Blakeney looked up when Dessau entered, he saw that the valet looked pale and nervous... probable knew that Blakeney was planning to speak to him on the previous day's incident. "Forgive the intrusion, milor," Dessau said weakly, "but Lord Edward Hastings has come to speak with you on business."
Edward Hastings? Blakeney had heard that Hastings had died nearly a year ago. Were the rumors false? Or... ah yes... he had a son who would have taken on his title and responsibilities. "Show him in, Dessau." The valet left and returned a moment later with the young lord, who even now still wore black. The young man was handsome and amiable looking, Blakeney recognized him for one of Percy's classmates. He smiled far one so recently stricken with loss, which made Blakeney apprehensive. That and his affiliation with Percy. Blakeney stood shook hands with young Hastings and offered him a seat. "My condolences on your father's passing, he was a good man," Blakeney offered. "But I was told you were here on business with me."
Hastings smiled and looked the perfect persona of ease and comfort, even though he was now starting to realize why Lord Blakeney struck such terror into the heart of those in his household. "I how I find everything well with you, sir, and thank you for meeting with me," Hastings said, even though he knew things were far from well. "To be entirely honest I was holidaying here in France when I though to stop by and pay my respects to your good family. When I set eyes upon the lovely creature that is your sister-in-law, well I'm sure you may guess that my family has been placing considerable pressure on me to marry, now that I've inherited my father's land... Well, sir, the point I'm getting to is that I would ask your permission to court the fair Lady Emilie Spencer, unless you have other prospects for her. I give you my word that my intentions are entirely honorable sir!"
Blakeney sat there staring at the lad. Courting? Was this some sort of joke? The boy seemed serious enough and Emilie had been sent to him for that very purpose. "You wish to court Emilie?" Blakeney asked, stunned. "May I inquire as to how you came to this decision?"
"As I mentioned it's high time that I set my sights on a wife," Hastings smiled winningly. "I have known your family for a long time, sir, and know the excellent heritage the Blakeney's come from. Under your care, Lady Emilie has grown to be a beautiful, witty, vivacious creature who any man would be fortunate to have as his wife." Hastings tried reading Blakeney's face with little success. "I would happily set my paperwork before you for inspection, I'm sure you find everything in order." Hastings sat back and waited for a sign from Blakeney.
Blakeney regarded Hastings for several minutes; he couldn't question Hastings's family he knew them well enough to know that Hastings had an excellent lineage and upbringing. He might question Hastings's character, as he was one of Percy's friends, but that was not a necessity. He knew that Emilie's father would approve of the match and Emilie was old enough to start courting... Perhaps the news might bring a little light into the stiffly household, and he did have to make up for what he did to Emilie. Perhaps this might make matters better, she might be happier marrying a young Lord than putting up with his fluctuating temper. "That is not important to see your papers, I knew your father," Blakeney replied. "I have my approval, but we will need to speak at a later time to settle the finer matters." Blakeney rose and extended his hand to Hastings. "Let us tell the young lady the good news! Dessau summon Emilie to the parlor."
Hastings accepted Blakeney's hand and shook it firmly. "Most excellent idea!" Hastings smiled. He followed Lord Blakeney into the parlor and accepted a glass of burgundy that Lord Blakeney offered. "I'm certain the lady will be most excited when she is told!" Hastings said, a slight smirk. Save for a few moments ago, the only experience Hastings had with Emilie's tongue was it's razor sharpness.
Dessau hurried to the library and saw in there only Andrew and Michelle. "Lady Emilie, is not here? Bless me it is most urgent I find her," Dessau muttered, and left the confused Ffoulkeses to wonder. He stalked upstairs to Emilie's room, and found young Percy there attempting to gain admittance. Dessau came up beside him, "Allow me," he said and rapped hard on the door. "Lady Emilie! Lord Blakeney wishes you to join him in the parlor immediately!"
