Hey everyone, thanks for not giving up on this story. I really appreciate it!
IMPORTANT NOTICE: I'm sort of dry on fresh ideas (not that it's much of a worry, I have some major ideas that will come up later on) but I would like to know what you would like to see in this story. I'm open to suggestions so long as they're, ya know, within reason (nothing terribly gross or, well, you get the picture). Please tell me in a review! Thanks!
-UltimateGammy91
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Chapter Eight – Engagements
Two days later…
"Sarah! Sarah you fool, bring me that face powder this instant! Hurry! Do you think we have time to squander?!"
Rogue winced silently as Aunt Carrie's shrill voice exploded not two inches away from her ear. She watched as Sarah, flush faced, hurried from the room as quick as her feet could carry her. Aunt Carrie gave an irritated huff, muttering angrily under her breath about "incompetent servants" while she continued to tighten and pull the ribbons of Rogue's corset. Rogue winced slightly with each firm pull as her lungs throbbed for air. She kept silent, knowing that Aunt Carrie would begin another lecture about how it was expected of her to wear corsets. Now that she was about to be married soon, Rogue was sure that her Aunt would add that detail to the usual lecture. Ever since Aunt Carrie had been informed of the engagement, not two days before, she had been over the moon and back. Not only did she have the pleasure of organising everything for the wedding, she was but a month away from being rid of her nuance of a niece.
"You better act properly tonight, girl. Or so help me, you'll be severely punished."
"Yes Aunt."
Rogue rolled her eyes. Her aunt hadn't changed her way of dealing with her since the very day she had arrived. Like a child, she began to scold her as she continued to strap her corset angrily with her nimble fingers.
"Your fiancée will not appreciate you making a fool of yourself, so remain silent unless spoken to. And when you do speak, do not start with any of that Southern rattle! And above all, do not tell anyone of the details of this marriage. Though I find it quite an agreeable match, even for you, you will act accordingly. Like you're happy with this arrangement. Do I make myself clear, Anna-Marie?"
Rogue winced as the woman made a harsh tug at the ribbons to emphasise her point. She felt irritation pull at her at the mentioning of her fiancée. Since the night in the stable barn, Lord Damien had not bothered her very much. In fact, she was sure that he had been trying to give her space. Though she dashed the very thought, she was thankful they hadn't had to deal with each other. Now, however, there was no way they could avoid each other. Not when their engagement party was in action.
"Anna-Marie, did you hear me?"
"I understand, Aunt."
Aunt Carrie nodded, her lips still pursed in annoyance. After a few moments silence, she finished her work and moved away from Anna-Marie. Rogue let go of the bed post and flattened her front to try and ease some air into her lungs again. She sighed uncomfortably as her rib cage ached, horribly. Aunt Carrie was a murderous woman when it came to dressing her up for occasions, and this was such an occasion; her engagement party to be precise. Rogue wasn't left long to her resentfulness to the idea as Aunt Carrie was stomping towards her with her gown in her arms. Rogue grimaced inwardly at the sight of it. It was a hideous colour, as per usual to Aunt Carrie's traditions of fashion, an off, yellow colour assaulted with ribbons, lace and silk that clashed horribly together in a mess of fabrics. Rogue felt her stomach turn. Aunt Carrie however, just rolled her eyes and began to un-do the back of the dress. Irritably, she grumbled.
"Do not give me that look young lady, this dress was expensive and you should be grateful your Grandfather was willing to let me buy it in the first place- Now put it on, we don't have all night."
Rogue had barely lifted a reluctant hand to take the dress when the door to her room was flung open. Sarah rushed into the room carrying a large, thick box in her arms. Rogue and Aunt Carrie stared at her with bemusement as she closed the door behind her and made her way into the bedchamber of the room. As she laid it out on the bed, she explained herself.
"Lord Black's servant, Mister Allerdyce, he told me to give this to Miss Anna-Marie."
