Chapter Four

Victoria could not stop thinking of him. He kept invading her mind; disrupting her peace. His infuriating, knowing smile, the way his eyes has twinkled with amusement, the way he had gazed at her with such intensity, the way he...

Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, she picked up her violin. For goodness sake, she didn't even know his name! Besides, he had gotten on her nerves. So why was he having such an effect on her?

Determined to forget all about this strange man, she concentrated fully on her music and poured her heart and soul into the practice.

The sound of horses' hooves tapping on the graveled ground interrupted her music, signaling an oncoming carriage. Victoria's bow movements stilled and she opened her eyes. Julian was back. Smiling, she watched the carriage proudly bearing the Ashford's crest slow to a dead stop. The door swung open and Julian stepped out.

"Not bad kiddo, not bad at all!" Julian declared as he walked towards her with easy grace. Victoria's face scrunched up in confusion.

"I heard your playing from the carriage," he explained, reaching out a hand to ruffle her hair affectionately. Victoria ducked, trying to dodge his hand and save her hair from damage. But she realized her mistake soon enough. He was tall, and ducking made it easier for his large, affectionate hand to tousle her hair.

"Thank you very much Jul, but you can praise me without messing up my hair," Victoria shot back, giving him her best serious look, but still, she was unable to suppress a grin. Reaching up, she unfastened her silver pin and tried to salvage the mess by combing her fingers through the black locks. Julian's face lit up with a boyish grin. Her brother was so handsome that it took her breath away sometimes. She wondered when he would find a bride.

"Anyway, the hour grows late, Vic. Shall we be getting back home now?" Julian enquired as he watched Victoria re-fasten her hair with the pin.

"Oh, what is the time now?"

Julian flipped out his pocket watch. "An hour to dinner."

"Goodness! We'd better be leaving, before father leaves his study and discovers us gone." Victoria said, while hurrying over to pack her violin and scores. Julian smiled and walked over to take the black violin case from her hands and lead her to the carriage.

Victoria and Julian slipped through the white Victorian front doors and into the house.

"Lady Victoria. Your Grace." Peldon nodded to Victoria and Julian respectively and shut the door gently behind them.

"Peldon, is father...?" Victoria trailed off warily.

"His Grace has yet to leave his study, my lady."

"Thank goodness!" Victoria breathed a sigh of relief and a warm smile spread across her face.

"Twerp." Julian grinned and tweaked her nose playfully. Victoria swatted his hand away and moved past him to ascend the stairs.

"I am going to get ready for dinner," Victoria called behind her back. Julian shook his head but smiled as he started for his own bedchamber.

The Duke of Ashford gingerly set down his glass of wine. Reaching into his pocket, he withdrew a slip of paper and placed it upon the polished mahogany dining table. Three pairs of curious eyes swiveled to the object of attention.

Raising an elegantly arched eyebrow, the Duchess of Ashford queried. "My dear, would you care to explain?"

The Duke of Ashford picked up the letter and unfolded it.

My dearest Duke and Duchess,

Please be informed that you and your family are cordially invited to attend a ball which will be hosted by me. The ball will commence on 20th September, this coming Saturday. We should immensely appreciate it if you could kindly reply, preferably by 13th Sept. All of us at Bradford Manor eagerly await your favorable reply.

The Duke of Bradford,

Thomas William Benton