Damian walked in the garden's pathway where, Ford, his butler, had told him his mother and Mary had spent their afternoon. They had even had their lunch there. He walked in long strides and came to a sudden stop. They made such an interesting picture, was Damian's first thought. His mother was sitting on the blanket, her wheel chair aside, sketching Mary who had removed her bonnet and replaced it with a garland that was made of daisies.

"My lady, please. I'm very embarrassed if you must know." Mary tried again. Really, this lady was stubborn as a brick when she chose to.

"Yes Mary, I know. You have been saying that for the past hour in various sentences. Now, raise your chin. Not too high. Yes, keep it at there." Theresa said and continued sketching.

"Good afternoon, mother. Miss Bennett." Damian made his presence finally known.

Mary looked like a startled kitten and immediately removed the garland. Her straight dark brown hair fell beautifully framing her face. Damian wanted to stroke them to see whether they were as soft as they looked.

"Good afternoon, my lord." Mary mumbled staring at the earth.

"Damian, see what have you done. It was as it is very hard to make her pose and now it will be just impossible." Theresa pretended to be irritated. She had realized her son standing there staring at them the moment he had arrived and also the quick intake of breath when he saw Mary's face. Good, he was finally feeling something for a lady other then her. And towards somebody like Mary, who was such a sweet girl, which was just perfect.

"I'm sorry to interrupt then mother. I was worried that you had lost your way towards the manor." Damian replied sardonically and didn't dare to look at Mary as he was afraid he wouldn't be able to hide his emotions then.

"Sarcasm doesn't work with me, Damian. The truth is, we just didn't realize the time flying by us. Isn't it, Mary?" Theresa included Mary in the conversation.

"Yes, my lady." Mary uttered. For some reason, the duke always treated her as though she was a baggage. Mary was use to it alright. Her family, besides Lizzie, treated her the same. What this duke thinks doesn't make a difference.

"Mary, don't be so silent. Damian is not going to eat you. Now Damian, are you going to the play this evening?"

"Yes, I'm….."

"Good, you can take Mary along with you. I want her to watch the story so that we can discuss it tomorrow. I have watched it countless times Mary and I'll like to know your point of view. Is that alright with you Damian?" Theresa asked flashing her sweetest smile.

"How could I refuse?" Damian smiled through gritted teeth. His mother was up to something although he hasn't figured what it is yet. He better be watchful for some time then.

"My lady, I don't want…" Mary stopped halfway when the dowager looked at her with a smiling face but steely eyes. Great, now her evening was ruined accompanying some snob. Mary let out an inner sigh.