Dessau opened the shutters in the parlor and watched the sun inch its way into the golden sky. He had managed to elude Lord Blakeney the previous day, but there was no hiding for long. He wanted to be rid of the hair that he had nicked in order to capture Emilie's attacker, but when would he see the young vicompte? Slightly shaking Dessau continued on his duties, hopefully the day would be less trying than the previous.
My lord Hastings was up earlier than usual that fine morning, spurred on by an oath to a beautiful demoiselle in distress. He dress quickly and immaculately, and took a light breakfast before saddling up his favorite horse, Nightmare, and speeding off to the Blakeneys' house. The wind whipped through his hair and he felt a tremendous joy only found in such rides. Within short time he reach, his friend's home and presented himself to be received by Percy Blakeney.
Hastings was greeted by a thin, balding, nervous-looking man, who welcomed him formally and saw him into the parlor. Where Hastings stood watching the landscape outside while awaiting the arrival of his friend.
Dessau, for that is who the nervous-looking man was, crept up stairs to Percy's room unlocked the door and rapped upon it, and called, "Milor Percy! My Lord Hastings has arrived! I've set him in the parlor." Dessau quickly left, in case Lord Blakeney was up and about.
Emilie awoke, feeling quite strange. For one thing, she could see it was morning though last thing she remembered was it being midday. She was not even dressed, just wrapped in a towel. She couldn't remember much, she remembered bathing and being tired. Well, she felt better, her head was clear, could she have fallen?
Though Emilie rarely did it, she could dress herself and did so. A good walk would clear her mind, so she could remember why she had woken in bed. A few moments later, Emilie was dressed and walking through the halls to go outside when she heard a noise behind her.
As he approached Lady Emilie's room she emerged and he started. Looking at her he blanched. "Lady Emilie, what you are doing about?"
Emilie turned and unconsciously took a step back. "Just going to take a walk before breakfast as I always do" she answered in a quiet tone, feeling as though she had been caught in more mischief. His scolding still rang in her ears and she didn't want another. "I shall return in an hour or so, not too long."
Dessau toned a hesitation in Emilie's tone, and took some strength in it. Enough strength to dispel any indications of nervousness on his part and tell her with much authority. "Lord Blakeney has given strict instructions that you are to remain in the house for your own safety. You may make use of any room in the house, but I cannot allow you to go outside. His decision may in part also be due to your prior attempts at delinquency.
After having spent a rather depressing night in his room, Percival Blakeney was more than happy to receive the company of his friend Hastings. Still looking a bit pale from the confrontation with his father, Percy received Hastings with a smile on his face. "Ahh, Timothy- good to see you, sorry to make you wait there. I trust Emilie has been good company, my friend?"
Hastings turned to face his friend and smiled. "That's Lord Hastings to you, Blakeney!" Hastings joked. "But since we're not at Harrow, I'll allow you to address me by my Christian name, without sending you for your kit!" It was good to see Percy again, away for the gloom of that dismal institution. "Emilie, your aunt? Is she about? Gracious how is the old girl doing?" Hastings attempted to decipher the _expression on Percy's face.
Emilie lowered her eyes. Well, it should not shock her that she was confined to the house, she could not expect to get off without some punishment. It was fair; she could not be trusted to wander alone again now that she had run away. She sighed. "I shall be in the library" she calmly said and with a bit of defiance, turned on her heels to sit on a large comfortable chair with "La Morte De Arthur", her well thumbed favorite book.
Dessau went down to the Parlor and saw that Percy had already arrived. "Is there anything I can get you and your guest, milor?" Dessau offered and then thought Percy might be worried about the previous night's events. "Lady Emilie is up and about in the parlor."
Hastings pounced on the opportunity, "Emilie, you said? Come on Percy, let's see your dear old auntie, Percy! I've heard she's under the weather, come... I'm sure I can cheer her up!" Hastings threw his arm around Percy's shoulders and marched him to the library. This was the perfect opportunity to keep his word. They found Emilie curled up in a stair with a large book. Hastings approach, "Good morning, fair enchantress!"
