The next few days were rather busy for the Tanner family once Mia delivered the new to her mother that the militia would be arriving in town soon, which of course she and Jill had overheard as gossip from the party. All the girls had gone to a local shop to purchase new ribbons and dresses for the parade, at which Mia and Jill hoped to find themselves husbands.

"Can you believe this Liss?" Rose began her speech,"They are not even seventeen yet and they already wished to be married. This is absurd."

"They are only looking for a dashing smile and an attractive face Rose. Not marriage." Lissa countered.

"Valissa!" The two girl's debate was put on hold when Sonya beckoned Lissa to the dining room.

"Yes," Lissa answered as her and Rose entered the room.

"A letter has arrived for you," Sonya handed her the small envelope with a smile.

Lissa opened it carefully and as she read the letter her smile grew. "It is from Lady Natasha. She has invited me to dine with her."

This brought great joy to Sonya, however not enough joy to convince her to let Lissa take the carriage. Sonya allowed Lissa to go on horseback at the most and was overjoyed when the clouds turned dark bringing rain and thunder. "Now she will just have to stay the night," Sonya spoke as if it was a simple statement but Rose and Mikhail shared a knowing look. It was clear the woman had planned for Lissa to be stuck at the new Ozera estate. If it were possible Sonya was even more pleased the next day when a letter arrived stating that Lissa was ill with a cold that had no doubt developed when the rain began halfway through her journey.

"I must go to her," Rose stated. Before either her aunt or uncle could stop her Rose left and began walking towards the estate.

When Rose finally caught sight of the large estate she was surprised by the nervous feeling that began in her stomach. She was confident and had no reason to be nervous. Rose's nerves went wild as the servant lead her to a room with a large window. "Good lord, Miss Rosemarie did you walk here?"

"I uh- Yes," Rose stuttered an answer. She had been so preoccupied trying to calm herself that Rose failed to notice was also sitting with Lady Ozera. Her eyes met his and for a second Rose could not look away. Dimitri's eyes were so brown, like pools of chocolate, creamy milk chocolate, the expensive kind Rose thought. If only his character was as beautiful and enticing as his eyes. The dark orbs were like a force field drawing her into him. His hard look softened and if possible Rose fell even more in love with his fautres. She imagined herself standing for hours under his deep passionate gaze as he spoke sweet words in whispers to her.

"Rosemarie," and just like that her trance was broken. "I am so glad to have you here. Please come I will take you to your sister," Christian smiled at her and lead her out of the room. As they made their way to Lissa, Rose had time to reflect on what had just occurred. Had she really just been so transfixed by Dimitri Belikov's eyes that she had forgotten he had said she was possibly tolerable? How had merely eyes had such an affect on her? Especially his eyes. She had sworn to hate this man yet her she was daydreaming of him.

"Here we are," Christian opened the door for Rose and allowed her to enter first.

Rose rushed to her cousin's side and took her hand. Lissa smiled, "I am so very glad you are here."

"There is nowhere else I would rather be." Rose looked at Christian and smiled genuinely, "Thank you for taking such great care of her."

"I am delighted to have her here. Well not delighted that she is sick, just that she is here, sick here." Christian just could not seem to say the right words quick enough. The three of them laughed and spent the rest of the evening in each others company. Rose was delighted to be here to care for her sister, but she also could not be rid of the small feeling of joy that grew when she had seen Mr. Belikov.

Sorry it's so short, but I did want to update it soon. Review and I will update as soon as I can!