They say if you ignore awkwardness it'll go away…
…
Well I'm ignoring it…
And it ain't going away.
Kaoru Kamiya stared rather incredulously at the group that filled the hallway. What were the chances that the Earl and the Marquis would meet again within the meager span of twenty four hours? At the Thousand Cranes estates no less! Doubtlessly, the Earl of Vastings and the Marquis of Drakgon did not part on good terms. Being thoroughly embarrassed in the market street, and having his behind walloped, was not exactly something that the Earl would easily forget about; Especially if that region of being was still smarting.
"Marquis Himura, you are right on time." The Baroness Kamiya started, offering her hand to the Marquis. If there was one thing that was as predictable as the rising of the sun, it was the Baroness' innate ability to bulldoze over any signs of discord and preserve amiability.
Kenshin smiled easily at the high-classed Lady. Kaoru watched with little fascination as he expertly tilted the corners of his mouth. The hard line of it slanting sensuously as he kissed the tip of the Baroness' knuckles. He then walked over—a predatory prowl-- and proceeded to take Tomoe's hand, brushing his lips across her palm.
Kaoru wanted to roll her eyes—men were all the same.
The Earl of Vastings cleared his throat, none too softly. Kenshin lifted his head, piercing the Earl with the full force of his golden eyes, before releasing Tomoe; the look of superiority and contempt written in the smug smile on his face.
Kaoru narrowed her eyes at the man. Somehow, the Marquis didn't seem as valiant as when she first met him in the market streets.
Baroness Kamiya quickly smiled at no one in particular, and motioned the lot towards the first receiving room of the Manor.
Kaoru tilted her head at Misao in indication towards the receiving room as well. If there was a suitor in the house, then there was no way that Kaoru Kamiya was going to let him bypass her unscathed. Misao, recognizing the mischievous gleam that sparked in Kaoru's eyes, grinned deviously as well.
Things were just about to get very, very interesting—far better than any market trip.
The receiving room was simple but elegant; the white marble decorations flattering the cream colored carpet. Gorgeous laced seats surrounded a lovely carved table, upon which, stood an expensive statue of a crane.
The Baroness Kamiya swept into the room; her beautiful dress adding a tasteful touch of color, as she seated herself comfortably on a reclining chair. Tomoe followed her lead, her light dress fanning becomingly around her in pools of silk. Kenshin obligingly, occupied an empty space as well. As Misao and Kaoru bunched around the lovely Tomoe, Kaoru noticed with dawning delight, that the Earl of Vastings chose to stand inconspicuously next to the ivory fireplace.
Kenshin Himura measured the Earl knowingly, the dark humor swirling in his eyes unmistakable. Kaoru however, did him one better.
Standing as if horrified at the Earl's predicament, she quickly placed a delicate hand over her mouth exclaiming, "My dear Earl! It is not fitting that you should stand so! Here, let me find you a comfortable seat."
Winking at Misao and Tomoe, who were both watching Kaoru with incredulous confusion, the younger daughter of the Thousand Cranes quickly sped off around the corner before the Earl had a chance to politely refuse her thoughtfulness.
The Baroness Kamiya watched the retreating back of her raven haired daughter with suspicion, curious to her daughter's sudden bout of social grace. Kaoru Kamiya was nothing if not quick witted, and unfortunately for any aspiring suitors, that particular talent was usually geared towards their unhappiness. But for the life of her, the Baroness couldn't imagine anything harmful about grabbing the Earl an extra seat. Surely it wouldn't trigger the apocalypse or set fire to the estate. Shrugging to herself, the Baroness rang for tea.
Kenshin Himura sat thoughtfully on the silken couch, drinking the fragrant liquid that had been served but a moment prior. There was something strangely familiar about the younger daughter of the Kamiya sisters. Granted, he had been a tad surprised when he realized that Tomoe was not the only child of the household. With all the talk about the Lady Tomoe, there had been little indication that there was another eligible girl within the Thousand Cranes household. Looking over at Tomoe, Kenshin was delightfully taken by her beauty. Surely she would be a prize worth winning.
