Chapter One
"My lady," a soft feminine voice called, "are your corsets too tight?" She asked. The maid-servant Sango had quickly become one of Kagome's best friends during her stay at the Earl of Rochester's summer home. She wasn't allowed to mingle with many girls of her own age as to not deter her from spending as much time with Hojo, so she made do with what she had.
"It probably should be tighter, I'm still able to breathe without difficulty, and you know how the Earl's wife is with appearances." Kagome's rich wind chime voice answered, it was rewarded with a ribbon of laughter from Sango which in turn made Kagome crack a pleasant smile.
She was beautiful and everyone could see it but her. Like her mother she had slick ebony hair, naturally curly although not in the sense that it was wild or that it shot off in multiple directions. It fell down to her lower back in perfect little doll like curls, like a waterfall of midnight. It wasn't her only remarkable attribute; her face was something to marvel on its own. A pair of large eyes of a pretty chestnut hue adorned her heart shaped face along with a button nose and plump pink lips. Her skin was a delightful alabaster tone and flawless to the point where only a bit of rouge was necessary. She was petite with a tiny midsection even before the corsets were tightened. All in all she was a walking target for stares of desire as well as envy.
"That is true, my lady." Sango agreed once her laughter had died. Kagome turned her head to look at her bright eyed friend with reprimanding eyes.
"I've told you countless times that you may call me Kagome. It is strange to use formalities amongst friends." She insisted with a tone that left no room for any protests. "While in the presence of the Countess, but not while we're alone." Sango eyed her through the mousey brown hair that fell in her face and nodded grudgingly.
"It's not so strange when you're friends with the daughter of a Duke, and fiancé to an Earl's son." She murmured, distracting herself with pulling the strings of the white corset and tying the ends in place. "You cannot expect a servant girl to adapt so quickly to your strange ways." She complained, but Kagome was glad she at least felt bold enough to do that. It proved that she was beginning to get into the habit of showing her true colors.
"You're right, forgive my unreasonableness. I get it from my mother." She admitted whilst smiling fondly as the memories of her ran through her mind.
"You needn't apologize, my la—I mean Kagome." She corrected, her face flushing pink. "Has your relationship improved with Sir Hojo?" She asked in a brazen attempt to prove she was bold enough to ask such questions. Kagome smiled as she slid into a French silk sack-back gown. The marriage her parents arranged for her was hard to adjust to, but she grew to be at ease in his company.
"It is… going." She answered while a light blush began to fill her cheeks. "I know my mother meant well when she made this choice for me, my father would have thrown me into a match with anyone without any regard for what I wanted—but an arranged marriage is not my idea of true love. I want to be meet someone and fall madly in love, the kind of love unreasonable 'I cannot live without you' forbidden love." She gushed while she mocked swooned, her hand to her brow. It was so like her to envision these wild unorthodox tales of love riddled with tragedy and laced with drama. Yes she loved Hojo tremendously, but she wanted something of epic proportion, a love that would shake earth beneath her. A monumental love story that would be remembered for centuries as the greatest love there ever was.
"He's a grand match for you." Sango added, smoothing out the peach fabric of her dress. Kagome nodded wistfully and stepped away from her and to a full length mirror to scrutinize her appearance.
"Yes, he is a truly fine match on all accounts." She agreed though not by her standards. "My mother fancies him as well she raves of his gentle nature. When father is away she often reminds me that I am fortunate to meet such a gentleman in this society." As the words left Kagome's mouth her eyes fluttered to the ground eyeing the marble floor, silently lamenting her mother's absence.
"You do not sound pleased."
"I am grateful for this marriage. I just wish I could attend this debutante ball and have the same experience as those girls. Meet a man my father won't approve of and my mother will adore. I want to walk down a grand white staircase and feast my eyes on all the eligible bachelors and dance 'till my heart's content." She elaborated, toying with the frills that shot out from her sleeves until they were fashioned just right. Unbeknownst to Sango her eyes swam with crystalline enthusiasm as the image of her waltzing with handsome partners.
