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 Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 5:26 pm
Why am I here again? That was the question Ariana kept repeating to herself as she ascended the steps to the ball. She had recently received an invitation in the mail, asking her to come to this grand ball. She had considered not going, but it provided her with an excuse to get out of the house. Upon coming into the ballroom, she seriously considered turning back right now. There were just so many people, and she didn’t like dealing with a lot of people. She decided to stay, since it was better than staying at home, worrying about another plot to end her life.
Her hair was down as she looked around the ballroom with her dark brown eyes. There were two strands of the thick chestnut hair at the sides of her head that were braided and put up. Her dress was a dark red, and it was elegant, yet simple. The V shaped neckline was modest, and revealed nothing. A few red crystals lined the V neck, giving it an extra shine. Ariana was rather conservative about her looks. The dress was made of velvet, and the long sleeved that covered her arms were not puffed as was the style, but they were flat, ending in ruffled collars at the end of her wrists. Her skirt went down, covering her feet which wore dark red slippers. On her neck was a silver necklace, and at the end was a ruby pendant in the shape of a diamond. Concealed on her right thigh underneath her dress, attached by means of a small belt, was a dagger. It was in its sheath, and it was a gift from her father.
She glanced around the ballroom, looking for a means of escape. People there were whispering about her, behind her back. She didn’t know whether they thought she was deaf, but the whispers kept coming.
“That’s the one, the child of Reich,” one woman whispered.
“Did you know she was proclaimed the Marquess of the Reich lands, her father left her the entire estate to run?” another gossiper proclaimed in a stage whisper.
“That girl run an estate of land by herself?” said another woman in disbelief.
“It is unheard of for a woman to run such affairs, not lady like at all,” another noblewoman stated with a huff.
Honestly, don’t these nobles have something better to do than gossip? She simple ignored the cackling hens, and moved on. Everywhere she went, couples seemed to be dancing. Dancing, she did enjoy dancing, but not in crowded areas. A memory came to her mind as she watched. Her father always took her to these parties, and after her mother died, he would only dance with her. He was such a gentleman, nice and playful. “May I have this dance, your highness?” he would always say with a tease in his voice.
Ariana shook her head, and had a rather sad smile on her face. The memories came back in a rush. She didn’t want to be here, she repeated for the millionth time. Her eyes spotted a door leading to the back. Perhaps there was a library in this ballroom, and if not, the door back there just meant another room for her to escape to. She went with this idea, and went to the mysterious door at the end of the room, and slipped in it quietly. Stepping in quickly, she shut the door behind her. There were several hallways in front of her, and she wondered where they led. It was time to go exploring.
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Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 6:00 pm
As Danielle stood there, her thoughts went back to the previous few hours. Oh how her grandmother was when it came to getting ready for something like this. Every little detail mattered. Much to Danielle's fear, she was slipped into a rather tight bodice and her mind accounted to the pain of lacing it up and causing it to get rather tight for comfort. Then her grandmother's voice echoed through Danielle's mind," You shall shine tonight Danielle, beause I know you are capable of getting that man's attention rather you like it or not!"
Therefore she remained out of sight, as best as possible. Danielle smoothed out a dress that her grandmother spent too much on as she sat quietly. The slippers on her feet made of a wood and donned in glass beads along the top. And oh how her head ached from being so tightly pinned. But still, she couldn't very well refuse to go and dishonor her grandmother.
Standing however, Danielle felt a little faint which caused her to fan herself a little more. Deciding to 'mingle' with people since her grandmother was eyeing her so peculiarly Danielle walked to the other side of the room, just making sure to avoid anyone that looed like Geoffrey, if she remembered the right name. Passing up anyone ho was talking about someone so smartly Danielle noticed a stranger. Walking up she smiled and said,"Let me guess, you'd rather be anywhere else as well then?"
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Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 7:18 pm
As Lucas descended the steps, his feet lightly hitting the floor, his eyes looked out at all of these people dancing in the center and those off to the side chatting in their small social groups. Lucas liked these sort of things to an extent and all the better seeing as he usually met lovely young women here. Rather lively ones as well.
