Small Ton Girl

[Elizabeth Davenport]

Very few words were spoken between the pair, but it did not bother Elizabeth. Silence was something she could deal with, depending on the person. She'd experienced many types of silences throughout her life, often awkward ones, but the one between her and Reuben in that moment did not appear awkward. It was fine and she waited patiently for Dawn to arrive. No doubt, she found find it odd that Elizabeth had requested her presence but she would soon understand why that was the case. She might even find it strange that she be included in the conversation but Elizabeth guessed that Reuben wanted to make sure all parties privy to the information regarding Evelina were present so he could assure their discretion. Elizabeth wanted to ask who Evelina belonged to but still, decided against it. If she was meant to know, then he would reveal her parentage.

Dawn's arrival was swift and the door was closed behind her. Sensing that this was not a normal gentleman calling upon Elizabeth, Dawn walked over and sat down with Elizabeth's insistence. She did not need to stand in the corner for something such as this. Looking over at Reuben once it was all sorted, she waited for him to speak and when she did, she was unable to hide the small amount of surprise on her features. Her eyebrows rose for a split second before she composed herself again. Elizabeth had considered the idea that Evelina belonged to Reuben but she had not been entirely sure. The piercing blue eyes seemed to ring true through several family members in the Slade house, but she saw the resemblance now that the truth had been spoken.

Just as Elizabeth thought, he was making sure the two of them kept this information to themselves. Elizabeth nodded her head. "I assure you, we do not plan to say anything to anyone," Elizabeth promised. "I know my word cannot mean much, but please believe me when I say I would never do anything to harm that child." It had been a small interaction between the two, but Elizabeth knew it would stick with her. "Dawn has promised the same," she said, looking over at her ladies maid who nodded her head and offered Reuben the same assurances. "Is there anything I can do to provide some relief to your worries?" Elizabeth asked. Whatever it was, she would do it. 

---

Tag: Reuben Slade

credit to Laura of Adox

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: Elizabeth Davenport

never make

DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE.

Rueben was watching Elizabeth carefully when he made the revelation. There was a flicker of surprise there, which was to be expected. But she quickly regained herself and the first words that left her was further assurance that she and Dawn did not plan to tell anyone; that she would do nothing to harm that child. There was an undeniable . . . honesty to her words. While Rueben could often read people well, and while all the signs indicated that she was not lying, he was in a very distrusting business. His upbringing and area of business now clear signs of that. So trusting someone upon their word was difficult. He himself, would never give his word unless he planned to uphold it. After all, a man's word was all he had at the end of the day. He looked towards Dawn who nodded in agreement to the assurance. Upon hearing Elizabeth's question, Slade looked back at the young woman.

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"Time will be the most effective indicator," he answered. She had given him no reason to distrust him, but nor did he know her well enough to trust her. Though, he supposed he should acknowledge what he did know. "I have not yet heard whispers of her existence among the ton," he stated. "And your discretion here today--" Mainly dismissing staff that would report this back to her father--"Further demonstrates your earnest." But if there was something else he learned, is that no one did such things for nothing. There was always a price; and everything was negotiable. He would rather find out that price now, rather than later. Whether it was a favour down the road, or something else that he would need to in exchange for her silence. "What is it you would like in return?" He asked, cutting straight to the chase. While instinct told him that perhaps it was nothing, the way she spoke of not hurting Evelina giving him that impression . . . it was better to ask to be certain.

[Elizabeth Davenport]

From Elizabeth's observation, he did not seem too keen on taking her word at face value. Then again, she supposed she could not blame him. This was his daughter and Elizabeth knew how protective her own father was over his daughters, so could understand the same going for others. But this was a bit more serious, as people did not know about Evelina. Elizabeth searched her mind to recall if Reuben had ever been married but could not recall such details. Surely people would have talked about it had that been the case. Or perhaps it had been before Elizabeth had used the Ton gossip to maneuver her way through society. 

He would not hear whispers amongst the ton, although now that she thought about it. There was a slight chance people would talk of a little girl being accompanied by a member of the Slade family. "Will people not discuss seeing her with your sister?" Elizabeth asked out loud. No doubt, the thought might have crossed his mind if he was smart enough. People might even ask Elizabeth about the girl if people had seen her with Evelina. "Is there a name you'd like me to give out if people ask me about her? Surely I cannot pretend she did not know her own name." And Elizabeth wasn't willing to give our her actual name. 

