The night seemed surreal to Kitty. It was not her first visit to Pemberton, but all of the extravagance seemed new and exciting. The lavish decor and smells flooded Katherine's senses, and she could not help but feeling slightly overwhelmed. It had been by sheer luck that she was even allowed to attend. Her father had been on business and she had accompanied him, and the invitation to the ball, along with fact that she had brought her best dress, had all seemed to fall perfectly into place, and now here she was.


She fiddled excitedly with the sleeves of her purple dress. The hemming, underskirts, and jewelery she had chosen to wear were all in a sparkling silver, and she felt as though she was floating. Her father had drifted off early in the evening to speak to some of his business colleagues, and she had been wandering around the hall even since.


She stopped near the dance floor and was immediately enthralled. She was the only accomplished dancer in her family, and has never seen to many well-dressed, graceful people dancing at one time. Her lithe limbs itched to be on the floor and she looked around for her father. He was the only man she knew here, and she knew she could coax him into dancing with her. Granted, he would step on her toes and grumble about it the whole time, but the opportunity was too perfect for her to let it slip by.


Sighing she raised herself up on her toes, trying to see over the enormous groups of people for her father.

He had a few dances behind him and with the flow of alcohol moving swiftly through his veins Richard surely had many more ahead of him. However, there was only one he truly wished to dance with and yet had no clue if she was even here. It would not be unusual if she were not for it would have been a long trip, and Duchess Lucy could have only asked for a few to join the ball or none at all. There were so many other reasons going through his mind as to why she would not be here, there were no positive thoughts, besides for the fact that there were deep feelings inside him that wished to see her again very soon.


Already he had decided to speak with Duchess Lucy and then her father on his return trip, and knew for certain he would get approvals from both. There was no doubt in his mind and yet in this moment he was in a foul mood for she was not here, and that fact weighed so heavily over the fact that soon she would be his to court. There were far greater goals than a simple courtship, however she wanted all of this to be of her wishes as well, he wante her to be his wife, he did not want to force this on her like he knew he could have. With her Richard was a man that thought of love first and foremost, the thought of the politics of the marriage weighed very little, if at all.


Working his way past a couple on the dancefloor his tunic swayed as he nearly ran into them as he had been so lost in thought. The dark black tunic and his black pants with their fine gold trimming allowed him to stand out quite easily from the crowd. His dark black hair and bright blue eyes scanned those on the side watching those of the floor, in there he hoped to find her. And, he did. Immediately a smile came to his lips, one so genuine and giddy it would have made the darkest of souls absolutely sick. Moving in her direction he took in her image, one that he had only kept in his mind these many days, weeks since they had first met. Her lithe frame, petite features, and smaller stature were all so familiar to him, all a realization as to how he could have missed her before. Though, seeing her now like this made it all the better.


Her dark purple dress was darker than the one he had seen her in before, she was wearing jewels now as well, and her hair flowing and laid upon her fair skin. All these were such an enticement to him, as they would be with any woman, but with Katherine it sent his heart into a rapid beating. Watching as she stood on her tippy toes looking for someone she could not see him approaching from her side. Swallowing he slowly came up behind her slightly, though more to her right side. Leaning down slightly he spoke lightly, "My Lady, I do believe I am safe to assume that it is me who you are looking for." Richard smiled, waiting for her to turn and look at him, not sure if she would know him by his voice. When she would turn she would find him quite close, looking down at her with his dark blue eyes.

Kitty was not well-acquainted with many people in Pemberton, so it came as a great surprise to her when she heard a voice whisper very close to her ear. "My Lady, I do believe I am safe to assume that it is me who you are looking for." She gasped at the closeness and spun around to look the man in the face, almost hitting him across the chest in the process (though admittedly, a hit from her would not exactly pain anyone). Her surprise faded when she realized it was Richard, and the blush of excitement that graced her face quickly turned to embarrassment. How could she have forgotten the sweet sound of his voice in such a short time? She was very close to him, her face just barely under his, and she could feel the intensity of his deep blue eyes on her. She looked up into them with unabashed happiness. “My lord Richard,” she said with a slight bow of her head, breaking their eye contact, “I am so pleased too see you again.”


