a night to remember

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: Clara Honeyfield
Note: better gif coming soon!

never make

DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE.

While Slade knew that the social season brought with it endless social events to occupy one's evening and even occasionally afternoon, it was rather tiresome. It affected his business endeavours, often going from the event to his dealings which resulted in late nights returned to the home. And what he consistently noticed, was that Clara always waited for him to return home. He missed moments with Evelina, and she often updated him on the occurrences of the day. It prompted him to wish to do something for her in return . . . a gesture of gratitude. Payment only went so far and having learned of her nature, he was able to determine that money was not what she valued most.

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It was a necessity to be sure, but not what she held dear to heart. Experience, seemed to be more valuable and it gave Slade an idea of how he could properly thank her for all her help during this time. Entering the residence from an early meeting he went into the drawing room, noticing Clara sitting there with Gilly at her feet. The absence of Evelina meant that she was napping. "Miss Honeyfield," he greeted, removing his hand as he proceeded into the room, taking a seat on the chair across from her. Gilly rose from his seated position, moving towards Slade to rest his head in Rueben's lap. Accustomed to this, Rueben instinctively began to stroke the top of the goat's head. "Is there anything on your schedule for tomorrow evening?" He asked, wondering first if she had secured plans to spend time with her family, or to take Evelina there. He wished to be certain before extending an invitation to her.

[Clara Honeyfield]

Clara was reading a book, and Gilly had come to curl at her feet. Sometimes she wondered if the goat thought himself a dog, but as she had yet to have any experiences with dogs either, Clara could only assume as much. At least he was seeming to nap himself. "You better rest, when she awakens she will expect you to play." She told the goat, knowing he could not understand her.

Hearing someone enter, and call her name, Clara turned her face to Slade and smiled. She always smiled when he walked in the room. It had been something she started doing without thinking, a few years ago, as she began to know him better. It was only in the recent weeks and months that she began to understand why, and to know that it was something that would one day have to cease. When he married.

He asked her about her plans, and Clara took a short moment to think--just in case--before speaking. "No, I think we did not have appointments for tomorrow." She confirmed, assuming that he was asking for his daughter, and not just about herself. She was after all, his daughter's care taker. "Is there someone you would like Lina to be?" She could easily fit anything he needed into his daughter's schedule.

Reuben Slade

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: Clara Honeyfield
Note: better gif coming soon!

never make

DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE.

Slade listened as Clara revealed that they had nothing planned for tomorrow, the conformation boding well for Slade's own plans of how to occupy her evening. "She will be spending the evening with Ciaran's family," he told Clara. There were few he trusted with the care of his daughter; many of his closest friends among them. But his words held purpose, further revealing that she would not need worry about caring for Evelina for the evening. That she would be somewhere safe, and protected. "If you are not otherwise engaged--" Because now that her evening had freed up, he wished to ensure that she had not already hoped to have other plans, perhaps with her own family or any friends in the city.

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"Then I should like to invite you to attend Lady Danbury's ball with me." One he knew that would not mind an additional guest; after all, the more that attended her event, the more she could familiarize herself with their affairs -- as she so often did. Slade spoke the words in the same stoic nature he so often did, a casualness to them, as if he was merely asking her to have tea in the garden. He knew the magnitude of what he was inviting her to, and yet . . . offered it to her without making it sound as if he had never done so. Truthfully, he had never asked a woman to attend this sort of event with him. But, as he previously acknowledged, his gratitude and loyalty to a person was more reflected in actions, rather than words. And of course, his words held room for her to reject the offer . . . though, he did not consider that to be an option, having trusted his judgement and what he knew of her.

[Clara Honeyfield]

They would be spending the evening with Ciaran's family? Clara's brows shifted in slight confusion, but she assumed that more information or an reason would come. She knew that Craran was trusted by him, so it was not the company that was curious, but the manner in which it was decided that they would go.

Mr. Slade continued by then speaking of her have no engagements. She was not to accompany Liva? This only made everything more curious. It was his finally words that made her understand. He wished her to accompany him to a ball? Clara smile faded slowly as surprise touched her face, lingering for a few seconds before a brighter smile spread slowly over her cheeks and into her eyes.

