AUTHOR'S NOTE
SO, Probably not the cleverest idea to start a NEW chapter-fic, but this has been whirling around in my head too long!
Those of you who are reading 'UES - Introducing Blair Waldorf', I am STILL writing and updating, don't worry! I just couldn't resist adding this!
It's very different to that story, but I hope you still enjoy!
- Maddy x
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Title: Love Wears a Mask
Author: Madeleinex
Pairing: Chuck/Blair
Summary: 'He may have only seen Serena Van der Woodsen from behind a mask, but it was enough to known that she was brunette, whilst his apparent fiancée was most
definitely a blonde. Chuck Bass, for the first time, had no idea what had happened.' Historical AU. C/B!!!
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Gossip Girl characters, just the plotline. (I wish I owned Chuck Bass *sigh*)
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Lord Charles Bass, heir to the Earldom of Wexford, was considering getting drunk.
At an important social event.
With his father, the Earl, present.
It was that kind of event. The ball, hosted by some old woman with an inattentive husband and too much time on her hands, was one he would never have graced with his presence had he not been told that this would be the only meeting he would have with his future fiancée, before the two were formally engaged.
The concept of marriage was one that completely mystified Chuck, but as the strict rules of monogamy were almost expected to be broken in the time's society, he had decided that it was something he would go through, to please his father. Bartholomew Bass, Earl of Wexford, was hard to impress, and if this would earn him some respect, than Chuck was prepared to accept it.
After all, one couldn't have a mistress or twelve without being married first.
Still, he couldn't help but wish that Lady Van der Woodsen had arrived on time, as once they'd been introduced and he found her attractive enough, he would be able to leave immediately. However she had not granted him this one favour and he predicted it to be the first disappointment of many in their upcoming marriage.
'The Honourable Serena Van der Woodsen, daughter of Lady Van der Woodsen, the late widow of The Viscount Van der Woodsen," announced the footman.
"At last," Chuck muttered, moving his gaze to the match selected by his father. "Holy…"
Chuck's only requirement was that she be attractive, and she had surpassed that by miles. The vision in front of him, dressed in a sapphire blue, silk masterpiece, actually took his breath away, and he was forced to gulp another lungful of air to keep himself from feeling faint. This was definitely a new reaction for Lord Chuck Bass. Used to the provocative dress and make up of the many whores in London, his reaction to women fully clothes, beautiful or not, tended to be small and under control.
"She's even wearing a damn mask," he hissed in disbelief, taken by surprise at the immediate change in his body at the sight of her. "Arms covered, legs hidden by a big skirt and a mask, and I'm acting like a young virgin!"
Chuck Bass was attracted, dramatically, to his fiancée. A woman he was allowed to, no, supposed to sleep with.
He definitely needed another drink.
This one would be scotch.
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Blair Waldorf had always wanted to know what it would feel like to be her best friend.
Tall, statuesque, blonde and beautiful, Serena was well-known among London society to be the most charming young woman out that season, and Blair knew this better than Serena herself. While closer than true sisters, the envy lurking under Blair's porcelain skin was hard to ignore, and there were moments, fleeting but powerful moments, when she wished that her best friend had never moved to London at the young age of four. To walk beside such perfection was practically asking to be overshadowed.
So, when the opportunity presented itself, Blair was more than willing to don a blue silk mask, edged in silver embroidery and almost dripping in sapphires and pearls, and transform from Blair Waldorf to The Honourable Serena Van der Woodsen.
The opportunity in question was Countess Geraldine de Batteau's ball, the last event in Paris that she'd attend. Nobody there knew either Serena or herself, and so despite the clear differences between the girls, Blair was able to glide down the main staircase and onto the marble floor without anyone batting an eyelid to the impersonator lurking amongst them. The thrill of the pretence was fluttering in her stomach and from behind the mask, her deep brown eyes drank in the scene around her.
However, after twenty minutes, Blair was bored. The grandeur of such an occasion was not displayed in the decorations or the selection of guests, and to make matters worse, there was an imposing figure skulking in the corner and nursing a glass of what appeared to be hard liquor. It was not even half past seven, and there he was, the golden liquid blazing from within a glass tumbler. She wondered whether the man was slightly soft in the head, and then he shifted and she was able to see his bowtie.
It was purple.
There was no doubt about it, he had mental difficulties.
