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Post by Dare Blackwood-Hardt on Jun 9, 2011 22:31:48 GMT -5
Alasdair gave a brief bob of a bow as he entered, his hat left behind with the butler. He mentally checked himself over, his slightly overlong hair tied back with a leather thong, the brocaded olive waistcoat which made his eyes all the greener. He wanted the man's attention there, where he'd been told his sincerity was so apparent, not on the nervous bounce of his foot.
He stood just inside the doorway, awaiting an invitation to sit, knowing one might not come and that he needed to speak quickly, and well. He needed to sum things up, but speak them in a way which would bring no offense. Not his strong suit. He had always been too blunt, by far.
"Mr. Hennessy," he began, clearing his throat by nervous habit. "If you are amenable, I would like to speak with you in regards to your daughter, the elder Miss Hennessy." He wanted to call her Annabelle, as he had in his mind since their picnic, but that would give far too much away.
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Annabelle Hennessy
Ravenclaw`
Prefect 7th Year
Hate me if you want to, Love me if you can.
Posts: 2,512
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Post by Annabelle Hennessy on Jun 9, 2011 23:12:08 GMT -5
Mr. Hennessy failed to hide the shock of the words offered from the man. He'd been prepared for an offer for Elizabeth and had formed plenty of reasons the match would not suit without even bringing the man's detestable background into the equation. Just the slight variation from the expected threw the older man off from his intended reply. His lips parted slightly and his eyebrows visibly rose for a brief moment before Mr. Hennessy was able to recall himself and school his reactions.
Lowering himself to his deep leather chair, Gabriel intently inspected Mr. Blackwood before he finally gestured to the slightly padded chairs opposite the desk. He allowed several minutes of anticipation before announcing his firm response. "While I originally intended to dismiss you at the door, I must admit your unforeseen request has caught my attention. I was unaware that you had an acquaintance with Annabelle, but having just arrived to town have not had the opportunity to discuss such topics with either of my daughters. I will grant you an audience, if only to satisfy my inquisitiveness."
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Post by Dare Blackwood-Hardt on Jun 9, 2011 23:21:22 GMT -5
Alasdair visibly relaxed, though he withheld the sigh of relief that threatened. Only a heartbeat passed before he again straightened, then crossed the room at a clip to take one of the chairs he'd been offered. He hadn't been turned away. If only to satisfy my inquisitiveness. That was plenty reason enough.
He sat, trying to choose his words as quickly as possible, and counting the man's curiosity as a mark in his favor. He only had to present his case...
He cleared his throat again as he brought his eyes to those of Annabelle's father, weighing the similarities and differences. "I met your daughters some few weeks ago, on Bond street. They were nearly run down by a youth with too-powerful horses, and I lent my assistance." Any further details would not only be superfluous, but would likely sound ingratiating.
"I have taken a liking to Miss Annabelle, and, with your blessing, would like to further our acquaintance in hopes of a more permanent arrangement." Had that been sufficiently polite? His hopes most certainly showed in his eyes.
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Annabelle Hennessy
Ravenclaw`
Prefect 7th Year
Hate me if you want to, Love me if you can.
Posts: 2,512
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Post by Annabelle Hennessy on Jun 10, 2011 0:19:26 GMT -5
One of Gabriel's eyebrows rose as he processed the connection possibly forming with his daughter. His eldest daughter, whom had all but sworn off men and had declared herself firmly on the shelf. A wry smile formed on his lips as he wondered what ill plans might be brewing between this daughter of his and a man that was said to be living without the need for female companionship. "Forgive my bewilderment, but Annabelle has decided never to marry, and over the years I have accepted her stance against matrimony. I find it hard to believe that in my few months of absence she has changed views she's held for half of a decade."
With any normal offer Mr. Hennessy would have likely allowed for a response before addressing further issues, but there was another elephant in the room that he felt he could not ignore. "My daughter will have to address that concern, but I have a few more that will need attention before any consent will be considered."
Gabriel's posture stiffened as his gaze bore into that of Mr. Blackwood. "As I am sure you are aware, I did not sire any sons. Both of my daughters have a considerable fortune as well as estates that will fall into their hands, or that of their husbands if they chose to marry, upon my death. I believe that I would be doing either of my daughters a disservice if I took these matters lightly and did not look out for their best interests."
Folding his hands in his lap, Mr. Hennessy leaned forward as he continued to state his interrogation. "That in mind, I cannot with a clear conscious ignore the rumors I have heard over the years. While I generally do not repeat such gossip, my daughter's happiness means much more to me. I would not appreciate this family being made a fool with further rumors. I ask for a truthful explanation of your motives for coming here today in regard to such whispers."
