As much as he wished to sneak in the Manor while still dark, he doubted very much that it would happen. So much for sleep. Back to Sir Percy who yawns all day. Perhaps Lady Blakeney would grow tired of his constant yawning and choose something else to do other than follow him like a puppy. A grin crossed his face. Maybe she would want to re-form that bond with her brother once they came in. Oh! That was something wild to hope for!
Longer was the ride from Dover to Richmond than the travels from Paris to Calais. A good three times longer. Here he had horses under different names for different purposes. Everyone would be riding today a short jaunt to London. He hoped they caught sleep in the carriage or on the boat. Once changed along the way, they would enter London as Sir Percy Blakeney, Sir Andrew Ffoulkes, Lord Frederick Clayton, M. Armand St. Just, and a male friend with his boy.
Finally, they all boarded the boat back to England. Armand couldn't sleep.
He wasn't tired anymore. All he wanted to do was get home and see
Marguerite. He had, however, enjoyed this little game that the five of
them were now playing. He understood why Percy had done it before-- it
gave him a thrill, as well as a wonderful feeling of self-worth, that one
had done something honorable. And they had.
The trip was long, they were able to stop and change where they had left
off, although there was nothing yet for Helene or Louise to change into.
Entering London by morning, Sir Percy was dressed to kill and smiled as if
he could not wait to get home. The idea entered his head to perhaps draw out
the day, showing Armand, Helene and Louise about, but quickly dismissed the
idea. Armand might wonder why Sir Percy was not anxious to get home to his
wife. Thinking on this, Sir Percy asked them all to hold up a moment and he
entered a local store. When he came out, it was with one large package and
two smaller ones. They departed London.
One third of the trip down, it was still a long road to Yorkshire and of
course, Richmond. Stopping again, Blakeney brought the large and one of the
smaller packages out and around to Helene. "I am afraid there is nothing
quite like changing in the woods, Mlle." He blushed a little at the thought
and nodded to her towards the trees. "Open them once you two are well hidden
and change. I would just as soon leave the outfits you both have on stuffed
up in a tree somewhere. If we never see them again, all the better."
He bowed at Helene and tipped his top hat and returned over by the waiting
Frederick, Armand and Andrew.
Armand grinned wryly at Percy. "What was that about?" Clothes. Helene and
Louise had received clothes. No doubt, the finest, if Percy had picked
them out.
Once opened, Helene would find a beautiful richly colored peach dress done
in the manner of London's high society. Sir Percy took to the task of
purchasing a sandal type shoe, the proper undergarments a woman wears under
her dress, a simple gold necklace and a hair comb that had an emerald
hummingbird on it. For the small girl Louise, he bought a light blue dress
with small black shoes. A similar hair comb, only made for a child and a
simple gold necklace to match. Blakeney forgot that Helene had no relation
to the child, but still, his sense of fashion for making these young ladies
feel well was dominant. In fact, the very moment he cleaned up and donned
the outfit of Sir Percy, his whole demeanor changed and the languid ways
about him came forth. By the time they reached London, one would never think
the lazy Baronet was sleeping soundly in dirty clothes with a stubble beard
in a rope pile hours prior.
They had all changed, transformed into their former selves. Armand had
liked the scruffiness of being one of the band, but it wouldn't be
acceptable for them all to turn up at Blakeney Manor in... well, rags. And
Armand knew that Percy preferred the frills of high society life. He
wouldn't take to the idea of staying in the more comfortable peasant
clothes.
Not that Armand minded the splendor of being rich. True, all his things
were richly made, and they weren't uncomfortable. But they made him feel
like he had to be perfect. That he had to act... English. And as much he
idolized his brother-in-law, and liked his friends, Armand was still a
little skittish about being around the English aristos when he had once
been a republican.
Once they emerged, Sir Percy smiled and took to complimenting them both
well. "You look smashingly marvelous!" He smiled, the lazy blues closing as
he brought up his gloved hand in a yawn. Once they all re-mounted, he called
them all to ride close together. "There is still the matter of where to keep
Helene now," he produced the question to the group.
