A/N: Just a little incentive to enter the New Year with the right foot! I hope you have the most wonderful time possible surrounded by love and laughter and lots of champagne.

Any questions regarding my late absence, or the plot, or simple curiosity about anything at all can be PM'ed to me and I'll answer you guys.

Thank you for the patience!

XIX.

A loud crack startled Anastasia awake. The noise seemed distant, dreamingly even, and yet it made her slumbered body jerk in fright. Her eyelids were like dead weights but she tried to fulfill the dreadful task of opening them. It was painful, and when she managed to do so, an impetuous sheaf of brightness blinded her dedicated pupils.

Instinctively both hands covered her flustered face, trying to ignore the sounds, but when steps continued echoing through the room and more curtains flew open through the window's stanchions, welcoming the bright sun, she forced her upper body to lift. Slowly she decided to try and see who the intruder could be. Narrowing her eyes she adjusted her delicate vision to the sights.

A petite girl with pale blonde hair was fussing around the room, walking with evident rush, wagging her hands and tidying everything up.

"Who are you?" The Countess's voice was supposed to come out determined but instead a low whisper was all she managed to produce.

The little girl jumped in surprise, placing both hands on her chest.

"Good Lord!" She shouted. "You scared the hell out of my heart!"

After those exclamations left her mouth, the girl's eyes widen so much, they could almost fall out of her face. She blushed furiously and coughed embarrassedly.

"I-I… I mean, good mor… I just," Her words stumbled upon themselves, she was obviously uncomfortable. "I'm… I did not mean it, I'm so sorry my Lady it is just that I got scared and I did not… Please do not tell Ms. Anya, she would throw me out… I'm so sorry…"

Initially Anastasia found the little girl's confusion amusing. She was cute all flustered – thinking her informality would ever bother the Countess – but now, seeing her truly and well afraid, raised the need to put an end to the youngster misery.

"What's your name?" The brunette asked kindly.

The reaction was not expected as it didn't bring any peace to the frightened female. Instead she grew more nervous, wondering if she was going to be reported.

"Maud,"

"Are you from around?"

"Ireland, my Lady."

"Well then, Maud," Anastasia said gently, trying to smile the most generous smile she could manage. "Do not concern your spirits, I will not say a word to this Anya you talk about."

"Do you mean so?" The petite figure frowned unsure if what the Countess was saying could actually be the truth or just a trick.

"I do," Anastasia assured her of that. "I have no reason for it."

"Thank you, my Lady." Maud sighed, deeply content, clapping her hands in satisfaction. "I only got carried away, you scared my frail heart…"

"I understand it, it is acceptable."

The little girl smiled too, showing her yellowish teeth. The Countess did not care, though, as she felt somehow as if she had found a new friend. Her only friend, so far.

"I was going to let you sleep a bit further," Maud confessed resuming to her tasks and glancing back at the brunette sitting on the bed. "But I had to get things going because you were summoned."

Anastasia was feeling her body relax a little but after hearing those set of words, her attention peeked and she jerked up again. "Summoned?" She asked weakly.

"Oh yes," Maud continued brightly, shaking the dust of some lone cushions. "The King asked to speak to you."

"He… what?" Why would the King ask for such thing now?

A million thoughts raced through her head, had he found out about her indiscretions? About her late-night wanderings with the Duke? About her borrowed books? Chills rippled her skin in half and a panic began to rise within her. Would she be punished, accused somewhat of treason?

"W-why?" She muttered eyeing the empty space around her. Her sapphire orbits glowed with unshed tears of preoccupation.

The little maid got hold of the situation and dumped her utensils, almost jumping onto bed. She discharged the chain etiquettes and royalties and instead focused on assuring the beautiful girl – who had promise not to report her – that there was no motive to be afraid.

"Do not worry my Lady," Maud said cupping Anastasia's shaky hands on her calloused ones. "I am sure there is no motive to be scared, are you not here to find a suitable husband?"

Light stroke the Countess's eyes and she widened them too much for her own health. Could it be so? She didn't know if the prospect should be one of happiness or dreadful anguish. She gulped and tried to fake a smile. She couldn't let it show that she was already in love with someone. What would be said of her if it was known? And what would Christian, the Duke himself, think? They had shared marvelous moments together yet nothing could assure her that the feelings were reciprocal.

Anastasia got herself in a trance, her mind hovering high within the depths of her soul, her senses inebriated by the torture that was shredding her heart in half.

