Realistic or Modern Harcourt Ball (Open)

[A.I.S.H.A.]

Frankie felt Samantha’s lips land on his cheek and he smiled. He slowly wrapped his arms around her waist and brought her closer to him as she laid her head on his chest. Frankie’s eyes drifted up to the door behind them.

“Is this your room?” he asked. When Samantha looked back and nodded, he tightened his embrace around her waist and picked her up. Frankie walked over and opened the door pushing it open with his foot while his eyes remained entranced by her own emerald ones. He thought about her question as mind swam through the moment like dream before kissing again upon her lips.

“It means,” he kissed her a third time, “more kisses.” He shut the door behind them.

MedievalFanatic2023

 

[Sgt Gomez]

Being a practitioner of law, Thaddeus knew a man never settles. To this extent when Frankie curled his lip to throw a final eclipse at him, Thaddeus merely arced a smile with an esteem to that of a churning grave.

Jealousy was a fool’s paradise.

They would meet again surely within the next horizon that blushed with naturally nude oranges and reds. Harcourt Manor had only so many attended valentines roaming its broadened halls and regal spring gardens. Thaddeus minded their retreating figures, the willow-green dress and the man’s disheveled attire from the aftermath of his bruised fight. They became sketches of silhouettes as they rounded the corner, disappearing into the hall.

The cacophony of a blared string by an instrument for the next song prompted Thaddeus’ rayless pupils to come to berth with the dazed lady flattened against his chest.

“Well,” his lips murmured on their own, “I would’ve never expected you to come to me in these circumstances.” Beforehand, every fibre of her bone plainly repelled him. Now, under the influence the minx huddled under his chest almost comfortably.

“More than that, I never thought I’d like you like this,” His voice commenced, blending in with the cords of the threaded romantic violens and thrums of the cello, “Drunk, inebriated, weak, vulnerable.” There was a prolonged verge of asperity in the truth that in the lanced lighting and buoyant tones could have been forgotten.

“But, I do,” he drastically found him saying, the waves in his irises threatening to spill over. At that concurrent, little of his mind interfered when his foot lashed out and kicked out her feet beneath her. He was exceedingly reflexive to catch her just before she slipped from angles. His own heart, which he blamed on the adrenaline alone, gave a single thump.

“You won’t remember me in the morning I’m sure,” he spoke in a lower resonant tone his eyes tracing over her, “But for now, allow me to take you to your room.” With a monarch ploy, he lifted his weightless intended in his arms.

Melissa gasped as she seemed to be knocked off her feet, before being caught by someone so strong...She felt her cheeks flush with pink. She couldn't tell if it was the alcohol or the feelings, but she couldn't help but to lean against her savior. He wasn't as soft as her previous savior, but he would have to do. The girl would close her eyes and breath gently as Thaddeus carried her towards her room. "M-Mika..." she quietly said in her trademark barely whisper.

The would soon arrive as her room, she could feel him struggle to open the door while holding her, but he appeared to refuse to drop her. After a short struggle, the door slowly swung open and they were greeted by the darkness of her room. All of the candles had been put out earlier in the night it seems. Melissa felt herself being gently placed on her bed and the figure who was carrying her seemed to be leaving, but she grabbed their hand. "M-Mika..." She murmured again unable to be heard more than a foot away. "Stay..." she added and tugged gently before passing out.

 

[Lowquta]

Vincent find himself smiling back at her, the pleasant surprise in her tone warming him deep from the inside as he shakes his head a little. "Being a doctor's wife isn't the most fun thing in the world. While I understand how someone might enjoy the prospect of having someone to come home to every night, I'd feel like I was stealing away your passions by making you sit idle. I'm glad you reciprocate my concerns." He said before he glances back up at the sky for a second, contemplating his own choice of words. "That sounded a bit formal... what I intended to say was that I'm glad you're ready to dive into your passions without me stopping you." He says after exhaling, looking back at her. "Besides, I'm an open man...I would gladly allow you to show me the world you live in..." He's gentle with his words, his eyes kind and understanding as he looks at her. She's lovely like this, now that they're all alone without the intensity of the ballroom surrounding them.

He would've liked it if they were able to have this moment much sooner, before all the commotion with the gun and everything, but he'd take it now rather than not at all. While their relationship evolved at a much more slow pace than some of the other people he had noticed, he was happy with the cards he had been dealt. He could work with them and build something beautiful. At least he hoped he could.

As they walk through the gardens together, he's rather silent, enjoying her company more than anything. He supposed it was a nice change of pace compared to the circumstances he'd usually meet women in. He'd usually be in a drunken stupor and the woman would usually be nothing more than someone to warm his bed at night, no emotional connection or care about her past, future or present. He's not drunk now and he's able to feel something other than pure lust and desire. While it's a strange feeling, it's not unwelcome.

"It's late, chérie. I should probably escort you back to your room so you can get some rest. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow...for the next three weeks I'd even say." He suddenly speaks up, his voice gentle and as if he's been thinking quite a bit. There's a tinge of mixed feelings in there, probably a result of him processing the fact that he had been paired up with someone who could be quite lovely for him.

StarxLight

 

[NighttimeForest]

Could he really place a flower to compare to her? He worried about the fact he had no knowledge of the meanings, but he could give ones that held his own. "I'd say Lily of the Valley. They're beautiful, they always seemed to make me feel calm. They have such a lovely scent," he was no expert on flowers and he was rather nervous he may have picked wrong. He could only hope that they like what he picked. He also didn't know what they meant, maybe he'll ask his friend later to try and see if he may have messed up or not. He could not help how happy he was that she said walking under the stars with him sounded perfect. To think that every time he had walked along, now he has someone who would go out with him.

If he were to be honest the thought of getting to sit by her and watch her paint on a nice day as they looked out at the land around them sounded like a day he wanted to make happen. As she moved her arm around him, he looked into her eyes. Those eyes that made him feel as if he was home. The strands of hair that were loose simple made her look even more beautiful than he could imagine. Gentle he moved his other hand to brush those aside as he thought of an answer to her question. "I would say the yarrow. I simple always found them to be endearing. I would be glad to answer any other questions you may have since I feel I may have been talking a bit too much," he chuckled at this, he simple couldn't help it. Conversing with Farah felt natural and made him want to keep talking until he could not talk anymore.

MedievalFanatic2023

 

[MedievalFanatic2023]

She listened to his answer. A lily? They seemed gorgeous flowers. She did not know if they were many colors or just one color as her memory of those flowers was vague. "You think I am Calming?" She asked as she then looked up seeing the stars what a night it has been thus far. She was enjoying knowing him tonight but it seemed this night was ending as soon as it came.

When she talked of painting a landscape out here or someone where she felt as if he understood and appreciated her. She had hugged him looked back at him blushing a bit as their eyes met. When she listened to him. She had never heard of a Yarrow's but she would definitely research them tomorrow so she didn't seem dumb to him not knowing such a flower that her betrothed loved. "Not sure what to ask now. I have already been given many answers from you. It is very sweet, I appreciate that. I am not sure what lady Harcourt has planned tomorrow. Should we rest?" She asked as she leaned her head against his shoulder.