Standing slowly, and still straight, Clara turned to face him, walking a few steps closer. "You wish for me to accompany you to the ball?" She asked, knowing that she had only just repeated his words, and he might not confirm. "I would be delighted too attend with you!" Her voice was softer and her pitch rode softly in clear evidence of her surprise and delight! Her book still in both hands, a slim finger holding her place between pages forgotten as she could only stare at him. She had thought he would be using them to hunt for a wife, but he was asking her.

She knew better then to think too much into it, without his intentions known. Yet before she could ask, she must accept.

Reuben Slade

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: Clara Honeyfield
Note: better gif coming soon!

never make

DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE.

Slade watched her reaction, fighting back a smile at her evident excitement over the invitation . . . and her acceptance of it. It brought him ease to see her happy, and knew that this, would bring her that joy. "Very good," he confirmed as the plan continued to solidify. "I have ordered a few gowns for you to select from." Ones of the more current fashions and high in expense. He obviously was not one to know a great deal about such things, but he had enlisted the help of those who did.

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Besides, with time constraints it would be easier to alter the gown if need be rather than find a modiste to create one from scratch, as well as save her the convenience of having to rush around and find a dress. Each gown also matched with the necessary accessories. The household staff would of course assist her with getting ready. "They are laid out upstairs in one of the rooms that the maid can direct you to." Truthfully, he had anticipated her to say yes so somewhat prepared ahead of time. After all, he would rather have gowns of no use rather than having Clara with nothing to wear. He wanted this evening to be all she desired, and wished for her to enjoy the process of it as well.

[Clara Honeyfield]

If Clara had assumed that this was not fully planned on his part (to which she had not) than she would see now that he had been planning this. Even while knowing that he left nothing unplanned, hearing that he had planned his enough to have selected gowns for her made the feeling as if something was fluttering inside her. Perhaps the phrase of butterflies fit the most.

"You selected gowns for me? . . . Personally?" the knowledge that he had selected gowns that he thought she liked was more than a flutter, and it felt in her chest. A sort of child like joy, that felt so good after so long of waiting for him to come home one night with news that he had found a wife. It almost felt a little like hope. Which she knew better than to allow herself.

This must be why Lina had to much joy in her. If this is what it felt like to have his attention, and focus on her. Her finger slipped from the book, unknowingly loosing her page without care as she could only focus on him. "I am fighting the urge to run like Lina to go and look." She said with a small laugh, looking at his face and trying to figure out the meaning behind this wonderful gesture.

Reuben Slade

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: Clara Honeyfield
Note: better gif coming soon!

never make

DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE.

Clara questioned the gown selection and Slade gaged her reaction, for it seemed more . . . excited than anything else. "I approved them," he told her. While any man could get a sense of which dresses were most appealing on a woman's figure, which styles best outline the female body . . . he -- like any man -- knew not the details nor intricacies of the fashion. He approved of ones out of the majority, taking colour and all else into account. But in regards to being the one who design such a thing, this was beyond the scope of even Rueben's capabilities. And preferences. He did know which colours she favored by what she wore. The level of design based on her style.

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Personal details about her he could use when taking into account what sort of dress she would be comfortable in, but also . . . one that she would feel beautiful and confident wearing. Perhaps this, would be evidenced in her seeing them, rather than the need for him to articulate the details that went into the gowns upstairs. He was meticulous in all things; this was no exception.

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Hearing her say that she was fighting the urge to run upstairs, caused a slight, half smile upon Slade's lips. He reached for his cane and used it to aid him to rise to a stand, causing Sir Gilly to take a couple steps to the side. "I am going to check on Evelina. I will walk with you." He knew there was no urgency to check on his daughter but, it was an excuse to allow her to see the outfits, and an assurance that he could remain with Evelina in the meantime so she would not be interrupted in the process.

[Clara Honeyfield]

Finally remembering that she held a book, Clara sat it on the side table, and glanced at the still sleeping goat, before moving to join him. She was always mindful that he did not enjoy touching, but it did help that she longed to take his arm and walk with him. Let his escort her there. Yet knowing that there was a risk of making him uncomfortable, and wanting his company, she simply feel into step beside him.

It had taken her some time to come to realize he did not enjoy touching, and she had never asked why. It was so much apart of him now, that she did not think about the reasoning too often. In the early days, she had wondered, but after a few years she just knew it was apart of him.

