Oh My, I Messed Up the Story

I couldn't wait for Marcy to go to the palace. I needed to get out of here before the duke or some other rich, influential man won over my heartless money-grubbing mother completely.

I didn't need much. All these frills and fancy dresses would give me away. I snuck a couple of generic servant dresses that looked like they would fit into a bag and slung it over my shoulder before sneaking out the window and down the trellis.

I never would have attempted something like this at home but my body was much nimbler now.

I shot one sad glance back at the house for Percy's sake before setting off in the only solid pair of shoes I had—my riding boots. My hair was simply braided into a bun and hidden under a shawl. It was far too long and noticeable otherwise.

I went to the beach first since it looked like the bakery was experiencing the afternoon rush when I passed by. I would stop by and talk to the owner after enjoying the scenery for a while.

I told the servants I passed on my way to my room that I was 'indisposed' which meant I probably wouldn't be discovered as missing until dinner.

I found a secluded spot on top of a giant rock and climbed up. It would be difficult to see me from the ground unless you were specifically looking. But who in this world climbed rocks?

Hugging my knees to my chest, I looked out over the horizon. My shawl was in my pack since the ocean breeze was strong enough that it might blow away.

Though the sun was shining, the air was cold. I didn't care. I didn't particularly have anywhere to go.

A male voice sounded from behind me. "Well, if it isn't Lady Katie. I certainly didn't expect to find you here."

I looked up with half a smile on my face from the dumb nickname. "Sir Al, it's you. What are you doing here?"

"I might ask you the same question. I happened to see you from the rockier side of the shore. I come here whenever I can get away. The ocean is vast and mysterious, isn't it? I would like nothing better than to find a ship and sail away from everything but that isn't exactly possible."

"We're in the same boat, my friend," I said with a sigh, naturally slipping into my usual speech patterns. Al was the most casual person I had met in this world so why bother with formalities?

"I'm running away from all my suitors. I haven't quite figured out where to go, though."

He settled in next to me, a look of vague surprise on his face. "I thought all young ladies wanted nothing more than to marry into a good house for the sake of their families."

"Not me! I don't want to get married at all!" I blurted.

Such a social taboo, but I doubted this strange nobleman would care based on everything I had seen of him so far.

Al cocked his head as he leaned back using his arms for support. "And why is that?"

I looked out over the waves, suddenly embarrassed. Maybe he cared about my slip after all.

"Um, I don't think you'd believe me if I told you."

"Try me."

"I don't believe in the concept of marriages of convenience, or necessity, or making alliances. If I ever get married, I want to do it because I'm in love. Like my parents."

My parents had loved each other so much! They were on an anniversary trip to Florida when they got caught up in a hurricane that none of the weathermen saw coming.

They had been together happily for twenty years. Wherever they were now, I hoped they were able to be together.

"Your parents, the Earl and Countess of du Pont were a love match?" he asked doubtfully.

Oops. It was too easy to be myself with this guy.

"Not them…the people I actually think of as my parents. Uh, my nanny. And her husband," I said lamely.

"But the counte—my mother—wants to marry me off to the highest bidder. Right now it's looking like the Duke of Orla is her first choice." My expression turned dark.

"You…don't like Duke Orla?"

"No I don't! He creeps me out, to be honest. I can't explain it properly but he gives me weird vibes."

"Vibes?"

Ah, they didn't really have the concept of vibes here. "Um, he has a weird aura?"

Al still looked confused. I tried again. "He gives off a feeling that makes me uncomfortable."

That was the ticket. He nodded, digesting this information. "He never really got the chance to be a child, since he inherited his title so young. I can see what you mean."

Unexpectedly, Al laughed. "You realize that any other debutante in this kingdom would be thrilled to marry him."

"And I'm supposed to be like everybody else?" I demanded, hugging my knees even tighter.

"You misunderstand me. Personally, I'm quite happy you're not like everybody else," he said with a gentle smile on his face. "I've never met someone like you."

Of course he hadn't. I wasn't from here.

"I'm nothing special," I said honestly.

Where I came from, I was considered a failure by most. I could barely work—my sick day count was so high it was a miracle I didn't get fired—but I didn't qualify for government disability aid because they didn't know specifically what was wrong with me.

"Forgive me for disagreeing with a lady, but I don't think so. You are genuine. Not one person around me is like that."

I frowned at him in confusion. Dude, I've met you exactly once. "I don't think you've known me long enough to assess that."

"If you weren't genuine, why would you go out of your way to help that boy after he blatantly ignored your advice?"