Treacherous

[Elizabeth Davenport]

Elizabeth did not believe she heard him correctly. Her eyebrows rose in surprise and she glanced around, as if someone might be listening to tell her that he was joking. But William did not appear to be joking, as she could observe the serious nature of the expression on his face. How could she have possibly known that he loved her and that he held affections towards her? He'd done nothing the first time they met to show that he found her pleasing and even though he had come to apologize the following evening, even that Elizabeth had taken as him simply being polite. Or was she rather blind in all of this? The idea that a man held true affections towards her, despite her showing her true colors, was an odd thing.

He approached her, though did not come close enough to touch her and Elizabeth found herself speechless (for the first time in her life) as she continued to listen to him speak. It all felt like a lot to take in but Elizabeth did not find herself wanting to shy away from these things he said. For once, she was not disgusting or looking for a way to escape. "I . . . " Elizabeth glanced down for a moment before returning her eyes to his face. "You have plagued my mind since the first night we met and I thought it nothing more than finding you absolutely infuriating," she explained. "But I must admit that my affections towards you run much deeper than that." Elizabeth pursed her lips for a moment. Did she love William? Did she believe he loved her? "Perhaps we have found ourself on a treacherous slope that we cannot escape. But I would be remiss if I did not confess that I'm fond of whatever this is," Elizabeth said. 

---

Tag: William Slade

credit to Laura of Adox | Gif

[William Slade]

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

Will was not surprised at her reaction. The first utterance made his heart skip a beat as his legs remained frozen to the spot, yet he knew that he would crumble any moment now depending on Elizabeth's response. He breathed out a sigh of relief when she confessed that he, too, was on her mind since the night he met, despite the fact that she found him infuriating. That thought skipped to the back of his mind as he focused on her next set of words. "Treacherous slope?" He whispered softly. "Elizabeth, this is far from treacherous," At least for him. "You have no idea of the relief I feel upon hearing that you share the same sentiment." Even though it was not as strong as his. Suddenly, the Duke approached her without hesitance and pulled her into a gentle kiss, hoping that she would return it. His heart beat rapidly against his chest, feeling the warmth of her skin again his -- a sensation he'd been praying for since the day they'd had the pleasure of meeting.

template by kitty

[Elizabeth Davenport]

"Is it not treacherous to find ourselves in such a position as this? Love can be a very difficult thing to navigate," Elizabeth pointed out. Perhaps it was the pessimist in her that did not understand how someone could love her after seeing all her faults. William was perhaps the first that did not seek to gain favor from her father's title and she'd been so rude to him, letting her temper get the best of her. Yet he still could not stop thinking about her and declared that he loved her. There had to be a catch in all of this, for that was how life worked.

Before Elizabeth could say anything else on the matter, William closed the distance between them and she felt his lips press to her own. Elizabeth took a moment to figure out what was happening before she returned his kiss, one of her gloved hands resting on his arm. It was everything a kiss should be and Elizabeth found herself treasuring it before it was even over.  The kiss ended but they didn't pull apart completely. "We should probably make sure I am home on time," she said, though it wasn't what she wanted to say. Elizabeth looked up at him through her lashes and offered him a genuine smile. "You will call on me tomorrow, won't you?"

---

Tag: William Slade

credit to Laura of Adox | Gif

[William Slade]

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

The return of the kiss caused his heart to flutter, really, for despite her admission of affections, he'd expected Elizabeth to push him for dishonourable conduct. William did not want to move away from her and return to his original, distanced position, preferring to relish every second that he had with her only inches away from him. Thankfully, the footmen were far behind him and hadn't witnessed what just happened. William nodded at her words, realising that it was late, and family members would start asking about them. She'd returned him to reality and though he continued to stare into her eyes, he instantly began to devise a plan in his head about how he'd approach her father the next day. Would the Marquess question why he desired his daughter's hand in marriage so suddenly? Would he suspect foul play (that had, of course, not occurred)? "I will call on you," The Duke confirmed, reaching down and taking her hand, planting a soft kiss on it. "Come, let us leave before the hour is up, and we're sent to hell by our families." He jested, laughing, while linking his arm with hers again and leading her back to the carriage.

template by kitty

[Elizabeth Davenport]

Should anyone see them, Elizabeth would be ruined. Her reputation dashed and that of her family as well. She did not care what people said about her but it was her family that she was fiercely protective over. She could not allow for something like her being careless affect her family. Fortunately, no one was around to see but that did not make Elizabeth feel better. The only thing that made her feel better about all of it was that she was with William in the first place. His lips pressed against her gloved hand and Elizabeth smiled in return. She was pleased to hear that he would call on her tomorrow. Perhaps then, they would be able to figure all of this out.

Elizabeth certainly had not expected for the realization that she had genuine feelings for William to be made present this evening. She already knew that she would be up half the night thinking of them and what that meant for her future. Did he truly wish to marry her or was he one of those men that said such sweet things to get a woman to give up her virtue? Elizabeth did not believe William to be that kind of man but she was certain many women had been certain just like her. The two walked back to the carriage and continued to have small conversations until they arrived at Elizabeth's house. "I shall see you tomorrow then," she said with a smile. Elizabeth quickly leaned forward and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek before leaving his carriage and walking into the Davenport house. 