A sudden opening of the receiving chambers tore his attention away from the lovely goddess. What greeted his sight nearly made the Marquis of Drakgon choke on his tea.
The youngest daughter of the Thousand Cranes had veritably dragged what looked to be the most devious chair in the household through the marble hallway and into the room. The Baroness Kamiya raised her brow at the red oak seat. The soft cushion that had been fastened to the top was conveniently missing. What remained was a flat and hard surface that couldn't be terribly comfortable to sit upon.
Kaoru looked extremely pleased.
Placing the chair expectantly in front of the Earl, Kaoru waved at the piece of furniture.
"Have a seat. It's the finest red oak in the household."
The Earl swallowed uncomfortably. Kaoru noted with catlike satisfaction that Vasting's usual healthy demeanor had turned somewhat white. Tilting her head, she lowered her voice, the threat not far beneath it.
"Surely you don't plan to refuse a seat offered by a lady do you?"
Kenshin Himura watched the girl curiously. Why was she so adamant about sitting the Earl down? It was almost as if she knew about Vasting's rather embarrassing predicament. Kenshin couldn't say he felt sorry for the Earl.
The Baroness frowned at the entire scene. The Earl was being strangely fussy about sitting down. Although Kaoru had indeed taken the liberty of finding the most uncomfortable piece of furniture in the household, it wouldn't kill the man to sit on it for a few minutes. Heaven knew it was by far the kinder forms of torture that Kaoru had thus devised.
"My dear Earl," The Baroness began, her irritation creeping into her honey smooth voice. "Please, have a seat."
The Earl paled.
Kaoru grinned at Vastings, flashing him the full benefit of her pearly encouragement, before returning to Misao's side.
Kenshin quietly sipped his tea, glancing at Kaoru, who was perched eagerly upon the sofa watching the Earl intently. For some inexplicable reason, Kenshin Himura wanted to smile at her. Even if the girl didn't know about the Earl's sore bottom, she had still tried to make his visit as unpleasant as possible. It was endearing. Most women of the ton fawned shamelessly over the Earl despite his appalling personality gaps.
Kenshin Himura raised one russet colored brow in silent amusement, as he watched the Earl dance around the problematic oak, trying to find a suitable position to sit—then at the Baroness Kamiya, who was wearing a look of utmost confusion.
It was rich.
Finally, the Earl of Vastings resorted to a half squat, his bottom looming dangerously over the seat.
"Are you alright dear Earl?" Baroness Kamiya asked, smiling tentatively.
Vastings waved his hand, an effort to keep his easy smile on his good-looking face. "Quite alright." He assured her.
Kaoru snickered from where she sat.
The Baroness Kamiya shot her daughter a dark look. "In that case," she continued, turning to the Marquis of Drakgon, intent on bulldozing over the uncomfortable situation. "May I inquire dear Marquis, the intent upon your visit?"
"Certainly," Kenshin replied, his eyes shifting to a dark haired swan. "I would be most honored to court the lovely Lady Tomoe Kamiya."
Two pairs of eyes narrowed simultaneously, one belonging to Kaoru, the other pair owned by the Earl. Baroness Kamiya's eyes widened in barely contained surprise and joy.
"Dear Marquis," the Baroness began, her cheeks flushed with excitement at the prospect of such an esteemed future son in law, "Our lovely Tomoe would be most pleased. Aren't you Tomoe?"
"I am most flattered." Tomoe agreed meekly, her lavender eyes shyly meeting those of Kenshin; the heavy long lashes giving her an exotic look in the pale light of the room-- Exactly the way she had been taught to do in such a situation.
Kaoru sat uncomfortably, her sparkling eyes ablaze, as she gently chewed on her lip in thought. How was she going to scare this one off?
"I object!" The Earl barked.
Kaoru blinked at him in irritation, suddenly remembering that his unwelcomed being was still present. Four other eyes blinked at the Earl as well—at a loss for the Earl's sudden passionate, and quite uncalled for, outburst.
The Baroness Kamiya was smiling at him, though Kaoru noted grimly that her mother's usual flawless smile was starting to show signs of strain around the edges. "And what pray tell," The Baroness asked slowly, "are you objecting about?"
