Page 67 of The Thief
“I would request one thing though.”
At Antoinette’s questioning gaze, Scarlett explained.
“I have not yet told my mother, and Alastair wants to tell Lord Brannigan so I would respectfully request that you not say anything until we are able to let them know.”
Antoinette nodded.
“Not to worry, dear. I can keep your secret. I am excellent at it.”
Scarlett smiled back at the older woman, closing her eyes and leaning back in the chair as Antoinette called for tea.
Alastair stood waiting at the bottom of the stairs, waiting for his mother and Scarlett to come downstairs so that they could go to the ball. He looked at his pocket watch once more, already knowing the time but checking it anyways.
“You look lovely, Antoinette,” his father commented, his mother walking downstairs in a lovely sapphire satin gown.
“Thank you, Beau,” his mother replied, blushing a little at Beau’s blatant desire in his eyes.
He took her hand when she arrived at the bottom of the stairs, pressing a lingering kiss on the back of her hand.
“Mother, Father, the Kensingtons are in the parlor. If you would like to join them?” Alastair suggested, Lady Kensington calling for his parents to join them.
Alastair waited out in the hall for Scarlett to join them, anticipation growing as he waited for her to come downstairs.
When she hadn’t arrived a few minutes later, Alastair called for Bard, waiting for the old man to come see him.
“How can I help you, My Lord?” he asked, waiting patiently for an answer.
“Would you please go and check on Scarlett and Melody please? We are going to be late if we cannot entice the ladies to action.”
Bard hid his chuckle behind a cough and said, “I will see about the ladies, My Lord.”
Alastair nodded and watched him walk away, turning to go into the parlor.
He walked in and couldn’t help but notice that his mother and Scarlett’s father were both looking at him in a very curious manner. Walking over to his mother, he leaned down and gave her a kiss, whispering in her ear, “Is there something going on, Mother?”
She chuckled and whispered back, “I heard that congratulations were in order.”
Startled, he looked at her, wondering how she found out.
“Scarlett told me earlier on today in the parlor.”
He opened his mouth to reply and she shushed him.
“Now don’t get upset with the poor girl. It was my fault as I asked her what your relationship was. We are not blind, my darling; we can see the connection you two have.”
He stuttered and felt a blush rising up his neck to his face.
“I am happy for you and I think she is a lovely girl. I haven’t told your father as I was asked not to by your bride to be.”
With one last kiss, he stood, going to sit down on the couch next to her.
He sighed and poured himself a cup of tea and took a drink, relaxing, knowing that he would most likely be in for a bit of a wait.
Bard walked slowly up the stairs and headed to the princess’ suite, halting at the door and knocking firmly. The giggling he heard coming from the inside halted and he cleared his throat as Melody opened the door, holding her dressing gown closed in front of her.
“Yes, Bard, what may I do for you?” she asked, holding in a chuckle when Scarlett called something out from inside the room.
“Miss Melody, Lord Alastair would like to know if there is a problem. He has expressed that you all shall be late if you are not available soon.”
