Charles Audley Posted February 19, 2019 Share Posted February 19, 2019 The Sun, the Moon, and Charles Charles raised an eyebrow as the Moon was dragged along after them, but said nothing. Frankly, he found it difficult to care even that much. This pathetic courtly play-acting seemed a horrendous waste of his time now. He could have spent the evening conspiring with Sophia, or fencing with his stepmother, or indulging in every sort of sybaritic excess with Juliana, or even hacking his way through Xenophon in splendid solitude, but instead found himself forced to indulge the likely dreary and infantile whims of some insipid, simpering debutante. He felt those parts of him a more spiritual man might have called his soul start to shrivel at the edges at the thought, though his outer decorum remained in place. (Albeit with some effort.) The eyebrow rose again as the Sun promptly abandoned him with the Moon, claiming that the latter now held her proxy. Irritation joined the cocktail of ennui and contempt brewing behind his amiable courtier's mask. He was not a parcel to be passed about so. He might have said something distinctly viperish, had he not noticed the Moon's fear, which gave him pause. Not out of any twinges of conscience, of course, but out of a vague sense of recognition. Her voice tickled at his ear, and her posture, reminiscent of a frightened rabbit, seemed familiar, as did the eyes behind her mask. A mask that was worn as part of a matching pair, and surely that was too much of a coincidence? Finding himself suddenly amused at the serendipitous twists of fortune, he sprawled languidly across his side of the loveseat and watched her steel herself. "A secret?" he asked, voice low and warm. "An interesting request Selene. Let me think." Charles had a veritable cornucopia of secrets to share. The only difficulty was in selecting which one to divulge. He considered for a moment before leaning forward slowly to whisper in her ear. "When I was fourteen I was almost caught swimming naked in Rosamund's Pond. The lady who nearly discovered me only caught a quick glimpse, and thought I was a girl. My hair was even longer then, and I was short and slender before I grew into myself." He drew back, but only just far enough that he could observe her eyes, and smiled, just the tips of his canines peeking through his lips. "Do I scare you Selene?" he asked. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Hardwick III Posted February 19, 2019 Share Posted February 19, 2019 (edited) George and the Swan Yes a gentle woman, he was pleased to confirm as she exhibited a grace that not many of courts ladies had. Or at least upon first impression. Ah! George would temper his impressions, for it was his vanity of her bidding on him that had cast the foremost favourable opinion. Ego aside, it was a brief opportunity of a coming to know the other that they faced. “Well, with the recess all but upon us, I am in a mind to find an occupation to busy myself. Perhaps you know that I paint a little, so for a first I would enjoy rendering your muse with oils upon canvas – a swan gliding effortlessly upon deep green waters ‘neath overhanging willows budding new growth so green it is almost yellow. Ah, but where would I send such a painting…” Blonde? It was an unusual thought to have a blonde baby, but what was he if not a man ready to adjust to any future! Whoops. But what had he just been telling himself about not putting horse before the cart. He looked at the young lady – she could be nearly anyone. Could the mystery she presented him with now be part of her appeal? Whatever it was, he knew better than to tear down the sport of this event. He wanted her masquerade to remain in tact. “Perhaps I shall set it in the Exhibition I plan for next spring, then as part of a throng who passs through you may view it without risk of revealing yourself. And perhaps you might smile of it. There, that is the first of what I could hope.” Edited February 19, 2019 by George Hardwick III Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davina Wellsley Posted February 20, 2019 Share Posted February 20, 2019 BEE With Masked Man w Silver Well it would seem that there was agreement! She rose as he did offering him a curtsey as he departed her eyes following his progress. just who IS he? I can not deteact a familiar anything from this one meeting! at least he has agreed to the 'wish' regarding the trim for it was well made. so now I wait till the 5th of April. Recess shall allow me to ponder further She had no reason to linger and with another looked towards The Seated Lady she took her leave. