Hey y'all! Thank SOOOOOOO much for your reviews!!! I loved reading them! They made me feel all giddy inside!
Sorry this chapter took a while to write, but it's longer so that should keep you happy for a few minutes.
Plz Read and Review!
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"Tyson! Nolan! Where on earth have you been!"
Tyson winced slightly as he caught sight of his mother standing, hands on hips, in the doorway of the main entrance of their manor, a sharp look on her face. The Lady Evelyn was a small, slight woman barely five feet tall, yet she had a voice that could shame even the most prideful of men. They were in for a tongue-lashing, Tyson was sure of it.
Lady Evelyn's eyes widened as she spotted her youngest son, who was wet and shivering despite the heavy coat draped over his shoulders. "Nolan! What happened!"
Nolan glanced timidly up at his mother before casting his gaze downwards. "I slipped and fell in the lake. It was just an accident, Mother," he mumbled, fidgeting nervously.
Lady Evelyn's eyes narrowed slightly, and she crossed her arms across her chest. "Was it an accident that both of you were missing at suppertime? I was about to send out the servants to look for you!"
Tyson stepped forward. "Please don't blame Nolan, Mother. I was the one who saw him sneak out. I should have told someone, but instead I went after him." He grinned guiltily. "I thought we deserved a break."
Lady Evelyn softened a bit. They had been working awfully hard. But if they had only told her where they were going...
"That still doesn't excuse the fact that you missed supper and that Nolan is soaking wet," she muttered, relaxing her stiff frame. She reached out a hand to Nolan. "Let's get you some dry clothes and see if Cookie will warm up some of that stew we had for lunch."
The boy nodded and took her hand. As Lady Evelyn led him inside, Tyson followed, not sure whether he should tell what had really happened at the lake. He shrugged. Perhaps when they had settled down for a warm meal.
After he had changed his clothes, as he had gotten his pants wet while helping Nolan from the lake, Tyson went back downstairs and entered the dining room. Nolan and his mother were already there.
As he seated himself, Lady Evelyn turned to him.
"Nolan was telling me of the girl who rescued him," she said, watching him closely.
Tyson reached for the ladle. "Ah, yes. I was just about to tell you about her."
"Well, what's her name?"
"Alanna," Nolan said. "Tyson, would you pass the potatoes?"
Tyson picked up the bowl and slid it over to his younger brother, then picked up his spoon, suddenly realizing how hungry he was.
"What's her last name?" Lady Evelyn pressed.
"Thetcher," Tyson replied, grinning to himself as he remembered how reluctant Alanna had been to tell him her name. His mother took the grin differently and a sly look came over her face.
"Perhaps we should invite Alanna and her family to dinner sometime," she said casually, glancing over at her oldest son.
"Yeah!" Nolan said excitedly.
Tyson nearly choked. "What! Why would we do that?"
"To show our gratitude for her helping Nolan, of course!"
Nolan was following along, his head turning back and forth to watch both of them speak.
Tyson scowled. "But it was her fault in the first place!"
His mother rolled her eyes. "Yes, but she did rescue him. I hardly know any girl who would do the same."
Tyson frowned, but he knew she was right.
"And anyways," Lady Evelyn continued. "That will give us the perfect opportunity to get to know some of the people of Bentworth."
Tyson sighed, then straightened. "Oh, Mother, that reminds me. I'd like to go to town tomorrow and look around. Is there anything you need?"
Lady Evelyn looked thoughtful. "Not at the moment. But if I think of something, I'll let you know."
"Can I go, Tyson?" Nolan asked eagerly, his blue eyes shining hopefully.
Before Tyson could respond, Lady Evelyn shook her head. "I don't think so, Nolan. We must get you enrolled in school. It's already been going for two weeks."
Nolan looked disappointed, but he tried to hide it.
"Don't worry, little brother," Tyson said, smiling. "You'll soon be going into town more often than you like, for school and when I drag you along for company."
Nolan nodded, happy with that.
