Symbol Prompt for Reuben

[Deleted]

[ ✿ ] my muse attempts to cook dinner for your muse.


Reuben Slade

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: @julieta

never make

DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE.

Slade had achieved his purpose for attending the social season: he had found a wife. More importantly, he had found a mother for Evelina. The latter role was more significant than the former. The qualities that Juliet possessed were indicative that she would be a good mother indeed. And Evelina had taken an instant liking to her. Though their marriage was not . . . a conventional one. He had assured Juliet on their wedding night that there would be no expectation of marital relations between them.

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It was not foremost on Slade's mind nor the reason he wished for a wife. But as social construct dictated, they were to embark on their honeymoon anyway. Slade's sister was far too excited about her brother getting married and offered to watch Evelina so that they may have alone time. Being apart from his daughter was not something Rueben enjoyed but he had left a dear friend to watch over her.

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He and Juliet had come to one of his country estates. He ensured she was given all she desired: an extravagant room, whichever maids she liked, any luxuries she desired . . . anything that would make her feel comfortable to maintain this marriage. For all intents and purposes that was what it was . . . even though there had been nothing intimate between them. This, was how Slade had always envisioned it to be. Once they remained here for an adequate amount of time, suitable to define the honeymoon of their marriage, they could return to Mayfair.

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He was returning home from a meeting, dismissing his friend to rest. Slade was rather selective about his household staff so when he did not see anyone immediately upon entry, it was a curious thing. Not yet suspicious, but curious. He saw light coming from the dining room and made his way towards it to see Juliet standing by dinner laid out there. But, he saw no cook nor server. Pausing at the threshold of the door, leaning on his cane he looked at her. "Did you prepare all this?" He inquired.

[Deleted]

All her life Juliet had done exactly as her father ordered her too but she dreamed of a much different life.  She wanted family of her own and a husband of her own choice.  She had no siblings and lost her mother early in life so to occupy herself she found herself reading constantly.  In those stories she learned about love, it was something so wonderful that she vowed one day she would find someone she truly loved that loved her back.  When she meet Reuben she could not lie, he was handsome and broody in a way that she found enticing to her even though it didn't seem like love.  No it was more like lust and then she met his daughter Evelina and that was love at first sight.  Juliet had always dreamed of having children, one look at that sweet face and she was willing to do anything for this little girl.  

Her father had been shocked that Juliet had found someone to marry and he had no objection.  This was a relief to Juliet as she had always feared who her father would have tried to marry her off to.  No it was better this way, Reuben was close to her age and Evelina was a welcome addition to her life.  She could give her all the love she had never felt as a child and then Reuben, he promised her that they didn't need to have.... any... relations like a true man and wife but she wanted more children so she wanted to see if perhaps that was something that might change.  This marriage was her freedom.

Now was her time, this was their honeymoon and they were alone here but for the servants.  Tonight she had dismissed them all and spent most of the day alone in the kitchen cooking while singing.  When he arrived she was ready and at his question she nodded with a smile.  Yes I did, I thought it might be nice to have a dinner just you and I.  We should get to know each other more now we are married.  


Reuben Slade

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: @julieta

never make

DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE.

Slade listened as she explained that she had indeed prepared this; and that they should get to know each other. She was right. If they were to be successful in this union, then they did need to get to know one another. In his first marriage, it had not been entirely necessary. But now . . . it was for the sake of Evelina. He did not want any tension between him and Juliet, for his daughter was sharp enough to pick up on it.

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"Indeed," he agreed with a small, half smile. He began to make his way to the chair, setting his cane to lean against the table as he pulled out his chair and took a seat. "Perhaps we can start by you telling me what motivated you to learn to cook," he asked, setting the tone for this . . . getting to know each other. For, it was not common for noblewomen to know such things and so, it was a surprise indeed. Not an entirely unpleasant one. If she was willing to cook for him, then it further demonstrated her nurturing side. Her desire to take care of another despite having a staff to do it. It brought Rueben's mind to further ease, that she was in fact, the right mother for Evelina.

[Deleted]

As he walked to the table to sit down Juliet poured some wine for them both and then she sat down in her seat.  She had made sure to put everything at the end of the table so it was easily to serve him.  I was an only child, when I was done with my tutors and music lessons I loved to go into the kitchen.  Our family cook was like a family member to me, she taught me how to cook and I found it very relaxing.  She started to serve the food and then she sat back down.