Reaching the last step Lucas looked at once around, only to spot a rather familiar guy to the side. Demitri. Lucas would have gone and chatted with him had he not been sidetracked by a beautiful woman off to the other side. Smiling he walked over and took her hand gently, bowing slightly. The woman smiled at this gesture and he asked,"My fine woman, how are you?"
As she responded, Lucas had the pleasure of glancing around qickly to see people observing them in curiosity. Ina way he had a sligh habit of drawing the attention of others when with someone, no matter who it was. That was, of course, nothing compared to the close watch they kept on his brother but all the same.
Lucas was a gentleman and soon led her off to get a drink after stating,"Please, fine woman, let me fetch you something to rid you of your thirst, and me have the pleasure of watching your elegant grace."
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Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 7:21 pm
Geoffrey was of course late to the ball. He was late to pretty much everything. He stepped out of the black carriage he'd arrived in and smoothed out his clothing. He smiled charmingly at a few young ladies just arriving and allowed them to go first into the large mansion. They simply giggled in response and nodded their thanks as they entered through the large oak doors. He sighed and followed after.
Looking around he saw there wasn't much of a change in the decorations of the large mansion. It always looked good enough for a party so there really wasn't much need for decoration. Just a few candles were lit atop the tables that had been set up for people to sit at and have a snack from the large table which had a wide range of foods on it.
Not feeling particularly hungry, Geoffrey skipped the banquet table and moved through the crowd in search of one of his brothers. Well, technically cousins, but he considered them all to be his brothers since they were so close. He expected atleast a few of them to be here before him since he was usually one of the last to arrive; which is why he was so surprised when he only spotted Dimitri.
Geoffrey went over to his cousin with a grin and slapped him on the back. It was his traditional greeting for any guy he knew, but what he didn't know was how hard he actual slapped and usually it could cause quite a bit of pain. So of course he never would do such a thing with a lady, that would just be improper.
"Dimitri! How've you been?" He asked, but then noticed a young woman standing beside him. "Oh. How rude of me. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt or anything." He said, figuring the woman was with him or something.
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Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 7:42 pm
As Danielle studied this man, her thoughts were suddenly interrupted- as well as her observance- by a man. A man that was none other than Geoffrey Savage. She watched as he hit this other man on the back a little roughly and watched and listened as he apologized. A small smile graced her lips.
Eyes lit with inerest, Danielle studied him a little before deciding to respond to his apology," Oh, no, you weren't interrupting anything. I'll leave the two of you fine...gentlemen now." As she walked off she turned aroud to face this Geoffrey,"By the way, nice seeing you again Mr. Savage." It was quite obvious Geoffrey hadn't recognized her, which was understandable.
Walking once more around the large crowd Danielle took in a few stares of God knows what from certain women. Obviously all were older, seeing as it was due to her dressing most likely. Danielle's bodice gave her somewhat of an extremely thinner waist and the bust of her figure was more noticable. The waist line as of an empire style, sweeping to the floor in an elegant way. Under the bust was a white silk ribbon that contrasted lighly with the tannish colored material. It came up to tie in the back, hich swept down o show a little less than half of her back. Sleeves were attatched to the dress though and they fitted around the top of her arms, causing a slight bell like effect on the bottom. The dress was exotic, topped of with a diamond brooch at the bottom of the low V-neck. How she hated these sorts of clothes, but her grandmother was her grandmother.
Smiling at some of the people Danielle eventually stopped at one group that didn't seem to be talking about nonsense. And she was right. They were talking of more educated matters. Just what she liked.
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Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 8:01 pm
Geoffrey in fact had not recognized Danielle. He looked at her, puzzled after she called him by his name. After a few moments he remembered her. Danielle De'Barbarac. His to-be wife according to his grandmother. Of course before she'd been rather plain looking, merely a face in the crowd. He hadn't really gotten to know her, but she didn't appear to exciting. Though now, in that gown, she seemed to stick out like a sore thumb...but in a good way.
"Oh...you know what? I'll talk to you later Dimitri. I have to go have a little chat with that woman." He said, giving his brother another absent minded pat on the back as he watched Danielle walk away. He then turned around and followed after. It was a bit hard to keep up since she'd had a head start and weaving in and out of the crowd was harder than it looked. After mumbling a thousand 'excuse me's' to different people, he caught up to Danielle.
