The Arrangement (closed)

[silvertongue217]

Tick Tock

Tick tock

TICK TOCK

That damn taunting clock

It haunted the middle aged lord following him through the manor and finding him no matter how much he hid from it or tried to block its sound. No matter where he went be it the library or the garden the sound of the clock followed some how reaching him from its place in HER room, the one they shared for so many years. Memories of the clock would always stir when he had it made for her, the look on her face when he presented it to her, the time they made love against it…… One of the many priest around London would have told him the memories were good that he should find strength in them. His wife would live on they would say to him he had no doubt that she would always be alive in his memories.

Screw his damn memories

“I want that clock broken into pieces” He murmured watching as his butler and best friend Ian came in. He angrily drowned the last of his wine and whipped his mouth starring at the books all around him and wondering how many had been HERS. She loved to read after all and half the library…….

“I shall get that done right away sir” Ian said in a dry voice and Lord Lance Preston the third new he was just humoring him “but perhaps you would like to know that your new bride is due here any moment” he said nodding at the door and the outside world.

“Oh” Lance said his anger steadily increasing as he remembered what today was. The “king” had seen fit to give him his illegitimate daughter after a nasty little scandal Lance didn’t catch wind of until after he agreed to marry her. Of course even if she was squeaky clean he only said yes for the political power behind it and not because he had any interest in having a new wife. His lovely Elizabeth was the only woman for him and even though the sickness had taken her he would not nor could not couple or invite another woman into their bed. It was only because the king has personal requested (IE demanded) he take her that he had even agreed to the ridiculous request.

“You should really go welcome her to the castle” Ian said slowly “for the sake of the servants” he said all but telling Lance to get out of his seat and bring his arse downstairs.

“Fine” Lance snapped getting up and ignoring the half bottle of wine resting by him. He grabbed his black tunic puling it over his head as he stomped over to the door ignoring his butler and best friend. He pushed ah and through his dirty brown and blonde locks grabbing his unkempt hair and tying it back with a leather thong. He knew he looked a bit….. Well unkempt for lack of a better word. His hair as long reaching his shoulder blades, he had a rough five o clock shadow that told the world he hadn’t shaved in a few days, his face was handsome even with his grief with pale skin, sharp features and the most striking violet eyes. His body was clad in a simple but handsome black tunic and matching black leggings, a nice black and red over coat completed the ensemble and he hurriedly pulled it on letting the bottom flare out like a cape.

He took the stair two at a time finally stopping in the shadows of the grand staircase. He watched with dread as the door opened revealing the sun and warmth she had loved so much. He angrily shielded his eyes not bothering to open them again until he found the heat had gone and the darkness returned. When he finally opened them again a girl greeted him pretty and beautiful the dark cloak did little to hide the pretty body underneath and he found his lust stirring ever so slightly as he took in the pretty girl before him. Almost immediately as it came however a sense of guilt snapped forward and he immediately regretted lusting after another woman beside his wife. He vowed not to be around the girl unless he had to be swearing to his wife inside of his head that he wouldn’t touch her.

He heard Ian clearing his throat and sighed putting on his nicest smile. He stepped out of the shadows towering over her as he made his way down the staircase and over to her. He stopped in front of her and quickly bowed taking her hand in his and giving it a gentle kiss before dropping it as if it had burned him.

“Welcome to my home” He said his voice deep and rumbly “I welcome you to the estate I am Lord Lance Preston your new husband I am pleased about our marriage” He said his tone suggesting he was any thing but “and hope the castle becomes like a home to you” He said nodding at the servants to take her bags.

“You are in the south tower” He said continuing possed by his desire to get away from her “if you need any thing your ladies in waiting are waiting for you we have supper at sundown” He explained

 

[Perplexia]

One of the worst things to be other then poor or a whore, was a bastard. She was privileged to be born to the King of Frances mistress Margaret. Rosamond or Rose as she was normally called grew up with quite a few happy memories of her father. He would visit her and her mother often and was quite diligent in being sure they wanted for nothing and had every advantage.

Perhaps that was his first mistake. He ensured that Rose had the finest tutors and learned about the world outside of France. Of course his pure blood children received the same and she was often thrown into the mix of them. Her half brother Prince Henry was her favorite. They got exchanged ideas, and spent a great deal of time together. Being a couple years older then her, he took it upon himself to be her protector, and ensured she knew how to defend herself if ever he couldn't be there.

