Persuasion; Erik x Mika; Chapter 31
“It is always an ill thing to stand alone at a party,” said Mrs. K in her usual tone of lecture. “It’s best not to appear as if discontented. You may be taken as… well, a disagreeable sort of person.”
At that time, Mika was younger and bolder. She rolled her eyes most expressively at her lady friend. Scarcely thirteen-years-old, Mika had not taken well at being forced to attend Mr. Anderson’s business parties. That night in particular, she had been forced to forfeit a sleepover at Suzu’s that they had been planning for weeks; Suzu had finally bought BeanBoozled and was eager to prank Naomi with it.
“They would’ve been more fun than this… than this crap!” she had thought, squeezing the fabric of her dress. Upon entering teenage years, Mika had discovered that she liked to swear in her head, where her father couldn’t reprimand her.
There amongst the adults, Mika had found no common ground at all. What little conversation she had was always relegated to her studies and her father, the two topics she had greatly wished to ignore.
Mrs. K drew a cross expression. “I’ll have none of that, dear,” she tutted. “Your mother– “
“My mother,” Mika interrupted, “is busy with her drinks, ma’am.”
Mrs. K sighed and turned back to the festivities. She opened her mouth again, but was cut off.
“And I don’t care if I appear disagreeable!” Mika exclaimed, and though she and Mrs. K had been off to the side of the room, standing near a pillar in the corner, the volume of her frustrated exclamation was enough to turn several heads.
“Mika!” the woman whisper-shouted. “I’ll have none of that!” She had an expression about her face that managed to silence Mika. It was all the pre-teen could do, to huff a loud breath, cross her arms over her form, and look away rebelliously.
But Mrs. K was still not done. “Look at me, Mika,” she said seriously, to which Mika obliged; and at that, her Godmother softened a little.
“It does not bode well to be sour and brooding, my dear,” she said. “After all, these gatherings are to enjoy yourself! Not to stand offside, with your pretty face in the shadows.”
At that, Mika had drawn a small, inward smile. Mom and Dad rarely called her pretty. Her mother had used to, but then her father would overheard and grew annoyed at it. Fed up, he’d told Mrs. Anderson not to give their daughter a ‘big head’. “She need not be so full of herself,” he had scolded.
But Mrs. K was never quiet in her praises; it was a trait Mika liked very well about her.
“Dad doesn’t seem to think I’m pretty.”
“Oh, Mika, sweetheart,” Mrs. K cooed, tucking Mika’s hair behind her ear. “Your father’s merely… surprised by how his little girl is sprouting into a beautiful young lady.” She gave a warm smile, then. “And what a distinguished young lady you’ll be, my dear.”
At that, Mika’s smile widened, and she allowed Mrs. K to lead her back into the rest of the party.
Most discontent, Mika decided she was not liking the evening, after all.
She was now posted at the bar, awaiting her third drink of the night. Mika had never much liked standing alone at parties. It irked her to think that she may be taken as a disagreeable person, as Mrs. K had put it long ago. Thinking back on that night, Mika might have laughed at how silly she was as a child; but now she could not help but scowl.
Picking at her nails, Mika mulled over her talk with Miss Grey. At each second, she found it to be more and more unfavourable. Her envy rose at each second, a green monster festering inside her. She decided most sourly that she did not like Miss Grey any better after having met her. Rather, she felt the opposite.
Served with her drink, Mika quietly thanked the bartender before making off to wander about the room. The evening was indeed lavish, and it seemed no expense had been spared in its preparation; the beauty of the house did manage to raise her spirits, but only a little. For the most part, she could only sip her drink and scowl.
“Did you know, Miss Mika, that Mr. E was once engaged?”
She took a sip from her glass.
“I often stay the night at Kellynch; Mr. E’s even set aside a room in the guest quarters just for me.”
Another sip, then; and many more.
It was a sour feeling now swirling in her chest, and she drank away until at last she found the glass empty. Mika pulled a frown, thinking again of Miss Grey’s sweet smile as she had sniped at her endlessly. She had been courteous enough, but her words could surely not be innocent. Miss Grey knew something about Mika, though she did not know what it was, nor to what extent.
She sighed. How much she had wished to fit in here, in New York, and how little she really did!
“Ugh…”
“Well, who killed your mood?” came Matthew’s voice from next to her. Flinching, Mika turned to see him approaching with his own drink in hand.
“Nobody,” she mumbled, swirling her glass absentmindedly, clinking the ice cubes around. She mulled over the prospect of getting yet another drink.
“Yeah, sure,” joked Matthew, rolling his eyes playfully. “I leave you alone for an hour, and it’s like you’ve gotten terrible news.”
“It wasn’t terrible.”
“So there was news.”
“Well, there was conversation,” Mika tutted. "As can be expected at a party like this."
Matthew groaned dramatically. “Even worse.”
Mika drew a reluctant smile, to which he seemed pleased. “There you are, Miss Anderson!” he teased. It was that easy manner of Matthew’s that somehow managed to comfort her without fail; just as he was those years ago.
“I assure you, Matthew, I’m alright.”
He smiled. “If you insist, then.” Taking a quick sip from his drink, he then offered his arm to her.
“Come, there are some people I’d like you to meet,” said Matthew. “I hate to see you standing so lonely.”
Mika took his arm without thinking. “I wasn’t lonely,” she protested, though even she could barely believe the words.
“Sure, little Miss, ‘I’ll stand all alone with my drink like some creep’,” he teased her.
“Ugh, Matthew, don’t,” she said, brow furrowed.
