Quiet and Sweet

Blanche Landry. Quiet and shy. Coffee shop frequenter and thrift shop sifter extraordinaire. Frequent jumper of hobbies including photography and painting. Not a very good cook. ((oc roleplaying blog. Revamp of an old character No images or gifs are mine unless stated.))

[cinemapix]

Lily Collins as Emily Cooper in Emily in Paris Season 2 Teaser

[themanyfacesofmilo]

quietandsweet​:

“So instead of turning it into something productive, you lock down and lash out.” She nodded before taking another bite. “Don’t you find it exhausting to be so angry all of the time?” Blanche pushed the plate away again, her appetite gone.

“No more exhausting than life already is.” Jack sighed heavily. His hand went to his pockets and he pulled out a packet of cigarettes. “Think they’ll mind if I-” 

Before Jack could finish his question, his face scrunched up in pain. His face rippled and transitioned before her eyes and suddenly Fitz was sitting there. “Fucking Christ.” He muttered, looking quickly to double check that they were in fact still alone in the room. As soon as he was satisfied, he stood  up and tossed the packet in the trash can. “The man is as stupid as he is depressed.”

[quietandsweet]

She opened her mouth to protest the cigarettes. Instead, she took the few seconds during the transformation to compose herself for whoever came forward. Fitz, she could handle. Blanche folded her hands under the table as she leaned forward. “I know that he enjoys riling everyone up, but I can’t stop myself from taking the bait.” She huffed before remembering her manners. “Anything you’d like to eat? Drink?”

[theshelbylegacy]

quietandsweet​:

Blanche raised an eyebrow at what Barrett was saying before responding to Merrick. “There is no better guide because I can get us into places the public isn’t allowed and no one will bother us as we do things. Or we can slip away and see things like actual tourists.” She beamed. “Zeb can join us, he seems to know the best hole in the wall places. He has a little bit more time to explore, when I don’t drag him to things.” Blanche gave Merrick’s arm a squeeze hoping it would convey he should go with her on this and see what Barrett would say to that.

Merrick nudged her ever so slightly in return as he spoke. “That would be wonderful. He’s an interesting guy so I can only imagine he finds the most interesting places.” He laughed as he reached over to raise her other hand, her left hand, so he could see the ring he had noticed a little better. “And he has good taste. This ring suits you perfectly.” He snuck her a quick grin. “Do you have a wedding date yet?” 

Barrett’s expression barely changed, the amusement only fading slightly. If he had actually thought he had any chance with the princess, a ring on the finger would have meant little to him. Either way, he could say he flirted with a princess. His smirk returned full force. “He is a lucky man, if I might say so, your highness.”

[quietandsweet]

“We have two. One in New York for family, one in Denmark for other family. Which I’ll need an address for you, you’ll be invited to more than likely both. No need to come to both, but you’ll be invited.” Blanche wiggled her fingers to let the diamonds catch the light. “I like to think it’s perfect, I do like to hear that other people agree.” She caught the eye of one of the waiters walking around to bring them more champagne. Her smile returned full force. “I think I’m more lucky of the two of us, if I am absolutely honest. He could have his pick of anyone but he chose me. And all my complications.”

[themanyfacesofmilo]

quietandsweet​:

“And I will be very cross with him when he returns. We’ll have a discussion about how it’s unwise to leave without at least telling someone.” She put a hand on the man’s shoulder, hoping to soothe him a little bit. Blanche began to walk him out of the room as she spoke again. “We have to remember, my fiancé is American, and still adjusting to having every little moment tracked and monitored.” She sighed, trying to look ever so annoyed. “But I do thank you for telling me that he indeed decide to leave the grounds and I hope you keep me up to date if you do see him.” She patted the man’s should again before leaving him there and walking back, her face stormy now that only Jack could see her.

“It would have been bad for both of us if you hadn’t gone along with what I said. I’ll leave it to you to get yourself out of that sort of situation if it happens again and you decide to mess around.”

“And what do I care if I can’t get out of a situation like that?” He rolled his eyes slightly. “I just pass it off to someone else and its not my problem anymore. That’s the one thing I’ve got going for me.” Jack let out in a huff. “And you know they’ll only buy that for so long anyway, right? They’re gonna notice that he keeps disappearing.”