Emilie heard Percy and a familiar one walk in. Was HE here? She didn't want to see Hastings, he was the most annoying creature in the world. She had always found him to be the one person who could match her for witty insults and just because he outranked her, didn't mean he needed to say so. He was also a fop, too dandy and too obsessed with girls! If she responded, she'd have to rise, and curtsy. Well, if she didn't notice him, she could still sit.
Hastings noted that Emilie ignored him, he knew she didn't appreciate his wit and humour. So, rather than feel offended he opted to have fun with her annoyance. With a grin on his face, he approached Emilie and knelled before her grabbed her hand, and tried to put on the most convincing _expression of mock concern that he could muster. "Lud love ya, dear lady! I was told you were unwell, but to be deprived of hearing! What a tragedy!!"
Emilie turned white with fury and held the book above her head. "I have NOT been deprived of my hearing, but you have definitely lost your senses. The tragedy is that you still have the gift of speech, Hastings!" she said, looking like she'd slam it down on the Lord's head.
"That's Lord Hastings, my lady!" Hastings corrected her with a grin. "Percy, I fear that your aunt has a fierce form of distemper! But ever the witty tongue! Come, come, my lady! Where are our manners, this is not appropriate behavior to show your guests, especially lords who are concerned for your well being. Is there something wrong with your legs, my lady?" He noted the bruises under the make-up, evidently Laurel had good cause to worry.
Emilie debated slamming the book down on Hastings�s head. That would teach him to pull rank on her! "An old saying that a temper and tongue is a woman's sword, and I keep my sword very sharp so I would beware and there is nothing wrong with my legs, besides the fact that you are kneeling before them and they are denied the permission to kick you! But my hand shall remedy the urge" she said, throwing the book at his head, alas missing him by a few inches. She then rose and curtsied so fast that one might have missed it if one blinked. "My Lord" she muttered, and grudgingly extended her hand.
My lord Hastings laughed merrily at Emilie's outburst, and when she presented him with her dainty little hand, that had only moments before hurled a book at him, his kissed the fingertips reverently. "My dearest Lady Emilie, it has been so long. How I've missed our conversation! I had nearly forgotten your charm, grace, and wit, ever the model of social decorum!" He gave her his most charming smile, which had on more than one occasion sent a girl swooning, and to Percy he gave a wink to indicate that he meant no harm to the fair Emilie.
Hastings crossed the room to where the book Emilie had hurled landed. With the tip of his boot he lightly closed the book and survey it's title. "Sink me!" Hastings smiled as he looked up from the book to Emilie's face. "So you're attempting to tackle the classics! Good for you! Well done!" Though she had obvious be hurt recently, at least her spirit hadn't been broken. Hastings was mightily curious as to the brigand who'd done it, though there had been evidence that Lord Blakeney had a nasty temper, he couldn't image the lord doing such damage to his own kin. Evidently, lovely little Laurel had good reason to worry. What connection did this Laurel have with the Blakeneys, apparent she was a friend to them but how did she know them?
Percy tried to smile but when he did, it was weak and somewhat shaken. He hadn't noticed the bruises himself, too much was on his mind. "Maybe we had best leave LADY Emilie alone before she decides to kill us both." Percy's voice trembled slightly as he spoke and hoped that Hastings did not notice. He would have tried to leave but for some reason his friend's presence told him not to go. After all hadn't his own father told him not to go upsetting his aunt? As if that were possible..
