course it would, wed go to the theater again, go dress shopping-”

“I hate going to get clothes with you two-”

“Lots of dress shopping, we would be the big three at parties again.”

“Well she’s engaged now, that would probably make us four.”

I look at Marcus, before going back to our table, “It would be perfect.”

“Maybe, depending on how much Duke Asmus minds her having a merchant and Baroness as friends.”

Hearing Marcus was making me worry, “… I’m sure Lili can handle him.”

“For you.” I see Marcus point at me, “She’d force him to like you.”

“No she wouldn’t-”

“Oh I know the tea story, so don’t you think that.”

So maybe he had a point, but both Lili and the duke are of the same status, it might not be that simple. Sitting at the table Marcus sat on the seat beside me.

“I trust Lilian would burn the world for you… for me… well, I’m as disposable as diamonds.”

I scoff, but wind up smiling, “You’re so dramatic Marcus.”

“Well she hasn’t worn a diamond ever since that last ugly necklace.”

“Hey, you hurt her feelings that time too. She had picked that necklace herself. I was there.”

“You’re always there, and it’s still ugly. I’m not sorry about that one, I wouldn’t have paid half of what she did.”

“Because you can’t afford it. Still, it was a lovely necklace-”

“It really wasn’t.”

“Marcus!” staring at him he crossed his arms, I started to feel people staring so I lowered my voice, “Lili cares about you very much, now she will probably come over soon enough. And when she does, everything will be solved.”

“Sure she does, she’s always so serious, it’s like she’s always going through bad news.”

“Not the time Marcus.” I stare at him spotting Lili in hand with the Duke walking over.

“I mean it, it’s the face people make when someone dies.”

“Stop it.”

“Maybe she’s still not over her mother.”

“Enough Marcus.” I glared at him as I would really hate to sour Lili’s mood. Turning to see Lili not far raising her eyebrow, getting up from my seat and giving her a small wave.

Marcus stood up soon after, locking eyes with the Duke, “Duke Asmus.” He said, “It’s a pleasure.”

The Duke spared him a glance before both he and Lili looked at me, “Miss Dusa, is this your partner for the night.”

“I am.” Marcus answered to which I stared at him, catching a glance of Lili staring at me, “I am Marcus Fritz.”

“Mr Fritz and Miss Dusa, care to join us outside for a chat?” The Duke asked, looking over at Lili.

“A friendly chat over some cake.” Lili said, looking back at me, “I’m sure that you’ll find the lemon cake to suit your taste Marcus, and I already know Pamella liked the strawberry one.”

“Oh i tri-”

I pinch Marcus walking past him, “This is so exciting Lili, you looked so pretty dancing.”

The Duke’s eyes were on me again, “I just hope I’m not a bother this time Miss Dusa.”

“Oh?” I was confused between him and Lili.

“Be nice Walter, Pamella is very dear to me.”

I could see the Duke’s eyes turn to look at Lilian, how they soften up. How he nodded, turning them both and walking.

Feeling Marcus nudge me from behind, “Let’s follow the pretty couple.”

Following them I noticed the way the Duke called the maids, waving them over and giving instructions before they all went along their way.

Lilian stood completely still and straight every time they stopped. I could see her close her hands and gently grab at her dress on occasions.

Marcus grabbed my hand, “Lilian seems happy.”

“Well she’s not.” I muttered , looking up at him before pulling my hand away, “ and why did you even tell them we came as partners?”

Marcus shrugged, “because we’re matching clothes.”

“But we’re not partners.” I noticed him frowning as we walked, “It’s Lili’s day.”

“You’re right.” he straightened up and followed along.

Seeing Lili sit down at a table outside I noticed how the Duke took off his coat and put it over her. I truly hope this all turns out well. Sitting across from them I felt kind of small. He’s a Duke, it’s never felt like this with Lili. But when I see Marcus sit besides me and look back at Lili I see something in her eyes.

“I’d like for you to stay tonight as a special guest Miss Dusa, I’m asking this as a favor for me, because I hope you can bring comfort to my fiance.” The Duke’s words were to the point.

“Of course, I’d like nothing more.”

“You don’t have to if you don’t want to, Pamella.” Lili’s voice was a different tone, her eyes stared at me before she looked over to the maid.

When I followed her gaze, it was the maid from earlier.

“I don’t mind Lili.”

Lili stared at me again, she smiled and turned her gaze to Marcus, “I haven’t seen you in a while Marcus, how are you?”

“All is well. I was hoping we’d get a chance to talk.”

“Really, about?”

Duke Asmus leaned towards Lili, quietly watching them much like what I’m doing.

“Well it’s about the latest drama at the theater, Pamella and I both think you’ll love this one.” Marcus looked at me, grinning wide, “You see the plot is about these two friends, they’ve been sending letters to each other but suddenly nothing, one of them sends dozens but they never seem to make it to their destination. Thinking the friendship is over the other friends turn their back-”

“That’s right, the friends grow distant but a mutual acquaintance learns of the misunderstanding and is trying to help.” I say, looking at Lili feeling my hands grab at the table cloth.

The Duke looks at us raising a brow, “Well… haven’t heard that one before.” He looks back at Lili, “Would you mind if I join you?”

