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Duke of Doom
"This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England."
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Duke
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Duke of Wellington
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Post by William Slade on Nov 24, 2021 4:00:10 GMT
 this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden "That simply proves that you know nothing of me, Elizabeth." He added after she questioned his sense of humour. Perhaps it was the fact that he was a Duke, and most individuals who held the same status as he did were grumpy old men -- save for the Duke of Hastings, of course. Though frankly, he was also somewhat of a reserved man, even after his marriage to Daphne Bridgerton.
"Perhaps I am the sort of man that never refuses a challenge," William smirked, referring to her actions the evening before. "You certainly are one. Let me tell you what I think of you," He paused for a moment, ensuring that her lady's mid had not returned yet. "You're a lady who thinks highly of herself -- as you should, of course," William needed to add that, unless he truly wished for another thrust to the chest by Elizabeth Davenport. "Nobody matches your fancy because you consider them highly tedious, and that was surely your initial thought of me," It hurt to utter it aloud, as well. "So, it astounds me that you were offended by my respectful goodbye."
Hopefully, she deemed his words unobjectionable (though she probably would not). "As for the ball tonight, you may steal my attention and fend off the eager mamas."
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Duke of Doom
"This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England."
Personal Text
Duke
Rank
Duke of Wellington
Occupation
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Tina
Offline
He/Him
Tag me @tina
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Post by William Slade on Nov 24, 2021 3:43:46 GMT
this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden He understood very well that his niece had a terribly strong attachment to the animal, judging merely by her expressions and words directed at the goat. However, William simply would not have it under his roof, specifically because it made his mother deeply uncomfortable. Also, it had ruined a perfectly decent dinner. It was disrespect, and if Reuben could have only leashed it outside, everything would have gone well.
His crystal blues watched as she helped tame the goat, embracing it softly as it hopped off the table. William relaxed slightly, knowing that the situation was something contained and by his five-year-old niece, of all people. The Duke might as well have docked his servant's pay for their lack of skills in taming the beast, but he wouldn't. They already slaved all day to maintain the household. It was not their fault that Reuben brought the animal inside the house without much warning. Yes, it was definitely Reuben's fault.
"You are my brother," He corrected him. "Act as such."
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Duke of Doom
"This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England."
Personal Text
Duke
Rank
Duke of Wellington
Occupation
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Tina
Offline
He/Him
Tag me @tina
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Post by William Slade on Nov 24, 2021 3:28:23 GMT
this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden William gently took a seat across from the chaise that she'd chosen to perch down on. He could not fully relax until she did, and upon doing so, he removed his top hat and positioned it on his knee, acknowledging her as she finally uttered her words about him making the decision to appear there that day.
"My reasoning," He responded, chuckling a bit. "Elizabeth," He forwent the formalities now that her lady's maid wasn't in the room with them. "I am here to ask for your hand in marriage, of course," That was a genuine joke -- somewhat. The Duke shook his head, "No, I am simply here to persuade you that I am not the sort of man you perceive me to be," Was he on the correct path? He dearly hoped so. "It was not my plan to steal your attention for the rest of the evening. Plenty of others were ready to write on your dance card, or had you not noticed?"
She then mentioned the ball. "I will only attend if you do."
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Duke of Doom
"This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England."
Personal Text
Duke
Rank
Duke of Wellington
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Tina
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He/Him
Tag me @tina
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Post by William Slade on Nov 24, 2021 2:48:33 GMT
this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden Sir Gilly was getting on his nerves and if his servants did not remove it from the premises, he would burn down London if he had to. This was certainly unexpected, but then again, when his younger brother was involved, was this not expected? Even though it was probably his niece's goat, why on earth would he even approve of attaining the goat for her sake? It was entirely improper! A dog, sure, but a goat!?
To make matters worse, the servants lost control of the animal, and it hopped onto the dinner table, causing more stir in the dining room as his sisters rose from their seats, their screeches slightly louder. William did not dare look in his mother's direction, either, knowing full well that she must have been horrified by the scene that was unfolding in the Slade home.