The fact that he thought she would want something in return for her silence was enough to make Lizzie chuckle, but only a small amount. Licking her lips, she pursed them before glancing at Dawn and then back at Reuben. "Oh yes, I have something I require of you," she said, trying to make her voice rather serious. Elizabeth rose from her spot on the chaise and walked towards the table where she had placed her book. Inside the cover, she picked up the small picture of the butterfly Benedict had drawn. It was beautiful, colored and with Elizabeth's handwriting on it, the words 'Little Dove' written near the top. Walking over to Reuben she held the piece of paper out for him to take. "Would you give this to her?" She asked.

---

Tag: Reuben Slade

credit to Laura of Adox

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: Elizabeth Davenport

never make

DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE.

Her question was a valid one, and why Slade had sent his informants out to collect information regarding it. "Rumors of a maid's daughter," he answered. And no one had corrected the story. It displeased Slade, for he was not ashamed of Evelina. Nor would he ever support a lie to disown her . . . and yet, right now, this was the safest for her. "I have not yet received word of further inquiry among the ton. You merely need keep it simple, and say that you returned her swiftly to her guardians at the time." No need for deeper conversation or name reveals. He hoped the ambiguity would dismiss the topic entirely. Especially if one assumed that it was a maid's daughter.

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"Should any further gossips arise, I will deal with it accordingly." But in regards to her part to play, it would be minimal. When she told him there was something she required he could not but feel . . . disappointed. He had been wrong in his judgement of her, as she seemed to be just like everyone else. Slade gave no way to his emotions or thoughts as he remained stoic, prepared to fulfil what she wanted -- if it was within reason of course. As he previously acknowledged, everything was negotiable. He looked at her vacant seat as she moved in the room, presenting him with a paper. He took it and dropped his gaze to take in the contents of it. A butterfly, with Little Dove.

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Though Slade was not present, Evelina had given him every little detail, so the picture made sense. Upon seeing it, and hear her state that the favour was to give it to her . . . Rueben found himself holding back a smile, slightly clenching his jaw instead. Guarding his features, he responded to her. "No," he denied, as he set the paper on the table at the side. Letting the rejection linger for a moment he continued. Because he had made a decision in what he could not promise Evelina before. "You should be the one to give it to her as it would bring her great joy." He paused for another moment, looking at Elizabeth carefully. "She would like to see you again." Watching her reaction to determine whether her care for the child was feigned out of obligation and politeness. Or if it was genuine in which case, she would want to see Evelina again.

[Elizabeth Davenport]

Elizabeth nodded her head as he provided a perfectly reasonable explanation for who Evelina might be, should people start discussing it. The park had not been terribly populated at that time so it was possible the people that did see them, simply did not care to comment. Of course, that would be too good to be true but Elizabeth would not count her chickens before they hatched, so to speak. If she could do anything to assist with the rumors then she would, otherwise she had to assume that Reuben would take care of them. He seemed perfectly capable and Elizabeth would not think otherwise. "Of course," she agreed, nodding her head. 

She observed as he looked over the drawing, Elizabeth admiring Benedict's piece of art once more. He was such a lovely artist. There was a tick in his jaw and she found herself a little confused by his silence. Then he let out a resounding 'no' and she let her eyebrows raise in further puzzlement. Elizabeth tried to work with the reasoning in her mind. Perhaps he did not wish for his daughter to have anything from her, not wanting her to ask about Lizzie or to go to the park again. His protective nature over his nature could surely not prevent him giving her a drawing, could it? 

Suddenly feeling a tad awkward standing in front of him, Elizabeth went to take a step back but then he began to speak again. His words were difficult to comprehend at first, but eventually the meaning of them was able to resonate within her mind. He wished her to give it to Evie herself? Elizabeth felt her entire face light up with the prospect of getting to see Evelina again, believing that she would never see her after their first meeting. "Truly?" Elizabeth asked, the smile still on her face. "I would love to see her again." Nothing would make her happier and she realized that seeing and spending time with Evelina was something she truly wanted. "Is her knee quite well?" Elizabeth asked, a look of concern passing over her features. The scrape hadn't been too bad back in the park but she felt she had to at least ask about it.

---

Tag: Reuben Slade

credit to Laura of Adox

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: Elizabeth Davenport

never make

DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE.

The way Elizabeth's features brightened, indicated genuine joy. And that there was no falsity in her expressing care towards Evelina. The way her expression transitioned from surprise to the happiness his words provided, was something that only a masterful actor could execute so flawlessly. And, for whatever her talents may be . . . he doubted this be a circumstance where she need exercise such skills. He gave a nod in response, confirming her question.

