Mayfair

[William Slade]

this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden Seated at the front of the grandiose dining table in the Mayfair house, William silently removed the napkin from his plate and tucket it behind the collar of his white shirt. The eldest peered over toward the grandfather clock that decorated the room with its dark shade of wood, giving it a sense of antique in contrast to the palish walls and interior decoration. His mother's choice, he believed, as it had been modified and added it to ever since he was a young child. The clock chimed, indicating that it was seven o'clock. He'd been awake much earlier than that, having been used to his duties as Duke of Wellington for a while now. His biological clock happened to adapt to that particular duty. It certainly wasn't an easy path to tread upon. There were duties, duties that his brother may never understand. The door opened, and his mother announced her presence, taking a seat beside him. "Will you be staying in Mayfair for the season, William?" She inquired, taking a sip from the tea that one of the house servants had already poured for her. "For the first ball, I believe, and then I'll be riding back to Wellington. It'll be an occasional occurrence," William knew very well what she meant by her words. He was to find a wife this season, and hopefully, manage to settle and perhaps finally issue an heir. Time would tell. "Pray tell -- where are my siste-" His words had been cut off by the door. Reuben Slade , lol!

credit to nat of adoxography.

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: William Slade
Note: Slade was apparently a bit of a dramatic hoe in this post! Apologies!! haha!

never make

DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE.

Mayfair, London. It had been some time since Slade had come here and he did not do so without purpose. For once, the primary reason was unrelated to business matters -- though, he knew he would inevitably be conducting business even here. But his purpose for participating this season and engaging with all those of nobility . . . was to find a mother for his daughter. He desired that more than a wife, though of course the two went hand in hand. It had been years since he'd seen his family, and he had not sent word of his arrival.

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Why bother? He had no intention of staying with them as he made preparations at his own household in the city. That being said, he knew his daughter wanted to spent time with her relatives so Slade would not totally deprive her of that. It was why he went to them now. He would rather ensure that things were clear in regards to expectations as well as the safety and wellbeing of his daughter. He had brought her and Gilly with him to visit his brother's household where their mother and sisters also resided. It was both a wonder and not at the same time that his brother remained unmarried. It would appear, he had not yet met his duchess.

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Slade exited the carriage, being greeted by the butler as he presented his name and guests, before walking right by him before wasting time to be announced. He left his daughter and Gilly with his people -- the few that he always travelled with -- deciding to speak to his brother alone first. He was informed that the Duke was about to have dinner, and questioned as to whether he was expecting him. Slade answered with a simple

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"No." But the word held enough strength to it, and expression stern enough, that the servant did not argue. Instead they opened the door, moving quickly from the entrance as Slade stepped inside to see William -- Duke of Wellington -- at the head of table and their mother at his side. Slade stood in his position, leaning against his cane as the corner of his mouth held indication of the slightest of smirks, eyes locked with the Duke. "Good evening." A simple pleasantry yet it lacked anything pleasant about it in his tone.

[William Slade]

this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden The Duke wasn't expecting his younger brother that evening. Having arrived from Wellington earlier that day, he only expected to meet with his mother and sisters. Those days, it seemed as if the black sheep of the family had some motive behind his random appearances, rather than him genuinely wanting to be in the presence of his family unit. William's ceruleans were locked with eyes that only mirrored, only in resemblance and not expression, for at least a few seconds before he acknowledged the man, "You never fail to astonish me after twenty-eight years, brother," The formality of their relationship had been solidified when William took on his duty as Duke. "Though please do not feel uninvited," He lightly gestured toward one of the seats, attempting to disregard the informality of Reuben's entrance. William then uttered under his breath as he continued to fix the table linen intertwined with his shirt, "For you are still a Slade, after all." As we all as the complete opposite of Will and what he stood for (his vices subtracted from that statement, of course). "Has my darling niece accompanied you?" Reuben Slade , lol!

credit to nat of adoxography.

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: William Slade

never make

DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE.

Slade gave a short nod towards his mother, yet he made no effort to approach either of them for a proper embrace. While he avoided physical contact due to his own personal discomforts, it was never an issue when it came to family. It was merely his lacking desire. "I shall take that as a compliment," he told his brother, Slade's words laced with dry sarcasm upon William's statement of never failing to astonish him. Of course William showed no sign of it, the Duke even and composed in his delivery of words.