[quietandsweet]

“A bridge we’ll cross when we get to it. I’m in no mood to try to solve that on half a cup of tea or barely any breakfast.” Blanche sat down with a huff, tucking herself in to finish the plate she had made for herself. She tried to let quiet take over the space for a moment to settle herself before she spoke again. “You are so determined to be a thorn in everyone’s side, why?”

[themanyfacesofmilo]

“Because that’s just who I am.” Jack grabbed himself another drink and pointed the glass at her. “I’m just a manifestation of all the pain from what Milo had to go through, didn’t you know that?” He scoffed and took a long drink. “That’s what I am, so why should I fight it?”

[quietandsweet]

“So instead of turning it into something productive, you lock down and lash out.” She nodded before taking another bite. “Don’t you find it exhausting to be so angry all of the time?” Blanche pushed the plate away again, her appetite gone.

[quietandsweet]

theshelbylegacy​:

quietandsweet​:

“A very large family business from the sounds of it, if you’re looking to break into international affairs.” Blanche shook her head. “But let’s not talk about business, everyone else is and I’m tired of it.” She focused on Merrick, “how long have you been here? And why didn’t you tell me you were in England? I would have stopped to say hi while I was traveling.”

“It feels like all I’ve talked about since I’ve gotten back to England is business.” Merrick let out a breath, but was quick to school his features into something other than relief. “I had to come back suddenly and have been busy since. I’m sorry, I know it’s not a great excuse.” 

“He’s meant to take over everything when Lizzie deems it the right moment. So him being gone… You can understand he had a lot to catch up on. I think that’s a pretty damn good excuse.” Barrett smiled at his brother which only made Merrick more suspicious. “Though if I was him, I would have made sure to set aside some time to spend with a woman such as you.”

Blanche nodded and patted Merrick’s arm again. “It’s the truth, and you know how much I value that.” She flagged down a waitress to bring them all a flute of champagne. “Now that I know you’re here though, be prepared to entertain me from time to time. You know I love a good city walk.” 

Her attention turned to Barrett, fixing on him solely, that quiet bemused smile returning as she caught on to the game once more. “Oh? A woman such as you? Are you saying that because I’m royalty?”

[theshelbylegacy]

“No ma’am.” Barrett said with a small shake of his head. Merrick barely held back his sigh. “I’m saying that because you are obviously a woman of class, you’re intelligent, beautiful. I haven’t known you long and I feel as though I have been missing out.”

“Jesus Christ.” Merrick couldn’t hold back his mutter now as his brother attempted to flirt. Still, he attempted to steer the conversation back on track. “I would love to see you again. It’s good to have a friend again.” Merrick smiled at her even though her attention was on Barrett now. His face lighting up at the thought of having this tiny bit of his fake life back. “And I would love to get a tour of your city some time. What better guide is there than the princess?”

[quietandsweet]

Blanche raised an eyebrow at what Barrett was saying before responding to Merrick. “There is no better guide because I can get us into places the public isn’t allowed and no one will bother us as we do things. Or we can slip away and see things like actual tourists.” She beamed. “Zeb can join us, he seems to know the best hole in the wall places. He has a little bit more time to explore, when I don’t drag him to things.” Blanche gave Merrick’s arm a squeeze hoping it would convey he should go with her on this and see what Barrett would say to that.

[themanyfacesofmilo]

quietandsweet​:

“And I will be very cross with him when he returns. We’ll have a discussion about how it’s unwise to leave without at least telling someone.” She put a hand on the man’s shoulder, hoping to soothe him a little bit. Blanche began to walk him out of the room as she spoke again. “We have to remember, my fiancé is American, and still adjusting to having every little moment tracked and monitored.” She sighed, trying to look ever so annoyed. “But I do thank you for telling me that he indeed decide to leave the grounds and I hope you keep me up to date if you do see him.” She patted the man’s should again before leaving him there and walking back, her face stormy now that only Jack could see her.

“It would have been bad for both of us if you hadn’t gone along with what I said. I’ll leave it to you to get yourself out of that sort of situation if it happens again and you decide to mess around.”

“And what do I care if I can’t get out of a situation like that?” He rolled his eyes slightly. “I just pass it off to someone else and its not my problem anymore. That’s the one thing I’ve got going for me.” Jack let out in a huff. “And you know they’ll only buy that for so long anyway, right? They’re gonna notice that he keeps disappearing.”

