Marinette wasn't sure what to make of Lydia. She wasn't unattractive but she certainly did not possess the beauty of the Duke's late wife. Her style of dress was quite garish and over the top, but maybe that was just London fashion. From the overly sweet practiced smile to her manner of speech, everything about her just felt like she was trying too hard to be someone else.

"I do apologise for my behaviour yesterday when you arrived, Miss Marinette." Lydia said sweetly, sipping her tea. "I must have given a terrible impression, but I was simply feeling sick and overwhelmed and was not myself at all."

"I'm sure it must be very tiring trying to run a household as a Duchess while you are so unwell, Your Grace." Marinette said, trying to be understanding. Lydia smiled sweetly, placing down her tea cup and grabbing Marinette's hand.

"Please, just call me Lydia. His Grace said you were kind and I am sure we will become the greatest of friends. Are you looking forward to the Bourgeois soirée in a few days? I understand it is the highlight event to start the season."

Marinette feigned a smile. She didn't necessarily have the fondest memories of attending the Bourgeois house. "Indeed. The Bourgeois family are always thoughtful and gracious hosts." She said diplomatically.

"And what of Miss Chloè? Do you think she would be a good match for the Viscount? His Grace seems to think so and she seemed quite charming when I saw her in London."

Charming wasn't exactly how Marinette would have described her. "Miss Bourgeois and I are only acquaintances and I haven't met the Viscount as yet, so I couldn't tell you."

Lydia looked a little surprised. "Did the Viscount not come down to break fast earlier? I was a little under the weather this morning so I only saw him briefly when he arrived last night."

Marinette had almost forgotten that the Viscount had arrived very late the night before. When she heard the coach pull up she had gotten up out of bed and looked out the window but it was raining heavily and her view was obstructed by a large oak tree.

"No, I haven't seen him. It was just myself and the Duke to break our fast this morning." That had been quite awkward enough in itself as the Duke seemed to be agitated. Nathalie was doing her best to be polite and engaging. Marinette had assumed Nathalie was the head housekeeper, but it seemed her role in the family was more elevated than a simple servant.

There was a silent pause as they ate some cake. "May I ask when the baby is due?"

Lydia looked a little flustered at the question. "Oh…um… well not yet anyway." Lydia said, picking up another biscuit. "Anyway, it won't be until towards the end of the season so we have plenty of time to work on finding you a husband."

Marinette was trying really hard not to have to think about that. "You must be excited for the baby to arrive though." Marinette prodded, feeling something was off.

"Once my son is born I know the Duke will be pleased." There seemed a hint of nervousness in her voice as she spoke. Marinette was aware that the Duke and Duchess resided on different parts of the estate which she thought was a little odd considering they had only been married for a little over six months. "I know His Grace worries that if anything happens to the Viscount he has no heir and his estate will go to his nephew."

"I see." Marinette took a quick sip of tea. "But what if it's a girl?"

"Oh no, it's definitely a boy." Lydia insisted. "I've read all the ladies' pamphlets on the topic. I crave salty food, my skin has remained blemish free, I am carrying my bump quite low which all indicate a boy. I also did the ring test."

"The ring test?"

Lydia nodded confidently. "I pulled out a strand of my hair and suspended my wedding ring over my belly. If it had spun in circles it would have meant a girl but the ring moved from side to side."

"And that means a boy?" Marinette asked skeptically.

"You're laughing at me." Lydia said flatly.

"Not at all. Like I said, I know little of any of this. If you say this all indicates a boy, then I will take your word for it."

Lydia seemed pleased with herself as she sipped her tea, but Marinette still worried at her overconfidence. Somehow waving a ring over your belly didn't seem a very definitive way to determine what the baby is and Lydia seemed to have had blinkers on to the idea of the baby being anything other than a boy.

Lydia picked up her napkin from her lap and delicately dabbed the corner of her mouth. "As for the Viscount, I'm sure you shall meet him soon enough." She said, changing the subject. "A word from the wise though, he has a certain kind of charisma about him that had him drawing no shortage of admirers in London so don't feel too bad if you find yourself falling a little in love with him. Don't let him get under your skin though. Despite his charms the Viscount is not interested in marriage, regardless of what his father wants and he will only break your heart. I would hate that to happen to you, you seem like such a sweet girl."