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The eldest Slade child continued on, saying not to feel uninvited -- even if it was only out of obligation and not genuine desire. Slade began to make his way towards the table, knowing that it would be easier to have this conversation sitting down. Once there, he leaned his cane towards the table and took a seat, catching William's mumbled words. "Much to your disappointment I am sure," he added in the same tone he had used earlier. Slade verbalizing his suspicions that perhaps William was not pleased that Rueben was still a Slade after all. The lack of conformity among his family isolating him -- which Rueben did so prefer. The topic of Evelina was one that was not so strained, and one the main reason that Rueben kept ties with his family. For her.

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"She did," he revealed. "She is out in the hall." With his protectors to keep an eye on her. Rueben straightened his head to look at their mother. "You may go see her." If you like being the unfinished part of his statement. Though found it futile for Slade assumed she wished to see Evelina and also, to 'subtly' dismiss their mother from the room. He would have Evelina join them soon enough. "Are you to remain here for the entirety of the season?" Rueben asked, getting straight to the point. Having been absent himself from social seasons in London, he was unsure of the Duke's patterns during it. Or if he had even participated in the season at all. Slade could only imagine how mother would be eager for her perfect son to find a wife.

[William Slade]

this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden Part of it was dashing hopes, but the other half was utter confusion as to why his brother decided to tread down the path he'd chosen in his life when he could've lived in comfort like William did. They had much to be grateful for -- one of the constructs being the sons of a Duke. Anyone could have wished for such a title. Sure, Reuben would only acquire such a title if William were to fall to his death, yet that was besides the point. He listened as Reuben artfully dismissed their mother. Arching an eyebrow, the eldest reclined back in his seat, expecting to have had his supper served by now, and not having a conversation with his sibling instead. He'd even sent out an invitation to their sisters, wherever they bloody were. Only Reuben managed to make it, however, and he did not even recall calling on him. Perhaps their mother did. "Stay, mama," William requested, before gesturing toward the servants who'd already been waiting. "Proceed with serving the supper, and escort my niece in here." Peering back at his brother, he acknowledged his question about the season. "I shall be riding back and forth from Wellington this season. Duties still call for me there," Maybe this was the year he'd find his duchess. It depended, really. William was relatively picky when it came to choosing his future wife. "The Slades should arrange a ball." He suggested nonchalantly. Reuben Slade , lol!

credit to nat of adoxography.

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: William Slade

never make

DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE.

In Slade's line of work, he was a leader. He was the one making decisions and giving the orders. But here . . . he was outranked. His brother was a duke and therefore, held higher status than Slade. Not to mention that the younger sibling was under the roof of William's estate where his household staff were loyal to him. Out in the public eye, society held the expectation that Slade would be the dutiful younger brother. But despite all this, Rueben would not let the order go unchallenged; especially when it related to his daughter.

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Slade quickly held out his cane, holding it out to the side as a nonverbal gesture, blocking the servant from pouring the unannounced guest a drink. Serving, as a barrier. Rueben locked eyes with William's as he spoke. "No." His words blunt, strong, unafraid and challenging the duke's authority. Though, spoken with the same expectation as he did those who worked for him, he still held it in the mind that here, it was the duke who reigned. Rueben's single worded refusal was not for the food or drink for himself -- having intended expressing a double negative. The barrier of his cane was meant to deter the food and drink for himself. The outward, verbal rejection was meant for his brother.

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"Not yet." In regards to his daughter. "I will call for her." When it was time remained unspoken, yet silently added. Slade's knowledge of the servants loyalty and obligation to comply with William's orders was why he left Evelina with his own most trusted individuals. Truth be told he did not know whether his daughter would end up bursting in but he would remain strong on his stance to be in control where his Evelina was concerned. Rueben glanced at the servant as he lowered his cane, resting both his hands atop it and now focusing on William's answer to his question. He also casually added that they should host a ball. The event far removed from Slade for he had no intention of participating in its preparations. "Should I expect an invitation?" He asked somewhat rhetorically, laced with dry sarcasm.

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He knew he would have to attend balls and social gatherings. While he did not look forward to it, it was necessary. "I have made no announcement of Evelina's presence." Or existence. Hopefully his brother would be able to assume that. There was good reason for it, so he needed this message to be conveyed to his brother, and mother since she was sitting here. "I would have it remain as such." Meaning, he did not want his family to start talking about his daughter throughout the ton. Or mention anything about her. "And that the others--" Their sisters. "Be made aware of this expectation as well." Because they were not currently present and Slade was unsure when he would actually see them. And if Evelina was indeed to come in shortly, then Rueben wanted this understood before she did. 

