This chap has been totally revamped, and I really need your reviews to shape my story! Enjoy!
"Lila!" My windbag stepmother screeches -in a pitch only worthy of a dying bird- as I re-tame my curls, 'come down now!" Scurrying from my vanity, I re-pin one last refractory lock, rushing off to the parlor.
"Yes?" I sigh with some degree of impatience.
"Lila' she says while motioning for me to sit, 'Your fathers passing was.. tragic, yes?"
"Surely I must have lightened it for you, hm?" I mock, playing along.
Oh, bloody, she isn't finished yet either.
"Yes dear. And you were just out this spring." She giggles out.
She simpers on. 'Our mourning period is now over. You are at a perfectly marriageable age, and you know our rank in the community requires it."
Land Sakes, Father has only been gone a year.
"Matrimony?' I hiss. " Lady or no lady, I am just 15!"
"It is just what is done in our class Lilias. I was 16 when I married my first husband Rupert, God bless him."
Poor man.
"But I am not you! Couldn't I just pretend to want a tacky title and a rich aristocratic old man who shall detest me once my looks fade?"
It is a well known fact Jane married my Father for his title, he being some 25 years her senior. Women don't marry for love in the kingdom of Baylor, only rank.
"Don't you twist my words Lila! Alas, you have no choice in the matter dear. I am your guardian, and I decide what is best, and this will be best.", she bursts, quickly reproving herself and smoothing her skirt.
I leak out a few curse words while stomping towards the door.
"Lila, you will have a caller for tea this afternoon. He is a Mr. Jeffery Arlington."
Let the parade of codswallop's begin!
Too angry to reply, for I really shall go too far if I do, I skulk off to the kitchens to cheer me up. Ever since I was little, I could seek refuge for my smacked hands and rebuked mouth in the kitchen.
Jenny, pudgy with salt and pepper hair and big gray eyes, has been my guardian angel my entire life, staying after Mother's death when I was very small, and being the only one of the staff to stay through Father's remarriage to Jane.
Thats a remarkable feat, since Mother Jane is... remarkably remarkable.
"Jenny?" , I say pulling a low stool to the kitchen top where she mixes today's tea cakes. Knowing there is nothing Jenny can resist better than hot gossip, I drop the bait. "What have you heard of Jeffery Arlington?" I quip.
"Oi lass' , she says shaking a pudgy floury finger at me. "You know I'm not one to gossip lass, but he just come from India to take over the Arlington Estate, since Ole Mister Arlington up and died. Maids say he takes to the drink and the ladies a bit much. But he is lookin' to take a bride now. Somethin's insterestin' bout that there family. You best be watching out miss,or he won't be able to resist yer!"
"Je-" before I can finish my sentence she hurries on. "Folks says he be down right handsome. A rogue, they says though."
"No! But he is coming to tea Jenny!"
"Oh, I know that lass! And ye best be going to get ready!" With one last pinch on the cheek, I run to my room, pulling out a green sprigged summer dress from the wardrobe.
I am actually curious to meet this rake Mr. Arlington.
Soon he arrives in a frivolous carriage, gilded and polished as to leave no doubt of his wealth.
And out jumps a young man, with raven coloured hair and grey icy blue eyes, dimples, somewhere in his late teens or early twenties, not so tall, with a knack for the dress. He is wear a Burgundy light outer jacket with beige breeches that show he knows what is the times.
He dutifully bows to Mother Jane -just because technically she is indeed a Lady, as am I- and his greeting reflects as much as well. He gives an over dramatized sweeping bow, and boldly gives my hand a peck. I pull away, shocked. Looking him full in the the eyes I see a spark, and some amusement. Mother Jane introduces herself as Lady Wells, and before she can put in a lady for me, I nod and say Miss Wells.
"And I am the son of Theodore Arlington, Jeffery Arlington, please call me Jeff." He says grinning, though looking at in me apraising way, seeming to watch my every move.
Mother Jane leads way into the parlour, where tea has already been set up.
He tells a beguiling tale of playing with a tiger in India as a small child, all the while looking at me over his tea expectantly.
I could almost swear is he begging me with his eyes to speak.
"I once had a pet cat." I say, leaning forward slightly and glancing at him till I have his attention.
"I shot it." I squarely look on at him, eating up his look of shock.
Mother Jane hops in, trying to undo whatever irrevocable damage I may have done.
"Yes yes, that's right, our Lila is quite the shot, she has been since 6. She can also speak fluent french, dance, sew and-"
"Tell me Miss Wells, what are your hobbies?" He does look mildly enchanted, enough so that Mother Jane looks glad he interrupted.
I am going to work this to my full potential. "Archery, riding, fencing, debating, and taxidermy." I throw in the last on as a stretch, knowing full well this worlds close minded little man could not take even the first four.
To my dismay he looks even more fascinated.
We chat on a little more, until Jeffery asks "if we would like to accompany him on a picnic sometime soon."
Jenny said "there was something interesting about that family." Now my curiosity is piqued. I except obligingly, and the date is set.
Unlikely Rose
A/N: Thanks for reading!
I would love to know what you guys think! Should I continue? Please review!