As she spoke, she began to unwrap the thick, silver ribbons that held the box closed. Within seconds, Aunt Carrie had pushed Sarah aside and began to tear the ribbons off with her vicious fingers and tore the lid off. Rogue stood a few steps away, her feet rooted to the floor. When the lid came free, a surprised gasp escaped her lips. Aunt Carrie pulled the gown out, gently, so to study it herself. It was magnificent, a deep navy colour with short, satin sleaves and not so much a bow or ribbon in sight. A delicate, black chiffon fabric wrapped itself around the satin of the dress while another piece wrapped itself around the neck of the dress. It was perfect and not even Aunt Carrie could deny that, though she tried with all her might.
"Where did this come from, Sarah?"
Sarah blushed lightly as she replied, her eyes smiling towards Anna-Marie as she spoke.
"He told me, madam, to tell you that Lord Black hoped that Miss Anna-Marie would like to wear this tonight. He wanted their clothes to match."
Rogue felt her face burn in embarrassment but had the great satisfaction of seeing her Aunt's mouth drop open in shock. Aunt Carrie gaped for a moment, her mouth opening and closing serval times as she found it difficult to find her words. When she did not reply, Sarah took a hold of the gown, gently, and asked as Aunt Carrie continued to hold it.
"Should I help Miss Anna-Marie put it on, madam?"
Aunt Carrie's face turned cold and stern again as she closed her mouth. She eyed the dress a moment before turning to Sarah. She nodded, reluctantly, and let go of the dress for Sarah to take. With that, she turned around to face Anna-Marie. Rogue kept her face calm and as unamused as possible while Aunt Carrie spoke. Her voice was lower than her usual shrilling tone that Rogue had to concentrate to hear her properly.
"Make yourself ready, I think Sarah can handle you. I will be back here at six o'clock sharp. Do not be late."
With that said, she strode out of the room and closed the door sharply behind her. When her footsteps diminished, Sarah and Rogue turned to each other and burst into fits of laughter. Sarah clutched the dress to her front as she bent over in hysterics, her face a tomato red-colour. Rogue rest her hands on her hips as her body trembled with laughter. It had been an age since she had laughed so hard or since she had seen he aunt in such an uncomfortable disposition. Finally, when their laughter died down, Sarah straightened herself and raised the dress before Rogue. A reassuring smile spread across her face as she spoke.
"Shall I help you get dressed, Rogue?"
Rogue eyed the gown, he brow creased into a slight frown. She loved the dress, without a doubt she knew she did but it was from him. He wasn't just giving it to her so they could match. He was trying to buy her trust.
"It wouldn't hurt to wear it. Maybe he's just being kind."
Rogue let a huff of disbelief escape her but she couldn't stop herself from lightly fingering the dress. It was soft to the touch, like feathers under her skin. She wanted to wear it but her pride held her back. She removed her hand, as if stung. Sarah reached out and laid a hand on her shoulder, causing Rogue to turn and look at her again. She smiled at her reassuringly as she replied softly.
"Thing wills work out, Rogue. I know they will. Maybe- if I may say so, maybe this is a chance for you? You can leave this place once you're married."
Rogue bit down on her lower lip. The thought hadn't really crossed her mind. She had been so angry these past few days, she'd barely thought beyond any possibility that this was a good thing. That it may be her only escape out of here. What would happen after she and Lord Black were married though? Where would he take them? They barely knew each other and she didn't even know if she could trust him. He hadn't even proposed properly. Was that any way for a marriage to begin?
Rogue let out a sigh of irritation as these thoughts muddled themselves at the front of her mind. She didn't know what to think anymore. However, when she felt Sarah's reassuring hand squeeze her shoulder, she had to break out of her thoughts. She looked up at Sarah, her comforting smile easing her slightly as her old friend spoke.
"Besides, look at what your Aunt wanted to make you wear! You cannot think of wearing that now that you have this."
Rogue returned her friend's smile feebly but said nothing. So Sarah continued, trying her best to sound smooth as she continued to convince Rogue.