"Ms. De'Barbarac. I'm terribly sorry about my rude manners earlier. I had simply forgotten for a moment who you were. My deepest apologies." He said with a charming smile, lifting one of her delicate hands and placing a kiss upon it. "Might I also add that you look enchanting tonight as well." He said as he lowered her hand once again.
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Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 8:20 pm
Danielle smiled some as she shook her head slowly in response to the light kiss on her hand. Raising a brow, Danielle said with certain shock,"Mr. Savage, you are bold." Observing him quietly for a few moments, she couldn't help but ask,"And tell me something Mr. Savage. Should I feel all aflutter because you find me enchanting, as you put it, tonight? Flattery will get you nowhere with me if you only flatter me for certain reasons that are obvious."
Keeping a straight face, she added," You are the type of man to be avoided Mr. Savage for you hunt only the flawless game. You seem shallow to me. It's the flaws that make us unique. But of course you wouldn't know that, now would you?"
Turning her back to him to go once more, Danielle went on her way again. She wasn't exactly sure if he would follow or not. Danielle thought he seemed the type who would but of course you never know and then she was waylaid by her grandmother," Dear, is that the man my friend, the dutchess, introduced you to? Well, if it is I shall leave you alone."
Danielle watched as she walked off, and feeling a bit of an obligation- but in a horrid way- Danielle turned back around and went towards Geoffrey. Smiling, she asked,"Care to dance sir?" Oh how she hated her grandmother for this guilty feeling she ensured.
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Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 8:37 pm
Geoffrey raised his eyebrows in slight surprise at the womans boldness to confront him in such a way. Shallow. Hm. Not quite the word he'd have used. He was not shallow, but liked women who could catch his eye in a crowd. Was it his fault those women usually just happened to be beautiful ones? Of course then again a woman's personality could be fairly bland and then her looks would mean nothing.
He watched as Danielle walked away and frowned lightly. Perhaps he should have gotten to know her before assuming that her plain features meant a boring personality. He sighed, and considered going after her, but then decided it would most likely end up upsetting her. So, he turned to go.
Shortly after his decision to leave, he heard that familiar voice again, and whipped around, his eyes landing on Danielle once again. Well this was odd. She tells him off and then comes back moments later asking for a dance? Something wasn't right. He looked at her cursiously. "May I ask what caused this sudden change of heart?" He asked, keeping his eyes on only her.
Of course Geoffrey would dance with her. He just wanted to know what made her want to dance in the first place. He looked past her to see what thing she ran into that could be so horrible as to make he want to come back to him, but saw nothing. Simply an old woman, but he didn't recognize the woman since he'd never met Danielle's grandmother before.
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Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 8:46 pm
Sighing some, Danielle spoke slowly,"Well, let's just say it's not nice to mess with a family member's wish at all. But of course if you don't wish too that is completely understandable. I mean afer what I just said to you and everything but you can hardly blame me for thinking that."The truth was she wasn't too eager to dance with him, but it would please her grandmother. However, this didn't exactly seem to show in her voice all that much. Smiling with an arched brow Danielle asked,"Shall we?"
At this, without another question, Danielle walked into the middle of the dancing people as if leading him to her. Danielle had a certain way of getting what she wanted. She didn't want to get Geoffrey but she did want a dance with him. Where was the harm in that, right? As she stood there, for however hort it was of a period before he would come, Danielle looked around at the others. On one woman, Danielle's teardrop diamond earrings reflected on the back of her dress.
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Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 9:12 pm
Geoffrey listened as she spoke and nodded lightly. "Well, I can understand why you may have said some of the things you did. Though I don't know if I'm shallow. I just tend to...notice things that stand out." He said with a shrug. "Before I suppose you simply didn't stand out to me. Of course tonight you did, and I guess that could be viewed as shallow. Though I probably should have atleast tried to get to know you a bit better before going right to judging you based on appearance. And I apologize for that."
