The de Autry Home

[hedanicree]

The smile slowly returns to the female Brit’s face. If there is one thing in her life that brings her joy, it is Emilie and Henri. They are wonderful children, which is why she often spends free time with them, but every now and then, the night calls… “Actually, Monsieur de Autry is very good about allowing me leisure time. He—” she pauses briefly, looking for the right word “—encourages me to pursue my interests in my spare time and he, in turn, enjoys time with his children. What father wouldn’t enjoy spending time with their children?” she quires rhetorically at the end. There are plenty of fathers in this world who do not view their children as precious. Fortunately, Armand de Autry, like her own father, views them with much adoration.

[cassidinegypsy]

Edmond can't help the smile that breaks over his own features in response to her joyful face. He finds himself genuinely wanting to know more about Miss Reed and just what exactly she does do in her private time away from her charges. He can't quite picture the young British woman frivolously shopping in Paris or chatting with a bunch of other women in a salon. Those things don't seem to fit her at all.

His curiosity gets the better of him and before he even realizes it, Edmond asks, "So what sort of interests does a British governess pursue? I would have to guess a love of books, art and perhaps music. I have a passion for literature and the stars." He confides the last part in a hushed tone that only she can hear in the hopes that perhaps Katie might give him an honest answer to his question.

[hedanicree]

Katie’s head tilts to the side ever so slightly. Yes, this man is definitely the proper sort of man that her mother would be pleased to see her with. But the rebellious side of her still wishes for a certain Sergeant Major. He sparked a fire within her with their ease of conversation and the way he kissed. Such fires are easily quenched, smoldering and dying form lack of attention. A part of her has the feeling that whatever attentions this man pursues will firmly rest in the realm of proper, yet attentive. ‘It could be a fair trade,’ she thinks.

Miss Reid, however, will not concede so easily to the whims of men this time. Mere words will not draw her in to reveal such secret desires as her love of the stars, not when she barely knows Edmond. He’ll eventually get his answer, but not without a bit of coyness. “I have many interests, Mister Mallory; some even include those you suggest.” Her lips purse ever so slightly as her blue eyes continue to stare into his green orbs, challenging him to press deeper and see how far he can get.

[cassidinegypsy]

Edmond's green eyes widen in surprise at her response to his question, as it wasn't what he expected at all. Apparently the seemingly demure and proper Katie also has a fiery side. Rather than being put off by her, the Englishman finds himself becoming more intrigued by the second. He always did love a good challenge, and it has been a long time since one presented itself to him.

One eyebrow goes up and a half smile hovers on his lips as he finishes his glass of wine. He raises his glass to signal a server to bring him another while his eyes never leave Katie's face. After taking a sip from his fresh glass, Edmond finally addresses her comment with one of his own. "I too have varied interest; perhaps we have some in common. I was fortunate enough to see Orion tonight, as the sky is amazingly clear. If I had brought my telescope from London I might have gone stargazing later this evening, but, alas, delicate instruments do not travel well. So, again I will ask, Miss Reed, what do you do pursue when away from your charges?"

[hedanicree]

She holds his gaze while downing the rest of her wine. Polishing off her third, the rich, warmth begins to fill her from nose tip to toe tip. There are many answers she could give him, but there is one that might intrigue him. “Orion, Virgo, Ursa, Draco, Lyra … they are usually who I spend my time with, since you are so instant.” One brow lifts quickly, indicating she still finds humor in this conversation. “I am well aware how well delicate equipment travels. I had to have mine repaired after the trip from England.”

With a sigh, she tosses her head, letting her curls flip. Katie grabs another glass of wine, grateful for the distraction that Edmond Mallory is turning out to be. He seems to have the same love of the night sky as a certain musketeer, but appearances can always be deceiving. Andre seemed like a good match, and look how he let her down. “And since you insist on knowing so much about me, perhaps you’ll enlighten me as to what other ‘varied’ interests you hold?’

[cassidinegypsy]

Edmond salutes her with his glass before he knocks back its entire contents. Yes there is defiantly more to this English Miss than what meets the eye. The lady has very neatly called him on his previous statement and etiquette demands that as a gentleman he must give her an answer. "Well, I have a passing interest in Botany along with the fossil collection I inherited from a friend. I'm notorious for coming home from Paris with several more books for both my personal and family libraries. I have more violin music stashed away than I have time to learn to play and I breed and train horses. Does that satisfy you or shall I go on?"