Marinette could only blink at her. "I have no intention of falling in love with anyone." She said with absolute certainty. Honestly, the more she heard about him, the less she liked him. "I believe there is more that one should look for in a life partner besides just charisma and a pleasing face. I feel very strongly that friendship is the best way to build a lasting relationship. Common interests and common goals."

"Oh, I see." Lydia smiled knowingly. "You are hoping for a love match."

"Oh, no that's not what I meant…"

"It's alright Marinette. It is only natural to want that. Not every woman has to choose the practical path like I did. I was very much like you once, on my third or fourth season out still full of hope that I wouldn't end up as a lonely spinster. I might not have had your beauty, but I was sure I had other desirable qualities that a man might want. At least I thought I did. I thought I had found my love match, but alas it was not meant to be. Then I met the Duke quite by accident and he took me into his life and into his home, even though it upset his own son. Don't close off the idea of an older gentleman, my dear. Security can be very attractive."

Marinette hadn't considered that she was looking for a love match. She was just hoping to meet someone kind that she got along well with. Thinking back though, she had met suitors who could have easily filled that requirement and yet she let them all slip past her. Maybe her heart did desire something more than to be simply comfortable and secure. Love matches were rare in this world, her parents being one of those rare exceptions, and she could appreciate that Lydia had gone for security over idealism, although she wondered if perhaps Lydia was not as contented as she pretended to be.

"I will keep your words in mind." She said, thoughtfully.

Lydia nodded and gave her another one of those practiced smiles. "So, tell me, do you have any plans for yourself today?"

Marinette folded her napkin and placed it on the table, taking the very clear hint that Lydia wanted to be left alone now.

"I thought I might go for a ride on the grounds. The rain from this morning appears to have cleared and it seems like such a lovely day outside now."

"Indeed it is." Lydia agreed, standing up and heading for the door. "Enjoy your ride. I would join you but, well…" She gave her small bump a rub. "I shall simply have to live vicariously through you for now. I'm sure we will see each other tonight at dinner."

Once Marinette was up in her room Tara came and helped her into her riding ensemble. Sitting down at the vanity, Tara platted Marinette's long dark hair into a single braid down her back.

"Have you met the Viscount yet Miss?" Tara asked inquisitively as she entwined a pink ribbon into the braid.

"Not yet." Marinette replied, pulling on her riding gloves. She could see a glint in Tara's eyes. "Why? What's the gossip downstairs?"

"Not a lot I have to admit, although they say he is very handsome."

Marinette snorted. "Handsome and no doubt conceited. I've certainly seen enough of that in the last three seasons. Do you know where the Viscount is now?"

"Speaking with the Duke in his study I believe." Tara finished tying off the ribbon in Marinette's hair and leaned closer to her ear. "It sounds like their conversation has been quite heated. You can hear raised voices down the hall."

Hmmm, maybe that was why the Duke seemed agitated this morning. "Good to know. I shall be able to avoid him a little while longer then."

Marinette went down the grand staircase and could hear the echo of indistinguishable male voices. Avoiding the study, Marinette went outside to where a stable hand had Tikki waiting for her. Tikki threw her head and stomped the ground.

"Keen for a run too girl." Marinette soothed, stroking Tikki's maine. Taking the reins, Marinette walked her horse down the garden path with the intent of heading down towards the lake. As she was about to mount Tikki she could hear the raised voices again, causing her to stop in her tracks. This time she could hear them much more clearly through an open window.

"….and I'm just so anxious to discuss this topic for the hundredth time."

"Do not speak to me in that tone Adrien. You have been wasting far too much time galavanting about London with Félix instead of fulfilling your duties to this estate."

"By marrying your mean? Producing a precious heir to pass your estate onto? Isn't that why you married Lydia? I'm not getting the job done so you need a back up son."

"Excuse you!"

"Can't you see how she manipulated you into marrying her?"

