The de Autry Home

[hedanicree]

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On rare occasions, the de Autry family ventures out. Often the governess attends as she is as much family as Armand’s two children. But tonight, Miss Katie Reed has dinner plans with an English gentleman…

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There is a glow to the house, created by the lamps turned low and candles burning instead within the parlor and dining room. The scent of lavender drifts through the air from the incense burning atop the parlor fireplace mantel. It is a romantic atmosphere, created by a woman who hardly believes in such things for a man she barely knows. But nevertheless, it is the air this night.

A flint flickers in the low-lit room. The spark of light reflects of a woman’s face, revealing a lady of style. Kate’s hair is pinned back with delicate curls falling down her back. Small ringlets frame the feminine features of her face. She is all woman tonight, smelling of lavender; dressed like a well-born lady; and looking as if it is a station she has held since birth.

Despite the air of the house, tonight has nothing to do with romance. Such feelings promote relaxation. This is but an opportunity to get to know Mister Mallory better and she wants him to feel at ease in this house; this is the only way she knows how.

A pang of guilt flits through her mind as she heads into the parlor. At her last meeting with the Parisian wolf, he had told her he would come to ask and speak to Armand, properly. Knowing that Edmond was coming and how her guardian would view the musketeer, she quickly refuted such ideas. The fact of the matter is that even Armand is aware of the Sergeant-Major’s reputation, which doesn’t bode well for Kate. Edmond would be a sensible choice if he turned out to be more suitor than friend. What sparks guilt though is that she concealed part of the truth from Andre — the part about Edmond. It is selfish and unlike her, but she has no intention of giving up one for the other. Such choices she faces.

Taking a seat on the settee, she first reaches for a glass of wine setting on the nearby table and then reaches for her book. They are but two small items to help her pass the time until the Englishman arrives…

[cassidinegypsy]

Edmond Mallory swallows as he eyes the front door of the de Autry home. He is impeccably dressed in a suit of dark blue and his blonde hair is pulled back into a proper hairstyle. Dangling from his right hand is a small basket heavily laden with fresh apples, pears, grapes, blueberries and blackberries. Mixed in with the fruit are dark purple and snow-white asters from his greenhouse.

Normally when he visits Armand de Autry, the English businessman has a nice old bottle of wine tucked under his arm. Tonight however, he isn't here to dine with his business acquaintance; instead it is the man's governess that will be his dinner companion. Although he is sure Miss Reed shares her employer's penchant for good wine, it isn't exactly the most appropriate thing to bring to dinner with a lady. Fruit seemed a better choice and the flowers were a last minute addition. The blossoms aren't meant to be a token of affection, but rather a reminder of their first conversation. Asters are also known as stars and the lovely governess just happens to share Edmond's passion for stargazing. Although, he will wager good money she has more time to study the heavens than he currently does.

A smile comes across his face as he knocks on the door. The Englishman can't help but wonder what other passions they share and hopes that tonight's dinner conversation will reveal more of the mystery that is Katie Reed.

The de Autry housekeeper promptly opens the door and ushers the gentleman inside. She takes Edmond's outer coat and with a smile directs the man to the parlor where Katie is waiting for him.

Edmond pauses for a moment in the doorway and closes his eyes as the smell of lavender envelops his senses. He breathes in the scent, letting the herb start to work its magic on him. His shoulders visibly relax as he opens his green eyes and is struck speechless by the sight that greets him: Katie demurely reading and sipping a drink in a breathtaking red dress that exactly matches her beverage. She makes his heart skip a beat and forget the long, endless procession of meetings and business proposals that made up his day.

Finally the proper Englishman finds his voice, "Good Evening, Miss Reed," he says from the doorway with the basket of fruit still dangling from his hand.

[hedanicree]

Instinctively as her chin lifts to view the man saying her name, her arm moves to set her glass aside. With the other hand, the book is moved to lay flat on the settee. She rises from her set as gracefully as she can manage and curtsies, wobbling as she ascends back to her full height. As proper as Miss Reed may appear, there is one aspect of formal society that she will never manage and that is the curtsey. Most women are rather taken back by her awkward attempts, but fortunately for Kate, most men thing it is absolutely adorable — a fact she was not privy too until recently.