"As much as I would offer up my home to anyone, I think it might be a little
obvious for a tall Englishman to suddenly have freed French in his home
after an attack by a tall Frenchman. Ya think?" He took his cane and prodded
Andrew's side, just in jest.
"I can easily put up funds for you Mlle. Leroux to stay at a near enough Inn
in downtown Richmond. You will have to ride there with Louise alone, but I
will provide you with every last pound I have upon me at the moment. From
there, you can get in contact with Armand and come visit my household. It
has to happen in that order, however. Others might notice if done any other
way." In his mind, he was thinking of Marguerite being the ""other".
Glancing up at the sky, he knew he and Armand would arrive to the Manor by
early nightfall. Plenty of time for her to be awake and greeting him.
Damn.
Armand smiled at his friend. "You look perfect, Helene." He grinned
boyishly at Louise. "And you, petit chou chou*, look like a little lady."
When the question of where the two were to stay, he turned to Percy. "Can
we go now?" He asked. The other nodded an affirmative, and they continued
to the manor. Helene and Louise headed to the inn. Andrew and Frederick
left for their respective homes. Armand and Percy were finally going
HOME!
Marguerite sat in the parlor with little Sarah on her lap. The little girl
had taken a liking to Marguerite and Marguerite did not mind the little
girl, she brought some life and joy to the sometimes stuffy home.
Marguerite had found some children's books in the corner of Percy's library
and was reading the girl a story. She was very fortunate to be educated
and able to read, especially considering she was middle class and a female.
Marguerite had decided that she would speak to Percy about a tutor for
the sweet girl so that at the very least she could learn basic things such
as reading and mathematics.
Sarah had fallen asleep in Marguerite's lap when her sister had come to
lift the girl and take her off to bed. Marguerite sighed as she watched
Emma walk down the hallway with Sarah in her arms. Sitting back down,
Marguerite had picked up the book she had pulled out of the library for
herself. She had become absorbed in her book so much so that she did not
hear the clumping of hooves and rocking carriage until someone had almost
pulled right up to the front entrance. She doubted it was anyone paying a
surprise visit and stepped to the window. She glanced out into the dimly
lit entrance area, but right away she recognized it - Percy's carriage.
Immediately she rushed out of the parlor, through the foyer and down the
front steps to where the carriage, her dear brother, and beloved husband
were.
The time had come to face the inevitable wife. He was silent in the
carriage ride home, leaning back and closing his eyes, trying to rest. He
could not though. How could Blakeney possibly even stop his mind from
thinking how he was going to handle her? He was back with himself now and
not blind from the vixen. His true self was alive and burning again. The
vision of his sweet lady gone and torn from his soul. He was Percy
Blakeney. Not Sir Percy. Not Baronet Blakeney. Not the richest man in
England with the idiot mind and lazy heart. He came to terms with himself
again on how much he enjoyed the thrill of the chase and the wonderment of
accomplishment. Helene Leroux was on English soil.
So, what to do now? Walk up to Marguerite and say, "I'm no longer the man
you thought I was... and you are not the woman I married. I want you to
leave."? Oh, yes. Wouldn't that do to further taint the Blakeney family
reputation? He fidgeted in his rest in the back of the carriage. With
luck, a typhoon would come and attack the entire Isle of England and he
would not have to deal with her.
He told himself, "Dreamer."
His gentleman manner gestured to Armand to leave the carriage first, really
not wishing to leave it at all himself. Maybe once Armand's foot cleared
the carriage, he could shoot off a pistol and spook the entire horsed team
to start running madly off into the distance. Wouldn't that work, if only
the driver was not still on top the carriage to stop the animals.
"Damn." he thought.
He heard the house door open and then shut and he snuck a peek out to see
her embrace Armand. He winced inside and leaned far back into the carriage.
Taking a deep breath, Sir Percy smiled and brought up his hand to the
carriage and lifted himself out. He came down and straighter the sides of
his double lapels and glanced about at Marguerite and the rest of the
Blakeney property. "La! But it is good to be home!"
"Idiot." he thought to himself.
