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One Nice Bug Per Day
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@grahamxsahi
sebastianofprussia:
graham.
-
The prince reposed in a chair brought out to the lawn, a ways back from the rest of the crowd. A perimeter of Prussians kept him from being disturbed, as had been their orders since the ton’s arrival at Cliveden. The more distance between himself and the rest of society, the better. In a matter of weeks his presence would be nothing but whispers until he was forgotten entirely.
His attention flickered from the light display in the sky to an approaching figure, backlit by a firework. Sebastian glanced over his shoulder and motioned for Jürgen to bring over his chair for the duke.
Sebastian glanced sidelong at Graham with only a grim nod in reply. He reached into his open jacket and produced a flask, handing it to the duke in silence.
Finally, he said, “Lucy is not here.”
Questions loomed over him. He flinched after each firework. With a heavy sigh and a slow blink, he tore his eyes away from the sky and looked at Graham as best he could in the dark. “I did not see your arrival. I am sorry, Graham.”
The duke seemed a bit worse for wear, too. Where a mutual spark would usually perk them up, there was only the darkness and cold air. Another firework. Graham came into focus. Sebastian took a deep breath. “Lucy has decided to stay in London.” It was worse than that, but he could hardly bear telling Graham the whole truth. He needed the flask back, or something stronger. His eyes dropped to a spot on the ground between them. “I have been at Cliveden since the night at the cemetery, waiting for the season to end so I may return home. I thought it best to keep myself at a distance from the festivities. I am in no mood for revelry.”
-
Normally, Graham would’ve waved off the chair. On this night, he collapsed thankfully into the velvet cushions. The duke took the flask with a nod. A drink was required to listen to the list of details that landed with all the climax of one particularly sad firework fizzling overhead. How on earth did Sebastian miss the entrance? With Freddie? With the tigers?
After a drink and heavy exhale, he replied. “I will not hold it against you, that you missed my arrival.” Actually, he would. For a time. “You could always call off the festivities. And any time the need to escape takes hold, the doors are open at Cheyne Walk.”
A short silence fell between them. Graham caught another pop of color in the sky. “Lucy was quite upset with me after the cemetery. I can only assume you received the worst of her wrath.” Although Graham had experienced less heat, more a frightful and foreign consternation during their conversation. A letter waited to be written, once he regained his wits and energy.
Her absence then seemed deeper than she simply decided to stay behind in London for a weekend. “I will preface what I am about to say by stating I do not wish you to leave London so soon.” Of course, Graham would love the company of an old friend. Then again, the duke himself would be departing. “However... you could return home. If it is too difficult to be here.”
Cliveden - finale 2nd night @sebastianofprussia
Despite having been at Cliveden for over 24 hours, he had failed to make contact with Sebastian. The prince darted here and there through the crowd, like a mouse evading capture. Graham himself had multiple interruptions. On occasion, he required time resting horizontal under a stack of sumptuous coverings. When he did leave a bedroom, continual administration of various tinctures were needed to keep him active and social.
But he wouldn’t miss the fireworks. It was where he finally tracked down Sebastian. “Did you not see my arrival? Have you not looked for me? What shall I make of this? Take it as insult? And same for Lucy, I’ve been unable to locate her on the grounds. What is the meaning of this, Basti?”
lordxfrederick:
-
Not even the exotic lure of a-a tiger on English shores could stop him from turning an incredulous stare on his cousin. “F-freedom? Pursuit of-of happiness? By Jove, Freddie – why, you sound practically like those former colonies of ours. You know well that-that marriage, like matters of state, is about – about family, and-and duty, and –”
Whatever he might have said next (none of it should have been new to Freddie, he thought repressively) was overridden by Sussex’s long-awaited answer.
Not engaged – “Yes, yes – it is, indeed, quite obvious there was no engagement – it is the matter of this spending time – and-and no dancing around this, sir –”
For a moment, his heart sank – something bitter at the back of his throat at the duke’s casual acknowledgment: I have been with her recently. Recently – how recently – with her how; he was torn between the desire to demand all the details, and simultaneously flinching from hearing any more (a picnic? in public? good God –)
He was already bowing, stiff and automatic at the congratulations; mind still trying to catch up – how did one respond to something like that?
“Your – hrm, current entanglements are – in love?” He stared, once again shocked into temporary silence at the revelation – less at the-the connexion between Freddie and the duke, but more that Sussex saw fit to so – so boldly declare it.
