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Post by Chase Firebrand on Mar 1, 2009 16:58:14 GMT -5
It was about time she'd arrived in England. The betrothal had been on for almost two months now, and all Chase knew about his future wife was that she was a good match and easy on the eyes. Everything else his father had told him, he'd tuned out.
He didn't particularly care how much money her family had invested in what, didn't care about dowries or bride prices or whatever the hell it was. He didn't care about any of this, he was just going through the motions. He said he'd start doing what was expected of him, not that he'd like it.
Chase was dressed respectably today, in tailored slacks instead of his usual jeans and a button-up shirt instead of a tee. His shoes were polished and his earring was out, but the superficial alterations couldn't hide the restrained wildness he was attempting to move past. He'd opted not to tie back his hair, but that was the only outward rebellion he'd allowed himself.
He stepped into the coffee shop in Diagon Alley five minutes ahead of the appointed time and began scanning the room slowly, even as he removed his cloak and slung it over one arm. He didn't know who he was looking for, though he knew she'd find him. If nothing else, the crimson gleam in his eyes, a trademark family trait, would give him away.
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Post by Carolynn Firebrand on Mar 1, 2009 17:09:33 GMT -5
Carolynn was in a corner of the room near the back where she could easily see the front door and all who came in. Her lips curved up in a feline smile when she saw one particular person come in. It was obviously Chase Firebrand. Carolynn had spent enough time with the boy's father that she had no problems recognizing the son, not when they looked so much alike. She watched him for a few moments then stood, her movements languid and graceful.
Naturally tan hands smoothed down a rich purple dress that hugged her form and exposed her shoulders just enough to tease. Her long hair hung in tumbling curls around her face and shoulders and she patted at it before finally walking forward, shoes lightly clinking on the hardwood floor of the cafe. She cast a glance toward the man at the bar before she came up to Chase. "I gather you are Master Firebrand," she said with a look at him through curled lashes.
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Post by Chase Firebrand on Mar 1, 2009 17:48:33 GMT -5
Chase had felt eyes on him, for as brief a time as it might have been, and his eyes had turned toward that back corner as she stood. His gaze had stopped, and he'd had a momentary thought that if that wasn't her, he'd have some explaining to do to whatever girl was waiting for him. He couldn't help watching her. Then those words, Master Firebrand, and he knew there was no mistake, only uncontrollable heat. Chase sent his father a silent but emphatic thank you.
"I am," Chase replied, his voice level, everything about him cool except the fire in his eyes. It was everything he could do to keep from looking her over more thoroughly. "Miss Singh," he said, his voice purposefully low with the greeting. He lifted her hand to press a soft kiss against the back, hardly proper on first meeting, but he needed that moment of contact. His eyes didn't leave hers as he bowed lightly over it.
"I heard of your beauty, but it seems words can do you no justice." Easy on the eyes, indeed. Chase knew the words were cheesy, but he was going to be refined, dammit. He knew how to act, he just rarely did so.
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Post by Carolynn Firebrand on Mar 1, 2009 18:01:11 GMT -5
Carolynn blushed and lowered her eyes respectfully with a soft thank you. It was still a game for her, but she also knew that she couldn't mess this up, and so she called on all of the little things she had learned. She didn't have much to compare him to other than his father, and somehow she didn't think it would be appropriate to compare the two just then. "You are just as handsome as I imagined," she said when she saw fit to turn her eyes up to his. That was saying a lot, considering how high her expectations had been after seeing his father.
If other traits surpassed those of his father, Carolynn thought theirs would be a very good match. A shadow of the usual mischievous glitter in her eyes shone through before she brought her eyes down again. She wouldn't lie, she was already mentally undressing him and wondering just how like his father he was. Her lips curved slightly.
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Post by Chase Firebrand on Mar 1, 2009 18:12:15 GMT -5
Chase's protective instincts had flared at that demure blush. His blood was already simmering and they had only just begun the required small talk. Her compliment was met with the requisite thanks, but it was that momentary glitter in her eyes that caught his attention above all else. For now.
"Let us sit, Miss Singh, and get to know each other," he said, holding tightly to his self-control. "I believe you have a table?" Chase settled his hand low against her back, just this side of propriety, and gestured back to the corner table he had first seen her at. There wasn't another with more private seating, and he was glad of it.
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Post by Carolynn Firebrand on Mar 1, 2009 18:21:16 GMT -5
Carolynn let her smile broaden at the touch on her back, but controlled it to nod and head toward her table in the back. She glanced back at the counter again when they turned and then took a brief look in a mirror carefully positioned above to the side of the counter to create the illusion of more space. Satisfied that her carefully applied makeup hadn't changed or become thin even with her single cup of coffee she had allowed herself, she moved her complete attention to the one at her side.
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Post by Mano Berwyn on Mar 1, 2009 18:25:23 GMT -5
Mano was behind the counter watching the entire episode from under the cover of his hair. He had no thoughts that he would be able to keep her from marrying the guy should she see fit to go through with it, especially considering she was quickly passing the appropriate age, but Mano had a particular attachment to Carolynn. And he wanted to make sure he would be able to enjoy her company every now and again, but that wasn't important.
