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Post by hedanicree on Oct 17, 2006 17:30:10 GMT -5
The de Autry home:
Although not one of the more lavish homes in Paris, the de Autry home is decorated to the taste of its owner, Armand. Antiques, vases, paintings, decorate the walls, the table top in the entry hall. Blue and Gold drapes accent the tall windows and highlight the blue fabric of the furniture.
Upstairs is a series of large rooms where the family sleeps. There are rooms for Emilie and Henri, Armand’s room, Katie’s room, a ‘nursery’, and a library.
Past the sitting room and the large, open dining room, is Monsieur de Autry’s study.
On the bottom level, in the rear of the house, is the kitchen.
The home, meant for that in its owner’s eyes, is rarely the scene of a party. But occasionally, business acquaintances are invited for dinner and good conversation.
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Post by hedanicree on Oct 17, 2006 17:39:14 GMT -5
There are some parties that Kate loves to attend, and then there are those she is obligated to attend. Tonight’s event is a small gathering of her boss’ business acquaintances and their wives at her home, or rather the home of Monsieur Armand de Autry. Her godfather doesn’t often event a crowd to have dinner, socialize and talk business at his home. But when he does, his children’s governess attends.
Tonight she dons a light blue dress with a beaded bodice. The neckline dips low enough to give her a sense of eloquence but not border on the risqué. Her blonde hair is drawn back on her head. The pinning lets a handful of curls dangle and lightly graze her long, swan-like neck. There is grace in each of her movements and smiles though she wishes to be anywhere but entertaining her godfather’s guest.
Most do not speak to her anyway. She is young in their eyes, hired help in others, but mostly they are unsure of what to say to the English woman who occasionally mutters in her native tongue when she’s noticeably annoyed. Such antics do not bode well with the older ladies that accompany their husbands to dinner, entertainment and society at the de Autry home. It is probably the only social environment Kate doesn’t shine in.
Kate takes a sip of her wine, sighing as the crystal falls from her lips. She would much rather retire than listen to the ancient woman gossip. Her eyes scan the room, looking for the familiar face of her employer. Armand smiles briefly, but does not break off his conversation with a gentleman he currently debates politics with. ‘As soon as this glass is finished, I’m retiring,’ she thinks, wishing it was her eighth instead of her second. At least if she were slightly intoxicated, this stuffy crowd wouldn’t seem so stale.
She closes her eyes and sits in a nearby chair, giving her an excellent view of the room and its occupants. She’d stay if there was one soul here — Andre La Roche. But the musketeer has not responded to her notes. He seemed rather taken with her, only to let her down like so many men. But there it was — she took a chance and the chance lead to no where — just like some of the conversations she’s had tonight.
Once more she sighs and then opens her eyes to see a tall, blonde man — someone close to her age — handing his coat off to the servant at the door…
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Post by cassidinegypsy on Oct 17, 2006 18:29:18 GMT -5
Edmond Mallory grits his teeth in frustration as he hands his coat to the servant just inside the door of the de Autry home. He is long past fashionable late to his business acquaintance's dinner party and hopes the older gentleman will forgive his tardiness.
He sighs as makes his way into the room where the rest of the party guests are milling about and chatting with each other. Truthfully, a party is the last place he wants to be tonight, as he would much prefer to be in the library of his townhouse. A glass of wine in front of a crackling fire with an old tome of history would suit his current mood much better. However, duty and business dictate that he must be here instead, and he makes the best of the situation.
The tall Englishman pauses for a moment to straighten his dark green dinner jacket and to make sure his unruly blonde hair is still tamed into a proper hairstyle. His green eyes quickly roam around the room, and he makes a mental note of all those that are present. Much to his dismay, it is an older crowd tonight and that means a dull evening of business and political discussions.
He spots his host and goes over to greet the man, passing by a young woman's chair as he does so. Edmond runs his hand through his hair one more time, causing his elbow to dislodge a rather important letter from his jacket pocket. It floats to the floor, just as he grabs a glass of wine and moves to greet his host.
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Post by hedanicree on Oct 17, 2006 18:30:53 GMT -5
Handsome does not adequately describe the youthful gentleman moving across her home. The look in his green eyes speaks of boredom — a feeling she knows all too well this night. It would be nice to speak to man close to her age, but unless she’s properly introduced, it will not be a possibility.
Jaded — and feeling rather jilted that the man she shared her first kiss with won’t even bother to respond to her inquires of any further meeting — it is time prudence took the high ride. If Armand introduces them or he introduces himself, it will be one matter. But the lively Kate is replaced by Katie today, a woman who knows only proper bounds.
She sips her wine as he walks past. The glass falls from her lips as she gasps slightly, preparing to call out to let him know he’s lost an item. But he moves from earshot quickly enough that she cannot say something without appearing as if she is shouting, which is not very ladylike.
Instead, Katie bends slightly at the waist and retrieves the parchment, noting the words ‘Alex Renaldie’ scrawled in cursive on the front. She daintily rises, keeping her back straight due to the bindings of her corset and silently follows the blonde-haired gentleman across the room.
