Away from the World

[Rose Welford]

Flowers and Dirt Never Hurt

But baby you do.

"Nan it is okay I have  you as my guardian and we are simply going to take my paints and canvas to the park and enjoy the day.  Mother said it was fine so don't worry so." Rose said and patted her maid.  The other woman knew her charge well though and when she saw the shoes she had on she knew it was not as simple as Rose had made it out to be.  Nan was positive that Rose was about to do something that the Ton would find unusual and she did not like  that one bit!  Mrs. Welford would have Nan's hide if Rose sullied her shining reputation as being demure and sweet.  If they only knew that Rose was quiet, thoughtful, and completely against the social scene.  She was a positive recluse by society standards and Nan and Mrs. Welford were doing there best to make sure she was seen as the belle of the season in order to get her settled down before it was too late.  Left up to Rose and she would stay in the country in a cottage forever despite her families wealth and advantage.

"Come along Nan the boy has all our supplies ready and will follow so I will be doubly protected."  Rose smiled sweetly at her maid.  Rose actually adored Nan and they had been close friends since Rose was just out of nursery.  

With that Rose left the room, bonnet secured, and walked down stairs.  She walked up and kissed her mother and father good by and waved the boy on as they headed for the park across the way.  Rose was clearly in high spirits as they walked and barely noticed as men and women alike looked at her and smiled or tilted their heads in curiosity.  When she finally made it to the park she turned sharply toward the trees as Nan groaned.  "I knew it ...I know IT!" she whispered.  Rose should rightfully have gone toward the water where the other ladies liked to paint but she made a beeline for the cover of trees.  "Miss Rose not too far in or it will look odd."  Rose waved her off and made it a few feet in.  When she looked around to see if anyone could see her from the way or around she smiled satisfied and relaxed.

"Nan I am close enough to the walkway but no one can see me.  I missed trees and quiet.  I promise I will not run off and you can stay there while I paint okay?  We also have a picnic you could set up and enjoy if you are bored.  I snuck in the latest gossip papers for you like you like." she smiled wickedly as she let the boy help set up her materials.  When he was done she shooed him away to play if he liked as he was young enough to want to romp and sat on the folded stool.  Looking around again she slipped her shoes off and let her feet rest on the grass to Nan's horror.

"Miss..." she said softly.

"It is ok Nan if we see anyone I will simply slip them back on before they are too close.  I just wanted to feel the grass again.  Honestly the people in town are far too stuffy in my opinion.  Nature is so much better than dirty streets and squished together buildings." she sighed as she tilted her head back and breathed in deep.  As Nan set up the picnic Rose discreetly took her bonnet off and let her hair feel the breeze.  It was up as was proper and she itched to take it down.  With no one around the girl no longer faded to the back ground and practically glowed with good health and peace.

"Nan there is just something about breathing in fresh air and the smell of trees.  I can't wait till we can go home and I can go see the great oak again." she smiled softly as she looked at her canvas and picked up her paint tray to begin.  Following the scene in front of her in soft browns, greens, and grays.  

"I could hide her all day if mother didn't have another dinner planned tonight before the opening season events.  I wonder what the park is like at night." she thought to herself. 

Nan of course blanched and shook her head.  "You are not like to find out Miss as it isn't safe for any young lady to be out at night like that.  This is not the country where you can wander the gardens at night." she tsked as she sat down to pull out the latest Whistledown papers.

Both women were blissfully unaware of anything but the world around them as they set out to have a few hours of peace.

NOTES

OPEN

810

BOBBI

[googlefont="Lobster"][googlefont="Lato"]

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: Rose Welford
Note: Hope this is ok! Let me know if you'd like me to edit anything!

never make

DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE.

This damn goat! It had all started when Slade felt the need to get out of the family home for a little while. While he had his own residence in the city, he was spending some time in his family's estate . . . for the sake of his daughter. Evelina deserved at least that. In the absence of a mother, his sister's were the next blood relative. Although, she was quite close to those who protected her back at his home outside of Mayfair. However, even he could not deny Evelina wishes to see them. But, she had a stronger tolerance for his family than he did. So he needed to step out. At first, his sister insisted on taking Evelina with him, however he refused to expose her. Those in the ton did not have confirmation of even the existence of his daughter so for as long as he could keep it as such, he would.