"Would it be so terrible if you wore this?"
She lifted the dress a little higher, shaking it gently. The fabric swayed gracefully before her. It was a temptation Rogue couldn't resist and they both knew it. So, with a nod, Rogue gave her answer.
"Help me?"
Sarah smiled and nodded obligingly.
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Several hours later…
Rogue couldn't help but let a content, feeble smile spread across her face. The young woman that stared back at her from her vanity mirror was a porcelain doll, adorn in sea of navy blue and silver. Sarah had made every effort to make her look a picture of perfection, not for the guests and most certainly not for her fiancée but for her. For the girl that never had any happiness to speak of. Her face was powdered white, not chalk white, but enough to give her skin a healthy glow and to hide the old cut under her left eye. Thankfully, the bruising had faded to a yellowish colour that was easily hidden behind face powder so at least from a respectable distance it would not be seen at all. Curiously however, the face powder had been discovered in the gift box Lord Black had sent the dress in. With that had been a pair of pearl-white opera gloves and a pair of pearl earrings to match. Sarah hadn't wasted a moment before slipping the pearls on Rogue's ears and Rogue hadn't complained. She had gaped at first, but no retort escaped her lips. When her dress was fastened, Rogue had been surprised to find that it had fitted her like a glove. The satin was cool on her skin at first but as the time passed her, she found it warmed with her skin. The gloves left but an inch of skin between her sleaves and the hem of the gloves while the neckline hugged her shoulders, exposing her upper torso more than any dress she had worn ever had before.
Rogue blushed at the thought. She felt half-naked when really it was not all that much skin to expose. When Sarah had pinned back her hair with silver combs, a strings of pearls and swept back her white streaks and pinned them at the top of her head with the rest of her auburn curls, she felt that exposure raise a blush through her cheek. Her neck became bare to the open air. Sarah had told her it was tasteful to do so, that it made her look elegant and just as she should. Rogue hadn't said anything but she had refused to believe it. At least, she had until she looked in the mirror for the first time.
Suddenly, Sarah's bright blue eyes caught her attention. Staring at her through the mirror with a wide smile plastered across her freckled face. Rogue turned her gaze to her maid as she began to check her hair. She adjusted the combs and tucked back some of the loose strands that refused to stay in place. When their eyes met again, Sarah giggled and spoke to her, facing the mirror.
"You look stunning, Rogue. You should smile, there's reason to."
Rogue let a soft chuckle shake through her shoulders but she didn't smile, not fully at least. Her eyes became downcast as she raised a gloved hand to fiddle with the handle of her brush. Was there really a reason to smile? Knowing that she was marrying a complete stranger? A sigh followed the demise of her chuckle as she replied desolately.
"Is there, Sarah?"
Sarah stopped fiddling with Rogue's hair instantaneously. She turned her gaze back to the lady in the mirror and let a sad sigh escape her lips. She gave a pitied smile, both feeble and knowing all at once as she replied.
"Just try to enjoy tonight, you'll be the belle of the ball you know."
Rogue gave a low sigh of aggravation. She dreaded the thought of being in the spot light of attention. Sarah gave a small chuckle of amusement but not a moment later, she wrapped her arms gently around her friend's shoulders and rest her head against Rogue's. She stared into their reflection as she spoke.
"There are worse things. Just keep telling yourself that when it gets tough."
Rogue nodded and offered a half smile. She held Sarah's hand and thanked her before getting up and making her way to the door where Aunt Carrie was waiting.
"There are worse thing."