"My only concerns were only ever for you Adrien. You are my only son. If anything happened to you… It is time you grew up and settled down. Your mother…"

"Do not bring my mother into this. You do not get to speak about her and you are not going to guilt me into a marriage. Is that why you were trying to push Miss Bourgeois onto me last season? And what about this guest of yours? Or is it your new hobby to entertain young women?"

"She is the daughter of an old family friend I am sponsoring this season to keep Lydia company. I already told you that. Would it be so bad to open your mind to the possibility…"

"No father. I already told you I have no intention of marrying. Period. This conversation is done."

Marinette slinked back away from the window, pulling her horse back with her. Mounting up on Tikki, she took off as fast as she could towards the lake.

It was good to feel the wind on her face as Tikki raced across the green pastures, but Marinette was feeling unsettled. She had stumbled onto a very private conversation which only gave her more questions than answers.

After following the lake for a while at a slower pace, Marinette changed direction coming around towards the back of the estate to return Tikki to the stables. Off to one side she spied what appeared to be a concealed grotto. Curiosity getting the better of her, Marinette dismounted and wandered in amongst the canopy of trees. The area looked overgrown and forgotten. Tikki tugged a little at the reins and Marinette gently rubbed the bridge of her nose. The sunlight peeked through the foliage laden branches and onto a twisted knot of vines concealing something underneath. Marinette pulled away some of the vines and the light shined onto the stone face of a woman. Pulling a few more vines she could see the statue was sitting serenely with folded hands in her lap. Somehow the statue felt sad.

Tying Tikki to the wooden bench, Marinette sat down in the shade of the grove. It was so peaceful. All around the grotto flowers bloomed, filling the space with their sweet scent. Jasmine. She had seen it growing over the trellises in the garden too. The smell reminded her of her childhood.

Marinette let out a long sigh. That was maybe her last memory of her father, walking with him amoungst the jasmine. Maybe it was here at one of those garden parties her mother seemed to have enjoyed so much with the Duchess. How she wished her father was still here. She missed him so much.

Lost in her thoughts, Marinette was then startled by the sound of boots on the fallen twigs. Turning around, her bluebell eyes were suddenly met by a pair of surprised emerald green ones peeking out from under a hood.

"Who are you?" He said sharply. "What are you doing here?"

Marinette quickly stood up and took a step back. She then saw his muddy boots and cloak and assumed he must have been some sort of traveler taking a shortcut across the back of the Estate. She straightened up and frowned at the intruder. "I don't need to explain myself to a wanderer."

"Wanderer?" The man echoed in confusion, his intense eyes unnerving her.

"Yes." Marinette asserted. "I am a guest of the Duke of this estate and I am entitled to take my rest here if I wish too without being accused by a stranger." She added, folding her arms.

The young man stared at her a little stunned at her assertiveness. "A guest of the Duke?" Is this the demure young woman his father had told him of that was visiting?

Marinette frowned at him. "Are you going to repeat everything I say like a parrot?"

He then shook his head disapprovingly. "You shouldn't be out here without a chaperone. Where is your maid?"

He had some nerve! "I don't believe that is any of your business." She retorted, taking Tikki by the reins and mounting the saddle. "Good day to you Sir."

"Wait!"

Giving Tikki a spur on, Marinette took off quickly through the canopy she had come in through, leaving a perplexed young man behind her.

Turning back to the statue, he knelt down in front of it and began to clear away some more of the vines, revealing a plaque that read "Emilie Agreste - Duchess of DuPont"