“Monsieur Renaldie,” she calls in a delicate tone, assuming the letter bares his name instead of being an addressee. Her French is dead one, revealing nothing of her English heritage this night. “Monsieur Renaldie, I do believe you dropped this,” she tries again, and this time the man stops.
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Post by cassidinegypsy on Oct 17, 2006 18:35:37 GMT -5
Hearing a soft feminine voice from behind him, Edmond turns to see who is trying to get his attention. A rare smile hovers on his lips because whoever it is obviously doesn't know him or his relationship to one Alexander Renaldie. He isn't about to reveal any details of their private lives either.
His green eyes widen in delight and surprise at the lovely blonde vision clad in blue that is holding the letter he must have dropped a few seconds ago. One eyebrow rises as he tries to place who she is and which man in the room could possibly be her husband. "I'm afraid you are mistaken, mademoiselle, as I am not Monsieur Renaldie. I am, however, Edmond Mallory at your service."
His hand lingers over her fingers for a moment as he takes her hand while giving her a bow. He reluctantly releases it to politely retrieve his letter from her slim fingers. "May I have the pleasure of knowing your name, mademoiselle, so I might properly thank you for bringing me my letter?" He is so hoping the lady's name matches her loveliness.
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Post by hedanicree on Oct 17, 2006 18:37:15 GMT -5
A smile flashes across her face, lighting her eyes with mirth. "So, you’re the Brit that missed supper, are you now?" she teases softly, switching from French to her native tongue. There is something alluring about this Mallory chap — gentle eyes and demeanor. He is a gentleman to the core, unlike the rake that inspires so much within the wilder side of Kate.
Remembering her manners, she offers the awkward curtsy she's never been able to master and says, "Miss Katie Reed, sir, and the pleasure is mine. It's not often I am able to converse in my native tongue." The smile fades ever so slightly, giving her a serious air, although her amusement at the situation still glints in her eyes.
'Finally someone worth speaking to,' she thinks out of the blue and then immediately she questions why she thinks this man is any different than the rest of Armand's guests.
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Post by cassidinegypsy on Oct 17, 2006 18:39:25 GMT -5
Immediately his smile widens at the important bits of information she just revealed along with her name. It seems his charming vision is British, unmarried, has a sense of humor, and apparently has yet to learn to curtsy. "Yes, I'm the Brit who missed supper and my most humble apologies for it, Miss Reed." Without realizing it, Edmond switches from French to his own native English.
A glint of amusement flickers in his own eyes as he once again takes in the sight of her. 'Such a shame she is here in Paris instead of London,' he thinks wistfully and then wonders how such an alluring creature wandered across the channel. "Might I inquire as to how an Englishwoman such as you came to be in Paris?" He secretly hopes she is only visiting France's capital and that perhaps London is her true home.
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Post by hedanicree on Oct 17, 2006 18:40:31 GMT -5
Katie giggles softly over is his apology, lowering her eyes in a girlish way. The tone behind it bodes a sense of humor; just like the one she holds that guided her to say something about the late arrival. It's typical of her to tease ever so slightly, even when she is attempting to be proper. Propriety can be achieved at many levels, as long as you gauge who you’re addressing. She would never dear tease one the ladies wondering about her home. They most certainly would take offense.
'Perhaps it's his demeanor that attracted me,' she wonders, before lifting her chin to looking into the green orbs accenting his masculine features. "I work for Monsieur de Autry," she replies, tossing her head a bit to gesture toward her godfather. Her curls jostle, caressing the side of her long neck. "Children cannot teach themselves after all..." she hesitates briefly deciding on the proper way to address him... "Mister Mallory, or are titled like the rest of the men in this room?" she quires. Phrasing is sometimes everything...
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Post by cassidinegypsy on Oct 17, 2006 18:43:15 GMT -5
A brief look of disappointment crosses his face at her mention of being the family governess. 'So much for getting to see her again in London, but perhaps my week in Paris won't be too terribly boring.' There are always so many delightful things to do in the city, and it is always more fun with a charming companion to share everything with. He gets so tired of attending the theater and roaming Paris' bookshops all alone. His lips twitch at the thought of taking Miss Katie Reed to one particular shop.
The look fades to one of brief melancholy at her question of him being titled. It brings to mind his beloved father and the older Mallory's failing health. "I have yet to claim my family's title as my father, Lord Charles Mallory, earl of Leichester, is still with us. His passing is not an event I am in any great hurry to see happen. I much prefer him among the living." He speaks softly and with great reverence for the man he calls father.
Edmond shakes his head over making such a personal statement to a virtual stranger. It seems her charming manner has him already lowering his guard.
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Post by hedanicree on Oct 17, 2006 18:44:49 GMT -5
"Well, Mister Mallory, happy son of his lordship," she teases softly, biting her lower lip as she finishes. "Welcome to Paris." Her tone lightens at the end, letting the English annunciations roll off as if she were at home in her country. She typically avoids English here, given the French's aversion to foreigners and foreign tongues. The people she lives amongst love their language and don't take kindly to 'slanderous' annunciations. That's why this conversation seems pleasant to her. She does not need to focus to make sure there are no minor slip ups in her speech. She can't say what she likes without judgment, save if she crosses the bounds of social grace.
