Where There's A Will There's A Way

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: William Slade

better terribl e truths

THAN KIND LIES

Rueben had not taken any business meetings this afternoon, nor did would he be taking any. He was spending it with his daughter. With the weather most agreeable, Slade, Evelina, Gilly, their governess and one of Rueben's guards were all sitting outside in the garden, enjoying the fresh air. Evelina was finishing her lessons for the day to wish he promised he would play with her -- whatever that entailed. Rueben never pitied himself for his physical disability that required the use of a cane . . . but since having Evelina -- or since she had been at the age where she started crawling, then walking, then running, there was indeed a part of him that wished he could keep up. For his steps could be quickened only so much.

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Her energy was limitless and it was fortunate that she was surrounded by many that could take turns -- Sir Gilly perhaps being the only one who could keep up. Rueben was pulled from this thoughts as he watched her when he was informed that the Duke was here to see him. That was certainly curious. Rueben rose to a stand, assuming that his staff had directed the Duke to the drawing room. Rueben had not seen his family since the dinner which had ended . . . he supposed, as could be predicted. It had been tense no doubt, and Slade had made his exit when the others left the dining hall. So it made him wonder what brought his brother here today.

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Was he here to demand apology? Was he here to inform Slade of the error of his ways? Of how their mother was so distraught and sisters traumatized after the goat ordeal? Was he here on some sort of business? Was he here on behalf of their mother or siblings? Slade was unsure if he even intended to stay long so had not brought him to the garden should this be a quick visit. Entering the drawing room he saw William there, and Slade gave a short nod in greeting, making his way further into the room. "What is it that brings you here today?" His voice was not hostile nor accusatory; it was in fact calm, composed, prepared for whatever he may say that had brought him to his estate.

[William Slade]

this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden It had been a few days since the incident occurred in the Slade home in Mayfair. It had left the area in shambles and his other family members in pure dishevelment. It was unforgivable, really, permitting such a creature inside their home, regardless if it was his niece's pet. Propriety went hand in hand with the Slade family name and solace, and farm animals had nothing to do with it. Regardless, he was there to set things right with his younger brother, and even offer a short apology to his niece who he'd possibly frightened during his outburst. Not only did was he afraid of Lady Whistledown's tongue and her discussing the rift between him and Reuben, but he also believed strengthening his bond with his brother might heal his mother's discomfort. After he was permitted to enter his brother's drawing room, he stood by the fireplace for a moment and gazed into the sparks until he heard his brother's incredibly familiar cane and voice behind him. "I call on you today, brother, to apologise for my tone yesterday and attempt to set everything right between us once again," William finally turned around and acknowledged him. "For the sake of our family's imperfect dynamic." Reuben Slade , lol!

credit to nat of adoxography.

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: William Slade

better terribl e truths

THAN KIND LIES

Rueben was often able to read a situation and the people within it well enough to anticipate what was coming next. It was an ability that had gotten him quite far in his line of work; about to make predictions based on evidence that may seem so subtle to another. But with his brother standing before him, Rueben had not been expecting him to apologize. Even though it was his back facing him and he lacked the eye contact to indicate sincerity. In all the years they had been brothers, Slade could not recall a time that he had heard him speak such words. And the second son expected it even less now that William was a Duke.

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But then he turned around and spoke of the sake of our family. While it did not diminish the apology, it did raise question. Rueben stood still, perfectly stoic as always with his features compose. Though he did give a nod to William in acknowledgement, accepting his apology though first, had to question part of it. "Imperfect," he repeated, taking in the world. "And do you wish to, rectify these imperfections?" Slade's words were not hostile, nor accusatory . . . but rather, held genuine curiosity in them. Because Slade wanted to know the long term plan here and whether it extended beyond a simple dinner fiasco.

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For even Rueben knew he held part in that for not complying but to set everything right between them . . . to attempt to set right these, imperfections, was indeed an ambitious goal and difficult task. Making his way a little further into the room, Slade continued. "Your apology is noted." Though if his brother was doing this . . . then perhaps Slade should offer a little more. Not for the sake of his brother or sisters, but for the sake of Evelina. "And accepted."

