Just because it's midnight and I'm bored. Here's a little chunk of a WIP I started before COVID and while the world was still manageable to handle.
There's more around here somewhere, but I'll save that for later. Still a draft obvs.
I reached the bottom half of the stairs; I could see him standing in the main hall of our mansion. He was thin, almost looking sickly compared to the berry sized man he was here to see. I watched him touch the keys to our baby grand that greeted everyone as they had come in, but he clearly did not know how to play.
"My father will be another minute," my voice was quiet, but loud enough for him to hear me. "I can play something for you as you wait."
The man jumped a little, before fixing his tie, "Uh...sure." His voice barely loud enough to reach.
I smiled, patting a spot next to me on the bench, "I'm not sure what you like, but my favorite to play is Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata."
He nodded, slouching next to me as I started playing. I could play this song without looking, more time to peak a glance or two towards the stranger. It must have been a joke that he would work with my father, as a partner even. My father was a loud boisterous man, not the kind type. He was often cold, even towards my siblings and myself.
The stranger held a warm aura, he was quiet; certainly, must be patient to deal with my father in these kinds of meetings. My fingers played the last notes; I glanced up to find that he gave me almost a look of awe. "I wouldn't have guessed the eldest daughter of Donald Morgan would be so talented."
"Oh?" I smiled, "If you'd like, I know a couple of more difficult pieces."
“I’ll be glad to hear anything you’d like to play.” He smiled, a flush of pink tinged his pale face, “I enjoy the sound of a piano playing, they remind me of my childhood.”
A third, but familiar voice interrupted, "Vincent! I see you have met my daughter, Amara." My father laid a hand on his shoulder, "She will make a fine wife to a glorious, rich husband someday." He kept a grin, "Soon, I hope."
Vincent stood up, "Shall we get down to business?" He shot a glance my way as he walked with my father towards his office.
“Ah, of course! Always keeping me on track, I couldn’t ask for someone better than you!”
I smiled, starting a new song as they disappeared. The newest partner to join my father would hopefully prove to be someone worth knowing this time.
Donald Morgan spared no detail in his future plans for his three daughters. As a powerful businessman in Remington, he constantly talked about their upbringing and the endowment they would gladly give for any arrangements that fancied him.
This was a common side to the man, one that I had grown accustomed to in the short months I began working for him. He often would digress from company matters to 'show off', for lack of better terms. Despite my qualifications, I spent much time bringing him back on track.
"Sir, I hate to interrupt, but we must discuss the current plans to expand your company into the capital city." I sat down, watching as he leaned back and clicked his pen.
"You studied in the city, what would you suggest?"
"Well..." I thought for a moment, "Remington is well known because of your company. Not only because of the success, but the diverse services you provide. Banking, pharmacies, retailers; you are a powerhouse of many different trades, sir. In such a big city, one that houses our nation's leaders, most certainly would have no issues to provide the luxury lifestyle of such."
"Speaking of national leaders... We are hosting a party for Elenora’s seventeenth birthday. I do believe that Sir Robert Ellis will be attending." Of course, this would lead to him talking about marrying off a daughter for his own plans. "I think you're onto something, Vincent."
"Sir, I don't think that would be the best course of action..."
"Elenora is still learning how to be a woman, but Amara would gracefully take his heart for us to expand. You have to admit, she is very charming." Donald waved his hand, dismissing any argument he thought that would follow. "Amara has met the governor once before, brilliant. You can go home and prepare the plans to set up in the Capital. The more prepared we are, the easier it will be to sell and expand."
"Yes, sir." I gathered my things, swiftly exiting and closing the door behind me.
"A long meeting?" Amara's quiet voice startled me, the meeting had been over an hour long and I would not expect anyone to be left in the main hall.
I turned around to face her, "Your father enjoys his stories..." Is that something you want to say to your employer’s daughter?
She smiled, looking away, "He does that often. Elenora’s birthday is coming up, I assume you will be coming to the party? I believe mother is planning a masquerade of sorts."
"I... I’ll be here," I shifted through the paperwork in my arms, "As a work event opposed to leisure."
Amara's facial expression had not changed, it was evident that their social events were still business in their world. "I'm glad, we can catch up at the party. I'm almost certain it'll be beneficial for you."
Odd word choice; beneficial for your father, perhaps. Would I even be able to live with myself, knowing that I must stand by as he auctions off his daughters? I chuckled, "I look forward to seeing you at the party."
The weekend marked Elenora’s seventeenth birthday, the masquerade ball being held in both her honor and for the opportunity to talk business. Unfortunately for me, that meant keeping Donald from selling off his daughters for whatever he thought was a good deal.