In love.
“I say,” he said slowly, looking between the two of them, “Why, you are serious about this – whatever it is between the two of you.” Then, eyes hardening – he drew himself up. “Sir, I would have you know – pursuit of-of happiness notwithstanding – should your pursuits cause my cousin any pain, why – he is not without those who would stand with him, mark my words!”
@lordxfrederick
-
Freddie’s expression clouded over when Archie all but accused him of speaking a treasonous line of thought. The hypocrisy was palpable. He was only overlooking it this one time, because his cousin was in a right state. All worked up over a blackmail induced engagement. Oh, but it still stung. He would have words to say later, when they were back in the privacy of their townhome.
Provided he remembered. For once the duke began to speak, everything else in the world melted away. Even the insult of being likened to those who had forsaken their duty to King and country. He could only stand there, hands awkwardly by his sides - he felt like he ought to be doing something with them, but he could not for the life of him think of what - as a prickly feeling crept up the back of his neck.
Love.
That word was new. They had said everything but when they’d taken a swim in the Serpentine. Freddie’s grin stretched wide across his face while a giddiness rattled around within his chest. Should he say it also? No, that would be a bit much. Although -
“Archie, please.” He suspected his cousin would never understand. What made the duke happy, made him happy also. How was it that explaining one concept could be both so easy and so difficult? He looked directly at Graham.
“I would not refer to it as an entanglement either.”
Any pain would be his own burden to bear.
“Well you have your answer,” he said to his cousin, “The past is the past. Does this not please you, cousin? Perhaps we should all have a drink.”
@grahamxsahi
-
It was a strange line of questioning. Not one Graham had the head for in his current state either. Rude and intrusive. None of the Captain’s business. Among other things.
Graham felt far too feverish to do much about it, which might have been to the benefit of Archie. Poor Freddie had somehow ended in the middle of whatever this was too-- yet when he spoke to Graham, the duke could not help but smile fondly.
His expression changed when addressing the Captain. “I find this line of questioning to be not only offensive, but much like an Inquisition. My personal life is my own business. However, I would just as soon hurt myself than to hurt Frederick. I also wish to not speak in front of him as if he isn’t here and cannot speak up for himself.”
“And should you not know in complete and thoroughly who you are to marry?” Well. They were speaking about Victoria. A woman of vast secrets and hidden eccentricities. But, still.
“Additionally,” he continued after a breath and a deep drink from his glass. “I shall say the same in the way of Miss Hale. She has become a dear friend of mine. If you intend to make such a solemn promise to her, as to be your wife, I do expect the promise to be kept and she live out the rest of her days happily fulfilled and sustained by you.”
@ixnay-on-the-ipshay
Cliveden House Party, 1799 (Season Finale)
“A fanfare of dancers, fire eaters, an elephant, and two tigers led the procession onto the grounds of Cliveden. Porters carried a golden palanquin through the crowd of onlookers, setting the vehicle down in front of the steps of the main house. The Earl of Effingham & Duke of Sussex stepped out-- one final grand entrance of the season.”
lordxfrederick:
-
His hand clasped around the duke’s wrist. One… two… Freddie swung his leg over the windowsill, and pulled himself inside the room. He was about to remark on the fact that it was a lot easier climbing down as opposed to climbing up, when he got his first good look at the man. Sickly was more accurate than he wanted to admit. The long-winded rant he’d prepared about Fernandes fell by the wayside, immediately forgotten.
“I should have been informed you were unwell,” he said, carefully. No one wanted to hear they looked like something the cat had dragged in. A moment passed before Freddie realized he had been informed. Downstairs. While he stood at the front door.
“Before this morning.”
His expression hardened. Before Graham even had a chance to answer, he suspected there had been a message. One ignored by a disgruntled solicitor. Such a thing would not surprise him in the least. Someone should have told him something.
“Are you sure about Cliveden?”
He paused.
“You’ll need more than a coat. Where’s your comb?”
-
His gaze drifted to his bedroom door. Jaw set tighter than before. “Now that the season is ending, Mr. Fernandes is returning to Brighton. However, I’ll have a word about my outgoing correspondence, or the lack of it reaching you.”
In truth, going swimming in the Serpentine with a cut from a thief’s blade still present probably wasn’t the best idea. Pain had been ignored, downplayed, and eventually blotted out by late nights and drinks. But then. “It is only a summer fever. I am not suffering from consumption or anything contagious, my doctor assured me.”
