The spring breeze blows coolly on the Grassland. You can see a wildflower starting to appear and bloom. The sun begins to shine welcoming dawn. The sound of birds chirping cheerfully welcomes the day. One of the birds flew towards a manor located there. Then it stopped by the window in the room above and tapped on the one that was still closed. But the window that suddenly opened made the bird startled and flew away.
A maid was seen opening a window while waking up her ladyship.
"Good morning, Lady Elizabeth. Looks like it's sunny today. The weather is very favorable for your birthday event."
Her ladyship, a beautiful woman still wearing her nightgown started to wake up. Her long, silky hair looks beautiful.
"Good morning, Catherine... Oh, I see... that's good...", she replied in a soft voice.
"Warm water for bathing is ready, My Lady.", the personal maid who turned out to be named Catherine approached her ladyship and helped her.
They walked towards the door leading to the ladyship's private bathroom.
Inside, two maids were waiting too. They helped the woman remove her nightgown. The woman has a petite stature. In a naked state her body looks seductive and beautifully maintained. Her white skin that looks like beautiful expensive porcelain, as well as her chest that attracts the eye of anyone who sees it.
Slowly the woman dipped her body into the bath. The maids began to bathe the woman slowly and gently as if they were afraid of scratching her.
When they were done, they put on her bathrobe and took her in front of the dresser to make her up.
"For today's event, what kind of makeup would My Lady want? Do you want it to be tailored to the dress that your grandmother sent especially for today's occasion?", Catherine asked politely while carrying an expensive pale jade dress made of silk that looked very beautiful.
"It's up to you, Catherine. You know my tastes and what works best for me as always."
"How about your hair my lady? Want it braided, in a bun or left loose? Or is there another model that attracts you?", Catherine asked again while putting the dress on the bed.
The woman thought for a moment then answered confidently, "Today I want a bun. My grandmother, Duchess Eleanor, really liked it when I was dressed like that."
"Okay, My Lady.", Catherine nodded politely and then started giving instructions to the other maids.
The maids were busy making up Iris, now known as Lady Elizabeth Barrington, the only daughter of Duke Richard Barrington who was missing but has been found. As the sole heir, Iris is entitled to all of her father's wealth. However, because she was considered not old enough when she inherited it, everything was still under the care of one of his father's relatives, her uncle who was Duke Albert Barrington.
Catherine pinned a pale jade-colored ribbon as decoration in Iris' hair. And with that, the maids finished Iris' make up. Their only last task now is to help Iris wear her dress. Slowly they began to put it on. Afraid to make the expensive dress cloth wrinkled.
The dress fits perfectly on Iris' body. And with that, the maids finished dressing Iris for her seventeenth birthday party. The maids looked at Iris in fascination and also in satisfaction with their ownwork.
"You look very beautiful, My Lady.", said Catherine
"Thank you, Catherine. This is all thanks to the efforts of all of you.", Iris replied, praising the work of her maids.
Knock-knock.
There was a knock on the door followed by a familiar female voice, "Lady Elizabeth, have you finished dressing up? I have come with your grandmother."
"Come in, Isabel. Incidentally the maids just finished dressing me.", Iris replied happily.
Isabel was the guardian directly appointed by Duke Richard Barrington before he died to accompany and look after Iris wherever she went. Isabel was also in charge of maintaining security at the Barrington family's manor in Grassland, where Iris was currently living.
Isabel opened the door and invited an aged woman who was wearing a maroon dress and used a cane to help her walk. Her wrinkled face however did not hide the apparent friendliness. Duchess Eleanor looks happy to meet her granddaughter.
Isabel motioned for the maids to leave Iris' room.
"Happy birthday to my dear granddaughter, Elizabeth. You look very beautiful, no less beautiful than any princess. It's not wrong that I bought the dress for you and… you dress your hair in the style that I like." Duchess Eleanor excitedly approached her granddaughter.