[quietandsweet]

“A bridge we’ll cross when we get to it. I’m in no mood to try to solve that on half a cup of tea or barely any breakfast.” Blanche sat down with a huff, tucking herself in to finish the plate she had made for herself. She tried to let quiet take over the space for a moment to settle herself before she spoke again. “You are so determined to be a thorn in everyone’s side, why?”

[quietandsweet]

theshelbylegacy​:

quietandsweet​:

“A very large family business from the sounds of it, if you’re looking to break into international affairs.” Blanche shook her head. “But let’s not talk about business, everyone else is and I’m tired of it.” She focused on Merrick, “how long have you been here? And why didn’t you tell me you were in England? I would have stopped to say hi while I was traveling.”

“It feels like all I’ve talked about since I’ve gotten back to England is business.” Merrick let out a breath, but was quick to school his features into something other than relief. “I had to come back suddenly and have been busy since. I’m sorry, I know it’s not a great excuse.” 

“He’s meant to take over everything when Lizzie deems it the right moment. So him being gone… You can understand he had a lot to catch up on. I think that’s a pretty damn good excuse.” Barrett smiled at his brother which only made Merrick more suspicious. “Though if I was him, I would have made sure to set aside some time to spend with a woman such as you.”

Blanche nodded and patted Merrick’s arm again. “It’s the truth, and you know how much I value that.” She flagged down a waitress to bring them all a flute of champagne. “Now that I know you’re here though, be prepared to entertain me from time to time. You know I love a good city walk.” 

Her attention turned to Barrett, fixing on him solely, that quiet bemused smile returning as she caught on to the game once more. “Oh? A woman such as you? Are you saying that because I’m royalty?”

[quietandsweet]

themanyfacesofmilo​:

quietandsweet​: 

“Unfortunately, even though I’m free of in person engagements, I’m sure there’s plenty for me to do for other things.” As she spoke, she moved back towards the table where a few envelopes rested near her seat. “Letters to write, phone calls more than likely. If you’d like to help with that, I wouldn’t say no.” Blanche flipped through a few of the envelopes, changing where they sat in the pile.

“Yeah, no. Maybe if Fitz shows up later, he’ll love to help you.” He moved back to the table to pick up one of the envelopes she had set aside. “You don’t like me much. Which, yeah, I get I don’t make it easy, but did you ev-” Jack stopped when the door suddenly opened and a new staff member entered. 

The man bowed and spoke quickly in Danish. “Your Royal Highness, we… we are unable to find the prince consort.” He paused, licking his lip nervously. “We went to wake him for the day and he wasn’t there or anywhere else in the estate.” 

“What’s going on?” Jack asked with a raised eyebrow. He couldn’t understand the language, but a couple of voices in his head were already trying to translate what had been said. “Is this about Zeb?” 

“I’m so sorry that you-” She had started to speak over him, her patience running out already. Blanche schooled her features when the new arrival rushed up to her. She nodded a few times before replying back to the man in Danish, “Yes, I believe he slipped out early this morning. I’m sure he’ll be back soon.” 

She switched back to English for Jack. “Of course it is. If I remember correctly, you told me you heard him say something about playing hooky today, yes?” She stared at the man intensely, hoping he’d go along with what she was saying. “He wanted to go out and explore, just himself without needing a large entourage?”

[themanyfacesofmilo]

“Did I hear that?” There was a mischievous glint in his eyes as he looked at her. Finally he shrugged his shoulder and gave a little nod. “You know, now that you said that, I do remember him saying something of the sort. I didn’t think he was actually going to do it though.” 

The man’s nerves didn’t seem very soothed. He was clearly distressed when he spoke again, this time in English. “But Mr. Lancaster knows he isn’t supposed to go out without his security.”

[quietandsweet]

“And I will be very cross with him when he returns. We’ll have a discussion about how it’s unwise to leave without at least telling someone.” She put a hand on the man’s shoulder, hoping to soothe him a little bit. Blanche began to walk him out of the room as she spoke again. “We have to remember, my fiancé is American, and still adjusting to having every little moment tracked and monitored.” She sighed, trying to look ever so annoyed. “But I do thank you for telling me that he indeed decide to leave the grounds and I hope you keep me up to date if you do see him.” She patted the man’s should again before leaving him there and walking back, her face stormy now that only Jack could see her.