I know its not expected of me but I enjoy doing it and it is nice sometimes not to have servants.  It gives us more privacy.  That was the one thing that she had wanted the most tonight so they could talk freely and she didn't have to worry if she said something that he didn't want the servants to know.  I can't wait to find out what you and Evelina like so I can cook for her too.  I made dessert too, I have a sweet tooth so I always tend to have pies, cakes or cookies freshly made.

After taking a few bites she sipped her wine then gazed over at him.  Now you know something more about me, tell me something more about you.


Reuben Slade

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: @julieta

never make

DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE.

Slade's eyes watched the food and drink as she served it, taking the final step of the meal preparation would was putting it upon the other's plate. As he watched he could tell that her actions were not born of expectation nor force . . . they were from desire. The genuine desire to do something that -- yes even Rueben could concede as -- was kind. It continued to reaffirm his decision, and should this continue -- not necessarily the cooking and serving of food, but rather, the considerate gestures, then Rueben knew that his trust when it came to Juliet and his daughter would be undoubted.

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Once she seated herself he took in her words, explaining that she had become close to her family's cook and that she found the activity to be relaxing. "It is good then, that you found something to bring you ease and fruitful results." He took a bite of the food and, it was a pleasant surprise as how tasty it was. "Your cook taught you well," he said, as more fact than attempt to praise -- though the complimenting words were inevitably there. "It is very good," he added, before taking another bite. She she spoke of it being nice not to have servants, and that it would give them more privacy . . . Rueben knew that she was right.

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Now that he had wife, he had to allot time to her in order to maintain the relationship and ensure its success. "Are you accustomed to being without servants for periods of time?" Clearly she was able to handle the cooking, but he wondered if it was something she experienced in her own household. If she was able to function for short periods of time without them. He gave a small smile at the mention of Evelina and cooking for her -- his focus more on his daughter than on himself.

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"You have listed some of her favourite foods," he told her. Pies, cakes, cookies . . . a sweet tooth was indeed something Evelina and Juliet had in common. "She has a particular fondness for plum cake," he added. A dessert that was often for special occasions as it made it rather excited. When Juliet commented about telling something about himself, he took a sip of his drink and paused before answering.

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"I do not cook," he answered. The response made with a bit of humour though it did hold truth. He did not learn how to cook as it had been of no interest to him. He however, had a feeling that that was not a fact that she may be looking for. Meeting her gaze so she would know he was focused on her in the moment, he continued. "What would you like to know?" He asked in offering. He was unused to speaking of himself; of his preferences, likes, dislikes, interests. But should she like to know anything, he would divulge what he could without compromising his more, private business affairs.

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Juliet was enjoying being with him like this, just the two of them so they could talk freely.  After she served him she sat down and started to eat herself.  It pleased her to hear his compliments on her cooking,  she loved doing it but her father always scorned her.  Cooking was a servant's job he told her but now she had someone who thought otherwise.  The only servant that was always with us was our cook.  The rest of the staff, we had trouble keeping the staff.  My father and his temper so yes I'm used to doing many things myself.

When he started to talk about his daughter Juliet started to get excited.  She loved children and now she was going to get to be a mother, even if it was a stepmother she was looking forward to it.  His little one was going to get all the love and attention Juliet craved as a child.  She has good taste,  I love plum cake and I love the idea of getting to share my love of cooking with her.  

Juliet had noticed that Reuben was very guarded and not likely to volunteer anything that she didn't ask to know but it made her laugh at his comment about not cooking.  She liked his sense of humor.  Then it's good that I cook, we won't starve.  Then she thought about what she might like to know about him, hopefully he wouldn't take offense to her directness.   Did you marry your first wife for love?


Reuben Slade

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: @julieta

never make

DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE.

Slade listened as she explained that the only servant was her cook, and that staff retention was difficult in her home due to her father's temper. Causing her to being used to doing things on her own. He knew that now would be a good time as any to explain the household staff dynamics, to bring her further comfort to the estate that they would reside at. "Such will not be the case any longer," he told her, especially now that she was out of her father's home. "The household staff are incredibly loyal," he continued to say. He had hand picked each and every one to make sure of it. And while there were not an over necessary number of them like in other households of such wealth, Slade focused more on their trustworthiness, and their strong capabilities.