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That however, led to his current company: Gilberto. Gilly was often fairly well behaved however being in new surroundings him made him more . . . excitable than usual. So as Slade carried him in his arms for the first bit, he made the mistake of setting him on the grass once they reached the park. The mistake . . . being that Gilly smelled food. He suddenly went bounding ahead, despite Slade calling him only one time, before silencing his tongue. The last thing he wished was to look like an imbecile calling after a goat. Yet, due to his current physical constraints, nor could he run after him either. Hurrying his walk as much as he could with the support of his cane, he followed the creature leading him to his very initial thought: this damn goat!

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By the time Slade had gotten to Gilly, he damn animal had thrown itself in the middle of what seemed to be an otherwise peaceful moment, placing himself on top of a young woman's lap. As excitable as Gilly was, he was also quite affectionate though . . . Slade knew that not everyone in the ton would appreciate an animal on top of them; particularly a young lady. Staring at the scene before him and prepared for the woman's wrath, Slade glared at the animal as it began to chew at the newsletter that Slade had assumed the woman was once gripping, the animal looking far too comfortable where he was. "My apologies." It was not often that Rueben spoke such words but he would for the sake of his daughter's best friend. A damned troublemaker at that.

[Rose Welford]

Sept 12, 2021 20:15:29 GMT Rose Welford said:

Flowers and Dirt Never Hurt

But baby you do.

Nan and Rose were comfortably sitting and chatting about the latest gossip when a ball of bouncy fur landed in Nan's lap to Rose's amusement.  She immediately stood, forgetting her shoes, and laughed.  "Oh Nan I think you have found a friend." she said joyfully.  "And what a darling they are." she walked over to pet the little fellow only to notice a man.  Her hand half raised to pet the goat she looked at the man with wide blue eyes.  

The poor man looked about ready to hog tie the creature and Rose could see he had not intended to disturb them.  Taking pity on the situation she smiled softly.  "It is alright isn't it Nan.  We like goats." to prove her point she reached over to stroke the creatures head, her eyes moving to it and taking on a whole new glow of affection.  

"I never thought to see animals here in London.  I must say it makes me feel more at home." she almost giggled again as Nan removed the paper from the goat, looking like her child had been destroyed.  This of course caused Rose to bite her lip to keep from laughing even more.

"It is alright Nan I will buy you another and sneak it to you when my mother isn't looking.  The poor little thing must be hungry."   Rose had almost forgotten the quiet man as she knelt and stole a bit of lettuce and held it to the goat to entice it out of Nan's lap.  "Her darling come here.  Let poor Nan recover." she said in a soft voice, clearly used to dealing with animals. 

Rose's feet could be seen from below her dress hem and with the goat off Nan's lap the maid noticed and blanched.  "Miss Rose..."she started to say but then looked up at the man.  Looking at him then at Rose then at  him again the maid was practically at a loss as to what to do.

Rose seeing her maid do the look back remembered her shoes and that was it for her she covered her mouth with her free hand and laughed.  "I am so ...sorry...sir.   Forgive me.  I know this must be very improper." she said looking at him and her shy nature began to take over again as she realized she was indeed in London and not the country.  Looking at him her hand slowly lowered and she looked down at the goat.  "I guess I should return your friend to you.  Please don't be worried though it was a nice surprise." she added hoping to ease his worries.

Her paints and canvas decided to make themselves known in that moment as a gust of wind tipped the canvas over and sent the tray of paints falling to the ground.  "Oh bother." she said as she patted the goat one more time and rushed over to pick things up.  Her left shoe now sporting a lovely shade of sage green paint.  

NOTES

OPEN

500

BOBBI

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: Rose Welford

never make

DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE.

The woman's reaction was most . . . unexpected. Slade had been preparing for angry words, yelling, perhaps even tears. While he had not intended to apologize again, nor do anything to calm her down . . . he had indeed been expected a far more, volatile reaction. But instead, she pet the goat and seemed rather, unphased. "Should you continue to do that, he will remain at your side longer than you desire." It was not an accusation, but rather a warning. That Gilly would never shy from any form of affection and . . . well, with the crowd here in the ton, not many paid their affections to a goat. This woman may very well regret offering that to him.