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raconteur Posted February 20, 2019 Share Posted February 20, 2019 STAG She continued to watch as Gentleman went to the Lady who had bid for him. Watched too as they conversed. Who was SWAN? The only clue was the color of hair and so she began to think of those that fit and when she happened upon a name her eye widened. Was it really? Recess would well provide for her to make enquires and find out what needed to be known. That her own chances were no longer to be considered did not mean that she would let just any Lady marry the Gentleman. Understood as well that the Gentleman might be tempted as the desire for Marriage was strong. She, as well as those that had lost at bidding, were instructed to depart and thus she had to. A final look and then she was gone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackguard Posted February 20, 2019 Share Posted February 20, 2019 Eye of the Tiger Baptist May escorted Lady Tiger to the loveseat after kissing the hand offered. He flipped up the tail of his coat in a pronounced fashion as he then took his seat upon the cushion and uttered a sigh of relief, happy to be off his feet. "One catches his eye with your body and one captures his favor with your wit," he advised. He was scrutinizing her face as if he might recognize it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aria Posted February 20, 2019 Share Posted February 20, 2019 Charles and the Moon The Moon scowled at the way Lord Chatham sprawled so unceremoniously upon his seat. She was supposed to be in control, and yet he was obviously not concerned about what she might ask of him. And he called her Selene. He knew his mythology, a topic that she had always been fond of. This annoyed her too. Everything about him irritated her and she was going to kill the Sun for leaving her alone with him. She had probably done it because of the quarrel, which the Moon had won. This was the Sun's revenge. His secret made her blush and she was glad that she had chosen a mask that covered her entire face. The heat spreading across her cheeks warmed the cold porcelain of her disguise. Of course, he would have to tell her something naughty. He probably had no idea how to do anything was even remotely proper. His closeness unnerved her but she was determined not to let him know it. His question took her aback. “Of course not. If you're trying to frighten me, you'll have to try harder.” Her eyes met his single one and she saw the intelligence in that beautiful blue orb. He was not just another foolish courtier, despite his deplorable behavior. There was substance between his ears. The Moon almost asked Charles to remove his eyepatch, but the words that emerged from her mouth surprised her. “You refer me to Selene so you must be familiar with mythology. Do you like to read and if so, what subjects do you find the most fascinating?” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aria Posted February 20, 2019 Share Posted February 20, 2019 George and the Swan What a lovely idea he presented to her! And so eloquently as well. The Swan's smile widened. How had she not noticed this gentleman before? She had not known that he was a painter. There had not been enough time to make discreet inquiries about him. That he was willing to paint her … or at least a representation of her … delighted her. The Swan was practical by nature, but she did have a fanciful side, and she imagined that he would wonder about her identity as he immortalized his perception of her on canvas. He also sounded modest about his skills, but if he was planning an exhibition, he must be quite good. The Swan was not fond of braggarts, and that Lord Chichester did not boast of his skills was a definite point in his favor. She wanted to know more about him, everything about him, but tonight was a time for discreet revelations, nothing more. “I should like that very much,” she said. “And I will certainly attend your exhibition.” Though she hoped by then that she would no longer be just a stranger in a crowd. “I, too, am artistic, but I paint pictures with a quill instead of a paintbrush.” Why had she said that? She usually kept her writing a secret from all but her family and closest friends. Did she, perhaps, want him to know that they had at least one thing in common? “Here is my second request: what would you like me to do for you?” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anne-Elisabeth Devereux Posted February 20, 2019 Share Posted February 20, 2019 Eye of the Tiger Short and succinct. Anne-Elisabeth had hoped for a more detailed answer, yet he had told her what she wanted to know. For a woman to gain His Majesty's favor so that he would grant her a specific request, she must become his mistress. She didn't want to infringe upon Nicci's territory, for she was a fairly certain that she and the King were lovers, but he had multiple mistresses and the Frenchwoman had told her that she didn't expect her lovers to be exclusive. Why could not friends share a gentleman's affections? It would make for some very interesting conversations. Her body was not lushly curved, but she was well-proportioned and had nice legs (though a thin, faded scar ran down one of them, a memory of the shipwreck which had almost took her life. Wit she had in abundance, and the King had already heard her limericks twice. She was also accepted among the Merry Gang, who were good friends of his. Maybe Dorset