"Hojo will dance with you." Sango reminded as if she had penetrated her mind. Kagome turned on her heels to face her dear friend who smiled reassuringly at her.
"He will but I haven't yet decided whether or not that is a blessing or a curse. The man has two left feet—no doubt he will make a proper fool out of me." She joked lightly. Hojo was earnest in his efforts to satisfy his betrothed's voracious standards and he did a fine job if only he was paired with someone who could better appreciate his valiant efforts. Sango made a cute snorting sound and quickly stifled her brewing laughter with her hand.
There was a knock at the door that interrupted Sango before she could open her mouth to speak. Kagome turned to the noise that persisted when no answer followed. Sango turned and straightened her simple muslin dress and went to answer the door. From the blonde's perch near her bed she could see that it was one of the Countess' maid-servants.
"Countess sends me to inform you that she will not be attending the Debutante ball for the young master has fallen ill. She also says that Lady Kagome should stay behind as well since her chaperon will not be present." The maid relayed and when the news of Hojo's state reached Kagome from across the room she hurried to the door, her hand clutching the heavy fabric of her dress to ensure that she wouldn't step on any lace and take a graceless tumble.
"Hojo is ill?" She asked, worry misting in her eyes. The maid nodded somberly. "Is it serious?" She pressed.
"No nothing like that, my lady. The physician says he will make a hasty recovery." The maid reassured and Kagome released the breath the worry had held captive in her lungs.
"I will visit with him." Kagome said abruptly and squeezed her way around Sango and the maid who seemed to object by not moving immediately.
"You needn't bother, My Lady." The maid said quickly, but Kagome had already made her way down the hall.
By the time she reached Hojo's bedchambers sweat had begun to accumulate on the base of her neck and brow. It was a hot, humid night and in a dress such as the one she wore anyone would be sweating. Two strict looking guards stood in front of the large mahogany door. The two looked towards the lovely Kagome who stood there for a moment before straightening her posture, placing her hands behind her back.
"Let me through, won't you? I've come to see Hojo." The guards exchanged glances before turning to look back at her.
"Master Hojo has given us orders not to let anyone through, he is resting." The one on the left said.
"Surely that excludes me. I won't be long; I just need to see how he is." She rebutted.
"As it happens it does include you, Lady Kagome." The one on the right spoke this time. A shrill laugh slipped passed Kagome's parted lips and she shook her head.
"Don't be foolish; he has never refused my company before." She argued and despite their protests she twisted the golden knob and pushed the heavy doors back and stepped inside. Her eyes had to adjust to the dim candle light but when they did they landed on the bed. "Hojo," she started in a single breath and made her way to the bedside, "I heard you were ill. How do you feel?" She said while taking a seat on the cushioned chair near the large mattress.
"Kagome?" Stumbled out of Hojo's mouth as he pushed the burgundy blankets off his head and propped himself up on his elbows. It seemed a bit bizarre to her the anxiety in his eyes, fear and also could that be embarrassment? "What are you doing in here?" He asked. His dark eyes glazed over with something other than fatigue or illness, and Kagome didn't hide the suspicion she wore it with pride. She would forever be a defiant and outspoken woman and neither marriage nor propriety would rob her of that.
"I've come to see if your distaste for dancing and socializing has driven you to feign illness." She said not sparing any of her grand petulance. Hojo let out a nervous laugh, but the only reaction it shook from Kagome was the slight arch of her brow. "I could go without you. You needn't sully your reputation and my respect for you by partaking in meaningless lies." She continued, leaning back in her chair and crossing her slender arms over her chest.
"Surely you've let your spunk run away with your tongue." He told her, his brows furrowing ever so slightly. She realized then that he was truly beautiful even when he lied. She always fancied his peculiar stormy grey eyes, especially the way it swirled around his pupil like little clouds. He was the most beautiful man she had ever seen apart from his younger brother Kota who was her age. The two brothers were replicas of each other, although Kota was younger and in turn a great deal more boyish looking, while Hojo looked matured.
