Amelia stood in her room, gazing at the array of dresses laid out before her. Her lady's maid, Clara, was bustling around, pulling out gowns of various colors and fabrics.
"What about this one, my lady?" Clara held up a deep emerald dress adorned with delicate lace. "It brings out the color of your eyes."
Amelia chewed her bottom lip, her mind racing. "I don't know, Clara. It's a special night, and I want everything to be perfect."
Clara smiled reassuringly. "You'll look stunning in anything, my lady. The Duke won't be able to take his eyes off you."
Amelia blushed at the thought. She finally settled on a pastel blue gown that flowed gracefully down to her feet, with intricate silver embroidery that added a touch of elegance.
As Clara helped her into the dress, Amelia couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nerves. She glanced at the clock—a modern habit she had yet to shake—though there was no clock to see.
Meanwhile, Alister stood in his dressing room, scrutinizing his reflection in the mirror. His valet, James, was adjusting his cravat for the umpteenth time.
"You seem unusually tense tonight, Your Grace," James commented, stepping back to admire his work.
Alister frowned slightly. "Is it that obvious?"
James nodded with a knowing smile. "A bit, sir. But I'm sure the Duchess will appreciate the effort."
Alister sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's just... I want tonight to be special."
"She'll see that, Your Grace. Now, how about these cufflinks?" James presented a pair of sapphire cufflinks that matched the deep blue of Alister's eyes.
"Perfect," Alister replied, allowing James to fasten them.
Once both were dressed and ready, they met in the grand foyer. Amelia descended the staircase with a grace that belied her inner turmoil, her eyes meeting Alister's as he awaited her at the bottom.
"You look... breathtaking," Alister said, his voice filled with genuine admiration.
Amelia's heart fluttered. "And you look very handsome, Alister."
They walked out to the waiting carriage, the evening air cool and crisp. Alister offered his hand to help Amelia into the carriage, their fingers brushing briefly, sending a shiver down her spine.
Inside the carriage, the plush seats provided a comfortable setting, but the atmosphere was charged with unspoken words and anticipation.
"This is... different," Amelia began, trying to ease the tension. "I don't think I've ever been on a date quite like this."
Alister chuckled softly. "I don't think I have either. But I'm glad it's with you."
Amelia's cheeks warmed at his words. "Where are we going first?"
"A restaurant I think you'll enjoy. It's known for its intimate ambiance and excellent cuisine," Alister replied, his tone slightly more relaxed now.
As the carriage rattled along the cobblestone streets, they found themselves slipping into an easier conversation, discussing their favorite foods and previous dining experiences. Amelia found herself laughing more than she had in a long time, the earlier nerves beginning to dissipate.
"I remember once," Alister shared, a hint of amusement in his voice, "I tried to cook for myself. It was a disaster. The kitchen staff were horrified."
Amelia giggled, imagining the usually composed Duke in such a predicament. "I would have loved to see that."
As they talked, Alister noticed the way Amelia's eyes lit up when she laughed, and he felt a warmth spreading through him. He had always admired her strength and determination, but tonight he was seeing a different side of her—one that made his heart ache in the most wonderful way.
The carriage ride seemed both too long and too short, filled with moments of silence that were comfortable rather than awkward. They both felt the weight of the evening's significance, but there was also a growing sense of ease between them.
As they neared their destination, Alister reached out and took Amelia's hand in his, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Thank you for agreeing to this," he said softly.
Amelia squeezed back, her heart swelling. "Thank you for asking me. I'm glad we're doing this."
The carriage came to a stop, and the door was opened by a footman. Alister stepped out first, then turned to help Amelia down. They stood there for a moment, the sounds of the city around them, both taking a deep breath before heading inside.
Their night had just begun, and already it felt like something special.