"Thanks Grandma... Grandma overpraised me. This is also because of the efforts of the maids who dress me up…", Iris replied with a blushing face.
Duchess Eleanor held Iris' cheek and looked at her proudly, "It's a good thing that I invited a lot of people especially the young man who is grandson of my friends. They can't miss to see my granddaughter who is beautiful."
"Oh.... Grandma must be tired of coming all the way especially for my birthday. I'm very grateful for your coming.", Iris helped Duchess Eleanor to sit on the sofa before she finally sat down next to her.
"Nonsense. Of course, I will come to my granddaughter's birthday. There's no way I could have missed it. What's more…", Duchess Eleanor paused and then glanced at Isabel who was still standing near them.
As if noticing her grandmother's hesitation to continue the conversation, Iris held her grandmother's hand, "It's okay grandma. Say whatever grandmother wants to say. Isabel will not spread anything we talked about."
"Hmm...although I'm more comfortable when she's not around." Duchess Eleanor answered while glancing at Isabel.
Duchess Eleanor wished Isabel had volunteered to leave the room when Isabel heard what she said.
But Isabel, who was standing behind the sofa where Iris and her grandmother sat, didn't seem to budge. Duchess Eleanor's words seemed like a passing wind that didn't need to be responded to.
"Ah never mind this is your father's wish and he is here. Anyway….", Duchess Eleanor gave up with a sigh.
Duchess Eleanor held Iris' hands and looked at her seriously, "Elizabeth you are seventeen years old today. The age of seventeen is a sign you are entitled to all of your father's property without the need for your uncle's supervision. Besides that, you're also old enough to get married. A marriage which is also necessary to claim your title as a Duchess."
Duchess Eleanor paused for a moment before continuing her words, "Your uncle…is planning to introduce you to his colleagues at your birthday party. If everything goes well, maybe it could lead to marriage. What do you think?"
Elizabeth hesitantly replied, "I don't know Grandma... to be honest... I've never thought of getting married...because it feels like something that's still far away to me..."
Duchess Eleanor seemed to let out a slightly disappointed sigh at Iris' answer.
Seeing her grandmother's expression, Iris hurriedly added, "Even though I've never thought of getting married doesn't mean I don't care, Grandma...Maybe it's just that I haven't had the experience of being close to someone either...and…I don't know either how to get someone's attention..."
Duchess Eleanor smiled and gently stroked Iris' hair, "Elizabeth, Elizabeth, my beautiful granddaughter… You don't need to worry that there isn't anyone who isn't interested in you. You are gentle and sweet and sensitive. You just need to open yourself up and give people a chance to get to know you."
"Grandma..."
Duchess Eleanor sighed as she looked far away, "Although you have the same eyes as your father your beauty comes from your mother. I still remember the first time Richard introduced your mother at dinner. He looks very happy when he is around your mother. His eyes lit up when he looked at your mother. He loves your mother very much and it didn't take him long to propose to her. However, your mother, who came from the common nobility at that time, caused their marriage to be objected to by your uncle."
"Then what happened, Grandma?" Iris asked with a curious face.
Duchess Eleanor smiled as she turned to Iris, "But your father didn't care and was determined to marry your mother anyway. Your uncle finally gave in and gave their blessing to their marriage. It was the first time Grandma saw Richard going against his brother's orders. Usually Richard always obeyed Albert's orders. Whatever it is. Because your father knows Albert is the one who takes care of everything in the family."
Iris nodded slowly.
"Your uncle has a personality that is the complete opposite of your father. As the first child, since childhood he has been accustomed to being given more responsibility by your grandfather to replace him in managing the family name. Very different from Richard who was raised with more freedom than demands. Your uncle, on the other hand, grew up to be a more calculating and serious person. But it was all done for the sake of looking after me and Richard. Your uncle doesn't want anything bad to happen and always wants the best for his family."
Duchess Eleanor then took one of Iris' hands, "That's why grandma hopes that you will consider your uncle's plan and not rush to reject the man who will be introduced to you."
