also i think i'll just take the time to be candid here, but another reason why i fell out of love writing for caratblr is bc people can be so... non-interactive? readers will spam-like your stories without even a single reblog (the thing that tumblr posts thrive off of btw), and actual comments on the work are hard to come by as well. of course, you're not obligated to do any of these things, but just know that writers aren't obligated to keep pushing out content for free if they don't feel appreciated in the space they share their craft with either.
you liked the writer's work? reblog it. or even leave a reply. it doesn't even have to be a novela-length comment. knowing i'm not just screaming into a void in the tags already means the world to me.
it's sad that even 2 years later, we still need to have this conversation but: please appreciate your writers more.
synopsis : stuck at your fashionable corporate job, you endlessly brainstorm for the perfect content for your magazine's "how to" series in fear of your editor's expectation for your column. well there's no reason to fear it anymore if she set the subject and announced it to every notable magazine in new york city— how to lose a guy in ten days.
warnings : profanities, inspired from htlagitd movie, suggestive content, smut (?? not sure yet), physical contact, and mixed romantical behavior.
7:00 AM
or you swore it was when you left your apartment! there is no easy way to fight the new york city traffic these days.
you were in an early bird streak this month, meticulously planning your time-in and time-out so that you wouldn't have to come across your boss.
speaking of the devil, with two clicks of your heels you saw your boss going straight towards you. you tried to save yourself, you really did when you turn to face the other way and speed walk.
"andie! andie!!"
there was no hope now.
"ms. hong!" you smiled widely turning towards her.
"i've been wondering where you were these past few days! i wanted to ask you about the next subject of your colu-"
"oh yes! i'm working on it, actually i have a knew id-"
"working on it?" she paused raising her brow "we got it! i saw it from your drafts, and it's perfect..." no, please don't say anything, please be mistaken "how to lose a guy in ten days!"
synopsis : it isn't unusual for a woman of the right age to hope for the best suitors after having her debut to england's high society, you just didn't expect to bag a douche... a duke!
warnings : highly inspired by bridgerton, non-accurate representation of the regency period or its language. mdni, smut, profanities, and tw for whatever's triggering or offensive (unintended)
"audrey darling, are you sure you're ready to go?" your mother stared you down with keen eyes.
"do i not look presentable mama?" she worriedly puffed down the sides of her bountiful iridescent dress.
"let's maybe put more rouge on for more colour on your face" she paced closer to your vanity, clutching the silver box within her fingers as crimson painted her hands, transferred unto the apple of your cheeks and unto your lips.
"better" she commented
"shall we go?" i asked as i glanced at the mirror to make sure my face is well.
"yes, we are rather late"
the clacking footsteps of the horses soon came to met the ears as it dragged the large wheels of the carriage to the front of your estate, your mother grabbing your arm as if you were full of helium.
you couldn't lie to yourself, from the way your leg was twitching, your fingers restlessly finding for something to fidget on— you were nervous to your core.
you recited each step of today from the might before just to make sure you were doing everything right.
your anxiety unfortunately took over and made your mind go hazy and blank. that's why you forget to ask your maid to put rouge on you.
the quivering weight of all the expectations and events before you was making you crumble. why did you have to grow old so soon, to build a life and family, as a woman who haven't attended academies, schools, or gone to travel for discoveries.
as silly at it was heard, you were like every other human, you wanted what you couldn't have. you were sure you were bright, and maybe even brighter than your brothers to be capable of studies, adventure, life on your own.
you couldn't lose it to what society expected of you as a woman, to hell with it. you just hoped your husband to be truly kind enough to indulge you in your desires, to dream that even one of them came to reality.
the long feather pinned to your hair stuttered it's motion as your carriage claims a stop. here you were, a mere moment away from the judgement of your life and what's to come. queen charlotte beholds a esoteric mouth, and you hope it lands grace on you.
you desire her majesty's approval to ensure a suitor that will be capable to provide your goals financially, or even come close to it considering the dowry your family holds for you.
stepping through the halls of the castle, the silence deafens your ears as anxiety pulses through your veins, you forgot who you just greeted by the door, or if you got their name right, all you knew was you were facing the two grand doors that held the halls of everyone you knew, and one mattered the most.
thought that came to your head, soon you realized it was your mother's.
a deep breath was placed before the echoing sound of your heels as it met the marble floors advancing your body towards the throne.
don't look at anyone, it'll make you nervous
your eye landed to the queen's.
...
absolute silence before you offered a deep bow with your graceful smile.
"exquisite!" you were almost met with a booming laughter, soon a mass of people's laughter joined.
enveloped with confusion you were now commanded to stand upright.
she was delighted? you glanced around as people were smiling through confusion but was always joint with the queen's opinions.
"exquisite even with a smudge of rouge dear" she whispered, gliding her thumb through your cheek, crimson was placed on her hand.
you were walking around with that?!
you almost wanted to be mad at your mother for the image she had given of you towards the crowd, soon you understood that she as well was deeply anticipating this occassion, no wonder she was laced with nervousness.
the moening sun rose to noon, as gossip spread through town like wildfire.
"i can't believe she was called that with a clump of rouge on her cheek! they must've made some deal with the queen" a maiden voice ushered
"you stench of jealousy, what must the queen be in need of for such favor?" a skeptic voice replied
"you'll still have a suitor... i hope" one bantered
this day was about you apparently, and everyone made it known.
"lady whistledown's papers!" a boy not taller than your leg sprawled around town with his little legs, arms reaching out to hand the letters.
"what an odd time for her papers" your mother said
--
Dearest Gentle Readers,
I know that you have missed me, but with the season starting I couldn't help but make you remember what you'll always miss— gossip!
It's no secret that the Queen has procclaimed this season's favorite, Audrey Churchill, bestow this word to the Churchill residence for having a timeless beauty alongside their family home. She is announced as the season's pearl, quite charming alike to the season's first.
I do not doubt that her charms will bring home suitors, but beware dear Audrey, for men will make you grow weary. Choose wisely.
Yours truly,
Lady Whistledown
--
you sighed, whispering silent prayers that lady whistledown's assumptions grow dull to the ears of your fate.
"so mother.. cookies and tea?"
she nodded to your offer and entered a pastry shop. the bright and colorful interior welcomed you both as it shone through the luminous rays of light of the afternoon sun.
"we must attend all the balls this season seamlessly, your presence will be important, but we must not come so early... the attention will be on you if we enter during the program.." your mother schemes an intricate exposure of yourself to gain the upper hand of being the queen's favorite so far.
unlike any other, the queen isn't afraid of switching up if she deems rightfully to her opinion.
you silently sat and munch on your cookies and silently sipped your tea while your mom was busy scheduling your life for the foreseeable future.
"I shall ask your brother Briony to sum up a list of agreeable suitors, and you my dear shall keep your grace" she patted your cheek
as the night falls of a new day, you stood in your room staring blankly at the facade that meets you when you faced the mirror.
all wrapped up in your corset and undergarments, you think mindlessly on how you should help the situation.
your mother ordering a lot of helpers to get you ready for the first ball of this season. your personal helper morie stood beside you as she helped you slipping into your finest silk dress with the hue of the sunny skies, it suited your complexion well, and makes your skin glow.
"do i need much help to look appalling morie?" you asked
"miss churchill, i'm sure it's just that the viscountess wishes a perfect evening for you" she replied dusting off your skirt
"i hope all effort would not go to waste then" you said as you wore your gloves
morie lifted the silver on her hands as she opened the rouge. "i'll make sure you are the one to paint me with rouge after my mother's nervous attempt to groom me" you chuckled slilently as morie bit her lip to stop herself to do so.
"your mother is willing to put out one of your families pearls and jewelry for you to wear, my lady" she smiled as she looked at the entrance of your room
your mom clutched a box which you knew, held the most gorgeous jewelry sets you could see. it was no secret to yourself that pressure was building upon your shoulders which you wish to ignore.
you're putting yourself out there, for the dreams you aspire not to keep as it is.
later arriving at a tall structure of ivory filled with arches and pillars engraved with cherubs and intricate designs, you felt the evening breeze greet your cheeks.
the warm glow of bulbs and candles surfaced the mood, an orchestra playing to the right balcony. as you descended to an open field of people mingling and dancing.
you were greeted by palace men who guarded the entrance and the venue. you clutched the fan around your palms as you used it to air out on your face.
the dance card threaded with a lace ribbon was attached to your wrist as well didn't go unnoticed by men around you, soon filling in front of you to ask for a round of dancing.
"miss may i invite you for a dance?" one said
"i have always been a charm at dancing since i was a boy" another invited
"nice way to tell her you're more feminine than- that hurt!" what it seemed to be his friend commented
you were overwhelmed and stepped back from them to compose your mind. your mother long gone as she found her friends around the refreshment table. a hand grabbed yours, it brought you back to consciousness.
"i have two left feet, but i hope to not cause pain to your toes if you let me?"
a handsome man held your hand, his hair ebony and dark, fell just around his eyes, his eyes feline sharp, his skin pale and features soft and dainty. he had a slender figure that made you tilt your head a bit just to meet his eye.
"you may" the only words you could muster to let out after staring at him
he wrote his name on your dance card, first of the 8 dances tonight.
"you're quite a stunner lady churchill"
"thank you.. uh"
"oh, how could i even ask for a dance— i haven't introduced myself! i'm marquess yoon jeonghan from foreign lands of the east.
"it's a pleasure to meet you marquess yoon" you offered a smile.
"may i fetch you some refreshments?"
"let my gratitude be known"
you bit your lip, holding back a smile. maybe your morher's pearls really did contribute to the name that was written on your dance card. he really did save you back there from the swamp of men, you were quite unsure how to turn most of them down due to their reputation and displeasing attitude.
it was just a little time before you realized that you have clicked with the marquess. spectators would assume you've bagged your first suitor.
"how did you obtain a title in such age?" words that came out of your mouth at the speed of your thoughts, toi late to realize that maybe you went into the line drawn called barriers.
"i apologize i didn't-"
"it's alright, a lot of people are perplexed by my title as well... i had it when my late father.. passed a few years back"
"condolences"
"i appreciate it... i would mostly appreciate it if you took this dance with me" he asked when the faint hums of the orchestra slowly started pacing the song. he bent before you, offering a hand to ask for yours.
"you're a smooth talker huh" you smiled with tease
"i would assume you're just amused by me" he retorted
"both can be true at the same clock"
you both fell silent, the kind of silence that partakes when rhythym flows smoothly and when those dance practices when you were mere children alterned into muscle memory.
you both stood adjacent to each other, facing different directions. arms raised to your chests as your palms almost touch at the height of your faces.
the moment that the warm lights hit his face in the half second you looked at him, it was like his cold eyes thawed, the corner of his lips raising slightly. he was gorgeous guy. he wasn't alike to the other lords you've seen. his eyes mimicked a cat, while his hair was naturally grown to his nape, almost longer than his shoulders, tied with a silk bow.
the music pacing slowly went quiet as it warns of its ceasing. the rows of people dancing in synchronous motions bowed to their respective dance partners, so did the two of you.
"i had such a pleasant evening, i offer you my gratitude" you smiled at him
"can't help myself with to give you attention to where it is clearly due" he mirrored your smile
"good evening" you bowed as you dismissed yourself. it felt right not to satisfy both of you tonight, you had to meet more of the people.
you needed choices and not dumb love. and you couldn't be possibly right with the first match you've experienced.
it was safe to announce you never met him again for the rest of the evening, and neither your mother.
a few days passed, and today you had another publicity presence to attend. to spend time in the park with the ton. it was more laid back compared to other events, which gave you freedom to ease yourself as you didn't feel eyes constantly on you.
you rode horses with your brother to the park, your mother arrived earlier with her carriage, ready to mingle with other mamas.
a feeling of light melancholy engulfed you, you didn't come across the marquess during that afternoon. aside from the fleeting suitors that faced you, offering flowers, or presenting names, although it left you hopeful, your brother chose to swat them away like pests.
"what was that for?"
"they are no good, lucky for you and unfortunate for me, i was stuck with mother the other day while she was scanning profiles of the ton, you would think they are decent until you come to meet with them when you're trapped with a ring on your finger my dear sister"
"i'm not so dense to be unable to choose for myself still"
"if you suggest so, but definitely not mr. maxwell or mr. danburry— unrelated to the queen, mr–"
"i think that's enough brother"
"right, i'll go play those games near the fair we passed earlier, care to join?"
"i'm quite fine, thank you, i'll resort to walking along the lake"
he didn't need to be told twice before leaving to the opposite direction to join more men in games alongside young academics.
you got down your horse, and set your foot on the pavement, oppening your parasol deflecting the heat and intense rays of the afternoon sun.
you indeed walked, fed the ducks, and even passed stores and stands in which you considered to purchase items from, it was a good idea to leave without money so you wouldn't have spent it carelessly.
it was late until you realized it. the sun was to meet the ends of the horizon, painting the skies different hues of summer. it was when you sobered with the thought of being alone with no chaperone, or transportation to go home.
you made rounds in hopes to be reunited with your family. to your unfortunate demise, they were in fact gone.
you walked home
stupid pearl of the season walking back to her manor.
the streets grew a bit chilly as the edge of your heels met the cobblestoned floor. the light clicks filled the silence of the night. the hums of rhe streetlights and creaks of insects were faint.
you clearly underestimated the time you spent alone, you clearly needed it, but to this expense is cruel.
it was already sun-down. the light of the skies dimmed into darkness with speckles of light. you loved stars, but right now it is the least of your worries.
a faint warm glow reached your face as you faced the establishment. the gentlemen's club. where men of all ages leave home to do man-gossip and escape their wives and homes.
you have no doubt your brother luke may be inside those huge olive doors. but you weren't someone improper to invade his life or the laws made inside the establishment.
you kicked the pebbles on the ground to ease yourself from the amount of blocks you had to walk to reach your front door.
"do not bother-" a deep voice echoed in the streets as it was quickly cut off when you felt weight on your back causing you to trip over.
"my god" you huffed as you caught yourself with your palms. if this evening could get any worse— it just did.
"aa- here sir- ...my lady" he looked at your direction, his words sobering himself up as he saw you.
this gentleman clearly came from the club, and had a few to drink to have such ease.