His green eyes sparkle brightly as he once again signals a server to bring him, not another glass of wine, but instead he requests some cider. The man moves off to fulfill the rather strange request as most guests are content to just drink spirits all night.

[hedanicree]

Katie’s head jerks back in surprised. Most men would be taken back by her rather coy turn about, but not this man. A truthful answer erupts from his lips, at least as truthful as she can tell. The statement couldn’t be anything less for one simple reason, ‘Botany? Fossil collection?’ The educator in her is intrigued, but the woman in her wonders if he ever has any fun. After all, he is switching to cider and the evening just began.

Following suit, she polishes off yet another glass of wine and savors the warmth coursing through her. It could be the effect of this interesting Englishman, but she highly doubts it is entirely this stimulating conversation. The Kate in Katie cannot resist one more jest on his behalf before she retreats for the night or at least to some place more comfortable than standing in a room full of people talking. “Do you do anything for fun? Those are all subjects better suited for tutors than leisure,” she says, giggling. One cannot help but find humor when her blood is laced with spirits.

[cassidinegypsy]

Edmond can only stand there with a slightly shocked look on his face before he starts laughing. He controls his mirth so that only the two of them hear his warm rich chuckles. It seems his interests do tend to be on the more scholarly side of life's pursuits. The British woman's words do make him pause and wonder when was the last time he did just do something for the sheer pleasure of it. Most of his interests are fueled by his quest for simply wanting to know more about the world around him.

Edmond does recall a recent day that he simply rode out from his family's country estate with nothing more than the clothes on his back, a warm cloak, a rifle, and a dagger. He spent an enjoyable two days hunting, fishing, swimming, and just living off the land. At night he wrapped up in his cloak, lay down near the fire and watched the night unfold above him in all her glorious splendor. It was the last two days the Englishman had to himself before he became completely consumed with taking over his father's duties as head of the Mallory household.

For a few moments, his green eyes hold a far away look in them. With a shake of his head, they refocus back to here and now and the surprising young woman he finds in his company. "I do swim, fish, and disappear on the grounds of my family's estate whenever I can slip away without it being too much trouble," he reveals.

[cassidinegypsy]

Since she has teased him several times already, Edmond feels the need to turn the proverbial tables on her a bit. A mischievous glint comes into his eyes as he asks, "Would you prefer my pursuits including drinking like a sailor every night as I slowly gambled away my family's fortune? That does seem to be the current rage for most men on both sides of the channel."

[hedanicree]

This time, it is Katie's turn to be speechless. Her companion turned the tables on her with such ease and charm, she wonders if he has had practice dealing with women with similar senses of humor. The other ‘women in his life’ is a moot subject at this point though. Katie has no desire to be any man's 'woman.' The last time she took a chance, nothing came out of the brief encounters.

There is no reason to assume that anything would come out of this, except for good conversation. His candor, however, does make her feel a bit more at ease. Honest omissions tend to smooth the way for meaningful conversations, and Katie sees no reason why she shouldn't do the same for him. So, with a laugh, she reveals something very few people know about her, "I too sneak off, Mister Mallory, usually in the dead of night with my telescope and don't come back until dawn." She flashes him a warm smile, before adding, "My employer doesn't much care for that — he worries—" She shrugs briefly at the note "—but it's much easier to see the stars when the city lamps aren't impeding the view."

Katie tends to fidget when with company and nothing to occupy her hand. It is part of the reason she can usually be seen with a wine glass, even if she is drinking very little. The glass is a way to distract her if the conversation should turn uncomfortable. Although, quite at ease with this gent, her eyes begin to search the room for the server and her employer. All good things must come to an end...even when the topic is taking an interesting turn. "Anyway, I probably shouldn’t keep you any longer. You'll want to catch Armand soon—" she leans to whisper "—before the Baron catches his ear." She jerks her head to gesture to the nobleman in question. "He talk all night and my godfather is far too polite to silence him, even if does have other business."

The Englishwoman straightens her posture when she finishes the words she wished to express in confidence. Being close to him did tell her something though, 'He smells wonderful.'

