People Who Hate Happiness for Philipa

[Reuben Slade]

💔

@phillipaf

[Deleted]

1. Our muses arguing

Tonight's event was at an art show and Phillipa was enjoying herself moving from painting to painting.  It fascinated her the way some artists managed to capture images so brilliantly.  There was a gentleman standing in front of one painting for so long that Phillipa had just gone around him but even after viewing all the other paintings he was still there.  Still blocking a painting by one of her favorite artists for far too long in her eyes.  She sighed then reached to tap his shoulder.  If you could move please.

Reuben Slade

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: @phillipaf

never make

DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE.

Slade was in attendance at an art show that seemed to be one of the events involving the ton. While his purpose for going to such events was to find a prospective wife, he knew that a place such as this was not likely to create such an opportunity. He was here because he appreciated art. While selective about what he preferred, there was a part of him that found looking at deserving paintings to be an exercise which brought him ease. He was also considering having a portrait done of Gilbert as his daughter repeatedly asked him for one. So combining his interest was also for research purposes, to find a skilled painter to commission for this task.

❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖

He was particularly interested in one painting, looking at it, taking in every detail, every stroke. Delving into the depth it provided when . . . he felt a tap on his shoulder. The act caused him to sharply turn his head to see who had touch him as he then abruptly stepped to the side and turned his body half way to look at her. He was not comfortable with physical touch and it was a relief that he had layers of clothing to create a barrier. Still. Being touched especially by a stranger triggered his reaction. "A simple pardon me would have sufficed," he told her. His voice was composed but his expression held clear signs of displeasure and annoyance.

[Deleted]

When he reacted coldly to her Phillipa sighed.  She had literally gone through all the paintings here and he was still in the same place... looking at the same.  She wouldn't have bothered him but this painting was done by her favorite artist.

I am sorry but I want to see this painting,  you've been here all night.


Reuben Slade

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: @phillipaf

brick by brick

I TAKE DOWN MY ENEMIES

Slade listened to her apology, stating that she had wanted to see this painting and that he had been standing here all night. Hyperbole. But never the less, he was unimpressed with her method of gaining his attention. While he regained his composure in his demeanor, he was not one to offer apology in return nor soften his words from their even delivery.

❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖

"Is it customary for you to place your hands among strangers when they are an inconvenience to you?" He questioned. He tone was level. Lacking volume or even harshness, albeit perhaps a dry sarcasm in them. Though, one could interpret the content of them as they so desired. Impolite. Blunt. Slade bothered little with conforming to societal expectations to such a grand extent. He would say what he needed to so long as it did not implicate him in the ton. But another person putting their hands on him had triggered that initial response. And so, he questioned if this was quite normal for her. Or if he had been an exception . . . or victim, of this otherwise uncommon act. Either way, he stood in waiting for an answer to his inquiry.

[Deleted]

Now Phillipa was starting to feel uncomfortable with this man and this situation.  People were starting to watch them and she hear them whispering.   She scowled at him.  I shouldn't have touched you but you shouldn't stand there like you are a...rock or something. She was raging at him now but trying hard to keep her voice down.  

Now she was feeling embarrassed, yes it was mostly her own fault but the more people stared the worst she felt.  Phillipa had already had to endure many years of strange looks and gossiping about her and her friends.  It was hard to be a Featherington someday.  Now she was trying to find a way to sneak out of the room.


Reuben Slade

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: @phillipaf

brick by brick

I TAKE DOWN MY ENEMIES

Slade kept his eyes on her, uncaring of anyone who may be staring. He would not lose his composure entirely, and he kept his voice leveled rather than raised. Which, while it was uncommon of him to raise his voice, even he knew that if he were to raise his voice to a woman among such a crowd, others would undoubtedly intervene.

❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖

"So I should not stand in front of a painting in an art show?" He rhetorically questioned, his voice holding dry sarcasm to it, indifferent to how it may make her feeling. "A rock," he repeated, taking in her comparison. "What is your name, Miss?" He asked, wanting to know who this woman was that seemed quite brazen with strangers. "For I would like to know who in the ton holds such a strong aversion to using their words above their hands," he added calmly, but a sternness in his tone.

[Deleted]

The way he was staring at her made her feel so small and he would not look away.  She crossed her arms over her chest.  He made her want to run away but she forced herself to stand her ground.  She uncrossed her arms and stood up taller.  My name is Phillipa Featherington, yes you are supposed to stand in front of the art but you are expected to move.  I have waited over a hour for you to move, I have seen everything else here while I waited for you to move so I got impatient.

She then turned and started to walk away.  And now that I have finally got to see it, my night is complete.


Reuben Slade