"no need, i am capable of placing myself on ground.." you said dusting your hands. a little sting emitted from your palms as you saw rips on your gloves, crimson on your skin.
"you are wounded, and i am wreckless, i shall make it up to you miss"
"you admit to your faults, but it doesn't lessen the sting unfortunately" you spoke almost harshly. this builded up the sour mood you've been having since you had to find your way home.
" well i must apologize for my behavior, it was not my intention to cause anyone harm"
how could he notice with his large form. his hair was auburn, his waves complimented the shape of his face. his lips were plump and pouty, it was his prominent feature aside from his fair skin.
"well, there shall be no reason i should hold a grudge sir"
"pardon me, but i beg for you to just call me sebastian. and i shall take you home and assist to your wounds, it's improper for me to leave a lady walk alone in an ungodly hour"
"right.."
"unless your hunting your spouse down at the club? i can call them out"
"i have no spouse sebastian, not yet" you snorted silently, it made you realize how that was unlady like of you, but it only seemed to make sebastian smile.
"i shall call my carriage for us then, if you permit?"
"i am thankful for you, really, i've been walking from the park"
"the park? at this hour?"
"i left at before dusk"
"it's half past eight, you have been walking for over an hour? in those shoes?"
your fears from earlier walking in dark streets with your mind scaring you with the thought of men behind those shadows, sebastian is clearly not one of them. the way you would assume he cares from the way he talks.
"i don't mind if you remove them in the carriage, you'll harvest calluses miss"
"audrey"
"hm?"
"you can call me audrey"
a figure emerged from the night fog, it was a carriage, his carriage.
"as you please, audrey" he offered his hand and bent his body towards you, a familiar figure you saw tonight.
he helped you in as he entered himself. you can't help but feel that the atmosphere grew intimate, it didn't help that you both call each other by name, a complete stranger.
"i would hate to assume you're presence in the gentlemen's club is because the lack of your presence with your wife and family?" you had to make sure.
he chuckled
"if i were a married man, i would not have you here, i would not be out drinking when my suppose family needs me. i am a gentleman" he spoke as if a smile was taunting behind his words, he was amused with you.
light posts passed by your face as the carriage briskly made its way actoss town towards the neighborhood
"miss churchill?" one of your house help seemed to recognize you even in the dim lighting of the streets. the carriage made a full stop queueing sebastian to unload himself from the vehicle.
"good evening, is morie around?" you asked as you made your way down the carriage with the help of sebastian.
"she is inside waiting with your mother miss"
"i request your secrecy of our guests, identity and his visit today ms. herolds" she left a skeptic eye on both of you but quickly shook it off with your request and instead served you both.
"of course miss churchill, please go inside"
"my dear god, audrey! great heavens, i was spending the last moments thinking and worrying of what might've happened to you dear! i even sent our butlers and help to search for you at such hour!" your mother stood from her seat in the common room, arms ready to engulf her previously missing daughter— her arms faltered and dropped to her sides to see the man who followed behind you.
he hesitated entering, he didn't want to impose an improper impression.
"mother, this is sebastian.. i quite literally bumped unto this gentleman while i was on my journey walking back home.. he offered me a ride back" you cleared your throat as you started
"good evening mrs. churchill, i am julio sebastian lennox.. i met audrey and it was the latter, i clumsily bumped unto her causing pain which i apologize for" he bowed and smiled, his stance would seem proper to the untrained eye, but to you who knew of his whereabouts earliery tonight could see that he was trying his hardest to seem sober which made you stifle a laugh.
you were unsure if he would remember tonight, completely or at all. but it was a good thing that the wafting smell of alcohol on his skin already faded with the journey.
your mother called for morie to bring the med kit and to attend to you after hearing of your stories.
"we accept your apology sebastian, i'm sure your head was clear from causing my daughter any injury. thank you for bringing her home" she smiled, smiled as if she knew something all of you did not.
you sat nearby the crackling fireplace. morie knelt in front of you inspecting your body for more injuries. which you accumulated a few bruises from your knees, but mainly your hands were the serious ones.
"it's okay miss, i can help her, after all it was me who caused it" sebastian stood behind morie. the room paused.
"i-if you insist mr. lennox" morie stood and showed you a teasing look when sebastian took place in front of you kneeling.
"you didn't have to, really" you spoke with hushed voice aware of the ears listening
"it's the least i could do"
it didn't take long before he removed your gloves and sanitized your palms. you would lightly seethe by the sting but he would look at you and you would stop.
"i apologize did that hurt?"
he would wrap his handkerchief on your left hand since it had the larger wound.
he would chat with your mom and laugh at her teasing and jokes
"well mrs. churchill, audrey, ms. morie, i must take my leave, i must be overstaying my unwelcomed visit. i apologize once again. "
"no such thing sebastian, feel free to visit again... it's indeed time for bed, we must let you go now, good evening" your mother replied
"have a safe trip home" you chimed in
"good evening" he stood by the door and bowed towards all of you and left.
--
Dearest Gentle Readers,
Our crowd favorite for this season seems to openly keep her options open, considering how she was willingly riding with a gentleman she met at the dark streets of town. Allegedly riding to a destination with no proper chaperone, how scandalous!
It does not plead her case for she was seen dancing around with Marquess Yoon not much of fortnights ago, a passionate dance she only gave to him out of the eight dances, seven were left out of the dance floor.
i'm afraid we cannot conclude her schemes to be pure, peg her for her smart decisions, or peg her for a whore, that is up to you my readers. for i am only the eyes of the ton.
and i am always watching
Yours truly,
Lady Whistledown
--
"a what?!" your silent home now diminishing its quiet state when your mother had finished reading today's whistledown papers
"mother please"
"my daughter is no whore, we must do something to counter this, but we shall not avoid the public, it will only make us seem more guilty" she thought loudly
"i'm embarrassed, i dragged the marquess' name into this mess, what of my relations? what of me when i drag sebastian into this scandal as well?" you buried your face in your palms
"we shall let this pass, do what we do normally"
if your morher to be honest, she would not blame you for harboring gentlemen by your palms— she would pride you for it. she would not bother to make a sermon for you about men, except to choose who you deem worthy of you and your life.
"i dread for what is to pass mother" you dramatically drag your front against the chair, your arms crossed as it supported your head.
"ms. churchill, you have visitors" your butler entered the common room before stepping aside to let the visitor inside.
you quickly sat straight wondering who it may be, your mother staring at the door as she straightened herself.
"good day my ladies, mr. peraldo" he smiled with a bouquet grasped on his left hand.
"this is for ms. churchill" he handed the flowers out to you.
your mother rushed outside to see more visitors, she commanded the common room to be filled with refreshers, tea, and cookies.
to your surprise, your so called scandal is harboring more gentlemen towards you.
you were momentarily left by your mother to entertain suitors, until she decided she wanted to talk to them as well, crossing them out in her mental lists of compatibility and decency to be with you.
as you talked to the suitors without catching a breath, constantly having to end or start a new conversations— some left you both with silence— which created a cycle for the day.
in depths of conversation or silence, you caught yourself glancing to your palm in which sebastian's handkerchief was still in place.
"are you alright miss?"
"yes, just a little bit distracted by the people.."
you concluded a few names with your mother by the end of the day, until you were left with nothing once again due to disagreement.
you both huffed and sat quietly in the room that was utterly filled with bountiful and bright flowers.
"what about the marquess, or sebastian" she sat straight and looked at you.
"that's outrageous mama! none of them even visited us today to present themselves as suitors"
"doesn't matter, they interacted with you for a reason, and what reason but interest" she smiled with pride
"you think so mother?" you asked a little bit softer
"my dear, i would not lie to you" she engulfed you in an embrace before kissing you by your temple and leaving the room to yourself.
your mother's footsteps creaked lightly against the floor, you were left witht your own company
"my lady" your head turned quickly towards the voice
"marquess yoon? what brings you here? please come in" you almost stumble over your own words and offrring him a smile, you surely didn't expect his company residing your home tody
you were curious to where the butler must've been to be absent on announcing the marquess' arrival.
"i'm delighted to see that these beautiful florals accompanied you... i've heard your home has been a hot spot for the ton— for the bachelors."
"ah.. well i was unaware of the mass that will arrive in my home, or for any foreign visitors" the corners of his lips seem to elevate at your words
"you seem tired, must've i come another time miss churchill?"
"it is great that you are here actually, someone who can accompany in long conversations"
you left your home with a chaperone this time, learning a thing or two about your latest scandal paper. he took you to a picnic by the river at the park.
he instinctively brought you a meal from the lack you had today for noon.
"so france, what do you plan to accomplish when you arrive?" he faced you, the afternoon glare seemingly had no effect towards him. he glowed brighter. his raven hair complimenting the glow of his skin.
"i wish to see the world, learn something as well.." you paused "i must apologize for the image i will taint you with, especially for the recent papers, what must they say of you; you're quite identifiable more so that we're in public" your arm tensed up, you placed the strawberry back unto your plate as you heaved your chest for the apology.
"let them talk, that's what people do" he seemed so unbothered by the context you gave him. he accepted it blindly while staring off to the edge of the lake.
"i know that you are not what they make of you, miss churchill"
you didn't know what you were doing there.
just about when you reached the front door, you knocked at the hard wood. the door of the gentlemen's club. it was an hour before the sun set and how you arrived there became a blur, what you were thinking was also a blur.
you knocked again twice. no answer. although you heard voices conversing and some laughing.
you turned your back to the entrance, what the hell were you doing there anyway.
as you walked on the pebbled floor you heard a sudden gust of wind striked by a sharp sound of an opening door
"do not make yourself a fool! my alliances are gentlemen" a loud voice boomed as they forced themselves out of the establishment.
you decided to hastily walk faster, you didn't want to be tangled upon the mess of some drunken men.
"audrey?" you couldn't help yourself but to look.
"sebastian?" "out drinking again i see" you taunt jokingly as he paced towards you
"barely, my.. my friend is up to no good and it put me in a sour mood...."
"mind sharing your thoughts?"he sighed heavily
"he's toying with a new debutante just to raise his family from debt"
"that sounds.. unfortunate, i hope it gets resolved"
"anyways, you're walking home again?" he said diverting the topic
"no.. i just felt like exploring the town.."
"really? and you chose to be here? i offer no offense but this might be the last on the salubrious places you may come to" you bit your lip not wanting to admit more of your presence to the place and allowed him to stare you down with a curious eye and an elevated brow.
"well, it seems like i must show you a much better place, would you like that?"
"alright then" he offered you his arm and you happily placed yours within his.
you thought twice of your decision to come along with sebastian— an absolute stranger, in contrary he did bring you home and aided you due to your first fruitful encounter— for now you were scurrying through dark alleys. it seemed like the sun was to set soon.
the dark colored buildings didn't help the illusion of nightfall, a sense of danger washed through your consciousness when you realized that you were completely unfamiliar of this place. sebastian's keen eye didn't leave your expression unnoticed though.
"i apologize if i made you feel uneasy going through this path but it's much easier and quicker to arrive there... and i wouldn't let malice drive through me to do you wrong audrey. i just want you to know that" he said pausing through the street, his face aligned to yours, his eyes wide and sincere.
"i know.. i trust you" a few seconds of silence passed between the both of you
"well we're here" he led you forward, warm rays of light entered your vision once again. it revealed a large manor by itself and wide yards of grass stretching towards the horizon.
the sun painted the portrait with its hues giving a touch of gold to each and every little thing it touches. the house looks like a summer house, but you doubt anyone lives in it by the way it's so silent, but it still looks well kept.
"this lot belongs to my father, we used to move here during summer because it catered to his activities and much more peaceful away from the ton" he started "i still go here often, when i spend time in solitude, when i need to feel clarity"
"thank you for showing me this idyllic place, it's beautiful" you stared at the horizon.
"it really is" he said looking at you
"what's your plan with this place? it seems like a sacred space for you"
"continue making it a haven, i'll live there before i find for a proper manor for a family, i'd like to paint one last time before i move. what do you plan to do?"
"..people say it's unusual, but i dream to travel, to be an academic, i believe that every child deserves to receive equal treatment" you said truthfully. he nodded along your words, as if he took note of it.
"what the heart desires, will conquer everything non malevolent" his words conveyed his understanding and mutuality to your thoughts.
"it's about time i brought someone here to take it away from its loneliness, you know i used to chase my cousins through the field when we were school boys, and we would return with large stains on our clothes that made my mother scold us" he let a breathy laugh
it seemed like a distant memory of him that will always remind him of happiness, his face rather shows his yearning for it.
"well then you must be quick on your feet, chase me sebastian" you sprinted, gathering your skirts in front of you as you giggled, rush pumping through your veins as it reminded you the childish feeling of being chased.
sebastian, who looked like he was processing your words for a while, suddenly lifted the corners of his lips as he ran after you. his laughter blended along with yours.
unfortunately your clothing didn't bring you so far, with the heels of your shoes slowly digging into the dirt and your occassional tripping on your long skirt brought you just a few more meters passed sebastian's summer house.
"noo!" you screamed as you felt his arms embrace the sides of yours as you dropped your skirts back to its length when you turned to face him, primarily to see if he was close. you both laughed as he swirled you around, your head burried between his neck and shoulder.
the wind brushing the both of you and the tall grass and flowers that decorated it. it was golden hour, it made the illusion that his eyes were too when you stared at them. he looked at you too, except his eyes flickered between yours and your lips, drawing you closer to him.
--
Dearest Gentle Readers,
It seems that mystery man has been revealed! While Miss Audrey Churchill was discovered to be riding with a gentleman one night, turns to be accompanied by Sir Julio Sebastian Lennox— one of the top bachelors of the season and son of the Duke of Malborough, who we recently assumed to be uninterested of being wed this season.
This information was collected due to the public sightings of them in the Duke's summer manor.
Are we to assume that their relationship has passed courtship, and now to be expecting an engagement? For if it is so, you have made a wonderful decision my dear.
Yours Truly,
Lady Whistledown
--
"no! but we nearly kissed morie!" you whisper screamed to your maid as she was getting you dressed for breakfast. you sat in the vanity as she brushed your hair.
