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#Post#: 391522--------------------------------------------------
Second Choice
By: Lady Delphine Cornwall Date: October 20, 2015, 1:22 am
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Word had spread around the Beauchamp Estate by the time Lady
Delphine had woke up. Lady Angelique had run off with the stable
boy. She had been sneaking around and seeing him for a couple
of weeks. Her parents had rose to find a letter in her bed.
[center]I'm sorry Mother and Father, I cannot marry a man I do
not love. I have fallen in love, and I will be married, I'm
sorry to soil the good family name, but I must do this. With
Love Angelique.[/center]
Lady Delphine came out of her room after having been dressed.
The worst part of her day was being prodded and squeezed into
dresses that didn't do anything to give her a figure anyway. Her
parents were yelling at each other. "What are we going to do?
You promised the Lord his son would marry your first daughter
years ago!" Her mother yelled. "I don't know! I wrote to him
weeks ago! His son is supposed to be sent down before the winter
months to take her back to Scottland! This will cause-" He
stopped and stared at Lady Delphine then back to his wife. "But
she's not first born!" He shook his head. "They've never met our
daughters! He'll never know the difference! We will just tell
him she's Anqelique!" Lady Delphine piped up. "Wait? What am I
expected to do?" She wouldn't stand for this!
She had no choice. The day the Lords son was to arrive to
collect his wife, Lady Delphine was primped and stuffed into a
dress in an attempt to give her a figure. "Now, you don't have
your looks. And you have no shape to you at all, even your nose
is too thin." Her mother was busily giving final words to her.
"But as of this moment you are Lady Angelique and because you
lack in beauty you are to do every thing your husband commands
of you. No matter what it is. Do you understand Anqelique?" Lady
Delphine nodded. Her parents let out a sigh of relief. They
were going to be rid of their ugly daughter, and no one would no
of the scandal in their home. "If you fail you are NOT to return
here! As far as we are concerned as of today our hands are
washed of you. This is your chance at a future Angelique,
understood?" Once again Delphine nodded ready to cry.
#Post#: 391620--------------------------------------------------
Re: Second Choice
By: Eshu Date: October 20, 2015, 9:06 pm
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All his life, Cole had known that his future wasn't his own; His
wife chosen for him before he was so much as a thought. While he
was privy to this knowledge, he never allowed it to bother him.
In fact, in many ways, he looked forward to having his chosen
bride. In his early years, his father had instructed him to be
social with the opposite sex; To develop his charm, and learn
the way to properly please a woman. Cole had followed his
father's instructions. He had gotten charm down to a science,
however, he had little attachment to the woman he courted. He
hoped that Lady Angelique would be different.
Now that Cole was 18 years of age, it would soon be time for him
to go and gather his bride. His arrival had been arranged for
the end of Autumn, which was quickly approaching. In fact, He
was due to leave by carriage in only a few days. It was a week's
travel and punctuality was a must.
The days dragged like warm molasses, but eventually they did
pass. With a warm farewell to his father, Cole boarded the
carriage, and began the voyage to England.Odd, in all his years
of his father speaking of his time spent there, Cole had never
once visited. He wondered what it would be like, how the people
were. But most of all, he wondered about Angelique. His father
had told him that she was as Angel-esque as her namesake. He
never told the boy that he hadn't met her himself... The days on
the road were even slower than the ones waiting back home. But
the time had come. In only one more day, he would be arriving at
the Deauchamp Estate!
#Post#: 391631--------------------------------------------------
Re: Second Choice
By: Lady Delphine Cornwall Date: October 20, 2015, 9:23 pm
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Why was she being married off in a green dress. Why did her
sister do this to her? It was not her responsibility to clean up
her mistakes! She grumbled as her mother tried to preen and
powder her. "Well I'm sorry my dear, he may not accept you, you
are just unattractive. So when he takes a mistress because you
are not pleasing to his eye, do not be ashamed, and do not stop
him. No man wants to bed a pig." Delphine looked down at the
material of her dress. It was beautiful she thought but her
mother referred to it as a vomit color. Everything about her she
knew was unattractive. She didn't have any kind of figure to
please a man. She was just too odd and angular. No amount of
make up would cover that.
Her feet ached. "May I sit down Mother? My heels are killing
me!" Her mother tsked at her. "No you may not. If you do you may
rip the material of the dress or stain it. You don't want to
add another blemish. It's bad enough the boy may run at the
sight of you."
She knew she wasn't very beautiful. But her mother didn't have
to continually rub it in. She walked over to the window and
looked out, hoping to see his carriage coming down the road.
Maybe she would catch a glimpse of her future husband before he
saw her. Her thick hair had been managed into curls, and she
felt as though she were going to burst out of the corset at any
time. The cage in her skirt pressed into hips uncomfortably.
This was the worst day of her life. And it wasn't even hers. It
was Angeliques.
#Post#: 391667--------------------------------------------------
Re: Second Choice
By: Eshu Date: October 20, 2015, 10:58 pm
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The time had come. The carriage was pulling up to the estate.
