Total pages in book: 142
Estimated words: 137017 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 685(@200wpm)___ 548(@250wpm)___ 457(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 137017 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 685(@200wpm)___ 548(@250wpm)___ 457(@300wpm)
I did as I was told without a word.
His office was huge. The tall walls were lined with ornately carved mahogany bookshelves that were filled with what had to be a few hundred books, and the desk that occupied the centre of the room was the size of at least four large dining tables. It was still cold enough outside for a fire to be lit, and the odd crackle of wood as it burned away in the hearth was oddly comforting against the stark coldness of the man in front of me.
If it weren’t for our eyes, nobody would think we were father and daughter.
No wonder my stepmother hated me so much. Aside from my green eyes, my memories told me I was the carbon copy of my mother—the woman she despised above anything and anyone else.
Even me. Miraculously.
My father set down his fountain pen and removed his glasses, letting them hang around his neck from the attached chain. He studied me for a moment with a peculiar look on his face before saying, “It’s nice to see you out of your bedroom.”
“I’m feeling much better, thank you,” I replied politely. “In fact, I will be attending a tea party tomorrow, so I wanted to speak with you before that, given I’ve been out of society for a month now.”
He nodded. “Who is the host?”
“Lady Georgina Alansia.”
“Very well. That’s an excellent place for you to re-enter society after your accident.” He rubbed his chin and peered over my shoulder.
Of course, he believed it was an accident.
It wasn’t like the original soul of this body had been able to refute Sophia’s claim that she’d tripped over her dress and fallen.
“I thought so. Also, I intend to go into town after the tea party to purchase a dress for the spring ball. May I have it charged to the house?”
He waved his hand. “Only one?”
“Yes. I think the banquet may be too much for me this soon, but it would be improper of me not to show my face at least once during the festivities.”
“If that’s what you wish to do, I will inform His Majesty. I suppose with the ball you can rest in a powder room or leave early if necessary. That isn’t possible with the other events. I’m sure His Majesty will understand.”
“Thank you, Father.” I paused as Caldwell entered with the tea tray and poured us two cups. “I also have another topic to bring up with you.”
“Very well. What is it?” He stirred his tea.
“I would like to discuss the topic of getting married.”
Caldwell dropped his spoon with a clatter that rang out through the silent room and blinked erratically. “Please excuse me.”
Father glanced at him with barely veiled amusement. “Don’t worry. If I’d been holding one, I might have done the same.” He turned to me, eyebrows twitching. “I thought you had no interest in getting married.”
“It wasn’t that I had no interest, but rather I was apprehensive about the candidates that would be chosen.” I reached for my tea and raised the teacup to my lips. “The reason I’m bringing it up is that I would like to request that I have some say in the matter.”
He stared at me. “Are you romantically involved with anyone?”
“No.”
“Is there someone you’re interested in?”
“No.”
He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Then why are we suddenly having this conversation?”
“Because I just turned twenty-five, and I’m aware that you’ll start looking for suitable marriage candidates soon,” I replied smoothly. “I’m only asking to be a part of the process.”
Father met Caldwell’s eyes. “Brief her on my parameters for her suitors.”
“Before that, you should know that I refuse to marry anyone under twenty-two or over the age of thirty-five, and I must be their first wife.”
He swung his gaze back to me. “Pardon?”
“Twenty-two to thirty-five and the first wife. That’s my hard line. If you try to marry me off to a fifty-year-old count somewhere looking for his third wife, I shall run through the Imperial Palace gardens naked.”
Caldwell coughed, but it was closer to a choking laugh than anything else.
“Alicia!” Father stared at me, his green eyes round with shock. “What has gotten into you?”
“I don’t know,” I replied, finishing my tea before delicately setting the cup down on the saucer. “They say people’s personalities can change after a major incident. And goodness! I did hit my head awfully hard on the stairs after I tripped on my dress, didn’t I?”
His expression darkened. “Yes. After you tripped.”
Ah-ha. Maybe he did have some doubts after all.
After all, Alicia had been raised with the perfect noble education and wasn’t a naturally clumsy person. Tripping and falling down the stairs wasn’t something she was likely to do.
Now, me in my past life was a different story. I would absolutely have tripped over my own feet given half a chance.