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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 11, 2021 22:33:04 GMT
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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 11, 2021 22:32:32 GMT
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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 8, 2021 19:04:24 GMT
 Tag: Emily Davenport 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, the damn animal had already found a victim: a young woman. Gilly was placing his front hooves on the woman's dress, as if he wanted to be picked up . . . or just wanted attention. Gilberto was quite affectionate but 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 rub his hooves on the fabric of her gown . . . as if he could possibly make it any worse. "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.
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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 Oct 19, 2021 1:05:20 GMT
never make DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE. Ah yes. Her family's closeness was in part what had brought Slade and her father to meet. "You are fortunate then that you are so close to your family," he began to say. Learning more of Davenport's daughter certainly informed him more of the family overall and the dynamic between them. "For I imagine that perhaps some of these girls you speak of long for their own chosen family, unable to choose the one they are born into." Implying that it may not be one they held such strong affection for either. It reminded him of his late wife and her eagerness to escape her family of blood. Although, any father who bartered their daughter to settle his debts surely was not a decent one. Slade could not ever imagine doing the same to his own daughter. She was far too precious to him; a sentiment that was perhaps not as common as it should be.
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He gave a bit of a nod in acknowledgment of her apology, the air of entitlement that filled so many nobles clearly absent in her. For a host would not apologize for being in the way of a guest in their estate. "No apology is needed," he told her honestly. He was not one to sugar coat nor soften the truth. "This is your home after all and thus, you possess far more a right to be where you please." Slade's sense of entitlement was often held in places of business; where it was his business or he had involvement there. But in one's home . . . he was but a visitor. Maintaining this façade of a gentleman, like most others . . . though he perhaps did not alter his demeanour or words to quite the same extent. He need remind himself that he was even only here for the sake of his daughter. For the sake of finding her a mother.
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She answered his question by expressing her preference for the country, further emphasizing her dislike for such events. In addition to the absence of arrogance, she also did not seem shy in speaking her mind and sharing her honest feelings about these balls. "Exhausting," he repeated, taking note of her word, speaking it aloud to emphasize it and as if he was mulling it over. "To maintain an image of being a perfect lady?" He asked somewhat rhetorically. It was clear from their brief conversation that she was not like most women in the ton when it came to their desires and wants from life. "What is it then, that you desire most from life?" To see fulfillment. Not a husband. Not these events -- that Slade too found tedious himself. So, it was indeed interesting to discover what she sought from life if not the generic expectations most others succumbed to.
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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 Sept 20, 2021 1:56:21 GMT
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.
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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 Sept 19, 2021 22:00:02 GMT
never make DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE. There was something that Elijah was not telling him. Well, of course there was a great deal he was not telling him. But there was something in particular. Slade was determined to find out, if not in this meeting, then certainly in the near future. Particularly if they were in fact, to do any sort of business together. Shame though. That it created an extra step for Slade rather than the man just telling him. Never the less, he withheld any reaction, remaining stoic as Hamilton opened a roll of parchment and lay it before them. Slade's gaze briefly fell to it for a few seconds, already committing it to memory -- not that his brain often chose what to commit to memory and what not to -- as he looked back at Hamilton, listening to him explain his plan. Slade still, said nothing. One side of his lips twitched in a curved smile, lasting a mere second though, it was there when Elijah spoke of how men were truly idiots.
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"Fortunately, that idiocy can be quite profitable." For men like them. Though Hamilton's rise to profit was indeed interesting, considering he was of no high rank. It meant that he was resourceful, a promising trait in a businessman. "Your plan is ambitious," he told him, words not meant to be an insult nor flattery. It was mere fact, surely, that the purchase of 3 new buildings to expand upon this current one was, indeed ambitious. "I have the means to support this, expansion of yours," he began to tell him. "In far more an expedited time." Than perhaps what Hamilton may have anticipated. "I am always looking for new associates, Mr. Hamilton. But I do not make offers to those who do not hold promise." Another fact. Slade was not so free in giving compliments.
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"I will of course own part of the business, and with that, comes access to my own resources." Clients of whom he could send here should they be too afraid to travel. Money of course. Trusted employees who were of the utmost discretion, especially when it comes to the matter of collection. "I have been in this business for many years and should you have any doubt of my, capabilities, I encourage you to ask around and learn of it yourself." He paused for a moment, eyes continuing to lock with the businessman before him. "That, is my offer to you," he said, returning to his initial statement of being willing to make the man an offer. "And the only one I will make." The details could of course be decided . . . even negotiated, but the premise of it was offered, and Slade waited for a response, even if it was the requirement for Hamilton to have time to decide.
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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 Sept 19, 2021 20:57:32 GMT
never make DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE. Slade listened as Hamilton explained his business; at least the overview of it. But there was one key point that had prompted Slade to even have this conversation. A key point that confirmed what he had heard of the man. Hamilton explained that he was expanding. Slade had heard the new money lender held promise, and it was why Slade saw opportunity beyond mere payments . . . another point that Elijah brought up. Slade remained silent, his position and expression unchanged.
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"But is it the extent of activity," Slade questioned. Hamilton said that it was the extent of illegal activity, but Slade needed to know all of what occurred in this place. Especially if there was anything that his informants missed. It had after all, not been so long since word of Hamilton had reached the nobleman's ears. "You spoke of expanding," Slade began to explain. "This is where my interest lies beyond mere payments of a percentage of your current business." Truth was, the more areas Slade was able to conduct his own business, the less of a risk. Especially with the increase of Bow Street Runners. People were starting to become paranoid.
