The price of privilege

[intriguess]

Baroness Cassandra was many things, but few would consider her beautiful. She was modestly pretty most said, but not graceful and clearly unskilled in the art of dressing or make up. They said she would do fine for the widowed Baron and that she was young and healthy and her frame was fit for bearing children. They said she was lucky to marry well, and most would say just as lucky that he died. She inherited his entire estate as he had never had children (as far as anyone knew) some claimed his previous wife had been barren, others speculated that he was the problem. Her late husband had been an only child and having been thirty years her senior, his own parents had long since passed on.

Cassandra dealt with the funeral arrangements tastefully, and heard the whispers as well as the thinly veiled comments on her situation, none however accused her of his downfall as most knew his illness was of his own making. She was intelligent and part of the reason Baron Cox had married her was her mind. She was able to handle his business dealings and estate better than he ever had.

She knew of the gossip that had surrounded her marriage, that he had married her as a political arrangement. She did not know she had been so very young then and in their few years of marriage he had never laid a hand upon her, she finally figured out that she was not his type.

Now as a young respectable widow with a grand estate she was realizing what she had missed out on. Before she had always been protecting his reputation, covering his indiscretions, and securing his business. Now his business ran itself, and she no longer had to cover for him she saw the price she had paid.

She amost felt pity for the young debutants being forced into loveless marriages and the old dowagers who had nothing better to do than meddle and stir up trouble. She had done as expected and handed off the business dealings to others and live off the money generated. She was also expected to continue throwing parties, perhaps even engage in a scandulous love affair with someone poor and young. Baroness Cassandra had done neither of those things so far, even though many young men had presented themselves for her amusement. She knew they were only after the money as they leered at other women.

She knew that her dark mahogany hair was not fashionable, and that her wide hips and ample breasts would never conform to fashionable clothes. As the Baron's wife she had always taken great care in covering herself and appearing modest.

Still she was far from the innocent most thought her to be and when she received a proposal of marriage she nearly fainted.

 

[Geryon]

Baron Malakian sat in his roomy chambers, one leg draped over the arm of a large, heavily gilded chair. He was young for a Baron, in his mid-twenties. His father had gained contol of this rather small barony, his mother had died giving birth. Several years ago, riots broke out over disputes to the royal succession. Malakian's father had been killed trying to quell the mobs. Thus, Gavin Malakian, at the tender age of 17, was given control of his father's people.

Gavin learned from a young age how to rule a barony, he knew the fine points of politics and what was required of a leader. So far, he had been a successful ruler. After a time though, he became restless with the limits of his control. He has eyes and ears in all the baronies surrounding his, and knew many of the details of their various goings-on. His interests in other rulers was nearly an obsession.

A short while ago, a widower Baron had married in a neighboring barony, and this of course did not go unnoticed by Malakian. Nor did the count's death. In this tragedy, Gavin saw an opportunity to expand his influence. He had heard much about the dead Baron's wife, the now-Baroness Cassandra. Most rumours said she was a reasonably handsome woman, but many rumours claimed she had a hand in her hussband's death as well. Some claimed she was a witch. Gavin had never trusted rumours. As well he didn't, but this Baroness was likely new to the business of ruling a population, and it was impossible to completely disregard the whispered statements that she was such a hopeless innocent. Gavin hoped this would be easy.

The courier had left nearly a week ago, surely Cassandra would have the marriage proposal by now. Hers was a fair-sized barony, and combined with Malakian's, they would control one of the largest baronies in the kingdom. The woman's looks mattered little, as did her attitude towards a man she had never met. These blind-marriages were common, and if the proposal was accepted and the Baroness did not prove the innocent, submissive wife Gavin expected... well, suffice to say that with no family, her control would pass to her husband in the event of any unfortunate accidents.

 

[intriguess]

Baroness Cassandra

She looked it over again, stunned for the most part. Her staff worked silently and efficiently as someone brought her something to eat as well as parchement and pen to respond.

She drank her tea and read the letter over and over again. Baroness Cassandra had not considered the possibility of a merger or what would happen to the Barony when she passed on, she figured some long lost relative would turn up. The proposal made her rethink that, as she had no cousins or second cousins on the male side of her family.