He could hear was his niece was saying, yet his focus was fully on the animal that was munching away at the vegetables that had been carefully cooked to perfection by the family's cooks. "Oh, for Heaven's sake, men, take control of the thing, or I will!" They tried again to no avail. William peered over at his brother, who sat there amused, watching the scene. "YOU! He suddenly demanded. "Put a leash on your animal, or I will!" It was a strict demand as he glared daggers into the fellow man's soul. "NOW!"
This was the last straw.
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Duke of Doom
"This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England."
Personal Text
Duke
Rank
Duke of Wellington
Occupation
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Tina
Offline
He/Him
Tag me @tina
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Post by William Slade on Nov 24, 2021 2:34:10 GMT
this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden He felt relief when she accepted the rose from him, bringing it to her nose to smell it. William had retreated to a safe distance afterwards, awaiting her next request -- it was either for him to leave or stay, and luckily for him, it was the latter. He nodded once, offering her and her lady's maid an good-natured grin that expressed genuine gratitude. "I'd never refuse that honour."
Judging from her reaction the evening before, he was surprised she hadn't tossed the said tea in his face. Elizabeth seemed incredibly displeased that he'd vacated the premises instead of permitting them a second dance. Had he known it would offend her, he would have never done so. However, her reaction amused him, and intrigued him further to study why she'd been so piqued. Was she genuinely interested in him? The daughter of the marquess seemed to hold incredibly high standards.
"Forgive me, Lady Elizabeth, but I find myself surprised that you welcome my company -- are you not to get ready for the Wellington's ball?"
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Duke of Doom
"This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England."
Personal Text
Duke
Rank
Duke of Wellington
Occupation
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Tina
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He/Him
Tag me @tina
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Post by William Slade on Nov 24, 2021 0:49:53 GMT
this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden To be perfectly frank, he was not thinking he'd find Bellamy Talbot on the other side of the door dancing to himself with music... where on earth was that music coming from? The man had previously had an ailment, proving to overcome it and return to society to reside as a future Duke. William was even more surprised at his reaction. It was almost as if he'd seen a ghost, and acted as if it was the very first time he'd been in the presence of a Duke, when in reality, he was to become one himself.
"Well, you can't practice on your own," William chimed in, taking a step inside and examining the surrounding room. "You would require a dance partner," Or else it would be entirely messy, and he'd step on the woman's toes. He wouldn't be his practice companion, either. William would leave that to one of his sister's. "Tell me -- have you attended a ball, Talbot?" It was his curiosity that led him to ask that question. Normally, he wouldn't care for such discussions, but Bellamy's sudden reappearance had him intrigued, especially if he were to marry his sister.
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Duke of Doom
"This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England."
Personal Text
Duke
Rank
Duke of Wellington
Occupation
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Tina
Offline
He/Him
Tag me @tina
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Post by William Slade on Nov 23, 2021 19:20:01 GMT
this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden Elizabeth had appeared with her lady's maid. Instantly, upon her curtsey, William mirrored her action and respectfully offered her a bow back. "Lady Davenport," For they were in the presence of a lady's maid and Lord only knew if he could trust her.
Was he even permitted to name the woman before him Elizabeth in the presence of her maid? He doubted it and he wasn't about to take that chance, especially after the night before.
"I..." William paused for a moment, taking in the beauty he'd so foolishly disregarded when he abandoned her on that bloody dancefloor. "I owe you a most sincere apology for the way I acted yesterday," The Duke began, hoping that she would at least hear him out before sending him off. He then revealed a crimson rose from behind his back, offering it to her. "Please, I pray that you will accept it."
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Duke of Doom
"This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England."
Personal Text
Duke
Rank
Duke of Wellington
Occupation
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Tina
Offline
He/Him
Tag me @tina
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Post by William Slade on Nov 23, 2021 19:02:27 GMT
this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden Accompanied by his footmen and carriage, William requested that he visit the Davenport estate the night after Elizabeth left him stranded at the ball, with hardly a word able to escape his throat. Call it fear, call it anxiety stemming from what she may have told Charles Davenport, call it what you may, but he felt as if he needed to set things right.
