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"...and uncle is very impressed," Lady Hanna was saying as she strolled through the garden with her loyal handmaiden, Henrietta, at her side. She stooped to smell a flower, humming in approval, "then, I don't need to tell you how utterly charming he is."
"Yes, my lady," Henrietta uttered dutifully yet somewhat bitterly, traipsing after the smitten young woman. Hanna barely seemed to notice as she continued to think aloud.
"Imagine if uncle allows us to wed," Hanna let out a laugh, clapping her hands in delight as she shook her head, "the church couldn't possibly object. And it would shut my uncle up good and proper."
Henrietta sighed, nodding along whilst only half-listening, "no, my lady."
"What's the matter with you?" Hanna turned around suddenly, facing Henrietta with a curious look on her face. When the handmaiden didn't answer, the noblewoman folded her arms, raising an eyebrow, "well? Answer your lady."
"I'm sick of hearing about Sir Henry, if you must know," Henrietta finally snapped, throwing her arms in the air in annoyance. As she spoke, she realised how stupid she sounded but she couldn't stop now, "you seem very...taken with him."
Lady Hanna couldn't help the smirk that spread across her face as she desperately tried not to laugh, "what?"
"Well..." Henrietta pouted, folding her arms defensively as she fought the blush threatening to spread across her face, "you're excited by him."
"By you," Hanna corrected, still with that irritating smirk on her face and speaking with the tone of someone talking to a simpleton, "you're Sir Henry."
"You still don't need to sound so...mesmerised," Henrietta responded, rolling her eyes as Hanna just chuckled. The noblewoman stepped closer, discreetly enough for anyone who happened to be watching but intimate for the two of them.
"Sir Henry or not, I will take any opportunity handed to me to be close to you," Hanna whispered, brushing her fingers against Henrietta's, "so forgive me if I'm caught in the moment. But you are the only one I am thinking about," she quickly glanced around before leaning slightly closer, "though I shan't lie, the armour looks extremely fetching on you."
Henrietta smiled as she fanned her warming face with her hand, "thank you, my lady. I'll keep that in mind."
"I hope you do," Lady Hanna winked before she was off down the garden, a noticeable spring in her step as she danced away. Henrietta followed with a newfound confidence, the smile still present on her face.
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