"Hello Mother." He said softly, pulling back his hood and touching the hand of the statue. "I'm home."

~~~~~

Marinette spritzed a little perfume behind her ears and touched up her blush. For some reason she was feeling quite nervous about sharing dinner with the Duke and the Viscount. After the argument she overheard, it was clear that the animosity the Duke had warned her of was still alive and well.

After having Tara pin her hair up, Marinette took a deep breath and walked down the staircase and into the dining room. The Duke was sitting at one end of the 8 seater table, Lydia in the centre to his right and a man with blond hair with his back to her was at the other end of the table. A place had been laid out for her opposite to Lydia.

"Ah Miss Marinette, we have been waiting for you." The Duke said, standing up and waving her closer. "May I introduce you to my son Adrien, Viscount of DuPont."

The young man turned around and Marinette recognised those piercing emerald eyes from under the hood of the man she had met earlier in the grotto. So much for muddy boots and a traveling cloak, the man standing before her now was dressed impeccably and his face was… well it wasn't unpleasant she must admit. It was also evident from his own expression that he had recognised her too.

Adrien quickly cleared his throat. "Miss Dupain-Cheng." He said formally with a cordial bow. "I am pleased to make your acquaintance."

His tone was reserved, but Marinette saw he was playing it as though they hadn't met, so she played along and gave him a curtsy in return. "The pleasure is mine."

"You may not remember, Adrien, but Miss Marinette used to play with you as children during the summer."

Marinette narrowed her eyes at Adrien slightly. "Yes, I remember, Your Grace." She said with an air of aloofness before taking her seat. "I believe tea parties were a favourite of the Viscount." Somehow Adrien didn't think that was meant as a good thing judging from the subtle sarcasm, although he wasn't sure what it was he could have done.

As the dinner was served Lydia began to prattle on about the upcoming Bourgeois Ball. While her focus was almost entirely on fashion and the latest gossip (no doubt shared by one Nadja Chamack in the local paper) Marinette couldn't help but notice the way Gabriel and Adrien both seemed rather tense. Neither was engaging in any meaningful conversation. How long had it been since they had even shared a meal together? The tension in the atmosphere was so thick it was almost stifling and Marientte was almost wishing she had feigned a headache and simply skipped.

"You must be fitted out for a new dress, Marinette. My dressmaker is coming in the morning and I have told her not to spare any expense on you. We must have you radiant. I think maybe yellow or orange might be nice on you.

"You are most kind." Marinette said, feeling a little uncomfortable at the attention, and somewhat alarmed at Lydia's colour choices. "But it's really not necessary."

"Nonsense." Lydia insisted. "I'll see to it Nathalie arranges everything. You shall be the bell of the ball. Suitors will be lining up to fill your dance card." She shoved a large piece of chicken into her mouth in a most unladylike way. "I can't wait to go dancing." She mumbled with her mouth half full.

"I'm not sure that is wise in your condition." Gabriel said dryly. "You could have an accident."

Lydia rolled her eyes and ignored him. "Do you like to dance Marinette?"

For the first time since they had sat down Adrien looked up from his plate towards Marinette. For her part Marinette kept her focus on Lydia.

"I don't mind dancing if I'm with a skilled partner."

"Adrien is an excellent dancer." Lydia offered. "We shared a number of dances in London."

"I don't recall dancing with anyone in London." Adrien snapped sharply with an annoyed glare at Lydia, but she just smirked at him.

"I expect you to dance with Miss Bourgeois." Gabriel said gruffly, looking over his wine glass towards his son. "As the daughter of the hosts, it would be expected."

"I'm sure a sizable donation to Sir Bourgeois' election campaign would suffice. I don't intend to dance at all." Adrien replied, avoiding eye contact with his father. "My ankle is still not fully healed from my fencing accident with Félix."

Gabriel scoffed. "Not healed enough to dance but healed enough to traipse about in the mud around the estate. You left quite a trail down the hall when you came back in."

"I went to visit my mother's grave." He said contemptuously, not seeing the way Marinette cringed. So that's what that statue was. "It was in a disgraceful mess. Overgrown, neglected and forgotten." He emphasised that last word, looking directly at his father.

Gabreil pulled at his cravat, loosening it from around his neck. "I will see to it that everything is fixed quickly." The two men locked eyes and there was a clear hurt in both their expressions. "She's not forgotten Adrien. I will never forget her."