She glances to her employer, remembering that these guests are here for him and his business. Katie sighs deeply, not wanting to let him go, but knowing that she should at least direct him on his business. It is, after all, the only proper thing to do. "May I ask what brings you to France's capital? Are you here on leisure or to meeting with Monsieur de Autry..." she stops for a moment, trying to puzzle him out as she polishes off her second glass of wine "...I do not wish to keep you if it is the later."
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Post by cassidinegypsy on Oct 17, 2006 18:46:02 GMT -5
"A bit of both actually. I never can come to Paris for just business. I always seem to find something more pleasurable to do as I have several friends here. My business with Monsieur de Autry will most assuredly keep until later in the evening." Edmond flashes a grin as he lifts a glass of wine from a passing tray. He grimaces upon his first sip because it is a white wine and he much prefers red.
He looks around for a place to set the glass, as he is reluctant to move far from his companion's side. The Englishman has no desire to part company with her just yet or mingle with the other guests. "So, Miss Reed, how is it you are here tonight? Most employers do not often allow their governess to attend parties, although I am certainly glad Monsieur de Autry did invite you." He hopes she won't take offense to his words, but given her sense of humor, he felt safe enough uttering them.
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Post by hedanicree on Oct 17, 2006 18:47:13 GMT -5
Lifting her chin ever so slightly, Katie raises her glass and signals one of the servers. She takes Edmond's glass, smiling as she notes, "That's not a very good year." The thin man working this night comes over and takes the glass from the lady, while she snags two reds from him — one for her and one to replace Mister Mallory’s, which she promptly hands off to him. She thanks the man quickly in French, before returning her full attention to the future lord before her — ready for some more English conversation.
"Monsieur de Autry often invites me to his gatherings," she informs him after a sip of the 'good' wine. "You see, Armand was a friend of my father, and he is also my godfather. As I am charged with keeping his children, my mother has charged him with me." She rolls her eyes over the comment about her overly proper mother and then she puts her lips to the crystal once more, lightly tasting the stronger vintage. The tip of her tongue lightly caresses her lower lip, before she draws it back in and purses her lips. "I'd much rather be elsewhere, but my godfather rather likes my company — even with this crowd," Katie adds, a sentiment that reveals much about her softer, thoughtful side. This girl isn't all fun. There are some things she'll do just because she cares for the person who asked.
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Post by cassidinegypsy on Oct 17, 2006 18:48:55 GMT -5
Edmond can only laugh softly over her remarks as she neatly exchanges his glass of wine for him. He takes a sip of wine and closes his eyes for a moment savoring the taste of the vintage before finally swallowing it.
The Englishman smiles as he too can relate to keeping company with a crowd much older than himself and wishing he was someplace else entirely. He studies her face again while her name, Katie Reed, runs through his mind. Something about the lady's last name seems vaguely familiar to him. One of his father's business associates from a long time ago also had the last name Reed, but to his recollections, they hailed from Plymouth. His brow furrows as he tries to recall the man's first name as he thinks perhaps she might possibly be related to him.
Edmond's green eyes find her blue orbs and the name Blaine surfaces in his mind. "Miss Reed, might I inquire if you have family in Plymouth? I only ask because my father had a business acquaintance from there, and you two share the same surname." He takes another sip of wine, eyeing her over the rim of his glass as he waits for a response.
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Post by hedanicree on Oct 17, 2006 18:49:57 GMT -5
Katie’s chin drops, letting her eyes fall to the wine in her hand. Life in Plymouth seems so long ago, so far away. Life there was with her father, and now, the only true place she can call home is at the de Autry’s. Her mother now lives with Katie’s aunt in London. Going home no longer feels like going home.
She swirls her wine and then takes a sip, letting her tongue follow where the glass touched. “My family did indeed live in Plymouth, sir, before my father passed,” she informs him; there is a sad tinge to her tone. Her head lifts so that she can once more bring her blue up to examine her fellow countryman. “My mum now resides in London with my aunt and uncle.” She leaves it at that and finds herself mentally fidgeting as she wishes for a way out of this conversation.
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Post by cassidinegypsy on Oct 17, 2006 18:50:47 GMT -5
Hearing the sadness in her voice, Edmond quickly decides that it is time to steer the topic of conversation away from family. Especially since he is in no mood to discuss what is happening with his own immediate relations.
The wheels in his head turn as he tries to come up something else for them to talk about. 'Come on, old boy, think. She's a governess instead of the usual simpering Paris twit. Books, art, music, she must do something in her spare time,' he mentally berates himself.
Edmond meets her gaze as he nods his head to show he understands her plight. "So, tell me, Miss Reed, do you have time to pursue your own interests when you are not busy with your charges or do they take up all of your time?" It is a seemingly innocent question but the Englishman has an ulterior motive that he won't reveal just yet.
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