Society

[AmandaAce]

OOC -This thread is semi-open. When we have a need for a character, I'll post it.
Enjoy!



Dusk brushed the tops of the trees that lined the walkway to Stalham House. From the end of the lane the large house appeared alive and forbidding. The structure groaned with ivy, the large dark windows seemed to yawn like mouths, and the reflecting pool in the park stared upward like a large blind eye.
It was summer, warm and humid, but in the shadow of Stalham House the air blew cold across one's neck and shoulders, no matter how high the sun in the sky.
It was against this strange chill that Julia Stalham had clothed herself, wrapping a shawl around herself as she walked sedately around the reflecting pool.
Her complexion was rosy, her hair dark, and as she made her way through the garden in her soft grey dress, wrapped in the black shawl that had belonged to her mother, she was being watched.
As the sun sank below the horizon, Julia gathered her shawl around her and began to make her way back to the house. Right before she reached the front door, it was swung violently open by a pale, scrawny girl in uniform. Her blond hair poked out unitidily from beneath her cap, and there was a smudge of dirt on her cheek.
"Miss Julia," this creature gasped, "You'd do well to get upstairs quickly. She's in a horrible temper."
"Calm down, Lettie," Julia answered, handing the girl her shawl. As Lettie stood and goggled behind her, Julia began to ascend the stairs to her cousin's quarters.
Her father's cousin, Vertiline Snell, was a woman of copious proportions. Verd (as she'd been known as a child) was always dressed in the height of fashion, her considerable bulk strained into corsets, her greying hair colored in the current hue of the season.
She was cruel, and obnoxious, and Julia hated her. Verd had taken care of her since she'd been nine years old, the year her father had died, and Verd had moved into Stalham House and begun terrorizing the neighborhood.
As Julia reached the end of the hall to her cousin's sitting room, she was distracted by a movement at the window. Looking down into the park, she saw (or thought she saw) a figure creeping stealthily into the trees. She squinted and tried to look closer, but whatever it had been was gone.
Looking up, the lights of neighboring Covington House caught her eye. It had been years since there'd been a party at Stalham House (although during the Season Verd attended every one she could get into), so Julia had never really spoken with Lord Hugo or his two sons. She knew them by sight, though, and one of them was standing at an upstairs window, looking, apparently, for the same figure she was looking for. He looked up before she could back away from the window, and she saw that it was the younger son, a young man her age, whom she had always vaguely regarded as boorish. He lifted his hand in greeting, and dropped the curtain.
Julia turned away from the window, already discounting her eyesight. It was probably just a rabbit. Surely no man, stealthy or otherwise, could have any business at Stalham House. Life there was as boring as it got.
"Joooooooooooo-leeeya!" Verd bellowed. "What's keeping you, girl? I need you to help me lay out my clothes! I can't trust Lettie to do it, she's feeble!"
With one last glance out the window, Julia went to visit with her cousin Verd.

 

[poohlive]

"Absolutely impossible," Jean had finally set his own clothes for the day, drawing on a more conservative look, nice clothing, but nothing fancy or outright implorable. Rather, today was a day for blending in, good blending, of course, as one is encouraged to do, but blending nontheless.

"Their whole house is falling apart."

The maid came in, holding a platter with ingrediants for a breakfast tea. He waved it over to the table without a second though.

"Sir?"

"Stalham. I've just seen their daughter now, in the window, staring out... gawking. How unheard of. It isn't respectable. There is a time and place for everything, and she..."

He could not finish the thought, or, rather, the thought itself had turned to something cold and frightful, like some fish caught out of water. He lamentd to put it back into the stream before he could think any more about it.

"They have their own troubles, Sir."

Jean feigned a smile as he sat down. The maid poured him a cup of tea.

"And you know the troubles of the Stalham house, Maria?"

"Sir, one does not discuss rumors, but I have spent time with some of their staff, and word gets around."

"Oh, how scandalous. Tell me... Wait! Don't. I shouldn't know of them. As respectable as things are, I shouldn't hear, but the temptation is too much. Ok, speak, but speak in vague tones, so I can fill in the blanks myself. Yes, this will be a fun game."

Maria only finished with her work, cleaning up around the room where he had left his earlier clothing.

"You know of Vertiline Snell, and his condition."

Jean sipped at his tea, "Condition. Yes, splendid way to put it. A condition could mean anything, I love the way that sounds, go on."

"Sir, it is serious."

"Oh, I know, I know. That's what makes it more dramatic. I am on pins and needles, my dear. Go on."

Maria undressed the linens, "It has been getting worse, and they say she hasn't much longer to..."

"No, no, you say too much. Please, we must be discreet. Her condition has worsened, and plans have been made, yes."

"No, that's just it. No plans have been made."

"Well, good. Dreadful woman. I wouldn't make any plans either, even if she was already... worse in her condition. I have met her only a few times, and even those I regret. She holds me in little regard."

"It is sad when someone passes."

"If you say so. Tell me, these rumors, do they involve me?"

"Sir?"

"It is ok. I exhore you from your duties. Tell me, what does this old and sickly woman think of me?"

"She believes you are a prodigal spendthrift, and a shame upon all your family. I think she is fond of your father, she doesn't seem to criticize him, but you are... boorish, pardon my language."

Jean smiled, already looking out the window.

"And what of the girl? Julia, does she think this too?"

"I do not know, Sir. She keeps to herself on most matters."