He laughed, then leaned down. “If it makes you feel better,” he murmured. “I’ve been bothered all night with people insisting I introduce them to you. So I think that speaks to how well you look.” He grinned and made a pointed look at her form. “Of course, I take partial credit; for the dress, at least.”
Mika huffed a laugh. “Fine, I’ll give you that.”
“Come now,” said Matthew, and she had little in her to protest as the incubus whisked her away, intent on raising her spirits.
Swiftly, Mika was taken to a group of younger people Matthew knew well; and eager, was he, to place her among them and introduce her to them all. One among this group was a certain Miss Edwards, who, when approached, Matthew had loosened his hold on Mika to take one of Miss Edwards’ hands into his, and kiss it in the way of a gentleman.
At this, Mika could not hide her interested smile. Matthew had long teased her over Erik; but now it was his turn. Sending him a sly smirk, she was met with Matthew rolling his eyes. He was, from then on, engaged in some captivating conversation with Miss Edwards, while Mika enjoyed discussion with some others, though she listened more than she spoke.
She would, of course, smile politely whenever someone drew her into the discussion, but her thoughts were indeed entirely elsewhere.
Glancing absently around the room, Mika’s eyes had caught onto Erik near one of the tall windows on the far side of the room, surrounded by a half-dozen gentlemen whose evening attire marked them as businessmen rather than socialites. Each of them was animatedly addressing each other and then Erik, who listened with the patient attentiveness of a perfect host; or almost perfect.
The ideal host would not be stealing glances at her intermittently, certainly not while his other guests were addressing him for some sort of urgent business venture; and yet he was. He was giving her the briefest looks with little shame for it.
Mika sent him a shy smile and the corner of his mouth lifted. It was not the charming smile that had once earned Erik his notorious reputation, however. Rather, it was sweet. Mika felt a longing rise in her chest at the sight of it, her cheeks warming, before he was again taken in to his hearty conversation with the other businessmen.
But she smiled to herself still.
“...Miss Anderson?”
Her head snapped back to the man addressing her, one of Matthew’s companions.
“Oh, my apologies,” she said with an embarrassed smile. “I’m afraid I was elsewhere, sir.”
The man good-naturedly repeated himself, and so again Mika was brought into some discussion of business; on the very topic, they were many questions. These were mostly relegated to her plans for the future of the company as its new Chairwoman, and in truth, Mika had very few at present that she was at liberty to discuss.
The last of the transition had been undergone, and all that was needed now was the announcement of her father’s resignation. It wouldn’t be long before James would take over as CEO, but as the news was not yet public, she could hardly divulge it to the strangers that now surrounded her. All Mika could do was assure them the company was in steady hands.
Thankfully, Matthew had enough sense in him to interrupt the long talks of business for another round of drinks. “On me!” he insisted, and who was she to refuse? Eagerly, Mika accepted her fourth of the night.
She was then drawn into some more interesting discussion with Matthew and Miss Edwards herself, who she could, at last, get to know.
“Mr. Anderson’s told me so much about you,” Miss Edwards said excitedly. “I feel like I know you already!”
“Oh,” Mika laughed bashfully. “All good things, I hope.”
At that, Miss Edwards laughed. “Oh, of course!” she exclaimed, waving her hand. “He’s very fond of you, I can tell. It’s quite rare, though.”
Mika furrowed her brow, turning to Matthew. “You’re not often fond of people?” she laughed incredulously, but was then brought back to Miss Edwards as the girl shook her head.
“Oh, oh no,” she exclaimed. “Not Matthew! No, no, I meant Mr. Erik Anderson.” At the mention of his name, Miss Edwards lowered her voice slightly. “I’m a neighbour of his; I’ve known him these last few years he’s been in New York. But even so, I’ve only set foot in this house, like, twice!” She gave a hearty laugh, then.
Mika’s brows shot up. Erik was speaking to others about her?
“Oh, Gosh, ah,” she stammered, blushing. “I wasn’t aware you knew him well!” Mika cleared her throat. “What– What does he say?”
“Oh, I can hardly tell,” said Miss Edwards, smiling. “But all good things, I promise; and all in good time.” She leaned in closer. “I was just very surprised; he doesn’t usually give particular interest to women.”
“Huh…” Mika thought. Erik really had changed.
Miss Edwards went on. “Mother invited him to dinner with my cousin three separate times. Three! She really was set on it. But each time he left after dessert. I mean, he’s my dear neighbour, but I have to say he’s remarkably difficult when it comes to these things!” She smiled, then. “There was a time when Mother thought he’d suit me, but… “ She eyed Matthew and blushed. “We weren’t quite right, you might say.”
Matthew furrowed his brow. “And better for it,” he said seriously, but there was a clear jealous undertone.
At that, Mika and Miss Edwards shared a laugh.
Their talk carried on, then, but was mostly concerned with niceties and trivialities. Mika came to understand that Miss Edwards was also the daughter of a businessman, and so she shared much in common with Mika herself. It was always a very pleasing thing, the prospect of having a friend in her acquaintance who she could depend upon to understand her particular troubles; Mika hoped that she and Miss Edwards would become close friends.
But all throughout, Mika could not help the warm feeling rising in her at the thought of Erik refusing to pursue other women. She had heard it now from several accounts, though it felt realest now. Mika couldn’t help her inward smile as she wondered what exactly Erik was saying about her, what he had done to give the impression of being so fond of her.
Darting her eyes back to the man in question, she noticed again as his gaze shifted to where she stood.
Erik was now only a few paces away, in conversation with two ladies, though his attention was still divided. Again and again, he would look her way; and she, his; even when Matthew had been in the midst of addressing her on some topic or another.