"it's no wonder lady whistledown follows you around, you are quite scandalous miss!" she laughed
"this is not funny morie, i was already called a whore" you scrunched uo your nose due to the word
"not directly, but you must choose now, you mustn't continue seeing them both on the same period, it can cause you to lose them both"
"but i am unsure of whom to pick.." you muttered to yourself "i'm not certain that sebastian is even asking for my hand.." morie just stared at you through the mirror with a knowing smile.
for the next few days you have led by yourself, discerning the proper choice for a husband. it came to a stress where you almost made a list on parchment to weigh in their characteristics and capabilities.
one morning you were walking with morie by the streets towards the modiste. she scolded you for staining the beautiful rose colored dress you wore when you had met with sebastian.
hearing the bells as morie pushed through doors, you were quickly stopped as a hand dropped to your shoulder.
"audrey, you must come with me, your suitors are battling witth their fists" your brother gasps as he successfully chased you.
you look back towards morie with concern painted on your face, you faced your brother and quickly nodded.
"how did you learn of this briony?" you asked concerningly as you rode the carriage along with him and morie.
"i visited the gentlemen's club and heard of this event, i knew that the names sounded a little too familiar.." he started "apparently one of them offered a duel, but it was quickly shut down by the other one and settled it to a brawl instead"
"dear god" you huffed on your seat "they're battling in the subjects of?"
"you mustn't think i would bring you to a violent brawl if it didn't concern you my dear sister, now would you?" his sarcasm passed through you for you were frustrated. it seems like they made the choosing for you.
you arrived to a more busy place in town, where laborers would be, except they all came to see the brawl, see it wasn't often when people would set an event for a brawl, it was usually a place for gentlemen to squander money, and well— lose them.
"what have i done" you sighed heavily
you and your brother entered the venue, it had a bleacher type of chairs on opposite ends of the huge box in the middle of it.
it was crowded and busy, speeches turned into a loud hum that vibrated in the four corners of the room. people of all classes seen, but men dominated the audience.
"i place my money on the duke! i heard he has done private sessions"
"i heard the marquess uses more strategic attacks"
"look at his form! put me on that bet!"
you were horrified, even more so when you assumed they have done a brawl before.
your eyes quickly caught the two familiar physique, both wrapped in robes, they were conversing of something serious by the look of the eye, they both seem agitated.
"marquess yoon! seba- mr. lennox!" you rushed immediately towards them, immediately losing your brother briony in the crowd.
more than two heads turned to you, people wondering why you were here, most were shocked, but you couldn't bother to give them attention.
"audrey" sebastian huffed out as he looked at you, his eyes softening
"miss churchill" the marquess rolled his eyes as he heard sebastian, and faced you.
they did know each other, they brought out sides of each other that you haven't seen before. in fact, it seemed like they knew each other longer than you have known them.
the operator whistled, it was about to start.
their chances to converse and explain to you dissipated. both left with their gaze to speak to you.
a hand wrapped around your arm as your realized your brother found you and was urging you to take your seats.
"are we just going to let them fight? can't i talk to them?" you frowned
"you wouldn't want to be between this right now" he said calmly but stern.
it wasn't helping that your mind was still left with indecisiveness and with blank answers, you weren't in the right mind to administrate anything. let it be a fact to you as well that they chose this without you.
you place your face on your palms, swiftly raising it again when you heard another whistle indicating the start of the brawl.
they both enter the ring, as they discarded their robes, their upper body nude. you were appalled, a new sense of emotion rising to your chest, something that you've never learned of before.
you were taught not to stare, but how could you not with the sight in front of you. smooth skin, lightly shining from the humidity of the room met with the afternoon sun. sebastian's skin a bit more brighter than the marquess'. but the marquess was slimmer than the former, still obtaining a built physique.
you looked away saving the dignity and values you had left in you as briony saw you and laughed.
a loud roar came from the crowd when the marquess threw the first punch which hit sebastian right across his cheek. you gasped, standing up to see the scene unfold.
sebastian was quick to throw defense, striking the marquess on his middle. unsure of which side were you on, or even if you should be siding with anyone.
the marquess darkened his gaze as he glared toward sebastian, he lunged forward and threw a series of attacks against his friend.
sebastian merely lifted his arms against himself to protect himself from the impact, backing unto the side of the rink directly across from you. he aimlessly threw more punches that only affected the other lightly.
the crowd from the other side cheered, as the one beside you shouted in encouragement and stress.
"get back up!" you screamed along with them, seeing sebastian slowly shrink. he was clearly bigger than his fellow, and he could easily clear him out, but it seemed like he accepted the punches of frustration, and that spoke enough to you.
as if sebastian heard you, he stood again and swiftly dodged some of the hits jeonghan gave him. he gave him a strong punch, the whole place went quiet when the marquess went still, seemingly in a daze from the hit. sebastian lost his stance, and in the eye of deception the marquess struck him straight on the nose.
he fell to the floor, and the marquess straddled his lower half, restrainingn his movement. he swung his arms consecutively giving blows from both ways to the sides of sebastian's head.
he held his arms straight in front of him, but the marquess did not stop. slowly his arms gave out unable to protect himself. his face looked a lot more swollen now. the last whistle was heard and in that exact moment you saw the way sebastian took the last of his power to move his head and put his gaze on you as the marquess finally stopped, a smile planted on his face, finally leaving his friend alone.
the venue became alive again, the other side screaming in victory and yours in defeat.
a number of people swarmed around the marquess, restraining him from walking freely, he thanked the people and conversed with them, his chest still hevaing in exhaustion. all while his friend seemed to be left alone by people, the ones who were encouraging him now seemed slowed down by defeat.
you walked towards him, but quickly stopped when you heard your brothers voice once again.
"i know that you have estranged feeling for one of them, and that you seem to be confused on which one.. and that i must leave you to choose the person whom you love." his speech seem unfinished. "i heard they were arguing for your hand in matrimony." a truth arises, amidst your confusion. it still seemed incomplete of a reason for all this violence, but you just gave your brother a nod before rushing towards the ring.
a large frame abruptly stopped you from reaching the frame, it was the marquess greeting you with a smile.
"ready to be a marchioness?" he grins, his hands went to frame your face as he gives you a kiss.
your hands flew to his chest pushing him lightly.
"i—" you were quickly cut off hearing the crowd swarming around jeonghan again.
"i'll bring a ring when i visit again ms. churchill" he said before moving along with the crowd.
you removed your glove wiping your lips, absent mindedly entered the ring and sat beside sebastian. he seemed to stare off to jeonghan's figure.
"oh great heavens, are you alright?" you grabbed the sides if his face looking ay his swollen figure. some purple and green spots slowly showing its hue all over his body. a strip of almost dry blood on his nose, and small cuts around his cheeks
"audrey.. you must leave me alone now, i lost the deal and i must yield you to him" he answers placing his hands on top of yours.
"but he did not make a deal with me, i will not!" you stated. "come on now, you're bleeding"
you led him out of the ring, placing him in his robe. he limped leaning forward placing a hand on his stomach as if to aid the pain, the building quickly emptied itself, as you heard thuds from sebastian's limping.
"thank you for being here for me" his head close to yours, his voice just above a whisper. you just nodded and insisted that he focused on his well being for now and leave the words of gratitude for later.
"wait isn't this the lower seymour street?" you scanned the place as it looked familiar
"for a person who looked like you wanted to leave immediately, you seem to remember this place well" he chuckled lightly before wincing.
"so your summer house is just two blocks away, let's go there instead" you said now leading him to his home with assistance.
it didn't take you long to reach his house. the patio's arch welcoming the joth of you. with a pillar to finally rest on after walking, you both decided to catch a quick breath.
the house seemd quiet but peaceful.
"are there no helpers inside?" you asked peeking through the glass
"no.. they just come twice a month for maintenance" he huffed unlocking the door.
the light rays peeked through each glass, brightening the place, it was beautiful, filled with furniture of the same style. a home with no one inside it.
you looked at the place in awe, it ws beautiful. clean white walls with engraving and pillars that strecthed to the other end of the house. big staircase on both corners. archers on both sides that led to more rooms.
polished wooden floor with carpets over them. you wondered if it really had been lived in.
"you must rest, i'll look for the medical kit" you told him, he went to walk towards the common room to lay down, limping a bit with silenced wincing.
it took you a few rooms and cabinet-opening, drawer-pulling to finally find it. you quickly returned to the common room finding sebastian sitting with his legs raised, his arm laying over the backrest of the seat. his head facing the sun that was soon to set.
his hair seeming golden with the afternoon light. his skin glowed despite being beaten up today. it almost felt like looking at a painting, you wanted to stay there, for stepping in the room felt like disturbing his peace.
it was a moment that felt like waking up at dusk, meeting the sun as it rises, a warm cup of tea on your hand for you were englufed in the crisp morning fog. the kind of peace of having time to yourself before life started, before are people are awake, before the noise creeps into the day.
"i found it" you falsely coughed as you entered, his face traced the path you made with his eyes.
"this seems familiar" he smiled, reminding the both of you of an incident not too long ago.
"i guess it's my time to repay your service"
"thank you" he said almost too softly, too genuinely.
"no worries sebastian, we have each other's friendship, don't we?"
"i- mhm, i guess you are right"
a momentary silence passed between the two of you, it quietly queued him to take of his clothing for you to help him. you traced his wound at his middle to inspect the depth of the wound, your touch made him gasp lightly— which you tried to ignore.
you sanitized his wounds before wrapping them up, including his leg that he seemed to give a minir injury so you just wrapped it tightly with a bandage.
"please don't fight again, with him, or with anyone"
"i place it on my honor to say that i tried, jeonghan- he was my friend. and our disagreement led us too far" he sighed heavily
you kneeled in front of him, your faces leveled. you dabbed medicine on his cuts.
"ssst!" his eyes closed, his teetch clenched together.
sometimes the biggest pains comes from the smallest wounds.
"i would try to console you, but i heard it was you who invited him to a brawl"
"he invited me to a duel!" he cried as if to tell you that your judgement was unfair
"and i beg the heavens that it will never happen. what you both did was utter nonsense! you are friends"
his mouth opened, then closed, reasons to holding his words back only kept to him.
he winced finally as you put medicine on his lips before packing the kit away.
"how did you know him anyway?"
"i met him at the first ball of the season.. and he asked me to dance" you told him honestly, you were comfortable to tell him everything of your soul, you didn't know why.
"you must've done something to have bewitched him"
"i hardly done anything... i'm unsure if he even wants to proceed to courtship"
"he does"
"how can you be sure?"
"because we battled for your hand..."
you wanted to say something, but your response fled like the early afternoon sky
"he told me he was going to marry you, and i disagreed with him, i told him i was going to make you a lennox"
the air got caught in your throat, your eyes met. a gravitational pull happened between both of you, your lips met, his warmth made your mind hazy. clueless as you were, your tongue met his lips. he pulled away.
"i mustn't, i'm a gentleman" his fingers holding your chin
"please" you begged, your voice hoarse.
this wasn't where you both expected to be, or what you thought would happen. sebastian had so much to say, but had so much to do.
"you shouldn't carry me! put me down!"
it's as if the heat took his pain and made it into drive, he nestled you in his arms swiftly, bringing you to a large sleeping quarters, who's you may ask, you didn't care.
he placed you softly on thr ground, your feet merting the carpet.
"audrey.. are you certain?"
"make me a lennox, sebastian" you told him. despite your words, you both came to an understanding that you weren't after his title, or his wealth. you were there for him.
you faced your back against him, your eyes meeting in the mirror before the both of you.
in that moment, you knew it, once again reminded that you were fated. that you belonged to each other. that even without the wedding rings, he was embroidered in your skin with the scar he gave you on your palms. that he was yours for the cut on his lips that fought for you.
you shivered feeling the tips of his fingers meeting the bare of your back as he unbuttoned the dress you wore. his warm lips meeting the curve of your neck, slithering down to your shoulders. and on the last button, your dress fell off your shoulder, he placed one final kiss on your shoulder before bringing his face up to look at you through the mirror.
"you're so beautiful" he stared admiring your figure
his habds drifted to the ribbon of your corset, slowly his fingers pulled the intertwining pattern off its loops, slowly the corset hang loosely around you. with one final tug it all fell.
your face went to look at him, with one peck he spoke.
"show me" his lips touched your ear as he spoke. his hand placed on your shoulder, slowly descending to your arm with his fingers.
your hands got busy to undress your undergarments.
another small thud was heard because of the clothing that met with the floor. you were bare, and the sight caused sebastian to gasp.
he placed his big warm hands on your waist after he turned your body to face him.
with a beat passing by, your lips once again met. slowly striding in the quarters. you felt the edge of the bed behind your knees, but sebastaian did not stop, he continued kisisng you as he laid you down.
your body adjusting towards the middle of the bed, his lips encaging yours, his tongue explored yours.
you released a low moan causing him to groan. he separated with you as he slowly knelt before you.
in confusion you wanted to ask him what he was to do, but in the heat of pleasure you would let him do anything to you.
his strong arms encircled your thighs as he tugged your end to meet the edge of the bed. his eyes flying to your face to watch you watch him. his face still facing towards your womanhood.
his tongue met the skin with one long slow stripe.
"god-" you grumbled leaning back to the bed
he licked again on the other side, before finally meeting your middle. his hot tongue stimulated you. his tongue dipled towards your entrance which made you grab his hair, your back arching.
"mmh"
"feel good?"
you were too dazed to reply.
his tongue was leaving a mess on you, your vagina was glistening with his saliva. his tongue went back to your entrance, slowly entering his thick, warm muscle. he thrusted it on your entrance, his sharp nose meeting your clit, almost making you scream.
his thumb met with your clit as he rubbed it in circles.
"fuck" you gasped, your back arching and lifting against the bed.
you thrusted your hips against his face, he moaned against you sending waves through your body.
with a final hum you felt the peak of pleasure flowing through you as you rode to oblivion.
his lips met yours again, his hands wandered throughout your body, his hands finding your breasts, he massaged it with hus rught arm. his lips left wet kisses trailing to your other breast.
he engulfed your breast within his mouth, sucking on your nipples. his other hand now trailed to your heat. with slow massages on the clit, it descended to your entrance.
his middle finger feeling big and warm. the foreign feeling left you chanting his name. he added another one and thrusted it quickly, your wetness was heard echoing through the walls. you were beyond wet. your entrance sucked his fingers so well, his thumb met your clit once again. with the familiar feeling on your stomach, your moans became louder.