And there was Cliveden. “Of course I’m sure we are going. We’ve been preparing for the final grand entrance for... well, I don’t know how long. My doctor has provided me with a number of tinctures that I shall take on the trip.”
He frowned. A comb? Graham checked his reflection once more. He didn’t look that bad. “It’s nothing spirits and your company cannot cure.” Graham turned, a grin faint but present.
He fumbled with the comb for a moment. While bleary earlier, Graham hoarsely ordered a valet to pack his bags and load them into the carriage. A traveling outfit had been chosen in blues and grays and left out, however Graham decided the coat would be enough for the journey. He spent only a few seconds choosing one from one of his wardrobes before returning to Frederick.
“Freddie... do you know what I would like to do? It has been too long since we spent time in the hidden room. Behind the bookcase.” Freddie’s bookcase, of course. “And... damn it. I wanted to take you to the Royal Institution before the season was over.” So many things they did not have the chance to do. “And so... no, I won’t allow us to miss this final time, the last event.”
Rambling. He did not pause because he wanted, but instead Graham ran out of steam. “We must get to the carriage. Quickly.”
lordxfrederick:
-
“Oh.”
Right. Sorted. Everything he wanted tied up in a neat little bow, and he probably should have pinched himself to ensure he was not in some kind of dream state. However, that would have meant letting go of the duke’s hands. He gave them a squeeze. Why would he ever want to bring about the end of a dream as nice as this one, anyway?
He wouldn’t say Graham lacked in poetry. No less than himself, and Freddie’s only real claim to fame was a few questionable limericks left on the board before morning classes all those years ago in school. But they weren’t standing around on the edge of the Serpentine to discuss the merits of poems, and who may or may not have been a successful writer of them.
“I should like always.” He had once followed the duke across the channel to France - he did not even like boats - and he knew, deep down, he would go to the Americas if he must. If there were others milling about the park, near enough to see, Freddie did not register anyone or anything outside of what was happening right in front of him.
“I do not know what truly lies beyond a person’s last breath, but… ” He ventured to raise his gaze from fingers intertwined to dark eyes, and his breath caught. His chest felt tight. He returned the duke’s smile with one of his own.
“Until there is nothing left of me, I’m yours.”
-
He held his breath. As if Freddie’s words had been written in smoke on the air and the smallest sigh might disrupt them. His heart ran quick in his chest and his smile dared to spread wider. Two things out of his control.
There were others-- complications to be untangled, untied, reformed into a necessary shape of what was to come. Agonizing thoughts whispered to him too. Of time wasted, when they could have been living in an entirely different world. Of the reason why he burned like a flame every time Freddie so much as looked at him, and how painful it might be if it were taken away now.
Until there is nothing left of me, I’m yours. Graham focused there. He wanted to remember how everything slowed around them as they held hands. The lapping of the water behind him softened, the breeze only occasionally whipped a stray dark lock against Freddie’s cheek.
“And I am yours. Until the end.” He knew it to be true, beyond a shadow of a doubt. Any number of apocalyptic obstacles or crises could tear them apart. Graham’s heart had already belonged to Freddie’s for too long as it were.
Hands remained clasped between them. Graham didn’t tug, although he wanted to. A flutter warmed his chest. He felt ecstatic. Bliss, and odd warmth on his cheeks. “Are you going to step into the water so that I may kiss you now? I am tired of waiting.”
lordxfrederick:
-
Target spotted and acquired, he found himself within the duke’s presence within a few strides – the questions – accusations – nay, assertions already spilling off his tongue before he had quite finished the requisite social greetings.
“Sussex – oh, so you are here – look here, we have business, you and I – matters of import and-and of a-a rather delicate nature, if you wouldn’t mind –” He stopped, attention suddenly diverted by the beast in the enclosure just before them at the duke’s question. “I say! Is that a-a tiger? My word – did not realize there were any yet in England; last I heard, such beasts were out in some-some rajah’s estate out in-in Mysore – how the devil did you –”
Focus, Archibald, he sternly reprimanded himself; coughed and resumed his attentions to the duke himself.
“That-that is to say – sir, is it true that you and-and Miss Hale are – were – are still engaged in-in –”
Stopped again, now that he was looking at Sussex; the duke, usually the man to ape in terms of being in the stare of fashion, looked oddly underdressed.