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"Tell me, what plans of expansion do you have." Slade asked rather than offered his own experience in this area. How ambitious was Hamilton, truly. "And then, we will discuss opportunities." Assurance, that Slade was going somewhere with this but not before he learned more of Hamilton, and whether he was truly different from the others who made such attempts.
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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 Sept 19, 2021 2:38:50 GMT
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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 Sept 19, 2021 2:38:37 GMT
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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 Sept 19, 2021 2:38:25 GMT
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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 Sept 19, 2021 2:38:10 GMT
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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 Sept 19, 2021 2:27:09 GMT
❖ Rueben ❖Slade ❖ [attr="class","akicattracker2"] [newclass=.akicattracker2:hover]text-shadow: 0px 0 15px #ffffff;[/newclass] [newclass=.akicattracker2]color:#000000;-webkit-transition: all 0.7s ease;transition: all 0.7s ease;[/newclass]  [PTabbedContent][PTab= Canon] [/PTab={color:gray;tab-hover-background-color:#34747b; tab-selected-background-color:#34747b;}] [PTab= AU] [/PTab={color:black;tab-hover-background-color:#34747b; tab-selected-background-color:#34747b;}] [PTab= Memes] [/PTab={color:black;tab-hover-background-color:#34747b; tab-selected-background-color:#34747b;}] [PTab= Completed] [/PTab={color:black;tab-hover-background-color:#34747b; tab-selected-background-color:#34747b;}] [/PTab={color:black;tab-hover-background-color:#34747b; tab-selected-background-color:#34747b;}] [/div][/div] [/PTab={color:gray;tab-hover-background-color:#000000; tab-selected-background-color:#000000;}][/PTabbedContent={margin-top:-5px;background-image:url(); width:354px;height:250px;border:solid #EEAD0E;font-family:Times New Roman;}] |
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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 Sept 12, 2021 23:37:12 GMT
never make DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE. Slade slightly titled his head in response to her question, assuming it was rhetorical but gave some acknowledgement never the less. "You do not strike me as someone who is as clumsy as she claims." It wasn't attempt at flattery or offering a compliment . . . but mere fact that he deduced from recent actions and her self criticism. Besides, it was also in reply to her question . . . that it was only obvious because of what prompted them to begin this conversation. She then spoken of lacking interest in engaging in conversations and marriage proposals. Unmarried and uninterested. Not entirely common -- particularly the latter -- from those he had observed among the ton thus far. Most women seemed to enjoy the attentions and affections of men.
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"Then it would seem you are in quite a predicament, considering your position." As the hostess. As a young woman of a wealthy family. "A unique one at that," he added on verbalizing his thoughts of her lacking desire in such things not be a common mindset among women in the ton and in doing so, offering for her to elaborate. The more he could learn of this woman, the better. But then of course, it went both ways for he was not naive enough to expect her to offer information whilst he gave none of his own.
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"A moment's peace and quiet," he told her truthfully. There were many truths he could not expose yet this one, hardly need be contained. Though he also did not miss the tone of her question. Yes. A unique mindset in this woman indeed. "Is that truly how you feel about them?" He asked, remarking on the tone and what was unsaid in her words rather than what was said. He of course held his own issue with the ton when it came to his refusal to conform to it. Though, perhaps it was less refusal and rebellion and more . . . just him. Who he was as a person and not being bred in the same ways of perfection as the rest of his siblings were.
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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 Sept 12, 2021 23:12:06 GMT
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.
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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 Sept 12, 2021 22:49:49 GMT
never make DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE. Slade had been out of the ton for a reason: he did not enjoy nor desire such events. But alas, re-entering society for the sake of his daughter came with it, certain obligations and expectations. Though, he had to admit . . . there was a level of intrigue considering it was the Davenports who were hosting. Slade had dealings with the Marquis though it had been quite some time since they formally met. That was after all the purpose of Slade assisting to run his establishment: that the Davenport name be distanced as much as possible. But it also brought forth the necessity for his bodyguards, well hidden as his carriage driver.
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The crowd had been large and Slade, unused to such boisterous gatherings stepped outside of the room for a moment's peace. One would think that having attended various businesses that could arguably be far more boisterous and certainly more lude than this one, that he would grow accustomed to these surroundings. But he never lingered in them for long. And always held a purpose. Tonight, his purpose seemed far more difficult to achieve for he doubted he would find a mother for Evelina this evening. While Slade was usually an observant individual, he found himself distracted taking in every detail of the house, his eyes casually scanning the room but his mind committing it to memory -- through no choice of his own as it was rather automatic. While he heard footsteps approach, he did not expect nor anticipate that she would trip over his cane, causing both her to stagger and the item to fall to the ground.
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Slade looked at her, his instincts differing from that of a true gentleman for he did not extend his hand to offer assistance in regaining her balance. Nor, did she seem to expect it for she hurriedly regained herself, picking up his cane. He reached for his offered property as she apologized. He would have dismissively nodded, thus ending the conversation . . . but then she introduced herself. Elizabeth Davenport. He knew that the Marquis had a daughter, but never had he made her acquaintance. There would have been no need or reason for it. But, perhaps in the future . . . it would be valuable to know the young woman before him.
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Or at least her face which was already settled in his mind. With a nod of acknowledgement and acceptance toward her apology, he continued with his own introduction. "Lord Rueben Slade," he offered in return, having no issue with the revelation of his name as there was no familiarity between them. "You are among the hosting family, yet are out here." A question in his words as he was curious to know why she was distanced from most of her guests. "In haste, it would seem." For she had not taken notice of his cane and despite her calling herself clumsy . . . surely she was not that clumsy.
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