"Well, we'd better all get to bed soon," Lady Evelyn said, rising to her feet. "We all have a busy day tomorrow."
-----------------------------------
"How about this one, dear?"
Alanna pulled herself from her thoughts. "What?"
Her mother sighed. "The material, Alanna. Do you like it?"
"Sure," she replied absentmindedly, glancing out the window of the dress shop, wishing she were anywhere else but there.
"Alanna!"
This time she mentally shook herself and forced her to pay attention. "What?"
Lady Annette crossed her arms. "I've asked you about four different fabrics, and for everyone you've said 'sure'!"
Alanna sat back in her soft, easy chair. "Mother, I've told you a thousand times. I don't care what color my dresses are, or what style. You can choose whatever you think is the best."
Her mother looked confused. "Don't you care what the Duke will think of you?"
Alanna scoffed. "Not really."
Her thoughts drifted back to the note that had been delivered to their home that morning, a note inviting Alanna and her family to have dinner with the McContys that night. It had said that Lady Evelyn, widow of the former Duke of Worthington, wanted to thank Alanna personally for rescuing her son Nolan from the lake.
Upon reading the invitation, Alanna's mother had turned to her and asked what in the world had she done the previously evening. Alanna then mumbled her story, leaving out a few minor details, explaining what the note was talking about.
Alanna snapped back to attention when she realized her mother was speaking again.
"...have been invited dine with one of the wealthiest eligible young man in Kyrria. You will be polite and mind your manners."
Alanna blew air out of her mouth in frustration. "I know, mother, I didn't mean I would be rude. I just don't understand why it matters so much what my gown looks like and why I need a new one when I have plenty of other good ones."
Lady Annette turned back to the wall where the different materials were displayed. "This is a special occasion, dear. You must look your best."
Alanna groaned inwardly and stared out the window again. Even though the duke was quite handsome, she didn't think he was worth this much trouble.
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An hour later, Alanna and her mother finally emerged from the dress shop. Lady Annette had finally settled on a gown, and had decided to return home. Alanna, who had previously arranged to meet her best friend Sara, stayed in town. So her mother left in the coach, leaving her to do as she pleased.
Alanna began strolling along, heading towards the town hall, where she would meet Sara. She swung her basket casually at her side as she glanced in the windows of shops, smiling and nodding politely at the people she passed.
Alanna reached the town hall in just a few minutes and immediately spotted Sara sitting on the steps.
"Sara!" she said as she hurried up to her best friend. "Sorry I'm late, Mother took forever choosing a dress, and she wouldn't let me leave."
Sara smiled, her golden curls shining in the sunlight. "That's alright. It was nice just to sit here and think for a few minutes."
"Did your thoughts have anything to do with someone named Benjamin Parker?" Alanna said mischievously. She knew that her friend had been infatuated with Ben Parker for months now, and loved teasing her about it.
Sara blushed slightly. "Oh, stop it, you!" she said, faking anger. She swiped at Alanna, who laughed and jumped back.
"Getting violent now, are we?" Alanna joked. "I'd better warn Ben about this other side of you."
Giggling, the two friends started off towards the market, where everyday, farmers and artisans brought their goods to sell. Their plan for the day was to shop Sara's mother's birthday present.
On the way, Alanna filled her best friend in on everything that had happened since she had last seen her, which included rescuing Nolan from the lake, meeting Tyson McConty, and then receiving the dinner invitation.
Sara sighed dreamily. "You're so lucky, Alanna. He sounds so handsome and charming."
Alanna looked at her sharply. "Handsome, yes. Charming, no."
Sara cocked her head. "Why do you say that?"
Alanna shook her head, glancing around at the bustling street. "He practically yelled at me for saving his little brother! He didn't even try to help Nolan."
"But he did say that he would have if you hadn't," her friend said logically.
Alanna huffed. "Well, he didn't have to be so rude about it."