Cole couldn't remember the last time his heart had raced so
fast! An attendant came out to greet him. "Greetings sire."
Cole hated those pleasantries. Fancy greetings, and such from
people who really didn't care to make your acquaintance. He
returned the greeting nonetheless. "Lady Angelique awaits your
arrival. If you'll follow me..." Cole had no idea he was being
played from the start.
He followed the attendant up the stairs, and toward the Grande
Dining Hall, where Angelique's parents were waiting. As his
upbringing dictated, Cole approached her father first. "Count
James. It's a pleasure to finally have the honor of meeting you,
sir."' He offered the Count a firm handshake.
"I'm pleased to finally meet you as well Cole. I've look forward
to this day for many years." There was something unnatural about
his tone; Almost nervous... But given the amount of time he had
been preparing for this day, it could be deemed normal. Cole
then went to greet the Countess as well. He planted a kiss on
the back of her palm. "The Heavens have smiled down on England,
to have provided these lands with such a beauty. I'm truly
humbled." "Oh you flatter me!" She grinned and blushed slightly.
"It seems Aaron has raised quite the charmer!" James said. "I'm
sure our Angelique will be thrilled!" He sent the attendant to
gather her. It was time for the first meeting.
#Post#: 391678--------------------------------------------------
Re: Second Choice
By: Lady Delphine Cornwall Date: October 20, 2015, 11:44 pm
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"He has arrived Mother!" Delphine said looking out the window.
"Alright you stay here, let your father and I welcome the boy
before he sees you." They went to the Grand Dining Hall and left
her in silence. Her stomach flipped and she almost felt like she
would be sick. Her husband was here. Well not hers but Lady
Angelique's. She couldn't get a clear view, but stay out of site
from the window as well so he didn't see her and run. A small
part of her wanted to run. But an even bigger part told her that
at least she was leaving her family.
After a while the attendant came to get her. "Lady D-,
Angelique, your presence is requested. Please come with me." He
lead her down the halls that she knew and grew up in, knowing
this would be the last time she saw them. "Your belongings are
being taken to his carriage as we speak. Your mother has asked
me to remind you to stand up straight. Otherwise you will
develope a hunch and you don't need that." He chuckled, but felt
bad. Lady Delphine was beautiful as she was and her parents were
just too stuck up to see it. But it wasn't his place to say so.
"Please wait one moment." He walked through the door at the
entrance to the Grand Dining Hall. "May I have your attention
please, and welcome Lady...Angelique." He opened the door and
bowed as she walked through the door.
Her stomach felt like it hit the floor. He was so refined and
handsome. Was this the man she was to marry? Angeligue really
missed out, John was nowhere near as attractive as he was. She
slowly walked to him, and curtsied. "Your Lordship." She said
with a bow of her head. "I am pleased to make your
acquaintance." In an attempt to keep the mans attention off
their daughter James cleared his throat. "The arrangements have
been made, you will be married by morning. Wont you have a spot
of tea with me while we wait for our dinner to arrive? The chef
has told me that dinner will be done directly."
#Post#: 391851--------------------------------------------------
Re: Second Choice
By: Eshu Date: October 21, 2015, 9:07 pm
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The attendant drew Cole's attention away from the Count and
Countess, and onto his bride to be. He performed a quick
examination and smiled at her. She wasn't blessed with her
mother's curves, but she was beautiful, nonetheless. Being the
charmer that the Count had called him, there was, there was no
way he could simply ignore the first meeting of his future wife.
He approached her as she greeted him, and took her hand, placing
a tender kiss on the back of her palm. "Please, the pleasure is
all mine."
His moment of introduction was inturrupted when he realized what
the Count had said to him. He turned from his bride to be, and
respectfully objected. "Oh no! My father insists the wedding be
held in Scottland!" He paused and looked back at Angelique.
"That is, if Lady Angelique will have me. He's spared no
expense." Once more, he turned back to her parents. "Of course,
the two of you are encouraged to attend as well!"
#Post#: 392191--------------------------------------------------
Re: Second Choice
By: Lady Delphine Cornwall Date: October 22, 2015, 8:44 pm
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Heat prickled at the back of her neck. He didn't seem to be
disgusted by her appearance. He seemed delighted to meet her in
fact! Was it just a kindness? The touch of his lips to the flesh
of her hand sent chills up her hand. Delphine's heartbeat
quickened. The moment passed however, when her father
interjected. Of course he would to distract the man. She let her
hand fall to her side. Her smile that had formed at his initial
reaction to her faded into a frown. Her mother cleared her
throat and gave her a stern look. Immediately Delphine plastered
a false smile to her face. Her mother nodded, only once and
turned her attention to Cole.