Adrien snorted and went back to pushing his food around his plate. Marinette looked over at Lydia who had her eyes downcast. While she did not feel much of a kinship to Lydia, she did feel sorry for her living in the shadow of someone who seemed larger than life. Although if you were to ask her, Lydia looked more annoyed than upset.

"Um, so tell me what London was like. I've never been there." Marinette said, trying to fill the awkward silence.

Lydia quickly jumped onto the change the topic, regaling Marientte with stories of meeting members of the Royal family. Soon the conversation moved to her own plans for a grand ball. It was apparent she had worn down the Duke into agreeing to the event, although he looked anything but pleased about it.

"You will help me with the planning, won't you Marinette?" She asked excitedly. "I want it to be a grand event."

"I'd be happy to, although I'm sure Your Grace is more experienced with such things than I am."

The Duchess waved her hand around. "I told you to just call my Lydia, you are with friends here. Of course I've never hosted my own ball before, but I have attended so many over the years, and my parents were popular hosts so I know what I'd like to do. Something soft and romantic should be just perfect."

"Haven't you had enough of playing pretend?" Adrien said coldly. If his eyes could have, they would have been burning holes into Lydia. Marinette looked between the two of them and clearly there was something going unsaid.

"Adrien, mind yourself." The Duke warned, his gray eyes narrowing in on his son. "We have a guest here and I have had quite enough of your animosity towards your…." Adrien glared at him and Gabriel thought better of referring to Lydia as Adrien's step-mother.

Adrien then looked over to Marinette who had been watching the scene u fold with wide eyes. "Forgive me Miss Marinette, it appears I have lost my appetite."

Pushing out his chair, Adrien dropped his napkin onto the table and picked up his glass of wine, leaving from the room. Lydia then let out a nervous laugh.

"Still as moody as ever." She quipped. Gabriel hummed in thought as he sipped his wine.

"He's been hanging around Félix too long. His insolence has been rubbing off on him. I should have made him come home sooner, but he wouldn't leave London."

Lydia soon brought the conversation back to silk napkins and floral arrangements, but it was clear there was an uncomfortable atmosphere in the room. Gabriel became withdrawn into his glass of wine and Marinette was anxious for dinner to be done so she could leave.

Following dinner, Gabriel and Lydia both retired to their own separate quarters leaving Marinette alone. After getting into her nightgown she dismissed Tara for the night and retired for the night. Unfortunately she found she could not sleep. Her mind kept racing over everything she had seen and heard that day. The situation was far more complicated than she had previously thought and she had to wonder what her mother would think about it if she told her. Outside the rain had returned, but even its soothing sounds were not enough to lull her to sleep.

Putting on her robe, and lighting a candle, Marinette decided to head down to the library. Perhaps reading for a while might help her to feel sleepy.

As she browsed through the dusty shelves Marinette heard a noise out on the terrace that sounded suspiciously like a cat meowing. Opening the glass door she found Adrien sitting out there with a carafe on a small table beside him watching the rain with a black cat purring on his lap. Marinette's intrusion caused the cat to raise its head and prick its ears. Adrien quickly stood up when he saw her, placing the cat on the ground and giving her a bow.

"Are you well, Miss Marinette?" He asked, concerned.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you." Marinette said quickly with a curtsy. She went to run back inside when Adrien stepped closer.

"Please wait." He asked, holding out his hand. Marinette stopped, her hand still on the doorframe. "I feel I owe you an apology for my behaviour at dinner. You are a guest here and did not need to be a witness to our family's problems."

"No, it is I who should apologise to you." Marinette said. "I had no idea I was invading your private space this afternoon in the grotto and I was very rude to you."

Marinette was surprised when he gave her a soft smile. "I guess we have both made some mistakes today. Maybe we can wipe the slate clean and start again." Adrien pointed his open hand toward one of the seats inviting her to stay. Marinette looked down, conscience of the fact that she was only in a nightgown and light robe and with her hair down.

"It might not be appropriate…"

"It's fine, really." Adrien assured her. "You are our guest here and Nathalie would never say anything. Besides, you have nothing to fear from me, or him." He added, pointing to the cat that looked indignant he had lost his warm seat.

Somehow Marinette believed him that she was safe. The cold exterior Adrien had shown earlier at dinner had retreated a little and Marinette found herself wanting to know him better.

"What's his name?" She asked, taking a seat.