Sighing audibly and earning herself a look of disapproval from two matrons to the side of her, Blair drifted off to the edge of the ballroom, eyes lazily surveying the people filling the hall. Then, not four seconds into her assessment, her eyes met those of the man with the liquor. For one with slight mental incapability, his gaze was powerful and almost hungry.
"How dare he be so brazen," she murmured, somehow unable to look away. "Staring at me like I'm some kind of cheap-"
Blair stopped mid-sentence, blinking to clear the illusion which was surely being played by her brain, due to a lack of air supply because of her tight corset. However, after a blink, the sight was still there.
"Oh joy, he's walking this way!"
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He'd kept away for twenty minutes, until he was sure he was under control. Then, unable to stand the monotony of the party and, dare he admit it, fascinated by the lady in blue, he decided to make the introduction, alert her to his suit and then that would be his part done. The parents would arrange the dowry and the wedding itself, and he would be able to return to London and its supply of young, willing women.
Walking towards her, however, he wondered if it was such a good idea. He was still holding his scotch, hardly a good impression, and her lips were an even more inviting shade of red up close. Then, he was in front of her, and it was too late to go back.
"The Honourable Serena Van der Woodsen," he greeted, bending down to kiss her hand suavely. He paused for her response, realising as she arched a perfect eyebrow that he had not introduced himself.
"My Lord with the scotch," she replied dryly, a pointed look of distaste thrown at his glass.
For a moment, he was speechless. The woman before him, petite and fragile looking, had just openly mocked him, without an idea who he was. His trademark smirk slid into place as he appraised her, for the first time interested in social female company.
"Allow me to introduce myself, I'm Lord Charles Bass." He couldn't resist the temptation of throwing in his impressive title.
"Oh, the Chuck Bass?" Recognition alighted in her eyes. "You're different to how I expected. I expected…"
"Someone older, less dashingly handsome?" he cut in, trying to draw a blush from her. For some reason he had a desire to rip of the mask and see her skin turn rosy pink. However, her reply surprised him once again.
"I was going to say I expected more."
Serena Van der Woodsen looked up at him innocently, fire burning in her chocolate brown eyes. Drawing his gaze away from the hypnotic depths, he thought up a quick, inappropriate response.
"Oh, I assure you, I live up to all expectations," he smirked, adding a leer and a quick lick of the lips to remove any chance of misunderstanding.
This time, her cheeks did redden slightly under the mask, and from under the bottom of her mask he was able to catch a glimpse. Once again, the vision surpassed his expectations. Her eyes widened, and her lips parted slightly, before she gained control. Drawing herself up to her full height, still a few inches shorter than him, and shooting him a haughty glare, she retorted,
"Which is easy to do when the expectation is to fail dramatically!"
Unable to stop it, Chuck let out a laugh. He couldn't stop an admiring smile from forming, even as she hurriedly added, "I'm so sorry, that was completely inappropriate, I apologise sincerely!"
"No problem at all," he murmured, transfixed by the emotions flashing through her eyes. The orbs held more fascination to him than the entire room of young women. His heated stare caused he to look down in embarrassment and he revelled in the reaction; she was not impervious to his charms. "In fact, I do believe I should apologise…"
His words drifted off as her head flew up, surprise and incredulity evident in her eyes. The sharp action had caused a couple of wayward, coffee-coloured curls to pull free from her chignon, and fall delicately around her face. Determined to avoid being caught mesmerised by this, he chose to tease her, and added, "I never offered you a drink. Scotch?"
She shook her head in disapproval, the action ruined by the small smirk on her face. He took a strange pleasure in being the cause of such an expression.
"I'm going to have to decline, my Lord. I have always been taught that liquor ought to never be drank at such an event," she replied lightly, her eyes glittering in humour.
"Touché," he conceded. "What if I offered a dance instead?"
The light banter between them was immediately changed by the request, the dynamic shifting from elusive, flirtatious conversation to an informal suit, an expression of interest. Chuck was surprised by his own words; he was not one to whirl ladies around the floor, when only a few seductive words need be spoken to have them eating from the palm of his hand…usually. He did not need them to entertain the possibility of him being interested in something lasting more than one night. However, in this instant, he felt a need to be accepted in this.
"I'm sorry, but once again I must decline," she replied slowly, her emotions for once unreadable in her eyes.
"You rejected my drink of choice, surely you owe me a dance?" This was getting ridiculous, not only had he asked her to dance, but when declined he made a second attempt. Maybe he was coming down with something?
