Emilie cursed herself as she saw the sword pointed at her heart and raised her hands automatically. He was smiling, he had won! She wanted to turn on her heel and walk out, but she didn't want to lose face. Her face was getting redder as she looked around at all the smiling faces. "My sincere congratulations" she asked a bit acidly as she looked at the sword still pointed at her. "So tell me, Michelle, Andrew I have not seen you in so long, how your trip was?" she said lamely, trying to change the subject from what she would have to do now that she had lost.
"What a truly unique lady you are!" Hastings laughed and lowered the sword. "Percy, would you keep this out of the lady's reach. You do value the coat." Hastings handed Emilie's sword to Percy, then threw himself into a chair. "Well, my lady, am I to play Petruchio to your Katherine?"
Emilie smiled sourly. "I fear it would be a most tiresome and impossible job to tame me but I thank you for your kind words, my lord" she retorted as she sat back down, her cheeks aflame.
Hastings set the sword down and when to the seat where Emilie was. He kneeled before her and said, "Alas, dear lady, can we not end this equitably?" He took her hand. "No? Well then about my prizes..."
Emilie paled. "Yes, my lord. A prize, you say. Well...of course, my lord, a prize is what you deserve. Shall I have the maid get you some cake" she asked.
Hastings smiled again, "My lady, I have no appetite for cake! Have you so soon forgotten the terms of our match?"
Emilie winced and flushed even more scarlet. "No, my lord. You shall receive your prize" she whispered. She had a feeling like she was almost glad to lose. No, she was just humiliated. She bent her head and kissed his hand reverently. "I hope you are satisfied" she almost pleaded.
"Not quite!" Hastings said. "But then you haven't showed me proper respect, my lady."
Emilie scowled. Hastings was dragging her through this slowly, enjoying every moment. She rose from her seat and made a deep curtsy. "My Lord Hastings" she muttered through clenched teeth.
"I'm sorry I didn't get that?" Hastings said. "Try to open your mouth a little wider when you speak."
Emilie sizzled with fury and mentally planned to find some way of revenging herself. "I said, My Lord Hastings" she said sharply, curtsying again.
Hastings gave a merry laugh. "I suppose that will do for now! But now for my other prize, by your leave Percy!" He drew Emilie up to her feet and looked tenderly into her eyes, noting the fright in them. It was her first kiss! He smiled and leaned in, he would make it sweet and memorable. Best not to traumatize her on her first and Hastings was deemed by women a most excellent kisser. He kissed her gently at first and then as it proceeded he kissed her with more passion. She was exquisite in his arms and he felt her respond quite against her wishes, he�d wager. Why was she wasting herself on a little froggy like that? Hastings would happily concede to go to the ends of the earth for this woman.
Emilie heard Hastings laugh and ask for his other prize and she felt her heart beat a bit faster. She said nothing, she was a prize and she knew by honor, he had full rights to this. Her cheeks reddened even more. She had never actually kissed someone, Chris had given her a few on the cheek but she had a feeling Hastings would ask for more. She was almost shaking, this was terrifying. She felt him gently raise her from her curtsy, taking her in his arms and she tried to be brave, this was not going to be painful, she hoped. He tenderly made her look into his eyes, she had never noticed Hastings had such lovely kind blue eyes; they were the color of the sky on a perfect spring time. She nodded her head, worried if this would hurt. She closed her eyes as she saw Hastings get smile and closer. She was inwardly praying but then it happened and all logic left her mind.
Emilie should have been humiliated and angry, as he kissed her but he was so gentle, it was like walking in the rain. He seemed to be eager for her to enjoy it and she felt herself wanting it, against her will, she was enjoying it. It was so soft and sweet, almost as if she was delicate and he didn't wish to hurt her. Her mind was exploding. She just let him, enjoying the feel of his soft face against hers. Slowly it began more ardent, and she even replied in kind, he seemed to trying to give the maximum amount of pleasure. It was different from what Chris had given her. She felt her knees weaken and leaned more against him. Hastings held her so gently, so carefully as if she was the most important person in the world and he couldn't bear being without her. She liked how he held her; she wanted him to enjoy this as much as he did. It was like nothing she ever felt, lightning seemed to be streaking up her body; she wanted to just stay like this forever though her head was screaming that she was being used as a prize. She didn't care, she wanted him to continue. She had forgotten this was Hastings, the boy she had just taken a sword too. She had forgotten the bickering. She just was swept away by how he made her feel. Her Chris seemed to the furthest thing from her mind, though he was only a meter away.
