Page 88 of The Fifth Life of Alicia
I was used to presenting things to judgemental people.
But this really was nerve-wracking. After all, it was my first-time meeting with the heads of Stein’s noble houses. It was imperative I made a good impression on them—even if I wasn’t going to marry Kalon, I didn’t want anyone to think he couldn’t pick a suitable wife.
So, I would be a capable fiancée until he met Lillia and my future became clearer, whichever form it would take.
“You did well.”
I screamed and grabbed onto Bella, almost tripping over her feet as I did so.
“Sir Hayes!” Bella gasped, gripping onto me just as tightly as I was her. “What are you doing?”
I flattened my hand to my chest. My heart thundered against my ribs, and it took me a solid minute to register his face as my adrenaline subsided.
“You cannot pop out of nowhere!” I said, glaring at him. “Where did you come from?”
“The meeting room. I’m sorry for startling you both.” He fought back a smile. “I thought you’d heard my footsteps, my lady.”
I released Bella’s arm and brushed off my skirt. “Well, you thought wrong. I almost died again there.”
“Died again?”
Bugger it.
What a slip of the tongue.
“I almost died once not long ago, so this is my second brush with death. They say the third time’s a charm, but I’d rather not put that theory to the test, if you don’t mind. Please announce yourself next time if you’re going to go creeping about the gardens.” I cleared my throat. “Aren’t you supposed to be with the Grand Duke?”
“His Highness is speaking with the other nobles and sent me away. I’m to go and rescue him in ten minutes.” He smiled brightly.
Ah.
That was smart.
“That’s a nifty little trick he has there,” I replied.
“Hayes, are you bothering Her Ladyship?”
Sir Hayes looked over my shoulder and suppressed a groan. “Hello, Father. What brings you out here?”
I turned to look at the older man with a short silver beard—Marquess Talwick, Hayes’ father. Also known as my number one hope for my policy.
Alsoalsoknown as a hot older gentleman.
Although I wasn’t going to voice the latter part out loud.
“I wished to speak with our land’s future Grand Duchess.” He turned his blue eyes to me and smiled warmly, bowing his head. “Lady Alicia, forgive me for disturbing you on your walk.”
“Marquess Talwick.” I returned his smile. “Your presence isn’t a disturbance in the slightest. Would you like to join me?”
“Very much so, thank you.” He fell into step beside me, and Sir Hayes and Bella kept one pace behind us. “I was very impressed by your presentation of the relief fund policy today. It’s something that Stein has desperately needed for a great many years, and for you to champion it so soon after arriving is impressive.”
“Thank you, Marquess. I’m flattered.”
“You’ve only been here such a short time and already are making changes for the better. How did you think to come up with such a plan?”
Ha.
It was commonplace in my past life, sir.