"Come," Maud helped her up with a subtle push on the back. "Let me help you prepare yourself."

The Countess complied, her body limp but with enough strength to recognize the necessity and urgency of what was demanded of her. Still, she was absent in spirit and didn't even notice when her little helper came around, lying softly all dresses on the bed. Her thoughts were everywhere, driving her insane.

"Which one do you want my Lady?" Only the worried edge of Maud's voice made Anastasia came back to reality. And it wasn't a pleasant one either.

Anastasia's emotions were all spattered across her soul and gazing down at the attires, seeing the simplicity and the non-fascination that her dresses held, made her heart leak and all her worries came to life. Silent tears begun running down her cheeks but it didn't take long before loud sobs gave her away too.

"Oh my!" The petite servant exclaimed placing both hands on her agape-mouth. She was clearly at lost but felt unexplainably close to the Countess and wanted to help her somehow. "What's going on, my Lady?"

"I… I can't…"

"Anastasia," Maud tried again, more intimately, trapping one of her companion's trembling hands into hers. "Why are you crying? You shouldn't be crying."

"My dresses, they're all so ugly," The Countess looked away from bed feeling both anguished and ashamed of herself for crumbling down for so little. It felt damned superficial and so immature yet she couldn't help it. "I don't have anything of worth to present to the King."

Maud frowned and came to a halt. She didn't thought the brunette's concerns were trivial, she was used to have royals fawn themselves over appearances, she just believed they were uncalled for. Watching with awe and admiration, her eyes swept through the Countess exterior, and she mused over her simple beauty. A beauty that lacked in many, a beauty that would allow her to turn everyone's heads around regardless of the outfit she was wearing. But still Maud didn't like seeing such kind creature depressed so she urged in to help the best way she could think of.

"That is not true," The maid hustled through the room and pushed Anastasia towards a bench, placing a blurry mirror in her front. "Look my Lady, I can ail you in that matter. What dress do you want?"

Anastasia's eyes snapped back to her maiden and though all she wanted to do was roll up towards the bed and stay put during the rest of the day, she tried hard to breakaway from any sadness. "What… What do you mean?"

At that Maud grinned, a deeply big smile that gave confidence to those who witness it. "I can sew! I'm mighty good at that too. I can work something very quick on your dresses, make them look different. It has to be simple as we don't have much time, but it can be done."

"That… That is very generous of you," The Countess said, again ashamed of her outburst. "But I do not want to burden you any more than necessary. I shall go with whatever I have."

"Oh," The servant waved a hand dismissively, the smile still perched on her small face. "It is no trouble at all, I like it. I assure you of that. I even preferred it to the household tasks I must do."

Anastasia quirked her brow looking suspiciously at her maid; she wasn't sure how much was true and how much was just to make her feel better. Either way she wanted to please Maud too, as she had been so kind, and if that was indeed genuine, then she would like to allow her some contentment.

"If what you say is the truth, then I agree to it." Reluctantly she nodded to her servant's plan, whom in turn clapped her hands and gave a little squeak of joy. Anastasia couldn't help but smile, she had been like that too, not so long ago. When she was in her hometown she felt fortuned for all minimum aspects of her daily life like a good day of sunshine, or a new book to read, or a peaceful walk with Mary.

Remembering Mary made her heart tighten even more and that brought back the promise she had made, the promise of fetching for her once she was established in life, and she truly wanted to do that because Mary was her friend and she missed her dearly. And if, indeed, a husband was found for her, then she would be able to bring sustainment to Durham and fed all the poor families who served the Steele lineage for decades. Yes, she would do that. She owed all of them to do that, and to be strong as well.

"Which one do you choose then?" Maud asked, unable to hide the excitement from her voice.

Anastasia whipped her head, examining all dresses, finally settling on a lovely deep burgundy one that had nothing of extravagant to it but her servant assured her that in less than an hour it would be a completely different outfit. The Countess sighed, but said her thanks anyways with a small smile on her lips, and returned to her own solitude once the petite helper went away to work on her dress.

Reminiscing on memories of home and her friend Mary, made her heart ache, but it also gave her the determination she required. She wouldn't flinch away or hide in shame. Anastasia was nervous – very much so – but she would face whatever matters awaited her with some dignity. Or at least all dignity she had.

Gazing around, her eyes fell upon the blurry mirror that sat in front of her, if Maud was sewing the dress the least she could do, to spare the kind maid of more work, was prepare herself. And so, with some dexterity, the frightened but determined brunette, picked up the loose strands of her long hair and brushed it gently, pinning it loosely up with the golden hair clip Mary had given her. She felt as it that tiny object was some lucky charm. And she needed as much protection as she could get.

