Deviating from the original plot

Chapter eleven

Victoria waited.

She sat in the drawing room, her hands resting neatly in her lap, though she kept glancing toward the door. Her father had said the associate would arrive for tea today, but he hadn't mentioned a name—and the suspense was gnawing at her.

The butler entered at last. "Lady Victoria, your guest has arrived."

Victoria stood, smoothing her gown. "Please, show them in."

The door opened, and in stepped someone she hadn't expected in the slightest.

"You?" she said surprised.

Damien offered a faint smile. "It's been a while, Lady Victoria."

"I didn't realize you were the associate my father mentioned," she said slowly. "So that's why you approached me at the ball yesterday."

"Exactly," he replied. "I thought it best to reintroduce myself on more familiar terms rather than show up today as just another stranger."

Victoria nodded slowly. "Well, I suppose that was... tactful of you. Please sit."

Damien chuckled and they sat. "I try. Besides, it's not every day I get summoned to assist the future of Valenford."

Victoria arched a brow. "And what exactly are you helping me with?"

"Your transition," he said, stepping further into the room and casting a quick glance at the tea set. "Stepping into your new role—politics, managing the estate, navigating public life. Think of me as your advisor... or guide, if you prefer."

Victoria nodded, "So, when do we start?"

"Tomorrow," Damien said with a small smile as he poured tea into their cups. "Don't worry, you will get a hang of it. I am a very good teacher"

Victoria nodded and took a teacup, "We will see then, it's a pleasure to be working with you."

After the meeting ended, Victoria wandered out to the gardens, seeking a bit of quiet. She spotted her father beneath the gazebo, reclining comfortably with a book in hand, utterly at peace.

"I haven't even taken on the role of Marchioness yet, and you're already acting retired," Victoria joked, arms crossed.

Without looking up, he turned a page. "It's lovely to see you too, Victoria. How did the meeting go?"

"You could've told me it was Viscount Damien," she replied, walking closer.

"I did say it was someone you knew," he said casually. "That should've been a hint. You don't exactly keep a wide circle."

Victoria huffed, settling into the seat across from him. "Alright, fair. But how did he become one of your associates?"

"The young Viscount and I crossed paths in business about three years ago," he replied.

She tilted her head. "What kind of business?"

"Land holdings," he said simply. "A small area up north. He managed the negotiations with remarkably for someone his age."

Victoria blinked. "You gave him property?"

"Leased," her father corrected. "But yes. He proved himself reliable and resourceful. Qualities I value in anyone working under the Valenford name."

"So that's why you trust him," Victoria said. Her father gave a small nod in return.

"Precisely. He's capable—and more importantly, discreet. I expect you to learn from him, Victoria."

"Well, our lessons begin tomorrow, so yes—I'll be sure to learn all I can," Victoria said as she stood, brushing down her skirt. "I'll be going now. Enjoy your book, Father."