Princess Ann on the other hand, was a spiteful, spoiled sadistic wench that took great pleasure in insulting and humiliating Rose at every turn. The amount of times she heard "You should strive to be as accomplished as the princess, or why can't you hold your tongue" were so extreme that she had somehow decided to do the opposite of whatever she was asked.

The idea of getting married and being someones property was the furthest from her mind as anything could be. Her eyes had been opened to what a loveless marriage could produce, and what it was for two people that loved each other. Why should she have to settle for less. Though she refused to settle as being a mistress so that she could have it. Never would she wish to inflict that upon any children that would come of it.

In her favor she had her mothers beauty. It was a curse and had caused her several behavioral reprimands in the past. Tonight was the ball, and though she loved to dance she hated these stuffy social occasions where people gossiped and snubbed others.

No, she would much rather be with a book under a tree. Before she saw it coming it was too late. Ann and her ladies had her pinned in. "This is a royal function you shouldn't be allowed here" her sister spat for a laugh from her ladies.

Rolling her eyes Rose responded "Still half royal, didn't want to be here but daddy dearest made me. If you have a problem speak to him. Oh wait you can't because he's normally too busy or with my mother." she smiled sweetly then couldn't stop herself from adding. "Tell me Ann what is it like to know you wer produced only because of duty, and not because he actually loved or wanted to touch your mother" This caused Ann to reach out and smack her across the face. Rose didn't think before she responded, instead her instincts took over and she knocked the pretentious bitch on her ass with one punch.

Henry had tried on her behalf to reason with his father but the King's quota for dealing with his daughters unladylike manners and embarrassment had reached it's limit. If she hadn't have placed a harmful hand upon a royal perhaps he may have reconsidered. So doing what he could to ensure at least a somewhat safe life for her he pawned her off.

No ceremony would be done. It was simply done by proxy and signed by witness'. It didn't help that when asked if she would take this man she said no. Because her fathers word overrode hers.

She stayed awake as much as she could to take in the way or way home if truth be known. When the carriage stopped she was well guarded which prevented her from making any escapes.
Rose could see the tall towers in the distance. It was quite an impressive dwelling. There had been little told to her of her new husband, she had heard his name in passing but not been introduced.

Coming through the arch with with the gate being shut behind them she got a full welcome of staff and what she would learn was her ladies in waiting. Everyone but her husband was there to greet her. Stepping down he then appeared introducing himself in a cordial less then interested in having her there manner. This may not be so bad after all she thought. He doesn't want me here, I don't want to be here. Shouldn't be any problem to leave. Smiling politely she merely nodded and portrayed the quiet type.

It took all she had not to tell him as far as she was concerned he wasn't her husband nor would she be partaking in any of the rituals that occur with it. But with the impression he gave he honestly didn't seem to care she was here. That was oddly a refreshing change from the men that spent their time googling over her as if she was some sort of consolation prize.

Following the ladies to her tower after the slightly tense greeting. She changed for dinner after a quick bath. She was actually quite hungry the stops along the way didn't offer much in the form of food that she was willing to eat. Placing her auburn locks upon her head her emerald eyes stared back at her in the mirror. She missed home, and she missed her brother.

The dinner gathering was quite small, and for that she was relieved the last thing she needed was another social event in which she had to behave herself for a specific length of time. She had hoped to have a couple words with her 'husband' but he managed to stay at a distance from her for the evening until she excused herself from weariness from her travels.

With a turn of the key in her door. She retracted herself tot he window seat to read a book and glance out at the stars.

 

[silvertongue217]

"You really should go say some thing to her"

Lance sighed leaning back and taking another long sip of the wine left over from dinner. He was on his second... no maybe third glass? He wasnt entirely sure on that count.

He just knew he was feeling better already

"Why?" Lance finally asked with a sideways glance at Ian "Why should I? She and I danced around each other at Dinner just fine..... we both made it clear that we werent pleased to be in this position why should I go further talk to her?"

"Because she is if any thing a guest of this house" Ian said struggling to hide his growl of dis pleasure "and YOUR wife! I do not care if you are pleased by that or not your must at least act gentlemanly"

"You know osme times I think I give you far to much leway in how you speak to me" Lance spat back rising up.