"I hardly think so. It is true, I did turn down your scotch, but in return I have not mocked the colour of your bowtie. Consider us even," Lady Van der Woodsen answered with a glowing smile, before turning on her heel and disappearing between the throngs of ladies leaving the ballroom floor.
His mouth opened and closed a couple of times, before a chuckle escaped him. Still staring after her in wonder, he jumped when a hand clapped down on his shoulder. The unfamiliar display of affection was purely due to the presence of so many other people, and reluctantly Chuck turned round to face the powerful scrutiny of his father. For a moment Bart simply let his eyes bore into his son, and then slowly he nodded, the sign of approval surprising Chuck. Then the older man paused, as if to contemplate how to phrase the sentence to come.
"Charles," he finally said, "I see you met Lady Van der Woodsen. Conversed, even."
"Yes, we conversed," Chuck answered, trying to suppress a smirk.
"And you find her suitable? I'll have you know she is by far the most eligible young lady, being critical will not be helpful in this search-"
"I agree with your choice. She is a most," he paused, "charming girl."
The Earl of Wexford looked surprised, and then quickly composed his expression into his usual, stony countenance. "Then I shall make arrangements with her mother. I expect you to be presentable for an afternoon visit by the Van der Woodsen family a week tomorrow. That is all."
Having been dismissed, Chuck nodded to his father and headed towards the staircase. He'd found a fiancée and had a conversation with his father lasting more than two minutes. The evening had been a success.
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Blair and Serena were sitting in the Waldorf's front sitting room, eagerly discussing the future wedding plans for the blonde. The morning sunshine fell directly onto the newly engaged girl's long tresses, and created a golden halo around the already luminescent Serena.
"Apparently I met him at one of the last balls in Paris, and he is said to be a most dashing, young man," she enthused.
The words reminded Blair of a disagreeable encounter at that last ball, and she shivered at the memory of his intense, smouldering gaze. To her distaste, she realised it wasn't completely out of displeasure. Shaking her head to remove such traitorous thoughts, she returned to the topic of conversation.
"I'm sure he is very charming, and we know he is very rich, so if the worst happens, at least you are going to be well-dressed," Blair said matter-of-factly.
"B!" laughed Serena, the infectious sound causing the brunette to erupt in fits of giggles as well. "I'm to be married to a respectable man of a good title, and that is more than enough for me."
Blair couldn't stop herself from wrinkling her nose at this statement. Of course one needed to be wealthy, and nobility was definitely preferable, but surely love had to feature somewhere in the marriage! Every princess had her prince, and didn't they all share 'true love's kiss' at the end of the fairytale? How could one have the perfect, fairytale ending without it?
Her face must have betrayed her distracted mind, for she felt Serena's nudging on her arm. Glancing up, she realised Lily Van der Woodsen had entered and handed a coat and hat to her only daughter. She hurried to her feet and greeted the elder woman, before bestowing a final hug and 'Good luck!' to her friend as she was taken in a horse-drawn carriage to meet her fiancé officially for the first time. Wistfully, Blair imagined herself dressed in her finest clothes and sitting in the comforts of a carriage as the horses trotted down Park Lane. Her best friend was living her personal dream, and the envy threatened to break free of Blair's control.
Swallowing, she pushed any negative thoughts to the back of her mind, and wished strongly that Serena's fiancé be everything she dreamed and more. She waited until the carriage was no longer in sight, before stepping back from the window and walking into the hallway. Eleanor Waldorf was descending the stairs, glare in place, and reluctantly Blair faced her.
"Morning, mother," she said dutifully.
"It's 'Good morning', Blair, you're always so sloppy with your language," Eleanor criticised briskly, her shoes tapping on the marble floor as she moved from the hall to the parlour.
Blair paused a moment, quickly adding on to her wish that she find an even better husband for herself, and fast. Dreaming of escape, she dutifully followed her mother and began the day.
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For the fourth time that day, Chuck changed his attire. Smirking at the colour of his waistcoat, a purple that perfectly matched the bowtie he had worn at the ball where they'd met, he swapped his black jacket to a less severe grey, with dark trousers to match. If he'd had his way, the whole outfit would be purple, but his father was strict on those matters. Chuck didn't complain though; not everyone could be so ahead of fashion.