Marguerite rushed around to the side of the carriage after greeting her
brother. As soon as both Percy's feet were on solid ground she threw her
arms tightly around him and buried her head into his chest. "Oh Percy,
Percy, Percy," she gaily chatter, "I'm so happy you're back. The past few
days have been awful without you." She reached up and caressed his face
and leaned up to kiss his face before continuing . She suddenly became
slightly more sober. "Percy can we go inside and talk, there's something I
need to say."
Blakeney cringed hearing his name over and over from her heathen lips.
Luckily, he was exiting the carriage, with his head down, the top hat
shielding his face from Armand's and Marguerite's view. Armand. Donning his
best smile, Sir Percy put an arm around Marguerite and gave her a small hug.
"La! Who's the fool husband to deserve such a greeting?" He brought his chin
up and glanced about.
He leaned down and debated giving her his cheek to kiss, but again. Armand
was near so he met her lips and swore he had never had such a hard acting
performance such as this one. Outwardly, Sir Percy was happy to be in her
company and matched her kissing intensity with his own.
They were finally there! Armand soon found himself hugging his sister.
"Margot, how I missed you!" He sighed, happy to be home. The boy watched
as Percy greeted his wife. Percy seemed to debate whether or not to kiss
her, then, as if the glance he threw at Armand seemed to settle it, met
her lips with his own. Embarrassed for watching, Armand turned away. Then
he found his feet carrying him up the stairs to where Axelia was staying.
He knocked on her door. No answer. He noticed the door was unlocked, so he
went in. The room looked as though it had never been touched. He went to
his room and found a letter from her, telling him where he could find her.
The theatre where she was performing had a performance that night. Maybe
he would go and say hello to her after. "The Merchant of Venice". He'd
never heard of it. He had heard of the writer, that Shakespeare fellow.
Supposedly quite good. Yes, he would go and greet her.
Bloody hell! Did he make the call, or did he make the call? She was already
going to corner him before he moved five feet onto his own property. Might
as well get it over with. The sooner the better. "How ever can I serve you?
Say the word and your every desire is at my command."
Marguerite released her husband but held onto his warm, slender hands.
"Please Percy, let's going inside and sit down, I'm sure you're tired from
your trip. We can talk once you've gotten off your feet." Marguerite began
to lead the way towards the front door, walking backwards so she could see
her husband.
"More than you know...." he watched her drag him towards the door and Sir
Percy gave Armand a nice smile when he passed. He followed her and let her
lead him. The dog he would become. "What can I do for your ladyship?"
Marguerite led Percy into the parlor where she had been sitting with Sarah
a short while before. Marguerites sat down and lead Percy to the coach
with her. She continued holding his hand as she spoke. "Percy, I wanted
to speak to you about what you had said before leaving a few days ago.
About proper relationships verse courtships and pet names and titles, and
oh Percy," she pleaded as she looked beggingly into his soft blue eyes.
"Percy, I'm sorry for the way I acted before you left. I felt so awful
having you leave after seeing me in such a state. These past few days have
been so emotionally charged, in some ways it's too much. You must
understand that this way of life is so different from the life I had been
living and to be suddenly thrust into it was very difficult, but know
this," she continued, smiling yet near tears, "I do love you, and there's
nothing more I want on this earth then to be with you, and to be your wife,
to be Lady Blakeney is an amazing gift you have given me." Marguerite
reached up to stroke his cheek, "There's so much I have to learn about this
life, I only ask that you help me, and have patience with me, and most of
all love me."
Sir Percy did his best to keep up the charade and smile, however Blakeney
felt sick to his stomach. He was not ready for all these words, yet had no
choice but to go along. Perhaps she was testing him to see how he would
fare. Well, he would fare alright!
"Think nothing of it! In the past milady. In the past." He smiled and leaned
back into the sofa patting her hand. "No one expects you to be converted
into an English lady overnight." Many comments rushed to the surface of his
head, and for the sake of keeping this real to her, he pushed them all
aside.
Marguerite simply smiled back at Percy, just happy to see him once again.
