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Crime Lord
"No businessman worth his salt bargains for what he can take."
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Tag me @slade
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Post by Reuben Slade on Nov 16, 2021 18:51:00 GMT
 Tag: @phillipaf brick by brick I TAKE DOWN MY ENEMIES Slade listened to her apology, stating that she had wanted to see this painting and that he had been standing here all night. Hyperbole. But never the less, he was unimpressed with her method of gaining his attention. While he regained his composure in his demeanor, he was not one to offer apology in return nor soften his words from their even delivery.
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"Is it customary for you to place your hands among strangers when they are an inconvenience to you?" He questioned. He tone was level. Lacking volume or even harshness, albeit perhaps a dry sarcasm in them. Though, one could interpret the content of them as they so desired. Impolite. Blunt. Slade bothered little with conforming to societal expectations to such a grand extent. He would say what he needed to so long as it did not implicate him in the ton. But another person putting their hands on him had triggered that initial response. And so, he questioned if this was quite normal for her. Or if he had been an exception . . . or victim, of this otherwise uncommon act. Either way, he stood in waiting for an answer to his inquiry.
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Crime Lord
"No businessman worth his salt bargains for what he can take."
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Tag me @slade
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Post by Reuben Slade on Nov 16, 2021 18:19:26 GMT
never make DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE. Slade gave a short nod towards his mother, yet he made no effort to approach either of them for a proper embrace. While he avoided physical contact due to his own personal discomforts, it was never an issue when it came to family. It was merely his lacking desire. "I shall take that as a compliment," he told his brother, Slade's words laced with dry sarcasm upon William's statement of never failing to astonish him. Of course William showed no sign of it, the Duke even and composed in his delivery of words.
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The eldest Slade child continued on, saying not to feel uninvited -- even if it was only out of obligation and not genuine desire. Slade began to make his way towards the table, knowing that it would be easier to have this conversation sitting down. Once there, he leaned his cane towards the table and took a seat, catching William's mumbled words. "Much to your disappointment I am sure," he added in the same tone he had used earlier. Slade verbalizing his suspicions that perhaps William was not pleased that Rueben was still a Slade after all. The lack of conformity among his family isolating him -- which Rueben did so prefer. The topic of Evelina was one that was not so strained, and one the main reason that Rueben kept ties with his family. For her.
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"She did," he revealed. "She is out in the hall." With his protectors to keep an eye on her. Rueben straightened his head to look at their mother. "You may go see her." If you like being the unfinished part of his statement. Though found it futile for Slade assumed she wished to see Evelina and also, to 'subtly' dismiss their mother from the room. He would have Evelina join them soon enough. "Are you to remain here for the entirety of the season?" Rueben asked, getting straight to the point. Having been absent himself from social seasons in London, he was unsure of the Duke's patterns during it. Or if he had even participated in the season at all. Slade could only imagine how mother would be eager for her perfect son to find a wife.
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Crime Lord
"No businessman worth his salt bargains for what he can take."
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Tag me @slade
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Post by Reuben Slade on Nov 15, 2021 22:41:02 GMT
 Tag: William Slade Note: Slade was apparently a bit of a dramatic hoe in this post! Apologies!! haha! never make DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE. Mayfair, London. It had been some time since Slade had come here and he did not do so without purpose. For once, the primary reason was unrelated to business matters -- though, he knew he would inevitably be conducting business even here. But his purpose for participating this season and engaging with all those of nobility . . . was to find a mother for his daughter. He desired that more than a wife, though of course the two went hand in hand. It had been years since he'd seen his family, and he had not sent word of his arrival.
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Why bother? He had no intention of staying with them as he made preparations at his own household in the city. That being said, he knew his daughter wanted to spent time with her relatives so Slade would not totally deprive her of that. It was why he went to them now. He would rather ensure that things were clear in regards to expectations as well as the safety and wellbeing of his daughter. He had brought her and Gilly with him to visit his brother's household where their mother and sisters also resided. It was both a wonder and not at the same time that his brother remained unmarried. It would appear, he had not yet met his duchess.
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Slade exited the carriage, being greeted by the butler as he presented his name and guests, before walking right by him before wasting time to be announced. He left his daughter and Gilly with his people -- the few that he always travelled with -- deciding to speak to his brother alone first. He was informed that the Duke was about to have dinner, and questioned as to whether he was expecting him. Slade answered with a simple
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"No." But the word held enough strength to it, and expression stern enough, that the servant did not argue. Instead they opened the door, moving quickly from the entrance as Slade stepped inside to see William -- Duke of Wellington -- at the head of table and their mother at his side. Slade stood in his position, leaning against his cane as the corner of his mouth held indication of the slightest of smirks, eyes locked with the Duke. "Good evening." A simple pleasantry yet it lacked anything pleasant about it in his tone. |
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Crime Lord
"No businessman worth his salt bargains for what he can take."