When their eyes met again, Erik gave her a small wave, to which Mika couldn’t help herself but to laugh, blush, and look elsewhere.
Naturally, Matthew noticed.
“You are both becoming unbearable,” he murmured into his drink.
Before Mika could retaliate, another voice joined their circle, belonging to a man she faintly recognized. He was a round and short sort of man, whose head was littered with few hairs left; and by his general air, he seemed far too drunk this early in the night. Mika herself had already downed four drinks, though this man seemed to be reaching much higher numbers.
“Well,” the man said with a gruff voice, “Miss Anderson does certainly know how to make a spectacle wherever she goes.”
Mika faced him, brows furrowing, but the man smiled smoothly. “I’m sorry, sir, have we met?”
“Oh, yes, dear! Though I fear I’ve gotten on with age,” he chortled.
Before Mika could inquire further, the man turned to face Matthew.
“Oh, Mr. Anderson, you’d not believe the account I heard of Mrs. Carteret’s party! Poor Andrew Lewis!” he exclaimed with a loud laugh, and Mika flinched at his sheer volume in announcing that whole ordeal.
Mika was about to protest, but then he went on.
“Rejected before he could even propose, was he not? But, eh, I always say that young ladies are ‘llowed to make a bit a’ drama now and then!” He placed a hand over his large stomach, which bounced at his hearty laughter, and then downed another gulp of his drink.
Mika’s face fell as she saw a few nearby guests shift awkwardly. They began to murmur around her, their pairs of eyes flickering between Mika and the boisterous man. Even Miss Edwards, who Mika had previously shared a few laughs with, now seemed uneasy.
Panicking, she flicked her eyes to where Erik had been standing, only to find that he was now standing closer than before, and that his own gaze was transfixed precisely on the man. His face appeared almost murderous. Mika looked away.
The humiliation of that terrible evening at the Carterets’ still lived too near to the surface. Mika remembered all-too-well the whispers and looks she had gotten that night; the horrible realization that everyone, including Erik, had believed she was engaged to Andrew; that people had seen her chase after Erik like a fool, only for him to leave anyway! It had even been relayed to her father, and then back to her in the most degrading way imaginable!
“You manage nothing but to embarrass me,” her father had said. “Running back to him all night, stealing glances like some infatuated schoolgirl.”
Mika’s hands gripped the material of her dress. She would not soon forget her father’s disgust at her actions. A pit in her stomach formed at the remembrance of that feeling, like she was again a child at the mercy of his raging temper.
“But, eh, Miss Anderson,” the drunk nudged her. “Good of you to shoot him down quick! Nipped in the bud!” He let out an unseemly belch as he laughed at his own words, and Mika recoiled at the potent smell of the alcohol.
Casting her gaze to Matthew, she saw as the incubus’ expression had now darkened. He turned to set his drink on a nearby table, and made to approach the man.
Matthew was stopped, however, as Erik appeared almost inhumanly by her side, his face serious as she had ever seen before.
“Mr. Hurst,” said Erik firmly. “I must inquire as to what is so funny to you tonight. Does it truly humour you this much to hector my guests?” While his words seemed friendly upon appearance, he had no smile on his face as he spoke them; in his eyes was again that look of contempt and disapproval.
“Oh, Mr. Anderson,” said the man, Mr. Hurst. “I only meant a bit a’ fun, you see. When you’ve four daughters like myself, you’ll see how silly these girls can be.”
Erik’s eyes seemed to flash with scorn. “I regret to tell you, Mr. Hurst, that perhaps those faults belong uniquely to your daughters and them alone. But I know Miss Anderson to be a woman of dignity, sir.”
“Oh, come now, sir,” Mr. Hurst chortled, reaching his bloated pink hand to Erik’s arm. “There’s no need to be up her undies like th– “
Mika blanched. But Erik would have none of it. He stepped forward, looming over the loudmouth with a menacing appearance.
“You must excuse my brashness, sir,” Erik interrupted, his voice terribly overpowering and far more hostile than she had thought him capable, “but I would allow no such vulgar speech against my guests here, least of all such a companion as Miss Anderson.” His eyes flicked to Mika, then back to Mr. Hurst. “I must demand you leave at once.”
The whispers and gossip from nearby guests seemed only to escalate then, as Mika felt her thoughts almost drowning out. Her face had gone from a blushed, embarrassed red, to a nauseous, pale white.
“Yes, that’s her.”
“Mr. and Mrs. Lewis were so upset.”
“Hurst always gets too drunk…”
“Even her father was angry about it!”
It was all too much; how did everyone seem to know about it? Now feeling horribly faint, Mika turned from the scene with haste, heels clicking against the floor as she made her escape. Her hands were trembling as she pressed through them aimlessly, her breathing now rapid.
Wading through the groups of guests, Mika began to feel the full effects of her champagne; her head felt like it might wobble off her shoulders. Unthinking of her destination, she pressed only forward.
Passing through room after room, and corridor after corridor, Mika found herself pacing without end until she came at last to some quiet sitting room, lit by the moonlight from the nearby windows. Placing her hands on her stomach, Mika whined, trying her greatest to control her breathing. She would not cry tonight! She would not make a fool of herself!
Mika tried her greatest to assure herself of these things, thinking again on what Mrs. K might tell her in such a circumstance. Her lady friend always had some useful counsel. But then Mika heard hasty footsteps into the room, and miserably she turned around, knowing already who had followed her.
“Mika,” came Erik’s hurried voice as he approached her, not bothering to close the door behind him. “Mika, are you well?”