As everyone poured into the main hall of Donald's mansion, I stood by the piano. I watched as everyone danced together under the stairs, some retreating to their table for refreshments. I eyed the table I was assigned, right next to Donald and Amara, who wore an all-black Princess gown. It swept the floor as she moved, dancing with various guests. Her face was hidden by a black cat mask, but there was no doubting who she was.
I had been avoiding being too close; seeing her around and knowing Donald's intentions to have her sway Robert Ellis into giving him a contract in the Capital made eye contact an awfully hard thing. Or was it more than that?
"Vincent, are you going to stand away from everyone all night or are we going to get that contract over dinner?" Donald put a hand on my shoulder, leading me over towards the table. "Robert Ellis, this is my right-hand man, Vincent Stanbury."
Robert extended his hand, "Pleasure to formally meet you. I heard plenty about you during our years in college."
"As I did of you, but then again, who didn't know about Sir Robert Ellis going to our school." I returned the handshake, "I'm happy to see it's paid off well for you."
He chuckled, "How did you come about working for such an energetic man? You majored as an engineer."
"Life tends to take you to unexpected places." I eyed Amara, dancing behind him with her youngest sister. "What does matter is how you would feel about having a Morgan business in the Capital. I am certain you have seen the impact he is. had here in Remington."
"Straight to business, I see." Donald motioned for us to sit at the table, "My oldest daughter, Amara will join us soon. Let us eat as we discuss this."
"I can't wait to see Amara; it's been far too long since she's come to visit the Capital. Busy with her studies I assume?" Robert glanced in her direction, "Still stunning as ever."
"Amara's been to the Capital?" I felt a crack in my voice as I spoke, "I would assume she stayed in Remington."
As Donald opened his mouth to speak, Robert took over the conversation; "She has an aunt that lives there, she owns a small boutique by my office. During her last visit, we became good friends."
"As always, she's been a charm."
"You don't have to talk about me as if I'm not here, Father." Amara's voice broke the uneasy tension that had begun to build, "I'm happy to see you've both arrived. The trip went well for you, Robert?"
"Of course! I would never miss a chance to see you in person." Robert shot a smug look in my direction.
There was the slightest hint of change in Amara's expression, "As flattering as that is, today isn't about me. It's Elenora’s seventeenth birthday, which is why I assume you both came tonight?" She smiled, "Mother spent months planning a perfect party for her, I'd be a terrible sister if I stole all of the attention away. You'll dance with her after dinner, Robert?"
It was clear that Robert had no interest in Elenora, Amara must have known, his face clearly full of distaste. "But of course!"
"So, after hearing about the plans to have my father expand his business to the Capital, what do you think, Robert?" I glanced up at him as we danced, "It seems that it would benefit you both."
"Amara, you really think that's why I'm here?" Robert smiled, "I just came to enjoy the birthday party of a friend's sister."
"You and I both know neither is true, but if I'm being used as the main bargaining chip, you could try being honest with me."
The song stopped and we both stood in silence before I felt a tap on my shoulder, "May I cut in?" Always quiet, Vincent.
"We can discuss this later," I looked away from Robert and took Vincent's hand, "So, I see he's taken a liking to you."
"Is that what you call it?" He smiled, possibly the first genuine smile I had seen. "I'm not sure if we'll be able to expand your father's company there. I'm afraid it would solely be my fault."
"Oh, I doubt that. I know my father and Robert are both cunning men, if I do not agree; they will simply just find another daughter to. Eleanora is of age now and I would absolutely rather she find someone she cares about than to marry some goon like Robert.” I smiled, “My father was blessed with three daughters, he does what he can to ensure himself the better deal.”
“At your expense? An odd thing for a father to do.” Vincent frowned, “As if I would know.”
“Your father died in the war; I assume?” What a harsh thing to ask someone, Amara. “Apologies—”
“A month or so before the war ended, yes.” He shot a reassuring glance, “I can’t say I remember much of him. The war lasted until I was six, lucky you were to only remember the ending years.”
“I like to imagine that no other person on this planet is as greedy as my father. While others were fighting, he managed to pay out his draft. I feel as if my life would have been vastly different if my family wasn’t wealthy.” I looked away, always saying the most awful things to Vincent, “I didn’t mean that in an awful way towards you or your family.”
He laughed, almost uncontrollably. “I went to college in the Capital City, I think you underestimate me, Amara.” I felt my face begin to burn, embarrassing myself further, “I admire you, so I’ll let it slide this time. I think you’ve spent too much time at the top, my lady.” The song ended; Vincent lifted his hand from my side. “I must take my leave, I’m in charge of drawing up the new plans for the expansion. We’re looking to settle into that old hotel next to the city building. I think that the owner, Madam Fiona, has been having a hard time keeping up with the payments.”
