I skipped four months to keep it flowing. Very menial stuff, not worth reading or writing. By the by, you might notice Lila's been doing some growing up, but do not fear, the spunk is still there!
Hugs for my lovely readers! Enjoy!
-Four Months Later-
I sit upon a window seat in my personal parlour, stitching some ugly handkerchief, reflecting upon all that has come these past few months. Bisou, sits upon my lap trembling heavily.
I am sixteen today, and by anyone in our kingdom's standards; ripe for marriage.
Tonight there is to be a grand ball held in honor of my being sixteen. It is to be a lavish affair meant only for the wealthy and prestigious to come, including all the youth within a scratch of my age.
I have made no mention of Jeff's little out burst and have never since mentioned it, or gone back to his mansion.
Jeffery has since made our courtship official -and by that, meaning highly public- and I have thought and thought upon the matter upon my vampiric prince. I guess perchance it was just a ruse to terrify me, but utterly more terrifying is how mad he must be.
He does not appear at all mad though, no hint of madness. Only infatuation.
No, that is madness.
I have heard no word from Henry, only of him. He is, I hear, engaged to a lovely little Anna Jones. I knew he couldn't of loved me, and it is all turned for the best. His recovery was fast though.
But speak of the devil -engagement- , I know what must soon come to a close. Jeffery's and my courtship. It is how things go in society. So I am enjoying my time and avoiding Jeff like the plague. Amazing how complacent I have been. It all seems but a dream.
I look up to see three maids bustling in and out of my bedroom and joined parlour to prepare me for tonight. Two maids, Mary and Flora, immediately start in on my hair, have a splendidly amusing time working through my tangly thick mane.
Emily lays out on the settee a breath-taking cream colored crepe thin dress emroidered with dark pink roses around the waist and dripping down the side thinly to a hem with the bodice embossed with a pattern of creamy swirls. It is just off the shoulders but hugs them gracefully.
My hair is to be pinned with dozens of tiny pearl pins, and finally adorned with a pearl tiara. I shall wear a long strand of pearls, and two pearl ear bobs.
It takes well over three hours to have me see able, and four to have me completely starched, laced, tucked, and pinched to perfection.
By this time it is dusky out, as being late autumn is commonly the case. All the outdoor sconces are lit and the drive is clear of leaves.
The carriages are already arriving. I will be in monstrous trouble if I am not down by the door ready to be young-miss-hostess to our guests.
Emily reads my mind and gasps an "Oh!", and is off carrying my traine and pushing me down the halls and long steps to the large front formal doors.
Mother Jane is ready to reprimand, and prosed mouth shuts quickly.
We go through the monotonous greetings with a dozen families at least. The only interesting ones are Henry and his little Anna and of course, Jeffery.
With the former, Henry looks only at me guardedly. Anna scowls when I ask her how she is.
She can only screw her tiny lips into a bow and say "Charmed, I'm sure."!
What a little lap dog!
Jeffery of course is the last to arrive; he must escort me into the ballroom. Jane is already done with leading the others in.
He sweeps a look at me, up and down in far to much a laced-with-implications look, grinning.
"Well my dearest?" He asks, offering his arm.
I look around as menacingly as I can. "I'm sure I don't see her, but I shall substitute."
When we enter the grand ballroom, everyone goes all hush and all eyes are upon us.
Now there is no doubt as to our being a couple.
As is custom, I must lead way into the first dance. Splendid!
All goes well, and the music merrily begins and we are whirling around. Jeffery is holding my back far too tight and dancing far too well.
"You look lovely, darling." How I loath pet names.
A hot flush creeps up my neck and I stare as condescendingly as I can up at him. "Bloody yes! It took nearly four hours!"
"Tsk, tsk darling! Must reign in that mouth. Perhaps I may help you?" He says, quirking an eyebrow suggestively.
"Perhaps bloody not!" I hiss.
At this he just laughs and squeezes my back. Curse his huge hands!
With this the dance is over, and I may stand on the side for a little while. Jeffery cannot go against society and dance too much with me, so he must go in quest of a new partner.
To my entertainment, he glides over to little Anna and asks her to dance. She is of no escapable way to refuse, so they begin. To my discomfit, Henry joins by my side.
"What do you think of her?" He asks, I am guessing to make me jealous.
"She is a perfect little pet. To paraphrase what you once said, you deserve every bit of her." I must smirk. It is too hard not to!
"What are you, pray tell, saying of her?" He glances at me warily.
"Oh nothing." I laugh, as if his my opinion matters.
I cock my head to the side and squint my eyes at Anna, "Yes, yes she will do you very well."
"How so?" He grits out.
"Oh, obviously her little screwed up mouth and dour expression drip with good breeding. And I can say Sir, it isn't because she is miserable with you and merely marrying you for your money!" I say, my bitter tone saying the opposite.
"Don't you dare you-" He is seething and perchance his eyes look red. Quite.
"Ah, ah, ah Sir!" I say, wagging my finger. "You asked my honest opinion, Henry. I merely gave it. Perhaps you would not be upset about my hypothesis, if were not quite so... accurate?"
"Will nothing make you jealous Lila?" He is still snarly, but in earnest.
Oh bother... Henry is not yet over our little spat.
Jeffery comes up, jovially standing in between us, rocking on his heels. This is highly entertaining for him. "I am rather afraid not." He grins, answering my question.
Before he can lure him to lose his temper, I quickly walk off to group of young ladies, Anna is part of the group. I immediately hear whispers. "Oh but don't I know!" Samantha Hadley whispers.
"But isn't she just such a.." Caroline Sharp hisses. I know perfectly well what and who they are talking about.
She abruptly stops as I enter the little circle. "Oh please continue Caroline! Pray tell, what am I?"
"Oh, er!" She stutters. "Everything isn't all about you Lila." She sniffs, regaining composure. She is such a sniffling little wench, she reminds you of a seal, mousy brown hair, big eyes, and a pointy nose.
"Indeed, I shouldn't wan't to be you!" I giggle with sarcasm, leaving an awkward silence.
I rise from the circle straightening my skirt. "Well ladies, I shan't ruin your fun. Please excuse me!" I say with heedless sarcasm.
Some minutes later, I lean against a pillar in the ballroom, exhausted from making my hostess round. I gasp as a hand slithers to mine.
"That's why I like you." He whispers into my ear. "Your not like those girls. They just want to outshine you."
"Have you been drinking?" I hiss, glancing warily at him.
"Ahah, that's also why I like you! The more you fight me, the more irresistible you become." He says, waving his hand out drunkenly. He is on something, no doubt.
"Well my goddess, tonight you shall shine." He grins lopsidedly, and starts pulling my wrist towards where he is leading.
I have to follow, lest I create a scene.
He leads out to the center of the floor, and grabbing a champagne flute, he taps it briskly till all attention is gathered. I am positive he is under some influence.
"I ask your attention for but a moment. Without further adieu, I shall continue!"
He turns to me, and taking my hand, Jeffery sweeps down onto one knee.
"Lila will you do me the honor of being my wife for tomorrow and eternity?"
I am horrified. He is a bastard alright, trapping me into this. Of course I can't say no in front of all these people!
I gasp out "Yes!" And run from the ballroom, and out and out, into the gardens to be alone.
Unlikely Rose
A/N: I hope you enjoyed this folks!
And remember to say ARR today, its national Speak Like a Pirate Day!! Ha...