Perfect Harmony

Prisca's POV I let out a satisfied laugh and placed my wooden sword inside the scabbard. Then I wiped my forehead, which was covered with sweat by using my bare hand. “That was an excellent exercise duel, Prisca. You indeed the pride of Sir Edmund,” I heard Callum’s exhausted voice nearby. While looking at him, I smiled. He smiles back shyly while giving his body weight lightly on his wooden practice sword. I could see the genuine admiration in his eyes. “Callum, it sounds like an exaggeration. I am still lacking a lot. You didn’t make it easy for me. Indeed, that was a great duel. I must say, Mr Idris will be proud of you as well as my father,” I said while heading back to the tent area on the training grounds. Callum walks beside me, talking about random topics with me. When we reached the shelter area, I saw two figures are waving at us. I did narrow my eyes, hoping to reduce the amount of sunlight bothering my vision. After a few seconds, I recognized those two figures are waving at me desperately. I wave back at them, knowing who they are. Callum shared a glance with me. “Prisca, we came here to watch you practice. I am aware my best friend is one of the greatest duel fighters in the kingdom. Indeed, your swordsmanship is impressive,” Rowena, my bosom friend, enthusiastically cried out those words before she jumped up from her seat and hug me tightly. “Rowena, are you trying to murder me? I can’t breathe,” I complained while returning her hug. She released me after a few seconds. Then she formed a hideous expression suddenly. “You smell terrible” She grinned at me playfully while covering her nose. Before I make a counterattack, I heard someone clears his throat, asking permission to interrupt our little converse. We turned our attention to the person who did the noise; the figure who is looking at our opera play patiently. “Lady Prisca” He bowed his head moderate manner. Then he bent his upper body slightly forward, took my hand and turned it over. He landed a kiss on the back of my hand and threw me a big grin. “Marquess of Stalbridge! This is vulgar behaviour. How could a nobleman behaves inappropriately towards a lady” I raised my voice dramatically. Intentionally make it sounds like a poor troubled lady, knowing Arsen is trying to make a fool out of me. He knows I feel irritated whenever they address me ‘lady’ in an over-polite manner. I shall not fall for the same trick twice. Not today, Arsen Wesley! I raised my free hand and put it on my forehead, imitating a certain female opera actress. “Oh, lady Prisca… you wound me!” Arsen let out a pitiful whimper. “Marquess Wesley, I am certainly disappointed about you,” I cried out, even more pitiful. The next moment, we burst into laughter. That marks the end of our comedy play. Our little, but strange play made Callum lose somewhere he doesn’t even aware of. He was looking at us speechless manner like he will lose his mind simply by looking at us. His confused expression made us burst into a laugh. We completely forgot he is still here. “Poor Callum! Haha. Don’t mind us, Callum. Arsen and Prisca were making fool out of each other.” Rowena stated, trying to hold her laugh inside. “Oh, I perfectly understand now, lady Rowena.” Callum put some words together after struggling for a while. He tried to hide his embarrassment. Of course, he failed to hide it. “Lord Stalbridge, Lady Rowena, Prisca, I will take my leave now. I have to accompany my father to a visit,” he mumbled, bowed his head and start heading towards the doorway. “So, what are your plans today, Prisca? Do you have time to keep company with your bosom friends?” Arsen asked, raising his eyebrows. “I have time for bosom friends, but I don’t remember including Arsen Wesley into that category,” I replied gleefully while placing my practice sword in the sword holder which is near the back wall of the shelter. Arsen chuckled hastily. “Oh, poor me! Perhaps we shall practice a duel together to re-initiate our friendship,” Arsen smirked a bit, giving me a challenging look. “Indeed. I am using pistols this time,” I returned a smirk. Arsen’s mouth hangs open for a few minutes. Rowena’s giggling sound interrupted us. “If you are done with duel arrangements, let me come back to the original topic. Of course, Prisca has time. Today she is having tea with us, after that, we go for a walk. That’s it. No more discussions,” Rowena gave me an ordering look, and she held both Arsen’s and my hands. “ I let out a sigh, knowing that she is not willing to listen to me today. “Rowena, I have to help mother to arrange some remedies for father. Well, I can do that task in the evening, but I must attend the meeting with Lucian in the afternoon. He said we need to recheck financial records of new gold mine investments.” I tried to be reasoned with her. “It seems like my less sensible elder brother is misusing his authority. I shall talk to him regarding borrowing you from him today. Prisca, you come with me. You can have