Yesterday night was a complete and utter disaster. It was not only Jared that squashed my dreams and hopes of our future relationship, but I also managed to get acquainted with two of the most notorious gentlemen of the ton – Lord Tinley and Duke of Manchester, Baxter Read.

“Wake up sister! Wake up!” Jane barged into our room, excitedly hopping up and down.

I groaned at her endless source of energy and pulled the covers over my head. “Not now Jane, I have an excruciating headache.”

“Place them in here, Janine,” my mother opened the door for my lady’s maid.

I watched in amazement as she juggled a large bouquet of tulips in her hands all the while trying her best to maintain the balance.

“What is the meaning of this?” I propped myself on my elbows, previous exhsaustion suddenly evaporating with the mounting curiosity.

“Ashlyn! You received at least dozen of these!” Jane's fingers eagerly brushed against the exquisite colorful petals. “Have you met a prince?”

“No,” I inhaled the sweet flowery scent. “Only a few dragons.”

Mother opened a card fastened around the vase’s neck. Her eyebrows jumped so high I almost believed they will fly off her forehead. “Lord Jared Collins?” Her eyes narrowed after reading his name aloud. “Ashlyn, what is the meaning of this? I thought you-”

I sprang out of bed like a wrecking hurricane and snatched the card out of her hand. “Pardon?” I said in disbelief. “But I thought…” I cleared my throat to compose myself. “Which gentlemen sent the other bouquets?” I asked half-heartedly as I wasn't sincerely interested in anyone else’s presents.

My thoughts kept jumping back to the extravagant flower arrangement. Why would Jared send me tulips? He knew very well they were my favorites.

“Several gentlemen in fact. Lord Aidan Sutton, Simons, Hamilton and Tinley,” Jane studied the cards with interest as she opened them one by one.

“Lord Tinley,” my stomach turned at the thought of how unpleasantly he behaved at the ball. “Oh dear. Did I get anything from His Grace Baxter Read, Jane?” I was certain my eyes were wide as our porcelain plates when I whirled my head to face her.

“No, nothing from so called Baxter Read sister,” she gazed at me with suspicion. “Is he your Prince Charming?”

“Dear Lord, have mercy! No! So no Baxter Read? Are you completely certain, Jane?”

“As long as my eyes are not deceiving me - absolutely!” She threw me a big toothy smile.

My shoulders slumped with relief. “Good. One is more than enough.”

“Lord Tinley sent you flowers?” Even Mama’s lips curled with utter disgust. “He is a dangerous and vile man, Ashlyn. Stay away from him at any cost.”

“I intend to Mama. He is downright repulsive,” I forced a smile onto my face, trying to forget about Jared or Tinley. “But let’s focus on good news, shall we? I have a visitor calling on me this afternoon, Lord Aidan Sutton.”

“Sutton,” she smiled contentedly. “His father was a business associate of ours. Aidan is a lovely and respectable young man.”

I had to agree with her, he seemed like a fitting suitor. “I liked him the most.”

Apart from Jared, I thought to myself. I couldn’t get him out of my mind, it was becoming rather worrisome.

“Where is he taking you?” Jane inquired with a dreamy look in her eyes.

“Kensington Gardens. Auntie Abby has promised to chaperone me.”

“What a lovely choice!” Mother grasped my shoulders. “Although I hope aunt Abby will behave herself. We wouldn’t want to drive away such an affable suitor,” she pressed her lips into a thin line. “Now go and get yourself ready, luncheon will be served in an hour.”

With that she left the room, quietly closing the door behind her.

“Luncheon? Have I slept that long?” I asked, horrified.

Jane giggled at my grimaced expression. “Must have been quite a ball!”

“My head is still throbbing,” I massaged my sore temples, moaning with pleasure when the pain momentarily subsided.

“Ashlyn? What about Jared? Will you just give up on him?”

I sighed loudly. Was I able to give up on the person that occupied my every single thought? It seemed as if I had no other choice. “You know I can’t marry him, Jane.”

“But… Why not?” Her yellow brows knitted with confusion.

“I have to marry a wealthy man, Jane. That way you’ll someday have big enough of a dowry to choose the love of your life,” I lovingly stroked her blonde curls. In the end, this was the thing I wanted the most – my family to be happy and well situated.

“But then you will be unhappy…” Jane murmured, creasing her forehead.

“I can never be unhappy knowing you, Mama or Papa are well provided for.” I hid the shadowy thoughts that lingered in my mind and plastered a lively smile on my face. “Speaking of, we’d better convince Lord Aidan that I am the right choice for him.”

“Is he handsome?” She questioned with sparkly and wide eyes.

“Quite. Just wait until you see him,” I gave her a tickle with the intention to brighten her dampened mood so she could forget about her worries. There was no need for her to burden herself with such thoughts. “He has a white horse. And you know what? I swear I saw him arrive in a pumpkin carriage yesterday,” I heard her giggle loudly.

“Liar!” She stabbed a finger at me. “I’m ten years old – way too old to believe in fairytales,” she tried to maintain a straight face but failed miserably. “Besides, you’ve got it all wrong! He should be Prince Charming, not Cinderella!”

“Oh well, you got me,” I playfully ruffled her hair.

She dramatically rolled her bright eyes at my, oh, so evident mistake. “Silly.”

“Come now. Help me choose what to wear, all right?”