She was honestly, and smiling brightly when she replied, "I would very much like that. She will be sleeping a while yet." Her naps normally lasted a hour, and it had not been quite that yet. Clara let him know he had time, yet her mind was not on his daughter. It was so curious about what he thought would suit her. What his idea of her was.

Reuben Slade

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: Clara Honeyfield
Note: better gif coming soon!

never make

DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE.

Clara stated that she would like that, and that Evelina would be sleeping for some time. He walked alongside her, with Gilly following them as they made their way towards the stairs, making his way up with the support of the cane in one hand, and his other on the railing as it slid up with each step. The walk was quiet, but comfortable as they neared the rooms. Seeing a maid standing in the hall, Slade gave her a slight nod before turning to Clara. "In that room," he directed, pointing his finger towards it.

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Inside, she would find the gowns displayed, with a matching set of jewelry, shoes, gloves and any other accessories that she would wish to wear on that night. With those words, he made his way further along the hall towards Evelina's room. Sir Gilly paused when he stood between Clara and Slade, as if unable to decide which one to follow. "Come," Slade called, which seemed to prompt him to trot towards him. Despite Gilly's appreciated excitement in the household, no one needed him to ruin the gowns. Slade watched as Clara made her way into the room, a small smile on his lips, before opening the door to Evelina's, allowing the goat inside first before he followed as well.

[Clara Honeyfield]

Clara walked with him to the room, and when he gestured toward it, she paused with her hand on the handle. For a moment she turned and looked at him, before entering the room. And that was one of last few moments of calm that the household saw for the next day. For getting ready for a ball apparently took more work that Clara was aware of. Especially when you had a fair godmother in the form of a little girl named Lina.

By the time it was getting closer to time to leave, Clara felt as if she had been bathed, brushed, powered, dressed, and pinned more than she had ever been before. Looking in the mirror once last time, her lace gloved hands smoothed over the already wrinkles dress. Her heart was breathing quickly, and she felt like a little girl playing dress up--rather than the practical woman she prided herself to be. Turning slowly she watched the silk swirl around her. It was beautiful. She'd loved all the dresses, but this one--this one made her heart skip and flutter at how wonderful it was.

Leaving the room, she walked down the hall and paused at the top of the steps. With each careful step down, she felt slightly more nervous for his reaction. Would he think it beautiful too? Would he enjoy having her on his arm tonight? Would she actually be on his arm tonight??

When she was half way down the steps, she saw him. Smiling at the sight, she slowly finished her decent and stepped closer to him.

Reuben Slade

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: Clara Honeyfield
Note: better gif coming soon!

never make

DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE.

The evening of the event drew upon them rather quickly, and Slade found himself waiting in the main hallway for Clara to descend from the stairs. The carriage was ready for them outside, their guards prepared to attend and Evelina was safely with a dear friend's family. Tonight, he wished for Clara to worry about nothing and just enjoy the evening. It was as if some force had urged him to turn his head and look in that direction for just as he happened to set his gaze at the stairwell, Clara appeared. His eyes locked onto her, taking in the sight of her beauty.

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It left Rueben rather speechless, not out of his usual reserved nature but rather . . . because words were even more inadequate than ever before. He could not take his eyes off of her and yet knew, he should not stare -- not having any right to really. But, she looked beautiful beyond words. A true vision of pure perfection and exquisite beauty. It was not that Slade had not noticed before, but tonight . . . she was joining him for an event and that added another . . . layer to their dynamic. No words escaped him as she neared him and instead, he just slightly clenched his jaw, fighting back any reaction even though he was not entirely sure what it would have been. She had indeed, left him speechless. He extended his arm for her to take as he began to lead her to the carriage that awaited them outside.

[Clara Honeyfield]

Clara paused her steps when she was just before him, and for a moment, could only smile brightly at him. He said nothing, and while normally that was expected, she was feeling nervous for his thoughts. For tonight, she wanted him to think her beautiful. Her eyes fell over him, and while she had seen him dressed up before . . . this time it was different.