Iris gently nodded and smiled and replied patiently, "Okay Grandma…I will consider Uncle's plan and get to know the man…".
Duchess Eleanor smiled happily at Iris' answer, "Alright, let's end this conversation first. You haven't had breakfast either. We need to be prepared for the guests who will arrive."
Duchess Eleanor struggled to her feet with her cane. Iris immediately helped her grandmother to her feet.
Isabel opened the door for them.
===
The luncheon as well as the garden party to celebrate Iris' birthday took place in great fanfare. After the candle and cake blowing ceremony accompanied by a small speech from Iris, the invitees are welcome to enjoy lunch while enjoying the manor and its surroundings which are filled with beautiful spring scenery in the Grassland.
Iris was accompanying her grandmother on a walk while chatting. Behind her, Isabel, who looked dashing in her uniform, followed them while keeping an eye on their surroundings.
From a distance a man who was aged but still looked confident and fit walked up to them. In his hands hung a cane with a falcon's head ornament.
"Mama you still look beautiful at your age and you…my niece looks very charming. I can see rows and rows of young men waiting for an opportunity to approach you."
"Uncle... you've finally arrived...", Iris replied politely while slightly bowing her head.
The neat bearded man took off his hat and hugged Iris. At first glance, his face bears a resemblance to the late Duke Richard Barrington, Iris's father. However, his firm and matter-of-fact expression showed that he was a completely different persona with Iris' father. His charisma as a leader was obvious, making people reluctant to deal with him.
The duke took a glance at Isabel after hugging Iris.
"Isabel, as usual, you still persistently accompany and look after my niece wherever she is. What a dedication. We, the Barrington family, owe you a great debt for spending your entire life serving here."
"It is my honor My Lord. I don't see it as a burden. The Barrington family don't owe anything.", Isabel answered politely while looking down. She could feel the pressure from Duke Albert's words.
"Speaking of safety. You're in charge aren't you, Isabel? Earlier when I was heading here there was an unknown person, like a thug, near the gate. It seems he was drunk and mistook this event for a show and tried to enter without anyone stopping him.", replied Duke Albert while adjusting his hat.
Isabel seemed surprised to hear that, "I'll check it out right away. My lady, is it fine if I leave you here?"
"It's okay Isabel. I'm here with grandma and uncle. Everything will be fine. Go on", Iris replied reassuring Isabel.
Isabel immediately rushed away.
"Elizabeth, you already know from grandma, don't you? Uncle's colleague is arriving today especially for your birthday. He came specially from Lindheim to meet you. I hope you can accompany him to chat while telling him the beauty of Barrington manor in Grassland."
Elizabeth nodded slowly, "Yes, Uncle. Grandma already told me. I will accompany him when he arrives…"
"It is such a coincidence. It seems he just arrived.", Duke Albert waved his hand at someone in the distance who seemed to be approaching.
Iris turned around. At first, she couldn't see very well because of the sunlight. But when he got closer, she could see a dapper-looking young man in a suit.
His blonde hair, teal eyes and handsome face stood out.
The young man greeted politely, "Duke Albert, Duchess Eleanor. Nice to meet you and thanks for the invite."
When it was Iris' turn, he stopped for a moment and suddenly took Iris' hand and kissed it gently," and…Lady Elizabeth. Happy birthday, My lady. You look very charming."
"Thank you…and welcome to Barrington Manor, Lord…?", Iris replied while blushing. She didn't expect that the young man would kiss her hand.
"His name is Leon Greyson. He is one of my colleagues. Leon has become at Duke at such a young age.", Duke Albert said while patting Leon's shoulder
"Duke Albert was exaggerating. It's all because of Duke Albert's help and guidance. I can become what I am today.", Leon replied humbly.
"Mama, isn't it time to rest after a long day of walking? We'll find a seat while chatting past. How about it?", Duke Albert thrust his hand towards Duchess Eleanor.