"Then tell me that in the morning when your not drunk" Ian said snorting and making his leave.

"Blast it" Lance said shaking his head and turning to the stairs. He took them one at a time trying to figure out what he was going to say to her as he made his way to her side of the tower.

Once he reached her room he dallied for a few moments going over manners and topics to talk to her about before he finally sighed. He finally reached up rapping on her door softly as he shifted in on his feet.

"Princess Rose?" He asked clearing his throat "I came to see if you needed any thing.... And to properly welcome you to the castle.... I dont mean with romance just ... well just as a friend"

 

[Perplexia]

Hearing his voice on the other end of the door she pulled her knees up to her chest and froze. Had he come for his marital rights, because that just wasn't an option. After he had finished she was a bit more relaxed and then there was the silence. Making her way to the door she turned the key and opened it.

"I'm not a princess so you shouldn't feel the need to refer to me as such. We both know i'm a bastard no reason to dance around it." She glanced away for a moment before returning her eyes to his. "You've provided a lovely room for me i'm quite grateful thank you. The ladies in waiting however, are not a necessity I would appreciate if you dispersed them. I don't particularly enjoy the company of my same gender.. or people in general. " she shut her mouth for a moment and looked back to him once again.

"I know that you were probably tricked into marrying me, and for that I apologize. But In a couple days I shall leave and you'll be free to request an annulment. No one would be surprised by the request least of all my father." she gave him a slight smile and a bow. "Good night monseiur"
and began to close the door.

 

[silvertongue217]

Leave?

His hand caught the door as she was beginning to close it. He starred into her eyes taking her in for several minutes.

"I understand that you are not happy here" Lance finally said choosing his words carefully "and I can understand you wanting to leave but you cant"

"Not that im holding you here" He said with a shake of his head "But your farther in his letters detailing you were to come and be married to me spoke about you attempting an escape if you are to try some thing the punishment and I doubt your mother knows about this would be death or exile depending on how far you escaped"

"I would consul you to wait until his anger is pulled else where" Lance told her leaning on the door frame "I used to be a great advisor to your father.... Before my wives death I can work him once his displeasure as lessened and try to get us both out of this"

 

[Perplexia]

Taking a deep breath she considered what he said. "Exile possibly, but he would never kill me and risk loosing my mother. I suppose that it does make sense to let him cool off. Without me there to blame i'm certain my sister will show her colors soon enough to draw the attention away." she let out a short laugh.

"I appreciate your counsel, if you are willing to endure my presence at your home until we can escape our predicament I would be most gracious. I promise to stay out of your way, and cause you the least amount of inconvenience possible. I do fear that the only way my father would let you out of this is if there were another husband in the midst. I can assure you, although that would help you, it won't me. I have no intention on being any ones property. I think in the end my running off might be the best solution. I'm quite capable of surviving on my own in the forest. But we will give your way a shot first. It's the least i can do considering you've been burdened with me."

 

[silvertongue217]

"I do not" Lance said clearing his throat and glancing out the window "I do not think your a burden.... if I was twenty years younger and not a widow it would be different for you are fetching enough to be any mans dream but I know where I am in my life and I know that does not involve a female..... not at least when my heart burns for another"

Lance rose "I will not call you and or let you call your self a bastard in this house though you are half royal blood and so you shall be called princess the tittle of your birthright I wish for you to find some measure of happiness here at least within reason my library resources and money is available to you I am here most days attending to the estate and so you will always have me for company though I may not always be good company"

 

[Perplexia]

"Forgive me, I meant no disrespect. When you've spent your entire life being reminded of what you are, it is alarming to be looked at as something different. I'm not quite sure what to say in response to that." she narrowed her brow as she contemplated what she wanted to say.

"It makes me uncomfortable to be referred to as a princess, because my entire family including my mother made sure I was aware that I wasn't. And its ok. I never wanted to be.. In the world I grew up in, the princess came from a marriage that was duty bound. My father lay with her mother to ensure the succession of his line flow true and pure. For that my 'sister' hasn't obtained the approval she so desperately craves from the King."