"This man," Vastings began, training his eyes on Kenshin, whom easily met the Earl's gaze with his own frosty gems.
"…is a menace." He finished.
"A menace?" Baroness Kamiya echoed dubiously.
"A menace." Vastings agreed dramatically.
"I see." The Baroness remarked dryly, the irritation finally seeping into her honey sweet voice.
"And pray tell dear Earl, how is the Marquis a menace?"
Kenshin looked at the Earl expectantly, a smirk on his delectable face. "Yes, do tell, I am eager to learn."
"Well." The Earl began "He-- carries a sword."
"He carries a sword." The Baroness repeated.
"Yes, he carries a sword."
"And that is why he is a menace?"
"Yes." The Earl nodded.
"But you carry a sword." The Baroness frowned. "All gentlemen carry swords."
The Earl shifted uncomfortably.
"Yes, but his is a foreign sword."
The Baroness Kamiya bit rather testily. "I see-- then we'll take our chances with his foreign sword Lord Vastings."
Kaoru glanced at Misao who was turning red in efforts not to burst out in uncontrollable laughter. Smiling to herself, Kaoru promptly decided that her mother wouldn't be terribly appalled at the insufferable Earl if he was somehow—inclined to leave.
Standing in mock concern, Kaoru exclaimed. "Dear Earl!—Goodness, squatting like that is terrible for the legs. My heavens, your legs are starting to shake from strain—here let me help you!"
With that, Kaoru Kamiya promptly hurtled towards the Earl's startled form.
"No, uh- no Lady, its alright I—uh"
But Kaoru would not be stopped. Plowing forward, her entire menacing height of 5'6' she crashed into the Earl in her haste. Hooking a chair leg with her own underneath the protective secrecy of her full skirt, she knocked the red oak seat right from underneath the Earl.
He landed with a satisfying, earsplitting wail on the ground.
Kaoru had the decency to look mildly concerned.
"Are you alright?"
She was quite satisfied to hear no answer from the huddled form of what might have once been a dignified noble. She tilted her head, concluding that it must hurt terribly, considering he was reacting similarly as if someone took a bat to his family jewels.
Pity.
"Oh you silly Earl!" Kaoru exclaimed, fully intending to accidentally stub her booted toe on his sore behind. "Here—let me help you!"
"NOOOO!!!" The Earl hollered in alarm. Then remembering where he was, he quickly lowered his voice. "No. No--its quite alright."
Kaoru watched with some amazement at the speed of which the Earl stood up.
"I shall be taking my leave if you don't mind dear Baroness," He bowed a crooked bow. "Lady Tomoe."
The two Kamiya's nodded.
Kaoru watched in smug satisfaction as the Earl of Vastings hobble his way to the doorman. Guess she didn't have to resort to chasing him around the room with a broom after all.
Turning, Kaoru trained her eyes on the Marquis, her full attention and crafty wiles focused on her new prey. Kenshin met her eyes and raised his brow.
Kaoru smiled at him, a devious predatory smile. "My dear Marquis of Drakgon, did you know that the Thousand Cranes estates are the most lovely this time of year?"
"I thought it was lovely the entire year." Kenshin returned.
"Oh my! What a charmer!" Baroness Kamiya exclaimed, placing a hand delicately upon her bosom in approval.
"Yes," Kaoru continued, placing a hand on her hip, the other caressing the air. "But it is most lovely today. Would you like a tour of the estates?"
"Excellent idea, Kaoru!" the Baroness cried before Kenshin could either agree, or disagree. The elder Baroness was quite aware of what Kaoru was intending to do. The little sister of Tomoe Kamiya had veritably frightened off many a suitor upon her innocent invites—and there was no way the Baroness Kamiya was about to let Kaoru frighten away such a magnificent catch as this one.
"Tomoe! Why don't you show Lord Himura around? The gardens are positively exquisite this time of year."
Tomoe smiled a little sheepishly, glancing at Kaoru, who in turn grinned back at her expectantly. "I would love to, however, Kaoru knows the gardens the best—I think she should come along."
