The tale of such has been penned, perhaps, a million times. Same in all it's heartache and tears and unrequited loves; the same, till every star in the heavens have fallen away and all the lovers have perished from their love. The same, in all it's petty hopes and childish fears, to only, in the end, be proved that, even true love, cannot conquer over death's freezing winter. And yet, it will remain with those who survive.
The season had begun, gentry were a buzz with all such delighted prospects that go along and how to get the last, unmarried daughter from the house to a wealthy lord's estate. London's usual gaities and extravagances, the wealthy far too noticed and the poor far too needy. Boastings that life had become so humane and decent plagued every front page newspaper like Thomas Edison's light bulb graced every light fixture. A new age for man and woman alike.
A London house much like any family with means and money,
"Amelia, we are already late!"
A happy voice called from below the stairwell, more in jest then truth.
"How am I to look even a bit presentable with you calling my name as if I were mummy's pet pug?" laughed a voice in reply, and a equally flustered and lovely damsel appeared upon the staircase bridge in a flourish of silk and satin.
The younger and blonder girl clapped her lace gloved hands. "Oh, you do look lovely!"
She sighed. "Thank you, dear Sigyn, though you only say it to satisfy me," and she swept imperiously down the flight, landing with a toss of her head at the bottom, "Now, shall we be off before the night is spent?"
"Well, girls, I'm surprised if we shall arrive at all, after the time it took with your toilet."
The womanly voice broke the lighter air and they turned to see the pugnacious woman enter, all lace and powder. One glance and one thought she was vain, though she'd never allow it to be said at all, and no one dared think it when graced the company with her presence. Everyone and his cousin had been introduced to Lady Rose Rocante. That is, more bachelors with thought of gaining gold then love in their silly minds, had been seen crowding about at every ball or garden party she held. All refused and turned out for some means or other, being too fat, too small, too thin, too ugly, too presumptuous, and, even, too handsome - though as if that could be, for the woman adored the opposite sex all too well and did not mind if all the country of England knew it.
Her niece, was the object, however, of all this. All of Lady Rocante's estate, title, and prestigious pocketbook caused even the most pious or prideful to stomach being tossed about and teased by the woman for a dance with the young girl. And no man was rich enough nor handsome enough. Yet, that was. Two seasons had passed, the third would mark her upon the threshold of spinsterhood and all the horrors it held within.
Even with all the efforts of the aunt, Sigyn refused to be moved in her regards to marriage. But marrying for love and refusing all the wealth that could be had would not be tolerated by the aunt.
"You are a fickle child to think you could live off love and kisses then money," she would say to her niece, then only shake her head, and sigh, and dream of a perfect suitor.
Mrs. Jane Frathworth's town house stood lite and lively as ever. The woman loved company as much as her dear companion, Lady Rocante, and even more so the "news" they shared in a corner whispered behind fans. It had become common enough to take dinner with her many times a week, along with some unsuspecting bachelor. Nothing out of the ordinary ever happened, they would have dinner and play cards then go home.
It held a certain excitement that thrilled every young girl and interested every bachelor. The floor thronged with waltzing, tails and skirts sweeping. Amelia held that liveliness that evoked the interest of every flirt and fortune-hunter, and she was walked about the whole evening with a gaggle of white waistcoats and black ties. Her friend, sat quietly, attempting to ignore the chaos of chattering voices and the glances she received; being the wallflower did have it's uses. Sigyn saw all that no one would see, all the false pretenses, all the fiend smiles and laughs, even the secret happiness. Being noticed never gave her pleasure and, with an aunt that watched her like a veritable raven, she had little of it. A sweetly spoken word might lead to the wrong thought being put into a young man of "lesser" standing.
The girl had been placed within a box and could not move. Attentions from anyone would be seen and disparaged. And Sigyn was quite starved for company, save her pretty but petty cousin, Amelia Worthton, who would stay in London because her mother had not the means to afford a town house. Loneliness had brought her quiet nature even softer, her shyness kept her silent when she would've spoken; she was not without will, however. Blue eyes displayed all the emotions repressed, so clear if only one would take time and see them.
"...Lady Sigyn, I do hope you will accompany us?"
There was a silence, she raised her head, all eyes fell upon her. The clinking of silverware on plates seased. Her aunt gave a sharp look, and primly raised a napkin to her pursed, tight mouth. Lady Frathworth pointedly smiled and waited. She felt eyes upon her but when she dared steal a glanced look at Laufey, he seemed preoccupied with his wine glass.
"I-I fear I must beg pardon, I do not-"
"Lady Sigyn has promised me her company tomorrow."
His voice put silence to her stutters.
Sigyn's head jerked to look at the dark man, and all followed suit. The eyebrows raised and whispers sent across the table did not ease the racing she felt through she shaking fingers.
"Is that not so, Lady Sigyn?" with a calm smile that lasted only an instant, waiting for an answer, as eyes fixed on her. Perhaps it would've calmed her, to meet his gaze after avoiding it all evening, but it only made her nervous beyond.
