“Actually, I love wild flowers the most” Sage remarked with a sweet smile. “I'm honoured you remember my likings duke” the man looked slightly annoyed but played it off with a smirk “I see, a unique taste you have” Sage just smiled at him with a small nod. “Unique indeed.” They continued to talk some more until the gentlemen luckily left shortly after. Eventually they got the hint that Sage wasn't amused by them. And furthermore they quickly collected that Sage wasn't the obedient wife they looked for.

“Dreadful” Sage claimed with a sigh as they finally had left. Anis shot her a look but had to agree. “You are quite popular it seems” Fennel remarked, as rush of nervousness overcame him. Altough he didn't let it show.

Sage chuckled “not so much I'm afraid. But I don't need to be. I'd rather not be in fact. I don't like their false attention.” Fennel chuckled but nodded. “Smart girl, if I may be so blunt they are rather questionable gentlemen.” Sage grinned brighter, happy he agreed with her. Anis shot both of them looks, after all it wasn't proper to talk this way about fellow peerage.

“My apologies lady Downbrey. Anyway Lady Sage I have splendid news” he claimed with a very proud smile. “Remember the lovely cake? It's from Mary's family. They used to run a bakery but had to close a few years prior. Anyway I bought it and they will reopen in a few weeks time. We will have a lovely opening ceremony. Surely you will accompany me?” He looked at her with his big puppy eye. Sage could feel her heart beating faster, a sensation she wasn't sure how to feel of. He seemed to be a true gentleman but his heritage forbid her from falling for him. Or so she hoped, yet the drumming in her chest begged to differ.

“Of course, what an honour” Sage managed to stutter with flushed cheeks. Fennel looked slightly confused, not entirely understanding what she was blushing for. “Splendid, I will send an invention immediately once they are drawn up, oh that reminds me” he stood up and handed Anis the recipe he promised “I hope it's to your liking” Anis smiled slightly with a nod “thank you duke, I appreciate it alot” and with that Fennel sat back down again.

“Surely it's exciting to own a bakery yes?” Sage asked, she loved baking herself so it was something she cherished. Although unbecoming of a noble lady, she sneaked into the kitchen every now and then to bake with her maid. 

Fennel nodded “very much so, the first I own actually. I do own a few art galleries and museums. Running a bakery isn't entirely different but exciting nonetheless. Especially one from friends. I've always been on good terms with her family, it was such a pity when they closed. Unfortunately business was slow back then due to lacking connections. But I'm positive now things will be different” he tried to not put it bluntly but he was a duke after all. Most people will visit happily knowing it's his. A cruel world Indeed, but he was happy he could help friends by taking advantage of it.

“You own art galleries and museums? Why that's amazing. What kinds do you own? Anyway you must show me them” Sage was quite thrilled by his reveal, she loved museums and art especially. Helpless she fell more and more for him, against her better judgement. 

“But of course, I'd love to my lady. Different ones. I own several art galleries featuring different styles. I'm not sure what ar you fancy but one features paintings of landscapes. Very astonishing. Another is more focused on portrait paintings, also very lovely. As for the museums, the one closest is botanical based. My father had it built for my mother. Very lovely, I'm sure you will love it as well” 

Sage eyes lit up in excitement, she couldn't believe of all the museums he could own, it was botanical indeed. She had to take a breath to calm down. Being too excited wasn't ladylike, and she didn't want him to prey on her easily. “I love all sorts of paintings. For me it's how they make me feel. A longing? A memory? Happiness, despair? I'm sure I will love them just as much as you. As for the museum - well- you certainly are aware of my favour for nature. Attending your botanical museum is a must!” Sage looked to her father who was sitting in his big armed chair as always. He put down his newspaper and smiled brightly “well why don't we make this a family affair? I too would love to see the art gallery and museum. Anis?” He turned to his sister in law. “Mh sounds lovely indeed. I am free this Saturday?” She suggested and looked around between Fennel and her brother in law.

“Sounds splendid” lord Woodherl said and Fennel agreed as well “taking one carriage would proof rather difficult, why don't we meet at the museum first and then proceed to the art gallery?” Fennel agreed again “that sounds perfect, if you have pen and paper I shall write down the adress” a maid fetched both so Fennel wrote down the museums adresse. 

“What a splendid way to spend Saturday” Fennel claimed with a big grin and then turned to Sage. “Lady Sage I must apologise but I do need to go know, some things need to be settled still I'm afraid. But I will be back tomorrow, hopefully not running late again” he chuckled and stood up. He kissed her hand goodbye and left with that. 

“Lady Sage huh~” her father hummed as he proceeded to read his newspaper again.

Sage hissed slight at him with flushed cheeks. Anis just sighed. “If you keep hissing I'll spray you down” Anis -ironically- hissed at Sage. “A rather unpleasant development” she then mumbled. 

“He's a Duke and proper gentleman Anis, I don't understand your reservations” lord Woodherl replied truly not understanding her.

“You know why” she shot back “you know his uncle he is a very bad man” 

“Exactly his uncle's not he himself. Clearly he takes after his father.” He shot back as well.

“You knew his father?” Sage asked fairly surprised. Her father lowered his newspaper, a mix of emotions was seen on his face. He proceeded carefully. “...yes we were members of the same gentleman's club. A truly nice fellow. A pitty what happened to his family. I was always worried for that poor boy, his uncle is truly horrible. But luckily he turned out more than well. A truly heart warming outcome.”

“A truly horrible man Sage will be linked with, especially if Fennel dies before him-” Anis threw in “also perhaps this is just a charade, his uncle ordered him to put up. Who knows what that Bastard is up to”

“ANIS!” Lord Woodherl shot her a look but had to chuckle slightly. Her swearing every now and then was amusing. “Rumour is his uncle is sick, deadly sick so it's just a matter of short time. And as a possible widow she has more rights and privileges than now. So it will all work out. Not to mention that they will have a bunch of darling baby's amongst them an heir so Sage's role will be secured.”

“PAPA-” now Sage yelled with deek red cheeks. She had no intentions of having children, ever. The thought of it alone made her sick but her father talking about such intimate matters made her feel even sicker.

Papa just chuckled amused. “I doubt Fennel would ever listen to his uncle after everything that happened. And even so more, if he truly turns out to be a monster there are ways to deal with that. A widow isn't a bad thing to be”

Neither Anis nor Sage dared to say more so everyone proceeded with their day