Before Sara could answer, they reached the marketplace. Shoppers were everywhere, arguing about prices and carrying packages. Voices were calling out, trying to attract the attention of would-be buyers. The bright displays of food and other goods lifted the girl's spirits and they joined in immediately.
They made their way over to a group of several stalls selling glass items. After much deliberation, they chose a small, delicate jewelry box covered with detailed engravings.
As they waited for their gift to be wrapped, the girls chatted with the woman who owned the shop. A minute later she handed Sara the package and the girls started back out of the marketplace. They had only gone a few steps when they heard a voice from behind them, calling their names.
Alanna groaned inwardly as she recognized the familiar syrupy tone of Leila Dontabar, her most hated rival. She and Sara exchanged a quick glance before turning to face Leila.
Alanna choked back a gasp. Standing next to Leila, her arm tightly entwined with his, was Tyson McConty, a miserable look on his face. Alanna quickly realized that he was not enjoying Leila's company.
"Alanna, I'd like you to meet Lord Tyson McConty, the Duke of Worthington," Leila said sweetly, smiling smugly. She was wearing a pretty blue gown that accentuated her slim figure and complimented her aqua blue eyes. She was, as usual, very alluring. "Tyson, this is Alanna Thetcher and Sara Montgomery, two friends of mine."
Friends? Alanna held back a laugh. They were no more friends than a mouse and a cat.
"It's nice to see you again, Miss Thetcher," Tyson said, bowing slightly, his bright clear eyes looking straight into hers.
Alanna blinked. Why was he being so friendly? They had not separated on good terms the evening before.
"You know each other?" Leila asked, dropping Tyson's arm, her mouth hanging open in consternation.
"We've met," Alanna said sweetly, reveling in this small victory over her rival.
Leila recovered quickly. She took Tyson's arm again, and smiled sweetly up at him. Tyson grimaced as her arm clutched tighter.
"It was nice to see you again. Lord Tyson and I must be going now," Leila said, a smug look on her face. Tyson flinched noticeably at the use of his title. Alanna grinned, noting his discomfort. It served him right for being so rude to her the evening before.
"Well, we'll leave you two to your shopping. So long!" Alanna said brightly, grinning triumphantly at Tyson. The poor bloke was trapped in Leila's clutches. One did not easily escape from her!
She grabbed Sara's arm and led her away, afraid she might burst out laughing at the look on Tyson's face.
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Tyson sighed miserably as he watched Alanna Thetcher disappear into the crowd, her beautiful chestnut brown hair gleaming in the bright sunlight. He had only been in the company of Miss Leila Dontabar for a few minutes, but that was a few minutes too long with the flirtatious, sugar sweet young woman. The thought of spending another minute with her repulsed the young duke.
He glanced sideways at Leila, nearly gagging when he saw her watching him adoringly. This was exactly why he had left Frell: to get away from this type of girl. Only one girl had been different, but so far Alanna Thetcher seemed to despise him.
He was consoled by the reminder that Alanna and her family had been invited to dine with Tyson and his mother that evening. There was still a chance for him to become friends with her.
Tyson shook thoughts of Alanna from his mind as Leila began dragging him through the crowd, chatting continually and constantly batting her eyelashes. He groaned inwardly. Unless he did something, he could be stuck here for hours.
"...and you must meet my good friend Dawnielle. We've been best friends since we were five, and..."
When Leila finally paused to take a breath, Tyson moved quickly.
Addressing the girl, he bowed slightly. "I'm dreadfully sorry Miss Dontabar, but I really must be going now. My mother is expecting me."
Leila did not try and hide her disappointment. "Oh, but we're just becoming aquatinted!"
"I'm sure we will meet again," Tyson said, growing impatient. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'll be on my way."
With another small bow, he quickly turned and started away, wanting to get far away before Leila tried to follow him.
As he strode along, Tyson silently congratulated himself on his successful attempt on escaping the clinging grasp of Leila Dontabar.
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Please Review!!!!!! I'm trying for 55 reviews for this story, so please review and I'll promise to update soon!