"I shall take you up on the offer of use of your library thank you. I hear your wife had collected a wonderful collection. She was thought of as a wonderful, beautiful, and kind woman who had the luxury of being in love with her husband, as it is obvious you were with her. Please except my belated condolences to your loss."

Smiling softly she continued. "It is late Mi Lord, with your permission i shall retire"

 

[silvertongue217]

"And while it may have been true where you came from it is not here" Lance said rising up "You are wife to me know and while our marriage might not be.... well it might not be normal you are now lady of this house and its princess"

"You may retire" Lance said going over to the door and pausing at it "And thank you for the kind words about my wife it is not very often some one speaks of her like that as most did not know her it is a pleasure to hear it good night Mi Amor" He said not even thinking about the phrase as he moved out of her room.

"Damn it" He murmured to himself as he walked down the hall "Why did I call her that? Why did I use our old phrase?" He asked himself and her looking up at the heavens as he walked.

It was no matter he could not... would not make that mistake again. He moved more quickly down the halls suddenly eager to retreat to his room. He did so and after downing another bottle of wine fell asleep as he always did.

This time however he dreamt of some thing else

He dreamt of his princess......

 

[Perplexia]

"Good Night Mi Lord" she responded as he closed the door. She smiled lightly and shook her head. Rose had anticipated on him simply ignoring her presence from his earlier behavior. She was quite pleased to find that he seemed to be a genuinely kind man who was still ailing for the loss of his true love.

It touched her heart as most things never did. She honestly hadn't given to much thought to the love thing. In her limited experience it involved a great deal of heart ache for limited times of pleasure. Though her mother felt it was worth it she was quite certain she could never settle for being second to a kingdom, or a mere duty.

With her place in life her options were limited. It was bound to happen that she would be married off to a lord. Thus far she had managed quite successfully to scare them off. Poor Lord Preston had been tricked no doubt into accepting her. Not too many would dare turn down a King. She wondered what was included in her dowry.

Sliding into her night dress she slid into the big fluffy bed and rellied in its comfort. It was so delightful she thought she may simply wish to stay in it. She laughed softly at the thought and slowly drifted to sleep.

Morning came and the sun shown in through her window forcing her to squint as she came awake. Her stomach grumbled and she knew she needed to eat before she went about the task of exploring.

When she walked into the kitchen the staff stopped and stood at attention looking at her oddly. "Please don't let me disturb you i'll just make myself something to eat and be on my way."

"But Princess Lady Preston, it is our duty to make the meal for you and serve you."

Oh this whole princess lady thing was going to be rough. She liked being independent and simply sliding in and out without anyone caring. "Please forgive me, of course. If it is not too much trouble could you make me some eggs and biscuits with honey, and I would like some orange juice if we have it."

"Of course Princess Lady Preston" They replied somewhat happily as she scooted along being careful to stay out of their way and entered the dining room through the servants doors.

This action resulted in a confused look but no comments from those at the table. Taking her seat the servants then followed with her juice and biscuits and advised her eggs would be there in a moment.

"Good Morning" she managed to meep out.

 

[silvertongue217]

Luckily it was simple Lord Preston who was at the table

And he had cleaned up quite a bit

His morning had been slightly different from hers. Whereas she had risen late he had early towards dawn. He liked to get a good start on the day with exercise and even though he had lost some of his muscular physique due to his drinking he had thankfully kept up an active life. He raced through the trail ignoring the man running behind him as he focused on the pounding of his feet on the road. He drowned out every thing else getting lost in the rythm and slap slap slap of his feet as he pushed him self harder and faster.

When he finally came back it was time for breakfast and so he got dressed before. He didnt know why but he shaved for the first time in a while trimming his unkept facial air into a rough five o clock shadow. He did the same with his hair not going so far as to cut it but to tidy it up a bit.

Then it was clothing which was hard to say the least. He had very little that wasnt stained with whine. Finally he settled on a nice fitted black suit that he had managed to save from his debauchery.

"Good morning" He said glancing up from the paper and noting her "Please sit princess I trust you already told the servants what you wished for food?"

"She did Mi Lord" Ian said coming in with Lance's food "It shall be out shortly"

"Well I would never eat with out her eating first" Lance remarked glancing at Ian before back to Rose "Would you like a bite of mine?"

 

[Perplexia]

"I thank you for the offer Mi Lord, but I do have biscuits" She took a rather large bite of one to emphasize it so he could feel free to eat his meal without further inconvenience.