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"She seems to consider you one of her dearest friends," Slade continued. And perhaps the first one she had made in Mayfair. But that was besides the bond. She was already quite attached to Elizabeth, eager to see her once more and Rueben knew that the effort Elizabeth had put into Evelina when in her company, was a result of that. Any woman could have just escorted her back to her guardians . . . but something more had happened between them. The embracing of a child's imagination was a rarity and seeing someone engage in it, had bonded them with his daughter.

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"It is," he assured her. He had already been angry at her being out, and seeing the scrape upon her knee had done nothing to ease that. The fact that she asked, with sincere concern . . . further assured his mind. "I owe you gratitude, for taking the time to be with her, and help her." As he already thought in his mind, he was not just thanking her for returning her to her aunt . . . but for being with her. Being present in the moment with her. "I will send a carriage for you to come to my estate. You may bring Dawn with you." A safe chaperone, now that the circumstances were understood between all three of them.

[Elizabeth Davenport]

Elizabeth let out a pleasant hum at the idea that Evelina considered her to be one of her dearest friends. It was an interesting thing to consider how the mind of a child worked. The fact that they had spent less than fifteen minutes together and Eveline still thought of Lizzie as a friend was quite intriguing. Still, it was a pleasant surprise and Elizabeth found herself not caring to think of the logistics. Had someone her own age thought these things then she might have been concerned but this was Evelina. "Well, it is an honor to be considered one of her friends," she mused with a smile on her face. She could not help but to wonder if Evelina had other friends or even knew children her own age. Given the desire to keep her a secret from society, Elizabeth supposed that was not the case. It wasn't her place to question how good it was for Evelina to socialize with other children but she still could not help but to grow concerned over it.

She was pleased to hear that her knee was alright, even if she had suspected it was fine. As she had been unable to properly clean it in the park, Elizabeth found that she hoped someone had taken care of it when Evelina returned home with her aunt. "I'm glad," she said, nodding her head. It was good to hear him confirm that Evelina was still in good health. He thanked her and Elizabeth waved her hand in the air in dismissal. "It was no trouble. I'm glad she was able to approach me for assistance instead of wandering further into the park," Elizabeth said. There was always a chance that she would find someone less agreeable or someone that might refuse to help her. 

At the mention of him sending a carriage, Elizabeth raised her eyebrows in surprise. She had not expected him to be so rash with his words and quick to deem that she would come and see Evelina. Elizabeth did not want to take the gesture for granted but found herself considering the logistics of this visit. Where was she to tell her father she was going? Would he not find it odd that she had not taken their own carriage to travel somewhere? Furthermore, the rest of the house staff would surely notice a strange carriage picking Elizabeth up. "And what am I to say to everyone else as to where I am going? Forgive me, but I am not the best liar." If someone gave her a story, she could certainly sell it, but Elizabeth had never done well with making up lies on the spot. One visit, she could be fine with. The questions would not come as freely, but if Evelina wished to see her again, and Reuben allowed it, then things would start to get tricky.

---

Tag: Reuben Slade

credit to Laura of Adox

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: Elizabeth Davenport

never make

DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE.

Slade gave a short nod when Elizabeth commented on being glad that Evelina was able to approach her. It did not terribly surprise Slade for he knew his daughter was quite sociable. It was however, a relief that she had approached someone who was not as . . . problematic. And seemed to be rather agreeable to the circumstances. She then asked about what she was to say in regards to where she was going . . . that she was not the best liar. Yes. In the ton appearances were truly everything. "You will not have to," he began to tell her, regarding to her having to lie. "I will invite my sister over for the afternoon as well." Because he knew she wanted to see Evelina, and Slade was not about to lead Evelina alone in her care anytime soon.

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"You can therefore inform others that you are merely accepting an invitation from her for afternoon tea." Slade wanted to send his entrusted driver to pick her up, far more comfortable with his own people taking care of such arrangements. "She does however, have a penchant for keeping others waiting," he continued. "So she may be a bit tardy." His words holding a deeper meaner, for while they were true . . . they were also meant to imply that he would purposely invite her at a slightly later time so that Elizabeth and Evelina would have a bit of time alone. And that therefore, Elizabeth need not concern herself with having to lie with a completely false story,

[Elizabeth Davenport]

There was not an ounce of surprise on her face when he said that he had it covered. Elizabeth did not know much about Reuben Slade but she had the best feeling that he was a man that was always well prepared. He seemed to not leave anything to chance and Elizabeth could appreciate that in a person. She felt relief at him already having crafted a lie for her to work with. It was believable and she would be able to tell it to others without worrying about it coming back on her. "I can work with that," she assured him. Elizabeth might not be as quick on her toes with lies but she could certainly sell it.

