Standing in front of the manor doors, Helena, Bonnie and Dixie all watched as the main gates up ahead were opened to welcome in a carriage. The horses trotted at a leisure pace as the insignia of the noble house of Del Findel came into view.
The carriage was deep green in color causing Dixie to immediately take a liking to it. The coachman jumped off his seat and went to open the door for a tall and handsome young man.
Helena was thrilled to be meeting one of Alex's friends. She was determined to gain another admirer.
This will be a great opportunity for me to show how superior I am compared to Felicia. The Marquis will be completely taken by me. A Saintess with kindness and grace like no other!
She gave Felicia a side glare. Just you wait, bitch! I will put you in your place one more and Alex will be mine again!
All three ladies were transfixed as Young Marquis Liam came closer. He was stunning beyond comprehension! Long brown hair elegantly clipped back, steamy brown eyes, high cheekbones, pale skin, full lips and a muscular framed draped in red and brown attire.
Bonnie forgot she was a dude for a second as she stepped forward to greet him. "You are so good looking."
Liam's eyes widened and then he laughed. "Alex, are you feeling alright?"
Bonnie nodded, smiling brightly.
"You're actually blushing! What happened? Are you only now realizing my face is the work of the Goddess?"
"Never mind. What I meant to say is thank you for visiting. I thought you would never take time away from your studies." She replied, innately picking up on Alex's dynamic with Liam.
"Well, I had to. I missed my study partner." Liam paused, amused. "Although, it appears you missed me more. Not only are you blushing, you're smiling with all of your teeth."
Bonnie touched her cheeks. "I am not!"
Liam laughed again. He had no idea his friend could be so endearing, almost like a woman.
Felicia stepped forward with Helena in tow. Immediately, Liam's eyes fell on the golden-haired beauty. Felicia's face was, unfortunately, still gaunt.
Helena beamed when she saw his interest.
Felicia spoke up. "Alex is so cute, isn't he? He looks like a woman in love." She teased.
Liam locked eyes with Felicia and his earlier fascination with Helena disappeared. He had never seen such a beautiful pair of green eyes before! It was like emeralds reflecting in the sunlight.
And that red hair! Goddess! She looks like she's walking around draped in fire! But too skinny. Her face is a bit sunken.
He immediately bowed. "Greetings! I assume you are the eldest daughter of Duke Del Montague?"
Dixie curtsied. "Indeed. I am Felicia Viviane Del Montague."
Pulling his gaze away from those hypnotic, emerald eyes he looked at Helena and bowed again. "Saintess Helena, nice to see you again. I hope all has been well."
Helena curtsied. "Again? This is our first time meeting, Marquis Liam."
Liam laughed. "Yes, that's true. I'm sorry, I'm getting ahead of myself. We are only getting introduced right now, but I have watched you lead the prayer during mass on two different occasions."
Helena blushed with anticipation. He's been watching me! He's been admiring me from a distance all along! You lose Felicia!
"Did you enjoy my prayers, Lord Liam?" Helena gushed.
"Indeed, most insightful!"
Helena blushed some more. Her entire face looked like a tomato.
Bonnie clicked her tongue. This girl lives on compliments, not oxygen. "Let's head to the gazebo. We can continue our discussion there."
Liam offered Dixie his arm while Bonnie escorted Helena. Though bothered by Liam's decision to escort Felicia, Helena is still thrilled to have Alex's attention on her once more.
The walk is silent. They all breathed in the fresh air and admire the flowers displayed under the sunlit garden.
They reached the tea and pastry laden table situated next to a rose bush and realized that there were only 3 seats available. Bonnie frowned. She had informed the servants that she would be taking both her sisters to meet Liam and yet, they had brazenly excluded Felicia.
Oh, these servants are really asking for it!