Lili kept a straight face looking from me to Marcus, I raised my hand grasping at my hair a second before letting go, “Hm.” She turned to the Duke, “Honestly sounds like a ridiculous story. Marcus doesn’t ever pick the fun ones.”

“That’s untrue, i pick -”

“The worst ones.” I agreed, “nothing worse than the last one you picked.”

He pursed his lips staring at me, “Fine, but my taste still beats either of you any other time.”

The Duke laughed, “You all seem so friendly. It’s an odd sight.” He leaned down at Lili and whispered something before he got up, “I’ll see you then.”

“Of course.” Lili responded watching him walk away before the smile on her face fell and she glared at us, “Now you two… what’s this ridiculous play really about.”

“The fact is I’ve sent countless letters and you’ve not answered one.” Marcus started.

Lili heard him and instantly looked at me, “Really?” She waited for me to nod, “And do you think someone made them disappear.”

“I have reason to suspect Clio-”

“Watch your words Marcus.” She snapped before straightening her posture, “Clio is very close to me, I have little reasons to believe you over her.”

“Why would I lie?”

Lili didn’t have an answer, “It might have been a different maid, could have been the butler… father would have intercepted them before Clio ever did.”

“Well we can always check tomorrow.” I suggest, “Marcus can send another one, and we have a chance to see who’s behind it?”

Lili pressed her hands clasped, “Well of course.” She fell quiet watching Marcus, “If it does for some reason turn out to be Clio…”

“She must have a good reason.” I suggest, feeling Marcus stare at me and Lili glanced over, “She thinks of you as her own, but it could have been your fathers order.”

Lili nodded, “It’s very likely.” She crossed her arms and leaned back on her seat, “But I’m quite sure it must be someone else.” She looked away from us and at the maid, “You, come here.”

The maid hesitated before she stood before Lili, “Yes my Lady?”

“Go get me a pen and paper.” The maid bowed and headed out probably wanting to avoid Lili all together. Lili turned to look back at us, “Anything you want to say to me Marcus?”

He nodded, “I was stupid, and I was blinded with other thoughts. Truth be told… both your presents were a last minute idea. I should have been a better friend, and picked something better-”

“That’s where you’re still an inconsiderate and foolish man,” she pointed at him, “I’d be flattered to receive a doodle you could have made with charcoal.” Lili snapped, “but what you did-”

“I forgot you’re allergic.” Marcus raised his shoulders, “I forgot and I’m sorry, we’ve eaten pumpkin around you so many times how am I expected to really remember-”

I hit Marcus’ shoulder, standing up from my seat, “You’re a bad friend is what you are Marcus!” I turned and walked back inside, feeling my nails digging into my skin.

I feel my feet move, but honestly I don’t know where I’m headed. Angry, staring at nothing as I feel my blood boil. Amidst the music and noise, I can hear my heart beating, the rush, feeling it beat on my chest.

Sitting back at the table I was before, I grab a cake and start eating. Digging my fork and hearing it clank on the plate.

“Anything I can get you Miss?” A maid asked, holding a tray of drinks.

“Something hot, I’m cold.”

“I’ll be right back then.”

I push the plate back in line with the rest of the many dishes already on the table. Seeing the personnel come over and take the dishes. It felt like time was going at a snail’s pace.

“I was hoping to catch you alone.” I hear the voice of the Duke behind me. Seeing Duke Asmus sit on the chair beside me, his arms crossed.

“Yes?”

“I heard from word of mouth that you and Lady Sable have been long time friends, is that correct?”

“Yes, I’ve known her since we were children, our mothers were friends.”

“Oh, you must mean her mother, not stepmother then?”

“Yes.” I assure him again, “Naturally we became close, I know everything there is to know about her.”

He nodded while still holding his arms crossed, “Then, I hope you won’t mind when I come to you with questions. I’m very in love with Lady Sable, so… what’s her relationship with the Fritz man?”

His words sounded so cold when he mentioned Marcus, noticing how his gaze hardened, “we’re all old friends… we met Marcus over a decade ago, back then he was working in a shop with his father.”

“Who was he friends with first?”

“Oh.” I’m left thinking, “I honestly can’t recall.”

The duke stares, “I can wait while you try and remember.”

His gaze on e is focused while I am utterly stuck, “I’m really not sure.”

“Please.” He says, “Think about it a little, did he approach Lady Sable first?”

“Oh that. Well he worked at the shop, so naturally he did approach her knowing who she was. But becoming friends was without interest attached.”

“Then did he try and become friends with you first is what you’re saying.”

“Well.” I think hard back on the past, “I think Lili played a joke on him-“

“What type of joke”

Now I really want to just tell him she was being mean for no good reason.

“Oh she just… she sent him on a goose chase.” I honestly rather not mention her blowing up at him, “and I don’t know, things just turned out different and we started seeing each other often, that opened doors for his father and now we’re all together.”

He backed off, smiling again, “I’m sorry this must feel awkward, I just… have a feeling.” He stood up fixing his clothes, “please, enjoy the rest of the party and keep Sable company.”

I nod, seeing him turn and head back out, seemingly in the direction Lili and Marcus are at.