"aah- a, slow down, mmph" you bit on your hand to silence yourself.
"let me hear you, it's just us here audrey" he stopped sucking your breast before sucking once again on your neck, another shape of redness collecting around your body.
your hand instinctively reached for his pants, you felt his hard cock stretching the fabric, you cupped it and slowly rubbed.
"aa- shit" he huffed, you continued sqeezing it slightly, it was the first time you hear him moan si loud.
"mmh, ahh... don't stop" he said biting your neck
he pulled away kneeling before you as he unbuttoned his pants. when he pulled his garments down, he wuickly discarded them and threw it across the floor.
seeing his dick made your heat throb.
it was huge.
bigger than you'd thought it would be, his fingers did not suffice to prepare you for it.
"i don't think it'll fit" you said staring, you stared at his naked glory, his skin glowing like earlier, his skin milky white and smooth. but rather damaged due to his injuries earlier.
"i'll make it fit, my love" he chuckled lowly
you smiled at him, you felt safe, you felt loved.
he crawled back on top of you. your knees on both sides of his hips.
"tell me if it hurts, i'll stop, we'll go by your pace audrey"
"i trust you" you looked at him, and from above you he kissed you deeply.
his tip rubbing on your heat, before he finallg pushed it inside.
"aaa- a"
he kissed you deeply trying to divert your attention so you wouldn't feel scared.
when you feel him stop moving you exhaled as if to show release. his forehead pressed onto yours staring into your eyes.
"it's halfway in"
"only halfway? i feel like i'm torn into two" he chuckled
"do you want me to stop?" he asked with concern
"no don't!" you said hastily, your legs clumsily wrapping around his hips accidentally forcing him to lean on you, the rest of his length buried in you.
"a—ahh!" you screamed, your back arching forcing him even deeper, your chests and skin meeting. you felt like you were on fire.
"fuck— ahh" he moaned, his breath hitting your face.
he was so deep in you, it pressed unto your flesh that gave you so much pleasure.
his hands traced on your middle before stopping just below your navel. he pressed you on that spot, an evident bulge shape seen.
"you feel that?".... "it's gonna reach further" he whispered
"please" you said airily.
his hips pulled back before slowly but strongly pushing back in, it left you both moaning against each other's lips. his hips restlessly drilled unto yours. it fet like pushing a barrier within you.
your stomach tightened, the familiar heat coming back to you. sebastian was passionately thrusting into you, making sure he was careful, he pushed his hips deeper, repeatedly.
loud sounds of skin meeting was heard, it almost sounded violent. you felt the frame of the bed shake, the wood creaked, the thudding became louder as it met the wall.
"god you feel so good" he huffed his hips busy
as if his direction felt different, his tip was pushing something within you that made your stomach twist. your walls clamping him in due to the pleasure.
"aa– a fuck" he groaned.
with a few more thrusts, you felt your high again, riding it out as your hips met his, feeling him deeper, you clamped unti him more before he quickly pulled out and pumped his cock in front of you. his release tainting your skin white.
a warm liquid droplet landed on your face. but you were feeling too good to be bothered by it. this experience led to your revelations.
he looked at you after catching his breath once again. he chuckled seeing your expression.
"i apologize for that" he said wiping your face
"it's alright" you held his hand, placing it on top of his
"audrey.. i mean it, i will marry you, and after this i really should" but his words didn't sound like he was trying to convince you, it was a vow.
sebastian told you he would ask for your hand in marriage from your family. so you anxiously waited for the next few days for his arrival. you knew that he would have to deal with his own family before he could ask for your hand, after all he had a title, inheritance, and assets to claim.
you didn't tell anyone where you were after the brawl— not even morie. you knew it would turn against you if someone decided not to keep your secret.
you sat in the common room with your mother, she was embroidering, while you were practicing the piano forte.
a knock on the entrance was heard.
"ms. churchill, you have a visitor" the butler said. your hands ringed in anxiety. you pressed the wrong key and decided to stop playing.
you awaited for the visitor, hearing their footsteps. your eyes widen at the sight.
"marquess yoon?" you stood up too quickly.
"viscountess, ms. churchill" he bowed as a greeting "i was told to bring ms. churchill with me to the queen for her blessing in our engagement"
you and your mother was shocked, frozen as if you both were struck by lightning. with no time to waste you were quickly dressed to be sent to the castle.
the ride was quick, you didn't utter any words to each other.
when you arrived you were quickly escorted to a chamber facing big doors as you were announced to enter.
you bowed at the queen before settling on the designated seat for the both of you.
you gave a courteous smile, jeonghan reached for your hand and held it.
"we are truly grateful for your blessing, your majesty" he bowed with a grin on his face
"my blessing? i said no such thing my boy"
for a moment his smile faded, but quickly recovered. it was so fast you would miss it if you blinked.
"so i see you have taken the hand of my season's favorite.. how did you fall in love?"
it was no secret that the queen loved scandal, you heard a previous favorite was quickly forgotten due to her plain and safe attitude, not that you intended to be wrapped in problematic scenarios.
"it was the first ball, against multiple suitors, she chose me to dance with... that night it was only us two, and that's when i knew, that i should wed ms. churchill, your highness"
her gaze flickered to you, you nodded silently and just smiled, letting him paint the story. the farthest lie you could give was a smile and nod.
not when you wished it was sebastian who was beside you, not when you had thought multiple ways to be with him while you were beside his so called friend. you couldn't lie, because what you both had was to sacred to taint
the talk you had with the queen stretched for so long, it was all filled with the marquess' story telling, his words stinging the air with lies of love.
it would be a lie if you said that you never found him an attractive gentleman, because you did once, you did when he felt like a genuine company. when he would grin and ask for partnership in dancing.
the queen was bored, because she had the same look on her face that you had.
the palace staff had to bring out biscuits and tea, now all crumbs and specks of the tea plant going through drought in that cup.
she got her mood uo every now and then when she inhales a tiny spoonful of the white powder she keeps beside her seat. you did not know for certain, but you felt her gaze on you, almost with sympathy.
it finally concluded.
you were escorted back to the entrance waiting for your carriage ride. the marquess smiles at you.
"now i can finally ask for your hand from your family..." he started "i must let you know that sebastian isn't serious, he's always deflowering every maiden he sets his eyes upon, it's a great thing that i could act quickly before he did" his voice turned serious. something sinister wrapped his words.
you just stared at him silently, your brows frown slightly in disbelief of his words. he turned his head back towards you seeing your expression and he froze quickly.
"he did it didn't he?" his body stiffened
the whole ride back to your manor was quiet. he sat so stiffly that you unconsciously mirrored his posture, because you both had a lot in mind.
before you could enter the smaller road towards the village you lived in the carriage halted abruptly, both physically shaken inside the vehicle.
"is there a problem?" jeonghan conversed to the coachman, his voiced raised.
then a loud bang was heard, somebody pulled the doors open strongly, causing it ti hit the exterior of the carriage.
"sebastian?" your eyes widen in surprise. however he couldn't spare you any time when he was dragging the marquess by the collar.
"you brought her to the queen?!" he exclaimed tugging at the collar he held.
"and you, don't think i am unaware of what you have done to her, i won the brawl, now do your part of the agreement." he said calmly, but you could sense his irritation.
"i lost the brawl because i didn't want to hurt my friend" he said through his teeth
"then lose to our duel against another suitor" the marquess challenged the latter.
"certainly not!" you said loudly making them both face you. sebastian's poise faltered momentarily. the marquess
"before the sun rises, you know where i'll be" he finally said
you couldn't sleep well that night, you tossed and turned. and that's when you decided to not sleep at all.
in the midst of the night, where everyone was asleep, you slipped out of your nightgown and dressed yourself before quietly sneaking into the maiden's quarters in which you forced morie to wake.
"audrey, is there something wrong?"
"morie you must help me, sebastian and the marquess is having a duel before the sun rises, we must do something" she stared at you processing the words you said and eagerly nodded.
you both wore dark robes and left in the quiet night.
"we'll have to split audrey, we don't have enough time. you'll hahe to go there before me"
you faced her seeing that she was watching the time of hour, you had barely enough time to both of them.
"morie please be careful" you said holding her hand tightly as you smiled ar her, your lips thinned into a line, but your eyes stayed dull and full of worry.
"this is the biggest honor to do for you" she said
your pecked her cheek. morie was the closest thing you could have to an older sister. you always saw and treated her as an equal.
she pulled away first scurrying fast into the dim streets. you bit your lip anxiously, you quickly headed to the cabin a few streets away from your home taking your horse from the keeper.
once your horse step foot on the cobble streets you commanded it to go faster, your upper body tilting forward due to the speed.
you hoped you were right, you hoped you aren't too late.
your swift ride was caught by the rising sun, blue hues displayed on the sky, you muttered prayers, begging the heavens against the agreement the gentlemen had.
your eyes caught the familiar street as your turned towards it. your horse ran faster, the quick clicks of its feet meeting the cobble floor echoing through the empty streets.
the dusk lifting away, it was sebastian's summer estate. you pushed harder, you and your horse's ribs flared through quickened breaths.
you unloaded from your seat and ran towards the horizon where you see four figures grouped into two, a distance between, they were covered by a few trees, hidden in plain sight.
suddenly the gentlemen are put on their backs and paced a few steps forward, furthering away from each other before. your legs almost gave up on you when you saw them face each other.
"STOP!" your scream rolled of your throat, and at the very same moment you heard a hollow explosive sound. your body dropping to the ground, your knees flat on the soil, you bent over it a silent whimper released from you.
three heads faced towards you, you can identify two of them, but the other was not facing you.
it was sebastian who looked at you, it was sebastian who raised his gun towards the sky, it was sebastain who ran towards you.
your cries howled in the wind. you felt his arms embrace you, you held it.
you felt morie kneel beside you, her hands gray and filled with powder, her pockets full with metallic materials making noise as she went closer to you.
finally looking at the scene, you stared at everyone, no one laid injured. you stood up hugging sebastian tightly.
"it's alright audrey, don't cry, none of us were hurt" he whispered to you.
the marquess had his knees planted on the ground, he was still as if he was frozen. his gun was dropped beside him.
you walked towards him to see if he was alright.
"i'm sorry—i'm sorry, i am in your debt, both of yours" his voice ran hoarse.
you hugged him, out of pity, out sympathy. that even you figured out that he was to make you a victim, you knew he was helpless.
after the unsuccessful affair of honor, everyone held shelter under the lennox estate.
"i must alologize firstly to you, ms.churchill. it is true that i had the motive to marry you for my financial benefit... i said the truth that my father died but shielding you from the truth that my mother used our funds recklessly..." he started his head down, occassionally looking at you and sebastian.
he stood up facing his friend. "i shouldn't have my problems come between us, that it led to manipulation and violence. i am stripped of my honor, and i ask for forgiveness" the men shook hands, both silent.
they discussed further privately, and you were glad to see them slowly mending their relationship. sebastian loaned him money— that the marquess promised to repay with more— and sent him back to the east to resolve their financial debt and social image.
--
Dearest Gentle Readers,
You may think you have escaped me by beginning the festivities at dusk, fear more for I have eyes that does not sleep, and ears that listens everywhere, and to anyone, all at once.
The Marquess Yoon and a certain Mr. Lennox held an affair of honor in the Lennox summer estate, for the hand of Ms. Churchill which we now know infamously. The debutante that causes extreme ignite of adoration which may unfortunately lead to death.
The said Marquess Yoon fled to the East the previous afternoon, exposing the real champion of their fight. It may come to your curiosity on how both survived? A handy little handmaiden unloaded the Marquess's equipment before the battle.
Setting the duel at the Lennox affair might be the lucky charm of Mr. Julio Sebastian Lennox due to their upcoming wedding by the end of the season.
Cheers to Mr. and soon to be Mrs. Lennox Duke and Duchess of Malborough and successful courtship and engagement. However, this courtship won't officially end until the crown says yes.
Yours truly,
Lady Whistledown
--
it was almost like deja vu, except it wasn't, because you have been in the exact same walls, room and searing for the same reason for the second time.
the queen's expression seemed lighter, a small smile presented upon her lips.
"ms. churchill again, and mr. lennox" he said
"your majesty" he bowed
"care to tell me a word of how this happened this time ms. churchill?"
"...what we have is something i didn't plan to happen, however it is also something i wouldn't trade" you looked at sebastian, he was looking at you and listening word for word.
this time it was your voice that filled the walls, and the ears of whomever listened. you talked endlessly, leaving your fiancé speechless.
for you talked like he was the most interesting and relevant thing to talk about.
"i see my dear, what you have is something that even i cannot forbid... now flee, wed, and i assume you will no longer need illustrations for your honeymoon?" she grinned teasingly, she reflected a knowing smile which made your cheeks burn.
but you were okay with that because sebastian's ear burned just the same.
the lennox estate became your favorite place, even if it witnessed a lot of strange things, both good and negative; it was also a witness of your love. it held up in the strongest of storms, and it shined in the summer sun.
it became an unofficial house where you both resided before you married.
today you invited both of your parents to build your relationship to the family of your beloved.
"mr and mrs. lennox, i'm glad to see you" you greeted them and led them towards the common room where your parents were waiting.
"oh please audrey dear, call me mama, you are already my daughter" she cheered
"you're the first lady sebastian mentioned to us, and it seems like you will be the last" his father spoke
"he barely left the house until we forced him to go out, he would always be coming from the gentleman's club ir hiding here" mrs. lennox giggled
you couldn't help but grin
"what must you be telling audrey about me" his brow raised, he hugged them as greetings
your parents quickly skipped over the niceties and started laughing upon each other's statements, most of them which shared memories from which where you were young.
"when she was 6 she got a hold of scissors, the next day she ended up having the same haircut as her brother, people would confuse them as the other!" your mother said
"i'm hlad we offered tea, if we gave her wine who knows what she'll say" you buried your head on sebastian's chest hiding your face in embarrassment.
he chuckled at your words and hugged you. it was like the both of you were not present from the way your parents talked.
the meeting stretched to noon, supper was soon coming. it was when your parents finally decided it was time for them to part ways with you as you walked them out, kissing their cheeks as farewell.
the door made a loud sound as it shut behind the both of you.