NighttimeForest

 

[StarxLight]

The smile she got in return only made Elodie feel more comfortable, feel warm "I suppose it would not be, although I suppose I am to find out." she concedes but the smile never leaves her lips. Despite the cold wind, now gently blowing through the gardens she is not cold. It feels as though the relief has mixed with the fond feeling that had begun forming for Vincent were keeping her warm. She rather enjoyed the feeling of speaking to him, finding out what he wanted and with every sentence it seemed they had a lot in common. While not unusual for arranged marriages it was not common. Lucky, she thought suddenly as she listened to him speak. That was how she felt. Lucky to have him. Elodie's smile grew wider and she returned "You can not understand how relieved I am to hear that. I would be thrilled to see you work, and I am glad you would take interest in mine." His eyes are beautiful, she thinks. She finds it hard to look away.

The silence doesn't bother either of them and Elodie basks in that kind of feeling. It's different from potential courtships of the past. The awkward silences, the uninterested smiles and placations. She can feel the wind gently brushing bast them, and smell the mix of flowers in the garden but the lavender tied to her hair most of all. She had wondered upon it's meaning when she had first seen it and would love to get her hands on a few books to read about it. She knew it was soothing, the smell was helpful in bathes and perfumes and getting little ones to sleep. She found the flower rather reminded her of him, now that she thought about it. Calming, sure of himself. Lovely. Goodness, she thinks, I am tired if I am thinking this way.

Her heart warms at the endearment but she nods, knowing it wont take much to get her to sleep "I would welcome the escort. I do wonder what we are supposed to be going tomorrow" she mused, the tiredness seeping into her voice a little. She almost misses the gentleness of his voice, but her cheeks flush a light pink when she realises the tone. It was new to feel like this but she welcomed it. Welcomed him, really. She hoped she made him feel as flustered and hopeful as she felt.

Lowquta

 

[StarxLight]

Inside the ballroom servants started to clean up, candles were put out and food cleared up. Small boxes of fruit, cheeses and breads were delivered to each room in case the intoxicated inhabitants needed food throughout the night. Once this started, Lady Harcourt arrived in the room. At the waive of her hand, the band stopped playing. Two attendants in particular approached Eliza, guiding the woman out of the room and back to her own.

"Good Evening, Ladies and Gentlemen. I hope you have had a lovely evening." She looked around at the state of her ballroom, and a stern look made it's way onto her face. My goodness young ones could make such a mess! "It is time for you all to retire, you all have busy days tomorrow." She looked over all of the attendees, making sure they were paying attention. They were. Good. "Now, you will all find a letter in your room with activities for tomorrow. You will be in groups of four to ensure no . . . fraternisation. Please attend the gardens after breakfast tomorrow." With that, she turned on her heel and made to leave.

Eliza and Josephine, Katarina and Rosaline had parchment with "Boat ride" written on it

Elijah, Adalia, Vincent and Elodie had "Horseriding"

Lucas, Matthias, Ezra and Farah had wine and cheese tasting

Sammy, Frankie, Thaddeus and Melissa had Picnic at the lake

 

[Lowquta]

Vincent returned Elodie to her room afterward. He's fairly gentle, letting his hand brush against her arm as he smiles, bidding her goodnight. Returning to his room he lets out a sigh, looking down at the note in front of him with the words horse riding as well as for instructions of where to go the next day. He remembers telling Elodie about his interest in riding, but his very poor skills. He rubs his forehead a bit. At least they might get a laugh out of his poor skills with the horses. Or maybe they'd have someone instructing them and helping them out. He'd solve all of that in the morning.

He's far less fancy in the terms of his clothing the very next day, more so a shirt and some riding pants. His arms rolled up to his elbows as he heads out to wherever the letter had instructed him to go. Hopefully, he might bump into Elodie on his way, unless Lady Harcourt had planned for the pairs to be mixed up during the day. He didn't mind bonding with other people as well.

StarxLight

 

[MedievalFanatic2023]

Samantha awoke to the crack of light through the window. Her Emerald green eyes scanned the room and she noticed a letter that was swept under their door. She looked seeing Frankie had stayed with her for the night. She never knew Frankie could be so passionate in bed with her. She smiled sat up some and looked down at him and gently moved some hair out of his face and then kissed his forehead before slinking out of his arms going to the door and picking up the letter. She then tore it open seeing the activity is for the activities meant for today. A picnic with Thaddeus and Melissa. As much as she knew now she knew Frankie would be unhappy with this arrangement. She neatly folded the note and put it in its rightful place before setting it on the vanity.

She walked back over to the bed and whispered to Frank. "Good morning..." She said as she gently moved sitting on the edge of the bed in her ivory nightgown and her red her cascaded over her shoulders. "Frankie, time to get up." She said softly gently shaking him. "Frankie, we have to get ready for a picnic." She said not thinking it was a great idea to ruin his morning telling him who it was with. She then stood up and went to the dresser finding a light blue dress with ruffles and tied back with a bow she then grabbed a hat that is worn to picnics in outside events. It was a straw hat with fake roses embedded in the hat. She quickly dressed in the outfit leaving her red hair down and she tied the ribbon that was to go around her waist and she tied it into a bow. She then grabbed red lipstick putting it on. She was attempting to look stunning and put effort into her looks for Frankie.

"Frankie do you want to go to your room and get changed?" She said calmly as she turned to wait to see if he would get up. She wanted to get there in a timely manner so Frankie wouldn't have to worry about Thaddeus calling him out for being late to their first date.

A.I.S.H.A.

 

[redroseknight]

Josephine had left the ballroom early the night before, her talk with Eliza having ended short. The red haired young woman wasn't terribly sore about it since she hadn't really invested herself into the conversation or to anyone in particular. Only her horse, Eira, received that much loyalty, and that had been where Josie had spent the majority of her evening. The white horse needed a good brushing for her coat to truly shine, and it had been taking a bit of a toll on the willful Arabian to be stabled for so long without her mistress present. Josie made a note to herself to set aside more time for her since it was a difficult transition. If only Josephine was as thoughtful toward other human beings as she was toward her horse and her dog then she would not be so prone to leaving a trail of broken hearts in her wake.

The following morning, she arose to a knocking on her door. Once she had slipped on a dressing gown, the young woman retrieved the note that had been left for her. "Hmm. So I suppose that El was my betrothed after all. I still don't know much about her, but that just leaves there more to be discussed so I'm not trapped on a boat with someone boring. Oh! And Rosaline will be there, so that is a positive note! Her betrothed didn't seem so terrible, entertaining enough to get into a duel of fisticuffs with a young man she just met. So at least I won't have to deal with anyone terribly droll. My worst fears have been alleviated!"