"You're sweet words are truly more than I deserve. You must stop speaking
like I am going to die tomorrow Madame. I just got home. Have you dinned
yet? I know I am parched and famished. I am sure in the upcoming days we can
help you in all you need to know in order to feel just at home. For you, all
the patience in the world."
He really wished he had gotten more sleep to stomach all this. Sir Percy
patted her hand and stood up, offering to help her to the kitchen with his
inane smile and lazy look.
Marguerite stood and smiled as she took Percy's arm, "No I haven't eaten
this evening Percy, I became so involved with little Sarah and then in a
book I myself had, oh, I hope you don't mind Percy, while you were gone I
had been sort of exploring the house and had gone through parts of your
library. Well, no I have not eaten this evening."
He smiled and patted her hand, offering her his arm in the manner of a
gentleman. He could and would pull this off it seemed. "So glad to hear." He
brought his hand up and yawned. Heading forward, not looking at her, Sir
Percy spoke, "Perhaps you should fetch Armand and we can all sit and have a
meal. From there I must go to my study and finish a few things. I know you
understand."
"Of course I do Percy, but I also want to hear all about your trip. I’m
sure you think I'll find it dull and boring but I really do want to know
what you did." Marguerite said as she walked with Percy towards the
dinning area.
Blakeney would not look at her and kept his gloved hand by his mouth. He
still had one trick up his sleeve for her. But all in good time.
Deciding to go down and get something to eat, Armand headed for the dining
room, where he met Percy and Marguerite. Armand remembered how oddly
Percy had acted when his wife had greeted him, the fleeting glance at
Armand... now Armand saw in Percy's eyes that the Baronet would rather be
almost anywhere but where he was at that moment. But surely that didn't
have anything to do with Marguerite. Percy was merely hungry and tired
from their escapade in France.
Marguerite entered the dinning area on Percy's arm to see the Armand,
probably famished as well, had already found his way there. For a moment
Marguerite left Percy's side at go to her brother. She wrapped her arms
around him again and placed a playful kiss on her little brother's cheek.
"Ah my little brother I see you have finally found your way back here, and
how did you enjoy the time with your new brother-in-law, no trouble I
hope."
He shed his gloves, hat and waistcoat, giving them to Frank who secretly
gave Blakeney a look. He smiled and nodded. The look mean Frank had news, or
something of importance to discuss with him. What it was, he had no idea,
but it would wait.
Attending the water closet before dinner, Blakeney washed his hand and
patted down his face. Turned his chin side-to-side, making sure in his
earlier haste he had not missed any spots. His face was as soft as the
bottom of a baby's behind. He smiled at the phrase and Sir Percy laughed
back at Blakeney in the mirror. So far, so good.
Sitting down, the three of them were served in the dinning hall. Sir Percy
sat down at the long table at the head, as he always had. Sneaking
instructions to Thomas, Lady Blakeney was seated opposite he, about four
places down. Candelabras adorned the table and the servants rushed in and
out to place finger bowls, napkins, food, condiments and all of the other
things Sir Percy partook in at the evening meal.
Marguerite looked down the table at Percy. Why had the man seated her so
far away from Percy? She really could not hear him at the other end so
well, nor could she see him past the candleholders and in such dim light.
Armand was seated towards the middle on one side of the table, but there
was plenty of space between the two, and even an empty chair there.
He glanced over and smiled at Armand. "I dare say. Shall we tell your sister
all the wonderful things we did! Quite an exciting week."
Armand, who had just sat down, stared, a little frightened, at Percy. He
wasn't so good at making up believable stories. Not as good as Percy. To
his relief, it was Percy who handled it all. And quite beautifully, too.
Sir Percy gave his inane laugh and delved into telling Marguerite about the
estates up north and west that they visited. "Oh and one night, you will
simply find this astounding! One night in this little inn, we were sitting
and sipping brandy and a man came. He looked upon me and said, "Is this your
son?" I cried, "Heavens no! He's not that young!"