"so jeonghan was lying when he said you were going around.. sleeping with other women" your voice teasing but to you it held a genuine question.
"if i had slept with so many women i wouldn't have came so fast when i was eating you out." he said "so no, it isn't true.."
"oh and you must go to the modiste soon, enough dresses for a month trip, our honeymoon will be in the city of love" he said grinning widely.
"you're serious?" you froze
he nodded at you
you ran towards him pecking his lips repeatedly, your kisses blurred into long messy ones, his tongue in your mouth once again, leaving you breathless.
he pulled away lightly, the detachment made a wet smacking sound. his forehead leaned unto yours and your lips still touching.
first fic since i came back to writing again, i hope you guys love it. i've poured 3 weeks of work into this. this is the longest fic i've ever writen alsoo😭
feel free to tell me your thoughts about it!! requests and asks are open🤍 it's good to be back
synopsis : it isn't unusual for a woman of the right age to hope for the best suitors after having her debut to england's high society, you just didn't expect to bag a douche... a duke!
warnings : highly inspired by bridgerton, non-accurate representation of the regency period or its language. mdni, smut, profanities, and tw for whatever's triggering or offensive (unintended)
"audrey darling, are you sure you're ready to go?" your mother stared you down with keen eyes.
"do i not look presentable mama?" she worriedly puffed down the sides of her bountiful iridescent dress.
"let's maybe put more rouge on for more colour on your face" she paced closer to your vanity, clutching the silver box within her fingers as crimson painted her hands, transferred unto the apple of your cheeks and unto your lips.
"better" she commented
"shall we go?" i asked as i glanced at the mirror to make sure my face is well.
"yes, we are rather late"
the clacking footsteps of the horses soon came to met the ears as it dragged the large wheels of the carriage to the front of your estate, your mother grabbing your arm as if you were full of helium.
you couldn't lie to yourself, from the way your leg was twitching, your fingers restlessly finding for something to fidget on— you were nervous to your core.
you recited each step of today from the might before just to make sure you were doing everything right.
your anxiety unfortunately took over and made your mind go hazy and blank. that's why you forget to ask your maid to put rouge on you.
the quivering weight of all the expectations and events before you was making you crumble. why did you have to grow old so soon, to build a life and family, as a woman who haven't attended academies, schools, or gone to travel for discoveries.
as silly at it was heard, you were like every other human, you wanted what you couldn't have. you were sure you were bright, and maybe even brighter than your brothers to be capable of studies, adventure, life on your own.
you couldn't lose it to what society expected of you as a woman, to hell with it. you just hoped your husband to be truly kind enough to indulge you in your desires, to dream that even one of them came to reality.
the long feather pinned to your hair stuttered it's motion as your carriage claims a stop. here you were, a mere moment away from the judgement of your life and what's to come. queen charlotte beholds a esoteric mouth, and you hope it lands grace on you.
you desire her majesty's approval to ensure a suitor that will be capable to provide your goals financially, or even come close to it considering the dowry your family holds for you.
stepping through the halls of the castle, the silence deafens your ears as anxiety pulses through your veins, you forgot who you just greeted by the door, or if you got their name right, all you knew was you were facing the two grand doors that held the halls of everyone you knew, and one mattered the most.
thought that came to your head, soon you realized it was your mother's.
a deep breath was placed before the echoing sound of your heels as it met the marble floors advancing your body towards the throne.
don't look at anyone, it'll make you nervous
your eye landed to the queen's.
...
absolute silence before you offered a deep bow with your graceful smile.
"exquisite!" you were almost met with a booming laughter, soon a mass of people's laughter joined.
enveloped with confusion you were now commanded to stand upright.
she was delighted? you glanced around as people were smiling through confusion but was always joint with the queen's opinions.
"exquisite even with a smudge of rouge dear" she whispered, gliding her thumb through your cheek, crimson was placed on her hand.
you were walking around with that?!
you almost wanted to be mad at your mother for the image she had given of you towards the crowd, soon you understood that she as well was deeply anticipating this occassion, no wonder she was laced with nervousness.
the moening sun rose to noon, as gossip spread through town like wildfire.
"i can't believe she was called that with a clump of rouge on her cheek! they must've made some deal with the queen" a maiden voice ushered
"you stench of jealousy, what must the queen be in need of for such favor?" a skeptic voice replied
"you'll still have a suitor... i hope" one bantered
this day was about you apparently, and everyone made it known.
"lady whistledown's papers!" a boy not taller than your leg sprawled around town with his little legs, arms reaching out to hand the letters.
"what an odd time for her papers" your mother said
--
Dearest Gentle Readers,
I know that you have missed me, but with the season starting I couldn't help but make you remember what you'll always miss— gossip!
It's no secret that the Queen has procclaimed this season's favorite, Audrey Churchill, bestow this word to the Churchill residence for having a timeless beauty alongside their family home. She is announced as the season's pearl, quite charming alike to the season's first.
I do not doubt that her charms will bring home suitors, but beware dear Audrey, for men will make you grow weary. Choose wisely.
Yours truly,
Lady Whistledown
--
you sighed, whispering silent prayers that lady whistledown's assumptions grow dull to the ears of your fate.
"so mother.. cookies and tea?"
she nodded to your offer and entered a pastry shop. the bright and colorful interior welcomed you both as it shone through the luminous rays of light of the afternoon sun.
"we must attend all the balls this season seamlessly, your presence will be important, but we must not come so early... the attention will be on you if we enter during the program.." your mother schemes an intricate exposure of yourself to gain the upper hand of being the queen's favorite so far.
unlike any other, the queen isn't afraid of switching up if she deems rightfully to her opinion.
you silently sat and munch on your cookies and silently sipped your tea while your mom was busy scheduling your life for the foreseeable future.
"I shall ask your brother Briony to sum up a list of agreeable suitors, and you my dear shall keep your grace" she patted your cheek
as the night falls of a new day, you stood in your room staring blankly at the facade that meets you when you faced the mirror.
all wrapped up in your corset and undergarments, you think mindlessly on how you should help the situation.
your mother ordering a lot of helpers to get you ready for the first ball of this season. your personal helper morie stood beside you as she helped you slipping into your finest silk dress with the hue of the sunny skies, it suited your complexion well, and makes your skin glow.
"do i need much help to look appalling morie?" you asked
"miss churchill, i'm sure it's just that the viscountess wishes a perfect evening for you" she replied dusting off your skirt
"i hope all effort would not go to waste then" you said as you wore your gloves
morie lifted the silver on her hands as she opened the rouge. "i'll make sure you are the one to paint me with rouge after my mother's nervous attempt to groom me" you chuckled slilently as morie bit her lip to stop herself to do so.
"your mother is willing to put out one of your families pearls and jewelry for you to wear, my lady" she smiled as she looked at the entrance of your room
your mom clutched a box which you knew, held the most gorgeous jewelry sets you could see. it was no secret to yourself that pressure was building upon your shoulders which you wish to ignore.
you're putting yourself out there, for the dreams you aspire not to keep as it is.
later arriving at a tall structure of ivory filled with arches and pillars engraved with cherubs and intricate designs, you felt the evening breeze greet your cheeks.
the warm glow of bulbs and candles surfaced the mood, an orchestra playing to the right balcony. as you descended to an open field of people mingling and dancing.
you were greeted by palace men who guarded the entrance and the venue. you clutched the fan around your palms as you used it to air out on your face.
the dance card threaded with a lace ribbon was attached to your wrist as well didn't go unnoticed by men around you, soon filling in front of you to ask for a round of dancing.
"miss may i invite you for a dance?" one said
"i have always been a charm at dancing since i was a boy" another invited
"nice way to tell her you're more feminine than- that hurt!" what it seemed to be his friend commented
you were overwhelmed and stepped back from them to compose your mind. your mother long gone as she found her friends around the refreshment table. a hand grabbed yours, it brought you back to consciousness.
"i have two left feet, but i hope to not cause pain to your toes if you let me?"
a handsome man held your hand, his hair ebony and dark, fell just around his eyes, his eyes feline sharp, his skin pale and features soft and dainty. he had a slender figure that made you tilt your head a bit just to meet his eye.
"you may" the only words you could muster to let out after staring at him
he wrote his name on your dance card, first of the 8 dances tonight.
"you're quite a stunner lady churchill"
"thank you.. uh"
"oh, how could i even ask for a dance— i haven't introduced myself! i'm marquess yoon jeonghan from foreign lands of the east.
"it's a pleasure to meet you marquess yoon" you offered a smile.
"may i fetch you some refreshments?"
"let my gratitude be known"
you bit your lip, holding back a smile. maybe your morher's pearls really did contribute to the name that was written on your dance card. he really did save you back there from the swamp of men, you were quite unsure how to turn most of them down due to their reputation and displeasing attitude.
it was just a little time before you realized that you have clicked with the marquess. spectators would assume you've bagged your first suitor.
"how did you obtain a title in such age?" words that came out of your mouth at the speed of your thoughts, toi late to realize that maybe you went into the line drawn called barriers.
"i apologize i didn't-"
"it's alright, a lot of people are perplexed by my title as well... i had it when my late father.. passed a few years back"
"condolences"
"i appreciate it... i would mostly appreciate it if you took this dance with me" he asked when the faint hums of the orchestra slowly started pacing the song. he bent before you, offering a hand to ask for yours.
"you're a smooth talker huh" you smiled with tease
"i would assume you're just amused by me" he retorted
"both can be true at the same clock"
you both fell silent, the kind of silence that partakes when rhythym flows smoothly and when those dance practices when you were mere children alterned into muscle memory.
you both stood adjacent to each other, facing different directions. arms raised to your chests as your palms almost touch at the height of your faces.
the moment that the warm lights hit his face in the half second you looked at him, it was like his cold eyes thawed, the corner of his lips raising slightly. he was gorgeous guy. he wasn't alike to the other lords you've seen. his eyes mimicked a cat, while his hair was naturally grown to his nape, almost longer than his shoulders, tied with a silk bow.
the music pacing slowly went quiet as it warns of its ceasing. the rows of people dancing in synchronous motions bowed to their respective dance partners, so did the two of you.
"i had such a pleasant evening, i offer you my gratitude" you smiled at him
"can't help myself with to give you attention to where it is clearly due" he mirrored your smile
"good evening" you bowed as you dismissed yourself. it felt right not to satisfy both of you tonight, you had to meet more of the people.
you needed choices and not dumb love. and you couldn't be possibly right with the first match you've experienced.
it was safe to announce you never met him again for the rest of the evening, and neither your mother.
a few days passed, and today you had another publicity presence to attend. to spend time in the park with the ton. it was more laid back compared to other events, which gave you freedom to ease yourself as you didn't feel eyes constantly on you.
you rode horses with your brother to the park, your mother arrived earlier with her carriage, ready to mingle with other mamas.
a feeling of light melancholy engulfed you, you didn't come across the marquess during that afternoon. aside from the fleeting suitors that faced you, offering flowers, or presenting names, although it left you hopeful, your brother chose to swat them away like pests.
"what was that for?"
"they are no good, lucky for you and unfortunate for me, i was stuck with mother the other day while she was scanning profiles of the ton, you would think they are decent until you come to meet with them when you're trapped with a ring on your finger my dear sister"
"i'm not so dense to be unable to choose for myself still"
"if you suggest so, but definitely not mr. maxwell or mr. danburry— unrelated to the queen, mr–"
"i think that's enough brother"
"right, i'll go play those games near the fair we passed earlier, care to join?"
"i'm quite fine, thank you, i'll resort to walking along the lake"
he didn't need to be told twice before leaving to the opposite direction to join more men in games alongside young academics.
you got down your horse, and set your foot on the pavement, oppening your parasol deflecting the heat and intense rays of the afternoon sun.
you indeed walked, fed the ducks, and even passed stores and stands in which you considered to purchase items from, it was a good idea to leave without money so you wouldn't have spent it carelessly.
it was late until you realized it. the sun was to meet the ends of the horizon, painting the skies different hues of summer. it was when you sobered with the thought of being alone with no chaperone, or transportation to go home.
you made rounds in hopes to be reunited with your family. to your unfortunate demise, they were in fact gone.
you walked home
stupid pearl of the season walking back to her manor.
the streets grew a bit chilly as the edge of your heels met the cobblestoned floor. the light clicks filled the silence of the night. the hums of rhe streetlights and creaks of insects were faint.
you clearly underestimated the time you spent alone, you clearly needed it, but to this expense is cruel.
it was already sun-down. the light of the skies dimmed into darkness with speckles of light. you loved stars, but right now it is the least of your worries.
a faint warm glow reached your face as you faced the establishment. the gentlemen's club. where men of all ages leave home to do man-gossip and escape their wives and homes.
you have no doubt your brother luke may be inside those huge olive doors. but you weren't someone improper to invade his life or the laws made inside the establishment.
you kicked the pebbles on the ground to ease yourself from the amount of blocks you had to walk to reach your front door.
"do not bother-" a deep voice echoed in the streets as it was quickly cut off when you felt weight on your back causing you to trip over.
"my god" you huffed as you caught yourself with your palms. if this evening could get any worse— it just did.
"aa- here sir- ...my lady" he looked at your direction, his words sobering himself up as he saw you.
this gentleman clearly came from the club, and had a few to drink to have such ease.
"no need, i am capable of placing myself on ground.." you said dusting your hands. a little sting emitted from your palms as you saw rips on your gloves, crimson on your skin.
"you are wounded, and i am wreckless, i shall make it up to you miss"
"you admit to your faults, but it doesn't lessen the sting unfortunately" you spoke almost harshly. this builded up the sour mood you've been having since you had to find your way home.
" well i must apologize for my behavior, it was not my intention to cause anyone harm"
how could he notice with his large form. his hair was auburn, his waves complimented the shape of his face. his lips were plump and pouty, it was his prominent feature aside from his fair skin.
"well, there shall be no reason i should hold a grudge sir"
"pardon me, but i beg for you to just call me sebastian. and i shall take you home and assist to your wounds, it's improper for me to leave a lady walk alone in an ungodly hour"
"right.."