Emilie shuddered at the knock, was she in trouble for dueling or kissing Hastings? "One moment" she called. She washed her face clean and then redid her make up, so that she looked as natural as possible. She didn't need anymore questions asked of herself. She looked at herself, then fixed and brushed off her clothes, to make herself look neat for her guardian. She looked pale. She tried to think of a way to stall and then decided it was now or never. Opening the door, she walked past Dessau to the parlor, feeling like a condemned prisoner, though if she was to be punished, she'd be taken to Milord's study, not the parlor. She walked in and found Hastings and Milord standing, drinking brandy. What in God's name was going? She curtsied to the two Lords. "Sir, you called for me?" she asked softly, looking very worried.
Andrew and Michelle puzzled over the appearance of the valet for a few minutes, it was the same valet who had escorted Hastings to see Lord Blakeney and now he was looking for Emilie, the pair decided to check on Percy and Emilie in case the recent events had roused the Lord's wrath, at the very least perhaps their words might clarify the situation, after all the French boy was in the wrong. As they entered the foyer they saw Emilie pass into the parlor followed by Dessau and Percy, evidently something important was happening!
As they entered they heard Emilie ask, "Sir, you called for me?" and saw Blakeney and Hastings standing on the other side of the room drinking burgundy and looking very formal. Hastings's infectious smile ever present.
Blakeney watched the procession with some amazement, he had no idea that Andrew and Michelle were here or that Percy would make an appearance, but perhaps it was better to have so many witnesses for such... joyous... news. Blakeney gave a quick nod of acknowledgement to Andrew and Michelle and then returned his attention to Emilie. "I have spoken with my Lord Hastings, my lady. He has requested permission to court you, which I have given."
Michelle glanced at her brother as Dessau left. "What could be so important?" she wondered aloud, peeking out of the doorway watching the man hurry up to Emilie's room. She heard the knock and call to Emilie. "Whatever could be going on?" she asked, glancing at Andrew. "Shall we find out?" She gave a slightly mischievous grin as she slipped out of the library and down the hall towards the parlor, just in time to see Emilie go into the room.
Michelle stood for a moment, slightly speechless, and then happily cried "Oh, Emilie!" She hurried over to her friend and took her hands. "I'm so happy for you!" She had a smile on her face that showed how happy she was for Emilie. She felt that Hastings would be wonderful for Emilie, as well as that now she would be considered "off limits" to other suitors, which, of course, meant Cristof.
Hastings maintained his cool external facade the entire time, but as Emilie and Percy and Michelle and Andrew arrived his stomach felt as though it were being gnawed on by rats. The memory of that passionate kiss faded to the back of his mind as the reality and gravity of the situation began to sink in. What was he getting himself into? Marriage? He was only 16! Was he doing it to spite that frenchie? To save Emilie? He couldn't remember the reasons anymore. Perhaps there was time to reconsider, but as those thoughts raced into his mind, Blakeney made his announcement.
Emilie just stood there as she heard the news. She was speechless, nothing came to mind. Married? at sixteen? She had dreamed of marriage but on the far horizon. And to Hastings? Yes, that kiss had made her feel wonderful but Hastings? She weakly accepted Michelle's congratulations, using her own English mettle not to burst into tears and walk out or maybe it was fear of Lord Blakeney. She wasn't sure of that. She was sure she wanted to marry Chris, to make him happy and kind again, but now she was promised off to a grinning Lord, like a piece of land. Emilie debated throwing a tantrum but the humiliation to her family would be too great. "Sir, I...don't know what to say" she whispered. She just stood there, looking shocked.
Michelle smiled at her friend. "Oh, Emilie, you're so lucky! A suitor!" she gave her friend a hug and whispered in her ear "I *told* you he liked you!"
Blakeney felt slightly embarrassed that Emilie didn't seem entirely enthusiastic at the prospect of marrying the wealthy, young lord. Here the young man was politely smiling despite his future bride's somber demeanor. "Well, my Lady Emilie, you can tell his lordship how pleased you are at the prospect of the union." Though Blakeney himself was feeling most apprehensive.
Emilie allowed her friend to hug her, her face blank. Did Hastings truly love her? She didn't know, but he had asked for her hand in marriage. Why? Was it for her money? No, the Hastings family were wealthy in their own right. She noticed that Hastings was dressed in black, yes, his father had just died. So that's why he was here, he needed a wife. Well, she was not going to be some suitable and docile little doll wife while he had his freedom. But she couldn't refuse, unless she wanted the brunt of Lord Blakeney's rage. "I am truly speechless" she managed to say, trying to stall and collect herself.