a bath in my home, and change clothes, meanwhile maids will prepare tea,” Rowena let out a groan. I nodded, knowing there was no escape today. “Perhaps Lucian will join us for tea,” Arsen stated hopefully. Rowena nodded in an agreement. They start heading towards the doorway hand in hand after I told them I will join them in a minute. I watched my two best friends, who were heading towards the doorway. Arsen whispered something to Rowena. She giggled like a small girl. Then Arsen tightened his grip around her hand and look affectionately at her. I felt a warm feeling just by looking at them. They are certainly a match made in heaven. They make a handsome couple in every way. I remember when I first came to Viscount Sheridan’s residence, how scared and nervous I was. At that time I was a ten years old little girl. I was grabbing papa’s hand and gripping a corner of mama’s gown with my small hands. It mesmerized me, seeing how large is Viscount Sheridan’s manor. When I first came here, Rowena Vivianne Sheridan became friends with me immediately. She was a small version of the present Rowena back then. Ginger hair as bright as her personality, fair skin, hazel colour... warm eyes, and elegant manners; she exactly looks like an angel. Our friendship became stronger and stronger day by day without the interference of our social class differences. Lucian Sheridan; Rowena’s elder brother, who is four years older than us, treated me as his own younger sister. He always treats Rowena and me exactly the same way. Viscount Sheridan and Viscountess Sheridan are warm people who think and behave according to their own conscience rather than follow the expectations of others. Simply put, they are treating me and my family as a part of their own family. They even made certain I received the same education as Rowena. Likewise, they let me take classes with Rowena and share the same governess with her. My papa and Viscount Sheridan share a deep bond of friendship. I once heard they grew up together like brothers. Papa served as a leading naval officer for the crown and has bestowed as a knight for his great service to the crown. When Viscount Sheridan heard about my father’s retirement from the Royal navy due to unavoidably risky injuries, he requested my father to work with him. The late Marquess of Stalbridge was a good friend of Viscount Sheridan. Arsen who accompanied his father, whenever he visited Viscount’s place, eventually became one of our friends, though he is two years older than us. What happened next? He and Rowena fell in love a few years ago, and he ended up engaged to our beloved Rowena. Haha… After washing myself and changing clothes, I arrived at the inner parlour where Rowena and Arsen were already sitting next to each other. I excuse myself and enter the room. “You are being over-polite, Prisca,” Arsen said, using a mockery tone. “Well, I don’t want to witness something very inappropriate to my poor sight,” I stated while sitting in front of them. Rowena gave me a death glare filled with embarrassment. “I sympathise with the men who are planning to persuade you, Prisca. Above all of them, I feel the deepest sympathy for the man who will fall in love with you,” said Rowena, giving a teacup to Arsen. Rowena and her witty charms! Her witty charms never failed to make me laugh. “Certainly, that person will embrace a hard time, quite unfairly” Arsen’s voice came out as an agreement. Rowena shrugged her shoulders playfully. “Oh please, stop lovebirds. I can live alone. You are aware that I am not desperate for a man or love or marriage,” I shrugged. “Not desperate for what?” a familiar voice interrupted. Lucian’s voice! We looked at him and flashed him a welcoming smile. He smiled at us politely and sat down next to me while slightly combing his ginger hair with his fingers. “What did I miss?” He asked again like he is having his own amusement. Everyone loves to tease me recently. This is what they call what you have done to others will come back to you. Patience Prisca, Patience… I mumbled to myself. “We were having a delightful discussion about Prisca’s suitor,” Arsen winked at me while saying those words. He is really trying to get my nerves these days. Next time, when we are having a practice duel fight, I will wallop his head with my actual sword. He will come to his senses by then. “Really? Why am I getting to know about this story from Arsen? Who is the gentleman, Prisca?” Lucian turned his attention completely towards me and asked, with a serious expression on his face. Did he really think I have a suitor! “Brother, what are you even talking about?” I let out a sigh. “You don’t have to be embarrassed about this matter, Prisca. If he is a gentleman who worths my sister, I have no objections. My sisters have become young ladies who are soon going to marry,” said Lucian without stopping. I quickly directed a glace at his face, trying to find words. I was speechless for a moment. He is certainly a senseless person