"unless your hunting your spouse down at the club? i can call them out"
"i have no spouse sebastian, not yet" you snorted silently, it made you realize how that was unlady like of you, but it only seemed to make sebastian smile.
"i shall call my carriage for us then, if you permit?"
"i am thankful for you, really, i've been walking from the park"
"the park? at this hour?"
"i left at before dusk"
"it's half past eight, you have been walking for over an hour? in those shoes?"
your fears from earlier walking in dark streets with your mind scaring you with the thought of men behind those shadows, sebastian is clearly not one of them. the way you would assume he cares from the way he talks.
"i don't mind if you remove them in the carriage, you'll harvest calluses miss"
"audrey"
"hm?"
"you can call me audrey"
a figure emerged from the night fog, it was a carriage, his carriage.
"as you please, audrey" he offered his hand and bent his body towards you, a familiar figure you saw tonight.
he helped you in as he entered himself. you can't help but feel that the atmosphere grew intimate, it didn't help that you both call each other by name, a complete stranger.
"i would hate to assume you're presence in the gentlemen's club is because the lack of your presence with your wife and family?" you had to make sure.
he chuckled
"if i were a married man, i would not have you here, i would not be out drinking when my suppose family needs me. i am a gentleman" he spoke as if a smile was taunting behind his words, he was amused with you.
light posts passed by your face as the carriage briskly made its way actoss town towards the neighborhood
"miss churchill?" one of your house help seemed to recognize you even in the dim lighting of the streets. the carriage made a full stop queueing sebastian to unload himself from the vehicle.
"good evening, is morie around?" you asked as you made your way down the carriage with the help of sebastian.
"she is inside waiting with your mother miss"
"i request your secrecy of our guests, identity and his visit today ms. herolds" she left a skeptic eye on both of you but quickly shook it off with your request and instead served you both.
"of course miss churchill, please go inside"
"my dear god, audrey! great heavens, i was spending the last moments thinking and worrying of what might've happened to you dear! i even sent our butlers and help to search for you at such hour!" your mother stood from her seat in the common room, arms ready to engulf her previously missing daughter— her arms faltered and dropped to her sides to see the man who followed behind you.
he hesitated entering, he didn't want to impose an improper impression.
"mother, this is sebastian.. i quite literally bumped unto this gentleman while i was on my journey walking back home.. he offered me a ride back" you cleared your throat as you started
"good evening mrs. churchill, i am julio sebastian lennox.. i met audrey and it was the latter, i clumsily bumped unto her causing pain which i apologize for" he bowed and smiled, his stance would seem proper to the untrained eye, but to you who knew of his whereabouts earliery tonight could see that he was trying his hardest to seem sober which made you stifle a laugh.
you were unsure if he would remember tonight, completely or at all. but it was a good thing that the wafting smell of alcohol on his skin already faded with the journey.
your mother called for morie to bring the med kit and to attend to you after hearing of your stories.
"we accept your apology sebastian, i'm sure your head was clear from causing my daughter any injury. thank you for bringing her home" she smiled, smiled as if she knew something all of you did not.
you sat nearby the crackling fireplace. morie knelt in front of you inspecting your body for more injuries. which you accumulated a few bruises from your knees, but mainly your hands were the serious ones.
"it's okay miss, i can help her, after all it was me who caused it" sebastian stood behind morie. the room paused.
"i-if you insist mr. lennox" morie stood and showed you a teasing look when sebastian took place in front of you kneeling.
"you didn't have to, really" you spoke with hushed voice aware of the ears listening
"it's the least i could do"
it didn't take long before he removed your gloves and sanitized your palms. you would lightly seethe by the sting but he would look at you and you would stop.
"i apologize did that hurt?"
he would wrap his handkerchief on your left hand since it had the larger wound.
he would chat with your mom and laugh at her teasing and jokes
"well mrs. churchill, audrey, ms. morie, i must take my leave, i must be overstaying my unwelcomed visit. i apologize once again. "
"no such thing sebastian, feel free to visit again... it's indeed time for bed, we must let you go now, good evening" your mother replied
"have a safe trip home" you chimed in
"good evening" he stood by the door and bowed towards all of you and left.
--
Dearest Gentle Readers,
Our crowd favorite for this season seems to openly keep her options open, considering how she was willingly riding with a gentleman she met at the dark streets of town. Allegedly riding to a destination with no proper chaperone, how scandalous!
It does not plead her case for she was seen dancing around with Marquess Yoon not much of fortnights ago, a passionate dance she only gave to him out of the eight dances, seven were left out of the dance floor.
i'm afraid we cannot conclude her schemes to be pure, peg her for her smart decisions, or peg her for a whore, that is up to you my readers. for i am only the eyes of the ton.
and i am always watching
Yours truly,
Lady Whistledown
--
"a what?!" your silent home now diminishing its quiet state when your mother had finished reading today's whistledown papers
"mother please"
"my daughter is no whore, we must do something to counter this, but we shall not avoid the public, it will only make us seem more guilty" she thought loudly
"i'm embarrassed, i dragged the marquess' name into this mess, what of my relations? what of me when i drag sebastian into this scandal as well?" you buried your face in your palms
"we shall let this pass, do what we do normally"
if your morher to be honest, she would not blame you for harboring gentlemen by your palms— she would pride you for it. she would not bother to make a sermon for you about men, except to choose who you deem worthy of you and your life.
"i dread for what is to pass mother" you dramatically drag your front against the chair, your arms crossed as it supported your head.
"ms. churchill, you have visitors" your butler entered the common room before stepping aside to let the visitor inside.
you quickly sat straight wondering who it may be, your mother staring at the door as she straightened herself.
"good day my ladies, mr. peraldo" he smiled with a bouquet grasped on his left hand.
"this is for ms. churchill" he handed the flowers out to you.
your mother rushed outside to see more visitors, she commanded the common room to be filled with refreshers, tea, and cookies.
to your surprise, your so called scandal is harboring more gentlemen towards you.
you were momentarily left by your mother to entertain suitors, until she decided she wanted to talk to them as well, crossing them out in her mental lists of compatibility and decency to be with you.
as you talked to the suitors without catching a breath, constantly having to end or start a new conversations— some left you both with silence— which created a cycle for the day.
in depths of conversation or silence, you caught yourself glancing to your palm in which sebastian's handkerchief was still in place.
"are you alright miss?"
"yes, just a little bit distracted by the people.."
you concluded a few names with your mother by the end of the day, until you were left with nothing once again due to disagreement.
you both huffed and sat quietly in the room that was utterly filled with bountiful and bright flowers.
"what about the marquess, or sebastian" she sat straight and looked at you.
"that's outrageous mama! none of them even visited us today to present themselves as suitors"
"doesn't matter, they interacted with you for a reason, and what reason but interest" she smiled with pride
"you think so mother?" you asked a little bit softer
"my dear, i would not lie to you" she engulfed you in an embrace before kissing you by your temple and leaving the room to yourself.
your mother's footsteps creaked lightly against the floor, you were left witht your own company
"my lady" your head turned quickly towards the voice
"marquess yoon? what brings you here? please come in" you almost stumble over your own words and offrring him a smile, you surely didn't expect his company residing your home tody
you were curious to where the butler must've been to be absent on announcing the marquess' arrival.
"i'm delighted to see that these beautiful florals accompanied you... i've heard your home has been a hot spot for the ton— for the bachelors."
"ah.. well i was unaware of the mass that will arrive in my home, or for any foreign visitors" the corners of his lips seem to elevate at your words
"you seem tired, must've i come another time miss churchill?"
"it is great that you are here actually, someone who can accompany in long conversations"
you left your home with a chaperone this time, learning a thing or two about your latest scandal paper. he took you to a picnic by the river at the park.
he instinctively brought you a meal from the lack you had today for noon.
"so france, what do you plan to accomplish when you arrive?" he faced you, the afternoon glare seemingly had no effect towards him. he glowed brighter. his raven hair complimenting the glow of his skin.
"i wish to see the world, learn something as well.." you paused "i must apologize for the image i will taint you with, especially for the recent papers, what must they say of you; you're quite identifiable more so that we're in public" your arm tensed up, you placed the strawberry back unto your plate as you heaved your chest for the apology.
"let them talk, that's what people do" he seemed so unbothered by the context you gave him. he accepted it blindly while staring off to the edge of the lake.
"i know that you are not what they make of you, miss churchill"
you didn't know what you were doing there.
just about when you reached the front door, you knocked at the hard wood. the door of the gentlemen's club. it was an hour before the sun set and how you arrived there became a blur, what you were thinking was also a blur.
you knocked again twice. no answer. although you heard voices conversing and some laughing.
you turned your back to the entrance, what the hell were you doing there anyway.
as you walked on the pebbled floor you heard a sudden gust of wind striked by a sharp sound of an opening door
"do not make yourself a fool! my alliances are gentlemen" a loud voice boomed as they forced themselves out of the establishment.
you decided to hastily walk faster, you didn't want to be tangled upon the mess of some drunken men.
"audrey?" you couldn't help yourself but to look.
"sebastian?" "out drinking again i see" you taunt jokingly as he paced towards you
"barely, my.. my friend is up to no good and it put me in a sour mood...."
"mind sharing your thoughts?"he sighed heavily
"he's toying with a new debutante just to raise his family from debt"
"that sounds.. unfortunate, i hope it gets resolved"
"anyways, you're walking home again?" he said diverting the topic
"no.. i just felt like exploring the town.."
"really? and you chose to be here? i offer no offense but this might be the last on the salubrious places you may come to" you bit your lip not wanting to admit more of your presence to the place and allowed him to stare you down with a curious eye and an elevated brow.
"well, it seems like i must show you a much better place, would you like that?"
"alright then" he offered you his arm and you happily placed yours within his.
you thought twice of your decision to come along with sebastian— an absolute stranger, in contrary he did bring you home and aided you due to your first fruitful encounter— for now you were scurrying through dark alleys. it seemed like the sun was to set soon.
the dark colored buildings didn't help the illusion of nightfall, a sense of danger washed through your consciousness when you realized that you were completely unfamiliar of this place. sebastian's keen eye didn't leave your expression unnoticed though.
"i apologize if i made you feel uneasy going through this path but it's much easier and quicker to arrive there... and i wouldn't let malice drive through me to do you wrong audrey. i just want you to know that" he said pausing through the street, his face aligned to yours, his eyes wide and sincere.
"i know.. i trust you" a few seconds of silence passed between the both of you
"well we're here" he led you forward, warm rays of light entered your vision once again. it revealed a large manor by itself and wide yards of grass stretching towards the horizon.
the sun painted the portrait with its hues giving a touch of gold to each and every little thing it touches. the house looks like a summer house, but you doubt anyone lives in it by the way it's so silent, but it still looks well kept.
"this lot belongs to my father, we used to move here during summer because it catered to his activities and much more peaceful away from the ton" he started "i still go here often, when i spend time in solitude, when i need to feel clarity"
"thank you for showing me this idyllic place, it's beautiful" you stared at the horizon.
"it really is" he said looking at you
"what's your plan with this place? it seems like a sacred space for you"
"continue making it a haven, i'll live there before i find for a proper manor for a family, i'd like to paint one last time before i move. what do you plan to do?"
"..people say it's unusual, but i dream to travel, to be an academic, i believe that every child deserves to receive equal treatment" you said truthfully. he nodded along your words, as if he took note of it.
"what the heart desires, will conquer everything non malevolent" his words conveyed his understanding and mutuality to your thoughts.
"it's about time i brought someone here to take it away from its loneliness, you know i used to chase my cousins through the field when we were school boys, and we would return with large stains on our clothes that made my mother scold us" he let a breathy laugh
it seemed like a distant memory of him that will always remind him of happiness, his face rather shows his yearning for it.
"well then you must be quick on your feet, chase me sebastian" you sprinted, gathering your skirts in front of you as you giggled, rush pumping through your veins as it reminded you the childish feeling of being chased.
sebastian, who looked like he was processing your words for a while, suddenly lifted the corners of his lips as he ran after you. his laughter blended along with yours.
unfortunately your clothing didn't bring you so far, with the heels of your shoes slowly digging into the dirt and your occassional tripping on your long skirt brought you just a few more meters passed sebastian's summer house.
"noo!" you screamed as you felt his arms embrace the sides of yours as you dropped your skirts back to its length when you turned to face him, primarily to see if he was close. you both laughed as he swirled you around, your head burried between his neck and shoulder.
the wind brushing the both of you and the tall grass and flowers that decorated it. it was golden hour, it made the illusion that his eyes were too when you stared at them. he looked at you too, except his eyes flickered between yours and your lips, drawing you closer to him.
--
Dearest Gentle Readers,
It seems that mystery man has been revealed! While Miss Audrey Churchill was discovered to be riding with a gentleman one night, turns to be accompanied by Sir Julio Sebastian Lennox— one of the top bachelors of the season and son of the Duke of Malborough, who we recently assumed to be uninterested of being wed this season.
This information was collected due to the public sightings of them in the Duke's summer manor.
Are we to assume that their relationship has passed courtship, and now to be expecting an engagement? For if it is so, you have made a wonderful decision my dear.
Yours Truly,
Lady Whistledown
--
"no! but we nearly kissed morie!" you whisper screamed to your maid as she was getting you dressed for breakfast. you sat in the vanity as she brushed your hair.
"it's no wonder lady whistledown follows you around, you are quite scandalous miss!" she laughed
"this is not funny morie, i was already called a whore" you scrunched uo your nose due to the word
"not directly, but you must choose now, you mustn't continue seeing them both on the same period, it can cause you to lose them both"
"but i am unsure of whom to pick.." you muttered to yourself "i'm not certain that sebastian is even asking for my hand.." morie just stared at you through the mirror with a knowing smile.
for the next few days you have led by yourself, discerning the proper choice for a husband. it came to a stress where you almost made a list on parchment to weigh in their characteristics and capabilities.
one morning you were walking with morie by the streets towards the modiste. she scolded you for staining the beautiful rose colored dress you wore when you had met with sebastian.
hearing the bells as morie pushed through doors, you were quickly stopped as a hand dropped to your shoulder.