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Tag me @slade
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Post by Reuben Slade on Nov 15, 2021 22:17:23 GMT
Updated to include the role of a Governess for Evelina & Gilly!
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Crime Lord
"No businessman worth his salt bargains for what he can take."
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Tag me @slade
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Post by Reuben Slade on Nov 15, 2021 0:15:55 GMT
 Tag: @polinshipper82 never make DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE. Slade heard her re-enter and braced himself for having to deal with more of her wrath . . . when instead, she apologized. Expressing concern for her father. It seemed she had a transformation outside the carriage and Slade for one, was relieved for it. Perhaps they could ride out the remainder of this in peace and quiet. He looked at her and gave Helena a nod of acknowledgement for her apology, in acceptance of it. Perhaps her father had said something to her . . . but then she spoke of being worried for her father.
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Which, she said was why she acted the way she had before. Slade thought over the words, and wondered if this was a frequent occurrence. Her saying that she thought him to be an interesting character indicated that if she did do this to those other than him, it was perhaps selective. "Have I given you cause to be concerned about your father?" He questioned. Thinking back on their limited interactions, he had made no threat to her nor her family. So he was inquiring as to where this came from. And hoped for a genuine answer rather than, more words of anger or zeal.
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Crime Lord
"No businessman worth his salt bargains for what he can take."
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Tag me @slade
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Post by Reuben Slade on Nov 14, 2021 23:00:04 GMT
Tag: @polinshipper82 never make DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE. She was asking question after question. The long walk was seeming more tempting but he also knew he was on a time constraint to reach his associate. He made a mental note to not hire the Bishop family in the future. Skilled Bishop may be, between his threat and his daughter's incessant questions . . . Slade required services of those far less problematic for him. But alas, the payment had been made and he would see to his associate for this time. In the meanwhile however, he was still trapped in a carriage with the daughter who was asking him questions about courting, questioning his preference, assuring him that she would not tell anyone. And then insulting him . . . questioning why he was remaining calm and deducing that he had been emotionally hurt.
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Was emotional hurt a part of his stoic demeanour? No. He had merely learned to control himself but hurt, was indeed an overstatement. But he was not about to speak of such personal affairs with her. Not when she spoke to him in such a way. He continued to let her speak. Uninterrupted and without any heightened emotions from his end. She, was indeed emotional though. Why else would she seem to have been so . . . irritated by him? Whatever it was to cause her continued outburst. "Now why would I divulge my personal affairs when you Miss Bishop, appear to possess such a loose tongue." His words delivered with the same composure, despite the insult in his words. They were meant to be rhetorical and yet, he would not be surprised if she answered it.
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"If this is how you conduct yourself around a client, I dread to see your bedside manner toward those unwell or injured." As she started to move, she stated that she had no interest in him . . . but that she found their interactions unusual and fascinating. "If this is how you respond to fascination," he began to say, turning to look at her. "Then I hope to bore you in the future." So that he would not be subject to this sort of conversation. When she stepped out, Slade leaned his back against his seat, relieved for the peace and quiet.
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Crime Lord
"No businessman worth his salt bargains for what he can take."
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Tag me @slade
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Post by Reuben Slade on Nov 14, 2021 20:26:07 GMT
 Tag: @phillipaf never make DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE. Slade was in attendance at an art show that seemed to be one of the events involving the ton. While his purpose for going to such events was to find a prospective wife, he knew that a place such as this was not likely to create such an opportunity. He was here because he appreciated art. While selective about what he preferred, there was a part of him that found looking at deserving paintings to be an exercise which brought him ease. He was also considering having a portrait done of Gilbert as his daughter repeatedly asked him for one. So combining his interest was also for research purposes, to find a skilled painter to commission for this task.
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He was particularly interested in one painting, looking at it, taking in every detail, every stroke. Delving into the depth it provided when . . . he felt a tap on his shoulder. The act caused him to sharply turn his head to see who had touch him as he then abruptly stepped to the side and turned his body half way to look at her. He was not comfortable with physical touch and it was a relief that he had layers of clothing to create a barrier. Still. Being touched especially by a stranger triggered his reaction. "A simple pardon me would have sufficed," he told her. His voice was composed but his expression held clear signs of displeasure and annoyance.