Percy was slightly stunned and turned to look at his friend with wide eyes. What on earth had he been thinking? Did Hastings realize the responsibility that a marriage took? Especially when it concerned his aunt? Not that he thought Timothy would ever hurt her, otherwise, he would get a pounding or two from the baronet to be.
Himself. "Congratulations, Emilie. Guess you won't need for me to fend off that sniveling little Vicomte for you, anymore." Percy was almost positive that he had said the wrong words but bit his lip and stood his ground. Sniveling did indeed seem a good word for the Vicomte fellow...
Blakeney felt slightly embarrassed that Emilie seemed less than excited about the news. The wealthy, young lord smiled politely despite his bride-to-be's lack of enthusiasm. "Well, my Lady Emilie, you can tell my Lord Hastings how overjoyed you are about his proposal!" Blakeney said, testily. Though he himself wasn't entirely certain about his own excitement over the prospect.
Emilie's eyes filled with tears at Percy's words and it was hard to hide how hurt she was. How could she tell Chris she was betrothed? What would he do to her? She then heard Milord say in an irritated tone that she should tell Hastings how overjoyed she was and it made her shiver. She was terrified of saying she refused. She had always known this day would come. Everyone wanted this, who was she to stand in the way of Milord's wishes? She tried to smile. "I am deeply honored that his Lordship would choose me" she said in a light tone, curtsying deeply. "Might I invite his Lordship for a walk in the garden?" she said. She looked at Hastings who was smiling. Maybe she could explain to him that while the kiss had been wonderful, she didn't love him. Maybe she could understand why he was asking and maybe she could kiss him again. She could speak to him hopefully.
Still smiling, Hastings's stomach gave another lurch, she wanted this? Well, as a man of honor there was no turning back now. "I would be most honored, my lady!" Hastings said cheerfully. "That is if his lordship is agreeable..." Hastings knew that Blakeney was exceptionally protective and probably wouldn't be. At least that would give him more time to think.
Blakeney nodded in assent, the situation was confusing enough and perhaps during their walk he would have time to think things through. Had he made the right decision? "There will need to be a dinner in honor of the occasion," Blakeney said. "I should see the arrangements." With that he left the room and retreated to his study.
Lord Blakeney entered his study and sank into the seat behind his desk, he was numb, unable to fully process the events that had only just transpired. He pressed his hands to his fore head, what was life going to be like now. So much had happened and he was unsure of any of his decisions. Over the past four days, his anger had flared out of control with devastating consequence, even now he feared that that the act against Danielle would return to haunt him. Over these days he vacillated between anger and despair... loosing. Always loosing... He was loosing his wife, even now she gradually faded and it was only a matter of time before she would be lost forever. He had lost his son long ago... and it was doubt that he would ever get him back. Now he was loosing Emilie, the child he had never had, but had raised and regarded as a daughter. She would go away and one of the few pure things in his life would be gone.
Was the union the right thing? Not that he could call it off now. She seemed most disappointed when she was hold, perhaps he had failed her there to. He was trying to do right and always failing in his attempts. Perhaps this marriage would make her make in that she could be free of this cursed household and of him. She was a woman and it was time for her to leave even if she took with her the consolation he derived from her. Emilie was the last link between him and Percy and soon that would be gone too.
But she couldn't stay here with them forever.
***********************************************************
There were no words to truly describe the shock Andrew Ffoulkes was in. It seemed to the poor lad that the whole world had turned upside- down. All that had transpired previously was enough to send his head reeling, but this?! Hastings courting for marriage? Hastings?!
Surely, he was a true ladies' man, but he was hardly a man yet at all. His father had passed relatively recently, and he did command quite a fortune in both treasury and land, but he was only Andrew's age. Dear Edward was certainly not a despicable character by any means; any lady would be fortunate to have him. But...