Emilie allowed Hastings to smile and kiss her hand, he was most handsome. She would die before admitting it, but Hastings was amusing. She turned on her nephew first. Frankly, she was tired of his weakness. Chris, Andre, even my annoying Lord was more of a man then he. "Such bravery, my dear lad. With defenders like you, it is no wonder I am confined to the house. Well, at least boys like mon Cristof have proved their mettle. But fear not, little nephew, I shall spare you the rough side of my tongue, it is most unchivalrous to fight an unarmed man. Stay, unless you fear that my young lord would be bested by a lady. As for you, my lord, it has been too soon since I last laid eyes on you. Well, if you have forgotten my wit, I shall have to give you reminder. Ah yes the classics, a mind not consumed with horses can learn to appreciate the finer things in life, non?" she smirked.
Hastings winced at the arrow Emilie shot at Percy, he wished that the other boy would stop allowing himself to be shot down, but then again Hastings sensed there were some underlying tones in Emilie's remark. The brutality and very existence of such a remark was astonishing, pervious encounters had left Hastings with the _expression that Emilie dotted on Percy, but now...
Hastings scooped up the book and handed it to Emilie, "Your refinement, dear lady, was very apparent when I entered and in the most gracious way you received me. Evidently your grasp of the value of such tomes shines through." He smirked as Emilie snatched the book away. "But I must inquire as to the reason for these lancets at your dear nephew, I daresay you may fatality wound the boy. Is it possible that Lord Blakeney confined you to keep away those disgusting little froggies who prey on susceptible English women?"
Emilie snatched the books away, burning under his quick wit. "I always mirror my guests, good sir. I agree, the books are weighty with good use. But I am most hurt by your words, if it were not for the presence of such disgusting little froggies as you call them, especially one, a handsome and brave vicompte, I would be dead right now. Therefore, since a British Lad managed to fail me, when I was bound alone in a forest and it took a Frenchman to rescue me, I would watch my words, good sir. Have I no gratitude that I could listen to these insults to the man who I owe my existence and my love to? Ah, you mistakes sharp arrows for light blows, my little nephew knows I would not hurt his feelings. A good knock from my wit once in a while is good for him, and if it leaves a scar, perhaps it will remind him of the possible cost of failure. I see my words have offended, do not deny it. You think me overly harsh to my sweet nephew. Well then, shall you demand I fetch my kit and report to the headmaster, good fagmaster?'" she teased.
Humiliated to the core, Percy stared at Emilie in shock, then horror. "Thank you very much for you kind evaluation, dear Aunt. Remind me never to try rescuing you again, it might prove cowardly." He snapped, Percy's temper getting the best of him. "I did go after you, Emilie. Perhaps I should leave, my father didn't wish to upset you but Hastings drug me in here."
"Come, come, my dear sir, my dear lady! Let there be peace among us!" Hastings cried, astonishing himself that it was he that was the moderator in this scene. But the truth, or something close to it, had spilled forth, an ugly scar that had split a family. "Stay, my friend, least you give the lady's words credence, there can be peace I assure you! La! never did I dream that I would take the moderator's mantle! However, dear lady, if you wish to make amends for your ill-tempered words then by all means go fetch your kit!"
Percy fought for restraint. "Emilie, come off it- you know how rumors are. Don't believe a thing of it, innocent until proven guilty, right?" He teased, hoping to lighten the moment. "Be mad at me all you want, lud, I'm quite used to your temper by now. You're more pretty angry than you are when calm, did you know?"
Any least Percy was in a better mood, Hastings thought, now to see to Emilie. "Ah-ha! Perhaps that explains the spell you've cast over me!"
Emilie couldn't help but smile. She had to admit, he was being funny. Well, she'd yell at him later if need be. She patted his arm in a motherly way. "Well, then I must truly have been radiant a moment ago. As for you, my Lord Hastings, as a gentleman, would you not have to take the punishment for me?" she said, smirking. Well, today was turning out far better.
Emilie couldn't help but smile. She had to admit, he was being funny. Well, she'd yell at him later if need be. She patted his arm in a motherly way. "Well, then I must truly have been radiant a moment ago. As for you, my Lord Hastings, as a gentleman, would you not have to take the punishment for me?" she said, smirking. Well, today was turning out far better.