---

Tag: William Slade

credit to Laura of Adox | Gif

[William Slade]

The evening before had not gone as planned. He did not expect to confess his feelings toward the daughter of the Marquess, Elizabeth Davenport. No, William had expected it to be a usual evening, rescuing a damsel in distress (yet he knew well that he could never refer to Lilibet in that manner, for she was far from one). In fact, given the opportunity, he sensed as if she could throw a decent jab, and this led him to somewhat fear his life as he stepped up to the Davenport entrance.  The fear, in reality, stemmed from the idea of her father rejecting his proposal.  William was quick to request a visit from a jeweller that he knew well. They'd arrived earlier that morning, offering the Duke an array of engagement rings to choose from. It wasn't a decision to take lightly, taking his time whilst wondering which gem she'd preferred, and which one worked better with her complexion and hair colour. Settling on the traditional diamond. It was a five-carat, costing the man a hefty one hundred pounds.  He'd made his presence known by acknowledging the footmen at the door, and was let inside after requesting the company of the Marquess and his permission. Elizabeth Davenport

This Royal Throne of Kings This Earth of Majesty, This Seat of Mars MADE BY VEL OF GS + ADOX 2.0

[Elizabeth Davenport]

Sleep had eluded Elizabeth all night as she thought about her evening with William. To hear that he loved her was something else entirely. Did Elizabeth love him in return? She did not understand love or what it felt like, but she did know she held strong feelings towards William. At first, she had thought them to be negative feelings but after the evening where he had come to her rescue, she felt uncertain.

Elizabeth was out in the gardens when William arrived, unaware of the fact that he had asked to speak with her father. Charles had agreed to it, having a high opinion of William Slade and curious as to what the lad could want to speak to him about. "Your Grace, wonderful to see you," Charles said with a smile. "I've been told you wanted to speak with me? Follow me, we can take a bit of tea in my office." Charles turned and led William towards his office, ushering the pair inside before closing the door. "I would like to offer my thanks, once more, for taking Elizabeth home the other night." Charles knew there were not many he would trust to endure such a task, but also there were not many that Elizabeth would allow either. "Now, is there something I can help you with?"

---

Tag: William Slade

credit to Laura of Adox | Gif

[William Slade]

William was quick to offer the older figure a bow, followed by a warm smile as the man welcomed him further inside. "My Lord." Traveling toward his office, he tried to maintain his composure as he thought about the words he was going to use to request his eldest daughter's hand in marriage. As they passed one of the rooms in the estate, he could not help but take a peek to see if Elizabeth was there. However, she was nowhere in sight. The door closed behind them and William listened to Lord Davenport speak, "It was my pleasure," He nodded once. "She appeared fatigued, and any man of honour would have offered her a carriage home. I pray she is well today?" He could not possibly tell her father that they'd spent the evening together at Hyde Park. That was out of the question. William waited for the man to take a seat first.  "Indeed there is, My Lord," He responded to his question. "Miss Davenport is the reason I am here today." Elizabeth Davenport

This Royal Throne of Kings This Earth of Majesty, This Seat of Mars MADE BY VEL OF GS + ADOX 2.0

[Elizabeth Davenport]

The Marquess offered a smile and nodded his head. "Yes, she is well. I believe she's in the back garden or the library." Elizabeth could usually be found in one of those two places. Not many men would ask after another in such a way, and Charles found his mind wondering what Lord Slade was really doing here. Elizabeth had her fair share of suitors over the years but Charles had seen his daughter turn nearly all of them away. She could find something wrong with every single one of them, and while Charles was a patient man and wanted his daughter to be happy, he could not ignore the fact that she might be running out of time.

"If you have come to ask permission to court my daughter, I assure you, the decision will be up to her," Charles said with a somewhat of a smile. "Though I do believe you to be a good man, Lord Slade. You have a good reputation and I believe you would make a good match for my daughter. However, as I said, I believe that will be up to her." Of course, there was the chance that William was looking to speak of something else regarding Elizabeth but Charles had been at this a long time and he knew that look. "But please, forgive me if I am being presumptuous."

---

Tag: William Slade

credit to Laura of Adox | Gif

[William Slade]

Of course the decision was up to Elizabeth. She was old enough to make her own decisions in terms of the marriage market, but William was in the man's office out of respect -- as well as the fact that he had a one hundred pound engagement ring hidden in one of his tailcoat's pockets. Charles Davenport was far from presumptuous in this case. The thirty-one-year-old was seeking his daughter's attentions since the night he'd met her on the dance floor. "My Lord, you are far from assumptive," William returned, suddenly reaching in his pocket and pulling out the velvet box that contained the ring he'd purchased that early morning. His mother's eyes had lit up upon entering the room, curious if the day her eldest son's wedded had finally arrived. "I am here to request Elizabeth's hand in marriage." But he couldn't just simply utter that and believe the patriarch would agree. He had to explain his claim. "There was no compromising at hand, I assure you," Will continued. "I merely cherish her, and you would honour me with your blessing." Elizabeth Davenport

This Royal Throne of Kings This Earth of Majesty, This Seat of Mars MADE BY VEL OF GS + ADOX 2.0

[Elizabeth Davenport]

Truthfully, it made him pleased to know that he had been able to see through the young man. It seemed he was still keen on the actions of others, even in his old age. His eyes followed as he watched William produce a velvet box from his pocket and Charles did not bother to hide the surprise on his face. Either something had transpired between his daughter and this man, or William was incredibly arrogant to think Elizabeth would accept such an offer so quickly. 