He smiled as she asked to dance. "Of course none of that means I don't want to dance." He said, following her to the middle of the dance floor. He placed a hand on her waist and took her hand in his. He began leading her around the dance floor, following the other couples. His movements were fluid and well practiced. Of course being one of the grandsons of the grand duchess, he was sent to ballroom dancing classes. Although he had to admit, the embarrassment of having to take dance class as a teenager was well worth it during times like these. He looked down at Danielle while keeping the dance going smoothly.
"So, do you think that maybe after this dance you could give me a second chance to talk? Perhaps get to know you a bit better than just your looks? I was very intrigued by your boldness to confront me in such a way earlier. Most woman probably wouldn't have done such a thing. I'm glad you did though. It made me realize that I had been a bit rude before and I would like to get to know your personality." He said, with a warmer smile now. Not with the same charming manner as before, but a more sincere one.
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Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 10:26 pm
As they continued to dance, Danielle was quick to realize something. So she decided to fix it as best as possible. Taking her own hand from his rather large one she moved a lot closer to him. After this acion Danielle moved his arm to where it was firmer around her her waist. Slipping her hand back into Geoffrey's, Danielle smiled. "Sorry if I seem a bit bold in doing that, but it's a lot easier to talk I find when you're not so far apart."
Then Danielle looked up at him and laughed some," Sorry, I'm not trying to make fun of what you are saying, it's just-" She stopped because Danielle didn't know how to state it,"-well, my mother was a wise lady and I want this to sound as sincerely as possible. From what I understnad, people don't change all too quick, now do they? Am I supposed to treat you different Mr. Savage? Honest now." Moving in rythym to his body a lot easier now Danielle was able to keep eye contact without the constant worry of having to look down.
"Oh, and about your request, I suppose we'll see. But what I said only moments before I think I can restate it better in a question." Pausing again Daniell couldn't help but smile at what she was about to ask of Mr. Savage. "Would you care if I were ugly tommorow. Or even more so to the point, what if my back were completely covered and the front of me as well? Would you find me just as appealing then? I don't think so myself, because I'm sure I'm nothing bu a sport to you."
Stopping in the middle of their dance, Danielle looked him in the eyes and kissed him lightly. Certainly nothing more. "That's my partings to you. Cherish it well, for that will be the closest my lips will come to ever even lingering on you again. Without further ado, I shall be going."
At this Danielle alked off through the crowd just as gracefully as she came in. Once outside her carriage that she came in was fetched and Danielle was well on her way home in only moments. Hopefully she was never to see Mr. Savage again, for if it were Danielle might become angry at him. Danielle hated people like him, those who think they can apeal to anyone. Hopefully that parting told Geoffrey that.
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Posted: Sat Aug 05, 2006 2:34 am
Dimitri
He nearly let out a sigh of relief when he saw his cousins walking down the steps. It seemed they came in one after the other; it was very much like a well played out script. He wondered where they were and then suddenly to have them appear. Yes, it was something very much out of a movie scene. Dimitri remained on the outside of the ball room, far away from the crowd and the dancing couples and the nagging mothers.
There had been things said about him and everyone was approaching him in caution. He wasn’t sure which scandal was being attached to his name now, but he was slightly glad for it. The less he was approached the better. It would make the evening even less taxing on him than he could have even anticipated. Of course, not all the mama’s would be so reserved. Some of them believed rakes made the best of husband. They would know of course, for to marry a rake and then live under his roof were for a while most of his attention would be focused on you. That week in itself was more than enough for a woman to want her daughter to partake in.
His thoughts were ones of foolishness and he knew it well, but he could not help the chuckle that escaped his lips.
Whom, ever was at his side was so shocked by his chuckle they stared at him in awe. It was a low rather appealing tumble of thunder. If the young earl wanted to he could be more than just appealing. It was just to bad he was set on being a recluse.
Dimitri had stopped watching his cousins the moment they entered the ball. Of their own accord they would stand together before the end of the night. They almost always did, if it were to talk about women that they would conquer or to warn each off from one, and business. There was almost always talk of business, Rafael demanded they try to improve their present state by trading. In this area, he had taken his cousin’s advice and the man had proved to have more than just a tidbit of knowledge in the area. Already he had made a profit from the trades he made.