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Chris sat back in his carriage, the necklace the pet gave him no longer around his neck but idly resting on his lap. He had what he wanted, he did! Laurel had kissed his hand, his skin still tingled with the feel of her soft lips. He was slowly making her his. But how to be rid of the pet? He had to break this off, but how? He would have just stopped seeing her but he needed that hair. How could he end the courtship without finding himself flogged? He had no doubt the pet cried easily and her guardian would only be too happy to severally punish him. He'd have to tell her gently, though no matter what, he figured he'd be getting a beating, by this Percy or by the Lord. Maybe he'd hint that his parents wanted him to marry another girl and he was doing the honorable thing. He was slightly queasy, he had to do it soon, he could not avoid it and he had to persist with his plan. Well, he'd feel out the situation and try to dampen the pet's ardor. He spent the ride thinking of his Laurel, his beautiful wonderful Laurel.
Chris arrived at the manor and knocked on the door, his face beaded with sweat.
Dessau answered the door and saw Cristof standing there. Cristof asked to see Lady Emilie, so Dessau lead him there.
Chris leaned over before entering the library and handed him his coat. "Please put my belongings in my carriage along with anything else you may have of mine, understood" he said, handing him some more money.
Dessau nodded. As soon as Cristof was delivered to the library he would slip out and be rid of the coat and the incriminating hair.
Chris walked in, mentally rehearsing how to break to the pet that as much as he loved her, it would not be proper. He thought of asking her to remain his friend, maybe he'd even ask her to a picnic just to make her feel better. He had to avoid her bawling. He walked into the library, and his eyes widened to the size of dinner plates. HIS pet was in the arms of some boy and she was definitely not fighting him off. His face turned white with rage. How dare some boy touch his property? All thoughts of Laurel faded from his mind; he was debating how he could get the pet alone so he could teach her a lesson on proper behavior. The other guests in the room, Percy and a pair of siblings just stood there stunned. He didn't dare fulfill his urge to yank the pet away from this thief by the hair as he was outnumbered. "Well I thought your favorite character was Merlin, not Gwenevere, pet" he drawled. He wanted to kill something, preferably this cursed Anglais and the harlot pet. Now he was angry and everyone would suffer!
Michelle smiled slightly, trying not to laugh at her friend's expense. But when Emilie and Hastings kissed--her eyes grew wide with surprise and pleasure. She had known for some time that Hastings liked Emilie, possibly as more than a friend.
When a Frenchman suddenly came into the room, she was surprised, but immediately decided that she didn't like him. There was no reason for this, just her instincts. She stiffened slightly and grabbed her brother's arm with one hand, knocking her hat and gloves off of her lap.
Startled, Percy glanced up at his aunt. He had been so busy watching the 'duel' that he cared not what his other friends thought until some guy that he didn't know walked into the room. His aunt KNEW this guy? More importantly, did his father? "Michelle, I daresay- if this guy is friends with my aunt, he won't bite you." Percy said rather nervously, hoping that this guy DIDN'T know his father and thus give him away from being out of his room.
Chris turned and looked around the room, noting the two malefactors had not noticed his presence. Well, they were busy, too busy to notice him, and obviously enjoying themselves. How improper, he was scandalized! The boy was handsome, he couldn't dispute that but had he saved her life? He was still wondering what was going on and why his property was being used by another person! It was an outrage! He tried to calm himself, everyone was getting nervous. He turned to the taller blond boy. "You must be Percy. I am Vicompte Cristof Gustav de Lovell, the one who rescued Emilie and please, my lady, don't be alarmed at my appearance. I am sorry for startling you but as you can see, I've had a bit of a shock myself. As the boy said, I won't bite. Now that we have been introduced, can someone please do a great kindness and explain who that is and why my pet is kissing him?" he demanded.
Percy looked even more confused than before. Emilie- his PET? He made her sound like some kind of animal that was house trained and cared for but said nothing lest he should set his aunt off again. "My name is Percival Blakeney and Emilie is my aunt, and as you can see, nobody is kissing anybody. Where would you get an idea such as that? You should look into your facts first before jumping the gun, I'd wager."
Chris merely looked incredulously at Percival Blakeney. Was the Anglais blind as well as thick headed and rude? "Then what do you call what your aunt and that... is doing, saying Grace?" he said, noting the brat and his pet were still locked in embrace, not aware of the world. It irked him, the pet seemed so blissful. He tapped the thief on the shoulder. "What are you doing?" he asked, his jaw clenched.
Michelle was confused. "Saved her life? Percy, what is he talking about?" She was confused, and hated the way this young man spoke about Emilie. "Pet?" Why, she was a lady, not a poodle! She still didn't know why, but she disliked him. She kept her hand on Andrew's arm for reassurance.
Percy tried to hide the smirk on his face. "To make a long story short, things got very bad here at home and Emilie and I had ourselves an adventure. During that adventure, she was kidnapped and I guess this man- this- Cristof- saved her life." Percy shrugged. "And how stupid of me, of course I saw them kissing...it was only part of deal."
