Tamed by Mr. Henry

Mirabeth's mourning period was over. Now, she has followed the season she was supposed to attend last year. In every party, her dance cards are always full, even many gentleman who don't get a turn. Almost every day a party invitation came to her. The party will always be lively with Mira's present, because even the single man who lives in the cave will come out to the party if he finds out that Mira is coming. Her pale white skin, full red lips, big blue eyes surrounded by thick and thick hair, long neck, naturally beautiful curves without a corset, also curly brown hair in a bun made Mira praised as having the beauty of a forest elf. If only Mira had a dowry, she would have accepted the proposal from the first day of the season. However, the late Duke of Wellington's penchant for gambling and drinking, bankrupted the Mira family. Mira sat in the library staring at the parchment containing her family's financial records. Their money is running low. Their land in the village has also been sold to cover their debts and daily needs. Last week, her mother even sold their horses including Mira's favorite horse to buy a dress for Mira to attend the party. The low prices of wheat and corn and the frequent crop failures contributed to the loss of the Mira family. Not to mention that many farmers who used to rent their land chose to become factory workers or migrated to America, which they considered a free country. "Mira!" A boy's voice made Mira turn her head. William, Mira's youngest brother, was standing not far from her. William was the only son the family had. He was ten years old, and would inherit the title of Duke of Wellington once he entered adulthood. However, what is the meaning of a title without the money he can inherit. "Mama called you, she said help her find Adeline," William said. Mira exhaled roughly, while massaging her temples slowly. Adeline is Mira's first sister, only two years apart from her. If Mira is a symbol of noble female elegance, then Adeline is the opposite. The girl was a tomboy, unruly, loved swords, horses, and archery which were more suited to men. "That kid, we don't have a chef now and she just keeps getting into trouble," Minerva--Dowager Duchess Wellington--continued to grumble. "This is all because Mama sold her favorite horse," Mira defended. "We need food and a dress for you Mira. We can't possibly go to a party in old dresses. You won't get a suitor with good prospects if you look bad." Mira snorted. "Everyone in London knows our family is broke, Mama. No matter how good my dress is, they won't propose to a girl without a dowry like me." Minerva was silent, inwardly confirming her eldest son's words. The Duke's mounting debt cost them a precious treasure. Mira got many offers, but only as savings. "I don't want to marry just any man either, Mama. I'm only going to marry a man I love and love me. I don't want to live as a lustful wife and child-printer for a masher." It is no secret that noble men only make women as bed warmers, housekeepers, and caregivers for their children. Once they are bored, they will go to brothels or have mistresses. "That's our destiny as women, Mirabeth Austen!" Minerva snapped, "you better find Adeline now, before she makes a fuss and tarnishes our family name. Next year she will start entering the season." "Call Mr. Gustav with you," said Minerva before Mira left. Mira came out of her estate at a brisk pace, putting aside the proper manners of a Lady's walk. Mr. Gustav followed him with William. They headed for the forest not far from that place. In the forest there is a river that was a place for Mira and her sisters to swim as a child. "Lady Mirabeth," said a man in a white long-sleeved shirt and a spotted red cravat on his horse. "Lord Malton." Mira bowed slightly to greet the man who had jumped off his dashing black horse. "You look very rushed." William who was held by Mr. Gustav spoke up, "We're looking for Adeline who ran away." Mira turned to her little brother, glaring as a sign for William to shut up. "Then may I help you to find her," offered Lord Malton. Lord Malton was the second son of Earl Winchester. Tall stature, black hair, and brown eyes. Mira got on well with Lord Malton because their estates were close together. "Oh, thank you, My Lord. But we better not disturb your riding," Mira declined politely. "Excuse me, My Lord." Mira and the two people who accompanied her continued their journey. Sure enough, Adeline was at the river. She sat on a rock, hugging her knees. "Adele!" called Mira, making the summoned girl turn around. "I don't want to go home if that's what you came for, Mira." "Don't be so stubborn, Adele! Let's go