Elizabeth nodded, understanding that he was trying to convey that Elizabeth would get to spend time with Evelina without his sister hovering. She wondered if it was the same sister that he had entrusted his daughter with just the other day. "Such a shame when people are tardy," Elizabeth mused. "But I'm afraid there is not much we can do about it." She said with a sigh and raised her hands in a faux-sign of giving up. A small smirk made its way onto her face at the facade. "Well, I do believe you are not actually here to try to court me, Mister Slade, but I can have Dawn fetch some tea if you would care to stay longer," she said. "I can tell you are quite fond of idle conversation," Elizabeth teased.

---

Tag: Reuben Slade

credit to Laura of Adox

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: Elizabeth Davenport

never make

DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE.

Slade was well aware that she could change her mind regarding these arrangements, due to her discomfort. But it was the best he could offer. He would not have Evelina elsewhere, especially alone with a woman that he did not know. Despite the care she had given his daughter, there were not many that he fully trusted with her. Clearly. "Not at all," he said going along with the ruse. "Apart from waiting on them and using this time most efficiently." In this case, using that time to spend with Evelina. "Then it is settled. I will arrange for a carriage to be sent for you in three days time." In the event that she had anything else that needed to be done, and as far as Slade knew, there was no major event taking place on this day that she need prepare for. When she then spoke of not being here to court him, inviting him to stay for tea . . . Slade knew that was his cue to leave.

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"Best relay that to Kenneth. Lest your father believes otherwise." Now that they had a perfectly good excuse as his visit was mere invitation on behalf of his sister. Her tease caused him to look at her, thinking back to their first conversation. The joke was not missed, but Slade was not one to freely smile with amusement or -- God forbid -- laugh. "I believe Miss Davenport, that you receive enough of that at social gatherings." Idle conversation that is. Slade only engaged when necessary and was fortunate that his physical condition disallowed him to dance so to be forced in a position where he could not swiftly exit.

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Taking hold of his cane, he rose to his feet and reached for his hat, putting it on his head. "I will take my leave now," he told her, giving a nod to both her and Dawn. When he took a couple steps towards the door he paused for a moment, half turning back around. "There is something on the table for you," he told her, referring to the box of chocolates. He would not have even mentioned it but with Evelina's picture and note inside, he did not want to risk anyone else finding it. Though before she had the chance to look at its contents, Slade made his exit from the Davenport estate.

[Elizabeth Davenport]

Elizabeth nodded, knowing that Dawn would be the one to let it slip that Reuben Slade had indeed not been there to call on Elizabeth for courting purposes. From there it would get back to her father and all would be set right. She could not imagine the dozens of questions he would ask about their meeting if he had believed Reuben to be trying to court her. But it seemed he had no desire to entertain her comments in an attempt to bring a smile to his face, instead agreeing that he did not care for idle chatter. Elizabeth decided that making Reuben Slade have a genuine smile on his face at something she said or did would become a goal of hers.

"It was lovely seeing you again," Elizabeth said, watching as he rose from his seat and walked towards the door. He paused and she tilted her head to the side only slightly, wondering what else he could say. At the mention of something on the table for her, Elizabeth walked over to look at the box. Opening it, she saw it filled with chocolates but also a drawing, obviously done by Evelina. Elizabeth smiled and held the drawing, far more intrigued by it than the box of chocolates, though both were a lovely gift. Elizabeth turned to say thank you but found that Reuben was already gone.

The three days past and just as he said, a carriage arrived to take Elizabeth to the Slade Estate. With Dawn by her side, the two sat in the carriage in silence as they were brought to their destination. It did not take them a terribly long time to get from the Davenport house to the Slade house. 

With the assistance of a footman, Elizabeth exited the carriage and looked around, taking in all her surroundings. The house was lovely and she found herself curious to see the inside. But more than that, she found herself eager and pleased at the prospect of seeing Evelina again. She had the butterfly picture Benedict had drawn in her pocket to give her. Elizabeth would have put the picture somewhere she could see it often but had not wanted to bring any unwanted questions about it, so instead she had been forced to hide it away in one of her books. 

Elizabeth and Dawn were brought into the house and seen into the drawing room, with one of the house staff telling them that it would only be a moment before their hosts arrived. Elizabeth found herself wondering if Reuben was here and if he would be joining them. 

---

Tag: Reuben Slade

credit to Laura of Adox

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: Elizabeth Davenport

never make

DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE.