[William Slade]

this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden Why was Reuben repeating his words? This was the sort of behaviour that ired him -- the fact that his younger brother thought that he could pick at him piece by piece, managing to figure him out. Was William truly that predictable? It bothered him to think so. "Without a doubt, brother, otherwise I would not have journeyed over here from our estate in Mayfair." Reuben must have known as well as he did how much discomfort their rift had brought him, or perhaps he was genuinely oblivious to it. How long had it been since they'd held a conversation without any bickering? Too long, William was sure. Thus, it brought him great relief to hear his brother utter the word 'accepted'. Offering him an amicable beam, he relaxed a little. "Where is my niece?" It could not have been her bedtime already. "The goat can join her too as long as he keeps a moderate distance." Reuben Slade , lol!

credit to nat of adoxography.

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: William Slade

better terribl e truths

THAN KIND LIES

Rueben continued to look at the older male as he spoke of such rectifications. "To what end?" Rueben inquired, wondering if this was a gesture of long term hopeful rekindling . . . or a short term apology until the next they were all together. Contrary to what some may assume, Rueben did not enjoy the tension and discourse among himself and especially his brother. But the strong personalities always seemed to clash . . . unless they were able to find a middle ground. A balance. Perhaps, this would be it.

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When William asked about Evelina, it was clear that his brother intended to stay for a little while longer. Which, Rueben held no objections to. "She is in the garden," he answered. Hearing William state that the goat could join as well so long as he kept distance nearly made Rueben pause. The air of authority exuded to naturally from the Duke . . . granting permission for Gilly to be present in Slade's residence. But, Rueben did not challenge it. There was no need to for Sir Gilly would be where he desired. "You will seldom find them apart," Rueben told him as he turned to leave, expecting William to follow or at least walk alongside him. Rueben stopped one of his staff, asking them to bring out refreshments for the Duke.

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"So whether he is near or not, I caution you to mind your tone and volume." More in warning than in threat and the motivation behind Rueben's words -- shockingly -- were actually meant to aid William in developing a rapport with the creature. Enough to coax it into obedience. "He does not respond well to loud noises." Rueben stopped walking, turning his head to look at William. "Nor does Evelina." A reference to raising his voice though, with the apology, Rueben merely said it as reminder rather than from threat or anger.

[William Slade]

this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden "Ending this feud between us and bringing peace to the household once more." Not that there'd ever been any peace with Reuben. Ever since William could remember, his younger brother seemed to deny the dynamics of the family. A black sheep that would never encompass their ways. He would not force him, either, for that proved to be utterly useless in the past. William followed his brother out of the room and toward the home's garden, peering at the decor that he'd chosen to line the walls of his estate with. The fact that Evelina could not be without the goat bothered her uncle a fair bit. It was not that he disliked animals. That certainly was not the fact, considering he had three dogs. No, it was the fact that it was a creature that belong on a farm, and not inside a stately house. Holding back an eye roll at his words, William nodded once, "Fine, brother, I will mind my tone," For Goodness’ sake. After finally eaching their destination, he knelt down and opened his arms to greet his niece, offering a small smile. "Come, Evelina, for I cannot stay too long." Reuben Slade , lol!

credit to nat of adoxography.

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: William Slade

better terribl e truths

THAN KIND LIES

Rueben wondered what prompted this desire to bring peace among the Slade family. Perhaps it was his dukedom, feeling now fully comfortable in it causing him to feel an obligation to any end feud or withstanding tension. Slade knew full well that their father had given up on him, the second son not as integral in the family's hierarchy as the heir -- which was not something Rueben held discontentment for. Or perhaps it was the Duke's consideration of family overall, revealing that he was now ready to marry prompting him to think about strengthening ties.

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Rueben's own consideration of this was playing in his mind, his reason being for his daughter of course. His own need for a wife not having an impact on the decision. Whatever the cause of it, if it was enough to make William apologize to him . . . then it certainly was a significant goal that the man wished to achieve. Rueben said nothing as they made their way through the house, his brother actually agreeing to mind his tone. "You truly are set on this desire for peace," he commented in a low voice, slight sarcasm in his voice. Once they were outside, the moment William opened his arms to her, Evelina went running towards him excitedly.

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"Uncle!" She cried in delight, throwing her little arms around his neck and hugging him tightly. "Can't you stay longer? Can't you stay the night?! We can spend the WHOOOLLLEE day together! Wouldn't that be fun?! I can teached you how to draw! Because I drawed you, do you remember that Uncle?! Do you still have the picture? We never got to play hide and seeked!" Gilly followed after her, bleating for attention, at which point Rueben motioned for the four legged animal to come to him, and Slade scooped him up in his arm, the goat now letting out a bleat of joy before nesting his head against Rueben's shoulder.