“– why, the devil happened to your shirt?” Then, recalling the last time his own outfit had been in, hrm, significant danger, flushed. “Have you been with Miss Hale, sir?”
@lordxfrederick
-
“Prior or currently,” interjected Freddie, glancing toward the tiger pen. One of the sides was bending outward rather precariously. If they added a few supports along the ground, and then a taller one, centered down the middle, it would probably be -
Freddie caught himself mid-thought, not realizing he and his cousin shared a wandering attention. Although who wouldn’t in the presence of such exotic pets? He turned back quickly, and continued to explain.
“Miss Hale has elicited an engagement from my cousin some weeks back, and he wishes to go into the marriage knowing the full truth of the matter. I said I did not believe you were currently entangled, but previously - ” His voice trailed off.
His aunt had said it had happened at some point. For all their flaws (and no matter how much Archie protested), the mums were rather astute about these things.
“As I was trying to say before, Archie, I really think there is something to be said for a bit of freedom and letting others, particularly a partner, pursue what makes them happy.”
@grahamxsahi
-
Both of them spilled a jumble of thoughts and questions at the Duke’s feet. An attempt at sitting up to properly address the men failed. Graham could not muster the strength in his current state. “First of all, that tiger of which you speak is an entirely different thing altogether.” A macabre act of deviant art, a delightful musical oddity-- whichever side one stood on didn’t seem to be what the Captain wished to discuss.
Through the fog of a headache and fever, Graham repeated key pieces in his head to ensure he had heard them both correctly. Engaged? Victoria? Prior or currently-- what?
“Miss Hale and myself spent a great deal of time together last season. However, we were never engaged. To each other.” A fact which seemed as necessary to explain as the lack of Graham’s shirt.
He looked shrewdly at the Captain. The Victoria of last season might stir up drama for the sake of getting what she wanted, yet they had built a fine truce between them during the current spring and summer.
“Now, I have been with her recently.” The Captain deserved a little toying with the words, with the way he charged over and interrupted the afternoon aperitif. He paused a bit longer than usual in completing the sentence. “At a picnic. Where she made mention of your impending nuptials-- which I am so sorry I have been unable to congratulate you. So... congratulations.”
The slow rolling train of thought began to pick up speed. Why was he being asked such inane questions? Had Frederick even told Archie? “Freddie knows well and good who my current entanglement is with. Although I would not refer to being in love with such temporary, sticky terms.”
@ixnay-on-the-ipshay
lordxfrederick:
-
… it will put me at disadvantage, will it not?
“Yes, ideally.” Between the two of them, Frederick only needed one hand to count the number of fights he had won over the years. The same could not be said of his opponent. Perhaps disadvantage was not the best word for it. Even the odds seemed more accurate. Besides that, all was fair in war, as the saying went. Partially.
His cheeks colored slightly as he lead the way. Moving backwards, carrying the short sofa toward the door. He kept an eye over his shoulder as best he could, but he was counting on Sussex to say something if there were any impending obstacles.
“I should like to see these drink shelves. Could be helpful for another project I’m working on. Of course that was before we needed to fix the balloon, and…” He cleared his throat. “Obviously the bed also. I would like to see it.”
He lowered the settee onto the balcony.
“You know what I think?” he continued, “I bet there’s a hidden passageway in the big bed room. It’s exactly where I would put one. We should look.”
-
A dramatically teasing scowl crossed his expression. If Frederick wanted to use his brain to outwit and outmatch Graham in a challenge that had already been put off for hours... well, the Duke grew all the more interested to see what the other might create on the fly to do so.
A frown appeared as they reached the terrace doors with the settee. A soft suggestion of tilt it more to the right and then the doors were cleared. “Repair? Why don’t I buy another?” Bigger, better. Graham had not thrown as much money around in the last 72 hours as he’d have liked.
Once the sunrise situation had been confirmed on the balcony (the view perfect, the sun to come up just over the treeline they almost met their end in), his attention returned to Freddie. And a hidden passageway.
-- In the bedroom...
With the effects of the tincture shared with Basti faded, Graham looked around the room. He wondered if he hadn’t oversold it. Still. It was one hell of a bed. But he began circling the edge of the room, eyes in a scrutinizing squint. A tap on a wall here. Discovery and investigation of a seam in the wallpaper there. “Well then? What do you think?” A pause. “I must be honest-- it seemed larger when I was in here earlier. More impressive. But comfortable nonetheless.” Another pause. “Where would you think the most likely place for the secret passage to be? Oh, and-- fifty-seven. I haven’t forgotten yet.” Which was also impressive enough.
lordxfrederick:
ixnay-on-the-ipshay:
-
All this talk of a long time – and-and only one person holds my heart – he stared, grin starting on his face as he looked up. “Oh, Freddie – listen to you, you – you – what?”
