oliver was happy to be spending the day out around london. he was more than glad to have a break from all the nosy mothers. he understood as a wealthy eligible duke, he would be a prime candidate for marriage, but sometimes he felt as if they looked at him as a prize, not a man. he wanted to get married, have children, and carry on the family name, but he wanted to marry for love. he had seen marriages for both love, and convince, and his own parents marriage had been one of love, and it changed everything. that was what he wanted. so to have conversations with women who shared none of his interest, who barely acted as if they were interested in him, more than his title, he just needed a break. perhaps he was being too critical, but he just wanted a happy and full life. was that too much to ask? he knew his position as duke would be hard, it already was, so why make it even worse, and not have someone who you wanted to go through life with? perhaps at the next ball, he would give some of them a chance again, but for now, he wanted to get away. oliver had taken a break to check the time, when he felt someone bump into him ❝oh please no need to apologize, your highness, it can happen to anyone❞ he nodded smiling ❝are you alright?❞