For a good many years, no one paid heed to the blonde governess with her noise in a book. Educated woman are viewed as ‘threatening’ to a man. One night in a meadow and a conversation at a party made her rethink the way she is seen. She is viewed as feminine. Why else would have Andre wanted to kiss her? And it is since their meeting, that the intelligent girl has somehow added a hint of those superficial Parisian women she dislikes. But there is nothing superficial about her reaction to Mister Mallory. Her reaction is pure Kate, honest and true.

She gasps at the sight of the man. Impeccably dressed and groomed, Edmond Mallory puts almost every man she’s met to shame. He does not look stuffy like a pompous peacock, but rather gentlemanly and refined. Her breath stills momentarily, before she finds the words that any proper hostess should offer. “Mister Mallory,” Katie says in her native tongue, delighted that her guest finally arrived. “Welcome. I am pleased you could join me this evening.” A wide smile crosses her face as she closes the distance between them. “May I take that for you?” she offers, extending her hands to do just that should he offer her the basket.

[cassidinegypsy]

Edmond's lips twitch up into a small grin as he watches Katie's attempt at a curtsy. Most women master the move early in their lives and it comes as naturally as breathing to them. However it seems the British governess just can't quite get the move down perfectly. Instead of it being annoying, he views it as yet another thing that sets her apart from the rest of the women he has encountered.

When she moves nearer to him, he once again catches a whiff of lavender, only this time it comes from her blonde locks. "The pleasure is all mine, and thank you for inviting me," Edmond says warmly as he hands over the basket. It is a bit heavy, but she is the hostess after all, and would know better than him where to put it. "I hope you like fresh fruit."

[hedanicree]

“Oh I absolutely adore it,” Katie acknowledges as she draws the heavy basket to her. Her eyes glance down to examine the contents. Catching sight of one particularly item, she squeals in an undignified matter. “I love grapes!” Without setting the basket aside, she rises on her toes and kisses Edmond soundly on the cheek before he can react and before she realizes what she is doing.

It isn’t until her feet fall flat that the Brit’s eyes go wide and one hand comes up to cover her mouth. Her cheeks draw crimson and the heated sensation travels swiftly from her face down her throat to her chest. “I do beg your pardon,” she says quickly. “I-I…” Wide-eyed, she stares at her guest, completely mortified over her horrible breach of etiquette.

[cassidinegypsy]

Edmond's green-gold eyes widen in surprise when he feels the quick pressure of Katie's lips on his cheek and he takes a step backward. 'Must remember the lady’s fondness for grapes,' he thinks as a real smile lights up his face.

A blush stains his own cheeks but for a very different reason. The last time someone showed Edmond any genuine affection was when his sister, Haley, kissed him goodbye before he boarded the ship to come to Paris. He will treasure Katie's kiss more but the sentiment is the same. His hand comes up to touch the cheek she pressed her lips to as if he can't quite believe it actually happened. "I assure you, Miss Reed, I take no offense at all. You were merely excited over the fruit. I take it grapes are your favorite then. I am fond of them myself and it seems we have yet another thing in common." Edmond raises an eyebrow, as he can't resist teasing, "Grapes and stars, what a strange combination. Shall we see what other oddities we can add to the list?" He hopes his slight jest will help smooth over Katie's embarrassment. Although, some part of him wistfully dares to hope that she might someday give him a real kiss.

[hedanicree]

The heat radiates of her as he teases her ever so slightly. At least he took her slip good-naturedly. Had Armand been home, she is sure that her guardian would have said something. Fortunately they are alone and there is no one here to chastise her unless Edmond suddenly decides to after all. But he doesn’t seem the type. As serious as he appears, she found another kindred soul with him — proper, yet flexible.

With a deep breath, her eyes lift to look him in the eyes. She is still slightly embarrassed but there is nothing she can do about it now. What is done is done. The only thing now that matters is moving forward with what she is sure will be a wonderful evening. “Yes, um, grapes are—” she swallows “—they are my favorite,” she confirms awkwardly. “Thank you, Mister Mallory.”

Katie turns on her heels to take the basket to the table. Fruit makes an excellent dessert after all. On her way back, she grabs a glass of wine for her dinner-mate before returning. “Please,” she says, handing off the crystal and gesturing toward the settee, “make yourself comfortable. I’m sure you’ll find that vintage to your liking.” She licks her lips ever so gently. “Supper should be ready in a few minutes. I had Fleur, our cook, make something that I hope you’ll like.” After her slip up, she feels a bit uncomfortable, but a few more glasses of wine should destroy any lingering discomfort.