And then there was Emilie. She was even younger than Hastings, and not fully a woman yet, despite that passionate embrace. How could she be ready for such a tremendous commitment? She most certainly didn't look it. But, then again, look at Hastings. Poor Edward's jovial face had drawn rather pale, and his normally sparkling eyes seemed to be almost glassed over.
Andrew was a patient person, but he'd had quite his fill. Now that Lord Blakeney was out of the room, he felt he could speak his mind, or forever hold his peace. "By all the Saints and Souls in Heaven! What devilish whim has possessed the two of you?!" he exclaimed.
At Andrew's words Hastings recovered his senses, mentally ridiculing his own momentary panic. "Marriage, my good man!" Hastings laughed and looked at the expressions on the faces of those around him. "Lud, you all look as though I've pronounced a death sentence! At least the lovely Lady Michelle is of the right mind!" At this he raised his glass to Michelle and toasted her.
Emilie looked at Hastings. "There was no two about it. I had no choice in the matter, you saw what Milord said. Hastings, how could you do this to me? You saw I love Chris and yet you go behind my back like that? Is this some kind of joke? Not a word to me, how could you? Just out of the air, do this?" she said, the tears freely flowing. She ran out of the house alone, sobbing to sit under a tree in the garden.
Michelle watched Emilie run out, feeling torn. Loyalty to her friend was pulling her one way, and her instinctive feelings about Cristof pulling her the other. She turned to face Hastings, Percy, and her brother, eyes shining with unshed tears. She didn't know what to say to any of them. Both sides spoke true. Emilie *didn't* have any say in the matter, but she should be happy that such a wonderful match had been made. Many girls would love to have the young Lord Hastings as a beau.
Meanwhile, Percy watched the whole ordeal with his mouth slightly hung open. So Hastings was going to marry his aunt. Great, just great... watch Timothy become the son that his father never had! He was humiliated beyond measure even when Emilie stormed out of the room.. at least he knew though that in his heart, Timothy would never hurt Emilie. Not the way that Vicomte did... Feeling disconnected from everybody, Percy took one look at Hastings and smiled coldly at him. "Congratulations, then." What he wanted to add was, 'You have also found yourself a father,' but Percy didn't do that instead, he turned his back on him before the words could form and make things worse. "If anybody needs me- which I'll assume they won't, I'll be in my room." Percy stormed out the door and towards his room, slamming his door behind him and not for the first time in his life, wanted to break into tears but English pride kept him in check. Especially since his suicide attempt had failed�now, all he wanted to do was be alone and think.
Ffoulkes and Hastings were left alone in the parlor. Andrew would have liked Percy to have stayed; this courtship would have a great impact on his family. However, he was familiar with Percy's strict English discipline, and understood why his friend would want to be alone at a time like this.
Hastings, on the other hand, he did not understand. "What the devil has taken hold of your senses?!" Andrew said emphatically. "You tease me with jests about a 'monk mentality,' and here you are going to the other extreme. Have you just gone toying with Emilie to spite that scoundrel Lovell? She is far too proper a Lady for you to treat her as a pawn. What will you do to her next? Start calling her 'pet?'"
Andrew instantly knew that he had struck a nerve in Edward, and that is exactly what he wanted. "Such unchivalrous conduct for one who is called 'Lord!' Why if I didn't know you so well, I'd say you were no better than his lowness the Vicomte!"
And so the blood of both young men began to boil.
Michelle sat in a chair, silent tears rolling down her face. What had seemed so happy just moments ago had become completely the opposite. Everybody was upset, and she didn't know what to do. Emilie was upset because she felt forced, Percy was upset for reasons she didn't know, Andrew was upset because he thought his friend was being foolish, and Hastings was upset because everybody else was upset.
Hastings's smile faltered for the first time as Emilie broke down into tears; the sight of her tear-streaked face broke his usually gay heart. He had acted in order to protect her... and now he seemed to have hurt her more than that villainous frenchie that he had tried to save her from. Just wait until the little frog found out that Emilie was do longer his to claim! He couldn't imagine why she had loved that disgusting little toad! He hurt her, humiliated her ... and she defended him! Couldn't see that he was trying to save her, to protect her from a brigand who would one day destroy her? Couldn't she see he cared... for her well being? And surely marriage to Lord Edward Timothy Hastings III couldn't be that bad!