“It would have been bad for both of us if you hadn’t gone along with what I said. I’ll leave it to you to get yourself out of that sort of situation if it happens again and you decide to mess around.”

[quietandsweet]

theshelbylegacy​:

quietandsweet​:

Blanche raised an eyebrow while Barrett kissed her hand. It took everything in her to keep a straight face. “I’ve found the whole thing very dull until the last few minutes.” She hid her laugh behind a smile. “You know me, Merrick, ever the picture of charm and grace. Infinite measures of patience.” She looked at Barrett again. “Your brother told me that your sister normally accompanies him to these functions. Did you happen to draw the short straw to replace her?”

Barrett looked to Merrick, ready to follow his lead. He caused trouble, but he knew better than to really cross any lines like revealing Shelby business. “Unfortunately for him, there wasn’t even any straw pulling. Isa had some other business to attend to tonight and that left only him.”

“Our mother only trusts family with her dear baby boy, Mes.” Barrett said as he gripped his brother’s shoulders, shaking him slightly. With one look from Merrick, he raised his hands quickly in surrender. “Either way, I wouldn’t say unfortunately. I’m glad to be here.” He smiled at Blanche.

“We are a family business, is what it comes down to.” Merrick said as he rolled his eyes at his brother.

“A very large family business from the sounds of it, if you’re looking to break into international affairs.” Blanche shook her head. “But let’s not talk about business, everyone else is and I’m tired of it.” She focused on Merrick, “how long have you been here? And why didn’t you tell me you were in England? I would have stopped to say hi while I was traveling.”

[quietandsweet]

themanyfacesofmilo​:

quietandsweet​: 

“Unfortunately, even though I’m free of in person engagements, I’m sure there’s plenty for me to do for other things.” As she spoke, she moved back towards the table where a few envelopes rested near her seat. “Letters to write, phone calls more than likely. If you’d like to help with that, I wouldn’t say no.” Blanche flipped through a few of the envelopes, changing where they sat in the pile.

“Yeah, no. Maybe if Fitz shows up later, he’ll love to help you.” He moved back to the table to pick up one of the envelopes she had set aside. “You don’t like me much. Which, yeah, I get I don’t make it easy, but did you ev-” Jack stopped when the door suddenly opened and a new staff member entered. 

The man bowed and spoke quickly in Danish. “Your Royal Highness, we… we are unable to find the prince consort.” He paused, licking his lip nervously. “We went to wake him for the day and he wasn’t there or anywhere else in the estate.” 

“What’s going on?” Jack asked with a raised eyebrow. He couldn’t understand the language, but a couple of voices in his head were already trying to translate what had been said. “Is this about Zeb?” 

“I’m so sorry that you-” She had started to speak over him, her patience running out already. Blanche schooled her features when the new arrival rushed up to her. She nodded a few times before replying back to the man in Danish, “Yes, I believe he slipped out early this morning. I’m sure he’ll be back soon.” 

She switched back to English for Jack. “Of course it is. If I remember correctly, you told me you heard him say something about playing hooky today, yes?” She stared at the man intensely, hoping he’d go along with what she was saying. “He wanted to go out and explore, just himself without needing a large entourage?”

[theshelbylegacy]

quietandsweet​:

Blanche looked between the brothers, a bemused glint in her eye. “Typically, it’s Your Royal Highness, but I think we can forgive the slight just this once.” She looked the younger brother up and down as if she was taking stock of him. She extended her free hand almost lazily to him, her other giving Merrick’s arm a light squeeze. “Pleasure to meet you Barrett. How have you been finding the event? Dull or extremely entertaining?”

Barrett took her hand, raising it to press a gentle kiss there. “It is a pleasure to meet you, your Royal Highness.” He released her hand and straightened up. “I have to be honest, I was finding it a little dull, but that was before I met you.” Merrick barely held in his groan, 

“Blanche, I hope you can continue to be forgiving. I’m afraid he is always like this and will continue to annoy you the entire evening.” Merrick laughed and his brother shot him a look. “He likes to think he is more charming than he actually is.” 