Ian seemed to smirk at this and turn back to the kitchen. It took her a few moments to chew and swallow her large piece of biscuit and follow it with some juice. In effort to keep things light she then asked "Did i make the front page again?"

 

[silvertongue217]

"In the local news yes" Lance said turning another page and raising an eyebrow at her "Though they had nothing but good things to say about you"

He finished the paper and handed it to her it was a local country newspaper and the headline title was about their wedding. It was an all together nice article one stating the love they had for one another and making up some details.

"I made sure the local paper knew about the unique set of circumstances leading to our wedding" Lance explained eating and for once waving off more wine. It made every pause in shock before hurrying to cover before he noticed.

"I trust you will try to make the front pages here in a good way?" Lance asked a rueful smirk on his face "I dare say I would like that a lot if you did"

 

[Perplexia]

Rose smiled at they set down her eggs in front of her and listened to him tease her about the paper.

"Love huh?" she questioned with a smirk. "I think they have been falsely informed. If I remember correctly Mi Lord, It's a dissolution of this marriage we both seek. But I shall not be the one to correct them. I think it will make for a good dream of the young to wish for Lords and Knights in shining armor and castles that reach the stars. It will give them a hope and that is never a bad thing."

He looked a bit cleaner this morning and seemed to be in good humor. She was glad, it would make things more difficult if he was disagreeable. She finished her meal and began to clear her place until she caught the horrified look of one of the servants. Placing her dishes back down casually she looked up to her new husband. "I think I shall go exploring this morning, ......would you.. care to go with me?"

 

[silvertongue217]

And there it was

It was natural for her to ask about him joining her. She was alone with only him for company. There were not many other noble man in the country as they preferred the city. He saw Ian subtle nod at him to go and sighed glancing down at his half finished food.

"Why not" He finally said dapping his napkin at his lips and rising "I havent checked and made my rounds for a while and it would do some good for us to spend some time and learn about one another the more and more your father heres we are making it work the more apt he might be to dissolve us"

 

[Perplexia]

She wasn't quite sure what he meant by showing that they were making it work would help them in their goal of dissolving the marriage. But she assumed he knew what he meant.

In exploring she hadn't thought about making rounds either, but she might as well jump in head first if she was going make a good show of it.

"Forgive me, I don't quite know what my behavior is suppose to be. Should I be bringing baskets to the poor, will we be in buggy or horseback or on foot? I really do make the worst pretend wife." She sighed a little discouraged. Her education had been in books and sciences. The how to be a good wife stuff of a nobleman or a man in general should have been taught by her mother. But since her mother wasn't one it was over looked.

"Maybe it's best if I just stay hidden so I don't embarrass you."

 

[silvertongue217]

"I do not think we need to go to extremes" Lance said shaking his head and smiling.

"We will walk as we will only be touring the grounds as for how to act simply act like your self and we should have no problems" Lance said smiling at her as he went over to the door and opened it.

"Fetch my over coat and top hat please" He called out startling the attendants in the hall "Go and get dressed and we shall meet in the foyer" He told her giving her a surprising smile and leaving the dining room.

 

[Perplexia]

Pursing her mouth she made her way up the stairs and to her room to get dressed. Finally deciding on a dress she went about the ritual of lacing it up and putting up her hair.

Finding a hat she laced up her walking boots and made her way down to the foyer. "You look quite dashing in your top hat" she teased taking his arm to begin their walk.

Once outside she stopped closing her eyes and taking a deep breath of the fresh air. It had been a while since she had the opportunity to enjoy the country. It was a quiet living and one in honesty she would actually prefer if she was to choose it.

Smiling and taking his arm again she let him lead her around the estate. She would stop with unexpectedness to take in something as simple as a butterfly or a squirrel.

 

[silvertongue217]

He enjoyed it far more than he cared to admit

From her words

"You look quite dashing in your top hat"

Which of course made him feel warm and happy

To the way she casually linked their hands together and the fact that it felt so natural.....

Even the way she stopped to admire the simple things, taking them in with a bright eyed curiosity that was so reminiscent of his late wife.....

In short he was screwed

He led her around the estate and they met a few of the farmers employed on his land. They were all nice overtly so even! Their pleasure at seeing their lord with some one was apparent even to him.

