Joan was well respected by the leaders of the society. Although he had a title of nobility, his credibility
and abilities were well accepted. He was very detailed in his personal and business affairs.
Everyone in his age would have several girlfriends but he did not.
Once, there were some rumours that Nina was his illegitimate child. Thereafter, someone who knew
the truth about his adoption spoke up and the rumours went away.
In fact, most of them knew that the rumors were fabricated but they just wanted this squeaky clean man
to be tainted.
He had always been alone and now he brought a woman to such a grand event, naturally, this drew
much attention. Some came forward to greet Joan just to find out who Amanda was.
“Tonight’s event is so important, don’t you think that it’s inappropriate for you to bring a foreigner?” A
man said but he kept looking towards Amanda.
Joan was calm as usual and unfazed, “Isn’t this a family banquet?”
A Royal family dinner was still a family dinner and not a State event. So, he could bring anyone he
wished.
The man chuckled, “Everyone thought that you had no interests in women. Perhaps you only liked
foreigners.”
Amanda did not understand what he was saying but from the man’s expression, she knew that what he
said was not polite. She could even sense Joan tensed up. She quickly smiled beautifully and said
tenderly to Joan, “I’m thirsty, shall we head over there?”
Joan acknowledged and excused himself to the man and brought her towards a table nearby. The table
was elaborately decorated with fresh flowers and had an extensive spread of pastries, wine, and
drinks. The entire dining hall was beautifully decorated.
Joan was intelligent and knew that Amanda did it on purpose and asked, “Didn’t you say that you can’t
understand the Thai language?”
“Yes, I don’t understand,” Amanda replied honestly.
Joan was puzzled, “Then just now why did you…”
Amanda smiled mischievously, “I don’t understand the language but I understand body language.”
Joan was speechless. Then was she able to figure out his feelings?
“Lord Morton.” A beautiful woman walked over wearing a traditional Thai noble gown. Though she
maintained herself very well, it was clear that she was their elder. She was the only elder at tonight’s
banquet. She was the King’s concubine Saranya and was a top beauty when she was young. Now she
was still elegant and dignified.
The King instructed her to hold this banquet and specially instructed her to pay attention to Joan. The
King wanted her to create opportunities for Joan and the princess to interact and if possible, steer them
towards marriage.
Naturally, she was keen to carry out this task properly but today Joan had brought a lady along which
caught her off guard. What should she do?
She pondered for a while and then decided to find out about their relationship. After all, she had never
heard of him having a girlfriend or he was fond of anyone.
“I’m so surprised that you brought such a beautiful lady here tonight. Who is she to you? Why haven’t I
heard you mention her and why haven’t we met?”
Joan replied, “She is a regular friend.”
“Oh really?” Saranya was obviously doubtful and she looked towards Amanda and her jewellery.
“As far as I know, this is the Mortons' Mansion era treasure and I heard that only the Lady of Mortons'
Mansion can wear them. Are you lying to me that you are just normal friends?” Saranya continued her
smile with her distinctive Thai people features.
Amanda’s features were also very prominent but were more demure and daintier.
Joan persisted, “We’re just friends.” He wanted her to give up on setting him up with the princess and
also get Amanda out of her sight and reduce the attention on Amanda.
However, he also knew that as soon as Amanda was brought by him to this banquet, she would never
escape from public scrutiny. He felt apologetic towards Amanda.
Saranya raised her eyebrows and remarked, “Oh, then she’s our guest. There are several ladies there
who would like to know her. Shall we have her go over there to mingle?” She was still trying to push her
agenda.
Joan respectfully rejected, “She doesn’t understand the Thai language and could not communicate with
you all.”
Now, from Saranya’s expression, she was clearly upset and said, “She’s so beautiful so she should be
able to play the piano.” The more Joan resisted, the more Saranya wanted to make a fool out of
Amanda, “If she doesn’t know anything, then how is she worthy of standing beside you and attend the
princess’s banquet?”
Joan narrowed his eyes.
Amanda tugged Joan’s sleeve and asked softly, “Does she want me to play the piano?” She noticed
Saranya pointing to a piano on the stage as if she wanted Amanda to play it.
Joan clenched his fists and said, “Yes…”
“Then I’ll do it,” Amanda replied before Joan said anything else. She knew that Saranya did it on
purpose and if she did not play the piano, Joan and Saranya would continue to bicker. She did not want
to cause any trouble for Joan.
She walked over to the piano elegantly.
She learned to play the piano in second grade because of Dolores. Once she heard Dolores play the
piano and immediately fell in love with it. She persisted with this till when she was in University. So, she
had about ten years of experience playing the piano. It was not a difficult task for her to do. What was
more important was she could not let Joan down.
She elegantly sat in front of the piano and positioned her long slender fingers gently on the keys.
Regardless of whether they understood her, she spoke in mandarin, “Today I’ll perform for you a piano
version of ‘The cloud seeks the moon’.”
She composes herself and then commenced with the piano piece. Very soon, she was engrossed in
the music as her body, arms and fingers flowed along with the melodious music. The music was
captivating and drew everyone’s hearts towards her.
Joan knew that she could draw but did not know that she could play the piano so well. He was fixated
on her. All eyes were on Amanda.
Soon, the music ended and Amanda bowed gently. Joan walked over to her and reached out his hand.
Amanda placed her hand on his palm and he guided her off the stage.
Joan then said to the crowd, “This is a present for the princess.”
Saranya walked over and looked at Amanda not expecting her to be so talented. She had wanted to
make her look bad but unexpectedly it backfired. She did not believe that Amanda was so talented so
she continued, “There will be a ballroom waltz. Shall you grace us with a solo dance when the ball
begins?”
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