A plan, forming, copulating. Evil and underrated, something someone like him would come up with.

"And what would this woman, in her condition, what would she think if her daughter was being courted by a prodigal spendthrift who happened to be boorish?"

"Sir, oh, my goodness sir. It would..."

"Precisely. I want you to go, Maria. I want you to help me in this plan. If you could, if you could help me, would you?"

"I'll do whatever is asked of me, Sir."

"I ask you of this. Go over, when you regularly do. And tell their servants of... a new found interest from me, in this woman, Julia. How, I will come to call on her soon enough."

Maria skipped out of the room, "This is scandalous, Sir."

"Indeed," Jean finished his tea, already a great deal happier than when he had started, "Indeed."

 

[AmandaAce]

Julia was awakened at seven by a completely distraught Lettie. Of course, it was Camille's day off, and Lettie was always flustered when called upon to shoulder the responsibilities of the upper household. Nonetheless, she was even more disheveled than usual, wringing her hands, her apron askew.
"Miss Julia, you must dress immediately. Mistress Snell is in a meeting downstairs with the solicitor, and she's in an awful state!"
Julia groaned. Mister Cheekington, of Cheekington, Campingworth, and Collingsford, was equally, if not more obnoxious than cousin Verd. She couldn't stand to sit in the drawing room at this hour, listening to them fawn and rattle on about Lord This and Lady That, followed by a dry, lengthy lecture on fee-simples and principles. The matters of her admittedly large estate were foreign to her. She trusted to Verd and Cheekington to handle them.
As Lettie helped her into her dress, there was a terrible commotion from downstairs.
"It's GONE!" The loud, tremulous voice of Vertiline Snell floated up the stairs, accompanied by several hemmings and hawings from Cheekington.
Julia and Lettie raced down the stairs. They were met at the second floor by Camille, who was taking a pile of Verd's mending to the dressmaker on her day out. They all flew into the drawing room together, to see Verd standing in front of the huge sideboard, the drawer open. There was paperwork everywhere, and Cheekington was actually on the floor sifting through the mess.
Julia had never seen Verd in such a state. She looked wild, and helpless, and frightened. There was none of her usual petty cruelty about her now.
"Miss Snell," Cheekington cajoled, "I'm sure if we just calm down and look thoroughly, we'll find it. Lettie, fetch a glass of water for Miss Snell, please."
Lettie bowed nervously and began backing out of the room. As she did so, she looked at Camille and announced innocently, "Maria's been in the kitchen for you, having a cup of tea. I'll just tell her you'll be in directly." She scurried out.
Verd plopped heavily down on a chaise and began mopping her face with her handkerchief as Cheekington crawled on the floor, his nose to the carpet, looking for whatever it was they'd lost. Lettie came in with a glass of water, and Verd accepted it gratefully.
Curtsying to Verd, Lettie turned to Camille.
"Maria's gone back home, but she's left a message from Mister Covington." She handed an small envelope to Verd, who handled it like it was a live snake. She dropped it in her lap without even looking at it and turned a stern eye to Camille.
"Maria who?"
"Just my friend, mum," Camille replied. "She's in service across the way at the Covington's, them who sent you the letter."
Julia watched as Verd and Cheekington exchanged a look, their normally ruddy visages now dead pale.
"Was a Covington in this house?" Verd whispered in a voice completey unlike her usual bleat.
Camille shook her head. "No, mum, only Maria, their upstairs maid. She's my friend."
Verd and Cheekington looked at each other once again. As one, they stood and began picking up the papers. Lettie moved forward to help, but was stopped by a stern look from Verd.
"I'm going into London, Julia," Verd announced, "with Mister Cheekington. There are estate matters we have to take care of. With any luck, I shall be back for supper. Lettie, ring for Edward to ready the carriage."
With that, Verd and Cheekington swept out, followed solicitously by Lettie and Camille.
Julia, alone in the drawing room, picked up the small envelope that Verd had dropped. She opened it.

 

[poohlive]

After an hour of pure torture, which Jean could only describe as absolutely delightful, curiosity got the better of him, and he burst into Maria's room. She didn't look surprised, rather, she was sitting on her bed, expecting him to come here.

"Oh, devilish of a woman. How dare you. Keeping me waiting. You are such a naughty girl."

She could only smile, innocent and blameless, "Why, Sir, whatever do you mean?"

"Blast! Foul fiend. You will be the death of me yet."

"You meet your death, Sir, rather than hear what I have to say?"

"You are too much, but, yes, please. Tell me. Every word. Details and details."

Jean kneeled down, looking at her as she sat, his knees expectant of her, his eyes pleading like that of a submissive dog, awaiting his master's approval.

"I sent a letter."

"A letter. Oh, a paper trail! No, that won't do at all."

"Oh, but it was a very good letter, I assure you, and from what I can tell, it will go to all the wrong hands."

"Yes? Will it? That is good. Verd will read it?"

"And Julia herself."

"Oh, you are too good. How could I have ever pulled it off without you."

She scratched Jean's nose, "You couldn't, Sir."

"What was in the letter?"

"Like you said, Sir, vague. Vague notions. I wrote concern about Verd's health, asked how the family was doing, and noted my expression for the still single Julia, stuck in the house, with no one to entertain her."

"Entertain," Jean's eyes lit up, "Oh, how horrible. If she reads that, she will fall to pieces."

"But you will be there to pick her up, won't you?"

"Yes, all the while as her family watches. Yes, Go on, what else."