The simple sound of skirts swaying had him strengthening his spine. A woman, no less, how he should approach the matter he was still wondering. Already he had a paramour, someone he could share time with if he so desired. There was no need for him to cuddle these women that came to him with offers. He was not the type of man to take what was so easily put out before him. Indeed, he would much rather chase, it was in his nature to chase.
"Let me guess, you'd rather be anywhere else as well then?"
He turned his head to her and smiled. The woman was more original than most. The others would be fanning themselves and speaking in a rather breathless voice, insinuating what they never even experienced. “ Indeed, it is a rather boring affair.”
That was all he was able to get in before his younger cousin came brooding down on him. “ Geo, as always…things are well.” He would have made an introduction but he did not know the woman’s name and he would not feel the fool. Besides she had approached him, if she wished for names then she would have to gain them. He was sure she knew how.
Dimitri waved away his cousin’s comment about disturbing something, “ the lady was simply implying on the ball and its boorish manner.” His words nearly collided with the woman’s own. She seemed in a rush to leave now and he wondered what his cousin had done to the woman to cause such a reaction. He bowed and was prepared to watch her take her leave when she called out to his cousin. It was not the fact that she knew his name, that was a given. It was more how she said his name and the connotations behind it. He looked over at his cousin and a sly grin tugged his lips. Had the imp forgotten he had bedded this chit then? Mitri watched as his cousin went trailing behind the woman and laughed.
As his dark brown eyes played back across the room he saw something rather interesting. A woman, what else would catch his attention and hold it more than a moment? She was edging her way to the back of the room not to far from where he was. Making an escape …to see a lover perhaps? Interesting that she would be so quick to do so when the ball had only just begun, Dimitri was interested enough to set his own feet into motion behind her.
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Posted: Sat Aug 05, 2006 2:55 am
Rafael
His name had been announced and he stood on the bottom steps and looked around the room. Nearly every eye had turned towards him when his name had been called. Not only was he one of the handsomest men there, he was also one of the richest, and he was single.
Rafael knew once he came off the step, he would be crowded by the eger mothers who would present their daughters. Their lovely daughters with golden hair whose eyes just seemed to light up the room did he not agree? Of course he would agree but he would not show much more interest other than that. Young women with their fluttering eye lashes had not appealed to him even as a youth. He much rather enjoyed the company of the more mature women. The widows and at times the wives’ that were left home alone for far to long. If they opened their doors to him, then he would walk in willingly and without fear.
He was fashionably late. But then, that was expected of him, and at times when it suited him, he did what was expected of him. Lately he had been to almost every ball and opera that had been shown. Ever since his cousin informed him of their grandmother’s motives he had set one of his own into play.
His eyes were the color of sapphire as he looked about the room. Finding a suitable place to claim as his own; he moved from the step and into the crowd.
Rafael was glad to see good men were about this night. The good men he happened to see were his brother and cousin. Dimitri was about to slip out of the sight of all, but Rafael caught a glimpse of him before he slipped between the door that would shut him off from everyone else. He knew his cousin would not last too long, but he had expected him to last longer than he had!
His hand bore down heavily on the shoulder of a gentleman.
“ Brother,” his voice had a hint of teasing only his brother would be able to notice. Then again after living with a man for most of your life it would be near impossible for you not to pick up on his habits. “ The lady would not like to have her skirts raised and enjoy the ride of a lifetime tonight. Perhaps some other time you should work your charm upon her.”
His words would do a collection of things perhaps. It would either make the woman more interested in Lucas or make her appalled at his behavior and make her think Lucas was the better of the batch or she would remove herself from their presence, which would mean she never intended for his brother to get any of her hidden treasures.
Rafael was a rake, not as dreadful as his cousin,Marcus , but dreadful enough. He had no problem showing off all aspects of him. Some women would find him overbearing and perhaps arrogant, but then what could one expect when other women fanned the flame?
Perhaps for the right woman, he would show his softer side, perhaps.
There was only a collection of women that ever witnessed that side of him however, and all of them were related to him. His mother, whom he had yet to see this night, his sisters, aunts and grandmother.
Where was the old woman anyway?
“ Before I leave you to your devices I would ask. Have you seen grandmere?”
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