Sorry this chapter took a while to write, but it's longer so that should keep you happy for a few minutes.
Plz Read and Review!
-----------------------------------
"Tyson! Nolan! Where on earth have you been!"
Tyson winced slightly as he caught sight of his mother standing, hands on hips, in the doorway of the main entrance of their manor, a sharp look on her face. The Lady Evelyn was a small, slight woman barely five feet tall, yet she had a voice that could shame even the most prideful of men. They were in for a tongue-lashing, Tyson was sure of it.
Lady Evelyn's eyes widened as she spotted her youngest son, who was wet and shivering despite the heavy coat draped over his shoulders. "Nolan! What happened!"
Nolan glanced timidly up at his mother before casting his gaze downwards. "I slipped and fell in the lake. It was just an accident, Mother," he mumbled, fidgeting nervously.
Lady Evelyn's eyes narrowed slightly, and she crossed her arms across her chest. "Was it an accident that both of you were missing at suppertime? I was about to send out the servants to look for you!"
Tyson stepped forward. "Please don't blame Nolan, Mother. I was the one who saw him sneak out. I should have told someone, but instead I went after him." He grinned guiltily. "I thought we deserved a break."
Lady Evelyn softened a bit. They had been working awfully hard. But if they had only told her where they were going...
"That still doesn't excuse the fact that you missed supper and that Nolan is soaking wet," she muttered, relaxing her stiff frame. She reached out a hand to Nolan. "Let's get you some dry clothes and see if Cookie will warm up some of that stew we had for lunch."
The boy nodded and took her hand. As Lady Evelyn led him inside, Tyson followed, not sure whether he should tell what had really happened at the lake. He shrugged. Perhaps when they had settled down for a warm meal.
After he had changed his clothes, as he had gotten his pants wet while helping Nolan from the lake, Tyson went back downstairs and entered the dining room. Nolan and his mother were already there.
As he seated himself, Lady Evelyn turned to him.
"Nolan was telling me of the girl who rescued him," she said, watching him closely.
Tyson reached for the ladle. "Ah, yes. I was just about to tell you about her."
"Well, what's her name?"
"Alanna," Nolan said. "Tyson, would you pass the potatoes?"
Tyson picked up the bowl and slid it over to his younger brother, then picked up his spoon, suddenly realizing how hungry he was.
"What's her last name?" Lady Evelyn pressed.
"Thetcher," Tyson replied, grinning to himself as he remembered how reluctant Alanna had been to tell him her name. His mother took the grin differently and a sly look came over her face.
"Perhaps we should invite Alanna and her family to dinner sometime," she said casually, glancing over at her oldest son.
"Yeah!" Nolan said excitedly.
Tyson nearly choked. "What! Why would we do that?"
"To show our gratitude for her helping Nolan, of course!"
Nolan was following along, his head turning back and forth to watch both of them speak.
Tyson scowled. "But it was her fault in the first place!"
His mother rolled her eyes. "Yes, but she did rescue him. I hardly know any girl who would do the same."
Tyson frowned, but he knew she was right.
"And anyways," Lady Evelyn continued. "That will give us the perfect opportunity to get to know some of the people of Bentworth."
Tyson sighed, then straightened. "Oh, Mother, that reminds me. I'd like to go to town tomorrow and look around. Is there anything you need?"
Lady Evelyn looked thoughtful. "Not at the moment. But if I think of something, I'll let you know."
"Can I go, Tyson?" Nolan asked eagerly, his blue eyes shining hopefully.
Before Tyson could respond, Lady Evelyn shook her head. "I don't think so, Nolan. We must get you enrolled in school. It's already been going for two weeks."
Nolan looked disappointed, but he tried to hide it.
"Don't worry, little brother," Tyson said, smiling. "You'll soon be going into town more often than you like, for school and when I drag you along for company."
Nolan nodded, happy with that.
