the letter of hope

Larissa descended the creaky staircase, her steps slow and hesitant. The scent of roasted meat and fresh bread filled the air, an unusual spread for a household that rarely indulged in such luxuries. It only confirmed her suspicion_ this dinner wasn't for them. It was for him.

As she entered the dining room, her gaze immediately landed on him. The duke's son, Allan Lockwood.

He sat comfortably at the table, poised and refined, dressed in dark well fitted attire. His deep brown hair was neatly styled, and there was an effortless air of authority around him. His expression, however, was unreadable, he's sharp eyes flickering up only briefly where she entered.

As expected, her uncle occupied the head seat, he's posture rigid with pride of hosting someone important. Miriam start beside him, her back straight, her hands delicately folded on the table as if she was dining with royalty itself.

Across from Allan search Marielle, her cousin, leaning slightly towards him, a coy smile playing on her lips. She was in the midst of some charming remark, laughing softly, her voice light and airy.

Larissa swallowed back the urge to roll her eyes and carefully chose her seat- directly across from Marielle. it was the safest choice. She didn't want to sit too close to the guest, now did she want to be anywhere close to her aunt.

She knowed herself on the chair, keeping her movements measured and quiet. How it hair was still damp against her back, and though she had changed into dryer clothes, she fell out of place in her simple attire compared to Marielle, who had clearly dressed up for the occasion.

For a moment, the only sound was the clinking of silverware and Marielle's soft laughter. Larissa kept her gaze on her plate, hoping to remain unnoticed.

She could feel it _ the weight of someone's gaze.

Slowly, she lifted her eyes and found the Duke's son watching her. Not with amusement like Marielle nor with irritation like her aunt.

Just watching. Studying.

She held his gaze only for a second before looking away, gripping the edges of her dress under the table.

Dinner felt like eternity. Larissa ate in silence, pushing her food around her plate as her aunt lavished their guest with attention.

Miriam had spared no effort in presenting the best meal they could afford_ roast duck, fresh baked bread, and even a fine bottle of wine that had been gathering dust in the cupboard. But it was clear this wasn't just about hospitality.

"Such a charming young man." Miriam cooed is she refilled Alan's glass of wine, "you must be so busy with your responsibility. A man like you deserves a good companion, don't you think?"

Marielle smiled sweetly, playing with the edge of her napkin. "Mother." She said in mock embarrassment, though her eyes gleamed with expectation. "You're making him uncomfortable."

But the Duke's son, Alan, Larissa had come to know him from their brief encounters in the marketplace_ simply give a polite smile. "I appreciate your concern, Mrs Campbell, but my affairs are of no urgency."

Miriam wasn't deterred. "Of course, but a family is the foundation of a strong legacy. And Mary is quite...."

"Mrs Campbell." Alan interrupted, his voice more and firm. "I assure you I am in no hurry."

His words, though cautious, left no room for argument. A brief silence settled over the table. Broken only by the clink of silverware

Larissa remained quiet, watching as Alan deftly evaded her aunt's attempt to push Marielle towards him. It was almost amusing, but she knew better than to let amusement show on her face.

When dinner ended, Allan stood without lingering. "Thank you for the meal."

When he had come here, his sole intention was to talk to Larissa but with Miriam who had opened the door, the woman had insisted on inviting him for dinner.

" I must now take my leave."

Miriam barely masked her disappointment. "So soon?"

He nodded before turning to Larissa to say, "milady, can I talk to you?"

" Whatever for?" Miriam's voice was sharp with suspicion.

Allan met Larissa's gaze briefly before answering. "Just a small matter," he said vaguely. " I will not take much of her time."

Larissa hesitated but then stood, ignoring the way her aunt's eyes burnt into her. She gestured towards the door, "I will walk you out."

They stepped into the cool night air, the faint scent of rain still lingering, Larissa folded her arms against the cold as they stopped by the door.

She turned to him ready to ask what this was about but before she could, Allan spoke first.

"I Know that this might sound sudden to you but over the few days I have come to see and talk to you, I have taken a liking towards you.."

Her breath caught in her throat "what?!"

He watched her, his expression unreadable, but his voice was certain. "I like you," he repeated. "And I mean that sincerely."

Larissa stared at him, utterly taken aback. She opened her mouth but no words came out.

Allan smiled slightly, as if expecting her silence. "You don't have to give your response right away...

Still speechless, she could only nod.

Then as if remembering something, Allan reached into his coat and pulled out a neatly folded letter and handed it to her.

"Lady Minerva told me to hand this out to you."

Offering a bow and wishing each other good night, Allan finally left.