Kenshin looked at Tomoe a little surprised. Upon the unfortunate manors that he had thus visited, the women of the household clawed at each other's throats for some private time alone with him. He had never met anyone whom had thus far given up such an opportunity; this Lady Tomoe Kamiya was more complex than he thought.
"Tomoe," The Baroness tried signaling her eldest daughter with her eyes. "I'm sure you know the gardens well enough."
Tomoe smiled at her mother. "I haven't been there for a while now."
Kenshin stood up, offering Tomoe his arm.
"I do not mind more company." Kenshin told the Baroness, who seem to deflate in defeat.
"Very well." She inclined, glaring at Kaoru, "Why don't you all go then."
Misao, whom had thus far said very little, promptly got up to follow after the retreating group.
"Misao!" The Baroness called, intent on keeping the group as small as possible. "Why don't you come help me with some embroidery?"
Outside, the air was sweet and refreshing. The famous jasmine fields perfumed the Thousand Cranes estates with their unique flavor, as the three young people traversed across the stone pavements and into the garden. They followed the winded paths of blossoming flowers and bubbling fountains; past the chirping bluebirds, and gurgling swallows. Kenshin Himura should have expected what occurred next, but unfortunately, even the Marquis of Drakgon couldn't have guessed that the Lady Tomoe Kamiya would not only take her little sister along, but completely ditch her stroll with him in the garden.
It was surprisingly annoying to say the least, as Kenshin Himura watched Tomoe's face alight with sudden epiphany at something she had conveniently forgotten back at the manor, then consequently hurry away before he could detain her.
So there he was, one Marquis of Drakgon stuck with the little sister of the woman he had wanted to court. How fetching. If he didn't know better, he would suspect that Tomoe, being the illustrious being that she was, had overshadowed her poor sibling so completely over the years, that she was now throwing bits of her catch to her younger blood in hopes to make up for it. Kenshin frowned at his own explanation in distaste. Why did he have to be the one she threw away then? Lord Himura sighed, yet another afternoon spent with some girlish hopeful, whom was positively pleased to be with him no doubt.
Turning, Kenshin was startled to catch the burning gaze of one extremely peeved woman: the scowl on her face, a mile wide.
"Listen, you—stay away from Tomoe. I will not have the likes of you marrying my sister."
Kenshin raised his brows.
"The likes of me?"
"Yes. Good-day." Kaoru quipped before turning on her heel, not bothering to explain what exactly 'the likes of him' meant.
Kenshin watched in silent disbelief as she started upon the path to which Tomoe had earlier disappeared. Why the little—what was wrong with these girls? He was the Marquis of Drakgon for heaven's sake, and he'd be damned if he was snubbed by not one, but two girls in one day. The offense was unheard of.
"Are you jealous?"
Kaoru halted. Turning her head to him, she glowered at him. "No, I have no need to be."
"I think you are." Kenshin challenged, leaning back against the bark of the willow tree as he crossed his arms.
"Then you thought wrong." Kaoru remarked lazily over her shoulder, continuing her departure once more.
Kenshin frowned, "Actually, it wouldn't be too surprising, considering that everyone comes calling for Tomoe instead of you."
Kaoru bristled, the insolent moron! How dare he insult her at her own home!
Whirling, Kaoru smiled cattily, an appropriate punishment already devised in her head.
"Well, if you are so intent on getting Tomoe, lets make a deal then."
A deal?
"I'm listening."
Kaoru nodded towards the north end of the garden.
"You see that entrance? That's the door to the famous garden maze of the Thousand Cranes estates."
Kenshin looked toward where she indicated. The small leafy gateway a charming entrance to the unknown. Kenshin tilted his head, remembering vaguely that he had read somewhere about the Thousand Cranes Gardens, by far the largest and most elusive construction on this side of the continent.
Kaoru grinned to herself. While she had memorized every turn of the gardens by heart, the last time she had resorted to using this challenge, the poor chap ended up in tears trying to find his way out. It wasn't until her mother, the Baroness Kamiya demanded that Kaoru go find the poor man that she was forced to show him the way out.