"audrey, you must come with me, your suitors are battling witth their fists" your brother gasps as he successfully chased you.
you look back towards morie with concern painted on your face, you faced your brother and quickly nodded.
"how did you learn of this briony?" you asked concerningly as you rode the carriage along with him and morie.
"i visited the gentlemen's club and heard of this event, i knew that the names sounded a little too familiar.." he started "apparently one of them offered a duel, but it was quickly shut down by the other one and settled it to a brawl instead"
"dear god" you huffed on your seat "they're battling in the subjects of?"
"you mustn't think i would bring you to a violent brawl if it didn't concern you my dear sister, now would you?" his sarcasm passed through you for you were frustrated. it seems like they made the choosing for you.
you arrived to a more busy place in town, where laborers would be, except they all came to see the brawl, see it wasn't often when people would set an event for a brawl, it was usually a place for gentlemen to squander money, and well— lose them.
"what have i done" you sighed heavily
you and your brother entered the venue, it had a bleacher type of chairs on opposite ends of the huge box in the middle of it.
it was crowded and busy, speeches turned into a loud hum that vibrated in the four corners of the room. people of all classes seen, but men dominated the audience.
"i place my money on the duke! i heard he has done private sessions"
"i heard the marquess uses more strategic attacks"
"look at his form! put me on that bet!"
you were horrified, even more so when you assumed they have done a brawl before.
your eyes quickly caught the two familiar physique, both wrapped in robes, they were conversing of something serious by the look of the eye, they both seem agitated.
"marquess yoon! seba- mr. lennox!" you rushed immediately towards them, immediately losing your brother briony in the crowd.
more than two heads turned to you, people wondering why you were here, most were shocked, but you couldn't bother to give them attention.
"audrey" sebastian huffed out as he looked at you, his eyes softening
"miss churchill" the marquess rolled his eyes as he heard sebastian, and faced you.
they did know each other, they brought out sides of each other that you haven't seen before. in fact, it seemed like they knew each other longer than you have known them.
the operator whistled, it was about to start.
their chances to converse and explain to you dissipated. both left with their gaze to speak to you.
a hand wrapped around your arm as your realized your brother found you and was urging you to take your seats.
"are we just going to let them fight? can't i talk to them?" you frowned
"you wouldn't want to be between this right now" he said calmly but stern.
it wasn't helping that your mind was still left with indecisiveness and with blank answers, you weren't in the right mind to administrate anything. let it be a fact to you as well that they chose this without you.
you place your face on your palms, swiftly raising it again when you heard another whistle indicating the start of the brawl.
they both enter the ring, as they discarded their robes, their upper body nude. you were appalled, a new sense of emotion rising to your chest, something that you've never learned of before.
you were taught not to stare, but how could you not with the sight in front of you. smooth skin, lightly shining from the humidity of the room met with the afternoon sun. sebastian's skin a bit more brighter than the marquess'. but the marquess was slimmer than the former, still obtaining a built physique.
you looked away saving the dignity and values you had left in you as briony saw you and laughed.
a loud roar came from the crowd when the marquess threw the first punch which hit sebastian right across his cheek. you gasped, standing up to see the scene unfold.
sebastian was quick to throw defense, striking the marquess on his middle. unsure of which side were you on, or even if you should be siding with anyone.
the marquess darkened his gaze as he glared toward sebastian, he lunged forward and threw a series of attacks against his friend.
sebastian merely lifted his arms against himself to protect himself from the impact, backing unto the side of the rink directly across from you. he aimlessly threw more punches that only affected the other lightly.
the crowd from the other side cheered, as the one beside you shouted in encouragement and stress.
"get back up!" you screamed along with them, seeing sebastian slowly shrink. he was clearly bigger than his fellow, and he could easily clear him out, but it seemed like he accepted the punches of frustration, and that spoke enough to you.
as if sebastian heard you, he stood again and swiftly dodged some of the hits jeonghan gave him. he gave him a strong punch, the whole place went quiet when the marquess went still, seemingly in a daze from the hit. sebastian lost his stance, and in the eye of deception the marquess struck him straight on the nose.
he fell to the floor, and the marquess straddled his lower half, restrainingn his movement. he swung his arms consecutively giving blows from both ways to the sides of sebastian's head.
he held his arms straight in front of him, but the marquess did not stop. slowly his arms gave out unable to protect himself. his face looked a lot more swollen now. the last whistle was heard and in that exact moment you saw the way sebastian took the last of his power to move his head and put his gaze on you as the marquess finally stopped, a smile planted on his face, finally leaving his friend alone.
the venue became alive again, the other side screaming in victory and yours in defeat.
a number of people swarmed around the marquess, restraining him from walking freely, he thanked the people and conversed with them, his chest still hevaing in exhaustion. all while his friend seemed to be left alone by people, the ones who were encouraging him now seemed slowed down by defeat.
you walked towards him, but quickly stopped when you heard your brothers voice once again.
"i know that you have estranged feeling for one of them, and that you seem to be confused on which one.. and that i must leave you to choose the person whom you love." his speech seem unfinished. "i heard they were arguing for your hand in matrimony." a truth arises, amidst your confusion. it still seemed incomplete of a reason for all this violence, but you just gave your brother a nod before rushing towards the ring.
a large frame abruptly stopped you from reaching the frame, it was the marquess greeting you with a smile.
"ready to be a marchioness?" he grins, his hands went to frame your face as he gives you a kiss.
your hands flew to his chest pushing him lightly.
"i—" you were quickly cut off hearing the crowd swarming around jeonghan again.
"i'll bring a ring when i visit again ms. churchill" he said before moving along with the crowd.
you removed your glove wiping your lips, absent mindedly entered the ring and sat beside sebastian. he seemed to stare off to jeonghan's figure.
"oh great heavens, are you alright?" you grabbed the sides if his face looking ay his swollen figure. some purple and green spots slowly showing its hue all over his body. a strip of almost dry blood on his nose, and small cuts around his cheeks
"audrey.. you must leave me alone now, i lost the deal and i must yield you to him" he answers placing his hands on top of yours.
"but he did not make a deal with me, i will not!" you stated. "come on now, you're bleeding"
you led him out of the ring, placing him in his robe. he limped leaning forward placing a hand on his stomach as if to aid the pain, the building quickly emptied itself, as you heard thuds from sebastian's limping.
"thank you for being here for me" his head close to yours, his voice just above a whisper. you just nodded and insisted that he focused on his well being for now and leave the words of gratitude for later.
"wait isn't this the lower seymour street?" you scanned the place as it looked familiar
"for a person who looked like you wanted to leave immediately, you seem to remember this place well" he chuckled lightly before wincing.
"so your summer house is just two blocks away, let's go there instead" you said now leading him to his home with assistance.
it didn't take you long to reach his house. the patio's arch welcoming the joth of you. with a pillar to finally rest on after walking, you both decided to catch a quick breath.
the house seemd quiet but peaceful.
"are there no helpers inside?" you asked peeking through the glass
"no.. they just come twice a month for maintenance" he huffed unlocking the door.
the light rays peeked through each glass, brightening the place, it was beautiful, filled with furniture of the same style. a home with no one inside it.
you looked at the place in awe, it ws beautiful. clean white walls with engraving and pillars that strecthed to the other end of the house. big staircase on both corners. archers on both sides that led to more rooms.
polished wooden floor with carpets over them. you wondered if it really had been lived in.
"you must rest, i'll look for the medical kit" you told him, he went to walk towards the common room to lay down, limping a bit with silenced wincing.
it took you a few rooms and cabinet-opening, drawer-pulling to finally find it. you quickly returned to the common room finding sebastian sitting with his legs raised, his arm laying over the backrest of the seat. his head facing the sun that was soon to set.
his hair seeming golden with the afternoon light. his skin glowed despite being beaten up today. it almost felt like looking at a painting, you wanted to stay there, for stepping in the room felt like disturbing his peace.
it was a moment that felt like waking up at dusk, meeting the sun as it rises, a warm cup of tea on your hand for you were englufed in the crisp morning fog. the kind of peace of having time to yourself before life started, before are people are awake, before the noise creeps into the day.
"i found it" you falsely coughed as you entered, his face traced the path you made with his eyes.
"this seems familiar" he smiled, reminding the both of you of an incident not too long ago.
"i guess it's my time to repay your service"
"thank you" he said almost too softly, too genuinely.
"no worries sebastian, we have each other's friendship, don't we?"
"i- mhm, i guess you are right"
a momentary silence passed between the two of you, it quietly queued him to take of his clothing for you to help him. you traced his wound at his middle to inspect the depth of the wound, your touch made him gasp lightly— which you tried to ignore.
you sanitized his wounds before wrapping them up, including his leg that he seemed to give a minir injury so you just wrapped it tightly with a bandage.
"please don't fight again, with him, or with anyone"
"i place it on my honor to say that i tried, jeonghan- he was my friend. and our disagreement led us too far" he sighed heavily
you kneeled in front of him, your faces leveled. you dabbed medicine on his cuts.
"ssst!" his eyes closed, his teetch clenched together.
sometimes the biggest pains comes from the smallest wounds.
"i would try to console you, but i heard it was you who invited him to a brawl"
"he invited me to a duel!" he cried as if to tell you that your judgement was unfair
"and i beg the heavens that it will never happen. what you both did was utter nonsense! you are friends"
his mouth opened, then closed, reasons to holding his words back only kept to him.
he winced finally as you put medicine on his lips before packing the kit away.
"how did you know him anyway?"
"i met him at the first ball of the season.. and he asked me to dance" you told him honestly, you were comfortable to tell him everything of your soul, you didn't know why.
"you must've done something to have bewitched him"
"i hardly done anything... i'm unsure if he even wants to proceed to courtship"
"he does"
"how can you be sure?"
"because we battled for your hand..."
you wanted to say something, but your response fled like the early afternoon sky
"he told me he was going to marry you, and i disagreed with him, i told him i was going to make you a lennox"
the air got caught in your throat, your eyes met. a gravitational pull happened between both of you, your lips met, his warmth made your mind hazy. clueless as you were, your tongue met his lips. he pulled away.
"i mustn't, i'm a gentleman" his fingers holding your chin
"please" you begged, your voice hoarse.
this wasn't where you both expected to be, or what you thought would happen. sebastian had so much to say, but had so much to do.
"you shouldn't carry me! put me down!"
it's as if the heat took his pain and made it into drive, he nestled you in his arms swiftly, bringing you to a large sleeping quarters, who's you may ask, you didn't care.
he placed you softly on thr ground, your feet merting the carpet.
"audrey.. are you certain?"
"make me a lennox, sebastian" you told him. despite your words, you both came to an understanding that you weren't after his title, or his wealth. you were there for him.
you faced your back against him, your eyes meeting in the mirror before the both of you.
in that moment, you knew it, once again reminded that you were fated. that you belonged to each other. that even without the wedding rings, he was embroidered in your skin with the scar he gave you on your palms. that he was yours for the cut on his lips that fought for you.
you shivered feeling the tips of his fingers meeting the bare of your back as he unbuttoned the dress you wore. his warm lips meeting the curve of your neck, slithering down to your shoulders. and on the last button, your dress fell off your shoulder, he placed one final kiss on your shoulder before bringing his face up to look at you through the mirror.
"you're so beautiful" he stared admiring your figure
his habds drifted to the ribbon of your corset, slowly his fingers pulled the intertwining pattern off its loops, slowly the corset hang loosely around you. with one final tug it all fell.
your face went to look at him, with one peck he spoke.
"show me" his lips touched your ear as he spoke. his hand placed on your shoulder, slowly descending to your arm with his fingers.
your hands got busy to undress your undergarments.
another small thud was heard because of the clothing that met with the floor. you were bare, and the sight caused sebastian to gasp.
he placed his big warm hands on your waist after he turned your body to face him.
with a beat passing by, your lips once again met. slowly striding in the quarters. you felt the edge of the bed behind your knees, but sebastaian did not stop, he continued kisisng you as he laid you down.
your body adjusting towards the middle of the bed, his lips encaging yours, his tongue explored yours.
you released a low moan causing him to groan. he separated with you as he slowly knelt before you.
in confusion you wanted to ask him what he was to do, but in the heat of pleasure you would let him do anything to you.
his strong arms encircled your thighs as he tugged your end to meet the edge of the bed. his eyes flying to your face to watch you watch him. his face still facing towards your womanhood.
his tongue met the skin with one long slow stripe.
"god-" you grumbled leaning back to the bed
he licked again on the other side, before finally meeting your middle. his hot tongue stimulated you. his tongue dipled towards your entrance which made you grab his hair, your back arching.
"mmh"
"feel good?"
you were too dazed to reply.
his tongue was leaving a mess on you, your vagina was glistening with his saliva. his tongue went back to your entrance, slowly entering his thick, warm muscle. he thrusted it on your entrance, his sharp nose meeting your clit, almost making you scream.
his thumb met with your clit as he rubbed it in circles.
"fuck" you gasped, your back arching and lifting against the bed.
you thrusted your hips against his face, he moaned against you sending waves through your body.
with a final hum you felt the peak of pleasure flowing through you as you rode to oblivion.
his lips met yours again, his hands wandered throughout your body, his hands finding your breasts, he massaged it with hus rught arm. his lips left wet kisses trailing to your other breast.
he engulfed your breast within his mouth, sucking on your nipples. his other hand now trailed to your heat. with slow massages on the clit, it descended to your entrance.
his middle finger feeling big and warm. the foreign feeling left you chanting his name. he added another one and thrusted it quickly, your wetness was heard echoing through the walls. you were beyond wet. your entrance sucked his fingers so well, his thumb met your clit once again. with the familiar feeling on your stomach, your moans became louder.
"aah- a, slow down, mmph" you bit on your hand to silence yourself.
"let me hear you, it's just us here audrey" he stopped sucking your breast before sucking once again on your neck, another shape of redness collecting around your body.
your hand instinctively reached for his pants, you felt his hard cock stretching the fabric, you cupped it and slowly rubbed.
"aa- shit" he huffed, you continued sqeezing it slightly, it was the first time you hear him moan si loud.
"mmh, ahh... don't stop" he said biting your neck
he pulled away kneeling before you as he unbuttoned his pants. when he pulled his garments down, he wuickly discarded them and threw it across the floor.
seeing his dick made your heat throb.
it was huge.
bigger than you'd thought it would be, his fingers did not suffice to prepare you for it.