Josephine hummed a tune as she brushed her hair, getting all of the tangles out of her copper locks. Only after she was satisfied with their vibrant sheen did she begin getting dressed in one of her lighter dresses, the hue a lovely shade of blue. Her wardrobe was designed around highlighting her vivid green eyes, a color that neither her brother nor her father possessed. The Irish young woman slipped shoes on her feet, the heel low in an effort to not make herself a towering giant compared to the other women. Once she was dressed, she almost made it from her room but halted when a servant approached her.

"Pardon, m'lady, but this has arrived for you."

She gave a wink to the young woman who delivered it then accepted the letter. "I would never mind an interruption as long as it is being made by a beautiful lady. Thank you, I appreciate you bringing it to me post haste." She watched the servant flush then dart away and laughed to herself. She should enjoy her ability to flirt so freely while she could; she had no idea if Eliza would stifle such activities. Her gaze flicked to the letter. Only two people would send her a missive. She brought it back to her room and used a knife to cut open the envelope.

Ah. Good Uncle Padraig. Well, she didn't have to worry about anyone snooping through her things and reading it. She had high doubts that anyone would be able to understand a lick of Irish Gaelic; even most of her own countrymen couldn't understand the language due to the oppressive English trying to crush the culture from the Irish to indoctrinate them. She took in a deep breath to cool her temper then set the note off to the side. She would address that later in the night...when she had a few glasses of wine to temper her mood. Nothing her uncle would send her notice of would likely fill her with gladness. On her way back out of her room, the redhead plucked a writing tablet and a pen. Recalling that Rosie was deaf, this would make communication with the woman much, much easier.

 

[A.I.S.H.A.]

Samantha awoke to the crack of light through the window. Her Emerald green eyes scanned the room and she noticed a letter that was swept under their door. She looked seeing Frankie had stayed with her for the night. She never knew Frankie could be so passionate in bed with her. She smiled sat up some and looked down at him and gently moved some hair out of his face and then kissed his forehead before slinking out of his arms going to the door and picking up the letter. She then tore it open seeing the activity is for the activities meant for today. A picnic with Thaddeus and Melissa. As much as she knew now she knew Frankie would be unhappy with this arrangement. She neatly folded the note and put it in its rightful place before setting it on the vanity.

She walked back over to the bed and whispered to Frank. "Good morning..." She said as she gently moved sitting on the edge of the bed in her ivory nightgown and her red her cascaded over her shoulders. "Frankie, time to get up." She said softly gently shaking him. "Frankie, we have to get ready for a picnic." She said not thinking it was a great idea to ruin his morning telling him who it was with. She then stood up and went to the dresser finding a light blue dress with ruffles and tied back with a bow she then grabbed a hat that is worn to picnics in outside events. It was a straw hat with fake roses embedded in the hat. She quickly dressed in the outfit leaving her red hair down and she tied the ribbon that was to go around her waist and she tied it into a bow. She then grabbed red lipstick putting it on. She was attempting to look stunning and put effort into her looks for Frankie.

"Frankie do you want to go to your room and get changed?" She said calmly as she turned to wait to see if he would get up. She wanted to get there in a timely manner so Frankie wouldn't have to worry about Thaddeus calling him out for being late to their first date.

A.I.S.H.A.

Frankie dreamed of angels and clouds, pillows and feathers. He couldn't help but smile softly as he caressed the sheet where Samantha was. The melody of a call for morning's arrival floated into his ears. A call for a picnic came as well. The angels and clouds brought fruits and cake. Rum too. Lots of rum. What joyous day. What blessed bliss. Suddenly, his bloodshot eyes burst open.

He groaned. In an instant, his brain was bombarded with a hail of punishment. Yup. Now he was in hell, with demons and fire poking at his mind with their rusted pitchforks. Frankie hated hangovers but that was a grudge he had with past Frankie. He rubbed his head with his hands as he sat up. Then he realized that all he was wearing were his boxer shorts. He found his shirt on the ground and dove for it, picking it up and throwing it over his body. He worked to cover up his scars quietly but as he buttoned up his shirt, he saw her. Samantha's back was turned to him but the very curvature of her body could only make him trace her figure with unspeakable gratefulness. The blue dress she was putting on only caused his eyes to ascend to the hair it complimented. Her red hair fell like a cascading stream down her shoulders, playing with the light of the window like licks of flame dancing in the breeze. His heart throbbed painfully as he finished buttoning up his shirt. When he moved to get up, he winced. The fight last night had come to collect its toll and it demanded a heavy price for his body to pay. Today would be a difficult one. Frankie planned to avoid fighting for now if he could help it, but his pulsing headache was more pressing. He slipped on his pants as his betrothed turned to him, putting on lipstick. He nodded at question about changing and got up. Frankie picked up the pistol he laid on her desk and gave her a peck on her forehead.

"I'll wash up and get ready," he said with a weak smile. He looked at her dress briefly, "It would be a crime for you to look this beautiful and not wear my best," Frankie remarked as he turned towards the door. He gave her one final glance before heading out into the hallway. Now. Time to order some soup. On his way back to the room he came across a servant and stopped him by forcibly grabbing his shoulder. The man yelped up seeing the deathly cold glare Frankie gave him.

"Cow cod soup, sir," Frankie growled. The waiter stammered for a moment.
"U-uh, I-I'm sorry, s-s-sir, but we don't have cow cod prepared," he said. Frankie tightened his grip on the terrified man.
"I'm going to give you three seconds to give me a cure for this hangover or your face is going to be decorating the wall," Frankie threatened, his eyes narrowing so that his glare pierced the man with deadly intent. The man managed a trembling smile as he tried to get his breathing under control.
"W-we d-d-do have v-vinegar," he mumbled timidly. Frankie heard his proposal, then broke out into a dazed, unfocused grin. He laughed as he pat the man on the shoulder with way too much force than was necessary.
"Bring me two pints, will ya? Express, to my room," Frankie said as he continued down the hall. When he finally reached his room, he entered and began undressing. He hung his clothes out to be cleaned later (his mother would kill him if she found a single article of clothing unwashed for even a day). Upon entering his bathroom, he began drawing a bath. Frankie picked out his attire for the picnic; a grey suit with a blue tie to match Samantha's dress. He plucked a Cuban conotier hat out of the wardrobe and set it aside. By the time he returned to the bath, it had been drawn and he happily sank into the warm water it offered. He didn't have much time, however. The last thing he wanted to do was embarrass Samantha and arrive late. Frankie grabbed the sponge and began to scrub vigorously. Memories of his mother chasing him back into the bathroom with a broom after finding that Frankie still had dirt on him flooded back as he checked several times that he had washed every inch of his body. Looking back, it had now become a habit he was proud of maintaining. As he stepped out of the shower, he was happy to feel refreshed, despite the fact that his muscles groaned at every movement. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. He quickly wrapped a towel around his waist and walked over. When he opened it, he was met by the man from earlier with a tray of some vinegar.