Armand laughed along with the Baronet, but his soft chuckle was
overpowered by the foppish Percy. It was now that Armand realized why
nobody would ever suspect Percy as a savior; the way he acted around the
aristos made him seem... brainless. Yet Percy had the sharpest mind,
quickest wit, and fastest tongue on this side of the globe. Armand took
his cues from Percy. If Percy's mask as an idiot worked for him, why
wouldn't it work for Armand too? He took a chance, then crescendoed his
laugh to sound somewhat like Percy. 'I feel like an idiot,' He thought as
he giggled childishly.
Blakeney glanced at Armand with a look hearing him imitate his laugh. They
say flattery is the highest form of a compliment, and Blakeney could
appreciate that. But still... it just would not do if it continued. He gave
another laugh and when Marguerite wasn't looking, to warn Armand with his
eyes. The young man seemed to read him well at times, he sincerely doubted
this point would be missed.
Marguerite stood as Percy began to chatter on about the places he had been
with Armand as she stood up and decidedly made her way to the empty spot
between Percy and Armand.
Sir Percy rocked back into his seat and gave something a little short of a
hyena laugh, waving his napkin around in front of his face. "Isn't that the
most cleverest thing you have heard?" He looked right at Marguerite and
laughed again.
Marguerite laughed, "That is quiet amusing Percy." She smiled at Percy and
then at Armand, "Surprising that one would think that, but I guess this
means you two are now much better acquainted I hope, oh I was so worried
about introducing the two of you and I'm glad that the two of you get along
so."
Armand glanced at the two adults, his sister first, then a long look a
Percy. He nearly jumped a foot when Marguerite appeared in the chair
between him and Percy. Not that he was upset. Indeed, he was thrilled that
Marguerite was there. He had missed his sister deeply. "Oh, Marguerite,"
He sad, thoughtfully, "I was going to go to the theatre where Axelia is
performing tonight. I probably won't be back until later."
"Oh, you must send her my congratulations Armand. I was hoping to go
myself, assuming Percy would escort me once you two returned home from this
trip." Marguerite smiled, she had been so consumed in her own worries that
she had forgotten about Alexia until she had heard Alexia was given a
chance to perform in a theatre.
Damn, he thought. Armand was leaving him alone with Marguerite. Ugh.
Well, he warned her he had work to do. He would lock himself in the study
until she slept. Even if all he did in there was take advantage of peace,
quiet and the large comfortable leather chair. He continued to eat and Sir
Percy laughed when he needed and kept quiet. He yawned many a times and
glanced lazy about the room. Wishing deep inside he soul he was anywhere but
here. Of course, he did not give any looks or signs of his innermost wishes
to the likes of Marguerite or Armand. "Heavens so!" Sir Percy laughed again
and waved his napkin around. Inside, Blakeney was pleased, even thought she
had moved, and he picked up his spoon. "Don't mind me, while I eat. I am
simply famished from all this talk!"
Marguerite watched Percy struggle with apparent sleepiness. "Percy, are you
very tired? Perhaps you should put off your work until the morning and just
rest this evening."
He glanced up from eating his soup, and stole a look at them both talking.
Escort Marguerite? To the Dark Theatre? Hmmm. Tonight? Hmmm. Actually, it
wasn't half bad idea. Sir Percy put his spoon down, done with the bowl
anyway, "Bah! Why didn't you speak of the theatre young Armand? You say so?
We all can go to the theatre if that is what Marguerite would like. I can
just as easily busy myself early in the morning with business. Tis a better
way to spend a welcome home, yes?"
Standing, he dabbed his lips daintily with the napkin and began to fluff out
the lace that poked through his jacket at his wrists. Keeping his interest
entirely on himself, he fussed over the layers and how they laid. Clearing
his throat, Sir Percy reached up and fanned out his cravat, then ran his
fingers under and over it several times in order to get it just right.
"There. How is that? Ready for the theatre? How do I look?"
Sir Percy smiled over at them good-naturedly. In his heart, Blakeney was
laughing. Sometimes it was the little things that amused him most.
Marguerite was surprised at the sudden bit of energy, "Percy, are you sure?
I believe her run as only just started, and if you are tired perhaps it
would be better to rest."