When she ran from him he yearned to chase after her, to kiss away her tears, and assure her that everything would be alright, but he held back his instincts. He was right in this! Hastings looked around at his friends, each seemed to be battling intense emotions. Percy congratulated him, then turned his back on him. "If anybody needs me- which I'll assume they won't, I'll be in my room," were his only words before leaving. Michelle took a seat, Hastings could see tears welling up in her eyes. Andrew bore an expression of shock and anger.
"What the devil has taken hold of your senses?!" Andrew said emphatically. "You tease me with jests about a 'monk mentality,' and here you are going to the other extreme. Have you just gone toying with Emilie to spite that scoundrel Lovell? She is far too proper a Lady for you to treat her as a pawn. What will you do to her next? Start calling her 'pet?'"
Hastings's smile completely vanished, his jaw tightened. How could Andrew think that he would act so dishonorably? Comparing him to that abominably Frenchman! He did care, probably more than he'd admit to himself. A memory of his first meeting with Emilie flitted across his mind... a birthday party... a beautiful little angel from whom he tried to steal a kiss on the cheek... a box being brought down upon his head by an irate angel... He banished the thoughts quickly, now was not the time for reminiscing.
"Such unchivalrous conduct for one who is called 'Lord!' Why if I didn't know you so well, I'd say you were no better than his lowness the Vicomte!" Andrew continued.
Attempting to control his anger, Hastings tried to don his usual flippant air. "Lud, sir! You'd compare me to that little frenchie! You think I jest? I am acting in accordance to my duty as a lord..." It was true Hastings would be happy to see that frenchie taken down a peg, but that wasn't the only reason he was trying to help her... Another memory from only a few years before flashed through his mind: he was visiting Percy and encountered Emilie and Michelle, he felt compelled to enter the conversion and attempted to do, but was dismissed. That was when the battle of wits began, a practice that repeated itself every time they met. He was drawn to these encounters, even if they merely served to illustrate the contempt that she had for him... and now he was marrying the girl! "... someone's got to save the jade from her own short-sightedness! Even you can see that she needs to be protected from that hideously dressed toad!"
After about ten minutes had passed, Percy slowly began to simmer down. His insides were reeling over a dozen emotions. Even though he was unhappy with the prospect of Edward taking Percy's place as his own father's son- he knew better than to utter a word about it less that should mean a week without meals, in the cellar and worst of all were the spiders that crawled around in there. For all Percy knew, his father had PAID Edward to marry Emilie, weirder things had happened. The only thing he had ever wanted was acceptance from his father. But this was something that he would never have. Thus, his over wrought mind was thinking the worst case scenario. His FATHER trying to replace him. Even though Percy's rational knew that wasn't true, he couldn't help but wonder if that was indeed what had happened. Now if he had agreed to court Emilie out of protection from that French brute, then Percy would at least understand and perhaps even silently agree. Quietly, Percy rose to his feet and slowly made his way towards the others once more. "Forgive me, Andrew, Edward." He said quietly, turning his head so away so that it faced the wall. Nobody even seemed to care how he was feeling... nobody at all. Not even Percy himself.
Hastings saw that something was bothering Percy, but evidently the boy didn't want to talk about it. "Lud, Percy! You look like a mother cat who's lost her kittens. Am I also to assume that you are against this courtship?"
Percy glanced over at Edward, his eyes slightly glazed from unbidden tears that threatened to fall. No decent Englishman would ever use them. "So I see you finally noticed," He snarled, only then finding the courage to look up at his friend. "How would YOU feel if you spent every moment of every day trying to prove that you are worth something to your father then low and behold, one of your best FRIENDS is about to take your place as the rightful son!" This was said in sarcastic, snippish tones. Let his father hit him, put him in a cellar for speaking his mind. "Easy for you to take it lightly- you don't know how good you had it when your father was alive, do you? I don't even think my own father would notice it if I were DEAD!" Percy blurted out in an uncontrollable fit of anger and betrayal. "All I've ever wanted from him was to hear the words 'I love you' or at the very least, acceptance from him- what do you think you're PLAYING at!?"
