Chapter 6: First Impressions

Misaki bathed in lavender water and washed her hair with rosemary. Satsuki expertly dried her off and handed Misaki her undergarments. Misaki layered petticoat after petticoat and Sakura steadied Misaki as she stepped into a pair of elegant heels.

"My...you look beautiful," Satsuki said, smoothing out the thin layers.

"Such a waste to make pretty underwear," Misaki said rolling her eyes. "No one even sees them at banquets."

Sakura laughed. "That's a good point," she noted.

Satsuki departed for a moment to get Misaki's dress. Everyone gasped at the beautiful gown. It was lavender silk and decorated with pearls. The skirt layered like flower petals and exposed Misaki's slender shoulders.

"Let's dress your hair before get lace you up in the dress" Satsuki suggested.

Misaki's hair was half swept up with thin silver ribbons braided in. Sakura and Shizuko helped place the silver circlet as well as add more decorative pins. Satsuki attached a short veil in the front as if Misaki needed modesty. When no one was looking, Misaki placed her father's ornamental dagger in her sash. It was not much of a weapon but a memory of her father.

Misaki took a deep breath and pushed her shoulders back. She walked with her head high with her mother and uncle into the carriage.

"You look beautiful," Minako said softly.

"I do not feel beautiful..." Misaki thought but she simply replied with a thank you.

"Do you understand your role?" Ren asked. "Act very proper in the Duke's presence and do not speak. Because you are in the Duke's home, who also outranks you, we'll be using a very formal greeting."

"I understand," Misaki replied.

The carriage rattled on as they traveled across the land. Misaki rubbed her ring as she saw them leave their estate. She went over her duties in her head. It shouldn't be hard since she wasn't even speaking. The dagger in her sash gave her courage not to cry.

"Announcing the Countess!" a deep voice yelled.

Misaki jerked up. The ride was over much faster than she hoped though looking at the sun, it had been hours.

"Be calm daughter," Minako said before the carriage doors opened and they all gracefully stepped out.

They all walked up the stone steps and into the main hall. Even though Misaki wore a veil, she could clearly see the riches and splendor of the place.

They approached a tall blonde man who got up from his seat.

"Welcome" he said.

Minako and Ren dropped to their knees and Misaki followed behind them.

"Thank you for your hospitality," Ren said. "We are most honored."

"Rise for there is no need for such formalities," The Duke said.

Misaki got up and was utterly horrified. She thanked her lucky stars for her veil because her mouth literally dropped open. She let out a silent gasp and stared at the Duke.

The Duke looked exactly like Tadao, the page boy. He was tall with golden hair and emerald green eyes. Misaki tried to relax her shoulders but without much success. How could the pageboy be the Duke? Or was the Duke the pageboy? Either way this made no sense. What if he recognized her? Surely the Duke would never accept the proposal then...proper women don't wear pants.

"This is my daughter, Lady Ayuzawa Misaki," the Countess said.

Misaki snapped out of her panicking and took a deep breath before approaching the Duke. She gave a deep curtsey and the Duke kissed her hand.

"A pleasure, my lady," he said, helping her rise.

Misaki bowed her head remembering that not to speak. She was glad for once about her silence. Her voice surely would give it away.

"We offer her hand in marriage if the Duke would favor us so," Ren said.

"You are most thoughtful," Duke Usui said.

His voice was very smooth and calm. Usui did not plan to wed any noble. Today, he came prepared to reject the proposal. He was simply waiting for the right moment.

Just then, a maid came and opened the balcony windows. Fresh air swept through the mansion.

The wind sent Misaki's face veil blowing across the ground to the Duke's feet. Usui nonchalantly picked it up and held it out to Misaki. He stopped and stared at her face. Misaki cringed against his stare, afraid that he would recognize her. There was a pause that was unnoticed by everyone except for Misaki and Usui. Usui tilted his head slightly trying to look at Misaki's face.

Usui blinked a few times but showed no shock. He calmly let his arm drop back to his side, the veil was still hanging from his fingertips. After what felt like years, Usui finally cleared his throat. "I accept this marriage," he said.

Misaki's heart skipped a beat. She had been afraid he might recognize her as the stable boy but he didn't seem to notice.

Usui waved his hand. "Yukimaru!" he called.