She looked back up at him through her eyelashes, in what her mother had told her was a coy manner. If possible, he had grown more attractive since she last saw him. His black attire, rimmed with gold was very well-fitted to his muscular body, and she found herself regretting the fact that she had not worn a more alluring dress. Her purple and silver gown was indeed very flattering, but it did not exactly show off any of her feminine attributes.


All thoughts of finding her father fled from her mind as she was once again in Richard's presence, and all other things seemed less important. She would never admit that she had spent the past few weeks practically pining over his departure, and that she had spent all of her time learning what she could about his family and Harleston from her family's small library. She had tried to ask her father as subtly as possible about the Castylls, but he had just chuckled, and commented on her curiosity. Her mother had spent the entire time gushing about the marriage possibilities and how she would finally do something useful for the family, which had left Kitty feeling even more put out. But now, all these things were in the past, and all that mattered was that Richard was here with her.

She should have been less surprised at his attendance, but she had spent the past week trying not to get her hopes up, and had finally been able to put the thought from her mind. “Have you been enjoying yourself Lord Richard?” She asked politely, hoping that the answer would be favourable. With her luck, her was to be married to a blonde with a better figure within the week.

He truly hadn't a clue as to how she would react to his impromptu introudction, concealing his identity from her, but as she spun Richard chuckled, nearly having to jump back to avoid an attack. He loved the energe she had, so youthful and innocent, with so many cares in the world that revolved all around him in this moment. As he cared for her, he knew that she cared for him, surely more than he realized. The blush upon her cheeks was such a familiarity to him at this point of knowing her, had he not been graced by such a sight he surely wouldn't have been as excited as he now was. He truly cared for her and wanted to immediately tell her what was on his mind, but he knew such would likely either cause her to pass out or turn such a shade of red many would think she was some witch, the devil having taken her soul.


"As I am, Lady Katherine," he responded, returning her slight bow of her head with one of his own. Finding her alluring eyes actually able to lock with his own behind her eyelashes he tested them, staring so deep, looking as far as he could within her own soul. There was only goodness and happiness there, the happiness he knew he had brought to her from his presence alone. "You look absolutely stunning my lady, one as beautiful and well dressed as yourself should never be unattended by anyone who would call himself a true gentleman." Compliments filled with his own boasting of manners that he claimed to have than none other present did. Truly a much greater compliment than any simple choice of words remarking on her beauty and dress.


"Truly," he said, holding out a hand for her to take, which she did, laying her small hand upon his own, "Now that I am able to be blessed to touch and lay my eyes upon you my lady. Come and dance with me," he said, not a question but a statement for he wouldn't take no for an answer, not that he would have ever expected a no. Leading her out to the dancefloor by the hand, his own folding over it, he stopped and then turned, drawing her to him. Placing her hand that he held around his back he slowly brought his hand back, sliding down the bare skin of her arm before laying softly on her hip. Taking her other hand in his own he drew her closer to him by stepping closer. Slowly he slipped his hand around her, upon her waist, and led her in a slow dance upon the floor. His height nearly placed to the side of her own as he was nearly a head taller than her he enjoyed in the touch of her locks of hair brushing his cheek.


Turning his head slowly he leaned over and whispered so close to her ear. "I know you would surely be able to show me up, but I do hope you allow me to lead," he said, his lips lightly brushing her ear as he turned his head to look behind her as they moved slowly on the dancefloor.

She knew she had over-reacted when she realized Richard was laughing at her, but luckily her cheeks didn't feel any warmer. In fact, she felt them returning to a normal shade, which was almost unthinkable in Richard's presence. Perhaps she was finally accustomed to being near him.


"You look absolutely stunning my lady, one as beautiful and well dressed as yourself should never be unattended by anyone who would call himself a true gentleman." Kitty gave Richard a beaming smile and subconsciously brushed at her dress. “Thank you my lord, you look quite handsome as well.” She fingered some of the stitchting near his throat, quite enamoured with the workmanship. Perhaps she would embroider a shirt for him one day in a similar style. “It is lucky for me that I have a true gentleman such as yourself to look after me.” She teased. It was so refreshing to speak to him as if they had never parted. She had imagined them conversing so many times in the past few weeks, but the dream paled in comparison to the reality.


