April 2, 1861

Son of the Duke of Avon's Birthday Soiree

10:00pm

The chandelier glittered in the open ballroom as bodies dressed in expensive clothing danced underneath. Many people born in nobility attended the soiree. Either there to make up appearances and to congratulate Taichi Mashima's turning of age or to catch up on the gossip, nobody really cared. For the gentlemen it meant parliament, discussing politics, and meeting young ladies that were unmarried and whose moral integrity was questionable. As for the ladies, it was the golden opportunity to show off their finest clothes, jewels and to find their daughters rich husbands.

A group of women were crowding off to the side, circling the birthday boy. Taichi Mashima was the finest gentleman in the kingdom according to rumours. He had the looks, the education, a great body and he certainly had the wealth. Many ladies of all ages were pining for him, and he loved it. At the age of eighteen he had already learned how to take care of paperwork and was being trained by his father to someday take over the title of Duke.

"Marquess of Vidal, I would like to introduce you to my daughter Claire." A woman no older than forty said. Her thin mouth set in a greedy smile. No doubt planning on how to zero in on the boy.

Taichi knew her as the Baron of Lanskron's wife, Lady Kempshire. She was quite known for giving her daughters off to rich men and forcing them to marry. Her blonde hair was set up in an elegant bun. Her gown was of a deep navy blue, the low cut neckline showing her emerald necklace. Taichi moved his eyes towards the lady's daughter and took a look at her. Her auburn hair was also styled up in an elegant bun with a few strands hanging loose at the back. She looked at Taichi with arrogance and a smirk on her lips. Jewels adorned her limbs and neck. She was very much the image of a spoiled child.

Bowing low in front of the women, The Marquess of Vidal gave them a charming smile, "It is very nice to meet you Lady Kempshire and Honourable Claire Kempshire. Thank you for coming to my soiree. If you would want anything for tonight, my servants will gladly attend to you. Have a good night."

He knew they only wanted him for his money and status. He wasn't stupid. It was necessary in their society for the girls to secure a honourable husband with a good peerage. That was what he didn't like. No matter how much he played around with girls, Taichi believed in marrying someone he truly loved. He didn't want to be stuck with a woman whose eyes are only set for his status and wealth.

Greeting and turning down most of the ladies' offers of him marrying their daughters was Taichi's entire night. He saw a butler coming his way with a tray of champagne and quickly took a glass. Mid sip, he felt a tap on his shoulder. Turning around, he bowed low yet again. It was his father, The Duke of Avon.

"Father, how may I help you?" Taichi asked.

The Duke of Avon was not to be messed with. He held great authority over many lands. He was Duke of Avon, Marquess of Vidal as well as Earl of Burlington. An air of confidence radiated from him. Wherever he went he was always respected. Taichi inherited most of his features from his father, from the straight light brown hair to the lean but strong body type that the Duke supported.

"Are you enjoying your birthday my son?" His father asked.

"Yes, although I would like it if the ladies would tune down on them wanting me to marry their daughters." Taichi chuckled lowly.

"Well, you are at the right age for marriage my boy." The Duke grinned, clapping his son's back gently. "I do expect some grandchildren you know."

"Yes father." Taichi grinned.

Right after he said those words, most of the guests stopped talking all drawn towards the entrance. Both the Duke and his son looked around with identical raised eyebrows until the announcer by the door spoke.

"Introducing the Marquess of Hunnington, Kenji Ayase and his Lady Ayase along with their daughter Lady Chihaya Ayase." The announcer boomed.

Many people muttered and many gentlemen straightened their clothes. Taichi noticed this and wondered why every male in the room seemed to have puffed their chests up. That's when he looked up to the top of the staircase and forgot how to breathe. Because there on the top of the staircase was probably the most beautiful creature he has ever seen.

A/n: Hello people, I am back with another story and this one I am hoping to really finish. I haven't been successful in that department with my other fics so yeah, I think that's my goal. Plus I really need to take my mind off of other stuff right now sooo yeah. I really have nothing today other than I hope you like it. Oh and Review REVIEW! Reviews makes me happy. Constructive criticisms are always welcome!