Evelina was thrilled when he shared the news that Elizabeth and Dawn would be coming for a visit. She was starting to make all these plans of what they could do and how they could spend their time. Slade smiled at seeing her so excited -- though it did not take a great deal to build Evelina's excitement -- but the fact that she had made her first friend at the park was thrilling to her. Slade extended an invitation to his sister, leaving her with no other choice but to come, though the promise of spending it with Evelina was enough to convince her. Especially as he had made it abundantly clear that he would not be leaving her in his sister's case alone any time soon. Once the day came, Evelina was excited to wear a new dress and large bow in her hair. She was helping one of the staff and her governess set things out outside since with the agreeable weather, she decided that they could be in the gardens.

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It did not take long for them to arrive, and when Slade received word that they had and were led to the drawing room. Slade decided to speak to them first, knowing that they had a surprise resident of the estate -- surprise to their guests anyway. Making his way there, he entered the room, standing by the door as he looked at both women, giving a nod of greeting to each one. "Evelina is in the garden, but before we join her I must ask, do either of you have an aversion to animals?" Because, Sir Gilly was out there and if there was too much screaming from the women then it would only create further chaos.

[Elizabeth Davenport]

It did not take long for Reuben to join them, Elizabeth no longer surprised by his lack of greeting other than a simple nod of his head. It did not offend her but instead she found it rather peculiar, but not in a bad way. There seemed to be many things he did that Elizabeth found interesting and she was curious to see what else she would learn about him. It seemed Reuben Slade was the furthest thing from an open book when it came to nearly everything, at least that's what Elizabeth had observed about him so far. Perhaps it was his mysterious nature that made her so inclined to learn more or it was the idea that she had never met anyone like him before. Elizabeth found that she was intrigued to see if she even could learn more about him, or if he simply was not willing to provide such information to her. 

Then he asked a question that continued to surprise her. Elizabeth exchanged a look with Dawn before turning her attention back towards her host. "I have no issue with them, but Dawn is not terribly fond of dogs." She remembered Dawn telling a story that when she had been a child, a dog on the street had chased after her, scaring her quite well even though he had not bit her. She could be around them if need be, but her personal preference was to avoid them. "Do you have a pet?" Elizabeth asked, though the answer seemed obvious if he had asked about animals to begin with. Though she did find it strange he did not specify the type of animal. Surely Elizabeth would have heard about a beloved pet from Evelina from their initial encounter?

---

Tag: Reuben Slade

credit to Laura of Adox

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: Elizabeth Davenport

never make

DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE.

Slade took in the reply, Elizabeth saying she had no issue but that Dawn did. For dogs. Despite what others said, Slade would not compare a goat to a dog so therefore, there would be no significant issue. Of course, if these two women's reactions were anything like his sisters . . . then it would pose as a problem indeed. When Elizabeth asked if he had a pet, Slade responded with a simple "No." Aware of the potential confusion this could cause, he continued.

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"We have a four legged member of the family." For Sir Gilly was far more, significant than just a pet. Slade then turned and when his back was facing the two women, could not help the small smirk that played on his features. He turned his head to the side, to offer further reassurance. "It it no dog," he revealed, leaving it at that for in a matter of moments, they would discover it for themselves.

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"Follow me." With that, he moved the distance to the garden, the doors opened to reveal an elegantly crafted table with chairs, a table on the side containing snacks, tea, and of course upon Evelina's vehement request: chocolate cake. "Miss Lizzie! Miss Dawn!" Evelina cried with excitement as she ran over to them with her arms out . . . and sure enough, there was Sir Gilly running after her, bleating with excitement at Evelina's excitement.

[Elizabeth Davenport]

If Elizabeth had known him better, he likely would have received a sarcastic comment about how much information he gave her when speaking. But as they were still only acquaintances, she decided to hold her tongue. Fortunately, he seemed to carry on and add more information without needing encouragement. Putting the pieces together, Elizabeth came to the conclusion that this animal was neither a cat nor a dog but instead something else entirely. She searched her mind for what type of animal they could have that would be allowed to spend time with such a young child. For the life of her, she could not think of anything but supposed it did not matter since it would be only an additional minute until she got to meet this animal herself.

The two women followed Reuben out of the drawing room and through the house towards the garden where things were set up for their social engagement. She heard the small voice of Evelina before she saw her. Elizabeth's eyes found the child and grinned from ear to ear at the sight of her. "Little Dove!" She called out, kneeling down and opening her arms so that Evie might run into her arms for the hug she was clearly expecting. A gasp followed by an odd noise pulled Elizabeth's attention to see the four legged friend Reuben had been talking about. The smile only stayed on Elizabeth's face as Dawn seemed quite perplexed by the sight of the animal. "Is this a friend of yours?" Elizabeth asked, looking at Evie with the smile on her face.

---

Tag: Reuben Slade

credit to Laura of Adox