[quietandsweet]

Blanche raised an eyebrow while Barrett kissed her hand. It took everything in her to keep a straight face. “I’ve found the whole thing very dull until the last few minutes.” She hid her laugh behind a smile. “You know me, Merrick, ever the picture of charm and grace. Infinite measures of patience.” She looked at Barrett again. “Your brother told me that your sister normally accompanies him to these functions. Did you happen to draw the short straw to replace her?”

[themanyfacesofmilo]

quietandsweet​:

Blanche tightened her grip on the cup before forcing herself to relax. “Nothing about this is fun. We deal with the situation as best we can.” She looked at him again. “You can freely move about the estate, as I’m sure you know. It would just be easier if you didn’t go out into town. At least not without letting us know first. That goes for anyone.”

“Gotta have a baby sitter, I understand.” Jack snorted as he nodded. “Yeah, sure. I’ll keep that in mind.” His lips thinned as moved further away from her. “What are you going to be doing with your newly freed day then?” 

[quietandsweet]

“Unfortunately, even though I’m free of in person engagements, I’m sure there’s plenty for me to do for other things.” As she spoke, she moved back towards the table where a few envelopes rested near her seat. “Letters to write, phone calls more than likely. If you’d like to help with that, I wouldn’t say no.” Blanche flipped through a few of the envelopes, changing where they sat in the pile.

[theshelbylegacy]

quietandsweet​:

theshelbylegacy​:

“No.” Merrick said, maybe a little quicker than he meant to, but thankfully not too forcefully. “We focus mainly on manufacturing. We started with automobiles in the 20s and have expanded from there as time went on. I’m not sure even I could list all of the things we do now.” 

He lightly nudged her in return before jumping on the chance to shift the topic away from his family. “I’m sorry to hear that Zeb couldn’t make it, but I’m glad to her you two are still together. I could see how he would make events like this more bearable. He was very… unique. I mean that in the very best way.” He laughed. 

“Well perhaps if you return to your roots, you should look into electric vehicles.” Blanche nodded. “He is very unique. And I absolutely mean that in the best way possible. He’s different than most people at these parties. You know how it is, everyone’s nervous, on their utmost perfect behavior. And it just doesn’t feel right.” She huffed and looked around the room at the people networking. “He behaves well, I’m not saying he doesn’t, but he’s more genuine about it. I bet he could have most of the people in this room wrapped around his finger by the end of the night.” 

“That’s quite a skill to have. Very useful, I’m sure.” Merrick grinned at her. “I’m not the best at these things either. At least, I’m not the biggest fan of them, but I have to be. Usually I have my sister to help me get through them, but tonight…” Merrick glanced at his table, only to find Barrett wasn’t there. He didn’t get a chance to be surprised when a familiar voice finished his sentence for him.

“Tonight he’s here with me, Your Highness.” The younger Shelby was in front of them now and bowed slightly. “Your Highness is correct, right? I was never taught proper royal etiquette by Merrick because I didn’t know he knew any princesses.”

“To be fair, I also didn’t know I knew any princesses.” Merrick chuckled softly before gesturing to his brother. He could only hope this would go over well, but he was sure he would have to apologize to her later. “Blanche, this is my younger brother, Barrett.” 

[quietandsweet]

Blanche looked between the brothers, a bemused glint in her eye. “Typically, it’s Your Royal Highness, but I think we can forgive the slight just this once.” She looked the younger brother up and down as if she was taking stock of him. She extended her free hand almost lazily to him, her other giving Merrick’s arm a light squeeze. “Pleasure to meet you Barrett. How have you been finding the event? Dull or extremely entertaining?”

[quietandsweet]

themanyfacesofmilo​:

quietandsweet​:

She had to stop herself from pursing her lips. She knew he thrived off her disapproval, but Blanche couldn’t stop herself showing it a little. She sighed deeply. “I suppose I’ll need to cancel any events we have today. ‘A much needed day off’ I believe will be the line.” Her appetite left her at that moment and she stood. “I also suppose you’ll spend the day drinking and possibly harassing the staff to bring you more alcohol than the castle can carry.” 

Blanche moved to speak with one of the remaining staff members to have them clear her schedule, her voice low. Task complete, she lifted her teacup off the table on her way by to look out the window. “Perhaps we can work on your Danish. Help you learn some new vocabulary.” The offer was genuine, if not a little sarcastic and she had to hide her smile with her cup.