"i don't think it'll fit" you said staring, you stared at his naked glory, his skin glowing like earlier, his skin milky white and smooth. but rather damaged due to his injuries earlier.
"i'll make it fit, my love" he chuckled lowly
you smiled at him, you felt safe, you felt loved.
he crawled back on top of you. your knees on both sides of his hips.
"tell me if it hurts, i'll stop, we'll go by your pace audrey"
"i trust you" you looked at him, and from above you he kissed you deeply.
his tip rubbing on your heat, before he finallg pushed it inside.
"aaa- a"
he kissed you deeply trying to divert your attention so you wouldn't feel scared.
when you feel him stop moving you exhaled as if to show release. his forehead pressed onto yours staring into your eyes.
"it's halfway in"
"only halfway? i feel like i'm torn into two" he chuckled
"do you want me to stop?" he asked with concern
"no don't!" you said hastily, your legs clumsily wrapping around his hips accidentally forcing him to lean on you, the rest of his length buried in you.
"a—ahh!" you screamed, your back arching forcing him even deeper, your chests and skin meeting. you felt like you were on fire.
"fuck— ahh" he moaned, his breath hitting your face.
he was so deep in you, it pressed unto your flesh that gave you so much pleasure.
his hands traced on your middle before stopping just below your navel. he pressed you on that spot, an evident bulge shape seen.
"you feel that?".... "it's gonna reach further" he whispered
"please" you said airily.
his hips pulled back before slowly but strongly pushing back in, it left you both moaning against each other's lips. his hips restlessly drilled unto yours. it fet like pushing a barrier within you.
your stomach tightened, the familiar heat coming back to you. sebastian was passionately thrusting into you, making sure he was careful, he pushed his hips deeper, repeatedly.
loud sounds of skin meeting was heard, it almost sounded violent. you felt the frame of the bed shake, the wood creaked, the thudding became louder as it met the wall.
"god you feel so good" he huffed his hips busy
as if his direction felt different, his tip was pushing something within you that made your stomach twist. your walls clamping him in due to the pleasure.
"aa– a fuck" he groaned.
with a few more thrusts, you felt your high again, riding it out as your hips met his, feeling him deeper, you clamped unti him more before he quickly pulled out and pumped his cock in front of you. his release tainting your skin white.
a warm liquid droplet landed on your face. but you were feeling too good to be bothered by it. this experience led to your revelations.
he looked at you after catching his breath once again. he chuckled seeing your expression.
"i apologize for that" he said wiping your face
"it's alright" you held his hand, placing it on top of his
"audrey.. i mean it, i will marry you, and after this i really should" but his words didn't sound like he was trying to convince you, it was a vow.
sebastian told you he would ask for your hand in marriage from your family. so you anxiously waited for the next few days for his arrival. you knew that he would have to deal with his own family before he could ask for your hand, after all he had a title, inheritance, and assets to claim.
you didn't tell anyone where you were after the brawl— not even morie. you knew it would turn against you if someone decided not to keep your secret.
you sat in the common room with your mother, she was embroidering, while you were practicing the piano forte.
a knock on the entrance was heard.
"ms. churchill, you have a visitor" the butler said. your hands ringed in anxiety. you pressed the wrong key and decided to stop playing.
you awaited for the visitor, hearing their footsteps. your eyes widen at the sight.
"marquess yoon?" you stood up too quickly.
"viscountess, ms. churchill" he bowed as a greeting "i was told to bring ms. churchill with me to the queen for her blessing in our engagement"
you and your mother was shocked, frozen as if you both were struck by lightning. with no time to waste you were quickly dressed to be sent to the castle.
the ride was quick, you didn't utter any words to each other.
when you arrived you were quickly escorted to a chamber facing big doors as you were announced to enter.
you bowed at the queen before settling on the designated seat for the both of you.
you gave a courteous smile, jeonghan reached for your hand and held it.
"we are truly grateful for your blessing, your majesty" he bowed with a grin on his face
"my blessing? i said no such thing my boy"
for a moment his smile faded, but quickly recovered. it was so fast you would miss it if you blinked.
"so i see you have taken the hand of my season's favorite.. how did you fall in love?"
it was no secret that the queen loved scandal, you heard a previous favorite was quickly forgotten due to her plain and safe attitude, not that you intended to be wrapped in problematic scenarios.
"it was the first ball, against multiple suitors, she chose me to dance with... that night it was only us two, and that's when i knew, that i should wed ms. churchill, your highness"
her gaze flickered to you, you nodded silently and just smiled, letting him paint the story. the farthest lie you could give was a smile and nod.
not when you wished it was sebastian who was beside you, not when you had thought multiple ways to be with him while you were beside his so called friend. you couldn't lie, because what you both had was to sacred to taint
the talk you had with the queen stretched for so long, it was all filled with the marquess' story telling, his words stinging the air with lies of love.
it would be a lie if you said that you never found him an attractive gentleman, because you did once, you did when he felt like a genuine company. when he would grin and ask for partnership in dancing.
the queen was bored, because she had the same look on her face that you had.
the palace staff had to bring out biscuits and tea, now all crumbs and specks of the tea plant going through drought in that cup.
she got her mood uo every now and then when she inhales a tiny spoonful of the white powder she keeps beside her seat. you did not know for certain, but you felt her gaze on you, almost with sympathy.
it finally concluded.
you were escorted back to the entrance waiting for your carriage ride. the marquess smiles at you.
"now i can finally ask for your hand from your family..." he started "i must let you know that sebastian isn't serious, he's always deflowering every maiden he sets his eyes upon, it's a great thing that i could act quickly before he did" his voice turned serious. something sinister wrapped his words.
you just stared at him silently, your brows frown slightly in disbelief of his words. he turned his head back towards you seeing your expression and he froze quickly.
"he did it didn't he?" his body stiffened
the whole ride back to your manor was quiet. he sat so stiffly that you unconsciously mirrored his posture, because you both had a lot in mind.
before you could enter the smaller road towards the village you lived in the carriage halted abruptly, both physically shaken inside the vehicle.
"is there a problem?" jeonghan conversed to the coachman, his voiced raised.
then a loud bang was heard, somebody pulled the doors open strongly, causing it ti hit the exterior of the carriage.
"sebastian?" your eyes widen in surprise. however he couldn't spare you any time when he was dragging the marquess by the collar.
"you brought her to the queen?!" he exclaimed tugging at the collar he held.
"and you, don't think i am unaware of what you have done to her, i won the brawl, now do your part of the agreement." he said calmly, but you could sense his irritation.
"i lost the brawl because i didn't want to hurt my friend" he said through his teeth
"then lose to our duel against another suitor" the marquess challenged the latter.
"certainly not!" you said loudly making them both face you. sebastian's poise faltered momentarily. the marquess
"before the sun rises, you know where i'll be" he finally said
you couldn't sleep well that night, you tossed and turned. and that's when you decided to not sleep at all.
in the midst of the night, where everyone was asleep, you slipped out of your nightgown and dressed yourself before quietly sneaking into the maiden's quarters in which you forced morie to wake.
"audrey, is there something wrong?"
"morie you must help me, sebastian and the marquess is having a duel before the sun rises, we must do something" she stared at you processing the words you said and eagerly nodded.
you both wore dark robes and left in the quiet night.
"we'll have to split audrey, we don't have enough time. you'll hahe to go there before me"
you faced her seeing that she was watching the time of hour, you had barely enough time to both of them.
"morie please be careful" you said holding her hand tightly as you smiled ar her, your lips thinned into a line, but your eyes stayed dull and full of worry.
"this is the biggest honor to do for you" she said
your pecked her cheek. morie was the closest thing you could have to an older sister. you always saw and treated her as an equal.
she pulled away first scurrying fast into the dim streets. you bit your lip anxiously, you quickly headed to the cabin a few streets away from your home taking your horse from the keeper.
once your horse step foot on the cobble streets you commanded it to go faster, your upper body tilting forward due to the speed.
you hoped you were right, you hoped you aren't too late.
your swift ride was caught by the rising sun, blue hues displayed on the sky, you muttered prayers, begging the heavens against the agreement the gentlemen had.
your eyes caught the familiar street as your turned towards it. your horse ran faster, the quick clicks of its feet meeting the cobble floor echoing through the empty streets.
the dusk lifting away, it was sebastian's summer estate. you pushed harder, you and your horse's ribs flared through quickened breaths.
you unloaded from your seat and ran towards the horizon where you see four figures grouped into two, a distance between, they were covered by a few trees, hidden in plain sight.
suddenly the gentlemen are put on their backs and paced a few steps forward, furthering away from each other before. your legs almost gave up on you when you saw them face each other.
"STOP!" your scream rolled of your throat, and at the very same moment you heard a hollow explosive sound. your body dropping to the ground, your knees flat on the soil, you bent over it a silent whimper released from you.
three heads faced towards you, you can identify two of them, but the other was not facing you.
it was sebastian who looked at you, it was sebastian who raised his gun towards the sky, it was sebastain who ran towards you.
your cries howled in the wind. you felt his arms embrace you, you held it.
you felt morie kneel beside you, her hands gray and filled with powder, her pockets full with metallic materials making noise as she went closer to you.
finally looking at the scene, you stared at everyone, no one laid injured. you stood up hugging sebastian tightly.
"it's alright audrey, don't cry, none of us were hurt" he whispered to you.
the marquess had his knees planted on the ground, he was still as if he was frozen. his gun was dropped beside him.
you walked towards him to see if he was alright.
"i'm sorry—i'm sorry, i am in your debt, both of yours" his voice ran hoarse.
you hugged him, out of pity, out sympathy. that even you figured out that he was to make you a victim, you knew he was helpless.
after the unsuccessful affair of honor, everyone held shelter under the lennox estate.
"i must alologize firstly to you, ms.churchill. it is true that i had the motive to marry you for my financial benefit... i said the truth that my father died but shielding you from the truth that my mother used our funds recklessly..." he started his head down, occassionally looking at you and sebastian.
he stood up facing his friend. "i shouldn't have my problems come between us, that it led to manipulation and violence. i am stripped of my honor, and i ask for forgiveness" the men shook hands, both silent.
they discussed further privately, and you were glad to see them slowly mending their relationship. sebastian loaned him money— that the marquess promised to repay with more— and sent him back to the east to resolve their financial debt and social image.
--
Dearest Gentle Readers,
You may think you have escaped me by beginning the festivities at dusk, fear more for I have eyes that does not sleep, and ears that listens everywhere, and to anyone, all at once.
The Marquess Yoon and a certain Mr. Lennox held an affair of honor in the Lennox summer estate, for the hand of Ms. Churchill which we now know infamously. The debutante that causes extreme ignite of adoration which may unfortunately lead to death.
The said Marquess Yoon fled to the East the previous afternoon, exposing the real champion of their fight. It may come to your curiosity on how both survived? A handy little handmaiden unloaded the Marquess's equipment before the battle.
Setting the duel at the Lennox affair might be the lucky charm of Mr. Julio Sebastian Lennox due to their upcoming wedding by the end of the season.
Cheers to Mr. and soon to be Mrs. Lennox Duke and Duchess of Malborough and successful courtship and engagement. However, this courtship won't officially end until the crown says yes.
Yours truly,
Lady Whistledown
--
it was almost like deja vu, except it wasn't, because you have been in the exact same walls, room and searing for the same reason for the second time.
the queen's expression seemed lighter, a small smile presented upon her lips.
"ms. churchill again, and mr. lennox" he said
"your majesty" he bowed
"care to tell me a word of how this happened this time ms. churchill?"
"...what we have is something i didn't plan to happen, however it is also something i wouldn't trade" you looked at sebastian, he was looking at you and listening word for word.
this time it was your voice that filled the walls, and the ears of whomever listened. you talked endlessly, leaving your fiancé speechless.
for you talked like he was the most interesting and relevant thing to talk about.
"i see my dear, what you have is something that even i cannot forbid... now flee, wed, and i assume you will no longer need illustrations for your honeymoon?" she grinned teasingly, she reflected a knowing smile which made your cheeks burn.
but you were okay with that because sebastian's ear burned just the same.
the lennox estate became your favorite place, even if it witnessed a lot of strange things, both good and negative; it was also a witness of your love. it held up in the strongest of storms, and it shined in the summer sun.
it became an unofficial house where you both resided before you married.
today you invited both of your parents to build your relationship to the family of your beloved.
"mr and mrs. lennox, i'm glad to see you" you greeted them and led them towards the common room where your parents were waiting.
"oh please audrey dear, call me mama, you are already my daughter" she cheered
"you're the first lady sebastian mentioned to us, and it seems like you will be the last" his father spoke
"he barely left the house until we forced him to go out, he would always be coming from the gentleman's club ir hiding here" mrs. lennox giggled
you couldn't help but grin
"what must you be telling audrey about me" his brow raised, he hugged them as greetings
your parents quickly skipped over the niceties and started laughing upon each other's statements, most of them which shared memories from which where you were young.
"when she was 6 she got a hold of scissors, the next day she ended up having the same haircut as her brother, people would confuse them as the other!" your mother said
"i'm hlad we offered tea, if we gave her wine who knows what she'll say" you buried your head on sebastian's chest hiding your face in embarrassment.
he chuckled at your words and hugged you. it was like the both of you were not present from the way your parents talked.
the meeting stretched to noon, supper was soon coming. it was when your parents finally decided it was time for them to part ways with you as you walked them out, kissing their cheeks as farewell.
the door made a loud sound as it shut behind the both of you.
"so jeonghan was lying when he said you were going around.. sleeping with other women" your voice teasing but to you it held a genuine question.
"if i had slept with so many women i wouldn't have came so fast when i was eating you out." he said "so no, it isn't true.."
"oh and you must go to the modiste soon, enough dresses for a month trip, our honeymoon will be in the city of love" he said grinning widely.
"you're serious?" you froze
he nodded at you
you ran towards him pecking his lips repeatedly, your kisses blurred into long messy ones, his tongue in your mouth once again, leaving you breathless.
he pulled away lightly, the detachment made a wet smacking sound. his forehead leaned unto yours and your lips still touching.
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