Treacherous

[William Slade]

this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden As she slipped her gloved hand in his, he could not help but feel his heart tremor slightly. It was rare that they'd touched in such a manner, and it certainly had seemed like a long time since they'd had the pleasure of dancing together. Oh, how he regretted his utter ignorance that fateful evening when they'd first met. Helping her outside the carriage, William was quick to let go and reach out to take hold of one of the lanterns. "My companions consist of men, so no," He simply responded, nodding toward the men and signalling that they could take their leave for the remainder of the evening. "We normally spend time at the club." The gentleman added, curious whether Elizabeth knew what he was referring to. "But I should not speak in such a fashion," Will lead her down the pathway of the vast park situated in the middle of their city. "It might hike up your hubris, and we certainly do not want that, do we?" He chuckled. Elizabeth Davenport

credit to nat of adoxography.

[Elizabeth Davenport]

Elizabeth was all too familiar with the discussion of men spending their time at the club. Her favorite did not frequent there quite as much as he used to, but he still made an appearance from time to time. Her older brothers, Alexander and Noah, spent time there but mostly Noah since Alexander had been married. Then of course, she knew at least one of the Bridgerton boys spent time there. Elizabeth did not know what they did or why they were so found of it, as she did not care to know, but thought it was an awfully big waste of one's time to go there. "You men are always there," she said with a sigh, and a playful roll of her eyes.

"You know you may speak freely with me," Elizabeth reminded him. "In fact, I prefer it." She did not see the point in stepping around the formalities of it all. They had already forgone formalities once, she did not see why they should not continue to do so. "We shall have to keep an eye on the time. I imagine my family will only remain at the event for another two hours, if that." It would not bode well for them to return home without Elizabeth there. She laughed and shook her head. "We both know my hubris is not the one in question here," Elizabeth teased.

---

Tag: William Slade

credit to Laura of Adox

[William Slade]

this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden The gentlemen's club was an escape for him. It was a place where he could meet his fellow noblemen for a glass of whiskey or brandy, and discuss certain topics that could not be brought up in proper society, specifically around women. "What do ladies do when they are not attending balls, or enjoying the presence of their families?" Did they have clubs themselves? He wasn't entirely sure. Leading her down the pathway, he felt the crisp air strike his face. William had not expected to be so chilly, but he would live. Since he was so close to Elizabeth, she'd manage to keep hm warm. Entwining his arm with his, the Duke pulled her closer to his body, glancing down at her. "I shall speak freely, Lilibet," Back with the nickname. He hoped she didn't mind it. "Do you truly wish to know what my friends and I talk about when we aren't in your company?" He inquired. "Also, I am far from pretentious." Quite the lie, really. Elizabeth Davenport

credit to nat of adoxography.

[Elizabeth Davenport]

"Oh well, when ladies are not attending balls then we simply sit and do nothing. Did you not know we exist only to please our future husbands?" Elizabeth teased him with a chuckle. "Sometimes there are lunch events or we are invited to tea," she said more seriously this time. "I prefer to avoid those if possible and spend my time reading or playing music." Her instrument of choice lately had been the piano, which was by far her favorite. It was the one she always went back to.

Her arm looped through his as the two walked down the path. Their bodies slightly closer than they needed to be, but she found that she did not mind. His nickname for her was mentioned again and a small smile played on her lips. "No one has ever called me that before," she said. "It's lovely." Elizabeth wanted to make sure he knew that she did not mind being called Lilibet. She sighed at his question. "It does not matter," she answered. "I'm sure it is all about gambling and women. I feel as if men might gossip as much as we do." Though Elizabeth was not one to partake in the gossip often. She preferred to listen and roll her eyes when people weren't watching. 

---

Tag: William Slade

credit to Laura of Adox

[William Slade]

this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden Rolling his eyes at her comment, before releasing a small chuckle, her returned, "You do know that is not what I expect from ladies," They were not there to please the male gender, despite what most women he came across thought, particularly his younger sisters. "I hardly speak to my sisters, really, and therefore find myself relying on you for such verifications." Her reaction regarding the nickname he'd given her sparked a grin on his face, glancing down at the park ground as she spoke. "It was the byname that instantly came to mind upon hearing your given name," William wasn't entirely sure why, either. It simply left him that afternoon they'd shared tea together in her family's home. "We do not gossip," But they did, and he did not care to admit it. "We speak of our bets for the next boxing game and tease the man who'd lost the previous one." And also spoke of courtesans, though he better than to bring that up in her company. Elizabeth Davenport

credit to nat of adoxography.

[Elizabeth Davenport]

"Isn't it?" She asked with a teasing smile. "A dutiful wife would never be off doing something when her husband might need her at any given moment." It made her think back to their conversation when she'd rattled off about what she thought he wanted in a wife. Someone that did as they were told and were the perfect image of what a wife should be. To hear that he didn't speak to his sisters made Elizabeth frown, curious as to why he did not seem to have a great relationship with them. Though, Elizabeth could hardly complain. Her relationship with her brother Noah was not the best.