"I merely wrote that my master has been noticing this as well, and showed some opinion, care even, to her well being. He even expressed an interest to court her, should she be available."

"Available, of course she is available. Oh, but we must do things slowly, subtlely. None of this would work without that. It would all fall apart. Oh, Maria..."

Jean began kissing her hands, delicate little things that had put this all in motion.

"Stop it Sir, people might be suspicious."

"Oh, let them," He said, between kisses, "Let them all wonder. We have the upper hand now. We have all the pieces out. I must ask for Julia's hand in marriage... yes, but not too soon. We should court. What do I do? How do I court this young woman? I must know everything about her. Everything. For this to work, we must fall in love."

"Well, if she reads the letter, she will know of your interest, Sir."

"Yes, but interest is only the first step. I need her to go out, to meet her in some public setting. Does she visit the theatre, go for walks in the park, public outings?"

"Since her cousin has become ill, she barely leaves the house."

"What about a party?"

"Sir?"

"A grand ball, here, in our house. I will host one, a masquerade ball, one with dancing and birds and millions of little dishes of food. Yes, and I will write hundreds of invitations... and a specific one to Julia, asking her to join me. Yes, that would work. We need to set this up, for just a few days. Letters to write, people to cater, we need valets and servants. Spare no expense, make it grand and seductive. I will tell my father at once."

"What if she says no?"

"She won't... and if she does, then we'll have to think of something more dangerous, more ellusive. But for now... Maria, spread rumors, lies, anything and everything. Tell them, I am putting this ball on specifically for Julia, that I have fallen ill, and madly in love with her. Let the people talk, let them all think something naughty is at hand. That will assure them that they will come."

"Yes Sir," Maria got to work. Jean ran downstairs, making his own preparations. He had a woman to court, and another to kill.

Oh, murder was such fun.

 

[AmandaAce]

Julia

Julia read the letter impatiently, trying to find what it was that Verd found so upsetting about the Covingtons. It was a bland little note, wishing Verd good health among other cordial nonsense, but the last few lines really got her attention. In fact, she read it three times --

We hope the lovely Miss Julia is in good health as well, as she has not been seen about lately. Young Mister Covington wishes to convey his greetings to Miss Julia, and extends an open invitation to the theatre, or some other place of amusement, should the fancy take her. Should you be in need of anything, feel free to call upon your neighbors ---

It was signed "The Covingtons". Not "Lord Hugo", or "Mister Jean Covington", nor even "the Covington Family". Julia shrugged and folded the letter back up.
How strange that Mister Covington should send this letter, in the guise of a note to her cousin. He couldn't really want to court her, could he?
The thought brought a frosty smile to her lips. Of course he could. Anyone would, who knew the size of the Stalham estate.
She tossed the letter onto the sideboard. How dare Jean Covington try to court her for her money? They had enough of their own, and titles to boot. She was well aware that the boy was living very well. His clothes, though dandyish, were at the heighth of fashion, and he was seen all the time at parties, flirting with the women, elocuting verse from tabletops, and generally acting like a student with more money than brains. She'd heard about it all from Verd.
At the same time, the idea of entertainment, of going out without Verd by her side, of dancing and being seen, was intriguing.
Perhaps she and Mister Covington could use each other. Perhaps she was entitled to live like the other wealthy young ladies lived, with parties and the theatre and trips to Bath to take the waters. Perhaps she could start by writing a reply.
She slid into the chair that Cheekington had occupied, and pulled open a drawer in the sideboard. Reaching in, she extracted a pen and a sheet of paper.

Dear Mister Covington,
Your invitation has been accepted. I leave it to you to determine the time and place. You may send word with your Maria, who is friendly with my Camille. I thank you for your gesture, and hope to repay it in kind. I will await your answer. Until then, I remain

Your friend and neighbor,
Miss Julia Stalham

"Lettie!" Julia called. She would have the girl take it over immediately. It would be good for her, anyway, since Lettie was highly agitated by Verd' s fits of temper.
"Lettie!" Julia called again, opening the desk drawer and rummaging for a ribbon to tie the note with. She found one, way in the back corner of the drawer, but it was stuck. Grimacing, Julia braced herself and pulled. Out came a length of ribbon, not the vibrant pink color Verd used in correspondence, but an old rotted length of it, tied around a key.
It was no ordinary doorkey. Though tarnished, it was a delicate affair of filigreed silver, the lacy design of its handle tapering to a small diamond shape at the end. There were no teeth to it, but it was a key nonetheless.
Julia pulled the ribbon from around the key. As she did so, a small piece of cracked vellum was revealed. Not even an inch square, the vellum had been torn from a larger piece, as its edges were ripped and crumbling.
There were words, or at least partial words, on the parchment., but it was upside down. Julia rotated the parchment and read this --

Sta
dead
Covin
secre

--just as Lettie burst in guiltily. Julia, equally guilty, dropped the key and parchment in her lap.
"Will you take this, Lettie?" she asked coolly, not daring to turn around. She handed the note over her shoulder with one hand as she dropped the key into her dress pocket with the other.
Lettie took the note and left gratefully, while Julia stood at the front door, watching her cross the park towards Covington House. As she watched, she could've sworn she saw the upstairs curtains twitch, as though someone was watching her.

 

[poohlive]

"A note!"

Maria nearly ran into the room, her dress following her somewhat crudely. Jean stood up with a start, thinking her stark raving mad... but mostly turned on by her behaviour. He looked at her with shock and fevered emotions.