He came so close to her, closer than they had ever purposefully been in so long. He grabbed her hands with both haste and softness.
“Oh, oh, no,” stammered Mika, yet more mortified at having been followed. Again that dizzy feeling was creeping up in her. “I’m okay, please– please don’t feel the need to baby me. I’m alright.” She looked down, forcing her breathing to calm. “I only needed some privacy.”
Erik paused for a moment, allowing her a moment to ease herself. Then, he spoke again, with a tone so gentle it ran goosebumps down her arms. “Please, Mika, don’t worry yourself,” he said. “There were only few who heard Mr. Hurst. They mostly roused themselves because I made a point of sending him away.” Seeing her disbelief, he went on, “Believe me, Mika, no one here thinks so lowly of you. I would not allow it. Not in my house, and most certainly not with you around to hear such slanders.”
Though his words did work to lift a weight off her chest, Mika couldn’t help her eyes darting intermittently to the entrance of the room, praying no other guests had the sense to follow them. What they would see if they did come by, what they would think of her and Erik speaking so privately after such a scene!
Erik seemed to notice where she was looking. “And you need not worry for privacy, either, Mika. These are my private quarters.”
At that, she was snapped back to reality. “Your private quarters?”
“Yes,” he said gently, then turned to gesture to a door further down the hall. “Yes, that is my bedroom, remember?”
Mika spied the skylight near the bedroom door. She had seen that during her visit last week. She cringed. “Gosh, how stupid could I be? Running into his private rooms!”
Mika squeezed her eyes shut, then looked back up at Erik. “I– I know this is so silly of me,” she mumbled. “I must seem like… Lord, what you must think of me…”
“Mika, I think of you as the highest among women, if not the highest among people,” said Erik, seriously. She gaped at him, and he cleared his throat. “Tell me what troubles you, please.”
She looked down, swallowing. “It’s… it’s just not so easy to speak to all these strangers,” she admitted pitifully. “I didn’t know how they’d feel about me. I worried one or another would know me from some– some talk from home.” Her voice came out bitter.
“Then let me ease it for you,” Erik reassured her. “I would not have you stress and fret this way, Mika. How could I call myself a man if I allowed you to be in such discomfort?” He furrowed his brow. “No, I could not allow that.”
Her heart comforted at his words, and she felt her inhibitions wash away. Readily, she let him lift her into his arms and press her gently against him. His embrace felt exactly as she remembered, warm and protective. The weight of the evening, compounded with the alcohol, had begun to fatigue her, and she felt the full effects of it as she let herself sink into his embrace.
“I’m sorry for ruining your soirée…” she mumbled into his chest.
“You’ve nothing to apologize for, dear.”
It was at that familiar petname that Mika felt her heart skip a bit. Whether he noticed the slip-up himself, she could not say; neither one pointed it out.
There he kept her for those long minutes, held in his arms as he offered her gentle comfort.
If she were not half so upset, nor half so tipsy, Mika might have felt embarrassed at the way she was holding onto him, or the way he was consoling her as if she were a young child again. But now, it mattered little.
“Thank you, Erik,” she murmured wearily.
They stayed that way for a few moments before Mika eventually pulled away. “Lord, what a night,” she sighed, giving him a tired smile.
He nodded. “Indeed.”
“Should we get back, then? I don’t want to seem greedy by stealing away their host for the night.” She gave him a weary smile, then added, “Even though you were my hero.”
At that, Mika felt she saw Erik blush, though perhaps it was just the dimness of the room playing tricks upon her. He turned away slightly. “Hm, I have a better idea,” he mumbled. “They can deal without me for a little while. Matthew is a most excellent entertainer anyway.”
He offered her his arm, to which she gently accepted, before leading her through Kellynch’s halls. But he was not heading back to the party. Rather, Erik took her through the familiar path towards Kellynch’s gardens, once again offering his hand to help her down the stairs, though they were by no means steep.
He led her, then, to an area of the gardens that was paved, but still afforded them a beautiful view of the nature in the dark distance. With a silent awe, Mika took in the beauty of Kellynch’s gardens at night this time, with the silvery light of the moon shining down on it all.
Erik’s voice came gentle and quiet in the night. “I find the gardens to be most calming in the warm months. I often find myself here when I need a minute or two from my work.” He turned to look down at her. “What do you think, Mika?”
“Yes, ah, it’s all very calming,” said Mika. “I feel… I feel better already. Thank you, Erik.”
“That’s good, I’m glad of it.”
She paused. “What,” she began. “What exactly makes you stressed? That is, stressed enough that you need to walk out here.”
He gave her a gentle smile. “I’m sure it’s not lost on you, Mika, how taxing the business world can be,” he said. “Besides, I have many affairs to tend to outside of that. It is…” His voice wandered a bit. “It is difficult, at times, to manage.”
Mika frowned, looking forward as they strolled. “I see,” she mumbled, lightly kicking a stray pebble. “And– And is there anything I might do to help you with those stresses?” she asked quietly.
But at his expression, which she could not quite read, she stammered on, “That is, I mean– I am, after all, a Chairwoman. And while I’ve not had the position for long, I feel it’s given me a lot of, well… um, experience.”
She cringed at herself as it dawned on her just how silly she sounded. Erik was a practiced businessman, and had been for years! He surely didn’t need her experience; she had only been Chairwoman for less than a month!
But then he gave a light laugh, that which was not mocking but friendly. “I’ll be very glad to consult you, then,” he said. “I have no doubt of your capabilities, Mika.”
“Well, ah, thank you.”