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"There are worse things…"
The words of console that Sarah had given her turned sour in her mind as they became factual. There were worse things than being the centre of attention and that was being thrown into the spot light and made a fool by her grandfather. When Aunt Carrie had seen her, seen what she was wearing, her eyes had just about popped out of their sockets before a scowl marred her face not a moment later. She had said nothing, just led the way towards the staircase as the sound of chatter and laughter arose from the halls below. Around fifty or so men and women of high English society had turned up, most of which, Rogue knew neither by face or name. They congratulated her, after congratulating her fiancée of course, but at the slightest enquiry to their courtship, her Grandfather would humiliate her. He told them countless tales of lies. She had been a burden long enough and he needed to wash his hands of her somehow. She had been old enough to marry since she was sixteen. Her prospects could be no higher than what had been offered by Lord Black. Rogue was not unaccustomed to such cruelty from him. Her grandfather lacked any kind of concern for agreeable social boundaries on personal matters.
Nearly every guest eyed her haughtily and turned their noses slightly as if a horrid stench had blown from her direction. Such excuses were usually facades for more terrible circumstances. Rogue had heard of such circumstances. Patched up marriages between women that had given themselves to men before marital vows were even considered was not unknown to her. Or marriages made to hide away premarital pregnancies before a child could be dubbed a bastard. Did they truly think that? Did they think her a whore? A worst case scenario where marriage was the only option open for her? Rogue normally didn't care for how people thought of her but to be so unjustly judged by people she did not know? She couldn't believe it.
When supper was announced, she was led away by her grandfather and was placed next to Lord Black. He offered a kind smile in the place of words and she returned it feebly before turning her gaze away. They hadn't spoken a word all night and though Rogue was somewhat grateful for it, she couldn't help but feel a little downhearted for some reason. Not that she admitted it of course. However, that was not to last. His voice caused her to turn her gaze to him again.
"Y' look trés belle tonight chérie. I am glad t' see y' approved of de gown. It suits y' well."
Rogue gave a small smile that vanished as soon as it appeared across her face. A blush scorched her cheeks as lowered her gaze to her plate. A few moments later, a servant came to her side and filled her glass with wine. She took the glass, taking a long sip as she tried to ignore his continuous stare. Though she couldn't see him, she knew he was smirking and was more than likely amused by her behaviour towards him. She took a second sip, allowing as much of the bitter-sweet liquid to slide down her throat as possible. However, this only caused a low chuckle to escape her fiancée's lips. She turned her gaze to look at him only to find he was still grinning at her with certain amusement in his unusual eyes. She frowned at him as she retorted in a low whisper of a hiss.
"What, my Lord, is so funny?"
Remy chuckled again as he reached out and took a hold of his own wine glass. He took a quick sip. His gaze never left hers, not even while he placed the glass back on the table. Rogue raised a brow at him as he finally answered.
"Not'ing. Has anyone ever told y', y' look belle when y' be irritated?"
Rogue frowned and turned her gaze away. A tailored servant appeared at each guest's side and placed the first course on their plates as Remy continued to smirk at his fiancée. He couldn't help the amusement he felt as her cheeks turned pink. Her brown furrowed in what he would deem attractively as she focused her gaze on her plate and avoided his eyes. He realised, after a few moments that she was unlikely to start any more conversation while eating, so he turned his attention back to his own plate. He was also fully aware of the watchful gaze of his soon to be Aunt-in-law and Grandfather-in-law from down the grand table. What he wouldn't give to make them uncomfortable. At the thought, a sly smirk spread across his face. He turned his gaze back to Anna-Marie and ever so discreetly, he leant towards her and stopped but an inch away from her left ear. Remy smirked as he felt her shift uncomfortably at the closeness before he whispered ever so huskily.
"Would y' take a walk wit' me after supper is finished?"
Rogue froze but her heart continued to beat at a vast pace. She felt heat raise through her cheeks again as she leant away slightly in discomposure. However, not willing to let him think he intimidated her so, she turned her head and slowly matched his gaze. She regretted it immediately of course. His eyes were glowing again, so hopeful and blazing with certainty that she found herself lost in them, drowning in them. Gently, as she tried her best to keep her composure together, she nodded and turned away again. She felt his smirk again as she tore away her gaze.