"Yes, you were." Percy replied with a smirk. "You should look like that more often, Lord knows we all could do with a laugh right about now." He figured that his father was off on another bloody rage because of him. Oh well- as long as he didn't think to check on his absent son... the one absent from his room, that is. "I daresay, you're blushing Emilie." He thought to add.
"Friends again? Yes? Excellent!" Hastings laughed. "Perhaps now is the best time to mention that the dear Ffoulkes are coming to France soon. They might have even arrived already. Then we can get into some real trouble!"
Emilie tossed her curls. "Indeed, well then I shall try to find more occasions to scold you and look my best. I am blushing Percy? Would you like to see me angry again" she asked.
Emilie smiled. "Michelle is coming, how wonderful! Finally, someone of intelligence coming, we girls will get into more trouble then you boys can even dream of. You'll see, Hastings dear that a Harrow�s devil is no match for a woman. Well, it will be wonderful, all five of us together, maybe even six when you meet my darling." she said and looked out the window. "Oh, I hope Chris comes soon, he said he might visit today. I can't wait for you both to meet my love, I know you'll adore him just like I do. He speaks English so nicely and he is so smart and kind. He's a vicompte, a man of high rank. Oh Hastings, can you believe that of all the people to rescue me, it had be the most wonderful boy in all of France. He'll get into trouble with us, he's a most amiable companion" she said, her eyes sparkling.
"You're courting a frog!" Hastings sputtered. "Have you gone daft? I may have to challenge the brigand for his impudence!"
Emilie rolled his eyes. "Yes, and I have no gone daft, just fallen in love. I am courting a kind, brave, sweet, intelligent and suitable French nobleman who saved my life. Please, calm yourself, you will enjoy his presence immensely, both of you. What do you think, Vicomptess Emilie Lovell, has a nice ring to it? Hastings, if you challenged him to a duel, I would hate to comfort your poor bereaving mother so soon before my wedding. " she laughed, knowing Hastings's aversion to anything French.
"In love? With a frenchie?" Hastings laughed. "That is the most ridiculous thing! Vicomptess Lovell, more likely he sees you as some doxy to bed! French men are immoral brigands who prey on weak minded women. If there will be any comforting it be needed by you when I impale that little frog! Really, Percy, do you approve of this behavior?"
Emilie turned pale with fury but then she smiled. She'd show him weak minded! Her blue eyes flashed as she quickly limped (her legs were still sore and bruised) over to the mantelpiece where a display of arms was shown. She grasped a sword in her hand and turned on her heel. She pointed the sword a half inch from the handsome lord's neck, smirking and forced him back a bit. "Well, lad, I don't see myself as weak-minded or as some loose doxy to fall into bed with any lad who smiles at me. Nor do I see the boy who saved my life when I lay beaten and alone in a forest an immoral brigand; he's a hero who need not be dueled by overprotective little Brits. But if your opinion is different, by all means say so, if you get my point. Apparently you doubt the sharpness of my brains, shall I prove them to you?" she said haughtily as she smiled. "I wonder if Percy approves of this behavior" she then asked, tossing her curls.
Hastings smiled broadly, any other woman would have swooned to see. "Heaven forbid I would question your intelligence dear lady!" Hastings exclaimed. "Why it is my respect for your wonderful intelligence that set me pausing as to the reason you would consider such a... man."
Emilie rolled her eyes. "I told you, he saved my life. I am glad you have respect for my intelligence but I shall have to duel you for the honor of my love" she said. 'Either you take in an honorable duel or I slit your jacket" she offered, allowing the blade to touch my lord's clothes lightly.
Hastings laughed. "I doubt I will be credited with much honor for fighting a woman. But if your pride demands this of me so be it. I'll wager you'll prove a more fierce competitor than your would-be suitor! But, pray, do mind the coat it is of exquisite design."
