The Earl of Brightstone

"Janice!" Margie called out. "I might have to leave you to go to the town square alone."

"I'll be with you in a minute!" Janice yelled as she did the button of her dress.

The ladies had heard of the famous fundraising event for victims of natural disasters that often happened during this time of the year and had decided to attend after receiving permission from the Queen. Also, Margie had been given a special invite to grace the event as the newest addition to the royal family and a guest speaker.

Janice had barely found something decent to put on since most of the clothes in her bag now seemed a bit too tight for her growing bump.

"I'm not even big yet, and none of these fits anymore!" She groaned, tossing one of the gowns she had tried on in the box next to her.

She plucked a gown she had borrowed from Margie's closet and donned it on. "This is better." She mumbled, swirling in front of the mirror.

Janice was glad she could fit into Margie's dress, and she was surprised since the latter was a little bigger than her.

"You look like a queen except for no crown yet." Margie complimented as Janice emerged from the room.

Janice had wanted to discard the peach flowing gown on second thought as the sweetheart neckline made her chest huger than normal and also it was a snug fit from the waist downwards before it branched into a fishtail.

What she liked about it was, it had given her some curves that she had never imagined she had.

"You look much better than I do," She grumbled as she stared at Margie who donned a yellow pleated maxi dress with ruffle sleeves.

A brown hat with a wide brim adorned her head instead of the tiara she usually wore.

"You are a pregnant babe and I doubt if I would look half as good as you do when I'm pregnant."

Janice knew she would look better. Margie hardly ever looked out of place. She had the grace and poise of a noble, and she was sure she would look more alluring when she took in.

"But, I'm not ready for that yet." Margie wrinkled her nose as they stepped out of the house.

"I know that," Janice affirmed.

She remembered the last conversation she had with her friend about childbearing. Margie had told her she was planning on going on contraception since she was not ready to be burdened yet.

Janice wondered if Jeremy knew about her decision since he was quite ecstatic he would be an uncle soon when the news of her carrying Jule's child got to him.

"Does Jeremy know about that?"

"Of course not!" Margie exclaimed. "You don't expect me to tell that to someone enthusiastic about children."

"He watches my stomach every day and as well asks me weird questions which are meant for pregnant women alone." Margie snorted.

"I don't think you keeping him in the dark is a good idea. You need to let him know of your decisions and make plans towards it."

"I know it won't end well if I decided to keep him informed. Besides, I'm taking the pills for when I'm ready, which might be soon." Said Margie, shrugging.

Janice knew it wouldn't be any time soon. She knew Margie's case was far worse than hers when it comes to parental issues.

They had discarded her when she was seven years old and had said to her face that she was a mistake as well as a disruption to them.

Janice wondered what kind of parents would ever say that to their child, and she didn't blame Margie for wanting to have a rethink about having a child of hers.

Janice sighed when they arrived at the town square in the car Margie had acquired when she got married.

As soon as both stepped down, the camera flashed in their faces and Margie's name was chanted since they recognized her as an actress and as a princess due to her marriage to Jeremy.

Whereas Janice was happy she didn't have any title yet, and people barely noticed she was there.

Yet, she had glimpsed the curious look on their faces as she walked by.

She was glad Jules hadn't disclosed their marriage yet. Though it wouldn't be sudden since the Queen had taken it upon herself to take care of the upcoming royal wedding- she had sent the invites herself.

Margie waved, and a bright smile appeared on her face.

The attention Margie was receiving overwhelmed Janice and she doubted if she would ever get used to the treatment when she became a Queen.

A man who was perhaps in his thirties bumped into them.

Aside from the pin that signified he was a noble attached to the cloth he donned, the way he carried himself couldn't be mistaken.

Janice had seen Jules and Jeremy act that way. The only difference was Jeremy was better, and a very humble human. Unlike Jules who acted like the world revolves around his royal ass.

"Sorry, Ma'am." He paused, then continued, "I must say you are the loveliest woman I've seen today." He mumbled. His eyes stayed on Janice whilst he gripped the hand that Margie extended to him.

He bowed and placed a soft kiss on it before straightening.

"I'm Paxton, the Earl of Brightstone, and who is this your beautiful companion?" He nodded towards Janice who was staring around.

The Earl had seen her from afar and had bumped into them on purpose. He was intrigued by the blonde-haired woman who wasn't trying too hard to be noticed

Her face was void of make-up that most women donned tonight, and he wondered if she was trying not to draw attention to herself.

"Oh, this is Janice Sketches." Margie introduced as she eyed him.

If she wasn't married, she would have fallen for the charm of the stranger before her.

His russet hair was slicked back, and his eyes were an icy blue that twinkled when he laughed.

Janice lifted her brows as she heard Margie introduced her to the handsome stranger. Also, she noticed she had omitted the part that she would be getting married soon to the prince.

Possibly it was a bad idea to announce her marriage to the future king to everyone.

The Earl assessed Janice, and he beamed as her brows creased.

Despite the plain gown she wore, she was even more gorgeous than the Duchess.

"Nice to be of your acquaintance, Ma'am." He said bowing to her.

"You too," Janice muttered, rolling her eyes discreetly.

"May I escort the Duchess and her companion to their seats?"

Janice keeps forgetting Margie was now a Duchess since Jeremy had taken the title of a Duke after his marriage with the Queen's approval.

"You may." Margie nodded, and let him link their hands together.

Janice Hesitantly linked her arms to his, and she was glad when they got to where they were to sit.

"So, I haven't seen you around. Do you have any relatives here?" The Earl asked.

Janice snorted at his attempt to start a conversation with her, but she remembered one of the rules from the queen earlier- Act interested although you are not. "No."

"I hardly forget a pretty face when I see one." He said, chuckling.

"Would you perhaps still be in town during the debutante balls at the castle?" He paused, then stroked his goatee, "I'll like to see you around."

"See that!" Margie exclaimed, shaking Janice as she was about to answer.

Janice stared at the Earl who was still awaiting an answer and was glad Margie had interrupted them.

Even if she was in town, she would either be in the Prince's bedroom attending to his needs as he had said or during other Royal duties.

Janice tuned out the Earl for the rest of the evening, though she knew it was rude of her to do so.

After the fashion show was over, the ladies waited behind to greet more guests before returning to their abode.

Janice in particular was enthusiastic because she had already had enough of the men leering at her in the event as well as the Earl who had attempted to gain her attention.

She had tried her best to concentrate on the event, but from the corner of her eyes, she often noticed the perverted eyes the men were tossing her way, and the dirty look the women who accompanied them added.

Janice laid on the bed after discarding her clothing and brought the duvet to the top of her neck.

Her mind drifted to Jule and she thought of what he was doing at the moment.

Perhaps, he was in a meeting or with some of his business associates in the gentleman club he often frequented.

Maybe, he was with a woman who was warming his bed. Janice grimaced as the image of a blonde with an enormous chest and backside she had conjured in her mind crawled up to Jules.

She grimaced and shook her head.

"He'll be here soon." Janice chanted, rolling on the bed.