"I do not believe you," Elizabeth insisted. "You gossip like lunching mamas, I'm sure of it." Not that she could be certain. Elizabeth had no proper source to confirm these suspicions. Still, William seemed to be awfully sure they didn't gossip which made her believe they must! 

---

Tag: William Slade

credit to Laura of Adox

[William Slade]

this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden "A dutiful wife, yes," William was quick to quip after her teasing comment. "Yet permitted to do as she wishes. Are husbands not meant to be dutiful to their wives, as well?" Really, it all felt like he was being painted as the villainous creature by Elizabeth, albeit teasingly. He had his duties to his wife, which were to protect and provide her a comfortable livelihood. Love, maybe, yet perhaps that would come at a later stage. William was not one to believe in love at first sight. Did it even exist in their Ton? William then leant in and whispered in her ear, "Have you the ears to hear what we speak about behind walls?" And he would be honest about it if she agreed. He was sure she knew the basics of it, or at least assumed what went on in that club. Elizabeth Davenport

credit to nat of adoxography.

[Elizabeth Davenport]

Elizabeth sighed and rolled her eyes. "I am only teasing," she assured him. Perhaps William was sensitive about her constant teasing about him wanting a dutiful wife or maybe she had read him incorrectly. Either way, Elizabeth did not mean to offend him. She simply wished they could continue to tease one another. "That is ideal," Elizabeth agreed. There were many husbands that only fulfilled certain duties, to accomplish the bear minimum with their wives. Then they ran off to spend time with courtesans and other women, only to leave their wives at home. Elizabeth pondered if William would stray from his marriage, but found she did not have the courage to ask him such a bold question. 

To have William much closer to her and to feel his breath against her ear sent a small shiver down her spine. She grinned while trying to also gain her composure from the moment. William Slade should not be having such an effect on her, especially not while they were alone. "Of course," she assured him. "You forget I have two older brothers." Not that they spoke of such things in front of her but there were certainly things she overheard them speak of. "Do tell, I am quite intrigued. And perhaps in exchange I will answer any question of yours," Elizabeth said with a smirk. It should appear to be a tempting offer. 

---

Tag: William Slade

credit to Laura of Adox

[William Slade]

this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden "I know, I know." The Duke returned, grinning slightly. He was as loose as a goose, and frankly, he felt content that evening, especially being so close to the woman he'd been thinking about since the night that they met. It was not often that he found himself straying from his daily routine. Day in and day out, his brain was entirely focused on duty, and occasionally, he eased his stresses out through the club. However, this was the first night he'd spent the evening alone with a noblewoman like Elizabeth Davenport. Among remembering her brothers, he concluded that she must have known something. Now he was curious whether his younger sisters eavesdropped on the conversations that he had with his friends in the study area or drawing room. If they did, then he certainly felt worried, considering them paragons of virtue -- or at least that was what he thought. "Well," He began, lantern still in hand, lighting their path as they walked side by side. "Harlots and their bawds, usually, as they sometimes frequent the place," Was that too much? "And who among them has the nicest bosom." Perhaps. She asked. Elizabeth Davenport

credit to nat of adoxography.

[Elizabeth Davenport]

So long as he appeared to understand that she was only jesting, Elizabeth found that she was calmer in her disposition. They had come so far in their relationship and she hoped they knew one another well enough to be able to jest and not take one another seriously in such cases. But she was not naive to believe that things were so casual between them that she was incapable of saying something that might truly offend him. Elizabeth just had to continue to hope that she would not say anything to do that, as she quite enjoyed their banter and whatever was forming between them. 

Elizabeth found herself quite surprised that William had decided to agree to her terms, even going so far as to say the things he did. She found herself giggling at his mention of the men commenting on who had the nicest bosom. Perhaps these were the sort of things she had been expecting. Things that men talked about that were not surprising, but perhaps scandalous if spoken about in front of ladies. "In other words, just men being men," she mused, giving him a pointed look. "Nothing I am overly surprised of." Because no matter how prim and proper these gentlemen claimed to be, at heart, they were still men. "Well, fair is fair. Go on then, ask me whatever you wish. I shall be equally honest." Elizabeth wondered if he would ask about what ladies spoke of or something else entirely. 

---

Tag: William Slade

credit to Laura of Adox | Gif

[William Slade]

this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden Frankly, he was surprised by Elizabeth's reaction to his words. Sure, she had brothers and probably overheard them speaking of matters that were highly inappropriate, but still. She seemed to be knowledgeable in the ways of men, and it was certainly a breath of fresh air for the Duke. Most women would have offered him a look of disgust -- not that he'd ever discussed such matters in the presence of ladies from their Ton. "Men just being men." William simply repeated as they continued to wander down the path, arm in arm. She had given him the chance to ask her anything. He really needed to take his time and think about the right question, and slowly, it began to develop in his mind as he peered down at her under that night's moonlight. Smiling slightly, Will could not help but admire her dumbfounding beauty that he had hardly even come to recognise before. Was he truly that foolish and blind? That was definitely the case before now. "Would you consider me has a husband?" Elizabeth Davenport

credit to nat of adoxography.