"A note, from her. From Julia."

"A note?" It dawned on him just what was going on. A note, A note. A note a note a note a note a note a note a note a note a note a note.

It was a note, from her. From Julia. She gave him a note. She had written a note, which was meant for him, and gave it to someone to give to him, so that he could read it and then understand the words that she had written on it, and then respond in some way.

"Well, open it, read it. Don't just hold it. Ahh, you are mad with rant. I can't understand you."

Jean snatched the note from her feverish grasp, as she fell axhausted on the bed, staring up at him with longing eyes. He read it, over and over, back and forth. Then, as Maria nearly screamed and threw a perfectly well ornament at him as he just read it to himself, he read it aloud to her.

"Wow. She is forward."

"Forward. My goodness. I thought I would actually have to court her. This... this is...."

"This is divine intervention. She likes you, she wants you, I do believe you are the one being courted..."

Jean didn't expect this. He didn't expect this at all. This was wonderful, he could just imagine all the wonderful possibilities if she was infatuated with him, if she really liked him. He could stay over late, take her to private walks and trips out of town, and millions upon millions of rumnors and scancals could be started. All of them leading right to Verd's sickly ears.

"Oh, we are damned, my pet."

Maria smiled, and for a moment Jean could almost see the forked tongue behind her teeth. He smiled back, greedily feeling the note in his hand.

"You must write back at once."

Jean nodded, but he stopped before he reached his writing desk.

"What does this mean?"

"It means our plan is working... more than expected."

"No, I mean, what does this tell us about her."

"That she loves you?"

"Yes. And to court her? It won't be nearly as hard. I don't need to find a way to bump into her. She will readily accept me... say, if I show up inexpectedly."

"Of course, she is madly in love with you. She will call upon you any- Hey! Sir, where are you going?"

But Jean had left. He didn't even bother with his hat or coat. He had run out of his room, letting the door hang open. Taking the stairs two at a time, he jumped down, ran towards the door, slammed throught it, and left it open as well.

Carriages stopped, horses neighed, and sidewalk pedestrians murmured in disagreement as he passed by them all, making a straight line for the Stalham house.

Getting there, without pasuing for breath, he knocked on the door. The letter was still clutched in his hands, he didn't even have time to put on shoes, he wore nothing more than pants, a button shirt, and a smoking jacket. He looked out of breath, and near faint, it was perfect.

He knocked again, ringing the bell, and then knocking once more.

"Julia. I must speak with her, it is upmost importance."

Maria was closing the front door of the house, shaking her head, but a crude smile on her face just the same.

 

[AmandaAce]

Without Verd bellowing up and down the halls and random Lady So-and-So's in the parlour stuffing themselves with sweets, Julia found Stalham House a pleasant place. Of course, it was her childhood home, and it was here that the memories of her mother and father were most deeply ingrained.
She wandered down the hall to the kitchen, where Mrs Avery, the cook, was sitting with her feet up and reading a serial magazine. She looked up guiltily when Julia entered, but relaxed when she saw who it was.
"Would you like some breakfast, Miss?" she asked, getting to her feet.
"I'm starving," Julia answered, and in no time Mrs Avery had provided her with several rashers of bacon, a cup of tea, and a scone with clotted cream and jam. Julia took this hero's repast into the morning room with her. It was a room Aunt Verd rarely used, having converted Julia's father's study into her personal sitting room. The morning room was primarily Julia's, and she liked to sit in the windowseat and eat her breakfast, reading a book and watching people pass by.
She took a bite of her scone and opened her book. As she did so, she was startled by a din from the street. A carriage had screeched to a halt, barely avoiding an accident with a young man who was in the street. Julia put down her scone and looked closer. Poor thing, he was obviously half-mad. He was incompletely dressed, for one thing, and barefoot. He wore no hat, and his hair sprung defiantly from his skull, waving in the breeze. Julia stifled a giggle as the young man nimbly weaved his way through the rest of the traffic and began running lightly up the steps of Stalham House.
"Oh, no," Julia said, as she looked closer at the feeble youth. The barefoot madman was Jean Covington, and at this very moment he was approaching her front door.
The bell sounded twice, and was immediately followed by a frantic knocking. Lettie flew by from upstairs where she had been putting away the laundry.
"Lettie, wait!" Julia shouted, but it was too late. She had already opened the door.
"Julia, I must speak to her. It is of the utmost importance," he bellowed, no doubt terrifying Lettie out of her wits.
This man was an abomination. He was so desirous of her fortune that he had crossed a major road at the heighth of the afternoon, barefoot, to court her. It was really all quite ridiculous, and if Verd found out ---
Julia looked up as she heard the front door swing open. She'd let him in. Jean Covington was in her house, obviously mad, and indecently dressed. And the whole world had seen him enter.

 

[poohlive]

"Where is she? Is she upstairs?"

Jean had come in, smiling at the servant girl, looking passed the hallway, down the corridor, towards the other rooms, and even the kitchen. No one, except for some wide eyed servants, all of whom looked at him with surprise and malice. Secretly, Jean could hear the rumors already, spreading, treading, moving about the earth like silent monoliths, their speeches written in stone.

It sounded desperate, and Jean couldn't help but admire it. They were truly alive.

"She is upstairs, Sir."

Jean ran up the stairs, coming down the long corridor, looking in different rooms, and unsure which one was hers. He did remember her staring from a certain room though, which one was it?

