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With that, he scampered out of the room.

Finally, Edwin was all alone with the sisters.

There was a moment of silence as the sisters took their seats. Edwin, however, noticed that the youngest sister—Stella—was still staring at the floor.

“I got these bouquets for you two,” he began, handing the smaller bouquet to Stella and the bigger one to Ava.

Stella was too shy to even look at the flowers, while Ava only smiled politely.

“Thank you, Your Grace,” Ava said.

“Do you like the flowers?” he asked, in a bid to start a conversation.

He watched Ava nudge her sister, who perked up immediately.

“Indeed, Your Grace. They are beautiful yellow blooms.”

Edwin noted how mechanical she sounded, as though she had been trained to only say these polite things.

He finally took his seat. “Miss Stella, I am not quite certain if you are aware, but I am interested in courting you.”

That finally caused Stella to look up at him. However, the moment their eyes met, she looked away, fear evident in her gaze.

“I am pleased to hear that, Your Grace,” she mumbled.

“I believe you are the perfect match for me. After all, I am familiar with your family, especially since my friend, the Duke of Mayfield, married your sister. However, I think it is only right that I first ask you before I speak to your father.”

“Uh…” Stella muttered some words that he did not quite catch.

She seemed far too terrified of him to even string a coherent statement.

“Are you saying that you’re only interested in Stella because your friend is married to our sister?” Ava asked, her eyes flashing with irritation.

Edwin was not quite certain, but the way she asked the question told him that he had said the wrong thing.

“Not quite, Miss Jennings,” he replied. “I simply mean that I am already familiar with your family.”

“And it is because of this familiarity that you have decided to court my sister?” she pressed, her voice rising slightly.

“I suppose,” he relented. “I would rather court a lady from a family I am familiar with.”

“Do you not think that you are far too old for Stella?” She arched an eyebrow.

Edwin was taken aback. However, he maintained his composure.

“I suppose some might say I am, but evenyouwill agree that I am a good prospect for your sister,” he argued. “I have not seen other dukes lining up to court her.”

Ava blinked rapidly.

I seem to have struck a nerve.

“You should know that I am still the most eligible suitor for your sister.” His lips curled into a smile.

Her jaw tightened. “Perhaps my sister does not want you or any other duke?”

“Perhaps it would be far better if you let your sister speak for herself,” he retorted. “After all, she has debuted and can make these decisions herself.”

Her eyes narrowed on him, but he was not fazed. Instead, he simply turned to Stella, who looked ready to jump out of her seat at any moment.