[Elizabeth Davenport]

Elizabeth was not sure what William might have expected from her as far as a reaction went. Perhaps he expected her to gasp at such ideas of men speaking of those things or for her to feel deeply uncomfortable at the prospect. But Elizabeth had a different way of thinking and it was why she hadn't blanched at the revelation. "Disappointed in my reaction?" She asked, a small tease in her voice. If he preferred it, she could certainly act shocked and in horror of the things he said. 

She found herself wondering what he could ask her. What would be on William's mind that he would ask? There was the chance he could ask something silly or something serious. Her mind raced to prepare for what he would ask but she was certainly not prepared for what he did ask. Her eyebrows shot up as she replayed his question over and over again. Before she could answer his question, she had to answer it on her own. Could she consider William as a husband? Elizabeth found herself fond of his company and thought he was quite handsome. He seemed, overall, to be a good man. But the two didn't know one another, although she supposed they had a better understanding than they did upon first meeting. 

"Had you asked upon our first evening of meeting one another, I certainly would have told you no." Elizabeth glanced up at him as they continued to walk. "But I must admit, I have misjudged you. You are a good man from what I gathered and so I believe the short answer would be yes." She looked down at her own feet for a moment before speaking again. "I think it is you that might not be able to consider me as a wife," Elizabeth said. "I do not believe I check all of the requirements that you have."

---

Tag: William Slade

credit to Laura of Adox | Gif

[William Slade]

this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden "In truth, I am," William responded to her question. If he wanted to win her affection, he needed to be nothing but truthful to her. "A lady of your stature would have been entirely surprised at my words," He hesitated for a moment, peering down at her face. "Uncomfortable, even. However, you are different," And he was not sure if it was in a positive or negative manner. "I am not sure if I should be frightened or delighted." William chuckled. Her reply to his question left him mildly stricken. As they continued to stroll down, he listened to her words, unable to suppress a small smile. She genuinely considered him a decent husband, yet her latter sentence left him standing in the middle of the path as she strolled forward ahead of him. "No, Lilibet," William suddenly muttered. "You are perfect," What was this blabber? Could he not control his own tongue, for God's sake? "Just as you are. Those requirements were nonsense, dispensed in my mind from an early age." Oh, dear. There was a small pause. "Whoever considers you unsuitable would be a fool." Elizabeth Davenport

credit to nat of adoxography.

[Elizabeth Davenport]

It was nice to hear him speak honestly about his reaction towards her own reaction. Many would have simply denied it or said something to move the conversation further along, but not William. He had a good point about someone of her rank acting the way she did and Elizabeth found herself nodding her head in agreement. "You are quite right," she agreed. "I must admit, I spent a great deal of time eavesdropping within my home on conversations I should not, which have made me privy to such things that would make me not surprised by your words." Was it proper? Not necessarily. But it wasn't like Elizabeth did anything with the information she often heard her older brothers speaking about. "Perhaps a bit of both?" She suggested with a light laugh.

Elizabeth kept walking and realized that she was on her own, causing her to stop and turn to look over her shoulder at William. She shot him a confused look, unsure as to why he had stopped walking with her. Not for one second had Elizabeth thought William would call her perfect. Not even Elizabeth would call herself perfect. She was far from it and she was well aware of that fact. "I am not perfect," she assured him, shaking her head. But to hear that he suddenly disposed of his prior requirements for a wife was odd indeed. Elizabeth wondered what had made him change his mind and she also wondered why he'd asked such a question. "Why do you ask such a question?" Elizabeth asked. 

---

Tag: William Slade

credit to Laura of Adox | Gif

[William Slade]

tagged Elizabeth Davenport words not a clue! notes man is in love

William remained rooted to his position, staring at the woman who'd captured his attention since the night he laid eyes on her. How could she be so oblivious to his affections, especially considering he'd revealed them several times that evening alone? Though he registered some of her words regarding her eavesdropping, he could not respond properly, purely focused on his thoughts on her and the way she looked that night. "I have loved you since the day I laid eyes upon you," The Duke confessed, almost breathless at the admission that he had just made. "Do you not understand?" William approached her, keeping a distance at the same time, in fear that she did not return his affections. "If we were not in public, I would have murdered Lord Egerton right there and then," That was how enraged he'd been interally after experiencing that spectacle. "I have been living in hell since the first night I met you. You remain on my mind and nothing can pry you from it. Nothing."

template by kitty