She took his hand and he led her on to the dance floor, and act she had been anticipated all night. Already she could feel her body adjusting to the feel of having a dance partner, but she could not surpress a shiver as he brush her arm, and she closed her eyes for a moment to savour the feeling. Smiling she noted that Richard was indeed an adept dancer with a style that was well-suited to her own. Her light steps moved in perfect sync with his, although her legs were quite a bit shorter.


"I know you would surely be able to show me up, but I do hope you allow me to lead," She felt his lips on her ear and she close her eyes yet again, allowing a soft sound, almost like a whimper, to escape her lips. Her eyes opened widely, as she could not believe she had just sighed aloud at his touch. Her sight flitted around the room, but she realized that the dance floor and music were so loud that no one was really paying attention. Luckily her steps did not falter, even though her heart was beating abnormally fast inside her chest. “I will allow you to lead,” she said in what she hoped was a flirtatious tone, “so as not to embarrass you in front of all your important friends.” She enjoyed teasing him almost as much as regular speech, and she still maintained that she was a better dancer (although she would never be so rude as to tell Richard).

As she smiled he returned it with a smile of his own for her smile was so infectous. Watching her touch her dress, obviously a sign she wished to make it appear even more beautiful in his presence with his compliment about it he smiled again, knowing all too well that she would likely do almost anything to get his approval. Nodding, he thanked her for her compliment of his own attire as she laid her hand upon the stiching of it. With the tease he laughed lightly, such words often shocked him for he never expected such from one who appeared and often acted so innocent and unable to find such words. The trip to the dancefloor had gone by so quickly at this point, the memory of how they had gotten here and met at this ball gone from mind as they now danced.


Her breath upon his neck was warm and calming for his heart had been beating in such a fury ever since he had brought her body against his own. He was sure that she would be able to feel the pulses eminating from his chest. Feeling her shake lightly at the touch of his lips upon her ear he heard her allow a whimper to escape her lips, such verbal recognition of her desire for him nearly turned him into a man less of a gentleman by the moment. There was surely much lust in his soul for her, he wanted her badly, wanted to share a bed with her and wanted her truly to be his. However, such could not be true for now, there were processes and he would not mis-step along the way to a marriage with her. At least he should hope so, but the desire was surely great, would it matter the steps taken if they still led to marriage? Richard was unsure. The true thoughts of his desire for marriage to her would never pass his lips while in her presence, he would surprise her with it once he got the approval of the Duchess of Ashton and her father.


They moved so well across the dancefloor, moving with ease as if they had been dancing together for years. One would never guess that this was the first time dancing together. As she teased him by responding to his comments Richard laughed and laid his head against her own, further signs of affection. She was jesting with him, flirtacious in tone, and this only increased his love for her, and it brought out his more private jesting that was certainly not appropriate for a formal setting or between two unmarried or two who were not courting. Richard did not care though, he was so lost in his love and desire for her. "You should dare not embarrass me My Lady, or I shall be forced to lead you from this place and speak with you on the matter in a much more private setting, certain punishments would likely be in order as well," he said, lips so close to her ear. Turning her away from visual sight by moving her among other dancing couple, his hand laid upon her rump and he gave it a playful squeeze.

The dancing was wonderful, as was the entire evening. Kitty was utterly thrilled that she had chosen to attend and that she was finally dancing with the man she had very strong feelings for. Even if she had made a complete fool of herself, Richard didn't seem to notice. They spoke and laughed as if they had know each other forever and She couldn't possibly imagine life getting any better at this moment.


"You should dare not embarrass me My Lady, or I shall be forced to lead you from this place and speak with you on the matter in a much more private setting, certain punishments would likely be in order as well," Kitty was, to say the least, shocked. Never had anyone touched her in such a public setting in such an inappropriate manner! They may have had deep feelings for each other, but she had certainly not been expecting such a...a....lewd gesture! Richard spoke so flippantly about such...private matters that she shuddered to think of. When she was finished denied the fact that she may have slightly enjoyed the intimate gesture, Kitty realized that she had stopped dancing, even though her partner's feet were still moving. She was too late to correct the error and she tripped awkwardly over Richard's feet, falling against his chest in an attempt to steady herself. “I'm sure I would never think of truly embarrassing you my lord.” Was the only response she could muster, her voice slightly higher than it would normally be.