Remy on the other hand, though pleased with her answer, turned his gaze towards the Delmars. Lord Delmar's cold gaze narrowed but he gave an inaudible grunt and turned away his gaze. His daughter tried her best to hide a disapproving glance his way. He smirked. He felt a twinge of satisfaction pull at him at their discomfort.
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Rogue let out a sigh of relief as she stepped into the dark of the hallway. The cold seemed like a comfort to her now, a means of hiding away as well as cooling down from the heat that perspired from the ball room. After supper she had been whisked away by several ladies her own age and had been forced to withstand their constant chatter. They asked her about her engagement above all things. One had asked if they were secret lovers and that her grandfather had discovered them and forced him to marry her. Another asked if she was carrying a child and had the audacious nerve to rest a hand over her abdomen in front of all of the ladies and not to mention all and everyone who was watching her. When they had finally allowed her to leave, on the promise of returning later to give details, she had carefully slipped out of the room through a secret passage that led her to her freedom.
She fell back against the cold, stone wall some couple of steps away from the ball room. The commotion of laughter and chatter echoed lightly off the walls like the voices of spirits and parties past. Rogue closed her eyes lightly for a moment and took a deep breath as the cold stone cooled her bare shoulders. That is, until a thought came to mind. The only two people she had wanted to be there had not been allowed to the engagement party. So, opening her eyes, she began to make her way to the servant's quarters to pay a much needed visit.
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The servant's quarters were below the first level of the mansion. A spiral of stone stairs connected it to the mansion and was lit by several candles on odd stone bricks that stuck out of the walls. She descended them quickly, her shoes echoing against the walls as they beat the steps. However, her footsteps were toned out as the echo of familiar voices broke out through the dimly lit corridor. Rogue smiled slightly, her troubled heart warming slightly at the sound of her friends' laughter and chatter. She walked at a steady pace down the narrow corridor, passing several doors before coming to the final door. Light slivered from under the door as she reached out and nocked lightly.
There was silence for a moment then muffled voices before the door was pulled open. Light cast her back in shadows as it touched her front and she smiled as Scott came into view before her. A rather bemused expression was spread across his face before he was able to make coherent talk.
"Ro-Rogue? What, what are you doing here? Are you alright?"
Rogue rolled her eyes. It was a typical Scott question. But she ignored the question and replied with a bright smile.
"Came t' see if ya'll were havin' any fun. Can ah come in?"
Scott opened his mouth to speak but it opened and closed in silence. Finally, he gave her a stern look, like a father would a disobedient child, but stood back to let her pass through. As she entered the room, he followed and closed the door behind him. His voice was full of warning and slight worry as he spoke up.
"You should be up there entertaining your guests."
Rogue chuckled, shaking her head in light dismissal as she turned to face the two other people in the room. Sarah stared at Rogue wide-eyed for a moment before breaking off into a small giggle as Rogue came and gave her a peck on the cheek before sitting on the bed beside her. Across from them, laid out with his hands behind his head across the other single bed was Alexander Summers. He didn't bother to get up, knowing that Rogue would not take offence to his lack of courtesy, but turned his head and gave a warm smile her way with a teasing wink. He was completely opposite to his brother, being fair-haired and blue eyed while Scott was dark and brown eyed. He was only a few years younger than Scott but he looked older than he should. He was tall, lean and had an optimistic nature, while loving Rogue like a younger sister. He gave a smirk of tease as he spoke up.
"Couldn't stand the high socialites any more huh?"
Rogue smiled, nodding as she added silently. "Not to mention a certain fiancée of mine…"
"How is your fiancée?"
Rogue wondered if Scott was a mind reader as he started at her expectantly. He stood at wall, at the end of Alex's bed, with his arms crossed stiffly over his chest. His brow was furrowed slightly in discontent. He hadn't reacted well to the news that Anna-Marie was to be 'married off to some French stranger out to find his fortune.' Rogue gave a small shrug as she slouched against the wall that the bed was pushed up against. She fiddled with the chiffon fabric of her dress as she began to muse in a cynical tone.