All the while, she kept drifting back to the previous night's events, and her cheeks were on fire just recalling them. The kiss – her first kiss – made her heart race fast, her pulse quicken, her breathing erratic and her skin burn; she longed the touch of the Duke and she missed just his mere company. Developing such feelings was ridiculous and she knew it, yet, in the matters of the heart one's not fit to make such decisions, and her frail little heart had chosen to sawn over that man, a unreachable man for all matters.

After what felt like an eternity, Maud's smiley face peeked through the heavy door. She seemed pretty confident and that eased, if only a bit, the Countess nervousness.

"It's really good my Lady," She said excited. "Are you ready?"

All Anastasia could do was nod, and so with no further delays, the maid stepped inside the room closing the door with a loud thud.

"Oh my," She gasped with shock. Is that my dress?

"Do you like it?" Maud asked still happy, but wanting desperately her Lady's approval.

"It is marvelous Maud, thank you so much." Her eyes shone and indeed she meant every word. The dress looked nothing like hers. It had tiny beads sewed into the bodice making it glint with the reflection of the light, the old plain sleeves had been replaced by new ones made out of a soft golden fabric that contrasted with the deep color of the skirt and, finally, a flourished and equally stunning lace adorned the back of the dress in the same golden tone that went along with her hair clip.

It continued to be a simple dress, but it was a rather pretty and ravishing dress for its own simplicity. The neckline was shortened too and it showed more cleavage than Anastasia was used to, but it suited her so well, she couldn't pick that as a flaw.

The petite servant beamed with evident pride. "I'm so glad you like it my Lady, I tried my best, the time was little but perhaps in the near future I can work on some other dresses. I can pick up pieces of one and put on others."

"That would be wonderful and I would appreciate it greatly," Thanking Maud didn't seem enough. Somehow that Irish girl had managed to calm down Anastasia's nerves and made her content and excited about something. "You really changed my mood. I am glad you came to help me as I would have not made it without you."

The words were kind and strange to Maud, she wasn't used to have someone – and especially not noble ladies – praying her works but she found humbleness and sincerity in the Countess's tone. She flushed a bright shade of red and felt more valuable.

"That is so kind of you, and look at your hair, it is very tidy my Lady, it goes well with the dress."

"Yes," Anastasia said, admiring her reflection after putting on the dress. It did settle well in her body and somehow it helped her feel a little less nervous. "Well, then. Must I go to the King now?"

"Yes," Maud said with a small voice afraid she would upset her Lady again. She was very grateful to assist the Countess needs as she was fair and gentle and possessed a true heart. She wished for nothing that could distress her.

"Very well," Anastasia said with all determination she could summon. "Let us go then."

"Your Majesty," The man said, sure of himself, with confidence in his voice. "I am grateful for the opportunity."

"Is that what you really wish?" Carrick inquired with a quirked brow. It seemed strangely easy, yet he welcomed the prospect.

"It is." The man assured again, calmly, as if speaking to a child. "I believe it is time to settle down. I'll be thirty in a year's time. A family seems the right goal to pursue. Otherwise, what is it of a man without an heir?"

The King nodded in agreement, his thoughts wandering for a moment. That was true indeed and that also made him reflect on his own children and heirs. Absently he added, "You are very right."

Silence fell upon the room engulfing the two men and for some moments both were lost in their own musings. After a while, though, Carrick snapped back to reality.

He wanted to avoid touching the subject, partially because he felt that it could complicate his task if he brought that up, but also because it was bad taste for a king to fuel town's gossip.

Still, he couldn't help but mull over the fact that the rumors were shocking enough to make all men back-off except this one. And perhaps the Count knew about them – and simply ignored it as he was very strong in his wills – or perhaps, and since he had only arrived the night before, he had not heard of them yet. The King didn't wish to spoil the arrangement, but he didn't feel well ignoring those informations either, feeling as if he was hiding something crucial by not sharing it.

"I don't mean to probe but… are you aware of the rumors, Count?"

The man stood still for a moment as if measuring the question. At last he spoke, calmly as ever. "Yes, I am aware, indeed."

Carrick's eyes widened. "And it does not trouble you?"

"No, it does not. I am not one to be guided by faulty assumptions others make out of spike or boredom."