Cole seemed to be undeterred by her father though, changing the
subject back to Angelique. When Cole turned back to her, she
felt the heat from her neck, creep to her cheeks, making them
feel as if they were on fire! Her eyes locked with his when he
said "If she'll have me." Like she had a choice of her own. As
much as she would love to say yes to him, she also wanted to say
no. He wasn't asking her to marry him. It was Angelique he
wanted to marry. Momentarily she forgot that.
She probably was nowhere near the woman he expected in fact. He
too probably being in a position to that forced his kindness
instead of earned it. He probably no more wanted to marry her
than her mother wanted to claim her as a daughter. Delphine
felt as if her chest were going to cave in now. She had to argue
with her feet not to turn and run.
In her moment of silence her father's laugh boomed out. "Of
course she'll have you. Can't you see she's awash with emotion?
The girl can barely speak! Come we'll celebrate with some good
brandy or something of your choice! By that time dinner will be
coming in!" He walked over and gently squeezed Delphhine's arm.
"Smile Angelique! You're getting married!" He looked to Cole
then. "I'm sorry though. My wife and I are not quite fit to
travel at the moment and will have to stay here. My wife and I
wanted to be at the wedding, which is why we set it up here, but
we will be satisfied knowing our daughter is in the very capable
hands of a strong strapping young man such as yourself. Wont we
darling?" Her mother nodded and voiced her agreements instantly.
"Quite satisfied yes! Our Angelique has grown into a woman so
fast! I can hardly believe it."
#Post#: 392521--------------------------------------------------
Re: Second Choice
By: Pokemon World Date: October 24, 2015, 11:05 am
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Angelique's body language spoke volumes. Though she didn't
speak, the color in her cheeks, as well as her quickened
breathing, suggested that she was at least somewhat taken by the
young man chosen to have her hand. Cole found this pleasing.
However, he found her father's behavior quite vexing. He knew
this was an exciting time for the count, but his excitement came
off almost as forceful! Even so, his charm never wavered.
"I see that you drink of choice is just as my father's." He said
with a smile. "I prefer a nice rum myself, But I'd be more than
happy to have a glass of Brandy with you." He was shocked to
hear that the heads of household wouldn't travel to attend the
wedding of their own first born. For the first time, his smile
broke. "My father will be disappointed to hear that. He's very
much looking forward to seeing you and having a drink with you
again." He then noticed the frown on Angelique's face. Something
was very odd here...
#Post#: 399953--------------------------------------------------
Re: Second Choice
By: Lady Delphine Cornwall Date: December 4, 2015, 11:15 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Her father smiled. "If you prefer rum then rum you shall have. "
He snapped his fingers and a servant hurried over. "Have rum and
brandy waiting for us." He smiled to Cole. "I have a letter for
your father in my study. I was going to send it with our lovely
Angelique deliver it but I suppose I could leave it with you."
Delphine let out a sigh of relief. She didn't even realize she
was holding her breath. Her mother walked over and grabbed her
wrist. "Come along Angelique. Let's let these gentlemen have a
drink." Delphine felt her mothers grip tighten and she hurried
after her. Stepping on the hem of her dress and falling forward.
She understood that her parents had been upset that things
werent going her way. But that was nothing compared to the look
on her fathers face.
She could almost swear that steam came from her ears. The
ripping of her dress sent him over the edge. "Dammit Delphine!
Can't you do you anything right?!" He smacked her hard across
the face and shook with anger.
#Post#: 400206--------------------------------------------------
Re: Second Choice
By: Pokemon World Date: December 6, 2015, 11:34 pm
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Cole smiled when the Count told him he could have his rum. “Have
to respect a man with a well varied collection!” He said with a
laugh. He knew how to work over any crowd. His greatest asset
was his charm. It came to him naturally, so it was never
rehearsed, or staged. He nodded his head when he was informed
about the letter. “I’ll be sure that he gets it.”
He smiled as the Count’s wife made her way to their daughter,
beckoning her to give the men the room. They weren’t so bad, he
supposed. They were simply excited. It was understandable. He
watched as the ladies made their way out of the room, but winced
when he saw Angelique preparing to go down. He looked away as
she made contact, and prepared to go check on his bride to be.
But before he could make a move to console the undoubtedly
embarrassed woman, her father made his move. He expected the man
to pick her up, and ensure that she was alright. But instead he
yelled at her, and then slapped her across the face!
That was the last straw! Cole placed himself in between the
Count and his daughter, anger clear in his eyes. “What the Hell
is wrong with you?” He half asked, half yelled. He turned and
helped her up. “Are you alright?” His tone was completely
different when he spoke to her. It was soft, and kind. But he
quickly turned back to the Count, yelling once more. “Why do you
treat your daughter li-“ Wait. He called her something weird.
Who was Delphine? He looked back at the fallen woman, a mixture
of concern and confusion in his eyes. He sighed and reached down
to help her up. “You’re not Angelique, are you?” His voice was
calm once more, but it was clear that he had finally pieced it
together. “You can tell the truth. I won’t hold it against you.”
Narrow eyes settled on the host of this gathering. “It’s clearly
his doing…”
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