A little idea inspired by SHOWTUNESDREAM's tumblr prompt for Edith and Anthony's first kiss. Thanks to everyone who took part in this fabulous celebration of our OTP Andith. A special shout out to SHOWTUNESDREAM for all her efforts.
Lady Grantham descended the magnificent staircase of Downton, preparing to greet the many guests she'd invited to the gala. Her mind, though, was occupied with making a match between her middle daughter and the gentleman whom she felt might be able to see past the front Edith presented to the world and find the lovely young woman hidden underneath. One, Sir Anthony Strallan.
Her husband, Lord Grantham, had scoffed at the idea but then again he hadn't been present at their brief but interesting encounter at the library a few weeks ago. And, he didn't understand that Edith's lack of success romantically with men her own age was largely due to the fact that she was an old soul. Instead of the gossiping and socializing most young folks fancied, her interests were of a more artistic nature. Rather than partying the night away, Edith preferred a quiet evening with a good novel.
And so, of course, as people often do when faced with something or someone they don't understand, Edith was ridiculed. Labeled odd, strange, different. She became the brunt of jokes, endlessly targeted and teased, even within her own family. Eventually, the young woman who'd once been kind, gentle and thoughtful had become the churlish, petulant person whom folks avoided at all costs.
Snatching a snifter of brandy from the tray presented to him, Anthony Strallan made his escape from the roomful of mindless people carrying on with idle chit chat. For the past two weeks, he'd wondered why he'd received an invitation to the Grantham gala. Well, it was painfully obvious that Lady Grantham hoped to push Lady Edith at him. Apparently, she considered him suitable marriage material for her last remaining single daughter for as soon as he'd arrived, the Countess had pushed him into the company of the bitter sullen young woman and left. The strawberry blonde was certainly a unique beauty, Anthony had to admit, if only she weren't so snarky. He'd tried to be pleasant and carry on a conversation but Lady Edith had alternated between insulting the gentleman one moment and rudely ignoring him the next. The baronet was relieved when the young lady finally managed her excuses and slipped away.
Wandering through the great hall, Anthony meandered into the library and was quietly perusing the shelves, enjoying the respite from the obnoxious crowds. Behind him, the door suddenly slammed shut and turning, the gentleman was surprised to find himself alone with the very person he'd hoped to avoid for the remainder of the evening, Lady Edith.
The couple stared silently at one another for a moment before Edith finally spoke.
"You again" she said, her voice full of disdain. "I cannot believe Mama thinks I would ever consider marrying you."
"If it's any consolation, I'm not that enthusiastic about the whole idea either!"
"I don't intend to marry anyone" the redhead declared. " In my opinion, marriage is highly overrated."
"Even the..." Anthony paused briefly, "even the... physical aspects?"
"Especially so. I find no reason to be thrilled by the fumbling hands and sloppy kisses I've experienced."
"That's because you've only been with bumbling boys. What you need, my dear, is a man."
"And I suppose, you think so highly of yourself as to believe you could be that man?"
"Man enough" the baronet replied, stepping towards Edith and stopping in front of her.
"I..I..highly doubt it" Edith stuttered, unable to avert her eyes from his piercing blue gaze.
Stepping closer, his eyes locked on hers, Anthony took Edith's face between his hands before slowly trailing those long slender fingers lightly down her neck and across her shoulders. His warm hands lingered there for a moment before continuing gently down her arms and to Edith's suprise and delight, upward along her torso stopping and cupping her breasts.
The strawberry blonde, her mind a muddled haze of passion, licked her lips in anticipation of Anthony's kiss. Ever so slowly, the gentleman bent his head, brushing his lips lightly against hers before deepening the kiss and eliciting a moan from the young woman. And then, to Edith's dismay, his hands fell away as he stepped back and in a low tone whispered, "Clearly you're not interested my sweet, so I'll bid you goodnight."
And with that, Sir Anthony Strallan turned and fetching his hat, left behind one extremely perplexed, highly aroused, and rather disappointed Lady Edith Crawley.