Keeping company 2

So tell me, have you ever be betrothed? Asked Agnes.

Calvin felt a sting of pain. He cleared his throat. Why do you ask?

Just out of curiosity, she smiled. I mean a man of your status, a prince. You must have a lot of women wanting to marry you, she said. But when he gave no response, she added. I have heard of princes with many wives so..

Calvin chuckled. I do not have any other wife. Although i was previously betrothed to a woman but she despised me.

Oh my goodness! A man like you was rejected? Oh, she gasped.

He gave her a look and she immediately grasped.

I'm sorry, she said. I mean what happened?

He sighed. Oh you're a very curious and intelligent girl.

One of my charms, she said with a chuckle and he laughed.

I cannot begin to narrate a very long story in a such a short time, he sighed.

Hmm.. and i cannot ask you to cut such a long story short, she responded. I want to hear the full story when i visit, okay?

He chuckled. If ibitein was as curious as you are it would have added to her charm.

Uh?

It will be my pleasure to tell you my story, he said.

Okay, you're the best! she smiled. He is certainly not a ghost! she said in her thought.

Thank you for keeping us company, Calvin said when he sighted the rest of the family approaching. He picked a small box and handed it to Agnes.

Here's my token of gratitude, he said with a smile.

Oh my.. you didn't have to-- I didn't arrange any gift for you because--

Oh no no, it's fine, he said.

Thank you, she appreciated. What a lovely man! She said in her thought. She turned and saw them approaching too.

What did we miss? Abigail asked with a wide smile.

Oh finally you people are here, Agnes said with a smile.

Let's all go to the ceremony hall and start the marriage rituals, Abigail said and they all walked in.

Agnes stopped on her track and glanced at the doorway of the mansion.

Agnes.. come with me, Alfred said.

Are you okay? he asked

Yes Mr Clifford

Mr Clifford? he asked surprised and she nodded.

Oh I'm sorry uncle, I was j-

No.. no.. it's fine. Come on, Let's go and get ibitein, "it's time".

Agnes smiled and followed him.

She cannot wait to tell ibitein about her soon to be groom.

Uncle i think the groom is a good man, Agnes said distantly as they both walked along the corridor to ibitein's room.

Really?

Yes he gave me a gift as well.

That's nice.. have you seen what's inside?

Not yet. I will open it after the ceremony is over, she giggled.

See it wasn't so bad keeping them company, was it?

No..

Just then a carriage arrived the Cliffords mansion.

This is you being fashionably late? You should be the groom as well, Ferdinand said in subtle manner.

You keep rubbing it in.. Ayonadu responded.

Young master Ayonadu and Ferdinand, Vincent bowed. Miss Florence, he gave a small smile.

Mr Vincent, Ayonadu called.

I'm pleased to see you, Vincent smiled at Ayonadu who smiled back.

The pleasure is mine, Ayonadu chuckled slightly.

Enough of the pleasantries, Ferdinand said irritated.

Please, Vincent directed them to the hall.

Ferdinand you go on, I'll be going to meet ibitein while she's still single, he winked at him.

That's not what i meant, Ferdinand corrected with a chuckle. Come on Florence, he directed her into the ceremony hall.