"Of course, son. We have a lot to talk about.", Duchess Eleanor smiled as she took Duke Albert's hand and they walked away leaving Iris and Leon alone.
"Um...well...is there anything in particular you would like to see at Barrington Manor, Lord Greyson? Would you prefer to see our house or take a walk outside?", Iris tried to start a conversation while trying to hide her nervousness.
Noticing Iris' nervousness, Leon smiled, "It's up to you, My lady. But I prefer a quiet place so we can talk and get to know each other without being disturbed."
"Could there be a garden at Barrington Manor?" asked Leon, holding out his arm.
Iris shyly placed her hand on Leon's arm, "Of course there is. We will walk through there and will arrive at the garden, Lord Greyson."
Suddenly Leon brought his face closer and whispered in Iris' ear, "Lady Elizabeth, you don't need to be formal with me. Just call me Leon. Is it OK for me to call you something more intimate like…Liz or Lizzie? Or maybe Liza?"
Iris bowed her head in embarrassment but she couldn't refuse. In a slow and gentle voice, she replied, "Actually I don't have a nickname but if you want…you can call me Elizabeth…."
They both walked until they reached the park. The gardens at Barrington Manor are more like a maze with a fountain in the middle. They walked leisurely through the maze.
"Elizabeth, is there anything you like in particular?" Leon started the conversation.
"Hmm? You mean some kind of hobby?"
"Could be either. It doesn't have to be a hobby anyway. For example, an item like dress or a gemstone. I attended your birthday party but I haven't had time to buy you a present yet."
"Ah it's okay Lord-, ah I mean Leon. I'm sure I got quite a lot of gifts."
"So, you don't want to accept my gift if I give it?", teased Leon.
Iris shook her head nervously, "N-It's not like that. I mean you don't have to bother buying something for me, Leon."
Leon gave a small smile, "I was just kidding Elizabeth. I know what you mean. So…is there anything you would like as a birthday present?"
Iris pondered for a moment before answering, "Right now I'm not thinking about anything…but I think I'd be happy to receive whatever gift you give me.", Iris replied with a sincere smile.
For a moment Leon remained mesmerized by Iris' answer, whether by her words or by Iris' charming smile.
"Hmm…so you don't know what you want yourself. Then I have to give you something that will make you remember me." Leon replied with a confused face.
Iris chuckled at Leon's expression. At first, she felt nervous and insecure about accompanying Leon. Because Leon looks so serious, confident and stands out. But when she saw his expression just now, Iris realized that Leon was trying as hard as she was.
Leon, who heard Iris' chuckle, immediately brought his face closer to Iris, "Ah… you finally smile. You're so pretty Elizabeth when you smile like that. I want to see you like this more often."
Iris stepped back a bit in shock at Leon's action. Her face felt hot. Her heart fluttered as she realized Leon's face was so close to hers. But due to Iris taking a sudden step back, her steps stumbled and staggered. Leon who saw her quickly held her body.
"Are you okay, Elizabeth?", Leon asked with a sharp look. Iris could feel her heart beating faster being stared at like that.
"It's okay... I'm just careless.", Iris replied while quickly getting up and tidying up her dress. Iris looked away so Leon wouldn't notice her flushed face.
Leon glanced around him. It turned out that they walked quite a long and far. They don't know which part of the garden they are in now.
"Well, well, looks like we got lost. Shall we continue or do we go back the way we came?"
The intersection is up ahead.
"It's okay Leon. I'm used to walking here. Let's just keep going to the right and we'll be out of here."
"As you wish, Elizabeth.", Leon confidently took Iris' hand and held it gently. Iris caught a glimpse of their clasped hands. It was her first-time holding hands with a man even though the man was a man she just met. Yet strangely she didn't mind even…. she felt comfortable. They were walking while chatting back.
"So, Leon...are you close with my uncle?", Iris walked while trying to find a topic of conversation.