They carried on their strolling for a quiet moment before Erik spoke up again.
“You know,” he said casually. “I’ve been informed I am becoming old.”
Mika gave a light laugh, looking up at him in disbelief. “By who?”
He smiled. “By Matthew, of course,” he said. “He says I spend too much time in these gardens like an elderly man. He says I’ll develop a hunch, and that when I do, he’ll not help me in my walking with a cane.” He turned to look down at her. “Can you quite believe that?”
Mika snickered, placing a hand over her mouth. “I can easily.”
He shared her laugh, but then straightened up. “I have been considering changes, though.”
“To the gardens?”
Erik looked to the side. “Well, to the estate.”
Mika looked up at him. Her expression implored him to explain.
“I told you before,” he continued quietly, “that I hoped to have someone managing Kellynch with me eventually.”
Mika’s heart skipped a beat, blushing as the memory came back to her. Her mouth suddenly felt too dry. “I… I’m sure you’ll find someone.”
His expression shifted strangely. “I don’t particularly want just anyone,” he said, voice gentle. “I think if I am to spend the rest of my life with someone, I should like it to be someone I can speak to like this.”
Mika felt herself gulp. “Like– Like this?”
“So pleasantly,” he said with a smile, slowing them to a halt. He then reached for one of her hands, holding it gently in his; lightly, he rubbed his thumb over the back of her hand. “Mika, you must know there is no one I long to speak to as I do you.”
“Really?” Her eyes were big and hopeful.
He gave a light smile. “Yes, really,” he teased, though his own eyes were indeed more serious than he let on. He looked down at her in thoughtful consideration; such that drew her to shiver under it.
In that moment, she could not help the image of her and Erik kissing. It seemed perfect for it, secluded away from prying eyes, alone and close enough at last. She could distantly remember the feeling of kissing him, even from years ago, how nice it was…
But, of course, it would not be so.
“Is ‘at you, sir?” a masculine voice called out, startling both Mika and Erik out of their shared daze, and towards the intruder in question. It was not a man who Mika had met, though he was clearly acquainted with Erik.
“Ah, Samson!” Erik exclaimed, cheeks now slightly flushed. “I had not thought you’d be out here so late. What brings you out at this hour?”
“Samson… “ Mika thought. The name sounded familiar.
The man himself, Mika did not know. He was a gruff-looking man, and had on clothes that were now etched in mud and dirt. On his hands were large yellow rubber gloves, which had been dirtied as well. If Mika had not been assured of Erik knowing the man, she might have presumed him some sort of trespasser.
“Just a bit a’ late-night errands, sir,” he said. “The roots of that old oak were givin’ me a hard time this last week. Thought it was a good enough hour as any to take the saw and handle it myself while the missus was asleep.”
“I see,” said Erik, then turning to Mika with a smile. “Mika, it pleases me to introduce you to my trusted gardener, Mr. Samson.” He then turned to Samson again. “And this is Miss Anderson, a dear companion of mine and Matthew’s.”
Samson gave her a polite nod of the head as he took off his dirty glove and stretched out his thankfully clean hand. “Pleased to meet you, Miss.”
She took his hand and gave it a small shake. “And you as well, sir.”
Samson then turned to address Erik again. “So this is your lady from Chicago, then, sir?”
At that, both Mika and Erik startled.
“Ah, well– “
“Oh, you’re mistaken– “
The two sputtered on, then, much to the amusement of Samson, who laughed heartily.
“If I’d known you were bringing her this evening, sir, I’d have tidied the Eastern side better. It’s a vast more romantic spot than this– “
“Samson– “ Erik’s voice came strangled.
“— and ‘m sure with the night sky as it is, it’d be a right lovely spot for a late night such a’ this one.”
“Yes, ah, well,” Erik sputtered. “Thank you, Samson.”
The gardener nodded pleasantly. “Glad to be of use, sir!” he said. “Well, I’ll let you to your business then. Goodnight, sir.” He then turned to Mika, nodding his head politely. “And you too, Miss.”
The two then bid goodnight to Samson in return, and Erik held his arm out for Mika’s taking, though he did not meet her eye; and neither did she, his.
Their stroll picked up again though both were quiet, hearing only the light sounds of the breeze passing them by. One or twice Mika would eye Erik to her side, finding that he had a light blush across his features still.
Feeling playful, she wondered what other reactions she might get from him.
After all, Erik was indeed the master flirt, the trained and tried seducer who blushed for nothing. But if he could stammer and redden like that, then surely she could stifle her inhibitions and try her hand at it.
She faced forward, smiling to herself.
“It’s rather a nice title,” Mika said idly. When he looked down at her, she chanced a peek up at him and gave him a sweet smile. “Your lady from Chicago, that is. Now where exactly was that romantic spot Samson so kindly mentioned? I’d much like to see it.” At his expression, which was both baffled and pleased, she could not help but snicker.
“If you don’t mind, sir.” She emphasized that last little title of his, not terribly flirtatiously, but to tease him as she felt he ought to be; and teased he was.
Erik stopped their perusing abruptly with an odd sort of look on his face; like he could not believe what he was seeing or hearing; his brow was quirked, and he had an incredulous smile about him.
“And what games are you playing at now, Miss Anderson?”
She smiled cheekily. “Oh, Erik, I’m not the playing type.”
“Aren’t you?” he said, bringing her hand to his lips to kiss it again like he had earlier that night. “I’ll not be happy to have you lying to me in my own house, Mika.”
Mika giggled, patting away at his chest. “It’s not a lie, I promise.”