[William Slade]

this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden His eyes locked onto the cane that he held out, followed by the sharp 'no'. William stiffened for a moment, feeling slightly discomfited at Reuben's gesture toward one of his servants. The light-haired figure silently watched as they retreated back, seemingly afraid of approaching the black sheep of the family. "It seems you have abandoned your manners at the door, brother." Particularly in their mother's presence. They had a curious relationship, his brother and him. William supported him, while their father considered him the scapegrace. However, now that he was the duke, he understood the late man's approach. There was always a limit and Reuben seemed to constantly surpass it, adding more tension w within the family dynamic. Though William could challenge him and attempt to prove to him as to why he didn't appreciate the way that he was, he knew very well that it would go in through one ear and escape out the other. "If you wish to attend, then yes," He simply answered Reuben's question. When it came to interactions with his brother, there was hardly any jesting or charisma. Will wasn't trying to impress him in any way. There was no point. They were incredibly diverse with regard to their personalities and the way they conducted business. "You would permit your future wife to stumble upon the child? The ton will surely hear of it, and it will be far from jolly." Reuben Slade , lol!

credit to nat of adoxography.

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: William Slade

never make

DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE.

Rueben listened as his brother pointed out his lack of manners. Yes. The duke was correct. Yet Slade's determination to assert himself in a situation where he was otherwise lesser in authority, had caused him to be stubborn. And uncaring of such things. He was after all, quite used to it. "Does it come as any surprise?" He asked rhetorically, ignoring the look his mother was giving him. He could practically understand it without laying his gaze upon it. That same question of why can we not enjoy a simple meal together. Or perhaps she had already given up on him; the question or hope she held too far gone. Too much a thing from their past.

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Rueben gave a slight half smile at William's response to his question of invitation. Slade knew he would come. Despite it all, he was far too aware that the ton would waste their breath gossiping on why he was absent from his family's event. But his expression straightened when he brought up his future wife stumbling upon Evelina. "I will handle those personal matters when the time arises," he told him. "In the meanwhile, I will not have my daughter be the subject of gossips in the ton. They will think what they like, but I expect no confirmation of such things from anyone." Anyone, meaning them. He side eyed the servant before looking back at William.

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"Anyone in this household." For servants had a tendency to run their tongues as well and Slade knew there would be moments where Evelina may be spending time here with her uncle, aunts and grandmother. "It would be best to focus less on my affairs, and more on the seeking of your wife. Lest this season pass without success." Though he was unsure just how long his brother was looking for a wife, nor did Rueben question such matters. He imagined many women would be rather eager to become duchess of Wellington.

[William Slade]

this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden It never came as a surprise. William just felt as if he needed to point it out to Reuben, so he could acknowledge the fact that he was acting inappropriately, specifically before their mother, a lady who had brought them into the world. No-one could top his mother to him. She was a paragon of virtue, and he felt the need to protect her at all costs. That was why he decided to keep his scolds to himself, as they would do her no justice, considering just how stubborn his younger sibling was. He took heed as he spoke about Evelina and her being the gossip of the ton. William understood what he meant, though he felt slightly sympathetic toward the woman who would have him. The child would be more than a shock, so he dearly hoped that his brother would take over the reins of responsibility and fix whatever issues he had with the ton of Grosvenor Square. Lifting his knife and fork from the table, he gently sliced the lamb chop that was cooked beautifully by the Slade's cooks downstairs. Eyeing Reuben as he took his first bite, William could not help but grimace slightly at his remark about his future wife. "It will pass successfully," He was a Duke, for Heaven's sake. His brother truly knew how to press his buttons. "I had not been keen on marrying in the past seasons, yet I am ready now." Hopefully. "And I daresay any lady of intellect would pray to become the next Duchess of Wellington." Their mama chimed in. Reuben Slade , lol!

credit to nat of adoxography.

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: William Slade

never make

DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE.

Rueben listened as his brother spoke with determination of the success of the season. And that in previous years, he was not prepared. At least that answered the subject of why he had not found anyone. It was his first season that he was truly willing to settle down. Their mother of course contributed in hope and support for the Duke finding someone . . . of intellect. Rueben couldn't resist the slight smirk that played on his features, in mockery. "Yes. What woman would deny such riches and extravagance." And nothing to do with the man who was responsible for them. Mocking words to hide his expression. Though before Reuben would get scolded for such, he turned to the servant and gave a motion with his head to send for his daughter. Now that Rueben had made the expectations clear, there was no need to prolong his daughter's desire to see her grandmother and uncle.