She wondered again about him, she could not put a face to his name and doubted they had met. She could see the pressure of his hand in his writing and decided that she would not fall blindly into the trap of marriage. She wrote a polite decline of his offer, saying it was too soon for her to consider such an arrangement. She then wrote several other letters inquiring as to his background.

She then wrote a letter to her lawyer, she was going to plan out what would happen if she passed on without issue.

 

[Geryon]

A wry smile slid across Gavin's face as he stood in his dining room, the Baroness's reply brought to him while he ate.

"So," he thought to himself, "perhaps she isn't the brainless farmwife I thought..." The woman had obviously seen his proposal as some sort of threat... she realized his hidden intentions. In truth, Malakian did not want absolute control over the woman's land, not at first, anyway, and he certainly did not want to have her... deposed, if the marriage went awry. The simple fact was, though he dared not say it aloud, that his control was beginning to slip. The populous, already on edge since his father's untimely demise, were growing more restless not only at the prospect of such a young leader, but one who was without children, and without a wife. They feared more riots due to another bungled succession, leading to more death. The people did not want another riot, and day by day seemed more ready to riot in order to prevent one. He had been taught well, true, and he was a good baron. Noone went hungry for long in his lands, and visitors were not molested by beggars in the city streets.

Folding the letter carefully, he slipped it into his waistcoat pocket and stalked out of the room. The eyes of several serving girls followed him, accompanied by discreet smiles. He sometimes had that effect on women as he swept down the hallways, the laces of his shirt hanging undone. Perhaps this new Baroness did not want a husband, but Malakian would at least have an ally, he thought as he called for one of his emissaries. A few minutes later, the diplomat rode from Gavin's manor, armed with an invitation to a ball sealed with the Malakian family crest, and surrounded by a dozen of Gavin's personal guards. A procession fit for a Baroness.

 

[intriguess]

Baroness Cassandra

A few minutes later, the diplomat rode from Gavin's manor, armed with an invitation to a ball sealed with the Malakian family crest, and surrounded by a dozen of Gavin's personal guards. A procession fit for a Baroness.

The invitation was not all surprising, she had by then heard all about him from gossip and such. He was evidently not the type to take no for an answer, and at the same time it appeared he had a tenuous grasp on his own situation. She decided that despite it all she would meet him. She sent off a reply back with his guards. He seemed very determined, and the least she could do was meet him.

It was amazing how fast word spread and before the dust settled from his personal guards departure, a local streamstress was measuring her up and discussing fabrics. When the buzz finally settled down Cassandra was exhausted and all she could recall was that the dress was going to be green, something about setting off her eyes. She sipped a cup of tea in her private chambers and started taking her hair down and removing her bulky winter gown. She disliked servants doing things she was perfectly capable of doing, besides she enjoyed having some private time at end of day to collect her thoughts.

She thought again of the forceful slant of the young Baron's writing, she wondered if she was actually older than him. Then again she rationalized that a young inexperienced bride would have a tough transition and trying to deal with both an unsettled people and a needy bride would be difficult for the most experienced ruler. She shook her head letting her long tresses to fall nearly to her waist. She took a critical look at her body in the mirror before slipping on one of her nightgowns. The billowy lavender fabric suited her golden complexion and figure as it gathered beneath her full breasts. The local seamstress had delighted in making her bridal garments and she thought of how happy the woman looked to be making a ball gown.

Baroness Cassandra drifted off to sleep wondering if the young Baron Malaki would be a quiet force or a raging force in person.

 

[Geryon]

Gavin was shouting orders at a procession of liveried servants as a team of seamstresses took his measurements for a third time, pinned bits of expensive fabric here or there, and worked an extraordinarily complicated maze of dotted chalk lines over his clothing.

"Make sure those notices are posted, I want this event open to everyone. You! Make sure the guards all have their dress uniforms clean, and their armor is polished! Oh, and tell them the dress code is to be strictly enforced! Better yet, post all that in the barracks."