"Actually, your uncle and I have only really been close, since the death of my parents five years ago. Before that I only knew that he was a friend of my father's."
"I'm sorry about your parents..."
"It is okay. It has passed. I was an only child and all my relatives that I didn't know suddenly came and were busy to take care of my parents' property when they died. Even though I was old enough to claim my father's inheritance by then, I was still naive and inexperienced. It was your uncle who helped me to be able to take care of everything. He also taught me many things in doing business so that I would not lose what had been my father's legacy."
"I see. You seem to admire my uncle, Leon?"
"That's right, Elizabeth. For me your uncle is not only my colleague but he is also a mentor to me. I am deeply indebted to your uncle. It was because of him that I could become who I am today."
"How about you? Tell me about yourself. I heard that you were kidnapped and only had a short time together with your father.", Leon asked with a concerned expression.
Iris nodded, "That's true. I don't have much memory about my parents… about my childhood…. But I am thankful that I still got to meet my father and spend time with him before he died."
"Is there no remorse or anger why all this happened to you? Or is it a nightmare that still haunts you?", Leon asked curiously.
Iris shook her head gently with a sad face, "Nothing. What happened, let it happen. Even though maybe I hope everyone who has given their lives so that I can be where I am today... is still alive. But never mind…everything has passed."
Leon stopped walking and stood in front of Iris while looking at her, "You are an amazing woman, Elizabeth…Even though you seem soft and fragile, you are actually tougher and stronger than you seem. If you are willing… I want to get to know you better…."
Iris felt her heart start pounding again accompanied by another sensation she had never felt before. Leon, who was still waiting for Iris' response, looked at Iris intently and without flinching. Leon's gaze instead made Iris nervous and unable to speak, her tongue was numb. Time seemed to freeze and all sound seemed to disappear in silence. All that sounded to Iris was her own pounding heartbeat.
"Elizabeth...actually I already-...", Leon continued as one of his hands touched Iris's cheek. His thumb moved slowly closer to Iris's lips.
"Iris, you there apparently!"
Suddenly a voice startled them both. Leon automatically removed his hand from Iris' cheek. Iris turned her head towards the familiar voice.
From a distance Isabel approached Iris, "Sorry it's taking longer. I was looking for you-"
But Isabel stopped her words when she noticed someone else near Iris. Isabel immediately corrected her words, "My Lady, I've been looking for you. My work is done. I'm back to keep you company. I didn't know you were with someone else."
"It's okay Isabel. Meet Duke Leon Greyson, my uncle's colleague. I was accompanying him on a walk. Leon, this is Isabel. She is the one in charge of looking after me."
"Ah, so you're the one named Isabel. I've often heard about you.", Leon replied smile coldly.
Isabel stared back at Leon as she answered no less coldly, "On the contrary My Lord. It was the first time I heard about you and you immediately spent time alone with My Lady. Nice to know you."
Leon didn't have a chance to answer further. Isabel immediately continued her words, "Lady Elizabeth, today is already getting late and the invited guests have started preparing to go home. We'd better go back inside immediately. I'll escort you."
Isabel stood behind Iris. Ready to escort her away. Iris and Leon walked in front of her. Leon whispered to Iris, "Does she always act like that with everyone?"
Noticing Leon's annoyance at Isabel's behavior, Iris chuckled, "She's like that to everyone. But don't worry, she doesn't mean anything but to protect me."
"And one more thing. I heard her call you Iris earlier. Why is that?"
"Oh, about that… it's a long story. I used to be known by the name Iris and we were both close and used to being called it…if no one else around. So please…. don't tell my uncle and grandma. Both of them would scold Isabel if they found out."
"I see. Then in exchange…can I call you Iris too?", Leon whispered back.
Iris looked at Leon with a deep gaze, "Of course it's, Leon. I do not mind…"
"Nice to be reacquainted with you Iris. I'm looking forward to our next meeting." Leon whispered back while holding out his arm. Iris nodded and took Leon's arm.