James pov

"Would you like to order something, my lady?" I asked as the silence ensued after her introduction.

She had not spoken a word as she continued to look out of the window and then at the door. I could only deduce that she was shy but her face was not at all looking like she was embarrassed or interested in having a conversation. Even her servant was standing in such a stiff position as if she was a knight in disguise, that gained my further attention.

All I could do was curse Mari? for my predicament. She could not spare me some time even when she was at marquees palace.

"I would wait for the duchess, if she is going to come back" she said with a slight anger and I raised a brow.

Since when lower nobles started calling duchess like that!

"My lady, I guess there is some misunderstanding '' I started when the door knocked again, gaining our attention.

I looked back to see another noble lady was standing there with two maids following her.

"I apologise, my lady but the room is booked" i said as she waltzed in,

Her face was full of makeup and her walk was so artificial that she was looking no less than a clown, yet she had that shy smile on her face that I felt nauseous just by looking at her.

But as the girl entered the room Sylvia's eyes widened and she covered her face with the veil she was wearing when she entered. Now only her eyes were visible as she turned to look at me or should i say glare at me!

"Oh, i apologise for being late lord James. All I can blame is the carriage, it was so slow. Have you been waiting since long?" she asked me, fluttering her eyes as she stood too close to me for my comfortability.

"And this must be her highness, i apologise for my mistake, your highness," she said, bowing in front of the girl sitting there.

"May i have your introduction, my lady?" I asked as she sat beside me comfortably as if that seat was reserved for her to begin with.

"Oh, my. I thought you knew my name, lord James. I was reading the parchment of your details all day since I received it. But I could not blame you, you must be busy since this is your first leave in a year." she said with a visibly upset voice.

"I.. i apologise, my lady and i am grateful for your consideration." i said awkwardly. How did a meeting from one woman turn into two? It was visible that this lady was here to meet me then what about the other.

I turned to look at her and saw humour in his eyes, as if he was clearly enjoying my misery.

"My name is Rebecca Pipkins. I am the youngest daughter of earl Curtis Pipkins. I help my father in running his art studio and i love painting, there is a small art gallery that i run, i would be honoured if you spare some time to visit it" she said as she smiled and fluttered her eyes again,

Did she not feel tired doing that?!

"Oh, where is your art gallery lady Rebecca?" asked Sylvia and i thanked god as i did not need to participate in the discussion further.

"Oh, it is nearby, your highness. If you wish I can show you and lord James after tea. I would personally make a portrait of yours though my mastery is in drawing sceneries. I am still brilliant at making portraits."? she replied with a clap of her hands.

'What arrogance!'

"There is some misunderstanding lady Rebeca, I am not Marianne. I am her friend. I am just waiting for her here" said Sylvia and only then did i remember she had not asked for me even at once. She had only asked for Mari since the start. So she was not here to meet me!

That means this lady who had used her face as a palate of colours was here to meet me! Oh lord, it had been better that no one had come to meet me than two ladies being here at the same time. Suddenly the room felt smaller and I felt suffocated as the lady continued to adjust her chair bringing it closer to mine.

"Pardon, but I am here to discuss personal things with lord James. So, it would be better if you wait for her highness in the public area. She would enter from there anyway."? she said in a bit sharper tone which she tired to cover with her smile but as a man with strong senses i could clearly feel the difference,

Her nature was counterfeit just like her face.

"You are right my lady, it is getting late and I have already spent a lot of time here. I would take my leave now" said Sylvia as she stood up, I wanted to stop her but I did not have any reason to do so.

But before she could go, the door opened again and with hasty steps entered my sister.

I really wanted to beat her, I swear let us reach the palace and she and my dagger would have a long discussion together. She looked at my darkened face and made a sweet face with a pout.

"Ah just look at the time. I spent a long time in the powder room. What can i say, a woman should always look beautiful. I apologise, lady Rebecca" she said as she entered but was surprised to see two ladies sitting there. If only she knew how i had spent the time!!

"Its is alright, your highness, i understand i take a long time in getting presentable too"

'And yet fail miserably' I wanted to add badly.

"Even i was waiting for you for a long time, duchess" said Sylvia and Mari's eyes widened as she bowed in a haste making both of us confused.

[Sorry for the mistake again, i am seriously going blind. the last chapter is edited. thank you for the understanding]