"Right well perhaps it has grown just a weary of your company as I have. Now if you will excuse the intrusion, I'll be on my way—got a ball to get to, wouldn't want to be late. Fashionably or unfashionably, I intend to savor this night with or without my incapacitated suitor." Cold words from such a warm woman, but they wouldn't have spewed from her mouth if it weren't for the mound in the bed beside her future husband.
A sarcastic bit of laughter wafted through the air as Kagome turned to take her leave. She held a tight hold on her emotions so that she would not cry from the betrayal that threatened to consume her, but Hojo's mocking made it a trifle difficult to take even herself seriously—a feat that always came easy to her. She could hear the ruffle of fabrics swishing together and the sound of an impatient squawk coming from the bed. It belonged to a female and that gave validation to her assumptions.
"Don't be daft." Hojo told her not two feet away now. "You cannot attend without me or my mother. Plus what's the use of going to a Debutante ball if you're not actually making your debut as a woman? What's the point if you're not looking for a man worthy of being your husband?" He asked, and then he was so close she could feel his finger twisting around a strand of her raven hair—so close she could feel his breath fogging against her neck.
Kagome spun around. There was a fiery look in her eyes reserved for only a few occasions and being burned by a lover was definitely at the top.
"Who's to say I'm not looking for a worthy man?" She countered. A corner of Hojo's lip turned upward in a lopsided smile as he brought his hands up to defend himself against her wrath.
"So quickly you've forgotten you've been promised to me. I believe that means you are spoken for." He reminded.
"Then I've been cursed." She huffed. There was a glint in her eyes one that silently told him no matter what he said to her she would be doing as she pleased that night. Something in him ticked and edged towards her with a defeated smile on his handsome face.
"Allow me to escort you." He said. Kagome gave him a grudging glance mulling over her choices in her mind. If she would let him take her it would be a great deal easier than her initial plan of dressing Sango in one of her dresses and passing her off as her sponsor. It would be tricky no doubt. After all Sango Evans was not of noble birth and the two were around the same age.
"I wouldn't dare pry you away from your previous engagement." She said spitefully, her lip curling up in disgust. Hojo held the satin sheets at his waist to cover his stark naked body. She dared a peek over at the bedside where she saw the sleeping form of a brunette chambermaid. "And I was so sure you preferred blondes." She stated inclining her head to look back at him.
"Tedious…" He mumbled, rubbing his now aching temple with his thumb and index finger. "Now if you're quite finished blowing this whole situation out of proportion… Your answer, my dear?" He asked letting his hand drop back to his side. Kagome's lips pressed into a tight line. Standing in the presence of his near naked form was already beginning to take a toll on her reserve every time her deep brown eyes washed over his marvelous abdomen. A faint blush painted her cheeks and she wondered if he could see the tint in the dim candle light, but she got her answer when a smug grin flittered across his face.
"Fine."
"I thought you would see it my way." He said triumphantly.
"On one condition."
"When you said we were to do this on your terms I hardly expected you to request we bring your chambermaid." Hojo said, a single brown brow raised. Kagome and Sango giggled in unison as they made their way into the large ballroom.
It had come to Kagome's attention that Sango had never been to an event as flashy as this, and she used Hojo's act of indiscretion to her advantage—and by that she meant that he would work some magic and get his mother's voucher for Sango. To make her look the part wasn't necessarily difficult all she had to do was lend her a dress and with just that the transformation was stupendous. Sango had a truly beautiful face when it wasn't hidden behind her mane of brown hair.
"Would you have rather we brought your chambermaid?" She countered.
"It matters naught, let's just hope nobody notices her weathered hands and lack of etiquette." He grumbled, brushing some lint off his dove gray coat. In order to keep up appearances Kagome placed her hand on the crook of Hojo's arm. "Let's get this over with." He groaned and secured a mock pleasant grin as he greeted one of the party goers.