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Crime Lord
"No businessman worth his salt bargains for what he can take."
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Tag me @slade
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Post by Reuben Slade on Nov 14, 2021 20:18:08 GMT
Tag: @polinshipper82 never make DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE. Bloody hell. These women were so damn emotional. He had all asked but a simple question had it had led to an outburst caused by what he presumed was built up annoyance at him. But Slade remained silent, letting her vent. Women such as this only reinforced his preestablished belief that it would indeed be difficult to find one that possessed the qualities of a good mother to his daughter. And now, he had to listen to her upset. Suddenly, the open road to walk seemed like a much stronger temptation than sitting in a confined space with the physician's daughter.
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She accused him of coming by to their home, when it was to pay her father. What a thing to criticize. And then she spoke of not allowing her to pet his goat, which he indeed had. And then she commented on her injury, giving detail of it. Women here expected precisely what this woman was agitated about. They expected men to dote on them; to fill with concern and worry over their wellbeing. To wait on them hand and foot. As yes; this is what it had come down to. And still, he remained calm. Composed. Remaining still and unchanged in expression and demeanour. He let some silence linger before responding.
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"It is of no concern of mine what you do all day." She asked him would he rather she stay at home and read . . . he was indifferent to what she did. Yet it seemed that her own stressors came out in this moment from finding a man to marry, to wanting to work in the medical field, to desiring more excitement -- or action -- in the world. Perhaps it was not entirely personal. Perhaps his question had merely triggered her angry outburst to let it all out after having been suppressed. "If you loathe my company Miss Bishop and wish to avoid it, then perhaps you should not have come along with your father in this particular call." Which, involved Slade and one of his associates.
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Crime Lord
"No businessman worth his salt bargains for what he can take."
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Tag me @slade
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Post by Reuben Slade on Nov 14, 2021 17:13:54 GMT
 Tag: @julieta never make DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE. Slade had been spending some time with Juliet today. Despite the fact that they were engaged, there was still a great deal to get to know about her in order to determine whether she would be a fit mother. He of course was not going to speak of it in the presence of her father, even though he did not seem to be paying attention to their conversation. Regardless, the time was interrupted when a man stepped in and seemed to provoke quite a reaction.
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Slade remained seated, both hands on the top of his cane as he just watched the scene unfold. Juliet ran out and the two men started physically fighting one another. Slade still did not move. This was none of his business and he would not get involved in the bickerings of two men. The commotion did alert the household staff as a couple of them came rushing in to pull both men apart. Rueben rolled his eyes, having had enough of laying witness to this. Without a word, he rose to his feet and casually walked passed them and out of the room and towards where he presumed Juliet went: the gardens.
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It was incredibly distasteful when one allowed their business affairs to interfere with their household. One should never mix the two nor conduct business affairs at their estate where their family lived. Slade ensured to keep these two things separate. And would certainly not allow a man prone to elicit such intense reactions in his house. As Rueben made his way through the gardens, he caught sight of Juliet, curled up and appearing to be quite effect by what had just happened. Which, was to be expected.
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He moved towards her, standing next to her as she sat. He remained silent for a few moments, allowing her to process. He supposed the expected and common reaction of a man affianced, would hold his intended . . . comfort her. Embrace her. But none of these things were common of Slade so instead, he remained present. There, but silent . . . until adequate time had passed where he finally spoke. "I presume this is not an isolated incident in your household," he both stated and assumed based on all that he witnessed unfold. His presumption indicative of the fact that this -- and perhaps similar ordeals -- had occurred in the Allen household.
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Crime Lord
"No businessman worth his salt bargains for what he can take."
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Post by Reuben Slade on Nov 14, 2021 16:44:22 GMT
 Tag: @polinshipper82 Note: I had mentioned in my posts that Slade was holding Gilly in his arm! He's not on the ground, cause Slade knows how excited Gilly gets so I had it in my posts that he was containing him in his arm! never make DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE. When she asked to pet him, Slade gave a nod of consent. It was not an uncommon request; he was growing rather used to people becoming intrigued and develop a quick fondness for Gilly. Especially women, surprisingly so. Slade had thought them wishing to be distanced from this rogue farm animal but instead, Gilly drew them in. Whether Slade liked it or not. The kid seemed more than happy by it, the attention he was receiving only encouraging the behavior that granted it in the first place.