would help her as well. Or perhaps he could be the intermediary between herself and the King, as long as there was something in it for him. In truth, she would rather 'christen' strange places with him than cavort with the King. Unless she could do both. This was a long game she intended to play, and she didn't expect instant results. May would probably not assist her for nothing either. Her fingers continued to flutter upon the divider. “Instead of making a request of you, Master May, I offer you instead an exchange of favors. I would like you to help me charm the King so that he will want to get to know me better. Intrigue him; make him curious about me. I've heard you are quite adept at such things. Perhaps he would like to know that I am a student of astronomy. I have heard that he enjoys scientific pursuits. Like the stars shine in the nighttime sky, I want to shine in his royal eyes. “In return, I will do whatever you ask of me once he begins to pay attention to me. You will have done your part and the rest will be up to me. Both of us will benefit from this deal. And His Majesty will gain the most.” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Hardwick III Posted February 20, 2019 Share Posted February 20, 2019 George and the Swan Dare he admit it, but George was enjoying himself. Where was that awful nervous feeling in his stomach, the one that was always present when he talked to women (well except Wilhelmina, she’d been different). This young lady smiled prettily with his idea, and so he knew he’d done well to think of it. “Aha, that was also an invitation I suppose!” he laughed as she promised to attend. Could it be that they were even getting along well? That she revealed her own artform was an unexpected windfall, it was compatible with his own creative nature, yet not a rival to it. “Our very souls are fed by The Arts, I would relish dining at your literary table…” He was digesting her revelation even as she placed the next request. With the balance of a Libran she voice a counter request in perfect balance to the first. George smiled, “To put your quill towards my brush, and reveal the story you discover within the finished piece. Perhaps my painting of my new muse might become your muse, that you might reveal the tale of it's passage. Either way, I love little more than story of discovery.” “Ah, the only failing with such a request it I would need wait months before your own revelations. Perhaps instead, your work would be carried out in synchronicity with my own, with the Exhibition being unveiling of both. Yes, I shall set a podium next to the easel for my swan, with hope that you might place your own work upon it.” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles Audley Posted February 21, 2019 Share Posted February 21, 2019 Charles and the Moon Charles felt his grin widen as the Moon answered his question. She was angry, he thought, and that made the game fun. He gave an appreciative laugh as she met his gaze and relaxed fluidly back into his seat. "I assure you, my dear Selene, that it is no intent of mine to scare you," he told her, all indolent languor. "I merely wished to be sure that I had not done so inadvertently. Mine is a villainous visage, after all." He cocked his head at her second question. "It fills my quiet evenings, such as they are. I read... eclectically, I suppose, is the best word for it, though history is the most common subject. Caesar, Plutarch, Xenophon, Livy..." He grinned boyishly and leaned forward again, whispering. "But I shall offer you a second secret. It is poetry that I enjoy most. Dryden and Shakespeare, Horace and Juvenal, Ovid and Sappho. I have even made attempts at composition myself, though all they amounted to was dreck." He settled back. "You read as well, I take it? What is your favourite topic?" A whim struck him, and he fished out his hip flask, holding it up in offering. "Brandy?" he asked, the symmetry with their first meeting (assuming his suspicions were correct) amusing him no end. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caroline Despanay Posted February 22, 2019 Share Posted February 22, 2019 The Demon Caroline congratulated both Nicci and Anne-Elisabeth on their own successful bids but in truth her mind was preoccupied with the now inevitable forthcoming meeting with Lord Langdon. However first the auction had to conclude. *** Upon the finish of the bidding, only the winning bidders and their bachelors now remained in the room and Caroline watched the eighteen sets of chairs laid out then listened to the rules of this fascinating little game they were about to play out. Once all the preliminaries were done, the various partners began to seek each other out. There was Langdon approaching, almost timidly she thought. Did he suspect who she was? Perhaps he did and quailed at having to now do this. Still, this was a royally sanctioned event and there was no ducking out now for either of them. "Ahh there you are. Well worth the bid too now that I get a closer look at you, my