Louise picked up the card again to look at it. It was then that she remembered that the sculpting event was, in fact, her prize for the Musicale that she and Callum had won. She was a little disappointed as she had earlier believed that Callum was the one who had planned the sculpting event for the both of them so they could spend time together.
As she was having her hair fixed, she could not help but remind herself to not get too attached to Callum. Her disappointment this morning had shown her that she was in fact, becoming more enamored by Callum by the passing hour. It did not help that her body responded to him in ways she did not even think possible. It was almost like her body and heart were hellbent on being with him, even if it was against her will.
Soon enough, she and her family left their room for breakfast. In the room were other people, having their breakfast but Louise's eyes scanned the room, looking for Callum. She was disappointed when she did not see him.
She absentmindedly ate her meal while constantly looking up from her food whenever someone entered the room to see if it was Callum but she did not have so much luck. They no sooner finished breakfast when Aunt Theodora found her way to the Duke. Louise was worried that she still had not seen Callum by this time especially as he had never missed breakfast ever since the start of their stay in the countryside. Louise's worry led her to do something that she knew was not exactly wise.
She found the perfect opportunity to approach the Duke when he went to the breakfast table to get a slice of cake for Aunt Theodora. "Good morning, Your Grace," she said to the Duke.
"Lady Louise, how are you today?" the Duke asked, a pleasant smile on his face.
"I noticed that Lord Langton was not at breakfast today. I hope that he is all right," Louise said, even though she knew that what she was doing did not make any sense. The Duke did not seem impressed himself as he stared at Louise curiously.
"Is that so?" He asked, "You seem so interested in his whereabouts, My Lady. Is anything the matter?"
Louise quickly shook her head. "Certainly not, Your Grace. I was just wondering if he was well since...since we both have a sculpting event today."
She was glad that she had a ready excuse for her interest in knowing Callum's whereabouts.
"Sculpting event?" The Duke asked.
"We had won it during the Musicale," she explained.
“Ah." this explanation seemed to satisfy the Duke, "he seems to be busy this morning. He had earlier said he would be going out to get something."
"Oh!" Louise nodded, as she turned on her heels. The explanation was not exactly what she was expecting but she was relieved that he had not just decided to leave the house party in the middle of the night.
"Lady Louise," the Duke suddenly said and Louise turned around to face him, "I do not know what is happening between you and my grandson but I would expect that you do not be so expectant."
"Expectant, Your Grace?" Louise repeated.
"Indeed," the Duke replied, "I have tried to raise Callum into a noble gentleman. And it is in lieu of this that I am dedicated to ensuring that he gets married only to the best possible match. After all, he would be the Duke after myself and the children that his bride gives him would continue our lineage."
"I still do not understand what you are saying, Your Grace," Louise said. The Duke smiled.
"You are a vibrant young woman and I am certain that you would definitely find a man who would be willing to make you his bride," the Duke said, "however, that man is not Callum. It is his duty to continue this bloodline and as such, it is important that he keeps the bloodline untainted as it has always been for years. While I do not know how close you two have become, I would suggest that you do not expect that Callum would make you his bride, especially as you do not possess the needed requirements for a Duchess."
Louise nodded, dazed at what the Duke had said to her.
"I suppose that you understand why I am doing this," he said, "this has nothing to do with you. It is just the way things are in our family."
Louise smiled. "Certainly, Your Grace. I have no interest in marrying Lord Langton. You have nothing to worry about," she replied.You certainly have nothing to worry about especially as your Grandson has sworn off marriage.
Despite knowing that she could never be with Callum, the words of the Duke did not sting any less. This was definitely not the first time the old man would be reminding Louise that she could not be with his grandson and every time he said it, Louise could not help but feel like she was not good enough.
Louise's eyes watered but she quickly blinked the tears away.I should not even be hurt by the Duke's words. It is not as though I think I could ever marry Callum. And yet, as Louise walked away, she knew that deep within her, she was still hoping that she would somehow end up with Callum.
Several thoughts came crashing down on her. The threat of being thrown out that was looming over her family, the thought of yet again having another unsuccessful season. Despite that she had all these pressing and important problems, Louise was consumed only by the thought of Callum and the future that they would have had together if he wasn't so set on his ways to never get married.
Wham!
Louise felt her body collide with that of someone else and she slipped. She felt a familiar pair of strong arms catch her, stopping her from falling. Louise knew who it was before she even looked at him. And when she finally looked at the person that has saved her, she saw Callum peering at her, his eyes filled with concern.
"Are you well, Loui...uhm...Lady Louise?" He asked.
Louise could not help but smile in relief when she saw Callum.
She nodded. "Thank you, Lord Langton. I am well."
