Set in 1901. The beginning of the Edwardian Era. The perfect era for Chuck and Blair.

Chapter 1

Blair stood in front of the mirror in her bedroom as she eyed herself up and down, entertaining the idea of wearing her hair up in loose curls. Today she was feeling light and summery so she decided to dress in such a manner, wearing a delicate frothy tea gown, imported from Paris, and made from the finest silk. She loved the way the lacy salmon-colored dress loosely draped around her body, but still showed of her curves. In the dress she felt feminine and free.

Blair normally spent a good portion of the morning closely examining herself, for she took great pride in her appearance. She always had to have the latest fashions, and every inch of her was carefully constructed from shoes to hair.

As soon as she deemed herself to be sufficient in appearance, she exited her bedroom, and walked towards the breakfast nook, for her morning cup of tea. This summer she was staying at the Van Der Woodsen vacation home in Long Island. Mrs. Van Der Woodsen was a highly-gossiped-about New York socialite, who controversially got remarried to Bart Bass, a bona fide US titan of industry. Mrs. Van Der Woodsen's daughter, Serena, was a girl her age, and the two had become close friends at their boarding school in the city, so she invited Blair to spend her summer vacation with them, and thus far life with the Van Der Woodsens was absolutely lovely.

Blair entered the breakfast nook expecting to see Serena, or Serena's younger brother, Eric, but instead a young man she had never seen before greeted her. He was dressed like a dandy, with a grey waist coat, a pair of navy stripped trousers, and an ostentatiously red polk-a-dotted, cravat.

"Good morning," he said with a smirk, while looking down from his newspaper.

"Morning," Blair politely stated, completely unaware of who the boy was, and what he was doing at the Van Der Woodsen vacation home.

"You must be Blair Waldorf, my step-sister Serena has written to me all about you. You really are much more beautiful in person, than in the way she described you in her letters," the boy said, as he stood up to grab her hand, and placed a gentle kiss on her knuckles.

Blair smiled at his flattery.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you. I'm Chuck Bass," he told her, while he pulled out her chair for her to sit down.

Blair had heard that name before; not only was he Serena's step-brother, but he had quite the reputation in New York as a lascivious scoundrel, who took pride in stripping women of their virtue, and she was surprised that he seemed so friendly and polite.

"Ah yes, Chuck, Serena has mentioned you before," Blair responded warily, taking her seat. Chuck had seated himself back down as well, and the two were now at opposite ends of the table.

"From my understanding, you were suppose to spend the summer abroad," she continued, studying her new acquaintance. Poor reputation aside, he was extremely handsome, and Blair found herself staring at his well-defined facial features.

"Yes, well there was a slight change of plans, and I ended up having to come home sooner than expected," he shot her a mischievous grin, as his eyes locked with hers.

His gaze was intense, which caused Blair to immediately look downward, and she made a mental note to punish herself for finding him so attractive, after all, if his reputation proved to be true, she wanted nothing to do with him. Blair was the type of girl who prided herself on being proper.

"So how long do you plan on staying here?" she asked while looking back up. His eyes had still not broken contact with her and she could sense her cheeks growing red.

"Well I wasn't planning on staying for long, but now that I know we have such… stunning company," he smirked once again, "I might rearrange things so that I can spend the rest of the summer here."

Now Blair was blushing vividly. She struggled to compose herself, feeling embarrassed from her not so subtle reaction to him, but with a deep breath she managed to smile, and move on in their conversation, determined to not let him get the best of her.

"Oh, so it's flattery you use to lure women into bed with you," she said sharply, cocking her brow.

"Why, is it working?" he asked flirtatiously, in a low growl.

Blair's eyes seethed with anger at his brazenness "Don't think I don't know all about your reputation, and I'll have you know I'm not that kind of girl, so don't even try."

Chuck let out a haughty laugh, enraging Blair, "Well, Mr. Bass, meeting you has been… an experience, but if you'll excuse me I must be going," and with that she quickly got up from the table.

"The pleasures all mine, Miss Waldorf," he stated smugly, while crossing his arms, and leaning back in his chair.

"I'll be seeing you at the society dinner tonight?" He questioned with a devilish grin, and his eyes re-locked with hers.

Blair huffed, "Well, I never…" she was too flustered to finish her sentence.

"Good day Mr. Bass," she told him as she stomped out of the room.

"Good day indeed," he chuckled, as he picked up his newspaper and started reading again.

Good day indeed, he thought.

-

"Serena, I just had the unfortunate event of meeting your step-brother at breakfast today," Blair whined while she took a seat next to her friend on the front porch.

"Was he that bad." Serena laughed at the thought of Chuck and Blair in conversation, knowing they both had a way with words.

"Ugh, let's just say he has quite some nerve." Blair rolled her eyes, and her breathing began to slow back to normal.

"He's like that with everyone, you just have to ignore it. There's nothing he enjoys more than getting a rise out of people."

"Well he must have been having a grand old time this morning," Blair sighed in self-pity.

"Don't worry about him, he wont stay here very long. He's much more of a city type fellow," Serena stated while she readjusted her broad brimmed hat.

"Why didn't you warn me he was coming?" Blair asked in a slightly agitated manner.

"We didn't know. He just showed up. Anyway, enough about Chuck, what are you planning to wear to the dinner tonight. It's going to be a lavish affair. I hear Theodore Roosevelt might even attend," Serena claimed excitedly.

"Well, there are a few different dresses I'm debating on. You must help me decide."

"Of course, I love looking at dresses, and you really do have exquisite taste." Serena doted.

This caused Blair to grin. Her mind was finally off Chuck, and on to something she adored- fashion. But, just then, her not-so-favorite person walked out the door, and interrupted the girls' conversation.

"Lovely day ladies," Chuck said tipping his hat at Serena and Blair. "Perfect for a game of croquet. Care to join Eric and I?"

"I'm sorry, but I must decline your invitation," Blair stated coldly.

Serena shrugged.

"Well, it's your loss… though I must say, I pegged you as a talented athlete," he told Blair, and she felt herself tense up again.

What's wrong with me? She wondered.

"I am. I just choose not to play today," she stated with conviction, and unwavering eye contact, refusing to have a repeat of that morning.

A few moments passed as they stayed in silence. The two were now locked in a stare down. His eyes were smoldering with sexuality, which definitely intimidated Blair, but she refused to give up and look away.

Finally Chuck broke contact, " Alright Waldorf, suit yourself, I'm sure we will have many more opportunities for outdoor activities," and with that he walked away, and Blair let out a satisfied smile.

"What was that about?" Serena asked in confusion.

"Oh…uh…nothing." Blair blushed. "Other than the fact your step-brother is the most vile person I have ever met," as the words left her lips she felt her entire body get hot in a way it never had before.

What's wrong with me? She asked herself again.

'

A/N: Please review to let me know if I should continue.