"Well, we'd better all get to bed soon," Lady Evelyn said, rising to her feet. "We all have a busy day tomorrow."
-----------------------------------
"How about this one, dear?"
Alanna pulled herself from her thoughts. "What?"
Her mother sighed. "The material, Alanna. Do you like it?"
"Sure," she replied absentmindedly, glancing out the window of the dress shop, wishing she were anywhere else but there.
"Alanna!"
This time she mentally shook herself and forced her to pay attention. "What?"
Lady Annette crossed her arms. "I've asked you about four different fabrics, and for everyone you've said 'sure'!"
Alanna sat back in her soft, easy chair. "Mother, I've told you a thousand times. I don't care what color my dresses are, or what style. You can choose whatever you think is the best."
Her mother looked confused. "Don't you care what the Duke will think of you?"
Alanna scoffed. "Not really."
Her thoughts drifted back to the note that had been delivered to their home that morning, a note inviting Alanna and her family to have dinner with the McContys that night. It had said that Lady Evelyn, widow of the former Duke of Worthington, wanted to thank Alanna personally for rescuing her son Nolan from the lake.
Upon reading the invitation, Alanna's mother had turned to her and asked what in the world had she done the previously evening. Alanna then mumbled her story, leaving out a few minor details, explaining what the note was talking about.
Alanna snapped back to attention when she realized her mother was speaking again.
"...have been invited dine with one of the wealthiest eligible young man in Kyrria. You will be polite and mind your manners."
Alanna blew air out of her mouth in frustration. "I know, mother, I didn't mean I would be rude. I just don't understand why it matters so much what my gown looks like and why I need a new one when I have plenty of other good ones."
Lady Annette turned back to the wall where the different materials were displayed. "This is a special occasion, dear. You must look your best."
Alanna groaned inwardly and stared out the window again. Even though the duke was quite handsome, she didn't think he was worth this much trouble.
-----------------------------------
An hour later, Alanna and her mother finally emerged from the dress shop. Lady Annette had finally settled on a gown, and had decided to return home. Alanna, who had previously arranged to meet her best friend Sara, stayed in town. So her mother left in the coach, leaving her to do as she pleased.
Alanna began strolling along, heading towards the town hall, where she would meet Sara. She swung her basket casually at her side as she glanced in the windows of shops, smiling and nodding politely at the people she passed.
Alanna reached the town hall in just a few minutes and immediately spotted Sara sitting on the steps.
"Sara!" she said as she hurried up to her best friend. "Sorry I'm late, Mother took forever choosing a dress, and she wouldn't let me leave."
Sara smiled, her golden curls shining in the sunlight. "That's alright. It was nice just to sit here and think for a few minutes."
"Did your thoughts have anything to do with someone named Benjamin Parker?" Alanna said mischievously. She knew that her friend had been infatuated with Ben Parker for months now, and loved teasing her about it.
Sara blushed slightly. "Oh, stop it, you!" she said, faking anger. She swiped at Alanna, who laughed and jumped back.
"Getting violent now, are we?" Alanna joked. "I'd better warn Ben about this other side of you."
Giggling, the two friends started off towards the market, where everyday, farmers and artisans brought their goods to sell. Their plan for the day was to shop Sara's mother's birthday present.
On the way, Alanna filled her best friend in on everything that had happened since she had last seen her, which included rescuing Nolan from the lake, meeting Tyson McConty, and then receiving the dinner invitation.
Sara sighed dreamily. "You're so lucky, Alanna. He sounds so handsome and charming."
Alanna looked at her sharply. "Handsome, yes. Charming, no."
Sara cocked her head. "Why do you say that?"
Alanna shook her head, glancing around at the bustling street. "He practically yelled at me for saving his little brother! He didn't even try to help Nolan."
"But he did say that he would have if you hadn't," her friend said logically.
Alanna huffed. "Well, he didn't have to be so rude about it."