"I call him Plagg. I found him down a London street one night as a kitten about two years ago. I couldn't leave him there, so I brought him with me. He's still getting used to his new home. Can I offer you a nightcap?" Adrien asked, holding up the carafe.

"Oh, no thank you. I'm not much of a drinker."

Adrien chuckled. "It's not that kind of night cap. I couldn't sleep so I made some warm milk, but I made a little too much." He poured the milk into the glass he had been using and passed it to her. "I apologise for not having another glass, but I wasn't expecting company. I assume you couldn't sleep either?"

Marinette shook her head. "I thought maybe a book might help, but I couldn't choose one." She picked up the glass and took a sip. It was still warm.

"How was your ride today? Aside from the wanderer that accosted you." He chuckled. "I saw you brought your own horse with you. That's a little unusual isn't it?"

Marinette put down her glass and fiddled with the tie on her robe. "Tikki is special to me." She explained. "My father gave her to me before he passed away so in a way it's like taking him with me. It sounds silly, I know."

Adrien turned his head to her, locking her eyes. "Not at all. I understand perfectly." The thunder rolled overhead and Marinette could see understanding in his gaze, that hidden pain of having lost someone you loved. He then broke his gaze and looked back over the horizon.

"So I understand my father is sponsoring you this season."

"Yes." Marinette replied, feeling a little embarrassed. "My mother was friends with your mother and I guess she called in a favour."

Adrien hummed in thought. "Well, if your intention is to look for a husband, Lydia might not be the best person to assist you. I doubt she knows the first thing about being a lady, or what makes a suitable candidate. I know my father wanted you here to be friends with Lydia. However, let me just caution you to be wary of her." He said with serious countinance.

Plagg began to rub his face on Marinette's leg, so she leaned down to pat his head. "He likes you." Adrien pointed out offhandedly.

Marinette looked back at him, a frown on her brow. "His Grace did mention you were not accepting of his relationship."

Adrien snorted. "What relationship? No sooner did they arrive here than Nathalie told me she set up home in her own chambers. They barely speak to each other. You know she tried wielding her charms on me first."

Marinette shook her head. "I didn't know."

He flicked his bangs out of his eyes. "Félix and I were invited by some of his friends from Eton to a small gathering just outside of London for a birthday celebration. It was off season so there wasn't a swarm of Mama's from the Ton trying to push their daughters onto us. Félix had met a girl, Miss Kagami Tsurugi, and she brought with her a new friend Lydia and introduced us. I had seen her on and off over the season, but up until then we hadn't spoken. I enjoyed talking to her and we had a few laughs over some drinks and playing cards. She cheats by the way." He added. "It was informal and nothing serious. The next time we met socially she insisted we had some kind of understanding between us and I explained to her that she had misunderstood and I was not intending on looking for a wife."

Marinette nodded in understanding. "Well you were at least being honest with her."

"I'm glad you think so." Adrien mused. "Then while Félix and I were gone on a hunting expedition, she somehow got herself introduced to my father who had only recently returned from…" He hesitated for a moment. "A prolonged illness. I'm sure you have heard the gossip." Marinette reluctantly nodded. "Next thing I know, they are off to Scotland and were married practically in secret. It happened so fast my head was in a spin." He picked up the carafe and looked into it, finding it empty. "I should have gotten a stronger nightcap."

"I can sympathise with her in a way." Marinette said, causing Adrien to swing his head back to look at her questioningly. Marinette swallowed nervously under that intense gaze and continued. "As a man, you can choose if you marry or not, but as women we don't have the luxury of a choice. My father died when I was 15 and from that day on I knew that I would have to marry so that my mother and I would have security."

Adrien shook his head. "It's a fair point, but I know my father. He isn't the whirlwind romance type and I don't believe Lydia is either. Something happened, and I've been trying to find out what exactly. That's why I stayed back in London so long. That and I just couldn't face either of them."

Marinette could see that Adrien was clearly troubled. This wasn't just a case of a child feeling like a parent has been replaced or forgotten, nor was it a petty jealousy. Something was deeply bothering him. "Do you want to talk to me about it?"

Adrien turned his eyes back to her with a soft smile. "I feel like I could trust you, but I'll keep my cards close to my chest for now. At least until I'm more sure."

Marinette nodded, not wishing to pry further.

