All eyes were on him, lingering on the words that were soon to follow. Phyllis almost burst into a chuckle. The man truly knew how to capture his audience, she had to admit that.
Alexander continued with an exaggerated sigh, as he turned to her. “Miss St. Clair... I must offer you my deepest apologies for my behavior yesterday. It was, without a doubt, inexcusable, and I find myself deeply remorseful for any distress I may have caused.”
Phyllis did her best to remain grave, although every fiber of her being wanted to burst into a chuckle. Donning an expression of feigned surprise and slight fluster, she delicately fanned herself with a lace handkerchief, wanting to show him that she could play this game as well as he could.
“Your Grace…” she responded, her voice touched with a demure tremor, “I must admit that I was taken aback by your words and your behavior. I… I was not expecting that of you. However, I appreciate the sincerity of your apology. Any man who is able to admit he was wrong and ask for forgiveness is a man of refinement and class. Let us put the incident behind us and move forward amicably.”
The families, unknowingly drawn into the drama unfolding before them, observed with mild interest. The exchange of apologies danced on the line between formality and theatricality, a delicate performance designed to appease their audience.
In the midst of their carefully orchestrated charade, Phyllis and Alexander found themselves caught in a silent exchange of glances. Their eyes, brimming with amusement and shared understanding, betrayed the almost irresistible urge to burst into laughter. Yet, the watchful eyes of their families compelled them to maintain a facade of seriousness.
“I do believe that here, glances speak more than words do,” Leonard remarked, his tone light but with a hint of slyness. “I feel that there is a hidden sonnet in the way you gaze at my brother, is there not?”
Phyllis was caught off guard by this question, but it was obvious that it was mere teasing, without any harm meant behind it. She accepted the game.
“Mr. Gale, you have an uncanny ability to perceive the nuances of our conversation. Perhaps there reallyisa sonnet hidden in the depths of our exchange glances, but one must be fluent in the language courting to decipher it.”
At her response, everyone burst into laughter, including Phyllis. She couldn’t remember when was the last time she had so much fun. Was it the fact that she finally felt relieved of the burden of marriage and she could be herself around this man? She couldn’t quite put her finger on it, but it was turning out to be a rather amusing game.
Leonard seemed unfazed by the playful retort and continued to wear his mischievous expression when the onslaught of laughter subsided. “Ah, the complexities of courtship! A language I am not entirely fluent in, I must admit.”
“Much to my dismay, if I may add,” the dowager duchess surprised everyone with her own remark, which once again sent everyone into a fit of laughter.
“Well, I am not as good as my brother, but I do try,” Leonard said, glancing at Alexander.
“Your brother tries, and as you can see, sometimes his tries require an apology,” Phyllis teased.
Alexander seemed to have been taken aback for just a moment, but then he replied. “I doubt that Leonard even knows the meaning of the word apology.”
Leonard’s eyes widened in mock surprise, but it was obvious that there was no ill will behind Alexander’s comment. It was merely fun between brothers.
“I do, too, know!” Leonard exclaimed, pressing his hand to his chest theatrically, which made everyone chuckle loudly again. “Only mine isn’t as eloquent as yours.”
“I’ve read a few more books than you have, old boy,” Alexander answered playfully. “In fact, I think that even Phyllis knows where our library is, but you don’t.”
Leonard turned to her. “Do you?”
Phyllis nodded with a giggle. “I do.”
“Well then…” Leonard sighed heavily. “I am done for. I shall never get married.”
“Not if I can help it,” the dowager duchess decided to interfere, causing yet another bout of laughter.
Phyllis loved how everyone was able to forget the simple fact that they were here for something arranged, for something that was almost artificial. Still, the merriment that reigned within was not.
Phyllis found herself engaged in light-hearted banter with Leonard, whose mischievous wit added a touch of levity to the gathering. Alexander, with a regal yet playful demeanor, gracefully navigated the teasing remarks directed his way. The families, united by the shared joy of the occasion, exchanged friendly jests and humorous anecdotes.
The lilac-clad maiden and the charismatic duke, in the midst of their feigned courtship, joined the mirthful dance of words and laughter. Each jest, each playful remark, wove a thread of camaraderie that transcended the boundaries of pretense.
Under the shade of towering trees, amidst the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant murmur of the lake, the lakeside picnic became a haven of shared joy. If only for a few precious moments, she was able to forget about her burdens and simply enjoy the moment. Only, she feared that she might be enjoying it too much.
CHAPTERSIX
In the tranquil, but eventful days that followed, the halls of the Dukedom of Woldaves witnessed the harmonious progression of the charade. The following afternoon both families gathered in the lush gardens of the estate for a spirited game of croquet.
“Are we all ready?” Leonard called out to everyone who had been divided into opposing groups.
Upon everyone’s agreement, the mallets clicked against the balls on the pristine green lawn, creating a melodic rhythm as the participants strategized and vied for victory. Alexander watched everyone, but Phyllis the most. Things between them were strained still. Then again, how could they not be? Much to his surprise, the strategic nature of croquet allowed him to focus on the present moment, if only for a brief respite. He didn’t need to think what tomorrow would bring, or how he would handle the situation he found himself in. His usually stoic demeanor was momentarily replaced by a genuine smile as he enjoyed the game.