She straightened her form, putting a bit of distance between herself and Richard. It wasn't as though she had never receive instruction on such indecent acts, but to have her more discreet areas touched in such a way was never something they covered. Was she supposed to be indignant? Should she slap him? She couldn't fathom what to do in such a situation, especially since the ballroom was so crowded. Her mother had never informed her of what to do if one liked such indecencies. She almost giggled at the though of addressing a situation like this with her mother, but held it back. If she ever asked her mother what to do about liking a man groping her, she would most likely find herself at a convent the next day.


“Harleston,” she blurted out hurriedly, “how was your voyage back to Harleston after we last spoke? The roads must have been quite washed out from the rain, but I imagine you did not have much trouble?” Kitty tended to ramble incoherently when she was nervous and to ask him about his trip was the only thing she could think of with such a muddled mind. Perhaps now he would move into polite conversation instead of trying to make her fall in love and lust with him...but perhaps that wasn't what she wanted. Why did love have to be so confusing?

Truly he hadn't been thinking too clearly, why had he done such a thing to her? He should have certainly known better, he was acting like such a rude young teenager. Grabbing her butt like that and such rude language, so unbecoming of a noble of his caliber. The shock of the moment had brought her to stop and trip as he had continued to dance, causing her to crash into his chest. "No no," he said, as she...sorta apologized, and then stepped back to gather herself from the moment. Trying to regain her composure she hurriedly spoke of his home and how his trip must have been difficult due to the rain when he had last been with her.


Before saying another thing he reached out and placed his hand upon her waist again, drawing her to him again as he also took a step forwards. Taking her hand again and wrapping his hand back around her again he slowly led her into dance again, keeping it very simple for it didn't seem that she was truly with it still. She seemed to be at a loss, though it wasn't a great mystery as to why that was. "The trip was no issue at all, I thought of you the entire time and I travelled swiftly with ease, though there was much unease on my mind for I knew it would be awhile until I was able to see you again." Smiling as they danced he drew her just alittle closer to him, but dared not let his hand venture even a slight distance away from where it was.


He wanted to apologize for his words and horrible decision to touch her in such a way, but he had no real idea how he could word it without likely causing her further trouble. It would have to simply have to fade, and hopefully fast from both their minds. "How was your trip to Pemberton?" Keeping his lips ever close to his ear as he spoke he truly remained close to smell the sweet scent of her cheek and the warmth eminating from their bodies as they moved and pressed against one another. There was little he could think about besides her, she was the only thing on his mind, it was only the course of action he would have to take for her to be his beloved that also occupied his thoughts.


Running his hand back and forth along her back he knew that he was seeking something from her, something permanent, something that would draw them together forever. "Kitty, he said, softly whispering in her ear, "Is your father here at the ball?" He pulled back just enough so he could look down at her, deep into her eyes. When she said yes, as he knew she would for there was no chance she had been enable to travel alone, he asked her, "Could you introduce me to him?" Smiling he gave all the signs she could know to guess that there was something behind his request to meet her father, though truly could not really know why. It was all speculative.

"The trip was no issue at all, I thought of you the entire time and I traveled swiftly with ease, though there was much unease on my mind for I knew it would be awhile until I was able to see you again." Kitty smiled softly, feeling a little less sorry for herself. His speech seemed just as pleasant and complimentary as it did before, even if his hands seemed to have a mind of their own. She chose not to respond but to instead sort through the confusing feelings that had unfortunately originated at her bottom. Before now, his touch had seemed flighty and exciting, and she would find herself shivering at the slightest whisper of skin. This action seemed he had become more primal and possessive. She could not decide if it was welcome or not.