He was relatively sure that some of her family must have been home, and thus, they were chaperoned. It would have been improper of him to enter a room with her alone, especially considering their statuses in high society. He'd even written the home a short letter, sealed with the Slade crest, to request their company -- be it with her father or her siblings.
William arrived at the door, giving it a few knocks before being allowed in by a servant of the house. Nodding once toward them, he made his way inside, and was instructed to wait in a drawing room nearby before any of the residents arrived. Silently moving toward the fireplace, he peered at down at the burning wood, trying to collect his thoughts about what he was going to say to the woman who'd left him so very inarticulate.
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Duke of Doom
"This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England."
Personal Text
Duke
Rank
Duke of Wellington
Occupation
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Tina
Offline
He/Him
Tag me @tina
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Post by William Slade on Nov 23, 2021 4:02:41 GMT
this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden As he took his leave from the dance floor, William considered approaching another lady from the English ton for a dance. It would only offer his mother happiness, and that was all he required. However, he would wait for a while and find some liquor, first -- preferably a strong brandy. It would be his first one for the night (surprisingly, considering his terrible vice).
Before he could approach one of the servers, William felt a presence behind him and an incredibly familiar voice behind it. Turning to face the woman he'd only just danced with, he arched an eyebrow at her choice of words. Had he even realised that he'd offended her, not that he thought he did, he would have offered an immediate apology. Rather, he stood there and listened, questioning what it was that he'd done wrong, except from excuse himself from a dance so that she'd have the chance to converse with someone else. Was that not gentlemanly of him?
"You read me wrong, Eliza-" But before he could even respond to her, she'd taken her leave and left him utterly speechless. William hadn't even realised that he improperly referred to her by her first name instead of her appropriate prefix. Instead, he was focused on the trail of confusion that she had left behind. What had he done that was so insulting? Would his indescribable action return to her father's ears? The eldest Slade desired nothing more than to fix it, yet he could not understand what needed fixing.
He needed to pay her a visit.
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Duke of Doom
"This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England."
Personal Text
Duke
Rank
Duke of Wellington
Occupation
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Tina
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He/Him
Tag me @tina
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Post by William Slade on Nov 23, 2021 3:43:14 GMT
this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden "What the devil is that commotion?" William inquired only moments after he'd asked his sisters about their possible admirers. It was coming from outside the family dining room, and the servants seemed to be trying to contain... something. Peering at his mother first, he offered her a look of confusion, and then turned to his brother. Then, the door flung open, and a furred creature with four legs trotted in. Was it a pony of some sort? That question did not matter, for all he cared about now was where on earth it hailed from. Then, his niece called out its apparent name and William raised an eyebrow, sitting upright in his seat.
"Sir Gilly?" Who on earth named that monstrosity Sir Gilly? Before he could ask any more questions, however, the animal leapt onto his lap and began licking at his face. Groaning loudly, William attempt to pull it off of him, finally realising that it was a bloody goat. "WILL SOMEONE REMOVE THIS GOAT FROM MY VICINITY?!" He demanded of his servants, particularly the male ones with larger frames, to come to his aid as his own power barely seemed to work against its powerful vigour. Finally, before the servants could hesitantly leap in, he pushed it from his lap and rose from his seat, heaving heavily. "WHAT ON EARTH IS THE MEANING OF THIS?!" The lion roared.
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Duke of Doom
"This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England."
Personal Text
Duke
Rank
Duke of Wellington
Occupation
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Tina
Offline
He/Him
Tag me @tina
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Post by William Slade on Nov 23, 2021 3:19:36 GMT
this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden Slade was there to see Marianne and spend the morning with her. However, she was nowhere to be seen, and upon requesting her presence from the footmen, they instructed him to wait in the foyer of the Talbot home until she returned. Normally, he would have done so, but he could not help but hear music coming from a room not so far from where he stood. Thus, William decided to investigate the source of it, hoping that nobody would catch him in the act.
Ignoring the footmen's request, he moved away from the foyer, attempting to learn where the noise was coming from. The closer he wandered down the hallway of the grandiose home, the closer the sound reached his ears until he finally stopped before a door. William swallowed, his throat tightening slightly as he imagined what he would behold on the other side of the door. Gently tugging at the handle, he slowly opened it, only for his eyes to widen at the site, "You are to be my future brother-in-law?" He asked the man who seemed to be dancing on his own.