“Hm,” he said. “Then I suppose I must show you to the spot.” He leaned in then with a sly smirk. “My fair lady.”
Giggling again, she took his arm as he led her away.
Swiftly enough, she was swept away to that corner of the gardens Samson had spoken of; and indeed, it was a beautiful, romantic spot as any could be imagined. The walkway among the grass was paved with a white stone with hedges surrounding, leading up to a fountain in the near distance. Fruit trees were scattered around, not in any orderly sort of way, and the warm wind blew lightly through them.
Mika didn’t even think before she blurted, “I could really get used to– “
Her eyes widened then, and she stopped herself from finishing.
“I could really get used to coming here,” she had almost said, until she realized the implication of it! Like she might one day live there!
She shot a glance at Erik, hoping he hadn’t noticed her slip-up, but was not so lucky.
“Get used to…?” Erik grinned.
Her face reddened against her will. “Never you mind that,” she said stubbornly, to which he gave a soft chuckle and carried on their walk towards the fountain.
Apart from Mika’s blushing, it was a rather peaceful walk, uninterrupted and unbothered by anything. The warm breeze blew past the pair of them, brushing Mika’s hair across her shoulders. Every now and then, Erik would reach his free hand to tuck it behind her ear, and give her a sweet smile as he did so.
It reminded her much of the walks she used to take with Erik back at Anderson Hall during the time of their engagement. Their happy little rapports, their long-lost promises were naught to be forgotten; she remembered them all, and dearly she hoped that he did, too.
The two eventually reached a small fountain that stood neatly in the paved area of the yard, and Mika moved to look at it more closely, leaving her hold on Erik’s arm. The fountain itself was stunning, a beautiful white marble that took the form of a swan with its wings outstretched, as if about to take flight.
Mika turned to him then, a smile on her face. “You have amazing taste!” she exclaimed, placing a hand in the stream. The water was nice and cool on her skin. Giggling, Mika added, “Samson was right; this is quite the beautiful spot.”
From a few paces away, Erik chuckled. “I’m glad you’re enjoying my décor, Mika.”
“Hm, much better than Lewis Hall, I think,” she giggled as the fountain stream tickled her.
But Mika hadn’t realized what she’d said until Erik shifted uncomfortably in the corner of her eye; and then she frowned. It must have been all the alcohol making her say such things.
Erik gave his thanks for her compliment quietly, clasping his hands behind his back. He stayed standing there watching her admire the fountain, but he had an odd look on his face that she did not like.
After a few moments, Mika straightened up and turned back to him, shaking her wet hand. She was now sobered from that playful feeling she’d indulged earlier and was now again all-too-aware of the difficulties surrounding their acquaintance.
For a long moment, the pair of them stood there, tense and uneasy.
What could she possibly say to him after such a terrible scene had unfolded inside? There was nothing she wished to avoid more than the topic of Andrew, especially in front of Erik. But now it had been crossed; now she needed to address it.
But how could she even begin to explain the details of that whole situation in the first place?
“Oh, Erik, I was supposedly engaged to a man you hate, but not really, because I had no idea of it! But don’t worry, I batted him off to come here and see you!” How ridiculous that sounded! She could scoff at herself if she wasn’t in public.
But, sticking to her courage, she made up her mind to explain herself anyway; he deserved as much.
“Erik– “
“I already know what happened,” he said quickly. “That is, with the Vice-Chairman’s son.”
Mika held her breath. Did he know all of it?
“It, um, it was an unfortunate ordeal,” she mumbled, fumbling with the fabric of her dress. She looked back towards the gardens, not wishing to meet Erik’s gaze. “I regret the impression I gave. Ah… especially how I offended you.“
But to her confusion, she heard him give a light laugh. Brows furrowed, Mika snapped her gaze back to him.
“Mika,” Erik said, smiling. At last, he approached her more closely by the fountain. “I understand very well, now, that you were not engaged to Mr. Lewis, at least not properly. I heard it from James himself. The man meant to propose, but you were unaware.”
Mika felt a weight lift from her chest as he said the words; he did understand the predicament! She let out a deep breath. “Oh, thank goodness,” she said. “I can’t bear that you’d be under the impression I was actually engaged to him.”
Erik frowned a little. “Well, I was,” he said, “for a time.”
“Oh,” she mumbled. “Yes…”
It pained her to think back on his harsh words to her during the party at the Carterets’, how he had scorned her and left both the party and the city to avoid her. There was no doubt in Mika’s mind that he had heard the gossip of her and Andrew; that they were engaged, or soon to be engaged. “Everyone’s been talking about it!” had said Miss Carteret that night; and, of course, that talk had reached Erik.
Erik’s face seemed pained, and even a little ashamed, as he spoke. “I…” he began. “I was… disappointed, at first, to hear that you were to be his fiancée. You don’t know how it grieved me.” He gave a small smile, then. “But I wasn’t thinking rationally. Of course you would never do such a low thing like that.”
Erik stepped closer, then, his face serious as he took one of her hands in his. She felt her pulse catch.
“Mika, I’ve wished to apologize,” he said, determined. “I was too harsh, terribly harsh, when I spoke with you those weeks ago. It was cruel of me to address you that way. You are far too kind and caring a woman for me to ever deserve your company. I should have never assumed…”
Mika stopped him. “No, Erik, I– I can’t blame you for believing what everyone else seemed to believe,” she said, rubbing a thumb over his hand. “And if you were right, then I feel I’d only deserve those harsh words.” She huffed a bit of air, smiling. “I console myself in knowing you were wrong though; I would never have accepted Andrew.”
He gave a smile. “You’ve no clue how that relieves me.”