Clean-shaven despite the facial hair trends of pointed beards and generous moustaches, he spent a considerable amount of time combing his hair, until it fell just right. Checking his appearance in the ornate gold mirror which hung on his wall, he deemed himself 'devilishly handsome', and proceeded down the staircase to his father's study. Uncertain of what to expect, he paused on the threshold and waited for his presence to be noticed. It was a good few minutes before the Earl even raised his head and gestured briefly to one of the gilt chairs in front of him, and another few before he was addressed.
"Charles, Lady Van der Woodsen and her daughter will be arriving any moment. They have agreed to the engagement of course, as it will mean marrying into a higher rank of nobility not to mention the other advantages, however if things do not go as planned, it is still possible for the match to be broken."
The sharp words caused Chuck to gulp, and remain silent.
"Any misconduct from you, an inappropriate comment or a lewd gesture, could ruin the alliance I have created. I expect you to be on your best behaviour, to both Lady Van der Woodsen and her daughter, and I will warn you now, if you destroy all the work I have put into this, your punishment will not just be a lack of bride."
Bart fixed his hawk-like stare on his son and watched as he wilted under it. Ducking his head, Chuck nodded and Bart was reminded of their only interactions when his son was younger; when he would have to reprimand him for bad behaviour. Pushing aside the uncomfortable feeling of regret, he was relieved of the task of making small talk by the entrance of their butler, a European by the name of Mr. Vanya. He announced the arrival of the Van der Woodsens, and awkwardly the two Bass men rose to their feet and walked slowly to the door.
Chuck kept a few paces behind his father, his mood dramatically dampened by the discouraging speech he had just heard. Although the extent of Bart's lack of faith in him never was cause for surprise, he couldn't help but wince at the cold tone the words were thrown out in.
"My Lord, your father is waiting for you," chided Mr. Vanya quietly, fully aware of the moods that Chuck was prone to falling into.
Unaware he had even stopped walking, Chuck nodded dismissively at the butler and continued down the corridor to the front room. The sounds of voices were just audible through the wooden door, but only one was familiar; the rich, deep tones of the Earl of Wexford, his father. Surprised that he did not recognise the voice of the woman who had been plaguing his dreams, Chuck took a deep breath before pulling open the door and stepping inside.
He was overwhelmed by Lily Van der Woodsen, her thick floral perfume almost suffocating in its strength, as she reached for him and enveloped him in a hug. Although normally one to enjoy intimate embraces with women, the distinctive motherly air was not one he was accustomed to and he just stood awkwardly, until she removed her arms from around him.
"Oh, I just can't believe it, my daughter Serena and Lord Charles Bass getting married," she beamed, leading him into the room.
Chuck looked her over – he was still a man after all, and she a woman – and noted the differences between her and her daughter who he'd met last week. She was blonde and more tanned in colour, taller and with bright blue eyes; the typical beauty, almost German-looking. He scanned the room for his fiancée, but was only able to see a young woman of very similar looks to Lily. She could have only been twenty at the oldest, but shared the same skin colouring, same blonde locks and wide, innocent blue eyes. Her mouth displayed even white teeth as she smiled brilliantly at him, and he accepted she was most definitely beautiful.
She must be Serena's sister, he decided, as her looks confirmed her as a Van der Woodsen. He wryly registered the extreme differences between his fiancée and her family, instead being petite, pale and with rich, dark hair and expressive, deep brown eyes – a total opposite almost. It was definitely strange…
However, what was stranger was the complete absence of Serena.
He glanced, confused, at his father who merely ushered him towards the blonde sitting on the chaise longue. He approached hesitantly and extended a hand, introducing himself – it seemed the only possible choice. Maybe she was still in the front hall, or was arriving later, and so had sent her sister? It seemed unlikely, but the only explanation.
"Charles Bass," he said blankly, his face devoid of expression; a mask to the emotions whirling inside.
"Serena Van der Woodsen," she beamed back, seemingly undeterred by his lack of interest.
He waited for her to continue her sentence, announcing where Serena was, when the penny dropped. She wasn't starting a sentence.
She was introducing himself.
This blonde was Serena Van der Woodsen.
She was his fiancée.
He may have only seen Serena Van der Woodsen from behind a mask for one night, but it was enough to known that she was brunette, whilst his apparent fiancée was most definitely a blonde. Chuck Bass, for the first time, had no idea what had happened.
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TO BE CONTINUED
So, what did you think? Comments, criticisms, bits you loved, bits you hated...I want to know it all :)
Reviews are love 3 Update soon!
- Maddy x