Jack watched her with mild interest as she set about preparing to deal with the temporary disappearance of Zeb. “Maybe you can teach me some Danish.” He paused in order to take another bite of his pastry, letting the words sink in a little before continuing with the punchline. “You can teach me how to order another drink. I’d find that very useful.” He finished off his breakfast and moved to his feet now as well. He approached her, leaning against the wall so he could look at her. “You could always join me in the day drinking. Like you said, ‘a much needed day off’. It might help you loosen up a bit.” 

She narrowed her eyes at him. “Drinking is not part of my plan. I need to be clear headed in case you decide to do more than drink.” Blanche looked away, taking in the garden outside of the window. “Perhaps you are too loose. Maybe etiquette lessons are more needed today. We can start with how to navigate polite conversation. Or that may be asking too much of you.”

[themanyfacesofmilo]

“Where’s the fun in that?” He scoffed slightly, his arms crossing over his chest. “Just because Zeb is happy and willing to dress up and do this whole show pony thing, it doesn’t mean I am. I-” He stopped suddenly, as though someone had interrupted him. His brow furrowed in frustration before he finally let out another scoff. “Fine. I’ll do my best to not give you too much of a headache.” Jack pushed away from the wall, but stayed close to her to speak in hushed tones. “Besides I probably won’t stay here all day. I’m sure the others will want a chance to visit as well.”

[quietandsweet]

Blanche tightened her grip on the cup before forcing herself to relax. “Nothing about this is fun. We deal with the situation as best we can.” She looked at him again. “You can freely move about the estate, as I’m sure you know. It would just be easier if you didn’t go out into town. At least not without letting us know first. That goes for anyone.”

[theshelbylegacy]

quietandsweet​:

“Good, because I know no one here and seeing a friend is a godsend I didn’t know I needed. You’re stuck with me for the time being but do let me know if you tire of me. I can handle it.” She sighed, feeling a little lighter. “Zeb couldn’t make it, and I hate doing these things alone now that I have a partner in crime to distract me from all the snobbery.”

Blanche laughed at his statement and lightly pushed Merrick’s shoulder with her free hand. “I am just a simple princess. Would a simple princess be happy hiding out in a bar in a strange country with a bartender? I don’t believe so. In fact, I could name at least three who would be appalled at something like that.” She shook her head, her smile still in place. “Now, what is it your company does? Is there something I could be interested in? Alternative energy, any charity arm I could possibly help with?”

“No.” Merrick said, maybe a little quicker than he meant to, but thankfully not too forcefully. “We focus mainly on manufacturing. We started with automobiles in the 20s and have expanded from there as time went on. I’m not sure even I could list all of the things we do now.” 

He lightly nudged her in return before jumping on the chance to shift the topic away from his family. “I’m sorry to hear that Zeb couldn’t make it, but I’m glad to her you two are still together. I could see how he would make events like this more bearable. He was very… unique. I mean that in the very best way.” He laughed. 

[quietandsweet]

“Well perhaps if you return to your roots, you should look into electric vehicles.” Blanche nodded. “He is very unique. And I absolutely mean that in the best way possible. He’s different than most people at these parties. You know how it is, everyone’s nervous, on their utmost perfect behavior. And it just doesn’t feel right.” She huffed and looked around the room at the people networking. “He behaves well, I’m not saying he doesn’t, but he’s more genuine about it. I bet he could have most of the people in this room wrapped around his finger by the end of the night.” 

[quietandsweet]

themanyfacesofmilo​:

quietandsweet​:

She had to stop herself from pursing her lips. She knew he thrived off her disapproval, but Blanche couldn’t stop herself showing it a little. She sighed deeply. “I suppose I’ll need to cancel any events we have today. ‘A much needed day off’ I believe will be the line.” Her appetite left her at that moment and she stood. “I also suppose you’ll spend the day drinking and possibly harassing the staff to bring you more alcohol than the castle can carry.” 

Blanche moved to speak with one of the remaining staff members to have them clear her schedule, her voice low. Task complete, she lifted her teacup off the table on her way by to look out the window. “Perhaps we can work on your Danish. Help you learn some new vocabulary.” The offer was genuine, if not a little sarcastic and she had to hide her smile with her cup.