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"And they will see to your needs and to assist you with what you require." Pausing for a moment he looked at her. "Is there anyone you wish to hire or bring from your previous residence?" He would of course have to look into them, but he knew that some ladies brought their own maids -- as his first wife had -- so was inquiring as to whether Juliet had any staff that may have been formerly fired that she wished to reassign. Or anyone from her father's home that she wanted to bring into her new one. He gave a small smile at the compliment towards his daughter, the topic of Evelina always one that warmed his heart. "She will enjoy that a great deal," he assured her. Evelina loved creating things and being able to cook with her newly appointed mother, would indeed bring her joy. Hearing her laugh caused Rueben's slight smile to remain, though it faded upon hearing her next question. It was . . . not an unreasonable one to ask.

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Had anyone else other than the woman he married made such an inquiry . . . he would not have answered it. In fact, he would have cast a look to never ask such a question again. But in this case, he merely dropped his gaze for a moment before looking back at her with the same stoic composure. "No," he answered, aware that there was a great deal to that word but foremost, it was honesty. He had no emotional ties to her when he had married her. It had simply been an arrangement of convenience. He then looked down at his plate to take another bite of his dinner, swallowing before continuing. "Evelina will talk often of her," he informed Juliet. "She was very young when her mother passed away. Something it would appear the two of you have in common." And Evelina liked to imagine her as the epitome of perfection. Slade would do nothing to dissuade or discourage these notions and 'memories' she held of her mother . . . true or false.

[Deleted]

As he spoke Juliet leaned on her hand watching him intently.  He intrigued her, the more they spoke and she leaned about him the more she wanted to learn more.  It did not surprise her when he spoke of how dedicated his staff was, there was something about him that she could see why they would be dedicated to him.  The only thing that I would like to do is to give my cook her retirement, she deserves to be able to do as she wishes now.  Don't worry, I have that already sent up.  It is part of an agreement I made with my father years ago when he started to talk about my marriage. She answered him quickly, in true that cook was more like family to her than her own father and she loved knowing that she would get to retire now.

Juliet was so excited about meeting his daughter, she already had a list of things in her mind that they could do together.  Her name is beautiful, so what have you told her about her mother?  I don't want to tell her anything that you don't want her to know.  She nodded hearing his answer to her question, so he didn't marry his first wife for love either.  All her life she had wanted a love match, she was not going to get one but the more time she spent with Reuben the more she had a feeling that she could fall for him.  That thought was one that pleased her.  Maybe she could still get what she had always wanted.  So.. um do you want to give her any siblings?


Reuben Slade

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: @julieta

never make

DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE.

Slade listened as she spoke of her cook, about to offer to bring her here though Juliet explained her retirement and that she held an agreement with her father. "If there is issue in upholding it, I will speak to him." And ensure that it was honored. Rueben was not one to make such offers or grant favours but with Juliet, it was different. Juliet was now his wife and Evelina was already attached to her. Juliet's happiness and contentment in this life, was of the utmost importance. And if her father interfered with that in anyway, Slade would undoubtedly deal with it. For she was a part of his family now and he would not allow anyone to endanger a member of it. Nor emotionally compromise them.

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Her next question was an incredibly valid one, and the fact that she asked it, just continued to prove that she was right for this role. For she considered such things, when another may not. "She knows her mother's name." What she looked liked as evidenced by the portraits of her in their home estate. "She knows of her interests, her preferences, her dislikes." Slade tried to tell her what he could but at the same time, Evelina enjoyed creating stories about her. "All you need do is ask her, and you will find no detail is spared." Evelina loved talking about her mother and Slade would not discourage her from doing so. Despite love not being what bound him and his late wife to marriage . . . they shared a love for their daughter.

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Her next question however caused him to pause. He dropped his gaze to his plate, a casual gesture but purposefully as he thought over her question. And what it meant. Physical intimacy was clearly not a part of their marriage and yet . . . it was not an unreasonable question to ask. Which was why Slade need answer it appropriately. He raised his gaze once more to meet hers as he spoke. "Is that something which you desire?" Children. Did she desire children of her own? It was the expectation of women to bare children but . . . was Juliet among the ones who wished for it, or among those who did not.