[William Slade]

this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden Deciding to ignore the comment that his younger brother made about him being adamant regarding the peace in the family dynamic, he could not help but chuckle slightly when his niece had nearly pushed him over with the power of her embrace. Though her yelling damaged his ear drums, he continued to hold her, listening to the words she spoke. "You have convinced me," He supposed he could return to his duties the next day and spend time with Evelina. It could also strengthen his bond with Reuben. "I will stay, I will stay!" William laughed heartily, kneeling down on one knee and propping the five-year-old on it. Reaching into his pocket, he revealed a little box that he'd brought with him. "I'm afraid I've left the drawing in my drawer, but alas, I have brought you something else." The duke gestured for his niece to open it, peering up at Reuben with the... bleating goat. It was a horrific sound, in his opinion, yet he decided to ignore it for the time being and focus on Evelina. Reuben Slade , lol!

credit to nat of adoxography.

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: William Slade

better terribl e truths

THAN KIND LIES

Evelina's face lit up, a bright smile that touched every feature upon her when her uncle agreed to spend the night. She clapped her hands excitedly, bouncing a little as she sat upon William's knee. "We are going to have SOOOO MUCH FUN!" She exclaimed, already planning out how they could spend the rest of the day together . . . nor daring to waste a precious second. Rueben watched the exchange between the two, turning to one of his household staff to prepare a room for the Duke. Having William remain in his estate in the city was . . . unfamiliar. But not unwelcome for Evelina wished for it. And there was not a great deal that he could deprive his daughter of when she asked. Gilly picked up on the excitement, letting out several bleats in a row as he thrust his head back and forth with glee. Though, the goat made no attempt to wriggle free from being held. But rather, merely wished to show signs of his own excitement, mirroring after his four year old companion.

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When William presented a small box, Evelina turned to Rueben who gave a slight nod. She looked back at it, feeling confident to open it now that she had permission from both her Uncle and Father. When revealing its content, Evelina's eyes widened and she let out a loud, enthusiastic gasp. Rueben's eyes met William when he turned to look at him, and while the younger male would not say it . . . there was an appreciation in his gaze. Anything that anyone did which brought his daughter happiness, was met with undeniable appreciation from Slade. His gaze then went to Evelina, his heart swelling at the sight of her excitement, though this . . . was emotion well contained. "IT IS BEAUTIFUL!" She cried with excitement. Gratitude replaced eagerness to touch it and she leaned forward, placing several kisses on her uncle's cheek in thankfulness.

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"Oh uncle! It is so pretty!! I liked it so much! Can I wear it?! Or should I save it for a party?!" She was almost afraid to touch it with how much she adored the piece of jewelry. Mainly, because it was from her dear uncle. "PAPA LOOK!" She squealed with joy as she lifted the box to show him. Rueben responded with a smile of approval. "It is very beautiful indeed," he agreed. "SIR GILLY, ISN'T IT JUST SO PRETTY?!" Laughter erupted from her as Gilly bleated again, and again . . . and again. "OH but you cannot wear it Sir Gilly! You are a boy and this is for a girl! UNCLE!" She turned her attention back to William. "Can you putted it on me?!" She asked, eyes wide with hope that he would.

[William Slade]

tagged Reuben Slade words not a clue! notes cuteness

Though he had work to attend, he'd leave it for the day after. For the time being, he would reconcile with his brother and spend time with the niece that he'd seen so little of. Before the season had begun, the Duke had spent most of his time in Wellington, barely visiting their estate in the city. In fact, he'd request that their mother and sisters ride to him, instead. There was much to be done and little time, especially after his late father's passing. Too much pressure that he had to handle. It was required of him. Will had no choice, and he was sure his brother did not want to be in his position. His heart swelled with felicity as he watched his niece react at the necklace that he'd bought her. William almost forgot that his eardrum nearly burst. "Of course you may wear it," The fair haired man grinned slightly, before offering his brother a small nod in return. It was nothing, really, and he desired nothing but the best for his niece. Reuben would have done the same for his future nephew and niece, or at least Will hoped so. Plucking out the jewellery from its box, he gently clipped it around her neck. "There." He rose from his kneeling position, dusting his pants off. Glancing over at the bleating goat, he held back a grimace. Will needed to deal with his dislike if he was going to stay the night at Reuben's. For the first time in ever, he slowly approached the goat, reaching his gloved hand out and petting its head to quell its energy. Swiftly, he retracted it when the goat poked its tongue out. "Good God!" Calm yourself, man, it's only a goat.

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