meeting the first suitor

Her father cleared his throat, looking down at her with an expression that could be described as disappointed but also understanding.

"The first meeting will be in a few days time," he said. "We will introduce you to the first bachelor, his name is Alexander."

Odessa nodded, taking a deep breath. She would meet Alexander, the first of these men that she was to be introduced to. There was no sense in worrying about it, she would have to meet them all soon enough.

"I see," she said, feeling her stomach twist with anxiety. What was she going to say to this Alexander? What if he didn't like her? What if she liked him and he didn't like her?

"Is there anything I can do to prepare for these meetings?" She finally asked her father, her tone cautious.

"No, this is something you will learn on your own," her father replied, "It would be unseemly for me to interfere."

Odessa nodded, taking it as a sign that the meeting was approaching quickly.

"We expect to see a significant progress in your suitor search," her father said, his voice stern and commanding yet again.

"Yes, father. I will do my best."

Her father nodded, seemingly satisfied with her response.

"Make sure to be presentable for this first meeting," he continued. "Your appearance matters greatly."

Odessa nodded again, already starting to plan out her outfit for this meeting. She wanted to do as well as possible, especially since she had such a short amount of time to find a suitor.

She spent the next few days preparing for her meeting with Alexander, doing her best to present herself well. She chose a nice dress and made sure her hair was done in a way that would be flattering and also appropriate.

On the day of the meeting, she felt nervous and anxious, but she tried to keep her nerves hidden. She wouldn't want to seem weak.

Alexander arrived in a carriage, stepping out and approaching the house.

Odessa felt her heart flutter, this was it. She was finally meeting the first of the men her father had picked out for her.

Her father opened the door, greeting Alexander with a polite smile. He turned to Odessa and gestured towards the door, his expression expecting her to go and greet her suitor.

Odessa took a deep breath and stepped forward, trying to be confident.

"Alexander," she greeted him, her tone polite. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Alexander nodded, his tone also polite, "The pleasure is mine. You look stunning."

Odessa felt her heart skip a beat, she hadn't expected a compliment right away.

"Thank you," she said softly, feeling her face flush. No one had ever complimented her looks before, and coming from such a handsome man, it meant a lot.

Alexander held out his arm, gesturing towards the door.

"Shall we get started?" He asked, his tone again polite and formal. "I wanted to take you to a dinner I had planned, I hope you don't mind."

"Oh, I'm sure it will be lovely." She said, the thought of a dinner with Alexander exciting her greatly.

Alexander escorted her out of the door, offering her his arm and leading her to the carriage.

Odessa felt a strange sense of excitement, she was looking forward to spending the dinner with Alexander. She felt her stomach flutter as Alexander took his seat beside her, she was really starting to enjoy his company.

Alexander looked out the window as the carriage moved, he turned to Odessa and offered her a warm smile.

"We're almost there, I hope you enjoy this dinner," he said. He seemed like a kind and gentle man, she could see why her father had chosen him for her.

She smiled back at Alexander, feeling her heart fluttering in her chest as the carriage made its way through the city.

"I'm sure it will be wonderful," she responded, her voice soft and gentle.

She turned her head towards the window, watching the bustling streets pass by outside. She was enjoying this, this moment felt so peaceful. Perhaps this Alexander guy was really as nice as he seemed.

As the carriage came to a stop, she took a breath, feeling the excitement swell within her. She was excited and nervous for the dinner, she hoped that it would go well.

The carriage came to a stop in front of an elegant restaurant, Alexander stepping out with Odessa close behind him. He took her hand and offered her a gentle smile, leading her towards the entrance.

From inside, the restaurant looked like a lovely place. There was a romantic ambiance, the lighting was soft and the music was gentle. Alexander led the way towards a table, the place was not yet crowded, so they had their pick of the location within the place.

"Here we are, please take a seat. The waiter will be with us shortly." He said.

"Thank you," she said softly, taking a seat at the table. She ran her hands down her dress, making sure that it was still presentable. She then took a deep breath, preparing herself for the dinner ahead. It was her first dinner with a suitor, she had to make a good impression.

The waiter arrived, taking their order for drinks and appetizers. After he had left, there was only some light chatter from other tables, the restaurant was still relatively empty.

"So," Alexander started, "How are you feeling about this dinner? I hope it's not too much pressure."

"No, not at all," she answered, "If anything I'm actually quite excited. You're the first suitor that I've had a meeting with, you know?"

"I'm just trying to enjoy this dinner, this night, you know?" She explained.

She was trying to keep things light and cheerful, she wanted to come across as friendly and kind. Alexander seemed to be the same, she would just enjoy this night and hope that things worked out well.