sometimes. Rowena and Arsen shared a glance before chuckling. “Marriage is not my concern, brother. At least for now. You are very well aware of that. Besides, men prefer delicate women,” I stated in a neutral voice while sipping my tea. Rowena snorted, showing her displease. Lucian let out a long sigh. “You might have been already married if you hadn’t avoided all the private balls and the season balls… of course, including dinner parties most of the time,” Rowena grumbled in a low voice. “OH… my dear Rowena..” I pleaded, weakly. Her gaze slowly moved to Lucian. “Brother, we are going to drag her to the oncoming ball… the very next one,” she stated. I could see flames of determination in her eyes. Prisca, think about a way to get out of this… Lucian nodded faintly in agreement. “I agree with you Rowena” “How about the season ball?” Arsen interrupted. I gave him a big mind slap while clenching my teeth. “That would be better. We all can go to London,” Rowena’s lips curled into a satisfied smile. I cleared my throat. “I assume you all are aware that I will not come” “You are coming,” Rowena roared. “Think Prisca, you can enjoy as many as duels in Hyde Park with your suitors,” Arsen stated, trying to hold his laugh. I burst into laughter, imagining it inside my head. Lucian and Rowena join us. “Very well. That’s a tempting offer,” I chuckled. “This is all because of Lucian, papa and Sir Edmund. You all are encouraging Prisca’s unladylike ventures and pursuits. She prefers having duels with her suitors rather than having romantic walks,” Rowena complained. Her face expresses a hint of worrisome. “She is still a lady in my eyes” Lucian smiles at me, blinking his eyes. I return the smile. “May I ask Prisca, whose honour are you trying to defend?” Arsen leaned backwards on the couch. Sometimes I wonder how Arsen works in parliament with his mouth! “If that is necessary, certainly mine,” I replied. “I will be the second if that is necessary,” Arsen shot back while blinking his eyes. “I’d rather ask Lucian to be my second,” I shot back again. Lucian chuckled. Rowena shook her head from side to side. “Marquess Wesley, you can’t win against our Prisca,” she mumbled softly, but teasing manner. “I am aware of it,” Arsen whispered, shrugging his shoulders. “Being alone for a lifetime… Isn’t it a tough path for a woman?” Lucian’s hazel eyes worriedly examined my face. I place my teacup on the table. “Indeed, brother. Women have to sacrifice quite a lot, to be recognised in certain aspirations compared to men in society. The same applies to women who never marry. It will never be easy for a woman,” I smiled at him. “Spinster ha?” Arsen raises one of his brows. “She won’t. She will find a suitor this season,” Rowena smirked. I shook my head while smiling. There is no point in arguing with them! “We always support you. Whatever decision you will make in the future. It is just I wish to see a good man love and take care of my sister. You deserve love from a wonderful man, Prisca.” Lucian patted my head and hugged me lightly. “I told you, Arsen. Brother adores Prisca more than me,” said Rowena playfully, reminding me of a baby. “Well, she is not bothering me as much as you do, sister. At least she helps me with official works,” Lucian teased back. After some time passed, we heard a knock and someone asked permission to enter. “You may enter,” Lucian gave his permission. “Lord Lucian, Marquess of Stalbridge, Lady Rowena, Miss Prisca,” a maid came into the room and showed her respect. I recognize her; Mary. “What’s the matter, Mary?” Rowena asked softly. “Lady Rowena, Lady Fallon, asked me to deliver a message to Miss Fallon. She said there is someone at Fallon’s house, and that person holding an urgent letter for Miss Fallon. So she asked Miss Fallon to come at once.” Mary panted softly after delivering the message. “Thank you, Mary,” I stated, and smile a bit. “You may leave now,” Lucian asked Mary to leave the room. She left without waiting for a second. I stand up thinking, who has sent me an urgent letter. “I will take my leave, then. Mother won’t ask me to come if there is not an urgent matter,” My voice sounded very weak suddenly. Prisca, hold yourself… Don’t worry too much, I told myself. I got a feeling something bad happened or something bad is about to happen. A sigh came out of me. Prisca, you are thinking too much again… “Let me accompany you, Prisca. You look... you are not in good shape. I mean, you seem worried, perhaps troubled,” Rowena tried to stand up. “No, No, I am fine. Don’t worry Rowena, you stay here. I shall take care of the situation,” I assured her. I could see there are worried looks on Lucian’s and Arsen’s faces. On top of that, Rowena looked as if she is about to faint because she is worried about this urgent letter. Certainly… She is quite sensitive. “Are you certain, my dear Prisca?” She asked again. “Yes, I am... I am certain.” I murmured confidently and start walking to my home, which is near the Sheridan manor.