Diane gasped as Honore stepped out of the alcove, startling her. She hadn't really thought of being caught. Normally, Gavin would look the other way when she went to his chambers to sneak a look at books, but this might not be worth forgiving. Being caught by another noble was just surprising.<br/><br/>"Comtess, you startled me," Diane said. Quickly, she motioned for Honore to follow her. "I would appreciate it if this trip isn't ever mentioned again. This passage will take us out by the gardens, we can just pretend to have been there all night." She and the Comtess went to the gardens. Taking a deep breath, she said, "I hope your stay here in Anstaria is pleasurable. We have a lot of sights that you might enjoy here."<br/><br/>Thinking back to the bird she had seen earlier, she said, "I'm sure if I talk to my brother, he can arrange for a hunting trip. He enjoys hunting, the forests near the castle provide his favorite past time. Finding another who shares his passions would be nice." She wasn't so innocent she didn't know what kind of passions the comtess would stir in her brother.<br/><br/>"Also, if you would be so kind as to walk with me to my room, I can open your gift now," Diane said. "Unless you'd prefer to wait until morning." She had been very curious as to what the visitors got her. She wasn't used to gifts.<br/><br/>*********************<br/><br/>"That would be wonderful," Gavin said after he took a sip of his drink. "Actually, the morning sounds just right. I will have the paperwork ready for you by then. I left them in my room, locked. I can keep them there until we wish to make the announcement."<br/><br/>He made the offer, knowing that some lords like to keep a hold of the betrothal papers. Personally, he'd prefer to keep the papers himself, just in case. It's not like a lord hadn't backed out of a betrothal in the past.<br/><br/>"Just out of curiosity, Lord Martinez, is there anything you require for this betrothal," Gavin asked. "I know our traditions aren't the same, but if there is anything I can do to help prepare my sister to be your wife, let me know."