[Deleted]

The more time spent with Reuben, the more he managed to surprise her.  Juliet loved that he was ready to help her uphold the arrangement she had made with her father's cook.  He was willing to do whatever she needed to feel safe and protected which was something she had wanted her whole life.  It was thrilling to look at him and know that now she was finally safe.  No more would she have to deal with her father and his moods or his "friends" coming by making passes at her all the time.  She had a home where she was never going to feel threatened again.  

When the topic turned to Evelina Juliet could not stop smiling.  She was loving getting to know her and she was excited to learn about her mother.  The fact that they had both lost their mothers young was definitely a strong bond between them.  Now Juliet was going to give her all the things she had craved as a young girl and she was looking forward to all of it.  Helping her to learn things, to teach her how to be a lady and so many other things that were very important to being a young lady.  When he asked her about her question Juliet could feel her cheeks blush.  It was so lonely being an only child, I would not wish that on Evelina and I have always wanted to have a baby.  One would be fine, just one would also give Evelina a sibling to grow up with.  Don't you want to try for a son?  She had to ask knowing all her life her father had berated her for not being a boy.  Didn't all men want a son and heir?


Reuben Slade

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: @julieta

never make

DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE.

Juliet had very valid reasons for wanting a child for they were linked to Evelina as well. As her not being an only child. He knew that Evelina was not lacking love in any area of her life -- with the exception of a mother of course. She was surrounded by family, if not of blood then of heart. She had children to play with that were her age from those who worked for Slade and close friends who had their own families as well. But the love of a true sibling . . . that was something she did not have. As Rueben was not particularly close to his brother or sisters, he often wondered if it would be the same should he have another child. And Juliet spoke of her own experience being an only child as being a lonely one.

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It certainly was something to consider . . . though Slade knew that with that came more risk. And of course there was also the conception of it that . . . wasn't particularly an area of comfort for Slade. The mention of a son was not something Rueben had even longed for for the sake of inheritance. In fact, he was unsure if he would even want his son carrying on the businesses that Rueben did -- the less than legal ones of course. So she had indeed raised some interesting points that were not unreasonable or unjust. Especially since they had not previously discussed having more children or not as part of the stipulations of this marriage. Taking in her words, considering them, he knew he could not entirely dismiss her . . . request.

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"I will consider this," he told her. And he was a man of his word. It was a subject he would contemplate. "Right now, let us focus on transitioning you into Evelina's life in this new role." For that in itself, would be quite the adjustment. He did not doubt Evelina's attachment of Juliet; he knew she already adored her. But, living with each other every day was an entirely different matter.

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"You would only wish for one more child?" He asked, confirming or allowing her to elaborate on any further desires for children if it exceeded beyond a single one. Though in the process of doing so, knew it was only fair that that he answer her question. "Having an heir has not been a priority," he answered. "That does not mean I would abhor one," he clarified. "Only that, having a daughter did not cause me to long for a son." That despite the lack of heir, Slade had never felt burning desire to try for a boy.

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Juliet had been completely focused on finding her place in their world, she didn't want to disrupt anything that Reuben and Evelina had always done. No she just wanted to find a way to be a part of their lives and then add some things for just them as she learned more about what they liked and enjoyed doing. It was fun, Evelina was a sweet, loving girl that she adored at first sight and she loved listening to the little one talk to her about her mother. She wanted to make sure that she kept those memories alive, she never wanted to try to take her mother's place but she did want to find a way to be a part of her life. Now Rueben was more complicated.  He seemed very closed off, he kept to himself but the love he showed for his daughter was absolutely amazing and now the way he welcomed her into his family Juliet found herself falling for him.  It was natural for her to fall in love with her husband but she was not sure he would ever fall in love with her that way but she still wanted to find a place in his life and maybe his heart.

Knowing how important Evelina was to Reuben made it easy for her to find a way to get him to open up she was hoping and when she mentioned wanting a child she made sure to mention why.  Being an only child is very lonely and I know that she would love to have a little brother or sister.  And I don't know if I want more than one, I know that I want at least one.  It would give Evelina a playmate, unless you don't want to.  I was just thinking of her, I know you want what's best for her.


Reuben Slade