From the house? The second from the left, that would mean...

He stopped just outside one room, the door closed. In a moment, he hastily tried to adjust his hair, making it look worse than what it had been before, and smiled as he knocked.

"My dear? Miss Stalham, ummm, it is me, Jean Covington. I have come here, through great peril of my own, to see you. I received your letter."

He held it up, although she couldn't see it through the door. It was still closed. He knocked politely again.

"Might we have a chance to talk?"

From somewhere inside the house, he heard a giggle, and it was the prettiest sound he ever did hear.

 

[AmandaAce]

Julia hastily placed her breakfast dish out of the way on her desk, stood up, and smoothed her skirts. She'd be damned if she'd let this lunatic take her composure. He was standing outside right now, knocking and booming in that boisterous voice of his. He sounded like a stage actor.
"Might we have a chance to talk?" he asked through the door, and Julia stifled a laugh. To think what Verd would say if she saw this young man in the hall, no shoes, hair a mess, and a Covington to boot. There would be no end to the struggles! Julia laughed again. She looked toward the door.
She'd been having second thoughts about this sort of abject manipulation, but the thought of Aunt Verd's reaction made up her mind. She'd do it. She'd nothing to lose.
She seated herself on the chaise in the middle of the room and affected a bored pose.
"Enter," she said nonchalantly, biting her cheeks to hide the smile that kept creeping over her face.

 

[poohlive]

Jean opened the door, seeing her sitting already, calm, composed, ready to recieve him. He bowed politely, his hand coming up to take his hat, but he wore no hat, so instead, it just sort of awkwardly hung in the air above his head.

"Julia, Miss Stalham, I..." Jean hadn't a clue what to say, to be honest. He had thought about coming here, and so many of the things they would say, and what would happen, but the first dialogue between them, as potential lovers? Goodness, what would they do?

"I got your letter," He said off hand, and held it, crumpled and crinkled now in his hand. He tried to smooth it out on his leg, but it wouldn't do. He shook his hand, and put it in one of the pockets of his smoking jacket.

"I was surpised you answered, or even acknowledged me. I didn't think you knew anything about me. I am glad to hear the contrary. It is a lovely turn of events."

Jean let the door shut behind him, as he moved further into the room toward her, and sat down next to her.

"I remember seeing you from across the way, looking out of your window. You were a vision of loveliness. I could not imagine seeing anyone else to greet me in the morning."

Oh, he was wooing her with words. How wonderful, this was good, he could go on with this all day. Sweet talk was the butter of a good relationship, as long as he could keep lying to her like this, they would be married within the week.

 

[AmandaAce]

Julia raised her eyebrow slightly when Mister Covington entered the room. He seemed possessed of none of his usual boorishness, and in fact, appeared caught off guard by her calm reception.
He was saying something to her, but she wasn't really paying attention. The more she thought about it, the more she wanted to know the secret. There was something going on, with Aunt Verd and Cheekington and even this Covington boy. Maybe he was the key to what was happening. He was also very handsome, and very stupid. Perhaps she would do well to play along with this little charade, and in doing so, perhaps she could win the upper hand.
She turned to face him. "Mister Covington," she said. "You are much too kind. But I believe the invitation was to an evening out? Or have you gotten in the habit of going about town barefoot?"

 

[poohlive]

Jean blushed at this, looking down at his toes, wiggling them to and fro as if on display. He had completely forgot to put on shoes, or socks, or anything of that nature. Although, he had forgotten on purpose, still, here he was, muddy and in her room, chatting with her. He seemed distracted, by her voice, her tone, the way she looked at him, her lovely features, dancing just below her clothing.
It was beautiful, he could not argue with that.

"I was so happy, to hear you call for me. I came running over, without regards to proper attire, or even ettiquette. Please, forgive my rudeness. Men often forget many things when cases of the heart take over."

He smiled at her, and then nodded toward the business, "There is a theatre event, tonight. I can easily get us tickets. Would you mind joining me tonight? I don't know if you like the theatre, but it is very good, I hear, and always a wonderful place to be seen... if one wanted to be seen."

Jean rose up, nodding to her.

"If not, we could go to dinner. At a restaurant, or you could join us at my place. I could have the cooks make you whatever you want, and we could talk of hundreds of things, both in the city and country."

"Or, we could go for a ride, if you wish, in the country. Ride horses off and see the beautiful woods and meadows that are so close to us. There are tons of places to go just miles away from us. A mere hour's ride, and you could swear you are on another planet."

Jean kneeled down before Julia, holding her hand in his own. The only thing that would have been more perfect, would be if a servant came upon them in this position.

"Join me, in one of those things, if they suit you, or something else. Whatever you want. Just ask me of it, and I will do my best to give it to you."

 

[AmandaAce]

Julia looked down at him. He was kneeling on the carpet, for goodness sakes'. All over a trip to the theatre!
"Mr. Covington, I would be delighted to be seen in the company of such a personage as yourself. I will accompany you to the theatre, on one condition. Get off your knees at once! It's very unbecoming." She smiled down at him, and was preparing to withdraw her hand from his, when, with a crash, Lettie came stumbling into the morning room with a huge tea tray. Taken aback by what she saw, Lettie flung the tea tray and fled the room. The huge pewter teapot, luckily, came down with a crash on the windowseat and overturned, leaking tea into the cushions, but burning no one.
Less fortunately, the cream pitcher had splashed its contents all over Mister Covington's face, and the bodice of Julia's gown was covered in bits of sugar and cream icing from the upended pastry dish that lay at her feet.
Lettie was audible in the hallway, wailing her way down the stairs.
Julia looked at Covington, covered in milk, and burst into helpless gales of laughter.