Reluctantly, Hastings broke away from Emilie as he felt a tapping on his shoulder. He turned to face the interloper and found himself face to face with an irate French man. "That's down right rude of you, messier, interrupting us like that! Doesn't your country instill manners in your lot?"
Emilie opened her eyes and turned a bit pale as Hastings broke away and turned around. Chris had seen everything. She hung her head but did not let go of Hastings. Chris smirked. "I was about to say the same thing, sir. I believe this is mine and I'd appreciate if you kept your hands off my pet. " he said. Emilie blushed. "Chris, this is Lord Hastings, a...friend of mine" she murmured. Chris laughed. "Well, pet, he must be a very good friend indeed if you are willing to forget the person who saved your life" and Emilie said nothing, she just stared at the floor.
"Lud, sir! You act as though the lady were a puppy!" Hastings remarked still holding Emilie. "I don't give a fig who you are; if you were a man you'd know better than to treat a lady in such a manner! But judging from the cut of those pant that is highly questionable, I'll have to give you the name of my tailor." Hastings immediately loathed Cristof. "Saved you, did he, milove? I can see his success. Pray, how many brigands did you slay in your rescue, M....? Forgive me I didn't catch your name!"
Chris just stared, his jaw tightening. This boy was starting to annoy him. How dare he? "If you were a gentleman, you'd not be holding another man's girl or speaking in such rude tones. Your clothes are of poor fashion yourself, how could you appear before polite company? Do you have a problem with the way I have treated you or what I call you, pet?" he asked softly with a hard look to Emilie who shook her head rather quickly, her eyes averted in fear. Chris scared her, he made her feel like she had to obey. "Apparently, the Lady disagrees with you, lord Bastings. I saved her from being left alone in the forest and how many brigands I slayed is of no consequence to the fact that I brought home one live person. It's more then she can expect from anyone else. And my name is Cristof Gustav de Lovell, Vicomte" he hissed and indicated Emilie was to come over to him. Emilie sighed, looked sad to give up being held, patted Hastings gently and walked sadly over to the Frenchman who looked furious. Chris put his arm around Emilie possessively. "Good girl, my pet. As I was saying, Lord Bastings, I seem to be within my rights" he said. He'd kiss her soon, and take what was his.
Hastings smiled broadly, the little frenchie was angering him, but he would not lose face on that frog's account. "Lud, sir! 'Another man's girl'? How positively primeval!" Hastings laughed. "As for your obvious ignorance of fashion, I shall reluctantly forgive you. Though it might be a good skill for you to acquire, seeing as how Paris is so readily accessible, M...del oval?." Hastings sighed and glanced Cristof over and sadly shook his head. "However, the young lady still has a oath to fulfill." Hastings took Emilie's hand and drew her close to him. "Do you remember, milove? There was a song you wanted to sing your hero!"
After overcoming the shock of Hastings and Spencer's strange duel and its outcome, Andrew quickly assessed the situation surrounding him. He put a reassuring hand on Michelle's, and surveyed the scene.
He had heard Emilie mention before the duel that someone had "saved" her, and apparently it was from some kind of a beating or kidnapping attempt, which greatly distressed the young Ffoulkes. He was glad he'd brought a sword to protect his sister on the ride to Blakeney manor. That also explained the slight limp he had noticed in Emilie as she fenced. But who was this arrogant Vicomte who called her pet?
Andrew Ffoulkes eyed Cristof Gustav de Lovell keenly. He liked the French, despite the fact that his beloved England had many quarrels with them. One of the ideals that he admired most about them was the concept of noblesse oblige. Literally, it means "nobility obligates," but in truth it speaks of the obligation of honorable, generous, and responsible behavior associated with high rank or birth. As a Ffoulkes, his father taught him well in such areas. As an inherently kind and compassionate young man, such behavior came naturally to him. As a future Baronet, he knew that nobility was both a great gift and a great sacrifice.
As Ffoulkes glared upon Lovell, he detected no noblesse oblige. It was people like him which gave nobility everywhere a bad name. It was rare when the generous Andrew Ffoulkes instantly disliked someone, but it happens.
Percy immediately shot up out of the chair that he had been sitting in, burning with rage. "How DARE you?!" He snapped, rounding upon the tiny little Frenchman. "If you care so much for Emilie, then don't go around treating her as if she were one of you or your father's property, something valuable that can be placed on a mantle!" Percy would have slugged him but his strict, English upbringing stopped him. If he had learned anything at all from his father it was to treat women with respect. "If you ever say anything of the sort again, be well aware that I will flog you within an inch of your very life." Percy snarled, fully aware of the consequences THAT would bring.