The music began low at first and then growing until the room was filled with the pleasant sounds of violins and other various instruments. It could've been the single most delightful sound in the entire world, and Kagome entire body itched to dance to the steady sway of the music. Of course she couldn't very well do that linked to Hojo's arm, and she wouldn't leave Sango alone especially since this was such a foreign place for her.
"My you are fetching." Came a voice to the left of her, where Sango stood. Kagome turned to look at the voice a smile hidden behind her gloved hand. There stood an enchanting gentleman in a black coat and purple waistcoat. His violet eyes were currently glued to Sango who was blushing despite her rather reserved nature. "May I interest you in a dance?" He asked, extending a hand in front of Sango.
"I-I don't know… Kagome?" Sango spluttered, her eyes darting to Kagome as if she were asking permission.
"I don't know, Sango, what do you think?" Kagome said through a wide grin. Sango's brow furrowed, probably afraid she would make a fool of herself. Sango's gaze lingered on Kagome until she reluctantly turned her gaze to the unfamiliar male.
"It would be my pleasure, sir…" She began waiting for him to properly introduce himself.
"Oh where have my manners gone? I'm Miroku Kazana." He introduced, taking Sango's hand in his and brushing his lips against her knuckles.
"Well then Sir Miroku, shall we?" She said, smiling fondly up at him.
"We shall."
As they made their way to the congregation of dancers Sango risked a backwards glance at her friend. Kagome smiled reassuringly at her mouthing the words 'let him lead', and with that the two aligned themselves on the dance floor just as another song began to play.
"This could very well lead to ruin, you know that right?" Hojo reminded.
"I'm aware, but let her have her moment—maybe I can live this moment vicariously through her. I'll probably never have a chance like this, not with my pathetic excuse for a fiancé attached to my side." She spat. A bold remark from a wife to be which began to chisel away at his patience.
"I should learn to mind your tongue or you may find yourself into a heap of trouble, and you won't be able to talk your way out of it." Hojo ground out. Kagome ground her teeth looked away from him and to the dance floor to see how Sango was fairing. She quickly found her anger simmering down to mild agitation at the sight of Sango whirling around with a delighted smile on her face.
"If I didn't know any better I would say she was the daughter of the Duchess and I was the chambermaid." She whispered fondly. Hojo clicked his tongue against his teeth in annoyance. "If my being in my presence is such a burden then why don't you just find yourself a blushing debutante to woo?" She suggested, bitterness coating her words.
"You would love that wouldn't you?" He countered. Kagome tore her hand away from his and turned to stare at him in dismay.
"You're asking me if I would enjoy watching you dance with another woman, am I right?" She demanded, her brown eyes swimming with hurt. Hojo's eyes widened a fraction before he turned to view the damage she may have caused.
"This isn't the time or place to have this discussion." He warned in a low, harsh tone.
"You concern yourself too much with appearances. Am I not more precious to you than your reputation?" She asked, her eyes searching for his face for the answer before he could speak.
"What else is there? Your parents chose me because I would become an Earl and take over my father's estate. They chose me because marrying their daughter off to a viscount or a baron would be disgraceful—it's all about appearances, or they would let you choose a man on your own accord, or allow you to grow old and become a spinster." Those words cut deep into Kagome. She knew it to be true, but she thought that maybe even her father was doing this for her own benefit.
"You shouldn't speak of things you know naught about." She hissed, her chin trembling on its own accord. Kagome tore her eyes away from him as they began to brim with tears.
"Kagome… Don't do this, not here." He beseeched, reaching out to touch her face but she slapped his hand away before he could.
"Enjoy yourself." She murmured, turning on her heels and stalking towards the veranda. She wasn't sure if he would follow and she didn't care. All she needed was to get herself out of there before she broke down in front of the entire crowd.