The date for the ball was only a week away, long enough for the Baroness to have things ready and to allow travel time. Gavin jumped as a needle prodded him in the thigh. The tailor simply bobbed his head, muttering apologies, and promises of how magnificent the outfit would be. Black and gold, they had told him, but he had yet to see a scrap of black cloth or an ounce of gilt. Patterning, that was what they had told him they were doing now.

Gavin sighed, raising a hand to massage his temples. Let them do what they think they must... he thought to himself, at least they're earning their pay, and it keeps them content with their work... Balls were a stressful matter, it seemed. Nearly as stressful as inter-baronial courtship.

 

[intriguess]

Baroness Cassandra Cox

The time passed quickly and before she knew it her carriage was prepared her bags packed and what seemed like an astonishing number of people turned out to see her leave. It was reassuring to see the happiness as flowers were thrown. She had scarcely given a thought to how much her husband had been disliked as her family estate had always been filled with happy people.

She found herself thinking of the Baron and once again wondered what he would be like in person. The carriage began moving slower and her personal attendant began messing with her hair and make up. Baroness Cassandra relented after some comment about needing to look her best make the right impression and so on. Personally the Baroness would be just as happy going for a ride on horseback in the country side, but the price of power was oftentimes privacy.

 

[Geryon]

Baron Malakian was anxious. In his short reign, this would be his first meeting with other baronial nobility. Aside from that, the snatches of description of the Baroness he had caught from his messengers held a hint of something he liked. The ball was only a few days away, reports were coming in that the Baroness was on her way. Perhaps she would be early, Malakian's barony wasn't large.

Gavin examined himself in the large stand-mirror of his bedchambers. Fine black silk and thread-of-gold were woven and stitched skilfully into a coat and breeches that a king would have been proud of. The coat, while not at all restricting, snugged curiously to accentuate his lean, muscular build. At least something was going right so far. He still had no idea how to welcome a Baroness into his manor, though, and the hall wasn't prepared. Likely the manor guards didn't have their equipment cleaned and polished yet, either. Days yet... the young Baron reassured himself. everything would be in order. Everything would go smoothly, perfectly. Suddenly he found himself wondering what the Baroness Cassandra was truly like. Rumours couldn't be trusted. Changing back into his plain clothes, Gavin darted out of the room to see to the finishing touches of the preparation.

 

[intriguess]

Baroness Cassandra

It had taken time to make all the preparations and so on, and tie up little details as she would be gone for more than a day. Her household was anxious about her abscence and excited at the same time. She hated to admit it but the feelings were infectious. As she probably lived the closest she was likely to be a later arrival as she did not need as much time in case of mishaps. She had made arrangements to stay the evening as she was unsure of whether his manor house would be able to accomodate all of his guests.

When they pulled up she noticed that several other carriages were already there and she could hear music. She waited somewhat impatiently as the carriage rolled to a stop, and the doors slowly opened and she was assisted out and she got her first look at his estate.

 

[Geryon]

Gavin stood atop a broad stone staircase before the wide, open double doors to his estate. He greeted his guests personally, in a friendly manner. Tonight, there was no rift between common people and nobility. Some of the nobles turned their noses up at the prospect of being put on a level with "peasants," but the common folk themselves were overjoyed. Gavin was really only waiting for one person in particular, however, and knew she had arrived when the ornate carriage rolled to a stop in front of the steps. He walked serenely down the staircase to wait by the Baroness's door as the footman opened it.

"Baroness Cassandra," he said, offering a hand to help her out of the carriage, "I am Gavin Malakian. It is my honour and priviledge to have you as a guest in my home." There was something about the modestly beautiful Baroness that held Gavin's eye. Not many would call her beautiful, handsome would probably be more fitting, but... Perhaps it was the woman's tantalizing curves that caught Gavin's attention, he despised the latest fashions of rail-straight women. Cassandra's body was definitely not fashionable. Gavin himself had never been known for fashion sense.

 

[intriguess]

Baroness

She did not expect him to be so young, at the same time he was polite, courteous, a little rough around the edges but better than one would think for one who had undergone so much change and tragedy of late.

"I am honoured to be here," she paused trying to figure out how to best express her sadness at the loss of his parents. "Baron Malakian, my apologies for not visiting sooner, one easily loses track of time among the myriad of daily obligations." She curtseyied and was glad that he looked her directly in the eyes, unlike other who looked at some point over her shoulder as if at any moment they would see someone more interesting to speak with, "I shall see you inside, may I reserve a dance for you?"