"Well, I am glad," And he truly meant it. Raymond had been a close friend and he wished to protect his daughter as much as he could while giving her a well suitable husband. "She is not ugly as it said. A little darker than what is preferred but her skin is fair and looks smooth with no spots or marks. And her eyes are bit too big and with a curious almond-shape that's almost exotic but they are kind and bright. She's clever too. It is a good match."

"I am aware. And glad to hear Your Majesty say so, I do believe your word for it, and I am sure I'll be pleased with whatever looks she has." The Count said sounding even more confident, if that was possible.

"I am glad, now please, I must tell her of your proposal and indeed she must be arriving. Perhaps I should talk to her first. Individually." The King wanted to break down the news to Anastasia alone as gently and peacefully as he could.

"It is a good idea Your Majesty as she does not know me yet and could grow nervous around me. I will wait in my chambers for today's festivities. I will meet her then." The man rose elegantly. He was tall and very well built, in a lean, masculine way. His hair was dark and richly thick, his eyes held a silent amusement hidden behind his mischievous green glint. "My King," He bowed and walked out of the door as quickly as possible.

In the middle of the hall the air seemed cooler, the stoned walls rebounded the brisk wind, and though the sun was high and bright it wasn't nearly as warm as the day before. Just as well, for physical activities too much warmth wasn't always welcomed. The man eased calmly through the passages but through his peripheral vision he saw a dark shadow moving along his, hidden between the high columns.

"I hadn't taken you for a voyeur." He called out in his controlled, cool voice.

A devious laugh reached his ears but he didn't turn or even glanced her way. The woman made her presence noticeable. "How did it go?" She asked, matching his quick pace.

"Like it was supposed to."

"Well, that is informative," She retorted dryly. One thing Elena hated was not being the one in total control. William was right, she wasn't a voyeur, her nature implied that she should be an active participant in whatever schemes she had. "Are you not going to meet your blushing bride?"

"I will. Later." William's answers were short and cold, he didn't wish to extend his contact with her for long.

Elena groaned. "Are you not going to share anything else with me? I was the one who advise you of this opportunity." She hissed angrily.

William stopped, Elena turned warily. A look of annoyance crossed his features and then his hand grabbed her arm and pushed her hard against the cold stoned wall.

"And, I am the one who can make anything out of the opportunity, so do not try to antagonize me in any way. Your attitude does not faze me in the least. You need me more than I need you." His voice was dangerously low and the Duchess couldn't help the shiver that ran down her spine.

She sneered trying to maintain her posture and hide her weakened power. "Have you forgotten what I did for you?"

William swept one last look upon her, and with a last disgusted glance, turned and walked away. Elena huffed to herself and stomped her foot on the floor harshly. A guard was passing by, he casted a worried glance towards her, but bowed politely and walked away. The Duchess wasn't known to be kind.

"The Countess of Durham, Lady Anastasia Steele." A servant announced as loud as he could without quivering his voice.

The King nodded allowing his guest to enter the room. The doors flung open and he watched with intrigue and awes the petite brunette that stepped inside the division. He was slightly surprised, she was said to be poor, yet she dressed beautifully in a simple but quite gracious gown. Her natural fairness was reinforced by the golden fabric she wore. Contrary to the last time he had seen her, she wasn't hiding feebly or looking scared, instead an air of pride swept through her body with each step she took and her chin was lifted safely high showing no weakness.

"My Lady," The King rose from behind his big, opulent table. A servant rushed to push his chair back but he dismissed the help with a wave of his hand. "I am glad to see you. You look… well and rested. I hope the chambers were to your agreement."

"Your Majesty," She bowed as graciously as she could manage. Anastasia was trying so hard to look confident but she was trembling inside, afraid of what was to come. "Yes, the chambers are wonderful." As the rest of the castle, she mused to herself.

"Good, good…" The King mumbled and walked towards her. He gestured for the Countess to sit in a rather comfortable looking armchair. She was wary for a moment but, fearing to be rude, nodded and sat quietly. "I have a subject I wish to discuss with you."

She nodded again, that much was obvious otherwise she wouldn't be here in the King's wing. "So I gathered." Her voice was strained; she didn't wish to talk much afraid she'd show just how fearful she was of this meeting.

"It is a delicate topic but one of joy." Carrick concluded, pacing calmly through the room. A smile stretched on his lips. "I miss your father." He spoke softly.

Anastasia stiffened, that was a sore topic for her. "I feel the same."