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It was mere seconds later that a little girl came bounding in full of energy. "Grandmama!" She exclaimed running to her grandmother to give her a hug. Once that was done she ran to the next while exclaiming. "Uncle!" Her voice filled with excitement and joy. She had not seen them in so long and acted as if she knew them so well. Slade just watched her, unsurprised. "Uncle I have made something for you!" She announced, lacking personal boundaries as she climbed into lap, whether he was willing to let her or not. She handed him a folded up piece of paper and began her explanation. "This book was being read to me, and LOOK! We founded the name William in it! And it is your name! So I ripped the page out of the novel and drawed a heart around your name!" She was quite proud of her creativity, beaming with happiness.

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"I also drawed you!" Though it was more a large smiling face over the words of the novel that had his name on the page. She raised one of her tiny hands and put it on his cheek. As much of an aversion Slade had to physical touch, Evelina was the exact opposite. "You must look at it every night so that you will smile, because if you go to sleep with a smile, you will waked up with a smile!" Her own logic. "Do you like it uncle? Do you like it? Do you?!" Looking at him with wide eyes as if her hopes and dreams depended on his next words.

[William Slade]

this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden William attempted to ignore his brother's words, knowing that it would make no difference whatsoever if he reacted. His responses in the past proved so. Instead, he offered the younger male a visual warning, though he knew it would do very little. It meant little. Will may have been Duke in their Mayfair household and among the ton of London city, but when it came to his intimate family (minus his darling mother), his status meant absolutely nothing. The Duke was finding it incredibly difficult to accept that, too. His thoughts were suddenly interrupted when his gleaming niece entered the room. William nearly dropped his knife on the floor, blue eyes following her movement as she hugged her grandmother. He managed a slight smile. It was only natural in her presence, of course. He did not expect to hop on his lap, however, expecting her to waddle over to her father instead. His throat tightened slightly, body stiffening yet managing to relax a bit only for the sake of her comfort. "Evelina," The man faltered. "You cannot startle people like tha-" Will's sentence had been cut off upon her revealing what she'd discovered in the book. He scanned the visuals on the page, wrapping an arm around the child. "What lovely art. You take after..." William paused for a moment, attempting to recall which one of his sisters was better at drawing than the other. "Your aunts," Certainly not Reuben. His smile extended a bit after she wished for him to keep it. Accepting it from her little hand, he tucked it into the pocket of his tailcoat. "Yes, Evelina, I do," William responded with a small chuckle before gently beckoning for her to leave his lap. "The chair over there is far more proper, young lady." Reuben Slade , lol!

credit to nat of adoxography.

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: William Slade

never make

DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE.

While Rueben may have noticed William's discomfort, the way his body shifted and stiffened . . . Evelina most certainly did not. And Slade gave no voice to 'correct' her behavior. He would not change a thing about Evelina and her personality. But it was reinforcement of how he could not trust the ton around such a friendly child. He would rather change her circumstance than tell her to alter her personality and the way she was. Which, was precisely what he had done by keeping her existence . . . unconfirmed. Evelina brightly smiled when the Duke complimented her work, saying she took after her aunts -- whether that was true or not, Rueben had no idea -- but Evelina was beaming with happiness. "Thank you uncle! I am so happy!" She exclaimed excitedly, enjoying the praise and encouraged by it.

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"I can make you more!" Since he liked it so much! "Where are my aunties?" She asked with curiosity, wanting to seem them too, now that William had mentioned them. With that, she gave a kiss on the cheek to her uncle before hopping off his lap and making her way over to her grandmother. "I did not forgeted about you grandmama!" She said, reaching into her pocket and presenting her with a bow. Evelina had tied different colour laces to it, so that it hung down from the bow. A rather . . . creative mess indeed. "You can wears it to the first ball of the season!" Rueben looked at Evelina, as confusion and uncertainty started to fill her features while she stood there. She practically wore her feelings on her face and he knew why. While she wasn't a disobedient child per say, it was clear she did not want to sit on a chair. Rueben gave her the slightest of nods and the confusion vanished and was replaced with a broad smile.

