family matters

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: @pegslade

never make

DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE.

Engaging in the Social Season certainly was, different. Slade had never particularly held any desire to be among the extravagant events and social events that the season entailed. Though now, it was not desire that brought him here as much as it was necessity. He needed to find his daughter a mother, and being here was the most promising way to do that. With the years that had passed since his first wife's death, it was proper time to find another before Evelina grew up, feeling the absence of a mother in her life.

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He may have close friends and others to play with . . . but it was most certainly not the same. But coming back here for the extended period of time, also brought with him certain familial obligations. Once again, not so much for himself, but for the sake of his daughter. He knew she enjoyed spending time with her family and he would not deprive them of that. But nor did it mean he trusted them with her just yet. Discretion was of the utmost importance, for he did not want others to hold secure knowledge that he had a daughter. It would endanger her as it once had when she was just a baby. He would not place her at such risk again. And so, to accommodate his sister's desire to see her, he invited her to his estate so that she may spend time with Evelina, in a secure and safe environment.

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Slade was sitting in his study when one of his house staff informed him that his sister had arrived. Slade gave a short nod, reaching for his cane and using it's support to push him to a stand. Making his way through the hall and entering the drawing room to where she had been escorted. "Peggy," he greeted in a level tone, making his way over to the seat across from where she sat, a table between them with significant space in between. "She is just concluding her lessons for the day," he explained as to why his daughter was not currently with him, before giving a small nod to the staff to prepare some tea and snacks.

[Deleted]

It’s been years, too many years since she last saw Rueben. Almost thirteen at the time, Peggy saw her brother being sent away by their parents and never returned for a visit. The fact that he invited her to come over to his lodgings after nine years is a surprise.

Who is he now? They are brother and sister by blood. But that’s the only thing connecting them: bloodlines. Maybe now they can get to know each other as adults. They’ll never recover the years apart, but if they can reach some understanding, it’ll be a start.

She learned one thing on her way to the estate: Reuben has a daughter. If no relationship can be built with her brother, at least she has her niece. Does she have the signature Slade eyes?

“We have arrived, my Lady.” She heard the footman say as he opened the door to let her out. Peggy looked at Reuben’s home for a moment before walking inside, hoping for the best but expecting indifference.

The staff escorted her to the drawing-room, offering her tea and biscuits. Before she can answer, Rueben walks in with a cane in his hand. Peggy examined him; nothing changed in the past nine years.

“Rueben.” She gave a slight nod, sounding indifferent to her own ears. “Thank you for inviting me. How are you? Where is—” before she can finish the sentence, he tells her that his daughter is concluding her riding lessons. “I guess we have another equestrian in the family. I must say you have a nice home.” She needed something else to talk about to avoid the inevitable awkward silence between them.
Reuben Slade

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: @pegslade

never make

DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE.

Settling down on the seat, he rested his cane so that it leaned next to him against the furniture as she commented on having another equestrian. It seemed she had misunderstood the lessons he was referring to. "No," he corrected. "Lessons with her governess," he clarified. "She is too young to ride." She was still only four and her size even smaller than that of an average child her age. Not to a concerning state but enough that he did not feel safe with her learning to ride. Not until she was older, and taller.

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It did not take long for the staff to bring in refreshments to them, setting it up on the table that was between Slade and Peggy. "I am well," he told her, answering her first question regarding how he fared. "And you?" He returned, knowing it was the polite way to respond. After all, for the sake of Evelina, he knew that it would be easiest on her and best for everyone, to remain as cordial as possible. "How have the years treated you?" He further asked, opening the subject up for her to talk about the past while and not just the today or yesterday that could be less eventful.

[Deleted]

“Oh.” Peggy responded, hoping they can bond over riding horses. At least she is with her governess. “I see. The good news is I am not leaving any time soon to meet her.”

She saw her cup being filled with tea as they asked how she likes to take her tea. She held up two fingers, symboling two lumps of sugar and a dash of milk. Once it’s set, she took a sip of her tea. 

“My life could use a little adventure.” Peggy shrugged as she placed her cup down. “Mother reminds me every day that I need to marry. Remind me how all these lessons were all for naught if I can’t catch a husband this Season. I do have my girl friends, but otherwise I have my horse to keep me sane.”

She looked at her brother’s cane, wanting to ask how that came about. But it’s best not to ask at this time. Granting a request to visit was a miracle within itself so it is best to stay cordial despite the indifference in his voice.
Reuben Slade

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