"Just in time," Frankie sighed in relief as he picked up a cup and downed it. He put it back on the tray with a grimace on his face. Licking dirt would have been preferred and now, his breath smelled like dead possum. He painfully drank the second cup and placed it back on the tray as well.
"Anything else, sir?" the man asked with a hesitant smile.
"Yes," Frankie said, "naranjas."
"What?"
"Oranges, gringo," Frankie dismissed him and closed the door. Nothing got rid of vinegar breath like a good fruit. He returned to the bathroom to wash his face and mouth. Frankie hung his towel and began to put his clothes on, taking care at each step. Last night certainly wasn't his best first impression and it would plague him to feel like Samantha thought he had a lack of tidiness. Being a showman at parties meant being appealing to the eye. Frankie knew a thing or two about the center stage and he adjusted his bow tie until it sat just right on his collar. By the time he was done, there was another knock on his door. The waiter had returned with a selection of oranges. Frankie picked out two and pocketed one of them. He looked at his guns and moved them so that they rested neatly in the corner with his pistol sitting on the desk right beside it. He picked up an old knife that was given to him from his father. It was a knife his father inherited from his grandfather. Frankie took care to maintain the precious keepsake, but he also wasn't ashamed to use it. He began to cut into the orange as he walked out of his room, ready to take on the day in the best way a hungover, sore man could. And that was by having a permanent look of impatience on his face, accompanied by a dreary gaze, and sucking on an orange slice.

MedievalFanatic2023

 

[Breathless]

Matthias felt his heart racing. What would they do tomorrow? When would his leg heal? What would his mothers think? What would he tell them? Should he tell them? It was almost funny how Matthias thought about all this right now.

He simply shook his head and would deal with those thoughts as the time came. He needed to live in the moment now. Speaking of which, a handsome Lucas announced his presence humorously with food ready to be eaten.

Matthias smiled as he looked at the plates and his future husband. He would have to make this up to him later.

"Oh finally thou hast returned. You were missed dearly." Matthias laughed as he spoke in a posh tune. He actually had missed Lucas, despite the fact that the man had not been gone long.

The boy smiled, and patted the spot next to him on the bed. He was more than ready to have a somewhat dinner with his future, and forgetting the time.

 

[StarxLight]

Elodie fell asleep easily that night in fact she had almost fallen asleep while her maid had been unpinning her hair. A combination of feeling the travel, the drama of the previous evening. She woke naturally fairly early in the morning opening her curtains to let the already bright sun in while she got ready for the day. Her dress today was more simplistic than the evening. The top was a simple white top, with a floral design on the skirts. Simple enough she could move and ride in them, She donned riding boots to help her. This would not be her first time riding, and she was decent enough at it.

"Shall I do you hair, Lady Hale?" her maid asked her and Elodie nodded, moving away from the window. A small piece of purple on the bed caught her eye, and she noticed the lavender from last night sitting on her pillow. She had fallen asleep holding it she remembered. She had remembered the smell had infected her dreams, she dreamt of the fields of lavender they had back home. She had always enjoyed her parent's visits to the region. She had dreamt about walking the fields, a gathering of lavender in her hands. The sun had been shining and she had been happy. Relaxed. No one had been with her, but it was a pleasant dream none-the less. Elodie picked up the flowers and held them in her hands as she sat and had her hair brushed out.

"I will be riding today." she says to the maid "If you could please braid my hair?" she asked, watching the girl nod in the mirror and smiling at her, content to sit in silence. Her hair was carefully braided, the long end of the braid rested over her shoulder She stood, thanking the maid and moving to eat her breakfast, which had been brought to her this morning as she had requested yesterday. Just in case her day went terribly. She then, at least would have the time to herself. After finishing, she left the room, heading to the gardens, a book in her hands. She knew she might be early, but she could always read a little until someone showed up. Settling herself under a tree, Elodie opened the book and began to read.

 

[MedievalFanatic2023]

Frankie dreamed of angels and clouds, pillows and feathers. He couldn't help but smile softly as he caressed the sheet where Samantha was. The melody of a call for morning's arrival floated into his ears. A call for a picnic came as well. The angels and clouds brought fruits and cake. Rum too. Lots of rum. What joyous day. What blessed bliss. Suddenly, his bloodshot eyes burst open.

He groaned. In an instant, his brain was bombarded with a hail of punishment. Yup. Now he was in hell, with demons and fire poking at his mind with their rusted pitchforks. Frankie hated hangovers but that was a grudge he had with past Frankie. He rubbed his head with his hands as he sat up. Then he realized that all he was wearing were his boxer shorts. He found his shirt on the ground and dove for it, picking it up and throwing it over his body. He worked to cover up his scars quietly but as he buttoned up his shirt, he saw her. Samantha's back was turned to him but the very curvature of her body could only make him trace her figure with unspeakable gratefulness. The blue dress she was putting on only caused his eyes to ascend to the hair it complimented. Her red hair fell like a cascading stream down her shoulders, playing with the light of the window like licks of flame dancing in the breeze. His heart throbbed painfully as he finished buttoning up his shirt. When he moved to get up, he winced. The fight last night had come to collect its toll and it demanded a heavy price for his body to pay. Today would be a difficult one. Frankie planned to avoid fighting for now if he could help it, but his pulsing headache was more pressing. He slipped on his pants as his betrothed turned to him, putting on lipstick. He nodded at question about changing and got up. Frankie picked up the pistol he laid on her desk and gave her a peck on her forehead.

"I'll wash up and get ready," he said with a weak smile. He looked at her dress briefly, "It would be a crime for you to look this beautiful and not wear my best," Frankie remarked as he turned towards the door. He gave her one final glance before heading out into the hallway. Now. Time to order some soup. On his way back to the room he came across a servant and stopped him by forcibly grabbing his shoulder. The man yelped up seeing the deathly cold glare Frankie gave him.

"Cow cod soup, sir," Frankie growled. The waiter stammered for a moment.
"U-uh, I-I'm sorry, s-s-sir, but we don't have cow cod prepared," he said. Frankie tightened his grip on the terrified man.
"I'm going to give you three seconds to give me a cure for this hangover or your face is going to be decorating the wall," Frankie threatened, his eyes narrowing so that his glare pierced the man with deadly intent. The man managed a trembling smile as he tried to get his breathing under control.
"W-we d-d-do have v-vinegar," he mumbled timidly. Frankie heard his proposal, then broke out into a dazed, unfocused grin. He laughed as he pat the man on the shoulder with way too much force than was necessary.
"Bring me two pints, will ya? Express, to my room," Frankie said as he continued down the hall. When he finally reached his room, he entered and began undressing. He hung his clothes out to be cleaned later (his mother would kill him if she found a single article of clothing unwashed for even a day). Upon entering his bathroom, he began drawing a bath. Frankie picked out his attire for the picnic; a grey suit with a blue tie to match Samantha's dress. He plucked a Cuban conotier hat out of the wardrobe and set it aside. By the time he returned to the bath, it had been drawn and he happily sank into the warm water it offered. He didn't have much time, however. The last thing he wanted to do was embarrass Samantha and arrive late. Frankie grabbed the sponge and began to scrub vigorously. Memories of his mother chasing him back into the bathroom with a broom after finding that Frankie still had dirt on him flooded back as he checked several times that he had washed every inch of his body. Looking back, it had now become a habit he was proud of maintaining. As he stepped out of the shower, he was happy to feel refreshed, despite the fact that his muscles groaned at every movement. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. He quickly wrapped a towel around his waist and walked over. When he opened it, he was met by the man from earlier with a tray of some vinegar.