[cassidinegypsy]

Edmond takes the glass and the seat on the settee offered him. The gentleman sighs in contentment as he tastes the vintage and finds it is indeed to his liking. In fact the wine is one of his favorite reds. With another smile, he salutes Katie with his glass and drains the contents of it. He can't help noticing the lady's embarrassment and does what any true gentleman would do, simply not add to it and introduce a new topic of conversation.

"I must confess that whenever I come to Paris, I make sure to have dinner with your godfather at least once while I am here. Fleur's cooking rivals both my family cooks," Edmond says with a laugh. His face grows serious as he studies the young British woman. "I'm curious though with as many times as I have been to this house that you and I have never met until now. Just how long have you been working for Mister de Autry?" he asks in English. It is a relief to him to be able to converse with her in their native tongue. He gets so tired of speaking nothing but French all the time.

[hedanicree]

Katie takes a seat next to Edmond. She retrieves her glass and slowly sips the red while listening intently like any well-bred woman would. She smiles at his comments over Fleur and how he’s never managed to meet her. There is a simple explanation for such things. She giggles ever so slightly. “I’ve worked for Armand for a little more than five years. He asked me if I would come when my godmother fell ill and could no longer care for the children.” A sad smile crosses her face. She misses her godmother sometimes and hardly feels adequate to caring for such a wonderful woman’s children.

She takes another drink; this time not finishing until the glass is drained. “I don’t frequently dine with Armand when he has guests. Most do not understand why his governess frequents such things. I only attended the party because he thought I could use some society…” Katie rolls her eyes as she laughs. “He confessed to me the next day that he thought I was in foul spirits — though I can’t image why.”

Katie rises from her seat to grab the still uncorked bottle of wine. She quickly refills her glass and then does the same for Edmond. “Now that you know what brought me to France,” she says cheekily, “perhaps you care to share what brought you here. I dare say I rarely see any of my countrymen.” Kate retakes her seat and sits back, finally getting comfortable with her company.

[cassidinegypsy]

Edmond simply lets Katie's voice wash over him as she answers his question. Her chattering doesn't seem to grate on his tired, frayed nerves like so many other women's voices in Paris do. Judging by the way she speaks of Armand, he can tell the two are close and that their relationship extends beyond just Katie being in the man's employ. She is de Autry's goddaughter and part of the family rather than just hired help. Her comments make him chuckle.

There are so many reasons he is currently in France's capital. Most are business related, some are to fulfill requests from friends that call Paris home, but the most important reason is a simple and deeply personal one. "I'm here to handle some business for my father and to check on a family friend. Paris is my second home as we Mallory's have a townhouse on the outskirts of the city." Edmond turns his face to Katie as he adds, "I too am delighted to find one of my countrymen amongst the Paris throng. I don't much care for France's high society and have to bite my tongue at most of the gatherings business forces me to attend." He makes a face at the end that speaks volumes about what he really thinks of Parisian nobility.

[hedanicree]

A musical laugh escapes Katie as if she were but a child, free and wild. Edmond Mallory shares her sense of humor and her opinion of the snobby elite she often mingles with. More often then not, she prefers to be in her meadow, staring up at the stars. It reminds her of times when life was simple, when she didn’t have to play to the crowd around her, when propriety was something her mother squawked about instead of something Katie had to live with. It is also the place she met a certain rogue, a rogue she’s beginning to think turned her into a fool — a fool in love.

But this man will never make a fool of her. He is far too proper for such things and fortunately someone who understands the hypocrisy in the society they live in. “I find smiling is about all I’m good for at such functions. I have several close friends that love to attend every little party and occasionally I go with them when I am able. I’d prefer to do other things, but even when the society is barely tolerable, one should still attend…if only to stave off gossip.” She takes a drink of wine, trying to keep from downing it. She always was able to handle conversations with men a bit better when inebriated. “Perhaps that is why I attend, when I do—” she shrugs “—I would not what people to think ill of the Reed name, if only for my father’s sake — God rest his soul.”

She takes another heavy drink. She sighs lightly as she licks the excess wine from her lips. ‘What is it about him that lets me talk so freely,’ she wonders, before her mind wanders to think of a certain man who also makes her feel so ‘free.’ ‘Andre, my wolf… stop it, Kate!’ “And you, Mister Mallory, is business alone all that drives you to attend such functions? Surely you must enjoy a fete on occasion if only for a fleeting moment. As much as I dislike some of the company, it still is nice to talk to people — no matter how dull the conversation can be at times.” Her beautiful brown eyes blink at him as she waits, wondering how he’ll respond.