"Am I sure?" Sir Percy blinked and looked at the two. "Does a parrot fly
and does a mocking bird sing?" He suddenly broke into another fit of
laughter. "Well now, seems they do both, don't they?" He took out his
handkerchief and dabbed at his forehead and watched them both for a second.
Finally he burst out, "Good God children! I am not that old! Yes! Yes I'm
sure!" Sir Percy began to wave the handkerchief at them to rush them off to
get ready. He could not wait to go to the theatre. Blakeney honestly could
not wait.
Marguerite smiled at the sudden burst of energy. She gave Percy's had a
quick squeeze and dashed off to her rooms to change. Emma was waiting in
her room for her for the evening. Chattering with her happily, Marguerite
pulled out a blue one, similar to the one she was wearing the night she and
Percy met. She let most of her hair down to frame her face. She quickly
dashed back down to see Percy, who stood by himself waiting for them.
Armand looked at Percy, astonished. Was he really willing to take Margot
and go to the theatre with him? It wasn't that he minded; he didn't. It
was just odd. And then... he wasn't even going to change? This was not
like the proper Englishman Armand had first met. Perhaps he had changed on
the trip.
Seeing Armand looking at him like he had five heads, Blakeney raised a brow.
What? Was his cravat out of place? The four bounders changed before entering
London. His outfit, as always, was of the highest quality and he decided he
would check himself out in the mirror, when he could steal a glance. He
reached up to rub his face. No. He had already been in the water closet and
freshened up. The baronet only hoped the faces of Armand to his attire were
not a sign of the Frenchman catching Andrew's sickness. Wouldn't that be a
jolt?
"I think it's a fine idea, if it's all right with you, Marguerite?" It
was, and with that, Armand fairly bolted up to his room to... clean up.
He stayed in the clothes he was in then. He had changed, once they had
arrived, into soft, blue satin breeches, white shirt, and a coat, a little
longer than normal, that was of a dark, inky blue velvet. The lacy cuffs
on his shirt reached the first knuckle of each thumb, and his cravat was a
little light on the lace. 'Simple, yet elegant,' Armand thought,
satisfied, and went to find Percy and Marguerite. He heard them before he
saw them, talking in the foyer. About him, it seemed.
He gave a little spin once Marguerite and Armand left this room for theirs.
Now alone, Blakeney's face smiled and he did a quick little victory dance
into one of the adjourning small receiving rooms off the foyer. Inside his
head he sang, "Who is the greatest? Who is the quickest? Who is going to
make it?" He passed by a mirror and gave a growl aloud. "Why
GGGRrRRrrrRrrrrrrrrr you handsome fellow."
Doing a funny dance with his eyebrows, he heard footsteps approaching and
quickly stiffened up his posture and stepped back out into the Foyer. He
moved over and dully chose an appropriate cane, tapping his top hat with it.
Seeing Marguerite, Sir Percy muttered, "Say now, where is the funny little
brother of yours?"
Marguerite moved into the light and closer to where Percy stood. "Armand
is probably just taking his time, after all, if he's meeting Alexia, no
doubt he wants to make sure he'll impress her." Join Percy she continued,
"No doubt he's taking after you."
He glanced over at her and raised a brow. "And what pray tell is so wrong
with taking after me in this manner?"
Marguerite was slightly puzzled by his manner in the remark, "Absolutely
nothing my dear." she mused as she wrapped her arm through his. "I
certainly do hope he did no cause any trouble or mischief on the trip. I
know he can be a bit of a hand when he wants to be."
"Jolly good then." Sir Percy nodded at Marguerite. He had noticed the minute
she came down how similar she looked to the night they first met. Not so
jolly good in his mind, but he gave no flinch or indication of such
thoughts. Blakeney had a job to do tonight, and thanks to the St. Just
family... he was going to carry it out with flying colors.
"Your brother was just simply a delight to be around." Sir Percy reached
down into his jacket and brought out his snuff box, partaking in some. "I
did however grow tired of the young ladies swooning about. Trying to decide
which one of us was more devilishly handsome. I tried to pawn them off on
the boy, but? What can one do?" He turned and faced the mirror in the foyer,
patting his gloved hand against the outside of his nostril. He sniffed
loudly and turned his head to glance at Marguerite. "That was more of a
handful than anything else."