lord," she declared, trying to disguise her voice (just a little) as she held out one hand to be escorted to their double seat. Once seated she took a breath and then got right to it. She was allowed three requests and she was going to take advantage of it. Hopefully he was honorable enough to grant them. "Very well, let us be started then. No sense wasting each others time with idle chat. As for who I am, I am certain by the time I have made my requests, you will know who I am as surely as I know who you are," she started. "First request, that you agree to me visiting young Frances or - if you do not wish me to enter your fine residence - then allow her to visit me at my estate. And within a fortnight too." She did not give him time before going on to the second request. "Secondly that you and I make an honest effort to end our nasty feud starting tonight. We will never be close friends you and I, but we both want Frances to have a good future life, I believe that. We should not become enemies over such a mutual goal. In return for your cooperation, I will end any further possible efforts toward contesting your guardianship but concede gracefully." And since she had one final request, she decided it on a whim. "And thirdly, when the weather is nice this spring you will agree to go horseback riding with me. It need not just be us two if you are too worried about your reputation, it can be as part of a group. But you must be willing to engage in civil conversation with me since we will no longer be enemies." "There, I am done. Nothing too painful I trust," she smiled. ooc: Sorry I made it all in one post but I got behind here and know the admin wants us to start the spring season soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aria Posted February 23, 2019 Share Posted February 23, 2019 George and the Swan “You didn't invite me?” The Swan laughed too. “Would you rather me view your painting at a distance through binoculars?” George would be able to tell that she was just jesting by the merriment that danced in her eyes and her voice. Not only artistic and eloquent, but witty too! Why had not some ambitious young lady snapped him up already? Perhaps he was soon to be betrothed. For some reason, the notion dismayed her. “And therefore art is in our souls,” she replied. As for the rest: “Then I hope my humble offerings will make for a very satisfying meal.” For some reason, she wanted to show him her writing, both the essays and the short stories. This was very unusual for her. Perhaps she felt bolder because she was masked or maybe she instinctively knew that the Earl and understood the need to give life to one's inspirations. His request was one she could easily grant. “Then that is what I shall do. While you paint, I shall write and will place my finished manuscript upon your podium. We can then compare them and see how alike they are. However, I should like to include you in my work. My final request: What would you like to be represented by? It does not have to be an animal. It can be anything you want. Or maybe you would just like to be yourself.” The Swan had wanted to ask to meet with him during the new season as her last request, but, as she had said moments earlier, she didn't want to force him into anything that he did not want to do. Nor was it very proper for a lady to initiate an encounter with a gentleman. Lord Chichester had one question left for her. Maybe he would suggest it himself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aria Posted February 23, 2019 Share Posted February 23, 2019 Charles and the Moon “Appearances do not scare me. Nothing scares me.” The Moon sat up a bit straighter and lifted her porcelain chin. “I am completely unscarable.” Was 'unscarable' even a word? Probably not, but who cared? She was in disguise tonight and could be anyone she wanted to be. Bold, beautiful, proud, and fearless … everything she wished she was. For the first time, the Moon understood the attraction of the stage. One could play many roles and leave one's disappointing self behind. And that's what she wanted to do now. If she acted completely unlike herself, Lord Chatham would never remember that they had met before in most distressing circumstances. She was a bit afraid of him, but curiosity was beginning to overcome her trepidation. A person who enjoyed reading couldn't be all bad. He seemed to like Roman history while she preferred reading about England's past, though the two did intersect. The Moon was familiar with a couple of the authors he listed but not all of them. Lord Chatham leaned forward again and this time, she didn't even want to move back. He definitely didn't seem like the kind of man to favor poetry or attempt to write it. He was quite surprising, nothing like she had first believed. Philosophy,” she answered without hesitation, “though I also like reading about politics and history and learning about other cultures. I'm fond of poetry as well.” The Moon shook her head when he held out his flask. “No thank you, my lord.” Was he trying to get her drunk so he could take advantage of her? Though she had a new respect for him, she knew firsthand that he, like all men, had baser instincts. Perhaps she could test him with her third request. “Now that we know each other better, is there anything that you would like to do with me?” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackguard Posted February 23, 2019 Share Posted February 23, 2019 May and the Tiger May found himself giggling at the notion of making the Tigress alluring to the King. "One cannot teach a hound to hunt so easily, nor can one teach wit easily, for is it not innate in any creature?" he posed. "Can I be of assistance? Surely. I can show you the scent and I might encourage the quarry, but the success of the hunt would lie with you Tigress." "Be wary of open promises that you make and may not be able to keep." It was his more serious counsel. She had attached no conditions or proportion to her offer. "His Majesty does enjoy the sciences and the arts. He is not captive to any one discipline. Rather, he seeks those gifted in their field with something to teach. He is a man of great appetite for learning, and in other things," he added with a laugh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles Whitehurst Posted February 24, 2019 Share Posted February 24, 2019 The Demon Reveals Herself The mystery did not last long. It was the French shrew! She had purchased him like a slave on the block of Istanbul. Did her evil ways know no limit? His relaxed smile faltered at the revelation. It was then that she revealed a desire at rapprochement. It was a fitting French word even if Charles might not know its meaning. The rules of the auction required gentlemen to oblige ladies three requests. He had been assuming that these requests might be silly little things, as opposed to something substantive. Charles found himself tongue-tied for a moment. How did one respond to such requests? He had always been deferential to ladies, as any good gentleman might. There was no reason to make an exception here. "I find myself at a disadvantage Madam, especially given the encounter in the city that started this ... feud as you call it. As a gentleman, I am inclined to accommodate a lady whenever I can," he replied politely and formally. "You may come to the house to visit Frances," he agreed. Frances was returning to behaving normally, so there was less risk. There was no way that he would allow Frances to go to the woman's house out of fear that Frances would just decide to stay there. "If you are motivated by kindness to Frances and recognize my authority as her guardian, then I do not see a reason for us to be enemies." It would have been nice if she had apologized; but, that might be expecting too much from a Frenchwoman. "A ride in the spring would be acceptable," he acknowledged, filling all three of her requests. "If I might ask, why the interest in Frances and this reversal? I have known Frances for some time, yet you have just met her." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles Audley Posted February 24, 2019 Share Posted February 24, 2019 Charles and the Moon Charles laughed as the Moon proclaimed her fearlessness, though whether in approbation or contempt he found he could not say. "If you say so, then I am glad to hear it," he told her, subtly admiring the lines of her throat revealed by her uptilted chin. I cannot help my nature, after all. "Philosophy. Hmm. I'm an Epicurean myself, thought you could probably guess that." That was not strictly true. A proper Epicurean was supposed to lead a simple, moral life, which sounded like his own personal version of Hell to Charles, but the term was close enough that he could wear it. And any misapprehension will likely serve my ends anyway, whatever those are. Charles swallowed another burst of laughter. He had told Juliana that he would not know what he wanted to do with their mouse until the moment arrived. Well, it had arrived, and he had found that he still did not know. She would be a challenging seduction, and he was not sure whatever vindictive amusement he might derive from it would be worth the effort expended, let alone the risks incurred. He shrugged easily as she refused the offer of brandy, draining a quick swallow himself. "'It is not abstinence from pleasures that is best, but mastery over them without ever being worsted,'" he quoted by way of reply, smiling challengingly. "I can't remember which Greek said that, but perhaps you can Selene." That smile widened at her final request, becoming almost mocking. "A fine trap for me, Selene. I am supposed to say that I would like to kiss you, or some such, am I? And what would you do with such an answer, I wonder?" Charles shook his head. "No. I might like to discuss philosophy or poetry with you, if you would so condescend." He stood easily and looked down at her, that same smile still painted on his lips. "I do not need you to answer my last question, Selene, merely that you think on it. What did answer did you want me to give?" He