"Just in time," Frankie sighed in relief as he picked up a cup and downed it. He put it back on the tray with a grimace on his face. Licking dirt would have been preferred and now, his breath smelled like dead possum. He painfully drank the second cup and placed it back on the tray as well.
"Anything else, sir?" the man asked with a hesitant smile.
"Yes," Frankie said, "naranjas."
"What?"
"Oranges, gringo," Frankie dismissed him and closed the door. Nothing got rid of vinegar breath like a good fruit. He returned to the bathroom to wash his face and mouth. Frankie hung his towel and began to put his clothes on, taking care at each step. Last night certainly wasn't his best first impression and it would plague him to feel like Samantha thought he had a lack of tidiness. Being a showman at parties meant being appealing to the eye. Frankie knew a thing or two about the center stage and he adjusted his bow tie until it sat just right on his collar. By the time he was done, there was another knock on his door. The waiter had returned with a selection of oranges. Frankie picked out two and pocketed one of them. He looked at his guns and moved them so that they rested neatly in the corner with his pistol sitting on the desk right beside it. He picked up an old knife that was given to him from his father. It was a knife his father inherited from his grandfather. Frankie took care to maintain the precious keepsake, but he also wasn't ashamed to use it. He began to cut into the orange as he walked out of his room, ready to take on the day in the best way a hungover, sore man could. And that was by having a permanent look of impatience on his face, accompanied by a dreary gaze, and sucking on an orange slice.

MedievalFanatic2023

Samantha had finished putting on her lipstick. She had not noticed his checking her out but blushed when he kissed her forehead. Her heart melted he was so sweet and kind. When she saw his nod she smiled and noticed him give a weak smile before looking at her dress before he turned toward the door. She smiled shyly flustered by his comment. "Thank you, Frankie, you are very sweet." She said planting a kiss on his cheek before he left the room. Once he left she went back to the vanity picking up the letter. She felt bad about not telling him who they would be with this afternoon but she didn't want to upset him. She cared about his feelings. She teared up conflicted she didn't want to upset Frankie by not telling him Thadeus was going to be with them today. She tightened her grip on the letter in her hands. She decided to meet up with him after he got ready. She felt like she couldn't wait any longer. She felt maybe not telling him would hurt their relationship. After a lot of hesitation and struggle, she left the room.

She asked for some directions and had found Frankie's room she opened the door seeing him eating an orange. "Frankie I am sorry..." She said upset with herself she felt she had to get straight to the point. "I am sorry, I didn't tell you Thadeus was going to be there..with his betrothed. I- I didn't want to upset you this morning since I know you don't like him. Please forgive me." She said a lot of blaming herself. She covered her face so he didn't see her tears. She was afraid she messed things up. She was a soft shy and emotional bean that was really conflicted.

 

[A.I.S.H.A.]

Frankie continued to suck on his orange slice as Samantha spotted him in the hall and began to approach him. After she got closer, he noticed that she was emotionally distraught. He stopped and raised an eyebrow at her. She apologized profusely but it only seemed to confuse Frankie even more as to what was happening. Then, she came out with it. Frankie looked at her, mildly taken aback. Then he he smiled, a laugh booming from his chest. He took Samantha's arm and tugged her close to him as he put the slice back into his mouth and started walking with her to the entrance of the manor. "Samantha, it's ok," he said, "It isn't your fault that this Thaddeus fellow is an arrogant prick." He took the orange peel and handed it to a waiter as they continued walking into the foyer. "It isn't even your fault our picnic happens to be with them." Frankie glanced at her again but this time, his smile has fallen to worry. He stopped under an elegantly decorated chandelier and took Samantha's hands. "I don't want to see you cry, my dear," he told her, wiping the steaks of tears from her cheeks gently. "And I certainly don't want it to be because of me. My temper can wait," Frankie assured her. With that, he turned to the door and lead her outside.

MedievalFanatic2023

 

[MedievalFanatic2023]

Samantha uncovered her face to him laugh it confused her momentarily until he took her arm and pulled her close to him and walked to the entrance. She looks to him hearing what he said. "I know..I just didn't want you to feel upset." She said as she walked with him to the Foyer and gazed at him. "I want you to be happy though...can't we just ask to change the arrangements if you are uncomfortable." She noticed him take her hands as they stood under the beautiful chandelier. "I only wept, but I want the best for us. I felt guilty like I should have told you and gave you the letter. But I didn't want to see you upset. I know you don't like Thaddeus and he was very mean to you last night..." She said and blushed as he wiped her tears and she softly smiled. "I care...and I don't mind your temper..you seem to only show it when you feel threatened or angry of what someone has said or done..." She had definitely was becoming more comfortable talking to him but that doesn't mean she was comfortable with anyone else. She gently squeezed his hand and followed him outside.

A.I.S.H.A.

 

[Cosmos]

Mika couldn't believe it- one moment her heart had felt so empty…. and then the next? S-So full! It almost felt like bursting as Mellisa placed her soft, warm pink lips against the girls own, feeling herself pushed back against the wall by the much weaker girl. Of course she could've resisted with ease, but her body melted at the others touch, and after a moment of wide eyed startle she closed her eyes into the kiss deeply.

As the other stepped back and began to whisper, tears falling from her eyes she once again felt that stubborn courage she once had when they left the carriage return. Right, this- was never going to be about herself, this was about Mel and- that's what was important. With a small nod she gave an evidently saddened smile, about to open her mouth to speak when the sudden appearance of the lady of the mansion half scared her to the bone.

Giving a firm bow, and staying in such till the pair left, she still felt her heart flutter uncontrollably. A feeling she had to admit to not hating, and a warm blush bracing her cheeks as she turned to slowly leave, she was not needed in this conversation, nor wanted from the older womans tone, so instead he decided it best for her to go make herself useful somewhere else.

Joining the maids and butlers quietly in the ballroom beginning to clean, thoughts a blur of youth filled romance and a desperate longing she knew could never be fulfilled, sighing as she tucked a few fabrics over her arms, however raising a brow as a nearby woman seemed to be causing quite the fuss about being practically dragged from the ballroom away from the whiskey.

Later that night she returned to the maids quarters, she wasn't allowed to stay near Melissa here, her status was nothing compared to the others attending, and she had her place in the lower sections of the mansion, a small room with barely the room for a bed and a dresser, it smelt vaguely of mothballs, but frankly she was so tired she didn't even mind. Changing out of her uniform and into an oversized t-shirt she found exceptionally comfortable, she lay in the bed, reaching over to the door she gave a nervous look at the handle, and let out a small breath as she locked it, no one could get her here, she would be safe.
_____

The next morning the girl had actually managed to sleep in, something almost unheard of for staff, and would've stayed in bed if not for a very angry head of the maids bashing on her door. Sprinting up quickly she got on a clean uniform and fixed her hair up into it's usual neat bun, the maids weren't allowed to have their hair out for many reasons, most for hygiene with cooking and cleaning, but there was many rumours among the service that it was so that they didn't appear as pretty as those they served when out in public.