"The deal is, you must follow me to the center of the maze. I will start about a hundred paces in front of you—and you must find me before the sun sets. If you do, then I will consider letting you court my sister. She will not see anyone I do not approve of. However, if you lose, then you are to forget about Tomoe and go back to your expensive French estate."
Kaoru smirked, crossing her arms, fully expecting a beastly retort at her rather strange offer.
Kenshin walked up to Kaoru, leaning forward so he was merely a breath away from her face.
"Agreed."
Kaoru blinked to hide her surprise.
"Very well," she announced, turning to the garden. "Shall we?"
Kenshin waved a hand, bowing.
"Ladies first."
Raising her brow and giving him a small 'humph,' Kaoru started for the maze at a full run. She ran down the first path of arching trees which led to a small and beautiful fountain. Most of the visitors stopped there and never bothered to venture any further. However, within the hedges that surrounded the lovely Italian styled plaza, several open pathways were inviting around the corner of the hedges. Kaoru ran, light footed, past the water structure to the one farthest along the edges.
Turning around a corner she ran down a path which split into three more separate paths, each curving around the corners out of sight. Looking over her shoulder to make sure that Kenshin was still far behind, she ventured further into the maze.
Mentally laying out the map of the maze before her, Kaoru mumbled inaudibly to herself.
Left.
Left.
Right.
Left.
Right.
Right.
Left.
Right.
Left.
Right.
A ha!
Crouching down, Kaoru parted the perfectly blended blooming white roses to reveal a small pathway.
Crawling through, Kaoru was careful to rearrange the flowers behind her. The shortcut would shave off at least a full hour to the illusive center than any of the paths ahead. Standing back to silently observe her handiwork, satisfied that it was near perfect, she turned and promptly fled down the following corridor of blooming carnations and flitting humming birds.
Right.
Left.
Right.
Right.
Left.
Walking into another small fountain plaza she took a moment to enjoy the beauty of the place. It was even more gorgeous than the one earlier on in the maze. The Greek and roman influenced structures were a fetching sight to behold. Strolling past the fountain, she stopped a moment to listen. Usually, the heavy clumping boots of her victim could be heard clomping about the place from here, but surprisingly, she heard nothing.
Shrugging to herself, Kaoru continued.
Running past the fountain she continued on a path that split off in the center; one which lead to a dead end, the other which led to three other paths. She took the one with the dead end.
Upon hitting a solid wall of vegetation, she parted the left corner of the wall, slipping through the sides easily. She had found out there was a slight crack there once when she had gotten lost herself in the maze hiding from her sewing instructor.
Tip toeing past the next two corridors she stopped to admire a particular piece of the flower woven wall. Here, the yellow daffodils were a bit mussed and clumped up, from that fateful time when her victim had gotten lost only to claw at the winking happy flowers in efforts to make his own exits. Unfortunately, he ran into the stone wall upon which the flowers were grown. Kaoru smiled at the memory before continuing.
She was sure that Lord Kenshin Himura was thoroughly lost by now.
Finally, hitting a seemingly blocked pathway, she traversed to the end of it and turned right; the opening unseen from the entrance of the path. Crossing a charming bridge, she turned a sharp left, past the jasmine flowers.
Upon entering the center, she did a victorious twirl, enjoying the breathtaking wonders of the illusive plaza. There was nothing more beautiful in the maze than its center. From here, several crystal fountains dazzled its viewer, enchanting the pale jasmine flowers flourishing along side of it. Spraying mists hailed its own aura, cloaking the waters in its mystery.
Kaoru sighed, walking to the edges of the sculpted seats to wait for the Lord that would most likely never arrive. While she had made it to the center well before sundown, she wouldn't be terribly surprised if it took him all night, then maybe the next day to retrace his steps. Closing her eyes, she took in the medley of sweet smells and the natural scent of the water.
However, what happened next was something that Kaoru had never anticipated.
A gentle tapping sounded upon the curves of her slender shoulder. The brush of thumb unmistakable upon her satin skin and Kaoru whirled around.
She stared in horror at the smug and handsome face of the Marquis of Drakgon.
Kenshin Himura leaned in, tapping a slender index finger on her nose.
"I found you."