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“Of course,” Theo agreed, snatching Seraphina’s hand before he could change his mind.

“These things may take some time, though,” Rose insisted as they began to walk away with her, “We pray for your patience, My Lord.”

“Thank you,” Seraphina breathed as her friends pulled her into the hall.

“Are you all right? You look as if you are about to faint!” Theo said worriedly.

“You are positively flushed!” Rose exclaimed, “Did he not see how poorly you felt?”

Rose dipped her kerchief into her water glass, and began to dab it gently against Seraphina’s neck.

“I do not believe he notices much about me about all,” Seraphina replied, then pulled in a deep breath as she felt the cool water’s relief.

“He is a self-absorbed brute,” Theo hissed, beginning to fan Seraphina, “Your mother cannot possibly be serious about you marrying him!”

“I am afraid she is,” Seraphina replied, then smiled weakly at her friends. “Thank you kindly for the rescue. I needed it.”

“Of course,” Theo replied hastily, “We will always look out for you.”

Seraphina winced, knowing just how many things her friends could not rescue her from. It was not as if they could pull such a coup on her wedding day.

“We must get your mother to change her mind about this marriage,” Rose insisted.

“My brother told me more of the Duke of Merrivale,” Theo told her, “He has been a good friend to Tristan, and Tristan is adamant that he is not the man thetonclaims he is. Perhaps if we could speak to your mother we could change her mind about him.”

Helplessness spiraled through Seraphina. How she wished that were possible.

“My parents have made their choice,” she said weakly. “Lord Repington will be my husband.”

“Indeed I will be.”

All three of them jumped as they heard the Earl’s voice, and Seraphina forced a smile.

“Ladies,” he said curtly, approaching with his hands behind his back. “I trust your “issue” has been resolved?”

“Actually, My Lord-” Rose began to say, but Seraphina cut her off. They could not hide her forever, despite how she wished otherwise.

“It has, Lord Repington,” she replied. “Thank you for giving us the time.”

Martin gave them a stiff nod, and extended his hand toward her.

“Would you two give us a minute?” He asked of Rose and Theo. “I would like a moment alone with my intended.”

Theo and Rose looked at her worriedly, but she gave them a subtle nod.

“Your friends are quite rude,” Martin stated as they were left alone.

“They do not mean to be,” she replied, and Martin grunted.

“Nonetheless, they will not be welcome in our home once we are wed.”

Surprised at such a statement, Seraphina’s jaw dropped.

“My Lord, please, they really are quite pleasant-”

“You will not have time for friends anyway,” Martin interrupted, closing the space between them. “You will be far too busy with your husband and new duties.”

“You cannot ask me to give up my friends!” She insisted.