[color=0054a6]Adrian[/color]

Disappointed by his findings, or rather the lack of it, Adrian shut the Google browser and shaked his head in utter disbelief. Even the best stories about Azariah did not seem... truthful. They were meaningless. Unsubstantial. Unfavourable photos that didn't emphasise a possible dark side to her. For a few seconds Adrian had actually believed the tabloid story and contemplated calling Melbourne, but abandoned this plan as soon as he had watched an interview, which featured other celebrities describing Azariah's fit of dizziness as a cause of her illness after a trip. In spite of her fame, Azariah remained down-to-earth, making her even more likeable. And probably relatable to [i]ordinary[/i] people. After all she was a commoner, her money did not come with blue blood. Not that it had any impact on her as an eligible partner nowadays. Meghan Markle represented just one of the many renowned examples. And a small, almost nonexistent part of Adrian was glad about it. He couldn't explain why, as he was a passionate advocate of noble prerogatives (not a surprise), but she awakened his curiousity in [i]everything common.[/i]

Adrian mulled over the limited options he had, deciding that a marriage might not be as horrible as it had sounded just an hour ago. Frankly, he needed her dowry more than she needed his title. And on top of that, they could still settle for divorce afterwards, couldn't they? The innocuous procedure was uncomplicated and assured him to be able to pay his debts and lavish lifestlye. Nobody expected him to be her forever loving husband and Azariah herself had certainly no interest in fulfilling her duties as his wife. [i]His wife. [/i] The sheer thought of it forced him to sit upright in his chair. 

To: Azariah
From: Adrian
Subject: Re: Is this for real?

Azariah,

Everything has been sorted already? It almost sounds like they know of our intentions to thwart their plans. Regarding the news, I assume that I will meet you soon. Have they also told you that we are only allowed to see each other on our wedding way? I have almost forgotten that I am 25 by now.

PS. I recommend you the Lanesborough, a former countryhouse, that has been converted to a hotel. (Several reviews endorse my suggestion and the photographs are stunning.)

Adrian



Adrian stood up from his chair and left the room to find his mother, the Dowager Countess. At the same time he wondered if Azariah had any clue about her future match. It was conceivable, unless she already knew about him, that she was busy looking up British people named 'Adrian'. Sooner or later she might come across his name and then - [i][i]then what? [/i] What would [b]she[/b] think of him? And why did it even matter?[/i] [i][b]Did[/b][/i] [i]it matter to him?[/i] Shaking his head, Adrian decided to postpone his speculations until he had talked to his mother.