I Know That it’s Delicate | Ric x Maddie
A red-haired young woman was moving through the halls of Astley House with a distinct sense of purpose. Her pale gloved hand held up gently the hem of her dress, slippered feet making nary a sound as she wove amongst the carousing, laughing guests of the annual Astley Ball. It was a dance of sorts, if one were to take note of her route and watched long enough. And if they were a poetic sort, perhaps they’d liken her to the waves crashing upon the ivory cliffs just beyond Astley County... Her sharp blue eyes half-obscured by her mask were like sapphires set in the pale ivory of her features, a treasure for sure, but one that seemed set upon one goal and one alone...
Madeleine North had laid her gaze upon Lord Alaric De Vere standing on the side of the dance hall, alone, looking rather perturbed -- even by his standards.
“Are you really going to stand here grimacing all night, my lord?” Maddie teased as she sidled up next to the imposing man, a small smile twirling itself upon her lips. “I do believe I have passed by this hall at least three times now, and each time I have seen you in this exact same spot, wearing that exact same expression. Have you truly not offered a single young woman here a dance?”
Her chest fluttered at the thought even as she spoke the words. A thrill somehow at the thought that he did not have soft feelings for any he saw here. It was folly to dream the things that floated through her mind, of course. Alaric, dance with her? His sister’s maid? Lord De Vere, think of her kindly? Think of her as someone to--god forbid--court? It was preposterous.... And yet... Here he still stood, alone... “It would disappoint Theo, you know, if you did not at least make an attempt to appear as if you were having a good time.” The words fell in a whisper from her lips as she leaned in close, taking a small liberty with the anonymity the masquerade provided. “If I must be set to the task of cheering you, I shall. You need only say the word.”