When they reached the Mansion's porch, the duchess who has been informed of the arrival welcomed them. 

"Mother, I have arrived with some friends." Christopher said.

Duchess Emma turned to smile at his companions. Seeing that the marquis of Suffox was amongst them, her smile reached her eyes. Her daughter would surely be delighted.

The four lords gave her a slight bow and greeted, "your grace."

"It's a pleasure to have you here with us today. There's an ongoing tea party inside, but since you're already here, let me invite you to join in." the duchess said. Although that's the purpose, they still had to keep propriety.

Hugo who has also joined in last year graciously thanked the duchess.

Then, they all walked inside. The duchess personally led them to the garden to introduce them to the ladies.

When they entered the garden, Charlton immediately spotted Serena who was sitting with some other girls he vaguely recognized as their former schoolmates. She was having that look on her face when she's smiling but he knew she was gloating, and he wondered what she was thinking of.

He smiled, thinking that at least it seemed like she was not that bored in this tea party she's attending and that she was not affected by the news esquire released that day. 

After a few seconds, the ladies noticed their presence, and Serena finally looked up and their eyes met. He saw her face immediately brighten in delight. He wanted to wink at her, but he knew that people were looking. Thus, he only gave her a nod in acknowledgement. 

The duchess called her daughter, and Anna who saw Charlton in the group was more than ecstatic. They have been introduced before so there was no need for a reintroduction.

"Lord Dante, Lord Hugo, Lord Leonard, and Lord Charlton, it is a pleasure that you deigned to join us in this tea party today." Lady Anna greeted as she curtsied. 

The four smiled at her and greeted her back. 

Anyway, the duchess gave her daughter a meaningful smile before excusing herself, leaving the 5 gentlemen in the garden.

The ladies all looked at them. It was nothing to be embarrassed about as they all knew the reason why they were there. The afternoon tea party hosted by duchess Cross which only began last year after Lady Anna's debut was highly anticipated because it provides the chance for debutantes to meet with some of the most eligible bachelors of their age.

Hugo and Dante excused themselves to go and get some snack from the buffet table. They were there last year so they knew how this goes. They will get snacks sit at one of the tables, and let ladies approach them pretty neat. Sure was nice being an heir to a dukedom.

Meanwhile, Charlton and Leonard were not able to do the same as their host, Christopher addressed them.

"Charlton, since this is your first time attending, let my sister accompany you so that she can explain how this party works. Meanwhile, Leonard, I think I saw your sister earlier. It would be nice if you give us an introduction so I can thank her for attending this party." Christopher said.

Charlton and Leonard understood what Christopher was doing, however, as guests it would be impolite to turn him down. 

Charlton smiled at Anna, anyway, this should not last for more than 15 minutes. He thought. "Lady Annalys, please, lead the way."

--

Leonard and Christopher approached Serena's table, and seeing them, Serena stood up to greet her brother.

"Brother Leonard. I didn't know that you will be joining us today." She greeted as she gave him a smile.

Leonard smiled back. He didn't want to, but he had to introduce his host. "Yes, I was just invited after our meeting earlier finished. Anyway, let me introduce my colleague. Marquis Christopher Cross, this is my sister, Lady Serena Maxwell."

Christopher gave Serena a slight bow as he asked for her hand.

Serena placed her hand in his not really thinking much of it. 

Christopher then kissed the back of her hand as he looked up at her and said, "Enchanté."

Leonard furrowed his brows. Was Christopher flirting with his sister? He shook his head. Most probably just flattering. 

Serena thought the same, so she just smiled back as she pulled her hand away from his. "You flatter me Lord Cross. Please, let me introduce my friends too." she said. She knew that the girls have been looking forward to this part. Her on the other hand wanted to join the table where Charlton was. Really, this tea party sure was weird. 

Anyhow, she just needs to stay for a few minutes then excuse herself to say that she would be using the comfort room. Surely, Charlton would follow her after a while. 

--

Charlton followed Anna to the buffet table to get some snacks. He knew that the girl's father was hoping for a match between them, but he hadn't had the chance to give an outright refusal as no offer has been made. 

Meanwhile, from the times he danced with Lady Anna, he knew that she somewhat admired him, but many ladies admire him, so he did not think much of it. Now that he's in this situation though, it seems like he must turn her down gently.

After getting some snacks, Anna led him to sit in front of one unoccupied table under the canopy. It was a square table good for four. It was on the other end to where Serena was seated, but it didn't matter as long as he can see her. It doesn't hurt that she can see him too.

"So… Lord Daniel, what made you come and join us in this tea party this year?" Anna asked. She could guess the answer, but she needed an opening for their conversation. 

Charlton drank the tea in front of him. "You brother invited me last year, so I thought that it would be impolite to decline the invitation this year too." He replied casually.

Anna smiled at him charmingly. It's good if that were the case. At least it meant that he was not there for Emily. It was the worst thing she could imagine.

Anna was thinking of hogging all his time while in the party as none of the girls who were impertinent enough to think that they were her friends would dare sit with them uninvited. 

However, she haven't anticipated the shamelessness of the mere baron's daughter Emily who placed her plate of macaroons on the table and took a seat beside Charlton. 

Charlton tried not to wince with the situation. Ok, so he heard about how things work in this tea party, so it's nothing unexpected but still.

He looked at Serena's direction and saw that she was trying to listen to what Christopher was saying. However, the mirth in her eyes made him believe that she saw what was happening from his end. She was laughing at him.

Well, it was indeed a funny situation, except that he was the one in it. Looking at the two ladies who were both seated on each side of the table with him in between, he just wanted to pray and say, 'so help me god.'

--

TBC 

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