"How was your trip to Pemberton?" She allowed herself to be drawn in closer, as it seemed less new and exciting, and more familiar and tender. “It was lovely. I though of nothing but whether or not you would be in attendance here.” she admitted frankly. Just because she was unsure of his intentions was no reason at all to lie, and perhaps an affirmation of her own commitment would put his wandering mind and hands at ease.

Her hand felt pleasant and soothing against her back and she pushed all thoughts of past improprieties out of her head. She would not allow one odd occurrence to ruin her first proper ball. "Kitty, She was distracted by the way he almost whispered her name, but forced herself to pay attention to his words rather than the feelings in her head. "Is your father here at the ball?" What an odd question, she thought. He pulled back slightly and she gave him a confused look. Perhaps he wanted to tell her father that she was horribly improper for allowing a nobler man to touch her, maybe this was a test? Or did he indeed just want to meet her father as a show of closeness? "Could you introduce me to him?" He smiled and she found herself growing curious. “Of course...” Her eyes scanned the ballroom and she finally found her father standing alone near a table of food.

She took Richard's hand and led him over to the table, making sure to let go of him before reaching her father. “Father, may I present to you Lord Richard Castyll of Harleston. Lord Richard, this is my father Lord William Clarke.” She stepped slightly out of the way, giving her father the proper opportunity to greet Richard. Lord William was a tall and slender man, who turned from the table and gave his daughter a quizzical eyebrow before greeting the unfamiliar lord. “It is an honour to meet you Lord Richard, any friend of my daughter's is indeed a friend of mine.” Lord William stated politely, but with an amount of uncertainty in his voice. He had met many of his daughter's friends in the past but certainly not a Castyll, whom he realized she had asked about before.

Watching as she scanned the crowds for her father he stepped back and allowed her the space she needed, they were done dancing afterall. His arm dropped from behind her back as well, longing to hold onto her again already. He had made a mistake before and wanted to ensure her that he was everything she would have wanted him to be. Seeing her find him in the crowd he allowed her to take his hand and lead him over to the table where her father was, making sure to release his hand before her father saw their touches. This was surely going to be quite interesting Richard had no doubt, how well it would go he was not sure. It was had to judge so quickly.


Her father was quite tall and slender, far more slender than he, far less muscular, but nearly as tall. Richard only knew a few things about the man, but knew most of all that marrying off his daughter to one as powerful as Richard was certainly top priority. How soon, Richard wasn't sure, but he could be quite persuasive. Offering the man his hand he bowed his head, showing respect, though such a bow was certainly not necessary for Richard truly outranked him. "Lord William, it is a fine honor to meet you. Your name carries far into the lands of Harleston, it has been awhile now that I have wanted to meet you. Having met your daughter was surely a blessed encounter for it has given me the opportunity to express my respect."


Looking over at Katherine for a moment he smiled and then gave full attention back to William. "Lady Katherine, is it alright if I have a word alone with your father for a bit? There are diplomatic matters between duchies that I must discuss with him in private, I do promise it would be a bore as well. That, of course, is if you will allow me such an audience Lord William?" Looking at William he was studying the man and how he reacted to everything he had so far, there was much importance behind this meeting that Richard could not hope to miss a single thing, a single moment of it. He wondered just how wise Lord William was, he had heard much about the man, but could he pick up such possibilities of discussion when so little was mentioned?


Richard was really going to do this and had prepared himself for this moment. It truly wasn't the original gameplan, not even close for he had planned to ask the Duchess of Ashton first, and then her father back in Ashton, but there was so much desire in him to profess his love and intention to her that he dared no longer wait.

"Lord William, it is a fine honor to meet you. Your name carries far into the lands of Harleston, it has been awhile now that I have wanted to meet you. Having met your daughter was surely a blessed encounter for it has given me the opportunity to express my respect." William bowed his head in response, an impartial look on his face as Kitty smiled at the amount of respect Richard was affording her father. “I have also heard much of you Lord Richard,” he paused and looked to his daughter for a moment before continuing, his face still impassive, “ I am glad Katherine was able to make such a lasting impression.” Kitty blushed, but chose not to comment, as she had been taught.