Blinked again, this time at both the talk about the-the company of others and the sudden offer of a hand – which he took automatically, finding himself hauled to his feet.
“What do you mean, the company of others? I say – he may have his preferences all he wants, so long as it does not – does not encroach upon mine. And including my future wife in his-his –” here he spluttered, the sparks of initial outrage reigniting, “– other company will not be borne, mark you me!”
Women, after all, were flighty creatures – could not be trusted to rein in their own impulses and were-were easily swayed. Still, his jaw clenched at the thought of Miss Hale’s own possible duplicity before wrenching his thoughts away to deal with the matter at hand.
Namely, the issue of the Duke of Sussex – and to a lesser extent, Freddie’s stubborn defense thereof.
He straightened – nearly jumped forward when a curious beak ventured far closer than he’d expected; ah, so that was perhaps why Freddie had been looking so twitchy in the past few minutes – dusted himself off (in vain; he would need a new pair of breeches).
“No, no – I will not hear of anything different. Let us see if his Grace is in attendance at this event – he and I have words to exchange, and-and not through any intermediary.” He made as if to stride out; thought again, then, “Is he present? I have not noticed myself – do you know where he might be?”
-
“You’re not even going to be in the country, Archie,” he countered. He brushed his hand off as soon as his cousin had risen from the ground. He didn’t want his own outfit getting dirty just because someone else felt the need to roll around with the birds.
“Surely you don’t expect - ”
But that sounded like exactly what was expected. A wife that kept to herself. He could hardly blame his cousin, all those years away, apparently not realizing that a good number of the ton were here each season for the fun. Of course, there were standards for young ladies, but once a couple was married, well… as long as discretion was taken.
Freddie stopped talking. Heaved a short sigh, and waved his hand back toward the big house. There were arguments he was willing to have right now, and that was not one of them. Not without a few drinks first.
“Come on then. Let’s find Graham. Don’t bother telling me off, because I’m coming with you, and don’t say anything mean to him either. None of this is his fault.”
@grahamxsahi
-
Graham lounged under a tree in the shade. He had a view of the menagerie, to call out instructions for the Bengal tiger gifted to Cliveden. While he had removed his shirt for comfort, he kept a coat on to prevent a chill. Aperitifs had given him enough stamina to carry on a conversation. One of his doctor’s tinctures helped with his previous aches.
Lady Harvey had only just bid him goodbye as Graham caught sight of the Effinghams and their approach. One looked more rigid and determined in their walk, but the Duke did not think much of it as he peered over a pair of glasses. “Gentlemen... does the tiger enclosure seem... secure enough? I am having my doubts. What do you two think?”
@ixnay-on-the-ipshay
halestcrm:
graham.
-
Victoria had her life– or the immediate future –all mapped out. Graham knew better than just about anyone how settled in the goal accomplished she must feel.
And the Duke himself relaxed significantly. “An earl is a fine match for you, Miss Hale. I do know the Captain to be… seriously-minded. However, I believe this may be an instance of counterweights. Each balancing the other.” A smile. “To see you blush as well…” The grin grew slyer still. “Love does arrive in the strangest of ways.” Graham would certainly find the right, over-the-top gift for the newlyweds. Hand selected, even.
“Of course, as a true man of the military, I’d reckon there will be times of separation. Perhaps it’s possible to arrange to meet him in port?” Graham was only familiar with those who sailed under the British flag for his family’s shipping company. Many… colorful stories had been shared with him as a boy in Brighton involving those high nights in a port. “Of course, I’m certain starting a family and providing the Captain with several heirs is of the essence.”
Graham did enjoy these details of marriage, particularly as they did not pertain to himself. “Oh yes, I am friends with Freddie. Since our Eton days. I do believe we will be traveling once the season ends, so you may not see much of me.”
-
At the mention of blushing, and the duke’s grin aimed at her, Victoria (annoyingly) blushed even deeper. She lowered her head to try and hide it, nodding as the duke made mention of counterweights. Such a thought seemed to describe her match perfectly, and perhaps it was why she thought they would be ill-suited for each other when Lord Effingham first proposed.