Getting out of the room in a half sprint, almost bashing into the wall she let out a nervous giggle to a nearby butler who'd almost dropped his carrying load. She managed to refine her emotions as trained before leaving the section however, and as she walked upstairs to her ladies room, she gave a gentle knock to the door, "My lady I'm here to attend" she called out at a reasonably loud tone, she didn't want to disturb still resting nobles, but at the same time she knew Mel and waking up.

Sgt Gomez StarxLight (+anyone else)

 

[Cosmos]

Eliza had barely given notice as the taller woman before offered to fix her hairs messy state, giving a simple chuckle and shrug as she turned around, "Go ahead, if you can tame the beast that is~" she mused, once finished getting rather imminently distracted by the large quantities of liquor, having only downed her fourth glass when suddenly the grey haired wench that forced them all here in the first place appeared, and so forth her 'minions' Grumbling out loudly and causing a fuss -acting far more drunk quite evidently than she actually was for the sake of a fuss- she was practically carried off by the pair of men, not however without managing a strong left hook to ones cheek, something which he returned with a stiff glare and holding the ladies arms down more firmly, a further two males escorting the troublesome female back to her room and practically locking her in there.

A quick glance to the window revealed to her disappointment that they'd managed to instal some repellents to her previous escape in the time the ball carried out, in the form of blocking off the window with a large dresser. Letting out a stubborn look with a pucker of her lips she rolled her eyes, stripping from the far too uncomfortable and now admittedly somewhat over worn dress she lay on the bed in just her undergarments, not bothering with the other outfits the manors staff had decided to give her, seeing as she brought no clothing of her own except for what she was wearing when arrived- apparently wearing clothes that made you, quote, 'look like a rebellious teen from some far off foreign land' was not appropriate. Really now, she thought the clothing was quite dashing.
_____

Throughout the night the girl did not have the best sleep, not that it was unusual, the usual heavy sweating and rolling about, whenever she awoke the covers usually appeared to be somewhat like a tsunami had blown through. Getting up and out she gave a look back at the sheets with a nonchalant yawn in their direction, stretching before heading over to the cabinet, searching for something that a. wasn't frilly or b. didn't look like a princess had coughed it up.

Eventually settling on an outfit that resembled that of sporting gear, it had a grey undershirt that fit tight to form with mid-length sleeves, and the singular pair of pants within, black fabric that she had no clue as to the exits of, however it had good stretch and she defiantly felt like she could kick the daylights outta' someone far better in these than yesterday.

Shoving thumbs within the fabric of the pants, hands resting outside she left the room, having of course gone to the bathroom and managed to somewhat get her hair to frizz a little less, shoving it once agin in the ponytail of yesterday- and this time having no maids offer to assist for a different style.

Looking about with some subdued curiosity he raised a brow at the place, it wasn't like she'd actually looked around before, just kinda vaguely glanced at it. Walking down the hall of rooms a little further, boots clicking against the floorboards she stumbled upon a small table with a very extensive looking vase holding the same bloody flower type she'd chucked out yesterday, was this to spite her or something.

Staring at them she almost forgot about the she'd shoved under her arm before leaving the room, Josephine, what kinda name was that? Kinda too long for her liking, oh well, as long as it wasn't some rich brat she could deal with playing at this game a little longer.​

…. It's not like she had anything else to do anyway…. The thought was a simple one, something quite casual that others think often, however the expression carried on the others face as she stared at the vase held a certain burning anger deep within her iris, something that flickered akin to a flame, something that called for more than what such simple words said.

redroseknight StarxLight (anyone who leaves their rooms lool)

 

[redroseknight]

Josephine turned at the sound of boots clicking on the floor of the hallway, her head tilting when she noted that it was a young woman who approached rather than one of the young men. Ah, so that was the girl that she had met in slight passing the night before. Well, she certainly seemed to have retained that inability to contain her vibrant red hair. At least there was something constant that she could thus far expect out of the other woman. Eliza had been a bit teasing and light-hearted when they had previously spoken, so it was a little curious to see such an intense expression on her face. Especially while she was apparently having a silent quarrel with a very expensive vase.

Josephine hummed a little. Well, good, at least she didn't have to worry about this woman being boringly rational. There could have been a few things that sparked such behavior, and Josie entertained herself a moment with considering both the most logical and the least mundane. The first option was that Eliza was suffering from a simple hangover and thus taking out her mood on everything that was in proximity. Everyone had consumed quite a bit of alcohol the night before, so it was a fair assumption to make. Then there was the possibility that she was not currently pleased with the arrangement that had been made, which was fair. Josie herself wasn't exactly over the moon with the idea of being wed much less married off to a woman she was completely in the dark about. Josie liked having the upper hand, and for once she couldn't use her social abilities to possess that. The final choice was that the woman she was engaged to was completely barking mad and was being married off to save her family the social stigma of locking her away in an asylum. She wasn't so sure that she would mind that being the case; at least there would always be a hint inconsistency to keep her from being bored.

"Oh, so you have finally dealt with that most vicious of vases. I was so hoping someone would put an end to its reign of tyranny," she teased as she stepped toward Eliza with clear amusement in her voice. It would have been unwise of her to mock someone mentally unhinged, but Josephine thought it was quite worth the risk so that she could start an assessment of how the rest of the day was going to go. The redhead could never help herself from seeking out entertainment even if that might have been at a detriment to her own well-being.

Cosmos

 

[lion.]

Dappling through the closed palatial columns of maroon curtains, the elfin sunlight coruscated with a life-living smile. It outstretched its motherly rays and tampered with the slumbering man who lay polar in bed, clad in yesterday’s clothing. With an earnest touch, nature’s finest globe of fire marred down his cold face with a gentle swelterness, lustering his inky hair with threaded gold, and tanning his Grecian nose and relaxed lips. Its presence, unfavoringly, did no more than having Thaddeus turn away into the side-

His fingers jolted back when he felt the tips of them stroke a cheek, one more silken than the nebulously untouched whiffs of clouds dispersed in spring mornings Did he-

Suddenly, he was alive. Blood-rushing, mind-racing, heart-thudding, he wrenched his eyelids open and erected up with a snap of a spine. Bruising his neck, he nearly fractured it with the fortitude he turned it with. His eyes seized sleeping lady next to him, abducting her in his set of vision.

Pecilurly, for the first time, he wasn’t staring for the seduction of it. He was checking that she was clothed. He managed to send a prayer of relief when he saw his betrothed in comforts of her dress. Bemused by his panic, his senses dispelled to him in a crow of a laugh a reminder that he himself was attired in his own shirt, tailcoat and trousers.