And he didnt know what to say or do about it

"Well its been a fine morning" He said as they started to circle back to the estate "I think we have earned some lunch! Or are you planning on going to relax in your room?" He asked not knowing which answer he wanted.

Or which one he could handle

 

[Perplexia]

Rose's mind was filled with the new freedom she felt being in the country. She enjoyed their casual conversation. It seemed so light and easy to have. In some ways it reminded her of when she spent time with her brother. But at the same time it was different. There was a new light in his eyes which made him appear so much younger.

She greeted the farmers with respect and curiosity getting to know their names and how long they had been with the estate. They were responsive and friendly and seemed genuinely pleased to meet her.

For the first time she didn't feel as though she was being seen as the poor bastard child, but instead as an actual person. It was a new feeling, one that she would treasure even when their circumstances changed.

Being lost in thought for a moment she came back to the moment and smiled up at him. "I am quite hungry, but if you have work to do please don't feel that you have to entertain me. I am quite use to entertaining myself... But if you wish to, I would of course be happy for your company."

 

[silvertongue217]

"I have work but it can keep" Lance found himself saying even as he marveled at it "I had a sun room built into the back of the estate so the gardens can be looked at I will have lunch brought there if you are interested?"

He led her up the steps giving the necessary orders to Ian as he turned and took her hand.

"Thank you for coming with me" He said leaning in to kiss her hand before letting it go "go clean up and change out if you need to I shall be waiting in the Sun Room"

 

[Perplexia]

"That sounds nice" she responded before being told to go clean up and change again. She was really not fond of this multiple changing thing. Yet it was custom, so for his kindness she would do it.

A slight blush crossed her cheeks as he kissed her hand and thanked her for joining him."
"It was my pleasure Mi Lord" she replied softly before heading up the stairs to her room. Washing her face and hands she changed her dress and made the attempt to tame her wild hair. She shook her head as she pulled little bits of the country from its tangles.

As she entered the sun room she stood in bewilderment at his beauty. Slowly she turned to take in it's splendor from every direction. The gardens were beautiful and so well cared for. In some ways the house seemed to be a bit of a mausoleum. She smiled softly. She wasn't going to make a thing out of it because she wasn't going to be staying that long.

It was only long enough to appease her father. It was another moment for her to simply put in her memory as a wonderful day. Her eyes fell to Lance who looked up at her with his kind eyes. He was truly one of the nicest people she had ever met. He was insistent on treating her like a princess and seemingly held no grudge toward her despite the fact he was tricked into accepting her.

Sitting after her chair was pulled out she looked up at him from beneath her lashes. "I want you to know that I will remember this day always. It was truly one of the best i've had the pleasure of having."

 

[silvertongue217]

"It was my pleasure" Lance replied ignoring Ians subtle look. His hands reached out for the wine but instead of grabbing it he instead stroked it lightly.

"I admit I forgot how nice it can be to have a partner...." Lance said as the food came and he turned to thank his servants.

"Have you much thought of where you might go?"Lance asked raising an eyebrow at her "If you do truly plan to leave where do you wish to go? I have had the pleasure of traveling abroad in a few situations and know of some great places to go to"

 

[Perplexia]

"I imagine it can be rough to go from living a life with a partner to being along and then being saddled with me. I truly appreciate you kindness. As to where I'll go I haven't given it much thought. It really doesn't matter at the end of the day. I imagine that I will go to the mountains and find refuge with the trees. Perhaps build a small dwelling and plant a garden. I imagine I'll sit at the top and watch the sun fall down. "

It was a quiet life away from the crowds and the chaos. That would be the way she would spend her life. The few days with him would sustain her as some of the happier times in her life.

"Shall you continue the walks about the estate once i'm gone?" she questioned wondering if he would be happy with the quiet that would once more return to his life.

 

[silvertongue217]

"Your preach a lonely life" Lance said surprised and a little..... Worried for her?

"A life in the mountains and by your self? I do now know many girls now a days who would want such a thing.... Is that so much better than having a life here?"

"I do not mean to be forward but we could always keep this charade going since we seem to be okay with one another and enjoying one another I am surprised I guess that you would rather go live out in the mountains in solidarity instead of simple making it work"