“In port? Your grace,” Victoria scolded him with a half-hearted glare. It did not help with her blushing problem at all to think about the brief shore leaves of her future husband. “You need not concern yourself with the matter of heirs,” she said with a firm nod and a straightening of her shoulders.
“Traveling? Oh.” Victoria could not hide the disappointment in her voice. “I did hope to have a familiar face around while Lord Effingham is gone.” A pause, realizing there may have been an implication there. “As a friend,” she added with emphasis. “I do wish you well on your travels with Lord Effingham. But I expect a visit from you as soon as you return, your grace.”
end.
lucy-needham:
grahamxsahi:
Like a pommel to a fixed blade, they had been so tightly fitted together. All of them. Through a very chaotic beginning of the season. The society– which all members were present on this night.
Her gaze landed heavier. So did the final weeks, with everyone pulled in impossibly thin and opposing directions. If Lucy no longer knew him as she once had, for all the years, then how could he offer words to make a difference? And she was quite right. “I do think it is best for you to leave here.” Soon, she would no longer belong to the city, to the tennents of the season. The further from this night, the better. “Good night, Lucy.”
It was the night air that made her shake – not the fear. A shiver trembled up her arms, sinking low into the shadow of her collarbone. He spoke and she said nothing, the silence stretching between them. She wanted to speak. There were so many things left to say, so many small secrets to share, so many japes and stories to tell. The things she knew, the things he’d seen. She wanted all of it.
A carriage rolled past on the other side of the boulevard, the metal-on-metal clang striking her back into the present. Lucy exhaled, unsteady and resolved. She nodded once, and turned to go. Stopped.
“We could run away.” Her voice small, a vocalization of the faintest hope. “We are always happy when we are together.”
Happy in that fleeting, floating way, where nothing and no one mattered. The sky was always blue, the breeze always warm. No one could touch them, except, unless, until –
A flinch of a smile appeared on her lips, an apology without words. It would not do. Lucy bowed her head and turned, finally. The mist swallowed her figure before her steps.
end.
lordxfrederick:
-
Hell and damnation.
Frederick muttered several choice phrases under his breath. His Grace had been just fine the last time they had spoken. Well, there had been the injury in the street, but certainly the man was well enough for visitors. If not, why hadn’t he, Frederick, been informed immediately? No, he thought it far more likely Fernandes was denying him entry without just cause.
Fine. He was a man of invention, a man of progress, but if he had to do things the old fashioned way than than so be it. He waited a moment more to ensure the duke’s surly solicitor would have gone on about the business of the day. Then he crept down the front stoop, and around the side. All the way to the back of the residence, and the trellis that leaned against the wall.
Up he went. Slowly. He was not as young as he had once been, and in fairness the trellis could have used an updating as well. It creaked unsteadily as he scaled the side of the building. The occasional crack, a soft splintering of wood, brought him to a halt until he was certain it had not given way. He climbed up to a window.
He stretched his hand out. Knocked against the window. Then his fingers fumbled around the bottom edge, trying to find a hold from which to open it.
-
Medical orders be damned-- the Duke would not miss out on the biggest party to mark the end of the season. Especially not when himself and Freddie had so meticulously planned their entrance. As soon as the doctor left the room, Graham began the uncomfortable process of peeling leeches from his chest.
He paused as another round of chills gripped him in a heavy shiver. Pulled the last leech from his chest to toss into a small porcelain bucket. A knock at the window startled Graham and he checked his appearance in a mirror. Normally tawny skin was covered in a sheen of sweat and feverishly pale cast. Red marks dotted his chest, left over from the latest ‘’treatment’’. The healing wound from a slice of the thief’s knife blade stared back angrily.
Hair wet. Eyes tired. The Duke looked a mess, but it was nothing a little drink and company couldn’t fix. He quickly tossed a dressing gown over his shoulders and opened the window, and a hand jutted out to help the other through the window frame. “Oh my... Frederick, here. Allow me to help! I will not have you falling to your death from a trellis.”
Of course, it wasn’t the first time Freddie had chosen that type of entrance. “I overheard Mr. Fernandes, and I apologize for his rudeness in speaking to you. But I am fine. We are going to Cliveden. I only need to find my coat and we shall be departing. Out of the front door, this time.”
halestcrm:
graham.