Nothing had happened.

Recollections of yesterday illustrated in his mind, and his eyes returned to his dozing intended. While a mere second ago, he might have been decking his decades of life for clothing to be present on her, he was now lured to watch the beautiful minx sleep. Nature, in its pride, had done her with an illuminance, setting her opaline skin with a glow that the moon could envy. Her rich blonde hair sprawled over the white pillows, her lips innocently rosy and slightly parted as her chest rose with slow breaths.

Damn temptation. It had to be a crime for her to look like that. If only-

Dull knuckles throbbing against the sturdy oak door steered away his attention.

“My lady, I’m here to attend,” he heard the voice muffle from behind the door. The maid.

 

[Alvaris]

Lord Elijah Ainsley

Elijah rolled onto his back as the sunlight crept into his room, vanquishing the darkness and sleep from his eyes. His sheets, a tangled mess at his feet, successfully wrapped themselves around his legs. Last night seemed to move like a race and he knew he'd had one too many drinks. His head, a dull throb, reminded him that morning came with its own troubles. Elijah shifted, kicking the covers off his legs before sliding his feet over the side of bed. He wiggled his toes in the plush carpet, yawning before pushing off the bed. His discarded grey shirt was tossed by the wall, somehow he'd managed to strip it off during the night. He shuffled toward the shirt and picked it up before moving toward the closet.

The events of last night certainly kept things interesting, and he'd kept out of the trouble, like his father would have anticipated. The Ainsley's had pristine reputations, yet were mocked endlessly for it. They were often referred to as the mundainsely's, an unflattering title that his sister was determined to eradicate, much to the chagrin of their parents. Elijah felt lighter without his parents scrutinizing his every action. A small smile tugged at his lips as he looked into the closest and saw his riding attire.

Horseback riding, an activity he thoroughly enjoyed. It would be interesting riding with another couple, he hadn't managed to chat much last night, but there was plenty of time to get to know the group. He pulled out a dark shirt before grabbing the rest of his riding clothes. He was eager to get back in the saddle, a place he felt comfortable and confident. Riding was second nature to him, but now he needed sustenance. He patted his stomach, a quiet growl sounded and he frowned.

Elijah buttoned the last button on his shirt before running his fingers through his hair. The lack of facial hair became bittersweet as he touched his face. Shaking his head he strode out his bedroom door and down the hall. His stomach leading the way, though he couldn't remember exactly where the kitchen was. Maybe he'd be lucky and smell his way there or stumble across it. Elijah rubbed the back of his neck, the place seemed oddly vacant too. Just at that thought, he spotted a woman who seemed far too focused on the vase in front of her. A redheaded woman approached, commenting on the vase.

Had he entirely missed something? He must have. The vase was nothing spectacular but the flowers were lovely. "Tyranny, isn't that a little much for a poor little vase?" Elijah asked, smiling as he approached the two women.

Cosmos redroseknight​

 

[Cosmos]

Eliza chuckled as she heard a voice let out all too knowingly about the inanimate objects reign over terror upon these lands. Turning around with a swivel of the foot she gave a wink and her lips curved into their usual lopsided smirk, showing off pearly whites and her forearms exposed thanks to rolling up her sleeves, even from just the small potion of skin revealed- the marking across them was evident in most spots besides her palms. Something many insisted she 'cover up' but why on earth would she do something as boring as that, just because other people couldn't handle the sight of her own body, it was hers after all, and she'd flaunt it proudly.

Grabbing the others hand gently she placed one arm behind her back and kissed the top, eyes slanted slightly gazing up as though they themselves were grinning at the other, holding on she leaned closer, "Yeah, think this vase lost the battle as soon as it got distracted by someone as eye-catching as yourself~ ya see, that's all you need to land a good kick." she let out in a quiet voice near the others ear.

Leaning back she let go of the other all taller than average woman's hand and gave a playful wink. However such a mood was evidently downed a little when a male approached, at first she simply let out a muttered huff and let her smirk slope into a pout, before his comment admittedly made it crack back up upon her lips. "Ay! this ain't no innocent vase mate, you have no clue what evil it could bring upon us if we do not raise our armies soon!- eh, I'm pulling your leg, just liked the look of it I guess" she continued with a nonchalant shrug, staring the other with a rather bemused expression, letting the lie slip through her fingers as smoothly as silk, not something you could ever read on the young womans face, a neat trick if you will.

Glancing back at the woman however for a moment, thinking it rude to ignore such a splendid sight so early in the morning, a flicker of the note she carried gave way to a raised brow, it had the name of that girl she was meant to be paired with upon it in title. Taking a moment to stare at the thing, before her smirk widened once more, "Ah, I see they just had ta' put two of the red heads together~ typical" she said looking back at the male, "It's like they think we're all some weird individual species or somethin'" she let out with a smaller giggle than prior. Tucking thumbs back in between her pant fabric in an attempt at makeshift pockets.

Noting the other not wearing overly frilly attire she briefly mused if it'd be worth asking to borrow something besides this hideous things the maids had shoved in her wardrobe. Suddenly realising something however her eyes widened lightly before relaxing at thepair as she lifted one arm to rub the back of her still somewhat messy hair like the prior night, "Oh, an don't worry about the fuss last night, 'Te' Lady~' just thought it best to give me my own private escort from the ballroom, really me punching one of them was just FairPlay in return for such a pleasant gift of stealing me from even getting drunk on that bloody alcohol" she continued. At first having intended to be more serious with it, but after giving herself the cheeky pleasure of making fun of the old hags name in a mocking tone, she just couldn't help but end up making the whole thing simply more incriminating by accident than it would have probably even seemed in the first place.

"Names Eliza btw, if ya didn't gather already. I take it your name is actually Josephine and not random gal' who fixed my hair last night?" she said to the other and somewhat lesser the man, "Though I suppose nobody really knows me by the first name anyway, All they really focus on is the Madeline Green part." she said, a spark lighting in her eyes as she spoke.

It was almost unthinkable to some (somewhat her own parents) that Lady Harcourt would allow such a family name to come here, sure they were rich and had high status- but not for the reasons of the other boys and girls sent here. No, this family was known more so for their unsavoury dealings, underground sales, illicit goods, men for hire and even the occasional kidnapping, not exactly the kinda job path for the faint of heart.

Even beyond that however, was the rather well known rumours of the families own personal lives, their daughter and only child having gone mysteriously missing seven years ago, and only recently re appearing, with claims she's not even the real one. On top of such she had know public follow to the business, in fact it'd all been handed to a pair of personal guards only a few short years after the incident, and seemingly had no intention of changing with their flesh and blood back.
________

redroseknight Alvaris // ANYONE ELSE WHO WANTS TO JOIN IN ON A GOOD BIT OF GOSSIP AND FLIRT

 

[Cosmos]

Mika paused for a moment, both confused at the random small sounds coming from within, as well as a lack of response should that be Mellisa waking up. Or rather not a response- but a ver groggy strawberry blonde stumbling to the door to let the other in for the morning routine. After a moment a slight glare drew on her face as she twisted the door handle, after the first satisfying click she was made aware it wasn't locked, not like Mel normally did anyway.

