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“No one can force me into anything,” he said confidently. “I agreed because I thought that you were rather bold and curious, and that I should like to get to know you better. Here. This is for you. After your outstanding show of dancing skills I assumed your plan would work and you would be showered in bouquets. I thought you might enjoy something a little different.”

Blushing deeply, Seraphina reached out and accepted the present. As she opened it up, the warm, delicious smell of chocolate greeted her, and she smiled. There in two little neat rows were four chocolates shaped like daisies. Coincidentally, her favorite flower.

“These look incredible,” she said with a smile, reaching into the box to delicately brush the tops of them.

“My sister says they are quite delicious,” Hugo replied, a half-smile forming on his face. “She would eat her weight in them if she could, I would imagine.”

Seraphina joined him in a soft laugh, and carefully sat the box down on a nearby table.

Her humor faded as she recalled the severe warning from her mother. She was not to entertain anyone with a trace of reputation.

“I thank you for the gift, Your Grace, and for your kindness,” she told him, growing uncomfortable. She hated being rude as much as she hated someone being rude to her.

“But, my mother is quite adamant about my courting requirements. I am not very well versed in your reputation, but I hear you are prone to isolation in Merrivale. I am sure you have your reasons, but I am only allowed to consider gentlemen who are regularly a part of the Londonton.”

She expected him to be offended, but he chuckled, and slid his hands into his pockets.

I see,” he mused. “We wouldn’t want to disobey your mother now, would we?”

Seraphina frowned, not appreciating his condescending tone.

“Are you making fun of me, Your Grace?” She asked, crossing her arms. “Well in that case I am certainly not interested now.”

“You have fire within you,” Hugo chuckled, shaking his head. “I quite like that.”

“Do not presume to know me,” she snapped back, “You don’t have a single idea of what I have within me.”

He then bowed to her formally, and when he rose again, his expression was most remorseful.

“Apologies, dear lady,” he said humbly. “Allow me a small conversation to sate my curiosity, and I promise you I will go.”

Seraphina narrowed her eyes at him and for a moment said nothing.

“Don’t you think it’s the least you do after using me as a pawn to gain your suitors?” He asked, his brow cocked.

Seraphina sighed, knowing that she owed him that much.

“Very well,” she agreed, “But please be brief.”

“About the dinner, Miss Seraphina,” Hugo went on, taking a step closer to her.

“Yes,” she sighed, blushing all over again, “I am once more so sorry for the play I forced you into.”

“I was going to say I have never had a woman approach me so boldly,” he said quickly. “Or so willing to converse with me. Let alone dance with me. I quite liked it.”

Seraphina felt a curious stir move within her as he said so, and watched as a warmth touched his deep green eyes.

“Yes,” she agreed, shifting on her feet as warmth coursed through her, “I have been told that you have quite the reputation.”

“So you have heard of it?” He asked. “And you are still before me and not having your butler lead me out?”

“Well I see no fangs or horns to speak of,” she remarked, looking him and down, “So already most of what I have heard is proven untrue.”

He chuckled.

“Your courage is nothing short of impressive.”

Seraphina felt the urge to squirm, unused to such compliments.