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Slade continued to hold Gilly so that he would not get too carried away as Helena approached, introducing herself and saying it was nice to meet him. Gilly bleated in return, raising and lowering his head in excitement. "I should warn you that he--" But before Slade was able to finish his sentence, Gilly had already done it. With Helena's hand so close, Gilly let out his tongue and licked her palm and fingers. "Likes to lick," Slade finished uselessly since Gilly had already expressed his liking of such things. An affectionate gesture no doubt, but not one everyone liked.
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Crime Lord
"No businessman worth his salt bargains for what he can take."
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Post by Reuben Slade on Nov 14, 2021 16:33:09 GMT
Tag: @julieta never make DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE. Slade's eyes watched the food and drink as she served it, taking the final step of the meal preparation would was putting it upon the other's plate. As he watched he could tell that her actions were not born of expectation nor force . . . they were from desire. The genuine desire to do something that -- yes even Rueben could concede as -- was kind. It continued to reaffirm his decision, and should this continue -- not necessarily the cooking and serving of food, but rather, the considerate gestures, then Rueben knew that his trust when it came to Juliet and his daughter would be undoubted.
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Once she seated herself he took in her words, explaining that she had become close to her family's cook and that she found the activity to be relaxing. "It is good then, that you found something to bring you ease and fruitful results." He took a bite of the food and, it was a pleasant surprise as how tasty it was. "Your cook taught you well," he said, as more fact than attempt to praise -- though the complimenting words were inevitably there. "It is very good," he added, before taking another bite. She she spoke of it being nice not to have servants, and that it would give them more privacy . . . Rueben knew that she was right.
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Now that he had wife, he had to allot time to her in order to maintain the relationship and ensure its success. "Are you accustomed to being without servants for periods of time?" Clearly she was able to handle the cooking, but he wondered if it was something she experienced in her own household. If she was able to function for short periods of time without them. He gave a small smile at the mention of Evelina and cooking for her -- his focus more on his daughter than on himself.
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"You have listed some of her favourite foods," he told her. Pies, cakes, cookies . . . a sweet tooth was indeed something Evelina and Juliet had in common. "She has a particular fondness for plum cake," he added. A dessert that was often for special occasions as it made it rather excited. When Juliet commented about telling something about himself, he took a sip of his drink and paused before answering.
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"I do not cook," he answered. The response made with a bit of humour though it did hold truth. He did not learn how to cook as it had been of no interest to him. He however, had a feeling that that was not a fact that she may be looking for. Meeting her gaze so she would know he was focused on her in the moment, he continued. "What would you like to know?" He asked in offering. He was unused to speaking of himself; of his preferences, likes, dislikes, interests. But should she like to know anything, he would divulge what he could without compromising his more, private business affairs.
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Crime Lord
"No businessman worth his salt bargains for what he can take."
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Tag me @slade
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Post by Reuben Slade on Nov 14, 2021 4:59:58 GMT
Tag: @misspenf never make DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE. Her best, friend's brother. Slade was not sure what sort of mess he had gotten caught up in but it was not one that he had words to offer reassurance of to her. Nor offer sympathy or condolence. He was here for business, and her accident down the stairs just happened to coincide with where he was waiting. It was clear that her excitement had been what prompted the fall. Unless she was clumsy on a regular basis which, Rueben would not inquire about. It did not effect him either way. "Perhaps it best to walk with care the next time you wish to receive a guest." Advice? Perhaps. But not made with the intention to help. It was merely said because . . . well, perhaps just to acknowledge her own words as he waited.
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It was her lastly spoken ones however that did concern him and that did capture his interest. He looked at the young woman when she said that her father stepped out. "I was informed by your staff that he here." And if they were lying, and Rueben was meant to be waiting here needlessly . . . then when he did find Featherington, it would be even less pleasant than it originally would have been. Besides disliking his time getting wasted, he also disliked being lied to. "Do you know where he set out to?" Rueben inquired. Perhaps his daughter had less reason to lie than the household staff so if she was telling the truth, then Slade wished to know where he would be able to find Archibald.
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Crime Lord
"No businessman worth his salt bargains for what he can take."
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Post by Reuben Slade on Nov 14, 2021 4:50:11 GMT
Tag: @polinshipper82 never make DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE. Slade remained still as she approached, seemingly amused as she expressed her surprise at seeing a goat in the park. Yes. It was indeed most unusual -- Slade held no objection to that fact. Gilly was a rare sight indeed and Slade felt as if somehow, Gilberto knew it . . . and thoroughly enjoyed the attention he received from others as a result. Gilly bleated with excitement as Helena drew closer, prompting Slade to continue to secure his position of the goat in his arms. He knew if he let him down, Gilly would be climbing all over them. And the damn goat had already ruined one woman's clothing.