What was important was that so far he approved, though the guy seemed younger than even she usually went through. He gave her a light nod when she glanced at him the second time, though he would be sure to talk to her about everything later that night to make sure things had gone according to plan and that she was happy with the arrangement. They were partners, but they were also friends, and he didn't want her with someone that she couldn't stand. He watched them for a moment more before settling back into his role as the unknowing drink mixer.
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Post by Chase Firebrand on Mar 1, 2009 19:09:26 GMT -5
Chase paid no attention to the staff at the cafe. They had a tendency to be invisible to him if he didn't know them, but even more distracting was the woman he was seating and sitting properly across from. When she'd glanced away from him, his gaze hadn't even tried to follow, but had taken the opportunity to flicker over her. It didn't help his control at all.
"I'm glad to finally meet you, Miss Singh," Chase said, putting on a polite smile that rarely fooled anyone. It had the tendency to remain just a bit wicked no matter how he tried. Especially when faced with a girl like her. A woman like her. He recalled something about her being older than him, though at the moment that only made her more appealing. He managed not to say as much, but to ask about her interests instead. Not technically something he needed to ask, but he was curious. At least a little.
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Post by Carolynn Firebrand on Mar 1, 2009 19:20:34 GMT -5
Carolynn folded her hands in her lap before finally looking up at him. She responded to his question with the knowledge she enjoyed games and puzzles, things that kept her mind sharp. Perhaps the glitter in her eyes was a bit more obvious while she answered, and even a little more when she recognized the look in his that wasn't quite hidden. She leaned forward slightly, coming momentarily out of her little lady act to put one forearm on the table with the other elbow, her hand moving up into her hair as she spoke of the many intricate puzzles her father had brought back from India.
"But I am rambling," she said after a minute and stamped down the sparks in her eyes and the excited color in her cheeks. She reached out to lightly touch his hand. "Tell me, sir, what keeps you occupied when you have nothing to do?"
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Post by Chase Firebrand on Mar 1, 2009 19:44:21 GMT -5
Chase felt a shiver skate up his skin, and there was no denying how long he'd been depriving himself. He knew he could have her, and so every little thing only tightened the building tension more. He was glad to hear of her love for puzzles, glad that he wouldn't be saddled with a brainless shell, and he'd expressed his interest as proper, but now, with that question, Chase was forced to do a quick evaluation of himself. His lips curved, and his eyes, already filled with sparks, shimmered.
"Philosophy mostly," he said at last, a truth if a slight twist on it. He tended toward brooding and overthinking life, but that wasn't at all impressive. "The world is a puzzle, don't you think?" Chase leaned forward too, his hand moving slightly for the brush of skin. "And please, call me Chase. Formalities are for strangers, and we're hardly meant to be that."
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Post by Carolynn Firebrand on Mar 1, 2009 19:51:08 GMT -5
Carolynn smiled her sweet smile again and bowed her head slightly. "Alright, Chase, and you can call me Carolynn," she said, though it didn't exactly need said. "Or any variation thereof, well," she let out a light laugh, "Other than Caro." No, only a couple of people were allowed to call her that. "But yes, the world is a puzzle, as are the people living in it. People are amusing, aren't they?"
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Post by Chase Firebrand on Mar 1, 2009 20:13:02 GMT -5
Amusing. Chase might have wondered if the phrasing was a trap, but he didn't think so. If she was the pampered princess she appeared on the surface, then yes, people might amuse her. As they would if that little gleam he kept catching in her eyes was what it seemed.
"They are rather amusing, Carolynn," Chase said at last, letting her name roll from his tongue in subtle invitation. "I tend to find enjoyment in observation, but when I do participate..." He gave a light shrug which came off more as a casual stretch of muscles. "Well, it's always worth it," he finished.
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Post by Carolynn Firebrand on Mar 1, 2009 20:19:06 GMT -5
Carolynn immediately liked the way Chase said her name. She brought her free hand up to prop her head lightly against her knuckles. "Participation has always held more interest for me than observation," she said, her voice soft. "But I won't say that I have never sat back to watch the crowd. I always end up joining in, somehow," she finished, her wide eyes searching his.
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Post by Chase Firebrand on Mar 1, 2009 20:40:31 GMT -5
One of Chase's eyebrows arched just slightly, though the motion was partially obscured by his too-long hair. His mind was working quickly, debating Carolynn and the possible meanings of her answer. He'd meant his comment as innuendo, but he didn't know her well enough to say for certain that she had just returned it as easily as he suspected. She could be the princess he'd first thought her. But appearances, especially in high society, meant nothing about the person behind the mask. Then there was the shift in her posture. Chase decided to keep playing. "I've always preferred more personal settings to crowds," he said, his eyes captivated by hers. "I observe crowds more than participate, but one-on-one both are possible, and far more stimulating."
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Post by Carolynn Firebrand on Mar 1, 2009 20:47:19 GMT -5
Carolynn nodded in understanding, though she had a different take on crowds. "Crowds are fun for exploring, though the last dance is always much more personal. Nothing compares to having time to learn about just that one person." She let the glitter in her eyes shine a little more obviously and let the mischievousness show through just a little more in the gentle curve of her lips.
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