“Madam Fiona is a very resourceful woman; you would be wise to offer her a great sum for that building.” I gave Vincent another smile, “I’ll do better next time.” He gave a questionable look, “Not to underestimate a man of your status.”
“Amara! There you are!” I turned to find my sister, Eleanora, rushing towards the dance floor “Mother has been searching for you, Marilyn is throwing one of her tantrums again and it seems that you are the only one that can console her.”
I looked behind to find that Vincent had already left. “Mother shouldn’t have left Marilyn alone for so long, knowing she gets scared easily.”
We squeezed our way through the crowd, most wishing Eleanora a happy birthday. It had felt like eternity, but we arrived at the stairway, passing the piano, and hurrying up the stairs. Marilyn waited at the top, her bright green eyes red and full of tears. She sniffled as I picked her up, “Now Marilyn, what has you so distraught tonight?”
She huffed, throwing her face into my shoulder, “I want to come to Eleanora's party, but mother insisted I stay in my room all night.”
“Well, you are still a young lady. You would be lost in such a crowd; besides, you should be playing in your room before having to learn all of the social responsibilities.” I walked towards her room, closing the door behind me as I sat her on her bed.
“I’m ready to have responsibility!” She put her foot down, “I’m a young lady now, not a kid!”
“Well, maybe we’ll teach you when you turn seven this year. We will start your tutoring early and you will have to work extra hard.”
Her lip quivered, “But I want to wear pretty dresses and dance with everyone…”
“You don’t need to come to Eleanora’s party for that,” I pulled open her closet, “Look at all of these beautiful dresses you have.” I gave her an emerald princess dress, “Why don’t you put this one on and I’ll play your violin for you? Then you may dance all you want!”
Marilyn smiled, wiping her face with her sleeve as she nodded in agreement.
“You have yourself a deal, Mr. Morgan. Your business would give a new life for the Capital City. My only problem, you want Madam Fiona to leave the old Hotel. She’s a fierce woman and inherited that hotel from her father before the war.” Robert looked over at Amara, “What about the building that the flower shop sits on? The old lady that owns it, she’s also behind on payments, even more so than the Madam. She should be retiring soon; they opened their shop far before the war even started.”
“Mrs. Rowan’s flower shop is the only one in the city, it would cause many to travel out towards the fields to receive flowers. There’s three more hotels in the city in addition to Madam Fiona’s.” Donald leaned in, “I’ve heard unsavory things about this hotel, I’m sure you’ve heard the rumors?”
“And that’s exactly what they are—rumors.”
“Why don’t we entertain the idea of building on the outskirts of the residential area? I know they’d enjoy the traffic towards that area. There’s plenty of small shops that would benefit from it.” Amara’s voice was quiet, more inviting than the other two.
I looked at the two men, “She’s not wrong. It would fit perfectly between the two, both areas would benefit, and it would provide a reason for people to move towards the residential areas.”
“I would prefer a building with character, something that’s been standing for a long time, just like our company. I don’t understand why you’d want to keep a Madam with such an unsavory past so directly and prominently in your beautiful city.” Donald shrugged, “Unless my daughter’s hand in marriage wasn’t enough for you?”
Robert let out a breath, “Your daughter’s hand in marriage means a lot to me, Mr. Morgan. You’ve clearly not met the Madam, but if you can convince her to give up the hotel, you’re free to move in your business there. I warn you that she’s not polite about rejection.”
“You’re the current city official, make her move.” Donald’s position was unwavering, “I’m willing to keep from moving business forward, until we’ve reached an agreement on the location.” He stood up, “Vincent, see Amara to the capital city, unless Sir Ellis has a complaint with that as well.” He waved with his back towards us, “Until next time.”
Robert sat almost dumbfounded, but quickly shook it off, “Amara, you are welcomed to come stay in the Capital building with me.”
“That would certainly be against custom, now wouldn’t it?” She smiled, “I’ll gladly spend time at my aunts until the day of the wedding. Provide you with the privacy you’ll certainly be needing during a time like this.”
“I—”
“It has been decided, I’ll see you in the Capital city, Robert.” Amara stood up, “Vincent, my bags are already in the car. We’ll be leaving right away.”
I watched Robert as he stood up, walking towards the window. He let Amara walk away without a word, mumbling as she left. “The Morgan’s are such a stubborn family.” I turned and followed Amara to the car.