Arranged: An Array Series (Book #1)(25)

“Come in,” I called.

The door clicked open as I watched a blonde and brunette female peek around the door.

“My Lady,” the blonde greeted, opening the door wider to curtsy. “It is lovely to meet you. I’m Lucy.” She motioned to her companion. “This is Miranda. We are your ladies.”

I nodded. “Nice to meet you both. But I don’t need any—”

“We must get those locks under control,” she said bleakly, examining me with sandy brown eyes. I narrowed my eyes at her.

Nice way to get right to it.

“Oh no, my Lady,” Miranda chimed, playing with the ends of her hair. “You are beautiful.”

“May I brush your hair, my Lady?” Lucy already held a brush.

I blew out a breath. “I guess I can use all the help you both can give.”

The girls pinned my hair up in a loose bun, strands dangling from it. Miranda placed a white carnation in my hair for “an added look” and applied powder to my face. It felt nice to be pampered for a few moments, since I didn’t have a personal maid at home.

Another knock sounded on the door, and Lucy went to it. “Your Grace,” she welcomed.

George stepped in, magnificently dressed in an emerald green cravat with a black coat. His hair was casually combed to the side, looking rested.

“You look wonderful,” he complimented, with the first smile I’d seen in days.

“Do I? I haven’t been able to see.” I gave a playful grin in Miranda’s direction.

Walking over to the mirror, I looked into it, not recognizing the girl in front of me. The dress complimented my skin tone and hugged my curves more than I would have picked out, but it still looked beautiful.

“You both did a marvelous job,” I commended them. “I don’t look so haggard.” I glanced over at George, looking hopeful. “This is just a small affair, right?”

“It better be. I want peace and quiet.” He held out his arm and I accepted it, letting him guide me down the large hallway.

“Did you settle in well?” George asked. We turned a corner, which opened more things to discover. Various paintings of scenery and stone statues of angelic females graced the walls. I made a mental note that one would look nice in our foyer. “Ava?”

“Hm?” I murmured, still studying the decor.

“Did you settle in well?”

“Yes, thank you,” I replied.

“I’m sorry for my sour mood the last few days.” That received my full attention. He rarely apologized.

“No need. It was, like you said, a trying few days.”

“Regardless,” George continued. “I shouldn’t have snapped at you so often.”

I smiled. “I’m used to you snapping, George. You used to chastise me at every moment.”

George straightened. “I wouldn’t say that.”

“Don’t get defensive,” I told him. “How are you feeling?”

“Sore,” George replied. “My eye is killing me, but it makes for a great story.”

“Have you been telling your servants outlandish tales?” I teased.

George cracked a smile. “Maybe just a few.” He placed his hand on mine that was settled at his forearm. “How are you doing?”

“Better than expected, actually.”

“That’s my strong girl. I was worried sick.”

“I know. We are all right now; everything's back to being somewhat normal,” I said, squeezing his hand lightly.

George stopped in the middle of the hallway, forcing me to face him. “I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if something happened to you.” He looked down at our hands.

“No need to think of such things, George,” I comforted. “I wouldn’t have gone out without a fight.” I winked, and he chortled, then hugged me.

“Thank God.”

“I hate to interrupt this tender moment, but Queen Terror is looking for you, brother,” Garrett called down the hall. I peered over to see Garrett, arms crossed, looking at us intently.

George sighed. “Ready?”

I looked up at him and smiled weakly. “Ready.”

He placed my arm back into the crook of his, and we walked toward his brother, whose eyes never strayed from me. I felt like I would be set on fire at any moment because if Garrett’s looks could mimic actions, I’d be in flames right now.

George stopped outside the door of the dining room. “I forgot to tell you,” he started. “I’m courting someone.”

My eyes widened. “You’re what?”

“Her name is Madelyn Stratford,” he said. “She is the oldest daughter of a Judge in Vorset. I’ve only been courting her for—”

I placed a hand on his shoulder. “This is wonderful. I can’t wait to meet her.”

“You would like her,” George replied, grinning. “She loves to read and paint.

“I’m sure I will. I’ll start praying for her. She is going to need it.” I studied Garrett, who still hadn’t moved. “Are you going to stand there all night looking like that?”

He uncrossed his arms, walked over to the wooden door, and opened it, motioning us in. “After you,” he replied, with an over-exaggerated bow.