 

[Geryon]

"Baron Malakian, my apologies for not visiting sooner, one easily loses track of time among the myriad of daily obligations."

Gavin smiled pleasantly at the Baroness as she stepped regally from the carriage.

"Not at all, Baroness. I understand fully the obligations of running a successful Barony. I know the responsibilities of nobility run far deeper than pompe, arrogance and finery."

"I shall see you inside, may I reserve a dance for you?"

Gavin leaned down to press his lips against Cassandra's fingers. "I would escort you inside personally, but I'm afraid I still have matters to attend to. Please enjoy your stay; I will be looking forward to sharing a dance later this afternoon." With that, Gavin swept away through a small servant's entrance to the manor, to make sure everything was running smoothly.

After attending to the few small details that still required his attention, Gavin returned to the ballroom. He leaned against the railing on the high balcony, accessible by a pair of wide staircases that flanked the ballroom floor. Drink in hand, he studied the crowd of guests who had turned out, trying to fit names to the faces he recognized. There would of course be more patrons outside in the gardens behind the manor. The weather was fair so far, a perfect night for a ball.

 

[intriguess]

Baroness Cassandra

She spent time greeting those and responding to queries about her health and such. After she fulfilled the small talk and everyone was gossiping about this and that. She listened for a while, but quickly became bored of the endless self absorption. She ended up in the gardens which were breathtaking. The Baroness had a glass of very fine wine and was enjoying the view. She had danced with a few older widows, it was practically required, as if after loosing one's spouse one could no longer relate to the single and married.

She sighed deeply sipped the fabulous wine and wondered when she would have a moment to speak with the Baron about his proposal as he seemed more determined to pursue her now.

 

[Geryon]

Idly swirling his wine in its glass, Gavin had given up trying to name the rabble of nobility in the hall before him. His thoughts kept drifting back to the Baroness, who he had not seen since leaving her at the entrance. He decided it was time to visit the rest of the partygoers, and turned to head out to the smaller balcony overlooking the gardens. There were a few chairs, but he stood at the railing, again examining the crowd below. He watched lines of people twist and turn with the practiced steps of seasoned ballroom dancers. Not far across the dance floor, he spotted Cassandra, sharing a few unenthused dances. How terrible it must have been, losing a husband with no children... Whispers of her involvement in his death were no doubt circulating, not to mention the social brand that must have been seared onto the woman in the eyes of all the stuck-up nobles.

Gavin marched down the steps into the ballroom. It was an effort to shrug off greetings politely as he passed through the crowd to the back doors of the manor. Elbowing through th crowd of bystanders, he approached the Baroness, standing alone amongst the sizeable group of people taking a rest from the dancing. "Baroness," he asked, holding out his hand, "would you honour me with a dance?"

 

[intriguess]

Baroness

Just when she thought it was safe, she was dragged back in to stand among the other social inept and outcast. She was relieved when the somewhat dashing young Baron relieved her of the boredom. At least the rumors had begun to touch on the truth of the late Baron's death and the source of the strange illness that took him. Most were waiting to see if she was going to fall ill as well. The looks of pity were begining to drain her nerves and she was tempted to have a scandulous affair just to remove those looks from their faces.

"The honour is mine," she replied. She always thought the ability to dance was indicative of much more. She was less than graceful but she was an amazing dancer.

 

[Geryon]

"The honour is mine."

Gavin smiled, gazing into the Baroness's eyes as he led her onto the dance floor. The music began, and Gavin stepped deftly, with the experience and confidence of someone who had been raised doing this very dance. The dancers spun, stepped, and glided across the dance floor, changing partners many times, but Gavin's eyes always followed the beautiful Baroness. Their gazes locked every time they reunited, momentarily, before stepping away in perfect time to the next dancer in line. Gracefully Gavin swept across the dance floor, always matched in perfect unison by Cassandra. After a time, which seemed to both feel too short and last forever, Gavin stepped off the dance floor with the Baroness's hand in his.

