#v1dua

[lorddominic]

who: dominic & @v1dua where: The Lantern Walk, Sunset

Dominic’s tasks for the day were never-ending. By the time the sun began its descent over London, he’d been almost everywhere in London. The jeweller sent word that Leonora’s ring was ready, and it didn’t disappoint. The amber ring had four freshwater pearls from Ireland, delicately surrounding an amber stone. It was meant to be the perfect ring to combine Dominic and his future wife. The pearls were lovely, but the way the amber caught the light was beyond anything Dominic could’ve imagined. While Dominic was busy preparing his little surprise, he’d arranged for an anonymous letter to be delivered to Leonora. Within it, there were specific instructions, inviting her to meet a stranger in the midnight walk, but at sunset, before anyone would enter the lantern walk. It would be just theirs. He’d settled it all. He wanted the lanterns starting to glow as the sun was about to set, everything in her favourite jewel. Their engagement was settled by signatures and bartering over details, but Dominic wanted something else. Something just for them that couldn’t be shared.

When the lanterns were being lit, the sun was starting to set. Dominic was uncharistically restless. He’d arranged a table of crystal dishes, overflowing with French sweets he’d hoped Leonora liked. Ivory roses with pale peonies with climbing greenery complementing the sunset. In his hands was an emerald green box with her ring inside. He’d checked it over at least twenty times, making sure the ring was still in place. Dominic was pacing, all around this little corner he’d arranged, when he heard footsteps approach. Taking a slow breath, he turned, smiling when he saw his future wife. “I should apologise for my little deception." He laughs, clearly a little nervous. He knew he shouldn’t be. Their futures were already set, but Dominic wanted something for them, something not debated or bartered. His gaze never left hers as he sunk down on one knee, opening the green ring box to reveal her ring. “I need to ask you properly. With no audience but the sun itself. A moment just for us, if you’d still agree to be my wife?"

[lavieenton]

|| closed starter || @v1dua || Leonora

|| LOCATION || The Dempsey Cottage; gardens



Before she set off for the day, Ceara cleared a good portion of her morning to spend with Leonora. She could understand why she wanted to be around her, aside from their shared love for flowers. It hadn’t even been a consideration that she could possibly want an actual friend, aside from Bertie. Mary was her friend, but she also worked for her and she was only two and twenty. Still a child, in her eyes. Bertie was also considerably young, but…he was a special case, she supposed.

She was in the midst of watering some when she saw a figure approaching the rickety wooden fence. The cottage wasn’t horrid or unlivable, just quaint. Vines crept up the stony walls and thatched roof, curling into the well-kept garden. Beneath the kitchen window was a small, borrowed white table with two chairs. It wasn’t much, but it was hers.

“Oh, hello,” she greeted with a smile. “Come through this way. The rain’s made the outer area of the house a bit muddy.” Ceara set her water can on the table and pushed open the fence gate, revealing a brick path leading up to the front door.

“Could I offer you something to drink? Was it…difficult finding it?”

[lorddominic]

who: dominic & @v1dua where: hyde park, london

Dominic was surprised at how fast his engagement was announced. The banns were read, with a date to be determined. Dominic was set to marry Leonora, Lord Marlborough’s niece. She was what Dominic needed. Someone from a notable family, but not in line for any inheritance. She’d survived the French nobility, so Dominic knew she’d survive his mother and her demands. The Duke organised the match and approached Dominic with the idea, and before too long, it was settled. His morning had been spent dealing with the estates and his brother’s messes, but Dominic arranged for some time with his new betrothed. Nothing grand, just a walk in Hyde Park, something that resembled home. Though nothing could compare to the gardens at Hillsborough Castle, this was an adequate replacement for now. 

There was a lot out in Hyde Park this afternoon. The weather remained pleasant, and so all of Mayfair came out. Dominic saw Leonora standing by the water's edge; he knew most people would probably be talking. The marquis finally found a wife, but she was a widowed baroness. Dominic could feel everyone watching while he approached Leonora. “Ms Mercier," he said, his voice smooth as he tilted his head. “I hope you’ll join me on a walk this afternoon?” He offered her arm, and then they began their stroll along the riverbank. The breeze was welcomed, a distraction from the stares. “I hope you’re well and that you’ve not been too overwhelmed by offers of congratulations.” Part of Dominic worried that most would’ve cautioned her against the match. He was known to be unrelenting in his expectations, but he wasn’t the monster his brothers thought he was.