ome so soon, dear Fiona? No, you must stay here for another six or seven years, only then can I welcome you home as a proud princess."
"Oh," Fiona''s disappointment weighed upon her as she lowered her head. She had only spent a little over ten days at this school, yet it felt as though an eternity had passed.
"You have indeed an impeccable eye, Mr. Marquis," remarked the young gentleman by Sèvremont''s side, his gaze also filled with profound interest as he appraised the young schoolgirl. With a tsk of admiration, he continued, "She is truly a diamond in the rough. What matters most is the genuine noble talent in her. She was born to excel in high society. I dare wager, even many duchesses and princesses do not possess this natural air of hers!"
"You''d say it was my stroke of good fortune," the Marquis replied succinctly.
"You really stumbled upon this little fairy in the boondocks?" the young gentleman asked curiously, "It''s truly unbelievable! Isn''t she a young princess in distress from some kingdom?"
"Her birth was indeed humble," the Marquis said calmly, "If you had spoken to her, you would understand that she has not received an education befitting a princess."
"Who could have imagined that such a belle would bear lowly blood?" the young man lamented, licking his lips, "You''ve brought back a dangerous siren from France, Mr.Marquis. When the day comes for her to leave this place, any man in Plymouth will go mad for her!"
Fiona felt uncomfortable under the man''s gaze, so she lowered her head even further. Her long red hair cascaded in front of her, obscuring her pretty but drawn face.
"Allow me a moment alone with this child, Viscount Fitzwilliam," the Marquis distanced himself from him, taking a few steps away, "She''s shy. I can see that your presence has made her uneasy."
Viscount Fitzwilliam shrugged and walked around to the other side of the house.
"What troubles you, treasure?" the Marquis gently asked the girl after the friend had left, "You can tell me now. You are unhappy here, aren''t you?"
Fiona sadly nodded her head, then immediately shook it in fear.
The Marquis''s face darkened, "Who made you so afraid, Fiona? You can tell me everything. You ar