He was surprised to realize how much he enjoyed the art of conversation that went beyond the constraints of their ruse. He had no idea what the following month would bring for them both, but he was now even more eager to find out.
CHAPTERFIVE
Alexander couldn’t tell if it would be a good idea or not, but he decided to do it, nonetheless. After all, Phyllis would only be here for a few more days, and for some reason, he wanted to make their stay here memorable. Because, as she said, her father might invest in his business, and that would make Alexander one step closer to saving his family’s name in this dire situation. It, of course, had nothing to do with Phyllis herself. It was her father that he was trying to impress.
That early afternoon, under the expansive azure sky, Alexander orchestrated a picturesque family outing, a serene day by the lake that bordered his vast estate. The sunlit meadow, adorned with wildflowers, served as the canvas for a carefully planned picnic, an idyllic setting for the performance he and Phyllis had agreed upon.
“My goodness, this looks lovely!” Phyllis was the first to speak when the two families had arrived at the designated spot.
A patchwork blanket, adorned with delicate lace and frills, was spread over the grass, becoming the focal point for the picnic. Silver trays held an array of delectable treats - dainty finger sandwiches, succulent fruits, and pastries adorned with powdered sugar. Crystal goblets brimmed with chilled lemonade, its sweetness cutting through the warmth of the afternoon.
The lake, a shimmering expanse on the edge of the estate, provided a serene backdrop. Graceful willow trees, their branches trailing in the gentle breeze, cast dappled shadows over the water’s surface. A rustic wooden boat gently rocked at the edge of the shore, a picturesque addition to the peaceful scene.
“Alexander, my dear, how kind of you to arrange all of this,” his mother said gently placing her hand on his shoulder. He smiled in return.
He glanced over at the others. Everyone was in awe of the sight, exactly the effect he had been hoping for. The two families arranged themselves gracefully on the patchwork blanket, sitting in a semi-circle. As the families engaged in polite conversation, a few gardeners, clad in earth-toned livery, passed by. Alexander noticed them immediately.
“Excuse me for a moment,” he told everyone, getting up and strolling over to the gardeners.
“Your Grace,” the men immediately bowed upon seeing him.
“My good men, you have truly outdone yourselves with the new part of the garden,” he told them, his words uttered with genuine warmth and appreciation. “It has turned out to be a true masterpiece.”
“Your Grace is too kind,” one of them replied on behalf of all.
“No, no,” Alexander shook his head. “Your hard work and dedication to your craft does not go unnoticed.”
“Thank you, Your Grace…” Now, all the men murmured their gratitude.
They exchanged a few words about the intricacies of the landscape, the choice of blooms, and the delicate balance between nature and artifice. After this short exchange, he sent them on their way, returning to the family gathering.
Much to his surprise, Phyllis seemed to have overheard his conversation, because she cheerfully inquired about the new part of the garden, with her eyes alight with curiosity. He wondered if this was part of their plan or if she was asking because she was really interested in it. For a moment, he believed it was the latter, but he quickly came to his senses. She was merely pretending, just like he should be doing. So, he played along, just as they had previously agreed.
“Miss St. Clair, the new section of the garden is a horticultural masterpiece, a testament to the artistry of our skilled gardeners. We’ve introduced a variety of exotic blooms, carefully selected to create a vibrant tapestry of colors and scents.” It was easy to sound ecstatic regarding this because he truly was. Seeing she was listening with keen interest, he continued. “There’s a charming labyrinthine pathway adorned with climbing roses, leading to a secluded alcove surrounded by fragrant lavender bushes. It’s a tranquil retreat, perfect for contemplation or intimate conversations.”
“The perfect spot for a solitary moment with oneself?” she asked, teasing him.
He resisted chuckling. “Yes, exactly.”
“It sounds lovely,” she smiled in a way he hadn’t seen her smile yet. And strangely enough, he wanted to see more of those smiles.
The exchange, seemingly centered on the intricacies of the garden, served as another layer of their shared performance, a dance of words that wove them deeper into the tapestry of their feigned courtship.
“Alexander has ordered for it as means to escape us,” Leonard chimed in, much to everyone’s delight. “But as you all know, you cannot escape family!”
This comment caused a burst of laughter from everyone involved. Alexander, while caught in the same throes of amusement, couldn’t take his eyes off of Phyllis. Unrestrained in her laughter, she looked like a vision in lilac, as the soft fabric of her gown nestled around her curves. The delicate hue she had chosen only seemed to accentuate her porcelain complexion, which she kept concealed from the sun with a bonnet of the same color. Everything about her had that natural air of elegance he had rarely seen in a woman, and with her, it seemed to define her very presence.
* * *
Observing Alexander’s interaction with the gardeners, Phyllis couldn’t help but be struck by a side of him she hadn’t known before. The genuine kindness he exhibited, the care he took in ensuring the beauty of his home for everyone, revealed a depth of character that transcended the duties of a duke. The warmth she could see in his eyes was something she did not expect. He was usually serious, so seeing his eyes light up in the way that they did proved to her that there was so much more to this man. She wondered how such a cold man could appear so warm.
Her eyes, tinged with a newfound appreciation, followed his movements with a sense of fascination. In those moments, Alexander transformed from the enigmatic duke into a man intimately connected with his estate, a steward of both nature and tradition.
Phyllis marveled at the delicate balance he maintained between aristocratic grandeur and an earnest commitment to the well-being of his surroundings. This unexpected glimpse into his world elicited a quiet admiration, stirring a subtle shift in her perception of the man she was meant to pretend to court. As the lakeside picnic continued, Phyllis found herself contemplating the layers that composed Alexander’s character.
Shortly after, as the tea was being poured, the air thick with the fragrant warmth of the brewed leaves, Phyllis and Alexander exchanged a furtive glance. It was the cue for the next act in their carefully orchestrated performance.
Alexander, taking center stage, cleared his throat with an air of contrition. “With all of you here, I believe this is the perfect moment for me to say something.”
