Second Chances; A Regency Story (For Anna)

[Annabelle Hennessy]

Anna smiled as he painted an image for her. She could see a slightly younger version of Mr. Blackwood with a young pretty thing on his arm, strolling just as they were now, perhaps he had the youngest babe in his arms, cooing over it like a doting father. Yes, this must be a happy place. "He sounds like a great man, it must run in the family." She smiled at him with a flash of humor in her eyes.

[Dare Blackwood-Hardt]

Alasdair chuckled. "Oh yes, I'm quite the catch," he jested. "Prinny himself bows for me." It was treasonous to speak so, but it was in good humor. Miss Hennessy seemed in possession of a rare intellect and good sense few in the haute ton would recognize if they knew of its existence.

[Annabelle Hennessy]

Annabelle joined in with a laugh of her own, noticing the way his eyes shone when he laughed. "I've never been particularly fond of the Prince Regent, but perhaps I will have to consider adjusting my views of him." She said the words conspiratorial, as if she were sharing war secrets. There were plenty of people in the ton that didn't like him so the statement wasn't shocking in itself but she had never been one to speak against the Crown out loud. She liked that she could lightly joke with him and felt at ease around him; when she wasn't held in his arms and losing all her senses that is.

[Dare Blackwood-Hardt]

They came to a series of steps carved into the hillside as they walked, and Alasdair's hand pressed lightly over Miss Hennessy's as they made their way down. The picnic lay before them, the rug laid out in a patch of shade between the shining lake and a small folly hidden from the house proper by the purposeful landscaping. Servants were nowhere to be seen, giving the impression of having stumbled upon some fantasy in the midst of a world inhabited only by the two of them.

[Annabelle Hennessy]

"Oh my. When you do something you do it to perfection." She looked around taking in the setting for the feast. It was like a picture in a storybook, with everything perfectly arranged for them. Even the flowers seemed to be cooperating, blooming bright pink and yellow blossoms. As they made their way over to the picnic area Annabelle already felt a sense of loss, knowing that she would have to remove her hand from his when they sat to dine. It seemed silly to think of but she was starting to get used to being a fixture on his arm.

[Dare Blackwood-Hardt]

Alasdair only nodded his head in acceptance of the compliment. This was a favorite picnic spot, carefully chosen for its beauty and seclusion. He had painted it countless times and it had only seemed right to come here, to bring her here where he could think easily and simply enjoy himself.

He helped Miss Hennessy seat herself, then moved to open the picnic basket, to retrieve their modest repast of cold chicken, rolls, and all number of other temptations. He made an effort at polite small talk as he filled their plates and poured the wine, but his thoughts drifted repeatedly to his companion in this little fantasy. It was all so picturesque, and she fit so perfectly.

[Annabelle Hennessy]

Annabelle seemed to have a permanent smile on her face. As a young debutante this would have been her ideal romantic date. She looked over at Mr. Blackwood, being ever the perfect example of a gentleman as they conversed throughout the meal. A soft breeze rustled the leaves providing cool air to their afternoon and Annabelle untied her bonnet. Once removed, she could feel a few loose tendrils of her hair waving in the breeze. She took a small sip of her wine, not wanting it to go directly to her head. "If I had a place such as this I don't think I'd ever leave on my own accord."

[Dare Blackwood-Hardt]

Alasdair snapped his gaze from those floating tendrils of hair to Miss Hennessy's eyes, recalling himself to the conversation. "Sylvester—that is, my brother—divides his time between his own estate and lengthy visits among our family and that of his wife. For a man who enjoys solitude he has quite a few social obligations."

[Annabelle Hennessy]

Annabelle could relate to the compulsion to bend to social structure. She'd participated in the need to be by her mother's side attending many house parties and visits not to mention seasons in the capital as well as a few little seasons. She had been relieved to leave it all behind and stop pandering to the whims of the ton. "Do you not have many of the same obligations? Now that my sister had her come-out and I've been forced to relinquish my own solitude, I fear I can commiserate with your brother. I've ignored any such social obligations for years."

[Dare Blackwood-Hardt]

"My family is small, as is the number I count among my friends," Alasdair confessed. "I will not be responsible for a young lady's coming out for another year, for which I am eternally grateful as I wish she might stay a child a few years longer." It stunned him to think of how Cara had grown and bloomed over the past year. He hoped most fervently that the Dowager Duchess would emerge from her solitude to sponsor her young daughter, as he had no wish to throw her at any eager young bucks.

"No, I have few social obligations and am as yet undecided whether I miss the whirl of activity or find the lack of it a relief." Few gentlemen enjoyed the glittering balls, and fewer still admitted as much, but Alasdair had always loved it.

[Annabelle Hennessy]

Annabelle, having decided she was finished with the food, settled farther into the rug, leaning back on one elbow so she was essentially lying on her side. She had a breathtaking view of him, surrounded by the cloudless blue sky. Idly she wondered what color his eyes truly were. Earlier she would have said green, but right now they looked almost blue-grey.

"Well, if Elizabeth turns out to have the stubbornness that I inherited, she'll take her time selecting her husband-to-be. As much as I hope she makes a match this year, if she doesn't, at least the consolation prize is seeing you at the same functions next season. I think I might even look forward to persuading you to ask me for a dance." Although her words were light as if spoken in fun, there was a glimmer of satisfaction, a hint of a challenge in Annabelle's eyes. His reply meant far more then a simple dance.

[Dare Blackwood-Hardt]

One of Alasdair's dark brows arched at Miss Hennessy's forwardness. "Most ladies are so very secretive about their plans," he said. His lips quirked slightly, but only for a moment before he spoke again. "I find your honesty refreshing." His eyes glittered with his reply. He didn't truly suspect her of trying to lure him to the parson's mousetrap, but it reminded him of such, in the time before he'd stepped back from the fringes of Society and into the shadows.

[Annabelle Hennessy]

Annabelle laughed at his reference to the plans of the matchmaking mamas. Lady Osbaldestone's conversation came back to her yet again, trying to force her to think of him in such a way. "Mr. Blackwood, you're positively evil. My dear Elizabeth is my only concern as far as marriage traps go, keeping her far away from those fortune hunters that is. Men can be just as manipulative you know." She really did enjoy joking with him. Even if he'd avoided a direct response to her bait, it was making the conversation that much more interesting.

[Dare Blackwood-Hardt]

Alasdair didn't believe for a moment that men were manipulative, most especially not in the way of females. He kept his peace, however, and said nothing more on the subject. Rather, he turned conversation gently toward the coming Season. Or, as he realized after a moment, the Season in progress. He had made an effort to visit London and had convalesced during its start.

[Annabelle Hennessy]

"What are your plans for the season?" Anna had to ask now that they were on the topic. She wondered if she might run into him at any of the crushes, or if he was merely in town for business and would be avoiding such events, If he'd been titled, even if he'd intended to avoid society he would have a hard time doing so. But as a Mr. and without social obligations, he was free to come and go during the season as he wished. "Will you be staying in London long?"