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Post by Dare Blackwood-Hardt on Jun 10, 2011 0:35:15 GMT -5
Alasdair's stomach clenched, and his hopes fell at the way the conversation had turned. Apparently Annabelle was not the only Hennessy who was so direct, and for a moment, he wished it were otherwise. This was precisely what he had hoped to avoid. He would dearly love to pretend to misunderstand, but told himself not to insult the man's intelligence.
Think quickly.
He couldn't bring himself to say that the rumors were unfounded, not when he still wore a black silk armband, however it disappeared against the black of his jacket. He couldn't bring himself to say it, when he still longed for Michael, when he still dreamed of him. He couldn't manage the lie, or the insult to Michael's memory.
"Years ago, Mr. Hennessy, I courted a number of ladies, whose names I will spare, as they have all married by now. There should be no doubt, should this information be recalled, that I have only the noblest intentions toward your daughter. I wish to offer for her, Sir, with your blessing."
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Annabelle Hennessy
Ravenclaw`
Prefect 7th Year
Hate me if you want to, Love me if you can.
Posts: 2,512
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Post by Annabelle Hennessy on Jun 10, 2011 1:10:54 GMT -5
Gabriel steepled his index fingers and brought them up to his chin, lost in deep consideration of the validity of this man's interests. While he was generally a trusting man, he knew that there were plenty of dishonest, impoverished gentlemen that would not hesitate to spin a tale for the opportunity to snare a dowry a fraction of his daughters' worth.
After a long silence filled with internal debate on his end, Mr. Hennessy finally spoke again. "I cannot deny that I hold reservations, but I will take you at your word on this account of your past." He watched carefully as he spoke, looking for any signs that the other was possibly gloating at pulling the wool over his eyes. Satisfied that no such reaction was displayed, he continued with his decree.
"I will not deny your suit, but neither can I give you unconditional approval at this time. I will allow you to continue your acquaintance with my Annabelle, and permission to court her, if she so wishes." He paused a moment before stating his further conditions, wanting Mr. Blackwood's full attention as he made his intentions perfectly clear to the younger man. "I have not been given proper time to make inquires as to your ability to properly provide for my daughter, nor have I any inclination that she would wish for such a match. I must defer my blessing until confirmation of these has been furnished."
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Post by Dare Blackwood-Hardt on Jun 10, 2011 1:20:58 GMT -5
Alasdair nodded his head in acquiescence. "Thank you, Sir," he said. His jaw tightened imperceptibly at the financial hurdle Mr. Hennessy had just revealed. He had his own money, and plenty of it. Michael had made certain that, in the event of the worst, he should be taken care of for the rest of his life, and do nothing but paint, if he should wish it. He hadn't touched the money, not a penny of it. The Dukedom was under his supervision until Adair reached his majority, and he received pay for doing only what he would have done all the same. Adair would always be provided for, but so would he.
"If you wish to reach me, I am residing at Hardt House in Mayfair," he said after a moment, a subtle reminder that, whatever the rumors, he was well settled.
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Annabelle Hennessy
Ravenclaw`
Prefect 7th Year
Hate me if you want to, Love me if you can.
Posts: 2,512
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Post by Annabelle Hennessy on Jun 10, 2011 1:49:38 GMT -5
Mr. Hennessy winced at the implications the comment stressed. He had to admit however, that the words did well to remind him that whatever the situation, the Hardt family had not turned against this man and he was given legal guardianship over the future generations of the dukedom. His instincts told him there would be no scandal to uncover, but he would be remiss if he didn't check for hints of any recent trouble or falling out of favor.
Coming to his feet, Annabelle's father decided that they'd discussed enough for one morning, and was surprised to find he wasn't as opposed to the thought of such a union as he initially was. Granted, he had little to base his opinions on as of yet, but he would make sure that changed. With a few further words, he concluded their current business, "I will keep that in mind Mr. Blackwood. If that is all?"
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Post by Dare Blackwood-Hardt on Jun 10, 2011 1:53:02 GMT -5
Alasdair stood more proudly now, the worst having been overcome. He hadn't expected Annabelle to be given away so easily, only hoped, and he now had her father's permission for open courtship. Whatever the rumors, and whatever the truth to them, they couldn't stop this.
"Thank you for your time."
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Annabelle Hennessy
Ravenclaw`
Prefect 7th Year
Hate me if you want to, Love me if you can.