home!" "I don't want to go home until Luca comes back." Luca is Adeline's Arabian stallion. The last horse the late Duke bought for Adeline before he passed away. Mira moved closer to Adele, sat down and watched the slow flowing water. In the past, their father often took them swimming. Yes, before her father turned into a drunkard, gambler, and gamer of the night. Gently, Mira stroked Adele's hair which resembled a copper color. The hair she got from her mother, it was different from William and Mira's brown hair like their father. "Our family isn't what it used to be, Adele." "Mama bought you a lot of dresses, Mira. She flaunted you at the party like an item for sale," Adele sneered disgustedly. Mira was silent for a moment, then replied, "Mommy only does what she thinks is right, Adele. I need a good suitor, so you and Maddy can be sponsored." Apart from Adele and William, Mira still has a sister named Madeleine. She is a year younger than Adele, her facial features are very similar to Adele's. The child also has a different temperament, is more reserved and loves books. Even now, the girl must have locked herself in her room with all her romance novels. "You want to marry the same gentleman as Papa?" Mira looked down. Of course Mira didn't want to, but there was not any other choice. However, she had to marry a gentleman who had a good titles and wealth in order to support her family. Also not involved in a scandal because she does not want to be a gossip among tons. "We are women, Adele. We can't choose," Mira said resignedly. "Mira! Adele! When will you stop talking, Mama is waiting!" William shouted, still holding Mr. Gustav’s hand. *.*.*. The feast was held at the Marquis Northampton's manor. One of the large and luxurious manor in London. The building is in Victorian style with a very spacious ballroom. It has hundreds of rooms and dozens of servants. The garden is no less majestic with various plants, such as roses lined with various colors, tulips, and lavender that smells sweet. Mira wore a blue dress that was low-cut, showing off her long neck and a bit of white and smooth skin on her chest. The dress was tight from chest to waist and spread down. The dance card is full. Two rounds of waltzes are done. Only two laps left and she could go home. She has been the flower of the ball. Many men fascinated by her beauty. Their eyes didn’t want to leave Mira, like the woman is only woman at that ballroom. Tired of being in the party room, Mira went out into the garden. The moon like a circle sends its light illuminating the beautiful, well-maintained garden. She walked through the rose garden touching the red petals. "Full moon, roses and beautiful girls. The perfect combination to treat boredom." Mira turned around with wide eyes when she heard a deep voice from a man. Mira had attended many parties, but that night was the first time she had seen the man in front of her. The bright light of the moon allowed her to see the green eyes and golden blonde hair of the man standing staring at her. "Henry Johnson." The man introduced himself. Mira's mouth opened slightly when she remembered the name of the man who was talked about quite often. Henry Jhonson is one of the businessmen from the lower classes who managed to enter the party of the nobles because of his abundant wealth. Many nobles borrowed money from Henry to fulfill their hedonistic style. In addition, she often hears dozens of scandals about Henry's life and women, ranging from prostitutes in clubs, opera players, to young widows who need warmth. A disgusting man according to Mira. Mira just glared at Henry, then left him to enter the party room. She didn't want to be seen alone with a guy with a bad reputation like Henry. It will only get her into a scandal. And it would probably destroyed her reputation. Henry's gaze followed Mira's slender back. He attended the party because he was curious about the gossip circulating in his regular club about Lady Mirabeth Austen, whose beauty was attracted by men and complained by women in London. And it's true, Lady Mirabeth Austen has a physique above the average London girl. "Mr Johnson." Henry turned to the middle-aged woman who had asked him to speak in Marchioness Northampton's garden. He gave a curt bow and greeted back. "Her Grace." "That girl was my eldest daughter, Mirabeth," Minerva explained. "I heard you were looking for a noble girl to be your wife." Henry's one eyebrow rose. He stared intently at Minerva, trying to catch the meaning of the middle-aged woman whose remnants of beauty still lingered on her face. "I intend to offer you Mirabeth. Despite not having a dowry, my Mirabeth has the title and face you need." *.*.*.