Katherine and her father held a very close relationship, but even she could not begin to wonder what he was thinking at the moment. He had always been a difficult man to read and at the moment he was down right blank. "Lady Katherine, is it alright if I have a word alone with your father for a bit? There are diplomatic matters between duchies that I must discuss with him in private, I do promise it would be a bore as well. That, of course, is if you will allow me such an audience Lord William?" Kitty looked to her father with a startled expression, and he gave her a brief nod of the head. “ By all means Lord Richard, my time is yours.” was his diplomatic response, though inwardly he was already formulating ideas and opinions towards Richard of Castyll. A smile flitted across Kitty's face, and she gave a small bow of the head, “Of course my lord, I shall leave you two to your business.” She gave her father a chaste kiss on the cheek and moved down to sit near the far end of the table.


When Kitty was far enough out of ear shot, William gave Richard a slight frown. “Tell me Lord Richard, what business is it you wish to speak of?” He was very wary of this man, having heard vague and idle rumours of him in his travels. He was not a stupid man, and could guess of Lord Richard's intention, but chose to let the man tell him what he wish in his own time.

Richard wasn't truly sure how exactly he should take the fact that William had heard much about him. He wasn't sure how much of it was good and how much of it was bad. Surely there was plenty of both, but hopefully William did not dwell far too much into his past for his pursuits of indulgences had certainly been in that past, when he was a few years younger. Though he knew it would certainly be a factor that Richard would have to overcome, which he had no doubt he could with his heightened wisdom from all his learning and writings he had devoted himself to since he had found his place in discovering and increasing his knowledge.


Nodding in respect as he commented on his daughter and the impression that she surely must have left he did not reply, but instead allowed her to blush all over it as he asked for time alone with her father. Granted such, he watched as she kissed her father before leaving them to their own devices, free to discuss matters in which Richard had on his mind. When questioned what he wished to speak about with William he certainly noticed the frown, the man was not too favorable in hearing this Richard had without a doubt. Was there something that this man knew that Richard had thought was hidden in his past? There wasn't many of those things and Richard had taken great effort to hide them, but surely a man of William's bearing could get his hands on such information.


"Harleston and Ashton have always been on friendly terms, and recently, as I am sure you know, my brother Duke Westley Castyll and Duchess Lucy Rochester have been in meetings of friendship and diplomacy" he said, wanting Lord William to remember exactly who his brother was, not like he already didn't, "Our duchies are surely set to come to a close alliance that will surely only further the economic quality of our lands as well as our standings among other duchies of the Adesia. With this close partnership of ducies, Ashton and Harleston, there is only a means to increase such familiarity and binding to one another. It is for this reason I have come to speak with you, though of course this diplomatic meeting deals much more personally with you than just matters of the duchies." Only with a Lord of Ashton would Richard discuss such matters, they weren't really suppose to be disucssed in public, at least by sensical members of the noble society, but this was in private among themselves for what snake would waste their time listening in when alcohol and beautiful women were all around, as well as the festivities of loud singing and deafening chatter. Richard spoke very eloquently, though was obviously making key points, staying away from the true topic for the moment.


"As the brother to the Duke of Harleston, I extend my family's offer to you of friendship, and of something much greater to unite the noble families of Harleston with Ashton. I have become smitten with your daughter, Lady Katherine, and I ask for your approval and blessing to be her betrothed. I have not told her of my intentions yet, and I would ask that I be allowed to express such on my own terms. I wished to get your approval first of this proposed partnership of our families." It took a very lengthy time to get there, but he had finally asked of him the approval for Richard to seek Kitty's hand in marriage. Of course, she had not said yes, and there was no absolute that she would say yes to his offer to her.


Richard had no idea how Lord William would react to his request, and honestly he did not know if he would approve of it. The man had certainly not been as welcoming to hear his business in the first place, and the fact that he had thus sought his daughter's hand in marriage wasn't likely to continue the good feelings. Maybe he was just being protective, didn't want to let his daughter go, but Richard had no thoughts of such. All he thought was either this man would say yes or no, one would crush him and the other would cause such elation that he would have to find a way to ask it of her, to be his beloved, to be his wife.