A small pageboy came in. Misaki tried to keep her face expressionless but couldn't help staring. So this was the actual pageboy for the Duke. She had to admit Usui looked every bit like a noble and wondered how she never noticed before.

Yukimaru walked forward with a small box. He bowed and handed it to Usui. Usui examined the box for a moment and turned back to the Ayuzawas. He got down on one knee and opened the box to Misaki.

"Lady Ayuzawa," he said smoothly. "Will you be my wife and allow me the privilege of caring for you and your family?"

The ring was a fine craft. The silver band was carved with tiny intricate designs and the large jewel shone. It was a pale blue that matched nicely with silver.

"I do..." Misaki whispered like she had rehearsed a thousand times in her head yet the words seemed to stick to her mouth.

She avoided looking at him. The less he saw her face, the better and why won't he return her face veil?! He had tucked it into his pocket.

Usui smiled and slid the precious ring onto her finger. Minako was smiling and Ren seemed satisfied with the result.

Misaki curtsied deeply. "Thank you, my lord," she whispered.

The Duke drank a toast with Minako and Ren and then the exchange of gifts began. Minako presented Misaki's dowry while Usui showered them back with a bride price. Misaki stood quietly as she watched guards carry chests of gold, jewels, metals, fabrics and spices back and forth. Misaki wondered why everyone didn't just keep their own wealth. Saved the guards all that energy.

"My lady?" Usui said approaching her.

Misaki jumped slightly. She immediately bowed her head, shadowing her face.

"Please accept this as a token of my household," Usui said.

He smiled at her and handed her a flat box.

"Open it," Usui coaxed when Misaki just stared at the fine wood, speechless.

Misaki gingerly lift the box and gasped. The Duke was certainly wealthy. Misaki's fingertips brushed the necklace of diamonds and sapphires glittering in the light.

"Thank you, my lord," Misaki said. "You are most generous."

"Do you like it?" Usui asked.

"It's very beautiful," Misaki answered.

"But do you like it?" Usui asked.

Misaki swallowed hard and forced a smile onto her lips.

"I do."

Usui held his hand out for the box and Misaki handed it to him. He drew out the necklace and walked behind Misaki. Misaki stiffened as his hand touched her bare neck. Her heart was beating so fast Misaki was afraid the Duke would hear it. His hands were warm and gentle as he fastened the necklace. Misaki touched her throat trying to compose herself. She had never worn anything this grand and it felt strange.

Misaki thanked Usui again.

"It was a pleasure meeting you, Lady Ayuzawa," Usui said, kissing her hand. "I look forward to seeing you again..."

Misaki's mouth felt really dry. "T-Thank you," she stammered. "I mean- I...I...it was a pleasure to...meet you too...my lord."

Misaki felt a blush creeping to her face and rushed off. Usui smiled at the retreating figure and then retrieved the face veil from his pocket. He felt the soft fabric between his fingers.

"Ayuzawa Misaki..." he said out loud after they had left.

He liked the way her name just rolled off his tongue. As soon as he saw her face, he knew he had to marry her. Her eyes were full of life and her spirit was unbroken by society.

Usui read people like people read books. He could easily see the greed and vanity in someone's eyes and it disgusted him. His thoughts traveled back to Misaki and a smile touched his lips.

"I thought you were going to reject," a voice said causing Usui to snap out of his daydreaming.

"Well things change," Usui replied. "But you had the bride price put together anyways did you not, Kanou?"

Kanou nodded. "Of course," he said bowing to Usui.

"You knew" Usui said, not as a question but a statement.

"I heard some things about this Lady Ayuzawa," Kanou said casually.

"Gossiping with the maids?" Usui said, raising an eyebrow.

Kanou shook his head and smirked.

"She is the Earl's treasure," Kanou told Usui. "He reared her like his heir. The Lady is known for acting more like a male than a noble woman."

Usui smiled. "That's fascinating."

Kanou paused. "You wouldn't be in love with her?" he asked cautiously, studying Usui's face.

Usui grinned but shook his head. "I don't believe in love at first sight," he told Kanou.

Kanou nodded not bothering to ask again. He bowed and departed, leaving Usui alone in the huge hall.

Usui folded his arms and wandered out to the balcony. "I might believe in love at second sight though..." he whispered, grinning.