"He's…polite enough. Obnoxious enough, thinks flattery will take him places…"
Scott frowned a little harder while Alex just rolled his eyes at his brother's reaction. Sarah on the other hand, reached out and rest a hand against Rogue's shoulder in comfort and offered a gentle smile. Rogue returned it but said nothing. After a short moment of silence, Alex pulled himself to a seated position, resting his elbows on his knees as he faced Rogue. A impish grin spread across his youthful features as he spoke.
"So, was your grandfather pleased when he saw you dressed like that? Bet he must've had himself a stroke seeing you look so pretty."
Rogue rolled her eyes and if he had been within range, she would've punched him for his tease. Sarah chuckled suddenly, and answered Alex's question with a knowing grin across her face.
"You should've seen the Spinster Matron when I opened the box. I do not think I've ever seen that woman so, appalled!"
Alex sniggered while Scott, though he tried to hide it, gave a crooked grin at the thought. Rogue found herself sniggering slightly too before she replied.
"Ah have t' admit it. That was priceless seein' her so outta composure lahke that. Ah think she might have fainted if her pride had let her."
Alex gave another impish grin as he concurred agreeably.
"That ol' bat wouldn't let her pride down. I mean, it's all she has."
Rogue chuckled but scolded teasingly.
"Don't say such things, she might hear ya. Bein' a bat an' all. Ah believe they have impeccable hearing."
Alex gave a hearty 'Ha!' before he replied with an irritated sigh.
"That woman is vile. Probably has ears and eyes in every room. Her, and that snitch Roy of course."
Rogue gave a hmm of agreement as their usual conversation drew itself out without restraint. Roy didn't live in the servants' quarters. He lived in one of the small guest rooms up in the West wing and refused to 'stoop to their level' as he had most kindly put it. This was the only place they could be honest to their own words without restraint and Rogue felt at ease almost instantaneously. She would trade all the entire royal family in favour of having her true friends come to her engagement party. A pang of guilt pulled at her at the thought. So, to ease her conscience a little, she turned to them with anxious eyes and whispered.
"Ah wish ya'll could have been up there with meh."
Alex, Scott and Sarah gave her a mix of feeble smiles and anxious glances. After a moment, Sarah squeezed her hand and Alex replied for them, giving her a feeble smile as he spoke up.
"I would have liked to see you give that Lord Black a piece of your mind. Would have been the highlight of the night."
Rogue snorted lightly and shook her head. Sarah and Scott mimicked identical smiles. However, their little discussion was interrupted by the sound of a nock from the door. Each head turned quickly towards the door in union. Scott made his way towards the door, his steps silent as he came to stand before it. After a moment, he answered the nock.
"Who goes there?"
A muffled yet familiar voice gave an answer.
"It's John, Lord Black's servant. I come on my master's requests."
Scott turned his gaze back to meet Rogue's. Rogue stared wide eyed and still for a moment before slowly standing again. How had Lord Black known where she had gone? A few more questions rang through her mind as she moved towards the door. She gave a reassuring nod towards Scott before he opened the door. John smiled at them politely as he stood in the doorway. He gave a nod of a bow as he spoke.
"G'evening Miss, Mister Summers. I'm sorry t' intrude, but, orders are orders."
Rogue nodded, offering a polite smile while Scott gave a stiff nod.
"Ya Master wanted ya t' fetch meh?"
John nodded as he replied, an ever present grin across his face.
"Yes he did, Miss. He told me to remind you that you promised to take a walk with him. He's waiting out in the gardens now."
Rogue heard Alex Summers snigger from within the room and Sarah's quick hush. She gave an inward sigh of defeat and nodded before following John. She turned to give Scott a last smile of goodbye before leaving.
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I think I'll leave it there. This is such a huge chapter already! Don't hate me! I'll post the next part VERY soon! I promise you!
REVIEW!
-UltimateGammy91
