Betrothed

Chapter 5: Quentin

I am walking from my study when I hear a knock on the door. Ever since I have returned from my campaign around the rest of Europe I have been spending a lot of time in my study. 5 years with only short visits home has made me forget how much my family bickers. Looking around and seeing that none of the staff are nearby I go and open the door. When I open the door and look down I see the most beautiful young maid I had ever seen. She was wearing a long dress and by the looks of it I could tell that she was not of the upper class. What caught my attention though was her dark chestnut brown hair and deep chocolate eyes.

"Can I help you?" I ask her.

"Yes Sir," she replies, her voice sounding like beautiful music in my ears. "I am here to summon Lady Madeline Queshire on orders from Lady Alyssa Wembley. Is Lady Madeline available? My lady said that it was urgent." I nod, and turn around to see if any of the staff were near and in my luck I see Katherine walking by.

"Katherine," I call out to her, "Would you please tell Madeline that her friend Lady Alyssa has summoned her." Katherine nods, "Of course Lord Quentin." She tells me. I nod in thanks and turn back to the beautiful brunette at the door.

"Madeline should be down shortly." I tell her. "And that gives us just enough time to get to know each other. Who are you?" I ask because I just have to find out more about her.

"Well my name is Nicole Milburn." She tells me. "I work for Lord Wembley and his daughter. And who would you be if I may ask?" I think; How can such a beautiful young maiden work for Lord Wembley and not be a Lady herself?

"My name is Lord Quentin Queshire; I am Lady Madeline's older brother." I say in reply, trying not to sound to intimidating with the lord part.

"Oh, it is a pleasure to meet you My Lord." She says as she curtsies slightly. I chuckle because I can see that she got nervous and hurried to curtsy at the mention of my title.

"You do not have to do that Nicole." I inform her, referring to the rushed curtsy. "You know I would like to get to know you better. Would you care to meet me at the waterfall of the creek in the forest behind Harrison tavern at 13:00 tomorrow?" I am shocked by my own boldness; it was as if another man took control of my words.

"That sounds delightful." She replies. I smile at her words.

"Well then I guess I will see you tomorrow." Just then Madeline appears behind me, "It was a pleasure to meet you Nicole." I say with a nod. I see Madeline glance at Nicole, then at me, then back to Nicole again.

"You as well Lord Quentin." Nicole replies and with that Madeline steps out and I close the door. As soon as the door is secured behind me I lean back against it. I cannot believe that I just scored a meeting with such a beautiful creature. I cannot wait for tomorrow.