"Anyway, you should have no trouble finding a husband. You're an attractive woman. What are you so worried about?"

The way he said it so casually almost made Marinette blush. "I wasn't fishing for compliments. The truth of the matter is if I do not receive a proposal by the end of this season, my Grandfather wants to arrange for me to marry Sir Kim Chiên."

Adrien raised his eyebrows. "Could be worse." He quipped, trying not to laugh at Marinette's death stare. "It could have been his father, Chiên senior."

The two looked at each other in dead silence before they both started laughing. "I'm sorry." He then appologised. "I only jest."

"I know." Marinette smiled, sobering up. "But it's not far from the truth. If it isn't Sir Kim now it could very well be someone like his father later. Unlike you I can not simply say I don't wish to marry if my Grandfather goes ahead and makes an agreement. I don't have that choice."

"Well we can't let that happen." Adrien said cheerfully. "So it looks like I will have to help you find a husband."

"And how exactly do you propose to do that?"

Adrien rubbed his chin, pretending to think hard. He then raised his finger expectantly before dropping it with a playful frown. "I don't know yet." He admitted. "But I will think of something, I promise. We just need to make sure you are the one with all the attention and not Miss Chloè Bourgeois."

Adrien could see a small curve up at the side of her lips. "You look amused, Miss Marinette."

"I'm sorry, it's just you're different to what I remembered."

Adrien leaned closer to her on his armrest. "Colour me intrigued. What do you remember?"

"You being a total brat to me and putting ink in my tea." She said feigning indignation. "I was only 6 or so and it took me over a week to get the stains off my teeth."

Adrien looked at her in total amusement. "That doesn't sound like me. Does that sound like me, Plagg?" Plagg ignored him, licking his paws. "To be honest that sounds more like a prank my cousin would have pulled."

Marinette narrowed her eyes at him doubtfully. "Your cousin?"

"Yes, my cousin Félix. He loved pulling pranks and rubbing my father the wrong way. Come to think of it, he still likes rubbing my father the wrong way."

Marinette didn't quite look like she believed him. "But, I saw you laughing…"

"Should I add that my cousin looks just like me?" He laughed at her raised eyebrow. He then held up one hand and placed the other over his heart. "I swear, our mothers were identical twins and Félix and I do bear a striking likeness. I would never have put ink in your tea, I swear. In fact, I was a fairly quiet child by comparison to my more rebellious cousin."

Marinette shrugged her shoulders in submission. "I guess I'll just have to take your word for it for now."

Adrien leaned back in his chair and crossed his ankles with his hands behind his head. "You know what I remember about you, Miss Marinette?" Adrien asked.

"That I was clumsy and would trip over my own feet?"

Adrien laughed and shook his head. "No. That you used to wear your hair in cute little pigtails with red ribbons."

Marinette had to turn her eyes away from him as she felt her cheeks heating up. "I haven't worn my hair like that in a long time. Not since my debut in fact."

"Well that's a pity. As lovely as your hair is down, the pigtails did suit you."

Marinette sneaked a glance back at him. The flash of the lightning illuminated his face. Tara was right when she said the maids thought him handsome. But it was something more than just his looks… it was something about him. They were far from the children they used to be and her heart felt as though it skipped a beat at the way he was looking at her.

"You stopped coming to my mother's garden parties." He said, sadly. "I looked for you, you know."

"We moved from Paris for a few years." Marinette explained. "By the time we came back, you would have been in London."

A silence fell between them which was broken by Marinette yawning. Adrien pointed to the empty glass. "Looks like the milk worked."

"I guess it did." Marinette replied standing up. "And the rain seems to be easing too. Thank you for the milk, My Lord, and the conversation."

Adrien stood up as well. "Please, call me Adrien and it was my pleasure, Marinette. I'm glad we were able to clear up those misunderstandings."

Marinette gave him a cheeky grin. "I haven't decided if I believe you just yet about the ink, but I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt."

"Then I shall have to endeavour to convince you of my innocence." Adrien then took her hand and kissed the back of it with a low bow. "Goodnight m'lady."

Marinette felt her breath catch in her throat. "Goodnight." Marinette replied softly, before scurrying through the library and back to her room.

Closing the door she pressed her cool palms to her hot face, her heart racing in her chest as she flopped back onto her bed. It's just nerves, she told herself. Just nerves for the upcoming season. For what she needed to do to find a husband. Yes, that was it.