Post by Elena Sandoval on Mar 26, 2018 15:40:55 GMT -5
After discussion with Niccolo, it was agreed that the news of his betrothal should be passed on to Arturo by the Duchess rather than the Duke. Both were less than confident that Arturo would receive the revelation well, and might seek to deflect, in fact, if he were given half a chance. The man was notoriously slippery on the subject of marriage, though it appeared his future bride knew that and prudently circumvented his wiliness by pulling the proverbial rug out from under him. Niccolo found it extremely funny that the young Countess approached him to solicit Arturo's hand, however proper the gesture might be. Elena deemed it a clever move on Daniela's part, as it gave Arturo very little room in which to maneuver.
With that in mind, she decided to broach the subject to the hardly blushing bridegroom while he was in one of the family warehouses. That way, he could vent his reaction in relative privacy and if need be, cool his temper before he sought a word with Niccolo about the folly of the betrothal. Then again, Elena reminded herself, Arturo might surprise her and behave in an unexpected fashion about the whole thing. He was not so entirely predictable that she could be certain what he would say or do when informed.
Arriving at the warehouse, one of the ducal House Guards moved to aid her in dismounting and hold the mounts while the other swung down to accompany her inside. Elena took a minute to let her eyes adjust to the dimmer lighting than the warm autumn sunlight before one of the warehouse's foremen approached to offer his assistance. The Duchess smiled cordially at the man, "Inform Lord Arturo that I am here, please, and that I need to speak with him privately on a matter of family business."
The man bowed and hurried off, leaving her to stand where she was until Arturo gave leave for her to be shown back into the offices.
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Arturo Montefiore