She stepped into the fresh air, thankful that it was vacant. She quickly wiped the tears off her cheeks and moved to the railing, leaning over it. Her shoulders convulsed under the weight of the sorrow she kept pent up during her years with the Watanabe's. She took in a soothing breath and clutched the smooth marble. Music spilled onto the platform, the joyous upbeat tune a stark contrast with her spoiled mood. To think she entered the ballroom hoping for something magical, she never thought she would spend the duration of the party outside suffering a meltdown induced by her imbecile fiancé's thoughtless words.
"Pull yourself together, Kagome." She whispered to herself. This moment of weakness was uncommon for her, she acquired great emotional strength early on living in the Higurashi household. Words such as those would have never bothered her before, so why now? Why did they hurt so much now? Was it because they came from Hojo? She was having a hard time remembering the good in her suitor. It was true that she had fallen for the man and there must have been a reason. Perhaps she loved him just for the sole reason that she knew him for most of her life. Whatever the reason was she would have to deal with it, she loved Hojo Watanabe even after she found out that he was just like other men who couldn't be content with one woman—just like her father.
Ahem.
The subtle throat clearing shook her from her thoughts and she scrambled to wipe her damp cheeks and straighten her gown. "What now, Hojo?" She muttered, not turning immediately.
"Hojo?" A gruff voice answered, one she was not familiar with. Kagome spun on her heels to face the real owner of the voice, a hand to her chest. His features were hidden in the obscurity of the shadows.
"I beg your pardon, I confused you for another." She apologized, squinting in the darkness in attempt to identify him. As if sensing her intentions he stepped towards her into the ivory glow of the moonlight. Her breath hitched in her throat at the mere sight of him. How foolish and naïve was she to believe Hojo was the most handsome man in the world when he paled in comparison to this magnificent stranger? Even in the poor lighting she could make out his incredibly structured face, his deep brown eyes, his strong jaw and perfectly proportioned lips—or the raven hair that sprouted from his scalp and didn't stop until it reached well below his back. He wore a black jacket, a crimson waistcoat, black breeches clung to his lower half marvelously.
"I apologize, I've intruded on something." He said cracking a brilliant smile. Kagome closed her mouth that had fallen ajar in the moment of goggling.
"No, heavens no! You're hardly intruding. This is a party, the veranda is fair game for anyone to utilize." She said quickly, trying to regain her composure. He didn't seem like he was paying much attention to her words, more to her appearance. "Is there something on my face?" She asked, touching her cheeks to make sure she hadn't missed any stray tears.
"No, not at all." He assured her and she let her hands fall back to her sides. His head lifted slightly and he took in a bit of air through his nostrils before leveling his gaze to her again. "You've been crying." He stated, as if he had caught the scent of salt in the air.
"No haven't."
"Your eyes are still red." He pointed out, smiling a bit. "Now what could have caused such a ravishing woman to cry in such a place?" He asked, taking another step towards her. Kagome backed up until her back bumped into the railing.
"Perhaps you didn't hear me, I said I wasn't crying."
"A lover's spat?" He deduced, and was rather accurate which lead her to assume that he had been eavesdropping. "You know what would really get prince charming realize the error of his ways?" He asked stalking closer as if dangling a worm on a hook in front of hungry trout.
"Enlighten me."
"To see his lovely counterpart on the arm of dashing gentleman." He suggested, extending a hand out in front of her. She eyed it for a moment before turning her gaze to him. "I'll admit I have ulterior motives. I don't quite like the little termite myself…" He trailed off and Kagome cracked a smile, shaking her head in disbelief.
"So you were eavesdropping." She laughed and he joined her.
"Well my eyes were drawn to you the moment you walked in, and they lingered when I saw who you arrived with—one thing led to another and I managed to catch the whole monumental disgrace, on his part of course." He admitted and was rewarded with an even wider grin from Kagome.
"Flattery will get you nowhere."
"One dance, indulge me." He insisted and for a moment she forgot all about her previous sorrows and took his hand.