William could guess Lord Richard's for wanting to speak to him, but he chose not to voice his thoughts. He was aware that his daughter was of age and quite pleasing to the eye, but she had never attracted much in the way of suitors. She was kind and honest, but she did not understand the complex workings of flirting or seduction like other girls her age. "Our duchies are surely set to come to a close alliance that will surely only further the economic quality of our lands as well as our standings among other duchies of the Adesia. With this close partnership of duchies, Ashton and Harleston, there is only a means to increase such familiarity and binding to one another. It is for this reason I have come to speak with you, though of course this diplomatic meeting deals much more personally with you than just matters of the duchies." William weighed this statement carefully. Lord Richard was certainly an eloquent speaker, and he understood the need for diplomacy. With the changes that had occurred lately in Adesia, William was ever more concerned now with making the appropriate connections, and he saw great opportunity in Lord Richard's words.


"As the brother to the Duke of Harleston, I extend my family's offer to you of friendship, and of something much greater to unite the noble families of Harleston with Ashton. I have become smitten with your daughter, Lady Katherine, and I ask for your approval and blessing to be her betrothed. I have not told her of my intentions yet, and I would ask that I be allowed to express such on my own terms. I wished to get your approval first of this proposed partnership of our families." William waited a long moment, considering his options before giving a long sigh. Katherine was his oldest daughter and he felt a deep amount of love for her. He was reluctant to let her go, but he knew this marriage was to her advantage, as well as his. Kitty may not have been the most worldly and intelligent girl, but perhaps she could navigate an engagement with this man of Harleston. He also knew that his wife would likely never speak to him again if she learned that he had a shot down Kitty's prospective suitor. “Well Lord Richard, if your affection for my daughter is as true as you say, I would not be so cruel as to deny the two of you the sanctity of matrimony. If my daughter is favourable to the engagement, I give my consent.”


He looked over to the end of the table where his daughter sat, fiddling idly with her skirts. She looked around at the ballroom, and then towards her father and Richard, giving them a smile. William gave a wave of his hand and Kitty move to rejoin them. “Well Katherine” he said knowingly, “It seems our business is settled. I shall allow you two young people to properly enjoy the ball.” He bowed to Richard and gave his daughter a fleeting smile before taking his leave of the ball room.


Kitty was thoroughly confused. If her father and Richard had never met before, what sort of business could they have to conduct? She supposed it could be something to do with the relations between the duchies, but she had no real head for business and couldn't figure out the specifics. She stood across from Richard and smiled up at him. “I trust your business went well?” she asked innocently. Perhaps Richard would finally explain to her the cause for his strange behaviour.

There was such a troubling long pause after Richard had asked Lord William for his daughter's hand in marriage that he was truly starting to get worried, and confused. He truly did not see how it was taking him so long to come to a definite conclusion, he was sure it was solely his personal attachment as a father that prevented a quick response. That point was even more troubling to Richard for he wondered if William disliked him as a person or if he was that attached to her. Either would be a difficulty for him, however he hoped that it was only a short moment in time that would not continue for the connection between them would last for a long time and grow further as well.


Finally, William spoke, and gave his consent to Richard's desire to marry his daughter. Richard couldn't help hiding the smile that found its way to his lips so very quickly. It was such a childish show of emotion, showing his amount of interest and love he had for Katherine. He was quite embarrassed to show such a sign of emotion in front of Lord William, but it was quickly dismissed as William waved his daughter back over. Before she arrived though, Richard made sure to thank him for his consent. "Thank you Lord William..." he said, unable to find more words and Katherine had arrived. Listening to the two interact Richard replied with another bow of his own as William chose to leave them two to enjoy the ball.


As he left Richard took time to watch the man, but found his attention drawn quickly away as he noticed Katherine staring from across the table so inquizitively at him. He smiled brightly as he looked at her, her eyes so innocent, so much behind them and so much love he wished to know. "Yes, it went quite well," he said, coming around the table holding out his hand so that she may take it. "Let us take a walk away from the festivities of the ball for a moment," he said, taking her hand and thus leading her through the crowds of people and from the banquet hall and down the corridors of the estate. Drawing her close to his side as they walked he would not respond to any questions she had or anything she said.