"I know," He stood in front of the table, resting his hand on its borders. "He was an amazing man, a good heart and a loyal soul. There are not many like that."

The Countess lifted her chin higher, feeling slightly insulted. "He was the best man I have ever known. I grieve deeply for him and for that reason I do not wish to exchange false sorrows."

The King was thrown back by the emotion on her voice he didn't think her capable of such ferocity. His eyebrows rose but he was too stunned to feel insulted. "Oh?"

She held her posture clenching her hands tightly to prevent any shaking. "If he was such a valuable man than he should have been more respected. Not banned from the Kingdom's womb. The Kingdom he died protecting."

Again this attitude threw the King off guard. He was beyond stunned now, he was simply shocked. With a distant look and a mechanical gesture he sent all his servants out of the room. Perhaps he should be alone with this girl. No, not a girl. Her posture was absolutely womanly.

Anastasia held her breath, she saw every person exit the room quietly and she grew anxious. Had she pushed too far? She was only standing her ground, she wasn't rude in any way, and she exposed her beliefs peacefully. Her father's honor meant a big deal to her and she would never allow anyone to pass over it. She may be weak and fragile when it came to herself but she wasn't feeble enough to let someone insult the ones she loves. Or loved.

The pair stood quiet for a while, none muttering a word. The King returned to his pacing, his head bowed, deep in though. After a while he looked the Countess dead in the eyes but, surprisingly, he had a small smile sprawled on his lips.

"You have his feisty nature too."

"I-I suppose."

Carrick nodded kindly. "You do. He was a gentle heart, too kind sometimes, but never when it came to his family or his friends. He honored his devotion. I can tell you are just the same and I am glad for it. It is a good trait to have."

Anastasia's eyes widened but she nodded absently. When she didn't add anything else, the King continued. "I am sorry for the way I handled his situation. Perhaps now I value it more, since he is gone. I do regret it. Some traditions are too deep rooted to be opposed to, but I should have handled it better. I have failed his loyalty and so I intent to do right by you. I do not wish to fail him a second time."

Tears gather at the Countess's eyes but she blinked them away. Carrick's words seemed sincere enough that she felt a pang of sadness deeply in her chest. She wanted to let her emotions spill, but remembering the shock that Lady Caroline felt when she cried in the Kavanagh household, the first day she arrived, made her stop. It was unlady like, Caroline had said.

Again silence. Anastasia wasn't sure of what to say. And in reality she was afraid of what she could say at all. The King was silent for a moment too, reminiscing on his own memories, with a frown craved in his features.

"That is why you are here," He exclaimed after a while, another smile set by his lips. "I have a suitor for you."

Time stilled for a moment, her heart launched fanatically on her chest, her blood drummed loudly on her hears, her throat tied in knots, the air too thick to reach her lungs. With effort she squealed, "Whom?"

"It is a good match," He spoke gently, his eyes wrinkling with sympathy. There was only one good match she could think off. Could it be him? "It is Lord William Darby, the Count of Rochester."

Dizziness took over Anastasia's body, she felt her head swing. It wasn't him, she grimace internally.

"Are you not happy?" The King asked frowning at the petite brunette's reaction. "It is good news to have. You may have a bright future after all."

Her bile rose to her throat, but reluctantly, she pushed it back. "Indeed. Will I have to marry him right away?"

Carrick quirked his eyebrow, he wanted to study the Countess reaction, but it was being hard since she kept a closed off expression and her attitude was not what he was expecting. "No… No, not right away. He is only a suitor. Until the end of the week it is my compromise to keep you here, under my wing and protection. If another interested man comes along, I will see fit their intentions, and measure who is best for you."

Anastasia flinched in her seat. So it was going to be others deciding her faith, after all. The King saw this reaction and decided to please her.

"But if that case arrives, it will be your decision that settles the ordeal. I can only advise you on what it is best for you but not force you on any particular way."

She sighed, a bit more relieved. Perhaps not everything was lost but so far she had only one suitor. One she didn't know about. "When will I meet him?" She asked though she wasn't really sure she would ever want to do that.

Carrick clapped his hands and rubbed them together. At last she was showing interest. It was just the shock, he thought, she wasn't used to this way of life, and things had changed so drastically for her since she arrived here, it was natural that she was still apprehensive about it all.

"Later. During the festivities. Lord William was very sensitive about your needs, he thought it would be fit for us to talk alone first, before he imposed his company on you."