 

[poohlive]

How perfect! How delightfully perfect. If there had been any other way for this to happen, Jean could not think of it. He just couldn't. He imagined the more horrible embarrassing things to happen, and this did not even come close.

Here he was though, in his worst attire, cream dripping from his body, and Julia herself dirtied as well. He saw her face, surprised by the reaction, then slowly laughing out loud.

Jean could only laugh himself, getting up, unable to know what to do with his present situation.

"Unbecoming... I must apologize. I have forgotten for a moment how we must handle things, especially in our day and age."

Although, if anyone were to know just exactly how to handle things in this day and age, it would have been him, but he wouldn't let on that he knew any of this.

"I think I have been punished for my mistake," He sighed, laughing as more cream dripped off of him.

"The theatre, tonight, I will pick you up just at seven."

He took a piece of icing from off of Julia's gown, right on her shoulder, and licked it off his finger.

"Give my compliments to the cook," He gave her a mischevious wink.

 

[AmandaAce]

Julia, disheveled and dotted with sugar, smiled at his suggestive remark.
"It's possible that you're more clever than I suspected, sir. Nonetheless, I will await your carriage with bated breath."
Still smiling, she took his arm and began steering him toward the door.
"I'm sure Lettie will be quite ready to show you out, she said, pushing him out of the morning room. "Good day." she gave a quick curtsy and shut the door in his face.
Julia waited until she heard his footsteps moving away, and then flung herself on the chaise and buried her face in the pillows to stifle her laughter.
The look on Lettie's face! Oh, Verd would know everything before the sun was down, no doubt, and wouldn't like it one bit. There was, of course, not really anything she could do about it, as the house and everything therein was technically Julia's, and although Verd was in charge of the estate, Julia was eighteen, and the estate holder.
Still, Verd would be furious when she found out, and all the more furious that she'd missed it. For Verd would not be back from London today, though it was only a short ride into the city from their suburb. In fact, wouldn't it be delicious if Verd were at the theatre?! She often attended with her society friends, nosy bulldog women that they were.
Perhaps the quickest way to find out what everyone was keeping from her would be to startle it out of Verd. And what better way to do that than be seen by a hundred people, in the heighth of the Season, looking radiant, on the arm of Jean Covington? It would knock them all on their ears.
Julia stood up, brushing sugar from her bodice, and went to find Lettie.

 

[poohlive]

Jean fell on the bed, exhausted. He had been drained of everything, laughter, deceit, thoughtful interaction. Even his smile was tired and old. He had swam through a lifetime just to come out of there, and it felt good, tiring, but good.

Maria plopped on the bed next to him, laying on his side, her hands moving over the stains on his clothing.

"My, did you have fun."

Jean sighed, "Lettie came in, while I was on my knees. She saw us, startled her so, and she threw the whole tray of tea at us. I got the brunt of it. My dear Julia took her fair share of casualties though."

Maria stifled a fit of giggles, before braying like a horse. Jean smiled, staring back at the ceiling, waiting for her to finish.

"It will be everywhere, you realize," she said, between her brazen laughter.

"Everywhere, and anywhere. I hope to get stares tonight at the theatre."

"So, she accepted."

"Oh, of course. It was magnificient. I played my role fantastically. Desperately in love, eyeing over her, complimenting her, my big puppy dog eyes searching hers for any sign of affection. I was putty in her hands, and you want to know something?"

Maria leaned closer, her body pressing against his, "I do."

"I think she liked it... no, enjoyed it."

"Of course. Women love play things."

Jean thought of answering that. He bit his lip, wanting to say it might have been something else. Maybe, company, or the thought of affection, or an afternoon with someone other than herself, but shook his head. No, it mustn't be that. This was a game, they were playing a game in society, and right now, they were breaking all the rules.

"Then, we must prepare for the theatre. Go, get me tickets. Two of them, right in the lower balcony, so that everyone may see us. We can have a wonderful evening together."

Maria nodded, getting up, brushing her dress, and moving off to her duties.

Jean stoof there, laying, glancing out the window every now and then.

 

[AmandaAce]

Lettie had been in a most horrible state of hysterics for at least the last four hours. She had apparently chased Mister Covington out of the house with a fireplace poker, threatening to call the police. She'd then retreated to Verd's sitting room, which was directly underneath the morning room , and peeked out the window until she saw him enter his own home. On top of that, she'd pulled every drape in the house and insisted on sitting at the front door holding her weapon. It took Julia several hours to convince her that Mister Covington had made no attempts of any kind, either on her virtue or her life, and that the posture she'd walked in on was just the tail end of a society joke. Lettie had then taken a cup of tea and gone to her room to rest. Julia had no doubt that by the next evening, every servant in the neighborhood would know that she and Jean Covington were caught in a compromising situation during Verd's short time away.
The business with Lettie so tired Julia that she ate a simple meal of bread and broth in the kitchen with Mrs. Avery, and then went to find Camille, as she only had two hours in which to make herself presentable for the theatre.
Her bath had alerady been drawn, and Julia spent nearly an hour soaking in the lavender-scented water, smiling to herself at what she'd set in motion.
Camille was busy in Julia's room, pressing the dress she would wear tonight. It was of a navy blue and cream color, with a cuirasse bodice in the new style, that heightened the effect of Julia's tall, slim silhouette.
As Camille helped her don the dress, Julia frowned at her face in the mirror, applying touches of rouge and smoothing her eyebrows.
Finally, Camille fixed Julia's hair, pulling it up into an elaborate knot at the top of her head, to which she fixed several
tiny cream colored roses. Several long ringlets hung from the back of her head and curled around her shoulders.
By a quarter of seven Julia was dressed, seated calmly on the chaise in the morning room, reading Verd's Spring edition of Godey's Lady's Book. A mischievious smile played across her lips as she waited for the bell to ring.