Leading her from the estate he guided her to the gardens, the soft wind adding a little chill to the air. Guiding her into the gardens and to a bench under tha manicured tree of the setting he drew her to a sit and insisted that she took a seat. Standing before her he looked down at her with a smile, softly laying his hand on the left cheek. "Kitty....I love you....and the business your father and I had wasn't of nature of the state, it was about you....," he said, and slowly lowered himself to a knee. Taking her hands in his own he looked up at her with a straight face, trying to hide an extremely elated smile. "Your father consented, gave his approval, and now I ask this of you. Lady Katherine Clarke, will you do me the honor of being my beloved, will you marry me?"

"Let us take a walk away from the festivities of the ball for a moment," He led her out of the ballroom, holding her close until they reached a beautiful bench out in the gardens. The cool breeze left behind a trail of goosebumps on her pale skin that could have just as easily been attributed to her nervousness. Richard was behaving quite strangely all night and Kitty couldn't even begin to guess why. He seemed jittery and conflicted, which concerned her, and the look her father have given her didn't make her feel any more secure.


He stood in front of her and place a hand on her cheek, which she leaned in to, hoping that he would soon explain his actions. She smiled, with a small frown gracing her eyes, giving her a very confused look. "Kitty....I love you....and the business your father and I had wasn't of nature of the state, it was about you....," Blushing, the frown disappeared from Kitty's face, but she still found herself waiting for answers. She was almost ready to burst out and demand an explanation, when Richard lowered himself to one knee in front of her. Her eyes widened and her mouth fell open, as she realized the implications. Men only went down on one knee for a single purpose and Kitty could not imagine that Richard would ever even contemplate it. She found she could not speak, but her mind rushed with possibilities.

"Your father consented, gave his approval, and now I ask this of you. Lady Katherine Clarke, will you do me the honor of being my beloved, will you marry me?" Kitty's eyes began to water and she gave a small giggle, covering her mouth with her hand. He wanted to marry her, her father had approved, and she ardently returned his sentiment. She placed her hand back atop Richard's and tried to sniff back her tears and find her voice. She smiled so hard she felt her cheeks would burst. “Absolutely nothing in this world would make me happier” she said in a watery voice, before launching herself off the bench to hug Richard as hard as she possibly could.

Her smile was growing on him by the moment, and it had kept him in a good mood ever since they had last parted. Just picturing her smile and the glimmer in her eyes had made all their days and weeks apart go by so quickly, and his dreams had been a blessing he had loathed to have left for the morning rise. So, as she leaned her cheek into his touch and smiled, so innocent and hopeful, Richard felt himself melting before her. She had such power over him in the simplist of ways, and her confused nature behind this all was making his heart run to such a rampant rate that he found it hard to stay so still.


The moment of truth was upon them both, but Richard had no doubt in her answer. However, the reaction was what he feared the most for he knew it would be a moment in his life he would never forget, and knew that his own emotions would come over him in such waves he did not know what he would do. Seeing her eyes water and her cheeks grow extremely flush with emotions Richard found himself starting to get choked up in the moment, watching as she chuckled and covered her mouth to hide it. The wave of emotions over them both were going in confusing and conflicting spins as her eyes still welled with tears despite the giggles. Watching as she placed her hand then atop of his own as he looked up at her waiting, he saw her cheeks redden again as she smiled, and replied.


She said yes, he had expected such, and yet her answer still came as a shock to him. However, before he could truly react and say anything, Katherine had launched herself from the bench at him, barely had he the time to catch her in his arms. Wrapping his arms around her as she did he barely was able to remain on his knee. Nearly falling backwards he soon steadied himself as she hung in his arms. "This all came so sudden that I am afraid I have not a ring for you yet, but I promise I will when I visit your family in Ashton after the festival. However, for now I hope this will do," he said, pulling away from the hug to look deep into her eyes.


Running a hand along her cheek for a moment he slowly placed his hand under her chin and brought her lips to his, drawing her in to their first kiss. It was a light kiss though he knew both could not hold back from drawing it into a deeper, much more passionate kiss to celebrate the moment and a love that would only grow from here on till the end of time.