He turned from the mirror and took to pacing again, without even missing a
beat.
Armand grinned to himself. Taking his time? No, he wasn't. He decided to
wait until their conversation was done to make his appearance.
Marguerite flinched a bit. She always thought taking of snuff was a
disgusting habit and never recalled Percy doing so, but she let it go for
the moment. "Well, all the young ladies you say. Perhaps then next time
you take a trip I shall have to accompany you to protect my precious
husband."
He turned and smiled at her, finishing the rubbing of his outside nostril.
"Aye, aren't you just a funny one Madame? Demmed cleverest woman in Europe I
dare recall hearing. Demmed clever." He went back to his pacing and now
paid her no more heed.
Marguerite watched as Percy stepped away and continued pacing. Was
something bothering him? She never seen him quite like this before.
Marguerite followed him until he turned around and ended up facing her
directly. "Percy, are you sure you are alright? You do not seem quiet
yourself right now." Marguerite said as she reached up and gently wiped
away a small bit of snuff still on his nose. "Is something bothering you?"
She stated, almost pleadingly as she looked up into those soft, pale blue
eyes trying to see what he was thinking.
Blakeney quickly jerked his head back as she tried to mother him. God! How
he hated being fussed over by anyone besides himself in such a manner. "La!
Everything is fine my dear." Sir Percy smiled and took a step back since he
almost ran her over, completely breaking eye contact with her.
Glancing down the hallway to Armand's room
Marguerite, puzzled, dropped her eyes as Percy stepped away and called for
Armand. "Percy," she asked softly, "why did you do that?"
Sir Percy smiled and looked down at her, speaking in his normal tone of
voice. "Why, so we are not late of course." He then again banged his cane on
the ground.
Armand had heard what Percy had said about the ladies flocking around
them. He grinned a little, remembering Fuelier's actions with the
prostitute. Then there was Helene and Louise, which he must be alluding
to. Then he head Percy's cane and his voice-- no, not his voice, but the
voice of the foppish Baronet that he masqueraded as-- calling him to the
foyer. He hurried down the stairs and raised his eyebrows at Percy. "Am I
interrupting anything or just prolonging it?" He questioned, smiling.
"Egad! Prolonging it. Your sister stakes a claim that your fashion sense is
trying to match my own. For the sake of the theatre, don't peroxide your
hair blonde or we will miss the bloody performance. "With that, he turned
and headed out the Foyer door.
"No, Percy, that's not what I meant. Why did you turn away from me just
now?" Marguerite asked.
Sir Percy blinked and took out his eyeglass. "Did I Madame? Odd fish. I
haven't the slightest clue." He breathed his hot air
That was not like Percy, not like Percy at all. Every move of his, even
the slightest flinch of a finger always seemed so deliberate, so
calculated. But he moved away and claimed he did not know why. She wanted
to make a comment but a sudden aching feeling over came her body and she
sank into a seat and held her head.
He smiled broadly inside, not outside of course, as he went over to the
stables leaving the puzzled wife of his alone with her brother. Her
confused look brought him more pleasure than a man should want and perhaps
Blakeney should have realized his cruelty. However, he did not recognize it
nor did he wish to resolve it.
He choose one of his smaller carriages, and mounted the top. There was not
room for three people to sit on top and he guessed Marguerite would not
allow her brother to sit down alone. After the way Blakeney just treated
her, he guessed she would gladly avoid him for now.
Teaming up four black horses, he gave a willy nilly call and whacked the
reins. Steering them back towards the house, Sir Percy sat on top and smiled
down at them. "What a grand night for a ride to town! Hurry in now! We
mustn't be late."
Armand watched Percy leave the house, then walked to his sister's side. He
waited a moment before placing a hand on her shoulder and asking,
"Marguerite, what's the matter?" Outside, he heard Percy give a call to
the horses and drive them up out front.