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"He is accustomed to the country," Slade began to explain. "But he is also quite attached to coompany so I could not leave him on his own there during my attendance here in Mayfair for the season." None of it was a lie really. He only ommited the part about his daughter which, still remained a fact unknown to most people and he would much rather keep it that way. "As you can see, he is quite excitable," Slade said as he eyed Gilberto who was squirming with excitement.
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Crime Lord
"No businessman worth his salt bargains for what he can take."
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Post by Reuben Slade on Nov 14, 2021 4:42:55 GMT
Tag: @julieta never make DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE. She offered to have her servants look to the carriage, to aid in its fixing. And then made inquiry as to whether he had enemies. It was interesting that she made such inquiry. That she even considered the possibility of it. That, coupled with her reveal that she was no stranger to sights that involved blood and the like, made him wonder if her father was involved in more . . . nefarious affairs. How ironic it would be if he did know of her father in less commonly accepted affairs. After he, he did not know her last name. "That is quite alright," he assured her nonchalantly. The last thing he needed was her servants to snoop around the carriage. "One of my men will return with what is required to fix it." It would be fair easier if they could just leave on horseback but now they had to dispose of the corpses.
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Which now became a more complicated task with someone's residence nearby. But part of Rueben accepting her offer was also to hopefully distract her household and allow his men to fix what they could of the . . . situation. Despite the fact that it was his enemies, he needed to remain consistent with his earlier story. And besides, revealing the possibility of enemies would raise far too many questions. "I believe them to be robbers. Having waited for the opportune moment to attack." Much like highwaymen. But most of the time, Rueben knew what sort of ambushes took place and who was being attacked. Of course in this case, it was indeed one of his enemies.
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He followed her into a guest room as she offered to bring him clothing, asking for certainty if he was not bleeding. When she reached out to touch him, he abruptly jerked his head back. Not due to the sensitivity of the wound, but because of the skin to skin contact which he was not comfortable with. He raised his gloved finger to the top of his head, fresh drops of blood now mixed with the assailants on his concealed finger.
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The adrenaline must have numbed the throbbing, though Slade's tolerance for pain was high enough that he was not fussed over a head injury such as this. It must have occurred when he was pulled from the carriage and onto the pavement. "It must have struck the ground during the attack," he said, this time, offering a truth from the scenario. "Clean clothing would be appreciated," he added on. "And perhaps a cloth and bowl so that I may clean myself." Wipe the blood and wash his hands of this ordeal.
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Crime Lord
"No businessman worth his salt bargains for what he can take."
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Post by Reuben Slade on Nov 14, 2021 4:22:24 GMT
Tag: @julieta never make DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE. If there was one . . . skill -- if one would call it that -- that Rueben possessed, it was his skill at observing others. At noticing their every movement, and what it was indication of. Growing up in a society where every used pretty words to mask their true feelings, one's expressions often betrayed what one vocalized. The way one stood, the features upon their face, even how their hands and arms were positioned . . . yes. It said wonders, and Rueben had learned how to identity when and where it would give a person away. When it would give way to what was truly in their mind. There were of course exceptions and mind reading was an impossibility . . . but this is why he would simply study others. One could learn a great deal more from what someone did not say, compared to what they did say.
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So now, as Juliet spoke to him in a shifted tone, encouraging him to speak freely . . . he would casually watch her as he spoke. To see, if there was false assurance in her voice that she was quite alright with the idea of raising a daughter in the attempt to remain polite in his presence . . . or whether her body language would remain consistent with her words and thus, reveal that she was telling the truth. Of course, she could also bluntly state that she was not willing to take on a daughter, but polite society tended to encourage ladies and gentlemen alike to handle their words with care and consideration. "I have a daughter." The revelation was not one he made to many, and none he had made to in the ton as a potential mother to his. Despite the magnitude of the words, Slade's expression and tone did not change from this topic compared to the last.
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"It is not known knowledge among the ton." Some thought it rumour, others had no idea . . .and Slade knew now in telling her, and if she did not want to move forward with the marriage, that there was a possibility this fact he had just told her, would become public knowledge. It was not out of shame he concealed her, but rather . . . out of necessity and protection. "But in my motivations to find a wife, she would also become mother to my daughter." A daunting thought indeed, which was why Rueben needed to tell Juliet now, rather than after they got married.
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