Chapter 2

Lady Salmira!!!, my lady what on earth happened?" his uncle said as they approach.

The girl in question slowly turns around. She was petite, about 5'4, slim arms, black hair, and deep cat eyes. An undeniably pretty face. Beside her is another woman, but this one looks older, a classic maria. the description Facovians would use for the golden blond girls with a mild and comely face.

He quickly looks at his uncle, Unfortunately this uncle of his have always had a weak spot for such beauties. Sure enough, her uncle was dumbstruck, starring openly at the older woman with sincere appreciation.

He signed, this is turning out to be more trouble than it's worth.

"Why Lord John, how nice to see you in such a splendid day." The younger one greeted, as if all is right in the world, and she is not standing there soaked to the bone.

She probably wouldn't smile quite so broadly if she knew her probably once artfully styled hair were plastered to her face, her bonnet was clearly missing, and there is a hanging seaweed clinging on her gown.

"Pardon me my lady but i couldn't help but notice you were uhmmm..., wandering about, do you require any assistance?" his uncle ask earnestly. Not quite sure how to handle what he might be considering a breech in propriety.

"Oh Thank you, we needed to get my cousin warm and dry but she won't listen to me." The older lady said, immediately grateful for the assistance.

"I told you cousin I am perfectly fine" The younger lady told the older lady then face his uncle once more. "...my cousin and I just needed to buy some stuff. thank you for the concern Lord John."

"B-but my lady, you do not seem to be fine." His uncle insisted, clearly getting distressed by the lady's refusal.

"Oh we are definitely not okay, as you can see my cousin is drenched, she has fallen into the harbor and we need-" The older lady was explaining but once again, the younger one glared at her.

"Good heavens you have fallen in the water?" Uncle John was horrified.

"You really do not need to be concern so much lord John. I assure you i am really quite *achoo!!.., *achooo!!!.., I am quite alright, you may leave us at our own devices, we shall be fine." And she turned her back on them, probably suppressing another sneeze. She then have the gall to continue walking about, leaving wet trails in her wake and curious glances approach her.

This is ridiculous. At this point Vincent could not help but join in. He followed her and blocked her path directly.

It was then that her eyes got directed at him. They were dark chocolate brown. It was the first time he got a clear view of her lovely face, especially since she was now blatantly looking at him.

A look not quite appropriate for an unmarried lady. A look he often would get on more experienced older women. Looks like the lady was not very innocent at all. as expected from the ladies of the ton.

"Pardon my intrusion my lady, but you are shivering, your lips are blue, and its evident you are freezing. My uncle have a carriage and we can take you and your companion wherever you need to go."

"And who might you be?" She ask curiously.

"Vincent Henry William St. Louis. at your service." he bowed slightly.

"Well Mr. St. Louis-"

"It's actually 'Your Grace." He is not one to throw his title around but this situation requires expediency, he really wanted to finish this as soon as he can.

"Oh..." The lady was clearly taken aback then realization hits. "Oh!, Oh my, ...Your Grace" She said after hastily doing a clumsy courtesy. He nod acknowledging her actions but this does not seem to put her at ease.

"I apologize, I saw the uniform and I assumed.., I mean, not that there is anything wrong with being in his majesty's service, I just..., how much medals could one pin in one's clothing? not that there is anything wrong with your chest, it's incredibly wide. but..." She suddenly stop herself inhaled as if trying to gather her obviously disorganized thoughts before she continued. "..what I was trying to say is that titled gentlemen usually do not serve the navy."

"I am an exception. So, shall we?" He said impatient to see this through.

"Uhmm, I really do apologize. however, I would have to turn down your gallantry, there is something we really have to do and we are wasting precious time here."

"Pardon?" He didn't understand, he did everything right. He introduced himself, let her know of his title and then his wish. how dare she still refuse.

"We really must be going." She said. Then she turned back and left him.

What the blasted thing is so important that she would have decline an offer from a duke? Once again he blocked her path and ask.

"What is it you require?"

She step back from him, clearly not expecting to have her path blocked once more. "Oh, I need to buy some tea."

"Tea?"

"Yes"

"Your buying tea, here?" He ask again just to make sure he has indeed heard correctly.

"Yes."

He isn't even gonna ask anymore, who knows what goes on in this girl mind.

Alright I'll buy you one, just tell me how much you need.

Oh, at least 100 tons just enough to fit 5 wagons at least.

"A hundred tons?" Now that explains a few of his questions but opens up more questions in return.

"Yes."

"That's a lot of tea."

"Yes."

"You must really love tea."

"I do, i drink it everyday." She answered earnestly.

At this point Vincent is lost for words. why in gods name would someone require that many. She is clearly a noble, it would have made sense if she is merchant of some sort, but everyone knew the gentry does not deal in trade for it is considered both vulgar and scandalous.

"My Lady shouldn't you be changing your clothes first"

"I believe already told you I am perfectly... fine." Her last words shook for it is quite obvious that she is starting to shake.

Oh why does he even bothered.

"Alright I shall buy your tea for you."