"That pleasure," Gavin said sweetly, despite a slight sheen of sweat on his forehead, "was all mine, Baroness."

 

[intriguess]

Baroness

It was one of those changing partners dances, and she kept her eye on the Baron and the moved in unison. It was as if they were the only people in the room, the rest mere shadows. He was puzzling, and she enjoyed a good puzzle. She bowed as they parted, "I hope you find time to share another dance with me." She could hear the buzz already, it was already common knowledge that the Baron was seeking a bride, in fact she had seen nearly every available single woman with a title in attendance.

 

[Geryon]

"I hope you find time to share another dance with me."

"Baroness, I will always take time to share a dance with one as beatutiful as you," Gavin said quietly to Cassandra. "Let me know when you are ready for another, I will be at your side. For now, allow me to content myself by attending personally to any requests you may have. does your drink need refreshing, perhaps?" Gavin was on the verge of drowning in the deep pools of the Baroness's eyes.

 

[intriguess]

Baroness

"Perhaps something sweeter, I hear you have an extensive collection of wine, specializing in white wines." She silently wished for a closer look at his collection but knew the ball had first dibs on most of his attention. "Perhaps we could share a waltz later." The waltz was a slower dance, one partner only and she looked forward to sustained physical contact.

 

[Geryon]

"Why yes, Baroness," Gavin said sweetly, "I do hold a certain... affinity for fine wines. Would you like to see my collection? Everything that has required my attention has been seen to already, and the dancing will still be here when we get back. If you would prefer to share a waltz first, however, I would be happy to oblige."

 

[intriguess]

"You are right, they will be dancing until the dawn hours, or at least as long as your musicians are able. If you can spare the time to show me around I would be delighted to see your collection."

She spoke softly enough for him to hear, but not so loud that the winsome young beauties who had their eye on the young barons estate would follow or try to weddle a similiar invitation.

 

[Geryon]

Gavin smiled graciously, offering a hand to the Baroness.

"Follow me, if you may, Baroness. The quickest way to the wine cellars is a short walk through the gardens, but I would be glad to show you my home first, if you would prefer that route."

 

[intriguess]

The Baroness politely accepted, "I've always found that the trip should be as enjoyable as the destination." She smiled as it applied to many things beyond traveling, and wondered if he was thinking what she was thinking. Then again men thought of sex far more often than women. Then again hosting such an event took up a lot of ones thoughts. She wondered if he would take her past his personal quarters.

 

[Geryon]

"I've always found that the trip should be as enjoyable as the destination."

Gavin smiled back with a mischievous glimmer in his eyes at the Baroness's remark. He heard what he though was a hidden meaning. Then again, he found it unlikely the Baroness was implying what he thought he heard.

"I agree wholeheartedly, Baroness. In that case, perhaps I'll give you a tour of the entire estate? If you'll follow me, we can start with the manor. Afterwards, my wine collection and the garden?" Gavin took Cassandra's arm and led her off through the throng towards the manor. "This is the main hall, which you've seen already. From here, the manor branches off into the East and West wings." Gavin took Cassandra up one of the wide staircases and down the Eastern wing of the mansion, showing her the various parlors, sitting rooms, dining rooms and art collections, explaining the origins of any curiosities he had collected. "Down this hall, Baroness," he began, in front of a large set of orntely carves double doors, "are most of the bedchambers." He took her down the wide hallway, pointning out the rooms where various important guests had once stayed. Through another set of double doors and up a short staircase, the pair came to a third set of doors, more ornate than the previous ones. "Beyond these, Baroness, are my main chambers, where I spent the majority of my nights." Turning, Gavin started back towards the main hall.

 

[intriguess]

Baroness

The majority of his nights, the way he said it told her a lot and it implied that he indeed was continuing to pursue her. She wasn't sure if she was going to put up much of a defense, though she did want to know what kind of lover he was before she agreed to marry him. The baroness was used to getting what she wanted both inside and outside the bedroom and felt he had the same sort of personality. The combination could be explosive or painful. She was looking forward to finding out.

She commented on the objects d'arte and interjected with how it compared to her own estate. Her own estate was quite a bit larger but his place was very well maintained and she was glad that he ran his household smoothly.