-
Graham’s response to her insistent invitation seemed noncommittal. Victoria never imagined the duke as only a friend, but this season had changed things–no longer was he the man she wished to marry from last season who ended up disappointing her, but a trusted confidant. He kept secrets for her that he could have easily spread, even if it was just for his own amusement. But he didn’t, because he was kind, and maybe–Victoria kept the thought close to her heart that maybe, maybe he cared for her in a small way.
She certainly cared for him. A simple pout no matter how exaggerated couldn’t convey the devastation of Graham refusing her wedding invitation. Her expression wilted, brow crinkled in abject disappointment.
But then the duke seemed to release the tension that kept his mood so low, but it was not a complete switch from his muted state to his usual lively self. She blinked as he spoke of making his intentions known, even acknowledged his misstep with her. Instinctively, her hand reached over and rested on his.
“Early August, I believe. And of course, I will be moving to the Effingham estate soon after. I have only visited once, and I do think the dragon in the foyer is charming. It has a name–Belinda, I think?”
Victoria gave Graham’s hand a little squeeze before dropping away. She emptied her drink and the flush in her face deepened. “My uncle is pleased, but he must be reminded often that I am marrying the earl, not the duke. My Aunt Levinia is also pleased, but I wonder if she wishes my cousin Sara had wooed the earl instead of Lord Blakeley.” She snickered softly. “I think Lord Effingham is a rather… special man, he is not overly warm or romantic. I, uhm. I do not mind it, and anyway, he will be gone, so I do not wish to miss him terribly.” Her blush deepened and she dropped her head. Her glass was refilled while she wasn’t looking, so another sip was necessary. “I have seen you with Lord Effingham’s cousin from time to time, your grace. Are you friends? May I hope to see you when you visit him?”
-
Victoria had her life-- or the immediate future --all mapped out. Graham knew better than just about anyone how settled in the goal accomplished she must feel.
And the Duke himself relaxed significantly. “An earl is a fine match for you, Miss Hale. I do know the Captain to be... seriously-minded. However, I believe this may be an instance of counterweights. Each balancing the other.” A smile. “To see you blush as well...” The grin grew slyer still. “Love does arrive in the strangest of ways.” Graham would certainly find the right, over-the-top gift for the newlyweds. Hand selected, even.
“Of course, as a true man of the military, I’d reckon there will be times of separation. Perhaps it’s possible to arrange to meet him in port?” Graham was only familiar with those who sailed under the British flag for his family’s shipping company. Many... colorful stories had been shared with him as a boy in Brighton involving those high nights in a port. “Of course, I’m certain starting a family and providing the Captain with several heirs is of the essence.”
Graham did enjoy these details of marriage, particularly as they did not pertain to himself. “Oh yes, I am friends with Freddie. Since our Eton days. I do believe we will be traveling once the season ends, so you may not see much of me.”
End of Season The night prior to Cliveden festivities Location: 3 Cheyne Walk @lordxfrederick
“As his solicitor, I have advised His Grace not to attend the prince’s festivities this weekend. This is on order of his doctor too. The Duke is not well enough to travel.” Mr. Fernandes had only opened the door enough to poke his head out and speak to Lord Effingham. No sense in the man stepping inside and removing a coat if he would only be seen immediately out.
“Once the Duke of Sussex has recovered, I have no doubt you will be first on his list of contacts.” With that, Mr. Fernandes closed the door with a heavy thud.
lucy-needham:
Once, she thought they were perfect for each other. Both flighty and alight, never landing anywhere for too long. Charming in both overt and covert ways, the sort to stand out in a room and draw someone in. He had drawn her in, the duke with his dark eyes and wide smile. Lucy loved him from the start. But that love had never transformed, never grown in intensity, only depth. It never manifested to passion.
He grew firm; she stepped back. His words were kind, the right ones to say and in the correct order, but they did little to lift the chill on her skin. Looking aside, Lucy shook her head. “I don’t think I belong here any longer.”
-
Like a pommel to a fixed blade, they had been so tightly fitted together. All of them. Through a very chaotic beginning of the season. The society-- which all members were present on this night.
Her gaze landed heavier. So did the final weeks, with everyone pulled in impossibly thin and opposing directions. If Lucy no longer knew him as she once had, for all the years, then how could he offer words to make a difference? And she was quite right. “I do think it is best for you to leave here.” Soon, she would no longer belong to the city, to the tennents of the season. The further from this night, the better. “Good night, Lucy.”