So he will be imposing, Anastasia mused. But she quickly pushed all those thoughts aside. It wasn't good to think like that. Lord William might be a good man indeed. Just not the man she longed for. She sighed again. "Is that all you wanted to talk to me about, your Majesty?"

"Well, yes. For now that is all."

The Countess stood up quickly, nodding and walking towards the door. With a stiff bow she left the room. It was cold outside but she welcomed the breeze, it was too hot in the King's chambers, she felt like she had been suffocated. She didn't know what to do, she wanted to cry and scream, to run and hide, but mostly she wanted to see Christian and hear whatever he had to say on this matter. She trusted him.

A shadow emerged from the columns. Anastasia jumped in surprise and fear but soon breathed a sigh of relief when she recognized the figure.

"How did it go my Lady?"

"Good. I suppose." She answered strained. Maud smiled and nodded, she was kind and caring. Even though she wasn't the one Anastasia really wished to talk to, the servant's company was better than no company at all. Being lonesome would be too painful at this point.

"Have they found you a husband?"

"A suitor." Anastasia corrected, as if that made some big difference. The servant frowned and tilted her head.

"What does that mean my Lady?" She was being curious but her voice held nothing but genuine interest.

"He is not my husband yet, only an interested man, I believe he made a proposal to the King. I will marry him if others don't come up." Not others though, just one other in particular.

"Oh," Maud's eyes widened while she learned all the information. The royal's life was full of little quirks and rules she didn't understand but liked to learn about nonetheless. "And who's the suitor?"

The Countess stopped and sighed heavily. She turned to her companion. She really wanted to talk and the little maid seemed to truly care so could there be any harm in it? She decided it couldn't. "Lord William Darby, Count of Rochester. Have you heard of him?"

"No, I'm not working in the Court for long, so I don't remember ever seeing or hearing about him. But I can ask others about it, if you'd like me to." The petite blond seemed so eager to be helpful in any possible way that Anastasia couldn't help but agree with the offer, curiosity taking the best of them. "Was there another person in your mind my Lady?" Maud was observant and clever for her small status, she could tell something was troubling the Countess, and she bet it had something to do with the suitor assigned for her.

"Huh?"

"To be your husband my Lady." Maud gave a kind, knowing smile. "Could you be interested in another man?"

Anastasia blushed, she had been caught. "No… I-I mean it is a foolishness,"

They resumed their walk in silence but suddenly the maid stopped, placing both hands on her mouth, releasing a small gasp. "Is it true then? The rumors are true?"

The Countess gave her a puzzled look, "Whatever do you mean?"

"Is it the bastard..." She didn't get to finished her sentence, Anastasia interrupted her sternly.

A wave of rage invaded the brunette's body. How dare anyone, and especially commoners with no better reputation, to speak ill of Christian. "Do not address him in such manner." Her tone was cold and crisp, and it put a stop to Maud's ranting.

"You must be really special then." The servant said after a moment of silence.

Anastasia finally stopped, turning around warily. She wasn't sure she had heard well.

"If the bast… I mean, if Lord Christian, is showing interest in you then you must be truly special." Maud continued with a glint in her eyes and a small smile on her lips. Somehow she was pleased that her Lady was so striking that she managed to warm even the coldest of hearts. "He has never shown any inclination towards any lady, and we receive many ladies here in the court, and especially never sent gifts to anyone. He is very private in his affairs. If he's been kind to you, then perhaps that means he'll present a proposal… to marry you too."

Heat swept through Anastasia's body, her whole skin growing warmer. That had to be what she wished the most in the whole world. "That-that means nothing…" But she hoped deep down that it would mean something.

"Oh but it does, he is probably smitten by you!"

"You-you could not know," Anastasia was stammering on her words, her heart swelling. So far she believed everything was happening only in her head. Her feelings were strong, but she couldn't be sure if it could be reciprocal because she couldn't see straight when thinking with her heart, but now, hearing someone else sharing the same hopes, it made her much more relieved.

"But it must be, and why wouldn't it be?" Maud insisted, the glint in her eyes brighter. She was a hopeless romantic and a good judge of character, regardless of her young age. "You are beautiful and intelligent and delicate and sensitive. Other ladies around here don't possess such grace. It's what makes you different."

Anastasia heart flared. If it was in a good or bad way she didn't know. She only knew that it was beating away in her chest so hard it would probably bruise, and yet she didn't mind, a new sort of hope was spreading along her body, making her limbs wobbly and her breathing irregular.

If only things would be so simple. She would be the happiest woman alive.