"Indeed?" queered their hostess, "Well, my dear, I am sure we shall be delighted whenever you shall be able to attend. Perhaps in the near future?"
Sigyn's gave a soft nod, lips still parted in wonderment; she quietly lowered her head. What did this mean? He could not have misunderstood her, they had not spoken since , there had been no occasion for it and no need. The man both vexed and astounded her, made her wonder what motives were suppressed from his lips since he chose his words so very carefully. Little gain would be had in her aunt's fortune; she could outlive either of them and the fact the sir's wealth exceeded it, was certain.
The dinner ended without any other correspondence addressed to herself, save through silent looks of wonder and girlish eagerness from Amelia, and now and again the former from her aunt; the gentlemen upon her far right did not so much as raise his gaze again, lost in consideration of the table cloth or the silver that had become such interesting objects. Only annoyance gave way to pure interest by the time all had adjourned to the parlor, the men staying for after dinner cigars and brandy.
A hand grasped Sigyn's elbow and pulled her into the archway of the door.
"My darling elusive, friend!" Amelia frantically weigh-laid her cousin, "What a golly thing! Tell me, is he your secret lover? Oh, it should be so painfully romantic if he were, and all this time, he's pretend to be so dark and mystique..."
Sigyn interrupted before she spewed anymore.
"Truly, he as hardly said ten words to me, much less asked me to join him on an excursion."
"So, you do not have any inkling of it? My, but I was just to congratulate you upon your performance of fiend surprise but this..." Amelia's tung clicked as she bounced upon her heel and flew open her fan as if quite warm suddenly, "How I envy you, though, you've attracted the most eligible male specimen since that duke of something or other was in town."
"Amelia, do be quiet. Oh, what am I to do?" gripping her fan between her shaking fingers, "What will auntie say, when she's sure to ask and I have n-"
They instantaneously hushed as they heard gentlemen coming, and swiftly entered the drawing room and took a seat in the corner.
"Well, then, captain," her ladyship began as Caunder and Horas entered, "I am sure you'll entertain you all with one of your riveting stories, no doubt?"
"I should adore to do so, but, at present, I have none. Living alone and oversees is not as exciting as all it's told to be."
"He's being modest," chortled Caunder, coming to stand behind Susan's chair, "The man has forty women swooning at his feet each evening and a swarm of others at home."
A heavy sigh, "One can only pray," as Horas raised his eyes to the ceiling.
The round of echoed laughter rewarded him.
"Ah, Laufey, come man and entertain the ladies for me," called Caunder as his friend entered behind the slower Count, full of smiles and even more so of dinner.
"Do, please, Sir Laufey," spoke up Amelia, and Sigyn near placed a hand upon her friend's arm to detain her but he had already heard. He looked in their way, at her friend, then, at herself. She dropped her eyes and pretended to smooth a wrinkle in her skirt.
"I would do so, however, Caunder would suit better."
Caunder looked at him in mock alarm and shook his head. "Not I, I find the Countesses table fed my soul as much as I can stomach," bowing in the woman's direction.
"Then, we are quite forcing you, Captain Horas," urged Amelia, with a bright smile in the captain's way.
"Ah, anything for the charming lady," and he had risen, "Prey, lower the lights, Caunder, will you, my man? Good, thank you. Now, I warn you, ladies, if any of you have the propensity to fainting, I should call upon Caunder to escort you to the gardens, for he's heard this one before." He gave a paused look at each woman.
"We aren't afraid to hear it," Lady Rocante declared, and added in a hushed voice to her friend, "It's all fittle fattle."
"Shh, aunt..." Sigyn softly whispered.
The aunt only rolled her eyes but did silence, and when Sigyn's eyes raised she found Laufey quite staring at her; but not as before, it was softer, the expression in his dark eyes, a half absent contemplation in them. She stilled. He turned her head and gave attention to Cundrer
"His estate is on Wales "Green Desert", and why he even chose the place the devil hang it."
"It's been in the family for centuries, it was either live in it or burn it, eh, Laufey?"
"Dare what?"
"I warn you..."
"No. I warn you I am not in the habit of being crossed, my dear. You need a husband to show you the proper way of acting since that aunt of yours can't handle you."
"I will call for assistance."
"What? And have everyone see the shame of the pure Lady Sigyn? No, I think not."
She stilled, frightened eyes glaring at him.
"Oh, I do not think the lady will thought badly of."
That voice.
She was swept into relief insurmountable as the man entered, quiet and dark as ever.
"Captain Horas, I believe you were wanted in the drawing room by the countess."
The man made no movement to leave, nor did he say anything at all. Indeed, he completely ignored Laufey's presence until a hand was laid on his shoulder and he veritably whined in pain. Sigyn stepped away as the man stumbled back toward's Laufey and then tumbled to the floor, unharmed, it appeared, but angry.
"How the devi-," but he stopped himself, and gave Laufey a look that could burn holes through a steamengine's bioler. He hurled himself to his feet and cradled his shoulder defensively. "You'll pray for this, Laufey, I swear by..."
"Gentlemen, what is keeping you?"
Lady Frathrworth appeared.
Loki's always violent
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