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"I take it you own pets," he said, his tone level, even, stoic as it always was. "Or a farm." Considering she said that a goat made her feel more at home. It certainly would explain her comfort and ease when dealing with the menacing creature. As if the petting was not enough, she offered him food and Slade gave Gilly a warning look, but the kid paid no attention as it happily took a large bite of the offered lettuce. "He quite assuredly is not," he said in criticism of Gilly's gluttonous tendencies. The damn goat was so spoiled at home and now . . . he was getting spoiled by a woman in the park.

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The reaction of the other woman and then the one he'd been conversing with was what prompted him to look down for a moment before looking back up to meet her gaze. Ah yes. She was correct; it was improper but it was also not something that disturbed or concerned Slade. If he were to speak on the subject of improperness . . . then he surely would be made quite a hypocrite considering his business dealings. "No more improper than an unleashed goat." To which he bore the responsibility. His voice lacked humour but, there was indeed an assurance somewhere in there that he cared little for what society deemed proper and improper.

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When she apologized and offered to return Gilly, Slade had every intention of picking him up and taking him away, but the wind blew and spilled her paints . . . though, that was not the foremost incident that prompted him to stay. It was Gilberto who raised his front hooves, standing on his hind legs, and using them to urge her to pick him up as he dragged them across her dress. Slade inwardly cursed at the faint marks it left on her dress. "I will cover the expense of your gowns." Referring to what he was sure Gilly had done to the other woman's attire. "And for the paper, as well as whatever else he has managed to corrupt with his touch." To which Gilberto just let out a very loud bleat. If Slade was a gambling man, he would bet fortunes that Gilly understood every word that he said; now, and in general.

[Rose Welford]

Flowers and Dirt Never Hurt

But baby you do.

It seemed like in a matter of seconds things had gone from quiet, to strange, to down right chaos. If anyone were to pass by it would look like a very odd clandestine meeting but also like a small explosion had happened. Rose looked around and then at Nan and finally back at the goat as he smeared her dress with dust and dirt. Picking him up like she would her cat she smiled at him and stroked his nose. Hearing the poor man make comments about things and at the same time see very removed she wondered if he was as reluctant for society as she herself or if he was terribly offended at her less than proper state and actions. He seemed to not care about the proper side but you never did know with those in London.

"Please do not trouble yourself with the state of my clothes or the damage. My mother is used to replacing my gowns due to mud or some such." she looked shocked then horrified at herself before she quickly added. "I like to be out in nature and often track in mud at home." she wanted to kick herself and her eyes were probably the size of saucers at this point. Rose just knew Nan and her mother were going to give her a firm talking to after all of this.

Trying to save herself she straightened as she held the goat like a baby and looked at the man as calmly as she could though her cheeks were pink from embarrassment. "My family owns several homes in the country and we do have farms here and there. I have a pet cat but goats were a common theme in the country. It isn't as fussy there after all." she paused and looked at Nan who was still in shock. "I know it isn't exactly proper but since we are here in this state I think I should introduce myself. My name is Rose Welford and this is my maid Nan. If it makes you feel any better sir I don't mind the goat a bit. I won't tell anyone that he was unleashed if you don't?" she asked with a small smile that she turned back on the goat as she bounced the kid a bit. "You are a good boy aren't you Sir Gilly. You just wanted to say hello." she stroked his head again as she looked at her paints. "Oh dear what a mess. The poor grass looks like a war zone." she sighed as Nan finally snapped out of it and snagged a napkin to wipe Rose's shoes and gently slid them toward Rose in the hopes that the stranger did not notice her unshod mistress.

Rose, to her credit simply slipped the slippers back on and kept her pace as Nan straightened up her paints. "Oh Nan I am sorry I can take care of that in a moment it isn't your fault I left them where I did." she said looking at her maid and friend. Nan simply waved a hand and shook her head as she righted the painting. The painting itself was a very soft and dreamy version of the trees around them and a peak at the green outside the trees. There was a lady in the distance with her hand on her hat and dress gently blowing in the wind. The details were not done as of yet but it would shape up to be a nice little addition to her collection later.