Jack watched her with mild interest as she set about preparing to deal with the temporary disappearance of Zeb. “Maybe you can teach me some Danish.” He paused in order to take another bite of his pastry, letting the words sink in a little before continuing with the punchline. “You can teach me how to order another drink. I’d find that very useful.” He finished off his breakfast and moved to his feet now as well. He approached her, leaning against the wall so he could look at her. “You could always join me in the day drinking. Like you said, ‘a much needed day off’. It might help you loosen up a bit.” 

She narrowed her eyes at him. “Drinking is not part of my plan. I need to be clear headed in case you decide to do more than drink.” Blanche looked away, taking in the garden outside of the window. “Perhaps you are too loose. Maybe etiquette lessons are more needed today. We can start with how to navigate polite conversation. Or that may be asking too much of you.”

[quietandsweet]

theshelbylegacy​:

quietandsweet​:

Blanche kept a keen eye on the woman who approached them, but she barely heard what she had said to Merrick. A light blush settled on her cheeks at his question. “Ah, yes. I guess you never did get that part of the story.” She chuckled. “Denmark, actually. In line to be queen some day. I spent some time in New York to uh, live a simpler life. You’re telling me you never saw Frederick or any of my security detail?” Her eyes flitted to where the woman now was. “I know they were not there for a few of the times we met up, but they were definitely not too far away.” 

She cleared her throat. “And what are you doing here then? I did not know you were interested in politics. I didn’t know that you were perhaps more than what meets the eye as well?”

“To be fair, it was often at a bar. There were a lot of other tough looking people for them to get lost in the crowd with.” Merrick laughed, his cheeks the slightest red now as well. He really had let his guard down in those times. Isa probably would have still noticed the security. 

Merrick began to fidget with the ring on his pinky. “I… yeah, I guess I’m not exactly Merrick Wallace the bartender.” His lips thinned as he looked toward the ground. He didn’t want to put the nail in the coffin for the time he was someone other than Merrick Shelby. Merrick Shelby was a lot harder to be friends with. Especially if she knew anything about the Shelbys. “My last name is really Shelby.” He almost flinched at the name, but made himself look back at her. He didn’t see any immediate disgust or even recognition. “My family owns and runs Shelby Company Limited. It’s, uh, it’s a pretty big company in the UK.” 

She laughed with him, full heartedly. “I’ll have to tell Frederick he deserves a raise. They do try to be as unseen as possible, but having someone following you can be pretty noticeable.” Blanche looped her arm around Merrick’s, a simple way of hiding his fidget. “I cannot say that I have heard of Shelby Company Limited, but then again, I am just a simple princess from a different country. If you don’t have many dealings with my government, I tend to not know. I have too many things to know already.” 

Her eyes swept over the woman that had approached them before. “Does she happen to work for you? I’m not keeping you from any important mingling am I? I’d hate to get in the way of you rubbing elbows.”

[theshelbylegacy]

“She… yes. She does work for me. No you are not keeping me from any important mingling.” Merrick chuckled softly as he placed a gentle hand on hers for a brief moment. A part of him told him he should break away from the gesture, for her own good and for her reputation. The louder part of him told him to stay. His mother would kill him if he squandered the chance to be seen with royalty, but more than that, he missed friendly touches. 

He didn’t move his arm from hers.

“We’re here because we are looking to some day expand our reaches outside of the UK. We’re kind of…. surveying the ground, I guess is the best way to put it.” He looked at her and shook his head with another chuckle. “I’m still not sure I believe this is happening. This is a strange dream, right? I can’t believe you’re here and… just a simple princess, as you put it.” He smiled at her and despite his worries, it was a genuine one. 

[quietandsweet]

“Good, because I know no one here and seeing a friend is a godsend I didn’t know I needed. You’re stuck with me for the time being but do let me know if you tire of me. I can handle it.” She sighed, feeling a little lighter. “Zeb couldn’t make it, and I hate doing these things alone now that I have a partner in crime to distract me from all the snobbery.”

Blanche laughed at his statement and lightly pushed Merrick’s shoulder with her free hand. “I am just a simple princess. Would a simple princess be happy hiding out in a bar in a strange country with a bartender? I don’t believe so. In fact, I could name at least three who would be appalled at something like that.” She shook her head, her smile still in place. “Now, what is it your company does? Is there something I could be interested in? Alternative energy, any charity arm I could possibly help with?”