“I can imagine,” Mika laughed lightly. “It would be too cruel of me to do something like that, no matter the benefits of the arrangement. I mean, I had very little to respect Andrew for, after all he had done to James.”
“Hm, and what are these benefits that you’ve now cast aside?” His voice was teasing, though she knew he didn’t mean to mock her.
“Well, hah,” she let out a light laugh. “It would have been a practical marriage, that’s for certain. But, well…” Her voice wandered as she frowned, considering.
“But?” he asked, intrigued.
She spoke quietly, “You see, it would’ve been a marriage without…”
Her voice drifted off as she stared into his eyes; his eyes, which were now so expectant.
“Without…?”
She felt her inhibitions unravelling.
“Without passion,” Mika blurted, and Erik seemed to still at that.
At first, he said nothing. But his gaze was set fixedly on hers and she saw something in his eyes shift as though he was filled with new motive. “So it is passion you want,” said Erik, eyes not leaving her face. His voice dipped just slightly lower, and she felt something deep in her rumble at the hearing of it. “Is that it?”
“W–Well, yes,” she blurted again. "Well, equal parts passion and security.” The words couldn’t seem to stop now. It must have been the alcohol.
Mika rambled more, “I suppose it’s… it’s every girl’s dream to be held tightly by strong arms, and be loved and seduced, but— but comforted all the same that such connection is real… is tangible… is… “ She met his gaze. “Is … right, for her.” Her words escaped her without thought as she looked again to Erik’s face; his expression was now unreadable. His brow was furrowed and eyes intense. He looked as if deciding something, in great, deep thought.
But then he quickly stepped close to her, closer than he ought to have. Mika squeaked as she felt a hand at her waist, and she chanced a look downwards; but then Erik raised his other hand to her chin and angled her so as to have her look up at him directly.
“Passion,” he murmured quietly. “I can give you passion.”
At that, she could make no response, only staring up at him with her lips parted in a breathless gasp. His eyes seemed to consume her now, drawing her in. “Did you forget, Mika?” came his voice, quiet and gentle. Mika let out a soft gasp, feeling the barest sensation of a tingle crawling up her spine as his eyes flashed gold for a half-second; and then it was gone, and he was gone.
With an annoyingly-teasing smile, Erik stepped back from her, hand returning to his side and eyes returning to normal. Looking all-too-pleased, the incubus offered his arm out again for her to take. “Shall we, Princess?” he asked teasingly, reminding her all too much of those old times. “I believe there is a party to attend.”
Stunned, Mika stood there for a moment, a red blush overtaking her. Then, still embarrassed, she took his arm and allowed him to lead her back inside.
“Tease!” she called out in her mind, as though he might hear her. He must have been trying to get back at her for her pushing his buttons earlier.
The rest of their walking was spent in a tense silence, which was still uneasy even after having returned to the soirée. Once or twice, Mika chanced a look to her side at Erik, only to be greeted with a sweet smile as though nothing were amiss at all.
Restlessly, Mika ran her free hand down her dress over and over, clutching and twisting at the fabric, though there was nothing wrong with the dress. Rather, something felt amiss about her body, something warm and deep that was scarce to be ignored. Her pale chest rose and fell, breasts pressing against the tight confines of the dress. She only hoped Erik would not notice from his place at her side.
As the pair strolled around the soirée, Mika could not get the image of Erik looking down at her so intimately out of her mind. His hand on her chin, so gentle and yet so solid, his eyes not leaving her face as she spoke. What had gotten into her, speaking about passion to an incubus, of all people!
At the remembrance of Erik’s incubus nature, Mika’s mind could not help but be reminded of the quick flash of what she knew was his enthrallment. When had she last felt it? Mika had long remembered the sensation for years, giving thought to its feeling of warmth and desire. But now she had been warmed by it again, lighting a fire somewhere deep and low in her. The rational half of her mind – that which lectured in Mrs. K’s orderly voice – told her to calm herself, to rein herself in, to cast away the desire to do something she knew she might later regret; but the sensational half spoke louder, demanding her full attention with its luring fantasies. Mika knew she would later brew on them when tucked into bed that night; she was almost excited to do so.
At one point in their pleasant strolling, Erik had taken Mika back to the bar, though he made a point of ordering her something non-alcoholic. “You’ve had enough champagne,” he said offhandedly, and normally Mika would have taken such a comment to be judgemental, but Erik’s tone was nothing but concern and protection. It warmed her heart, as it was so true; alcohol and nerves never seemed to mix well with her.
Alcohol, Erik had once said, revealed the true habits and beliefs of a person. He had said it once when Mika had gotten rather too drunk during a party those years ago. That night, Mika had been relieved of the obligation of hosting, as it was James who hosted that particular party at Anderson Hall. Mika had accepted one too many drinks, then, and hadn’t been able to help her hands from wandering on Erik’s form during their dance. The morning after, Mika had groaned out her apology, but Erik would have nothing of it. “Fret not, Princess. I assure you, your attentions are so very pleasing to me,” he had teased her. “I rather enjoy them.”
Lips twitching into a small smile, Mika eyed Erik at her side, and wondered if he still liked her ‘attentions’.
The end of the night began to draw near, as guests trickled out slowly. The dutiful host that he was, Erik was required to see off his invitees, and so Mika had taken to nursing her growing headache in one of Kellynch Hall’s sitting rooms, as the quiet did well for her.
Slumping in the chair, Mika leaned on one palm as she waited for Matthew to pull the car up. She could still hear the music faintly, as well as the light conversation of those passing by.