Tonight she would be with him, not waiting on him to return home. Tonight he was her escort, and a handsome one at that too. While she often thought it, this time the words fell from her lips. "You look handsome tonight," She said, meaning it to sound calm however instead her words were a little breathless. "The dress is wonderful! Thank you for selecting it!" She added on, to not draw attention to her breathless comment. She turned once, so he could see it, and because she loved the way it felt as she moved.

Looking back up at him, as he was taller than her. Her smile paused, before turning even brighter up at him. Tonight was ready perfect! Even if the worst happened, and the carriage lost a wheel--she already felt special and wonderful.

Reuben Slade

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: Clara Honeyfield
Note: better gif coming soon!

never make

DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE.

She called him handsome. And the words . . . it was not what she said, but how she said it. The breathless way it emerged from her lips. The way she reacted to her own words after she said them. Being called handsome was flattering for any man, but for Slade . . . flattery did nothing to him. He was often unaffected by it, for he knew that with his, condition -- with his limitations -- that nothing could go beyond that. Beyond words. Beyond flattery. Compliments though appreciated left empty because Slade could not offer the connection that one may sought when giving these words meant to flatter. And so, he often let them pass through him. He was by no means insecure so to speak, but he was not filled with foolish notions either. Physical intimacy with his wife had been an exception to it all; it had turned into something else, and created the most beautiful miracle that epitomized happiness for Rueben.

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But Clara . . . her words, did not just pass through him. He felt them. He believed her when she said them. And one expected the same in return; words of flattery. They would be well deserved in her case, for she looked far more incredible than he was capable of verbalizing. But, what would it do? What would it serve? Would it appease any doubt she may have in how beautiful she looked? He wanted to do that. The sudden longing for her to feel as beautiful as she looked, much like the way she had just caused him to feel. But he was a man of action. And where it came to such things, action . . . was challenging. Not impossible, but not easy either. Not for him. So to what end did he say anything? She thanked him for the dress, praising it and expressing appreciation for selecting it. She seemed so, excited. So genuinely appreciative of it all. He had already decided that he wanted this evening to be perfect for her, whatever that may entail. But as he previously knew . . . actions, could only take him so far.

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When they reached the door, just stepping over the threshold, he paused, ceasing their movement before they would descend the stairs. With their arms still joined, he turned a little to look at her. His blue eyes locked with her own. His expression stoic, yet should she truly be looking at him, there was an underlying softness within his gaze. A sincerity within them with a tone to match the way he now looked at her. "You look exceptionally beautiful tonight." The words composed, and certain in belief; as if they were not opinion but fact. Not meant to be argued with but meant to accept. Meant to deliver praise that exceeded the mere expectation of reciprocity.

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Allowing his gaze to linger for a few moments following his statement, he proceeded to turn once more and start to make his way down the stairs. Such simple words yet the magnitude of them. Slade's mind was always turning; always working . . . always flooded with thoughts. Meticulous plans. Detailed ploys. Organized intentions. And tonight, there was a space that opened within it. A thought, that forced its way through all other thoughts and processes. A seemingly simple yet complex one at the same time. What if, he were to make Clara Honeyfield his wife.

[Clara Honeyfield]

Linking her arm with him, Clara felt her heart skip a beat. Being this close to him, touching him arm, which felt stronger under her touch then had assumed it would be, was worth more then the gown and the ball. Walking by his side, was the feeling of both heavy and light. He paused them at the door, and Clara looked up at him. His eyes were already on her, and they caused a slight warmth to spread from her chest to her neck. A heat in her cheeks under his stare.

Then he spoke, and his words would play in her head tonight, like music on repeat. She never wanted to forget the way he looked at her, looked in her, and spoke the words. It cased her smile to widen, and her breath to shaken pull in. He thought her beautiful. More so tonight, but his words suggested that he always did. Her fingers tightened slightly over his shelve, as she thanked him. "I feel so, standing here." With you. With the way he looked at her.

Her words were unspoken, and she almost spoke them allowed. Yet she was not feeling quite yet so brave. Perhaps as the night went on. They moved down the house steps and over the the carriage. The drive opened the door, and held his hand out to her. Loathe to let Mr. Slade go, she paused for a moment, looking up at him, before letting him go slowly and reaching for the drivers hand. Stepping up into the carriage, she took her seat, and waited for him to enter.

Reuben Slade