Opening it further she tried to call again, a more strained and worried look on her face to any passerby, "My lady? Are you okay in there? Do I need to call for assistance?" the tone carried light at the start, but a far more intimidating vibe near the later half. She knew from the other maids Mel hadn't been the most sober last night upon returning, but not much more than that.

If one of these arrogant, narcissistic men had done something to her during such a time she'd!- well, shed work it out once there, but needless to say it was unlikely to be pretty. Letting go of her nervous and polite mannerisms that were somewhat engrained from training, she let the door open fully and eyes locked on with a heavy glare as she spotted the same man that last night tried to make Mel dance after fainting, if it weren't for both being rather firmly dressed, she would've done something to him right then and there.

With a small flinch she forced back the pleasant smile from before, and stepped up towards the bed. "Excuse me sir, but I must ask you leave this room at once so I can assist my lady in getting ready for the day. I can only assume what brought you here, but of course a fine man like yourself must've simply been worried after her behaviour at the party and come to check up on her, right? after all, to suggest something else on only the first night of meeting…." she feigned an innocent tone as she mused on the statement, intent clear in her words as could be enforced without making something of an actual threat.

Raising a hand up gently with a flat palm and bent shoulder she directed towards the door with a closed eyed smile.
_______

lion. Sgt Gomez

 

[redroseknight]

These two were quite alike in that they were just playing at this engagement, neither seeming to take romance seriously at all. Which was good for Josie since the woman was absolutely certain that love did not exist. It was just an illusion, a passing fancy because surely one became bored of learning everything to know about another person. Josie couldn't fathom deep connections like that, her only true, deep ties of love and friendship being with an ill-tempered horse and a three legged dog. She really didn't expect to be content with any match that was made by Lady Harcourt, but at least she wasn't going to be made immediately bored with this one. Both of them seemed rather..free spirited..so perhaps they could work out an arrangement that let the both of them be free in their frivolous pursuits of others. If neither of them were attached to one another then there would be no jealousy involved.

She put that thought to the side and laughed as it was pointed out that they matched the two redheads with one another. "Oh, we aren't? Oh dear, and here I had always argued that was the reasoning behind my brother being as dull as a doorpost and myself being as free and colorful as a bird! My entire life is completely in shambles now, dear lady, and there is little that can be done that I might recover!" she laughed, enjoying the playful banter. Her gaze moved to the young man who joined them. She evaluated Elijah, noticing that the boy seemed to be exceptionally well groomed including a complete lack of facial hair. Could that be from meticulous shaving or was the poor thing so young that he hadn't started to grow a proper beard? Deciding that it might be fun to play a little with the handsome man, she approached Elijah and reached out to adjust his collar. There really had been nothing wrong with the way that it sat, but Josie just wanted to flirt with him to make him uncomfortable. She loved drawing reactions out of each other. Not to mention it was a good test for her betrothed. Would she have the slightest hint of jealousy at her flirting with a man right in front of her?

"There, that's better. Can't let a displaced collar distract from such a perfect face," she teased Elijah, giving his shoulders a lingering touch before she danced away. Addressing both people, she performed a curtsy. "I am Josephine, but simply Josie will suffice. I had used my quite powerful skills of deduction to figure out that you are indeed Eliza and the one that Lady Harcourt believes would be a most suitable match for me." She laughed brightly at the very notion of there even being a suitable match for someone like herself. Someone who strove to be free of constraints, both from English oppression of her people and from the expectation of societal norms. She also longed to be out from under the thumb of her step-mother, but that was a completely separate issue that was bound to occur when two strong willed women had a power struggle.

Her ears perked up at the particular name, and Josie's eyes flashed with interest. Well now! Things were becoming interesting indeed! So it seemed that her betrothed was that heir that went missing for seven years. Oh, Josie had heard all of the gossip even though her brother tried to keep her away from such idle prattle. The young woman lived for hearing such interesting news, soaked up every ounce of information that she could on others. Fine, sometimes she used it to stir up a bit of trouble. She might whisper in the ear of a noble about the affairs that she heard of, perhaps help plant the seed of jealousy into the hearts of a few young men at court by pitting them against one another for the attention of the most sought after lady. It was all in good fun! There were no lasting injuries...that she knew of. But now she was faced with one of the sources of much gossip, someone that might not even be the real woman who disappeared so long ago.

Her brother was going to be absolutely livid at the match, and that made Josie all the more interested in it. The redhead smiled a little brighter at the woman. Oh, she was going to have so many questions for her to answer! "I find your beauty a little more distracting," she teased, "Though I will admit that I am as curious as a cat with regard to the rumors that I have heard circulate regarding your family and..sudden resurgence. I don't believe all gossip of course. There is plenty that is said of myself. Such as being a perfectly well-mannered lady," she winked and laughed, waving her hand as if the very notion was laughable.

Cosmos , Alvaris

 

[lion.]

“Ah, Mika,” Thaddeus isotonically addressed, the reverberations of his voice jarred with shaping silver on crackling embers, “Aren’t you moving your pieces of chess early today?” The brunette had entered the room fancy-free, albeit it was hardly the habit of any other person in servitude. Admittingly, the brunette had witt. Poverty-stricken maidens, unlike the bewitching brunette in front of him, whipped from their esteems and diluted to powerlessness that was branded to them by their dull hemmings of uniforms were conducive to cower and feel adrift in prescences like his. When the maid wet her lips to talk, he piled out of the satin sheets, allowing his feet to settle on the carpet. He had nochantly in the nick of time slid off the ebon-black tailcoat off his lean torso, when undeviatingly she spoke.

"Excuse me sir, but I must ask you leave this room at once so I can assist my lady in getting ready for the day. I can only assume what brought you here, but of course a fine man like yourself must've simply been worried after her behaviour at the party and come to check up on her, right? After all, to suggest something else on only the first night of meeting…." Through the rush of her words, he could hear her sharp tongue course a tide to an unspoken ocean of statements and emotion.

“And what if I did?” Thaddeus embarked in a cross-examination. “What if I suggested something else on the first night of meeting?” Out of circumstance to hear her reply, he paused from folding up the sleeves of his while linen shirt. His irises were encircled by an inquiry, and they favored to plummet any objections within them.

“Tell me, Mika,” he murmured, loftly flickering his eyes to his intended heavy in her dreams, “What makes you think I am a fine man?” Slinging the tailcoat over his shoulder, he stoically stood, stepping up to loom over the svelte female. Calm before the storm, he was, when his long fingers leniently levitated to tuck an unruly dark fawn curl behind her small ear.

“You should look into me,” Thaddeus articulated, when he was halfway towards the door, “I am no regular man.”

When he reached the frame of the door, he smiled finer than the smiles painters brushed on their paintings. It was a darker smile, something that tested glacian waters, yet vanquished like mist. Then, Thaddeus was gone out of her sight with the closing of the door.