[cassidinegypsy]

Edmond can't help grinning at the sound of Katie's laughter. He toss back his own drink and then sets the glass on the table beside him. His green eyes never leave the young woman's face as he watches her lick the wine from her lips. A strange sensation washes over him as he listens to her speak and something long dormant begins to stir within him. Edmond won't admit it yet, but he can feel himself starting to connect with the English governess at his side. Perhaps that is what prompts him to be honest with her when he could easily tell a falsehood and get away with it.

"I'm driven by many things, Miss Reed. Sometimes business, but mostly my own selfish nature. I have been known on occasion to host a party or two, and I find I have more fun simply watching everyone else enjoying themselves," he confesses before losing himself while staring into the depths of her brown eyes. Something about Katie Reed fascinates him and he feels like a moth drawn to a flame.

[hedanicree]

Her eyes stay connected with his just long enough for her to find the answer to the puzzle within her mind, whether he is serious or whether he is just trying to get into her good graces. Deciding it is the first, she offers him a radiant smile as she leans forward. Although Katie doesn’t mind invading personal space, it somehow doesn’t seem right for her to invade his as freely as another man on her mind. “Selfish,” she chides in a teasing fashion, “it is hardly gentlemanly to be selfish.” Katie puts on a brief pout, pretending she disapproves of his selfishness, before finishing her wine and setting the glass aside.

Her teasing is interrupted by the echoing sound of movement coming from the dining room. It is an all too familiar sound and one that proclaims their meal is prepared. This time without grace, she rises from her seat a bit light headed from lack of food and too much wine. She flashes him a lopsided grin as she tries to play her slight bobble off as something she usually does. It is only when she gains her footing that she gestures with her arm toward the dining room. “But perhaps you can redeem yourself and prove that, although selfish, you are still a gentleman and join me in the dining room. I do believe that is the sound of supper being served.” Katie giggles softly. “And you wouldn’t want to insult your hostess and the cook by refusing…” She tilts her head to the side, letting the longer tendrils of her curled hair fall in a wavy curtain beside her.

[cassidinegypsy]

Edmond raises an eyebrow at her words and her actions. It seems Katie Reed might have had a little too much to drink before dinner. Something he is guilty of doing on occasion as well. A gentleman tipsy or even inebriated at a social gathering is nothing new. However, a lady is supposed to maintain some sense of control over her appetites, especially in public. He is secretly glad it is just the two of them here tonight and Katie’s reputation will remain unblemished.

The Englishman gives her a knowing look as he rises off the settee to offer the lady his arm. He wouldn’t dream of letting such a lovely woman dine alone or dare to insult the cook. He hopes the meal will be a simple one as he has had enough of people trying to impress him with extravagant meals.

"I would be honored to join you for supper, Miss Reed. I must confess I once again missed my noon meal." He rolls his eyes at what is quickly becoming a bad habit whenever the businessman is in Paris. "Something smells delicious. Might I inquire what we are having, or is it a surprise?" Edmond asks as he escorts Katie to the dinning room and holds the lady’s chair out for her. Only when she is seated at the table does he move to take his chair across from her. He gives the young woman a smile as he waits for her to reveal what is for dinner and for their conversation to continue. He can’t quite figure out what he hungers for more, the food or Katie.

[hedanicree]

“Well, I thought perhaps, since the family is out this evening, that I wouldn’t give Fleur too much to do,” she replies, purposefully drawing out her point to add a little suspense. With a straight back and very lady-like, she places her napkin across her lap, taking her time at the task, before she lifts her eyes to meet Edmond’s once more. “At first I thought that you’d be tired of traditional English dishes, as you live there after all, but then…” One brow cocks. “…I decided I was a bit home sick and it’s not often one can find a ‘taste’ of home in a foreign land.”

With a wave of her hand, she gestures for the staff to remove the silver covers of the food place around the table. Although there are not many dishes, there is enough to fit this English born pair — roasted hen with rosemary, boiled potatoes lightly seasoned and an arrayed of cooked vegetables. “I hope it is to your liking, Mister Mallory,” she finishes in softly. Her lips purse in a pensive fashion. She does wish to please him; it is, after all, her way.