[cassidinegypsy]

'I'd rather spend the rest of the evening in your company,' Edmond thinks ruthful as he also sees the Baron heading toward their host for the night. Once again duty calls and the Englishman is forced to answer. He has little personal life left since becoming head of the family and acting in his father's stead. Still this trip to Paris isn't all business, and he does have a few afternoons and one or two evenings free to do with as he pleases.

For some strange reason, he can see himself happily passing the time with one Miss Katie Reed, even though he has only know her for all of a few minutes. He can't deny she is a beauty, but what intrigues him more is her quick wit and high intelligence. Edmond, being a very practical man, rarely makes leaps of faith, but he is about to make one now. He simply can't leave Paris without seeing this English governess at least one more time. Somehow, in some strange way Katie got to him. It isn't lust, or heaven forbid, love at first sight, but she did do something to him.

Although Edmond knows the proper thing to do is to first ask her guardian for permission to invite her to dinner, he can't help but ask the lady herself. "Might I inquire if you are free to have a luncheon with me in the next few days? We could continue this enlightening and amusing conversation without being interrupted by business matters." His tone is as easy going as it has been this entire conversation, but there is a hopeful look in his eyes that she might just say yes to his offer.

[hedanicree]

"I..." the simple word escapes her before she finds her footing. She is surprised at the invite, after all she barely knows Edmond. But her immediate reaction is to tell him 'certainly.' There is no harm in sharing a meal with a gentleman, as long as he maintains decorum. Katie will not catch herself in a game of cat and mouse once more - as she did with a certain French pursuer. No, this time prudence shall guide her hand the way her mother always scolded her to do. She opens her mouth again, this time to decline, but something within tells her not to say 'no.' Instead, another idea comes to her. "I don't think lunch would be good order," she says cheekily. "However, if you'd prefer supper, I do believe there is some left down in the kitchen...if you're still hungry that is."

She bites her lip for a moment, letting it slip out slowly from her teeth. If she's going to spend any time with him, it might as well be in the comfort of her home. At least here, she has the upper hand. "Besides," she continues, gesturing with her head once more to the baron now speaking with her godfather, "I believe you lost your opportunity." Her brows lift quickly to emphasize the point, and all she can do now is count the seconds until he counters her humor with more of his own.

[cassidinegypsy]

Disappointment flickers briefly in his eyes over her refusal to have lunch with him. He does understand it though as they have only just met tonight, and shared one conversation. It is hardly the basis for sharing lunch in one of Paris’ finest cafes. For now, he will settle for having supper with her because he is still reluctant to part company with her.

Before Edmond can open his mouth to accept her offer, his stomach rumbles and speaks for him. A slow flush creeps up his face while he gives her an apologetic smile. "I do believe my empty stomach has just accepted your generous offer. My most humble apologies for its rather ungentlemanly outburst. My business with your godfather can keep for a bit longer. It isn't anything too pressing and can even wait until tomorrow."
He has every intention of spending as much time with her as possible. She is much better company than the rest of the married women in the room, and he has no desire to be propositioned right up under some poor husband's nose. Katie makes him laugh, not take himself so seriously, and is, in short, a breath of much needed fresh air to Edmond's weary soul. What man in his right mind would turn down the chance to be in such delightful company?

[hedanicree]

"Well then," Katie pipes up, secretly delight that he accepted the offer to spend a bit more time with her this evening. The fact that he can tolerate her sense of humor is, in itself, a good sign that he just might be a kindred spirit and a man worth getting to know. The Englishwoman, however, will not repeat the follies of the past and open herself like she did with a gentleman who still plagues her consciously and unconsciously. "If you would follow me, I'll take you down." The blonde extends her hand, a token of trust and friendship. Now if only he'll take it and explore the many facets of Miss Katie Reed. Her heart counts the seconds with every beat...

[cassidinegypsy]

Edmond takes her hand letting his fingers linger over hers before he tucks them into the crook of his arm. "Lead on then, Miss Reed, for I must confess I am famished."

Her smile is his only answer as she takes him down to the warm kitchens.

His body might be hungry for a decent meal but his soul is starved as well. It is a fact Edmond stoically refused to acknowledge until he crossed paths with the English miss currently at his side. He can only hope the rest of his visit to Paris will include more time with her. She is the bright spot in what has been an otherwise very dull, routine trip to France's capital. He was contemplating cutting the visit short, but now his mind whirls trying to find reasons to extend his stay beyond the week that don't include more work for him. He'd much rather roam Paris with a certain English governess as a guide.