“... and Father insists it’s wasted on me, which I think is terribly unfair.”
Mika groaned, recognizing the voice.
“You dislike wine.”
And that one, too.
“I dislike bad wine, Mr. E. It’s a very important distinction.”
“Indeed, it is.”
Mika closed her eyes, trying to focus on nothing; it always helped her headaches to do so.
But then that sharp voice cried out. “Oh, Miss Mika! Miss Mika!”
She turned her head to find Erik and Miss Grey approaching, the latter holding onto his arm rather too tightly for Mika’s liking, and a large bottle in her other hand.
“Are you leaving?” the girl inquired. “Surely not – “ she turned to Erik, “ – no, surely not, since we’re staying on for a little wine-tasting.” Miss Grey held up the bottle in her hands. “Mr. E and I found his old Château Margaux 1983, which he’s been refusing to open for years. But, oh, I insisted we need to crack it open and have some!”
Mika blinked. “I, ah…”
The thought of wine truly made Mika feel sick, but she felt even sicker at the idea of leaving while Miss Grey stayed on. She strained herself to remain polite.
“Matthew’s pulling up just now,” she mumbled. “I’ll have to pass, but I thank you all the same.”
Erik stepped forward, then. “I’ll see you out, Mika,” he said softly, moving his arm from Miss Grey’s to now offer his hand to Mika. She felt a bit of life return to her at the sight of the girl’s frown.
But still, feeling the girl’s eyes on her so pointedly now, Mika strained to stand up on her own. “I can manage,” she said, slowly rising from her seat.
“You shouldn’t need to manage,” Erik tutted. “Let me walk you, Mika. I wouldn’t risk you tripping down any stairs when I am here to aid you.”
Despite herself, Mika drew a happy but weary smile, taking his arm. “Thank you, Erik.”
He turned to Miss Grey again. “I’ll be only a moment,” he said, to which she gave another of her sweet smiles.
“Take your time.”
Opening the front door, he gestured for Mika to step out first before he closed the door softly behind them. The night air, now cool, did wonders for her as the breeze and quiet of the night gave rest to her senses, overworn.
Slowly, Erik led her down Kellynch’s front stairs, though he made no immediate hurry towards where Mathew had drawn up the car.
Just a few paces from the car, the two of them slowed and then stopped, as Mika turned to Erik only to find his eyes already on her.
“Oh, I just remembered,” Mika said, zipping open her purse and digging through it. She had been waiting all night to bring these up. Once found, she pulled out the three tickets. “There’s an opera showing at the Metropolitan; Sarah — that is, Miss Harroway — extended the invitations to Matthew and I.” Mika paused. “And you, Erik.”
He drew a small smile. “The opera,” he repeated quietly, accepting one of the tickets and placing it in his shirt pocket. He then looked at her more intently. “Will I have the pleasure, then, of being your escort?”
“O—Of course.”
His smile widened. “Then I must accept,” he said. “Do not worry about making arrangements; I’ll pick you up myself.”
“Oh,” said Mika, blushing. “You’re going to spoil me, I think.”
But Erik would have none of that. He drew closer, then, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear, though he kept his hand there, cupping her chin. “I hope I make myself clear in my taking you to the opera, Mika,” he said. “I’ll not allow you to be escorted by Matthew.”
“Hah,” she huffed out a bit of air. “O–Of course.”
The breeze blew past them then, sending shivers down Mika’s form, which drew her to wrap her arms around her body. She was, then, reminded of Matthew being just paces away in the car.
“Well, ah, thank you for having me over,” she said quietly, giving a somewhat sad smile. “Though I… I fear I was poor company tonight.”
Erik’s face took on a look of ardent concern. “Don’t say that, Mika…” he murmured, bringing a soft hand to cup her cheek again. She could not help but lean into it. “You are the greatest company I could ask for.” He paused. “You could not imagine my happiness that you attended tonight.”
“Well, I can try.”
She looked more intently into his eyes, and she felt his hand on her cheek flinch only slightly.
“Try, then, Mika,” said Erik, leaning further down. “But you must know that I am far happier to see you than you are to see me. That much, I can, I must, assure you.”
Mika shook her head with a smile and opened her mouth to insist it was otherwise, but was stopped as the car in the driveway honked.
“Oh!” she exclaimed, turning to the car and then back at Erik. His hand had now returned to his side. “Poor Matthew,” she laughed breathlessly. “We’re trespassing on his time, I think.”
“Hm, yes,” said Erik, straightening himself.
Mika couldn’t help but frown, disappointed at the loss of intimacy due to Matthew’s interruption. She had hoped Erik might kiss her goodbye as he often used to those years ago.
Instead, he drew her hand into his and kissed the back of it, which was not so bad – as her heart did flutter at the gesture – but it was not half so affectionate as she had wished. Mika wanted to kiss him like she had used to; she wanted Matthew to see; she wanted Miss Grey to see.
“Well, I bid you goodnight then,” he said.
Mika gave him one last parting smile.
“And I, you.”
Gently, she was ushered into the passenger seat of the car, met with Matthew’s unbearable teasing side-eye. His grin was even more teasing, though he knew well enough to hold his tongue.
She gave him a look of, “Don’t even start,” to which his smile only grew, and he began driving off. It was difficult, then, to stifle her disappointment at how the night had turned out; she gave a small sigh as she rested her chin in her palm.
Looking out the window, Mika peered as Erik re-entered the great hall, met with Miss Grey’s eager smile as she held the wine bottle up excitedly. Meeting her laughter, he closed the door, and Mika felt her heart ache as it had scarce ever before.