The request was not unheard of. Men had tried to request such things before and Charles had always told them the same thing; they would have to ask Elizabeth. But something about this felt different to him, though he could not be certain as to how. "I do not believe you to be the type to do something compromising and I know my daughter well enough that she would not do the same," Charles assured him. "In which case, you have my blessing to ask Elizabeth if she desires the same. Truthfully, I am glad to see someone is able see the true Elizabeth. I'm quite aware my daughter can come across quite . . . prickly." Which was putting it mildly. "I have one request," he said, holding up his index finger. "Should she accept, I ask that you visit and go about courting her for an acceptable amount of time, for appearance sake. While I can understand as much as anyone else that sometimes you just know with another person, the Ton can be an unforgiving place." The rumors could turn wild. 

---

Tag: William Slade

credit to Laura of Adox | Gif

[William Slade]

A wave of relief came over him when Lord Davenport offered him his blessing. Being the somewhat (overly) confident individual that he was, he had no doubt in his mind that her father would disapprove of the union. William was not Reuben. He was the eldest son of a Duke, proud to take over the title and prove to the world that he could what his father did, as well as his forefathers. Sure, it held a lot of responsibility, yet he was proud to place the Slade name on a pedestal before society's eyes. He heeded the man's advice with a small nod, rising from his chair and offering a hand to the elderly with a small smile. "Of course, My Lord," William agreed. "May I go speak to the Miss Davenport? I will not step before her without you being present, of course." For that would have been entirely improper -- not that it did not happen in the evening before. Her father did not need to know that detail, though. Elizabeth Davenport

This Royal Throne of Kings This Earth of Majesty, This Seat of Mars MADE BY VEL OF GS + ADOX 2.0

[Elizabeth Davenport]

Charles rose and shook William's hand, intrigued as to how the conversation between the Duke and his daughter would turn out. Sometimes even he could hardly comprehend Elizabeth. "Of course," he agreed. "I do believe she is in the gardens." Charles walked out of his office with William in tow, down the halls towards the door that led into the lavish gardens. It did not surprise him to see Elizabeth there and he smiled at his daughter. "Elizabeth, you have a caller," Charles spoke.

Elizabeth had been reading a book and looked up to frown at her father's words but a smile soon replaced it when she saw William standing behind him. It was odd that her father was the one seeing him to her. "I shall give you two some privacy," Charles said before giving a nod and leaving them in the garden. It was easy for them to be spotted from the house and surely her father would send a chaperone out soon enough. "Your Grace," Elizabeth greeted with a smile, rising from her seat on the stone bench and dipping into a curtsy. "Did you enjoy the rest of your evening?" She asked.

---

Tag: William Slade

credit to Laura of Adox | Gif

[William Slade]

William followed Lord Davenport to the gardens, his heart beating faster with every step that he took. Why was he so anxious to speak to her? His possible future wife? Perhaps it was the thought of her losing her feels toward him overnight. That could have easily happened, especially since they'd only recently got to know each other over a cup of tea and a stroll through the park.  Seeing her perched down made him stop in his tracks and stare at her, his face lighting up a bit when she turned around, her initial frown leading him to pale slightly only for the colour to rush back into his cheeks when she offered him a smile. Glancing behind his shoulder, he watch as her father took his leave, knowing full well that someone was definitely watching them from somewhere.  Approaching Elizabeth, he returned the bow wih a small grin, "I've a question for you," He lowered his voice, "Lilibet." Elizabeth Davenport

This Royal Throne of Kings This Earth of Majesty, This Seat of Mars MADE BY VEL OF GS + ADOX 2.0

[Elizabeth Davenport]

The nickname made her heart swell and Elizabeth could not help that her smile grew wider at it. She did not think she had ever smiled this much before, or if she had, it certainly had not been around a man. Elizabeth usually found herself frowning or trying her hardest not to roll her eyes around men. But William was different and she did not understand why. She had, after all, found him quite intolerable when they first met. Yet somehow, she now found herself yearning for his company and for him to call upon her. 

Elizabeth let out a light chuckle at him, quirking an eyebrow. "Yes?" She asked, wondering what his question was. She glanced over his shoulder to see her father watching them from the window of the house. It was far enough away where they could be seen, but not heard. So much for offering them privacy, but she could nearly see the knowing smile upon his face. Such an odd thing. Perhaps William was here to ask if he could properly court her.

---

Tag: William Slade

credit to Laura of Adox | Gif