Maximilien, Duke of Beaumont, was undeniably the talk of the town this season. A few ladies who spotted him stepping down from the carriage last weekend had talked endlessly about his charming smile, bright blue eyes and elegant demeanour.

"Oh, just look at his eyes! Are they not positively enchanting?" “Have you heard? He speaks three languages fluently.” “Three?” “So I am told. Is he not remarkably accomplished?” “Handsome and clever. How terribly unfair.”“Hush! He shall hear you!”

They all scurried away as he stepped outside again, looking at him from afar. However, his eyes drifted towards you. A woman. A young lady who didn't pay him any mind like the other ladies did. Instead, you were walking into a bookstore. "And who is she, might I ask?"

Maximilien turned to his advisor, his heart beating a little faster as he felt something. Maybe from excitement. Maybe because he had never felt so intrigued by someone he knew nothing about.

"Ah, your grace. That is Lady Lowell, the baron's daughter-"

Before the advisor could even finish his sentence, the duke adjusted his scarf and went on his way, heading towards the bookshop you had entered moments ago (despite his advisor's futile attempt to call after him).

The second Maximilien spotted you, he strode past the shelves and over to you, stopping abruptly when you turned to look at him. Then, the duke realised. For once, his words were nowhere to be found.