The Next Duchess

[William Slade]

this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden Balls were relatively interesting events. They were consistent during the season, members of the ton throwing them to allow debutants and beautillions to discover each other's company, and perhaps even find interest in it. Easy as it may sound, discovering a match was from it. The next Duchess of Wellington had to meet his standards, and they were incredibly high. Introductions needed to be made first before anyone could have the possibility of a dance and a conversation. Mother's arm entangled in his as usual, they wandered about the room until she tugged him gently upon laying eyes on the Talbots. Approaching them, she initiated the introduction, "Your Grace, Lady Talbot, I am sure you know of my son, William." He offered them both a gentle bow of the head. @mariannetalbot

credit to nat of adoxography.

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There had been many balls, too many to count but this ball tonight was going to be very different for tonight Marianne was going to be meeting the man she was supposed to marry.  All her life she had been raised to be ready for this night, this was to be the beginning of her life like nothing she did before tonight meant anything.  It left her feeling like a ball of nervous energy unable to stand still while she was being dressed and unable to sit while her hair was done.  Now she was in front of the mirror and a radiant beauty gazed back at her looking cool, calm and everything she did not.  Now she had to act like she was all that for her family wanted her to make this arrangement work, this arrangement would make her a Duchess.  Not just any Duchess but the Duchess of Wellington and wife to one of the Slade brothers who had a high place in society.  Her whole life was training for this moment.

In her favorite gown of green silk Marianne stayed close to her mother as they entered the ball, she had no idea what her intended looked like but she was anxious to find him and see if he liked her or at least approved enough of what he saw to marry her.  She was taking in the room to see who was here so far when she noticed another lady coming straight over to her mother with a very handsome man in tow.  If this was her intended Marianne would be thrilled, he was dark and handsome with rugged features.  She had heard that the Slade brothers had their charms but now she was looking forward to finding out for herself.  Once she heard the gentleman introduce himself she dropped down to curtsy elegantly to him then slowly rose up with a smile looking directly at him as her mother introduced her.  "And this is our Marianne."

Holding her hand out for him to take Marianne spoke softly. Hello William, it is a pleasure to meet you.


@mariannetalbot

[William Slade]

this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden His mother had mentioned Marianne Talbot earlier, noting that she was the "perfect" match for him, and in her eyes, was the diamond of the first water that season. Upon them meeting each other, William was relieved to discover that she was attractive, her curls beautifully cascaded against her silk gown. After she extended her gloved hand, he reached out to hold it, gently dipping in a gentlemanly manner and planting a soft kiss on the back. "Lady Marianne," William then straightened his posture, waiting for her to let go before he did. The duke knew of all steps, having them engrained in his mind ever since he was being tutored by his first private instructor. Smiling, he inquired, "May I write on your dance card?" Quite the dreary routine, but if his mother was pleased with this particular match, and the young lady met his criteria, it would possibly be the last time he did so. @mariannetalbot

credit to nat of adoxography.

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As Marianne set her eyes on her husband to be she was immediately pleased.  He was very handsome and very polite as he kissed her hand she nodded to him.  You my lord may have first choice of my dance card.  She told him with a bright smile.  It looks like tonight is going to be a wonderful one.

She knew that she had been listed highly on the singles list but the thought of having to do through the whole season with suitors vying for her hand was not a welcome one.  This match coming up so soon was saving her from the torture and at the same time as she happy as she looked at him.  He was not only from a good family but he seemed perfect, she was looking forward to get to know him better.  I fear that having you at my side might make all the other ladies jealous.


William Slade

[William Slade]

this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden Offering her a gentle smile back, the Duke approached Marianne after she allowed him the right to write on her dance card, taking hold of the pencil that was dangling from her wrist and writing his name at the top of the card. "An honour, Lady Marianne." He nodded once, letting go of the pencil, and instead, taking her hand. Leading her toward the dance floor, the waltz began to play, and he initiated the dance, meeting eyes with her, "I imagine it is because none of them match your beauty," William reflected. "Tell me - has your day been well? I hope it was not too stressful." Judging from his sisters, they'd been up early, rushing to the modiste to fix their dresses. @mariannetalbot

credit to nat of adoxography.

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Marianne watched William as he wrote his name on her dance card and she almost told him that if he wanted to take all her dances she would not stop him.  She was very pleased with the choice her family had made for her, he was perfect for her and she would have married him even if he wasn't a Duke.  There was something about him that called to her.  Looking at him she could already sense that she was going to be happy as his wife.

The waltz was her favorite dance and William was wonderful, they both seemed to just glide through the moves together effortlessly.  You are too kind, I don't think they are thinking that.  They are thinking what is that handsome Duke doing with her.  She laughed when he asked about her day.  My day has been very full, it takes far too long for my maids to fuss over me before each event.  So tell me, did all the fuss work?  Do I take your breath away?


William Slade

[William Slade]

tagged @mariannetalbot words no clue! notes cuteness

The reality was that he did not expect Marianne to be as attractive and amiable as she was. She had been mentioned by his mother, and that he should save a dance for her (or at least make her his first, as she was certainly at the top of his list for a possible future wife). Gliding through the dance floor, his eyes locked onto hers. "Nonsense," William whispered, peering around the room. "All eyes are upon you and solely you," It was somewhat true. Either it was or he was seeing things. "The fuss certainly worked," He twirled her around before returning to their original stance. "You have managed to capture my heart and soul," It was the truth. A bit too soon? Maybe. "Have I done the same? There was hardly fuss with my valet, though." He chuckled.

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Gliding on the dance floor in his arms Marianne could not believe how lucky she felt.  From the first moment an arranged marriage for her had been mentioned she had been worried she was doomed.   Then she met him and instantly she felt a strong connection.  She had never expected that and as they danced together she wanted to tell him that she would marry him right now today if it would not make him look at her like she was crazy.  Then let them all watch us, my eyes are on you alone.  I feel as if I have been blessed.  I never thought I would be marrying such a handsome man.

She gasped when he suddenly twirled her around and she glided right back into his arms.  Blushing when he said she had captured his heart and soul. You have taken mine as well William.  Don't tell my family but I would marry you now if they allowed it.  


William Slade