Rose looked back at the man and tilted her head. "Do you often take your goat for a walk in London?" she asked. Assuming he might be a country folk like herself though his clothing made her think he was above her in station. Rose was trying to imagine the horror on her mother, and many momma's of society, if they knew a gentleman was out terrorizing the ladies with his very friendly little goat. It almost made her laugh again as her lips twitched but she held it together as her features schooled back into calm. Her eyes would forever give her away but to anyone looking it would simple look like a normal expression now. It might help save them in case someone showed up and saw her holding a goat with a man she was clearly not married to and a mess of a picnic strewn about.

Looking back down at the goat longingly she began to carefully walk around the blanket to the man so she might hand it back. "I should probably return your friend here before I am quite tempted to keep him."

NOTES

Reuben Slade

782

BOBBI

[googlefont="Lobster"][googlefont="Lato"]

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: Rose Welford

never make

DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE.

Ordinarily, Slade would not give two thoughts about replacing a woman's gown or property -- whatever newsletter Gilly had eaten -- but when it came to his goat, there was an added sense of responsibility. The last thing Slade wanted was for anyone to lodge a formal complaint about this creature and thus, Slade either having to give it up or be forced to send it back. It was not so much his attachment to the goat that he concerned himself with -- even though he would not admit it, he was in fact attached -- but rather, his daughter's. And having to explain that aspect of this creature's ownership was not something he wished to delve into. Though hearing her speak of how she tracked mud at home and her mother was used to the replacement of the gown was indeed a curious thing. And, perhaps not something she often shared considering the way her cheeks colored from the revelation.

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If Slade was any normal gentleman, he may have understood why. He supposed others were the type to judge such a woman who did not conform to the social norm. That, was indeed something Reuben was all too familiar with. So he remained unchanged in his expression, void of judgement or anything to further cause her cheeks to blush. "Well, it would seem that this time, the fault is not yours." An explanation for her mother perhaps but an assurance no less. Though hearing her explain that they owned many homes in the country with farms, made more sense where it came to her familiarity and comfort with animals . . . or at least a goat. "And I take it you are the type to spend time tending to such animals your family has on said farms," he both asked and presumed at the same time. His words, based on his earlier acknowledged observation where it came to her ease in interaction with Gilly.

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"None of this circumstance is proper," he agreed. "Though it would seem, that Gilbert is primarily at fault for that," he said motioning to the animal, giving it a look before returning his gaze to the young woman as she introduced herself. Slade made it his business to know most noble families in the ton, and while her family's name was familiar, he had non interactions with any of it's members. He gave a nod of appreciation when she assured him she would not tell anyone of Gilly being on the loose. "Lord Reuben Slade," he introduced as it was only proper. Whether his family had met her or her own, he wouldn't know but what he did know, was that this was their first interaction. And a rather interesting one at that.

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He glanced toward the maid when Rose introduced her as well. Though Rose assured him she would not mention the goat unleashed, little could be said of maids and household staff. They tended to gossip more than those in the ton. His eyes returned to the noblewoman when she began to move Gilly in her arms. It would seem Gilly was rather enjoying himself because as if he had not already done enough, his excitement prompted him to bleat with joy again and run his tongue over the woman's cheek. Slade slightly clenched his jaw forcing himself not to reach out and just grab the animal. After all, getting physically close to people was not exactly something he was comfortable with. "Are you certain you still do not mind him?" He asked almost sarcastically. Based on her actions though . . . he was going to assume she did not.

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The answer to her question was . . . a complex one. The simple answer was no; he did not often take his goat for a walk. His daughter usually did this and out in their country estate, it was enclosed so she had all the space she desired without having to expose herself in public. Here, it was more limited. And he was not yet ready for the ton to know of her; still far too protective over Evelina. "It has been some time since I have been in the city," he explained without untruth. "As I brought him with me it would be . . . cruel, to keep him confined." Ironic. Considering one may consider some of Slade's business dealings cruel; yet he drew the line at being cruel to a goat.

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"He is as you can see, a rather unconventional pet to have here. So perhaps it may be the last time I allow him free reign." In London, Mayfair. The park. Wherever. He was proving to be quite a handful, yet one that Rose did not seem to mind to keep her hands full with. "You may place him down," he said maintaining a distance from her. "I doubt he will stray far." With how comfortable he seemed to be right now. "Though you should protect your painting first, before he contributes to it." And by that, he meant ruin it of course. As Gilly may want to make his own contribution to her evident talent.