Before Sara could answer, they reached the marketplace. Shoppers were everywhere, arguing about prices and carrying packages. Voices were calling out, trying to attract the attention of would-be buyers. The bright displays of food and other goods lifted the girl's spirits and they joined in immediately.
They made their way over to a group of several stalls selling glass items. After much deliberation, they chose a small, delicate jewelry box covered with detailed engravings.
As they waited for their gift to be wrapped, the girls chatted with the woman who owned the shop. A minute later she handed Sara the package and the girls started back out of the marketplace. They had only gone a few steps when they heard a voice from behind them, calling their names.
Alanna groaned inwardly as she recognized the familiar syrupy tone of Leila Dontabar, her most hated rival. She and Sara exchanged a quick glance before turning to face Leila.
Alanna choked back a gasp. Standing next to Leila, her arm tightly entwined with his, was Tyson McConty, a miserable look on his face. Alanna quickly realized that he was not enjoying Leila's company.
"Alanna, I'd like you to meet Lord Tyson McConty, the Duke of Worthington," Leila said sweetly, smiling smugly. She was wearing a pretty blue gown that accentuated her slim figure and complimented her aqua blue eyes. She was, as usual, very alluring. "Tyson, this is Alanna Thetcher and Sara Montgomery, two friends of mine."
Friends? Alanna held back a laugh. They were no more friends than a mouse and a cat.
"It's nice to see you again, Miss Thetcher," Tyson said, bowing slightly, his bright clear eyes looking straight into hers.
Alanna blinked. Why was he being so friendly? They had not separated on good terms the evening before.
"You know each other?" Leila asked, dropping Tyson's arm, her mouth hanging open in consternation.
"We've met," Alanna said sweetly, reveling in this small victory over her rival.
Leila recovered quickly. She took Tyson's arm again, and smiled sweetly up at him. Tyson grimaced as her arm clutched tighter.
"It was nice to see you again. Lord Tyson and I must be going now," Leila said, a smug look on her face. Tyson flinched noticeably at the use of his title. Alanna grinned, noting his discomfort. It served him right for being so rude to her the evening before.
"Well, we'll leave you two to your shopping. So long!" Alanna said brightly, grinning triumphantly at Tyson. The poor bloke was trapped in Leila's clutches. One did not easily escape from her!
She grabbed Sara's arm and led her away, afraid she might burst out laughing at the look on Tyson's face.
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Tyson sighed miserably as he watched Alanna Thetcher disappear into the crowd, her beautiful chestnut brown hair gleaming in the bright sunlight. He had only been in the company of Miss Leila Dontabar for a few minutes, but that was a few minutes too long with the flirtatious, sugar sweet young woman. The thought of spending another minute with her repulsed the young duke.
He glanced sideways at Leila, nearly gagging when he saw her watching him adoringly. This was exactly why he had left Frell: to get away from this type of girl. Only one girl had been different, but so far Alanna Thetcher seemed to despise him.
He was consoled by the reminder that Alanna and her family had been invited to dine with Tyson and his mother that evening. There was still a chance for him to become friends with her.
Tyson shook thoughts of Alanna from his mind as Leila began dragging him through the crowd, chatting continually and constantly batting her eyelashes. He groaned inwardly. Unless he did something, he could be stuck here for hours.
"...and you must meet my good friend Dawnielle. We've been best friends since we were five, and..."
When Leila finally paused to take a breath, Tyson moved quickly.
Addressing the girl, he bowed slightly. "I'm dreadfully sorry Miss Dontabar, but I really must be going now. My mother is expecting me."
Leila did not try and hide her disappointment. "Oh, but we're just becoming aquatinted!"
"I'm sure we will meet again," Tyson said, growing impatient. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'll be on my way."
With another small bow, he quickly turned and started away, wanting to get far away before Leila tried to follow him.
As he strode along, Tyson silently congratulated himself on his successful attempt on escaping the clinging grasp of Leila Dontabar.
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Please Review!!!!!! I'm trying for 55 reviews for this story, so please review and I'll promise to update soon!