"Sink me!" Hastings exclaimed. "I dare say, M. ... Lowhell...? that you have incurred the wrath of Blakeney here. Not the wisest thing to do, eh wont?" Hastings gave Percy a wink. "I'm sure, M... Sho-vell... meant no harm, Percy, I fear the French are raised with a lack of proper etiquette which we English take for granted."
Emilie was feeling very confused. That kiss was still making her head spin; she didn't know how to react. She loved Chris, he loved her and yet when Hastings took her hand, she was overjoyed. She was being silly, Hastings had probably kissed lots of girls, and she had meant nothing to him. She was nothing like the girls who doted on him; he most likely wanted to humiliate her. Chris took care of her; he was the love of her life. She didn't let go of Hastings' hand or move away from him though. She smiled to cover the internal uncertainty and nodded.
"Calm down, both of you or I shall take up my sword again. Indeed, there is. My hero, I lost a wager and that was the prize for winning. It is good to see you again, I am so glad that nothing happened to you yesterday and that you came back to visit me. But I swore an oath and therefore must sing for you all" but before she could speak, Chris had interrupted her.
"My apologies, my little songbird but you've done enough, haven't you? Must you disappoint me more?' he drawled, ignoring the Lord's remarks. Sure enough, the pet's eyes filled with tears and she looked to the floor.
"I am sorry" she whispered. Chris smiled to comfort the girl but before he could move, the thick headed relation stormed over to him, in a fury over his words. Chris looked at him coldly as he threatened him. The boy was taller then him, but Chris was faster. Then that cursed smirking lord who couldn't get his name right spoke up. Chris decided enough was enough.
"Ah, such protectiveness, Percival, where was it when she lay beaten in the middle of a forest? She was crying your name out all alone. Before you threaten me, think of that. Now please, I don't see the need for violence, especially in front of a lady, that in my opinion would be a higher breech of etiquette. Really, your rudeness at a guest of the lady here and your behavior with her, what would her guardian say?" he asked softly. He knew that everyone was afraid of the guardian, including the pet. Emilie paled and grabbed Hastings' hand again. She didn't understand why Chris was acting this way and it scared her.
"What the hell do you think you're playing at?" Percy scoffed, trying to keep his cool but he was very quickly losing it. He had gotten THAT part from his father, thank you very much. "I know I did wrong then and I am sorry for it but you had best back off, monsieur, before I turn you into my father yourself and let him deal with you. I believe Emilie has been through enough for today, let her alone. You're scaring her." Percy snapped, ready to punch him out of his senses. "You're too damn controlling, I believe she has a right to her own thoughts, yes? True, she had a right to act coldly towards me this morning, I had been acting the role of an ass." Percy's voice was shaking not to mention, the rest of his body. "What makes you think that you are greater than everybody else in this room? We're all of the same nobility and as you said, with nobility comes respect. You'd best do well to act upon your own words monsieur."
"Milor Blakeney? That charming, amiable fellow! That is quite an excellent question, sir!" Hastings smiled, noting Cristof's poker face and will to play along. As intimidating as Blakeney could be, Hastings wouldn't back down to a threat. "I am certain that the man would want his son and the Lady to act with all honor, M. Lowhell!" Hastings placed a restraining hand on Percy's shoulder.
"Lud, sir! What a character you are to have raised the ire of the Blakeneys within moments of entering the room. But, pray, how could such a splendid creature disappoint you when she intends to sing in your honor sir?"
Chris wanted to remain calm but he was quickly losing his temper. He was being mocked, he felt as if he would spit fire. He could be charming and witty, but only when he outranked others. These children didn't fear him, they weren't servants or peasants whom he could intimidate nor were they superiors who needed to be flattered. He felt ill at ease here and could feel their disapproval and dislike of him. He had to collect himself, had to fight back the proper way. They also were not afraid of the Lord. "I was not the one threatening violence and her conduct with you was disappointing enough" Emilie said nothing. She was still trying not to cry but her lips were quivering. She merely walked out of the library and a moment later the room heard a door slam. Chris looked at Hastings. "I suppose she must have been ashamed of what she did, poor girl" he said lamely, knowing he had just ruined any chance of winning over this crowd.
"You think so? I thought she was disgusted by the cut of your suit and too polite to cry in front of you! Lud knows it's nearly bringing me to tears! Personally I've never seen such a limp cravat, I pray you do something about it!" Hastings replied. "Michelle, would you be a dear and tell Emilie that if she returns I'll guarantee to mend M. Shovell's unsightly ensemble!"
Michelle nodded then walked out of the room, giving Cristof a "Look" as she stepped around him. Personally, she wouldn't mind if the boys "took care" of him. She stepped up the stairs to Emilie's room and knocked on the door. "Emilie, it's me, Michelle," she said. "May I please come in?"