Posts: 2,512
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Post by Annabelle Hennessy on Jun 10, 2011 2:23:59 GMT -5
Mr. Hennessy inclined his head in farewell before sitting and diverting his attention to the numbers he might now be able to focus on. He waited for the click of the study door behind the visitor before slumping in his chair and rubbing his hands over his face with a sigh. Gabriel looked toward the ceiling and wished the late Mrs. Hennessy were alive to impose her opinions on this matter.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Annabelle had been unable to sleep much the previous night due to her nerves over the upcoming meeting with Alasdair. She had adjusted to town hours after the first week in London and her maid was very attentive, often bringing her morning meal within minutes of her routine consciousness. This morning however, Annabelle hadn't followed her normal sleep patterns and didn't want to wait around in her room until the time her lady's maid would come to attend her. Instead she dressed in the morning gown laid out, knowing she had plenty time to return to her chambers and prepare herself properly. Her hair was put up in a simple twist with a few pins before she headed down to break her fast.
After satisfying her nerves with toast and tea, Annabelle gave up trying to eat anything more substantial. She sat for a few moments more reading the society papers before deciding to take them with her to her rooms. She was already through the door to the entryway before she sensed his presence. Looking up from her papers, she confirmed the presence of Alasdair in the middle of the foyer.
After a moment of shocked disbelief and the rapid increase to her heartbeat, Annabelle managed to find her voice. "Alasdair? Forgive me, I wasn't expecting you quite so early." She blushed, her free hand automatically going to the stray hairs that had fallen out of her loose arrangement. In her excitement to see him, she hadn't noticed which direction he was coming from.
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Post by Dare Blackwood-Hardt on Jun 10, 2011 2:41:08 GMT -5
Alasdair turned, his mind still on the man he'd been speaking with and the agreement they'd come to. "Miss Hennessy," he said, and gave a polite half bow. "I was attending to business in the area and finished early. I intended to give proper notice..." He'd intended either to have the butler announce him or to return home in the interim, but luck was not on his side.
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Annabelle Hennessy
Ravenclaw`
Prefect 7th Year
Hate me if you want to, Love me if you can.
Posts: 2,512
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Post by Annabelle Hennessy on Jun 10, 2011 3:16:30 GMT -5
"Think nothing of it." Annabelle waved aside the missed formal announcement of his arrival and asked the nearby butler to bring tea into the greenroom. She couldn't help but notice how grand he looked in the formed black jacket, how well the style complemented his physique. She now wished she'd taken the few extra moments to properly do her hair to look her best, but knew there was no way to have predicted his arrival at that exact moment. Regardless of wishes and intentions, she knew a less sophisticated hairstyle would most likely not put an end to his interest.
Recalling herself to her purpose, she gestured toward a room a few doors down from her father's study. The green room, aptly named, was one of her favorite receiving rooms in the house. From the green marbled tabletops to the deep green walls, everything was decorated in her favorite color. She nervously walked towards the room and searched for something intelligent to say. Now that the moment had come, she wasn't sure she could put her desires into words. They had hinted of the liaison last night, but making the arrangements seemed so much harder. "I trust your business was successful?"
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Post by Dare Blackwood-Hardt on Jun 10, 2011 3:53:32 GMT -5
"Yes, things went quite well," Alasdair replied. This was not at all how he had wished their meeting to begin. He was dressed for business, and not at all for the wooing social call he'd intended. There had been no opportunity for transition between the tense conversation with Mr. Hennessy to this awkward moment with Annabelle, who luckily had not noticed his regression to his using her more formal name. He'd been thrown off-kilter by everything, and could remember nothing of what he'd intended to tell her.
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Annabelle Hennessy
Ravenclaw`
Prefect 7th Year
Hate me if you want to, Love me if you can.
Posts: 2,512
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Post by Annabelle Hennessy on Jun 10, 2011 11:22:34 GMT -5
Annabelle continued into the room and led Alasdair toward the plush couch. She sat upon the edge, nervously arranging her skirts, and glanced around, as if expecting a servant to arrive so soon. Not wanting to be interrupted, she searched for small talk to occupy the time.
"Elizabeth and I enjoyed the entertainments last night. I believe she was quite taken with Lady Cara."
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Post by Dare Blackwood-Hardt on Jun 10, 2011 22:53:24 GMT -5
Yes, she had said as much last night, and though it bolstered Alasdair's courage a bit to hear as much, small talk was not his strong suit. He smiled politely and took up a spot at the fireplace, propped against the mantle. "I'm glad to hear it," he said. "She was taken with Miss Elizabeth as well." How to turn the conversation in the right direction was still beyond him.
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