 

[poohlive]

"Would you stop," Maria had been fussing with his bow tie for the last half hour now, and it was beginning to irritate him. He stood there, in his suit, the best one he had, looking in the mirror, wondering if he should bother with his cane or not. The cane made him look more distinguished, but it also didn't swim well with the rest of the outfit. He sighed, such complicated decisions.

Maria's arms spidered over his shoulders to straighten his tie.

"I said stop! You mad woman. Goodness."

"I will not let you leave this house a disheveled wreck... again."

"It is fine, it is straight, it is perfect. Look, a nice little bow tie, wonderfully sharp and straighter than an arrow. Now, will you let me finish?"

Maria grumbled something before running off to do her chores.

He looked at himself with the cane, and then dropped it on the bed, seeing himself without it. He picked it up, seeing himself as debutante and dashing with his cane, but also disjointed and bumpy, and without the cane, he was smooth and versatile, but also rather boring and plain.

"Maria, do we have any other canes?"

She didn't answer. Damn that women! And all women for that matter, damn them and their complicated brains. Oh, he could never dress himself alone. He had no idea how poor people did it. If he found this daunting task before him one day, he would have to kill himself. It would be the only way.

She gave him a cross look in the doorway.

"Fine, you may fix it, but give me a decent cane. I must make an appearance."

She stood in front of him, pulling out the bow tie, and wrapping her hands around his neck, slender and spoiled, as she tied it to near perfection. He saw it in the mirror, and nodded. It had been off, why did he ever doubt her. Women were the most wonderful things in the world, the best invention god ever created. He didn't know what he would do without them.

She stepped into the closet, and came back with a polished silver cane, with the tip of an eagle. So regal, so profound. He couldn't help but feel excited.

"Yes, yes, that is perfect."

"It is nearly time, Sir."

The carriage was waiting outside. He stepped out, into the fresh twilight air, and came up to their ride for the night.

"The Stalham house, my good man," Jean spoke aloud, stepping inside.

"Sir?"

"Stalham. You do know their house, don't you?"

The driver turned, giving Jean a quite confused and complicated stare. Then he pointed across the street.

"Yes, good man. Now, take me there."

The driver stood frozen, only blinking at the deranged man in his backseat, before shrugging his shoulder, and hauling the two horse carriage a whole ten feet to the other side of the street.

"The Stalham house, Sir," He said, somewhat dully.

"Excellent, I thought we'd never get here." Jean jumped out of the carriage, bouncing up to the stairs, and knocking ever so slightly.

"Lady, your chariot awaits." He stood there, with the cane at his side, decadence brewing off of him, hoping she'd answer the door herself and see how wonderful he was so she could fall in love with him.

 

[AmandaAce]

Promptly at seven, the bell rang. Julia had deputized Camille to answer it, for fear that Lettie would lose her wits if confronted with Mister Covington again. Camille, dear girl that she was, had been sitting in the parlour for half an hour, waiting patiently for the bell. Julia heard Camille's voice downstairs.
"If sir would care to wait in the drawing room, I'll fetch down Miss Stalham," Camille chirped. Julia heard Covington murmur a reply as the footsteps moved into the drawing room.
She got up and glided over to the mirror to check her reflection. A splendid figure of a young lady gazed back at her, mouth on the brink of a smile, one eyebrow ever so slightly raised. It was a face even Jean Covington would fall in love with. Pursing her lips, Julia dabbed a bit more coral salve on them. She heard Camille's light tread on the stair.
"He's here, Miss!" Camille whispered as she poked her head in the door. "And he looks ever so handsome!"
"Looks can be deceiving, Camille," Julia replied, grasping her tiny purse. "You may go about your business now, if you like. I won't need you anymore tonight."
Camille's eyes sparkled with mischief. "You must tell me everything when you get back!" she said, and went up the stairs to the servant's quarters.
As Julia reached the landing, she caught sight of Edward, the footman, standing outside the drawing room. She gestured wildly to get his attention, then motioned that he should introduce her. Edward, dear man, performed his task admirably. He stepped into the drawing room, resplendent in his uniform (he had taken the tie off, but who would notice), gave a stiff, disdainful bow to Covington, and announced, "Miss Julia Stalham."
Julia swept down the stairs, touching her hair to make sure the flowers would stay put, and entered the drawing room.
"Good evening, Mister Covington," she said demurely.

 

[poohlive]

Jean got a pang of jealousy the someone introduced her. He would have given anything to have someone introduce him. Or, rather, have someone introduce someone who would introduce him. He'd have to keep that in mind for next time. She wouldn't hear the end of this, not if Jean was concerned.