bowed. "Farewell, my lady." He left the room without looking back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caroline Despanay Posted February 24, 2019 Share Posted February 24, 2019 (edited) He was taken aback, Caroline could read it easily on his face. But after a pause, he did reply and one by one he also agreed to her requests. Now it was her turn to be taken at least somewhat by surprise, though pleasant surprise. She had half expected the petulant Englishman to simply not play the game and get up and walk. But it did appear he was made of sterner stuff. When he agreed to Frances visit, she nodded, "Thank you." Of course she would hold him to it but then wasn't a nobleman's word their badge of honour? He also easily agreed to an end to this clash of wills. And finally he acceded to the horse ride, perhaps the simplest of the three. But he did have a question of his own, asking why did she embark upon this driven interest in the girl. It was a fair enough question too. However.... "Tut, tut, my lord. You heard the rules of the game. Three requests, three replies. Then we must leave out the door. While I am more than willing to tell you my reasons, I am afraid you will have to wait another time. Another place. Might be a fine topic for the horseback ride, no?" Suddenly she arose and held out her hand for him to escort her out that side door, "I do thank you though for being so reasonable about this." Edited February 24, 2019 by Caroline Despanay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aria Posted February 24, 2019 Share Posted February 24, 2019 Charles and the Moon An Epicurean? Hmmmm, I suppose a hedonist could refer to himself in that fashion if he either has no idea what Epicureanism actually entails or decides to ignore the ideals that he does not embrace. The Moon realized with surprise that she would like to debate that philosophy with him. Their views were obviously very different. “Aristippus, founder of Cyrenaicism,” she supplied without thinking. Lord Chatham knew that she was testing him, another indication of his intelligence. What she wanted from him was the very thing he had suggested, to discuss philosophy together, and maybe poetry as well. “Then if you wish to find me, look in the library. I spend a lot of my time there.” While she was glad that he had not propositioned her as she had thought he would, she now wondered if he didn't find her attractive. Of course, he couldn't see her face, but he could see the cleavage displayed above her bodice and the smallness of her waist. Her honey-blonde hair was visible as was her neck and shoulders. It was strange really. She didn't want him to desire her, and yet she wondered why he didn't. The one-eyed Earl stood up, and after asking her a question she already knew the answer to, bowed to her and strode away. The Moon watched him until he left the room, contemplating everything he had said to her. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anne-Elisabeth Devereux Posted February 24, 2019 Share Posted February 24, 2019 May and the Tigress “That is all I ask of you.” Beneath her mask, Anne-Elisabeth smiled mischievously. “I do not expect miracles, but if anyone could perform one, I believe it is you. His Majesty is also a keen hunter, is he not? Does he not enjoy the thrill of a good chase as well? . Draw him to me, and me to him, and the culmination of the hunt shall be magnificent.” Her fingers stilled upon the divider. “I trust you, Master May. I do not think you will ask anything of me that I am not prepared to give.” She listened intently as he described the King's scientific and artistic interests. This was worth noting, as she preferred to appeal to him on an intellectual level rather than a carnal one. The Countess didn't really want to become the King's mistress. He would expect fidelity, which she could never give him. Anne-Elisabeth would lead May to believe that sharing the King's bed was what she wanted, as he seemed to think that was the only way a woman could win his favor. Men. Most of them thought with their cocks. Perhaps His Majesty was different. “I, too, have a keen appetite for learning … and other things. I also have a gift for combining artistry with wit in quite entertaining ways.” And I'm humble too, she thought sardonically. “My third request is simple. I should like to meet you in your office to discuss strategy when the new season begins. Name a day and a time and I will be there. The tigress' identity will then be revealed.” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Hardwick III Posted February 24, 2019 Share Posted February 24, 2019 (edited) George and the Swan Sharing laughter was a fine dissipation of any nerves that remained – she seemed to be a very cheerful sort, an attribute in a woman that also appealed to the Earl. But it was the elegance of it all that tantalised his mind the most, her questions, her replies, with such poetic resonance. The harmony was so beautiful that he uttered the deliberately discordant “I shall try not to make a pig of myself and gorge it all, leaving none for any other!” The statement was like a splash of yellow across canvas of a woodland scene; Startling, and he hoped, Evocative too. Yes, the man was all out to impress. Perhaps she was content to be impressed too, for her agreement to his next request was accepted in soft tones of pleasure. Leaning a fraction nearer he murmured “I cannot wait.” “The sunlight.” Light was all important to an artist, so it was the first thing the Earl thought of when she asked him to define his own form within her writing. Was light also applicable in writing? As soon as he’d said it, he was not certain it was the best for her own craft, thus added, “I would wish to illuminate all that is the Swans beauty, pressing discoveries from the shadows, so bright by contrast.” “Ah, but it that impossible?” he was not at all certain, "for to be myself within your world also appeals… and that is a discovery that I shall hold out a hope shall be revealed. My lady, in my final breath shared with you this season, my I suggest that should you find pleasure in all that is revealed at the exhibition, that you might meet with me after.” Recognising that their time was up, and the umpires of this game were not ones to cross, he stood and moved to give a hand to her (to assist her from her seat). With a further bow he uttered, “Until then, I shall hold the vison of you in hope.” It had gone far too quickly, this marvellous meeting. Exiting the room George had a grin on his face, marvelling at the extreme opposite of emotion that he’d arrived feeling. From something near to terror, he now felt like laughing loud and long. The 'random' meeting seemed to have passed phenomenally well. It was completely possible that he’d be able to successfully court a woman after all. If not this one, then maybe the next! Edited February 24, 2019 by George Hardwick III Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aria Posted February 25, 2019 Share Posted February 25, 2019 George and the Swan “If you do, I shall not complain,” the Swan replied with a chuckle. She was definitely impressed by him, and when he leaned forward and whispered that he couldn't wait to hear her story, a bright little thrill shimmered down her spine. “Nor can I,” she whispered back. So he wished to be represented as sunlight. The Swan thought it appropriate for he had certainly brightened her evening. She had not known what to expect at this auction or of Lord Chichester, and while she was not usually given to nervousness, she had been anxious about the game that was to be played. Now she was glad that she had given in to the impulse to bid on him. She also suspected that at his exit, her world would become darker the farther away he went. “No, it is not impossible. Perhaps you shall be both sunlight and yourself.” Inspiration flooded her mind and though she didn't want to leave him, she wanted to write down her thoughts while they were still vivid. And just as she had wished, he asked to see her again after his exhibition. The Swan hoped that it would be held around the beginning of the season so that, if things went well, they would have time to get to know each other better. “I would like nothing more.” Lord Chichester assisted her from her seat and said his farewells. Without thinking, she removed her pearl ring and held it out to him. “Here. Take this as a reminder of this evening. When I ask for its return, you will know who I am.” The Swan treasured that ring, but somehow it seemed right to loan it to him. Even after she returned home and wrote down the ideas he had given her, she did not regret her decision. Imagining him turning the ring over and over in those elegant hands brought a soft smile to her pretty features. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackguard Posted February 28, 2019 Share Posted February 28, 2019 Tigress "The third day after the start of the new season," May replied. "The number three has always been lucky for me." He chuckled. "Come to my office at three pm." It was her third request, so it was only fitting. He had fulfilled her requests and he was certain he knew the identity of the lady behind the mask. He was good at such things. The rest of the small talk would need to await until then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anne-Elisabeth Devereux Posted February 28, 2019 Share Posted February 28, 2019 May and the Tigress “Very well,” she said with a satisfied smile. “I will see you then.” Rising from the loveseat, Anne-Elisabeth grinned. “My lucky number is nine … three times three. Perhaps this meeting was not chance, but fate, and our collaboration is destined to be a great success." Turning toward the door, she blew him a kiss over a shoulder and walked away, turning over various items in her mind that either came in threes or was represented by that number. It wouldn't hurt to present a gift to him when she went to his office. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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