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"Which book did you rip that page out of?" He asked her as she made her way over, wondering which book was massacred for the sake of a gift to William. "I don't know papa, I cannot read!" As if that was the most obvious answer. Rueben smiled and brought her onto his lap as she seated herself comfortably. But she was far from done talking. "Uncle! Your home is very big! Can we play hide and seek? There are SOOOOO many places to hided!" She exclaimed, extending her hands and arms to make her point. "What are you eating uncle?" She asked suddenly, looking at the food on his plate. "You should eat it before it gets cold! And we can eat dessert together!" Yes. She was very clearly excited to be in the company of family indeed and not realizing she was the reason he had not yet eaten.

[William Slade]

this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden His niece was far from a nuisance and if anyone were to define her as such, they'd be sent to the gallows (or at least he'd try). Although she had a vast amount of energy, and God knew where it stemmed from, there were manners that needed to be eventually taught to her. She was the niece of the Duke of Wellington, and upon growing up, Evelina would eventually have to act like one. William Slade was incredibly prim and proper, playing by the rules only in the public eye. Every man had their vices, did they not? His, unfortunately, involved wild women and alcohol. Evelina asked about her aunts, and he genuinely considered her question for a moment, confused and irked as to where they were. "Fair question, niece. I'm determined to learn of their whereabouts and why they are late," The young girl then proceeded to suggest a game of hide-and-seek, followed by an inquiry regarding the supper selection that evening. "All in due time, Evelina, all in due time." The cold figure managed yet another smile, yet it did not linger for longer than a few seconds, as the presence of both his sisters was announced by one of the home's footmen. "You are late," Though his niece was there, the Duke could not help but lose his temper. It happened naturally. "Your brother is here for a fortnight, and you can hardly put in the effort to show up on time." William abruptly banged his balled up fist against the oak, noticing his mother eye with him with wariness. Reuben Slade , lol!

credit to nat of adoxography.

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: William Slade

never make

DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE.

When the door opened and two women stepped in to join them, Evelina brightly smiled about to hop off her papa's lap to greet them. But Rueben knew what was coming. He knew William well enough and from his first words, it was clear that he was angry. So Slade prompted Evelina to remain where she was, casually moving his arm around her waist. He would not get involved in the affairs of the Slade household. He had his own to deal with. So he just watched with indifference. When William banged on the table, Evelina jumped a little, not accustomed to such loud sounds as a result of anger. His sisters, fell silent before profusely apologizing for their tardiness, before looking to Rueben in greeting.

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To which, Slade just gave them the slightest of nods. One of them explained a wardrobe issue and that it took extra time to ready themselves while the other simply remained silent, sheepishly making her way to an empty chair. "U-uncle," Evelina began to say, having recovered from the loud sound but not yet moving her position. "Maybe you don't need to wait until tonight. Maybe you can looked at it now so that you can smile." Because even Evelina could tell he looked mad and she did not like to see people upset. While Rueben remained composed, he did interject in a moment of silence. He started with his sisters, looking at them, his voice calm and demeanor stoic . . . yet his words and the meaning behind them strong. "Should you continue in your provocation towards him--" Referring to William, for surely they knew that being tardy and not sending word as to why would anger him. He then looked at William.

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"And should you continue to react with such enraged hostility--" Referring to of course banging on the table. Looking between the three of them he continued. "Then I assure you that this is the last time you will see Evelina for the duration of the season." It was indeed a threat, and one that could potentially make his brother's anger stronger, and his sister's mood also shift . . . but Slade was not about to leave his daughter in such an environment. Despite how much she wished to spend time with them.

[William Slade]

this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden William was well aware that he had a temper that could be unleashed any moment, specifically when individuals like his sisters enjoyed defying customs. They weren't the black sheep, evidently, but still, he felt disrespected as the Duke and not some commoner that they could disregard. Upon their father's existence, they'd followed the rules, minus Reuben, of course, who always seemed to tread down his own path.  The utterance of 'uncle' from his niece rang through his ears, and his fiery orbs automatically relaxed, fearing that he'd startled the young girl. He could not help his behaviour, especially when he felt as if Reuben was in control of the room and not him. Nodding once, he reassured the child, "Later tonight." It was more of a hushed tone -- certainly different from the one that he used toward his sisters. His eyes followed them as they meekly took their seat at the dining room table, noting every single word that his brother spoke. Reaching over, he picked up the glass of expensive wine, yet his fingers tightened around the neck the moment Reuben addressed him. Oh, dear. "Hostility, brother?" William asked, his tone clearly discontent. "My status in this family demands respect, and I will have it." Reuben Slade , lol!

credit to nat of adoxography.