She looked good as she stepped into the room, graceful. Surprisingly a lot better then he thought she was going to look. Not that she would look bad in anything, but he could imagine she was rather plain and nothing else. When was the last time she had been out of this house? Months... years.

Still, this was good. To have something that beautiful wrapped around his arm for tonight, it would be indeed a treat.

Wait, what was he thinking? He wanted them to have a horrid secret affair, with rumors spreading like wildfire, not to enjoy her company.

Why did she have to look so pretty? This was distracting him, and ruining his plans. He huffed, gave her the prettiest smile, and bent to kiss her hand.

"My dear, you are picturesque. Thank you for everything. I would stay for tea, and pleasentries, but the play is to begin shortly. I think it best if we go."

He directed her outside, pointing with his ever so distinguised cane, to the carriage.

"Oh, I just love the theatre. And from what I've heard of this play, you will love it too. It is to die for."

 

[AmandaAce]

Mister Covington looked surprisingly dapper, Julia observed. He offered his arm and they swept out the door and into the waiting carriage.
"Lady Fullworth has said that this play is particularly amusing," Julia remarked once they had settled into their seats. He was sitting rather improperly close to her, and she sat up straighter and swept her skirts away from him.
The traffic into the city was moderate, and they said little during their journey. Julia was most preoccupied with her hair. She kept touching it, making sure her bun was securely in place. She also kept sneaking glances at Jean, who looked most preoccupied himself, and quite handsome, as he sat there with his brow furrowed.
Julia checked her purse for her opera glasses, and when she looked up, he was looking at her. She blushed furiously, against her will, and turned her head quickly to look out the window.
They were approaching the theatre now, and Julia could already see several people she knew.
"There are so many people here tonight," she said, peering out the window at a large, familiar black chaise. As she spoke, the chaise pulled to a stop and Cheekington got out, followed closely by Miss Adeline Cloris, a rich spinster, and Vertiline Snell herself.
Julia gasped and put her hand to her mouth to stifle a laugh. Everything was going better than she could possibly have hoped. The three stood outside the theatre, talking to a wealthy-looking older couple Julia didn't recognize.
The carriage pulled to the stop, and the driver dismounted.
""Ere we are," he said, opening the door and extending a hand to Julia.

 

[poohlive]

Jean had been overwhelmed when the theatre finally came into view. Faintly, from outside, he could hear snippets of conversation.


"... not even wearing shoes..."


"... he was kneeling in front of her..."

"Why yes, she was so frightened, she threw tea at them..."


Oh, how wonderful. This was better than he could ever have expected. The excitement only built when he got out of the coach, and saw more than a few people stand and gawk, or aver their eyes.

That was, until he caught sight of another face. Was it here? He checked, but he was postive.

"My dear Miss Julia, is that not your cousin?" He spoke, putting his arm around hers, and already moving her other in that direction. He could not have planned this better if he had spent a solid two years on the subject. She would see them, and then the rumors would spill her way.

Oh, everything was coming up perfect.

"Should we disturb them? They seem lively enough, but I would love the opportunity to say hello before the play starts. It is, after all, the polite thing to do."

Jean smiled mischeviously, already practicing how he would introduce himself, and made sure his cane was out so that everyone could see it.

 

[AmandaAce]

Julia found herself blushing uncontrollably as Mister Covington propelled her forcefully in the direction of her cousin. People were turning all around them, following their progress and whispering viciously.
"I've heard they're engaged to be married," someone said.
"Bold as brass, in the sitting room, they were," someone else remarked.
And now they were turning, and Cheekington's ruddy face was growing redder still. Miss Cloris' jowls were aquiver, and Verd was apoplectic.
"Julia!" Cheekington gasped.
"Mister Cheekington, Miss Cloris," Julia acknowledged, curtsying slightly. "Cousin Vertiline. May I present Mister --"
"Jean Covington!" Verd gasped. "You blackguard! Julia, step away from this creature at once!"
Everyone was looking now. Although the theatre doors were open, the crowd lingered outside, watching the spectacle unfold.
"Miss Snell," Cheekington fawned. "Let us get to our seats. We can discuss this with Julia in the morning. In private," he said, raising his eyebrows at the large crowd.
"Yes, Julia. We will discuss this in private," Verd said, spots of color flaming high in her cheeks.
"And Mister Covington," she added. "What have you to say for yourself?"

 

[poohlive]

Give me a minute...

 

[poohlive]

"Why, my dear Miss. I am simply enjoying an evening at the theatre. As you know, it is dreadful to go to the theatre alone, and my original plans had fallen through. And, I remembered how lovely and interesting your dear cousin here admired the theatre... and other such activities."

Someone shrieked at this, reciting what some of those activities might be to anyone within hearing distance.

"I asked her to come, and she was more than thrilled. I wish I had known you were coming though. We could have all gone together, made an entire night of it. But, unfortunately, this was all last minute, and now, I am afraid I'll have to take your cousin away and sweept her off to our private balcony. I hope to see you after the performance, my dear. You look smashing."

Jean nodded his goodbyes, and adeiu's as he helped Julia into the theatre, hastily moving them into their private booth. Jean could only stared diligently as he left nothing more than wild confusion and rafting hatred in his path.

"My," He said, glad that is had taken place, and even more so that he had Julia here by his side, "What is wrong with your cousin? She seemed ready to take my head off. Such rashness from a dignified lady. I can just imagine how she is behind doors."

Jean laughed, winking at Julia, and reaching over so he could squeeze her hand.