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Duke of Doom
"This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England."
Personal Text
Duke
Rank
Duke of Wellington
Occupation
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Tina
Offline
He/Him
Tag me @tina
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Post by William Slade on Nov 23, 2021 2:53:15 GMT
this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden William chuckled softly at the gratitude she offered him following his gentle tease, "I am afraid I lack the magic, however, and I'm far from a knight in shining armour," The duke twirled her around, swaying softly to the beat of the music. "That man, however..." He beckoned toward the son of an earl, who happened to be surrounded by ladies. "...Might play that role better." Personally, he was never one to hoard the attention of anyone in the room, allowing individuals to approach him first if they were interested in his company.
'Elizabeth is fine.' Internally, he was startled, yet he tried not to show it. He wasn't used to informality, particularly with the daughter of a marquess. That was certainly not what he'd been taught, and usually, William was the type to play by the rules in a public setting. Private scopes, on the other hand, were something else entirely. "Elizabeth," Whispering so that only the pair could hear him, he offered her a slight smile. "It is only right for you to refer to me as William." And not 'your grace', though he very much preferred that. Power was a lovely dimension to take in.
"Perhaps," He responded to her question with a sense of ambiguity, and upon the waltz arriving to an end, he moved away. "But I'm afraid I'd be wasting your time by requesting another dance, for others may be needing your attention." Bowing once, William retreated from the crowd...
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Duke of Doom
"This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England."
Personal Text
Duke
Rank
Duke of Wellington
Occupation
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Tina
Offline
He/Him
Tag me @tina
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Post by William Slade on Nov 23, 2021 2:26:06 GMT
this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden They'd always had a strained relationship, but ever since the death of Reuben's former wife, William felt as if it had grown worse. The only individual that was keeping the brothers in contact was Evelina, and even then, he barely saw her. He was usually in Wellington, focusing on his duties rather than in Mayfair. The journey back and forth wasn't simple, either, and he was genuinely making an effort to see his family this time, with hopes of making it out alive that current season with a wife by his side.
"Careful, brother, for you tread on dark waters," And only William was aware of what lingered in the abyss. Evelina would probably misunderstand what he meant by his expression, fortunately, for he did not mean to startle her -- only her father. A mild threat to stand down for the Duke had had enough that evening. Clearing his throat, he took another sip from the wine, before lifting it slightly for a servant to replenish the expensive glass. "That will be enough of that, however," Turning to his sisters, he inquired, "Have you received any callers as of late?"
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Duke of Doom
"This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England."
Personal Text
Duke
Rank
Duke of Wellington
Occupation
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Tina
Offline
He/Him
Tag me @tina
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Post by William Slade on Nov 23, 2021 0:54:48 GMT
this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden Upon allowing him the right to write on his dance card, William reached out and picked up the pencil that hung from her wrist, gently writing his name down on her dance card. It had been his first dance for the evening, as they'd only just arrived to the event. This wasn't entirely uncomfortable for the Duke. He'd been readying himself for the season, aiming to find a wife so that he could finally settle and sire and heir.
Leading her away toward the dance floor, he could not help but take a quick peek at her profile. She was attractive, to say the least, yet what of her personality? William Slade had a specific type. Though he knew well then to explain what it was in the presence of a lady like Elizabeth Davenport, he could still compliment her if she matched what he had in mind. Will doubted she did. There was something about her, really, and though he hardly knew anything about it, she wasn't for him.
So, what on earth was the point of this? More gossip for Lady Whistledown?
"If I had magical abilities, I would conjure us both a pair of wings so that we could take our leave," William jested, hoping his choice of words would stir up some comfort between the two. As the music played, he began leading them. "He means well, I'm sure," One would imagine he'd suggest another marquess for his daughter. "What do you make of the ball so far, Lady Elizabeth?"
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Duke of Doom
"This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England."
Personal Text
Duke
Rank
Duke of Wellington
Occupation
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Tina
Offline
He/Him
Tag me @tina
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Post by William Slade on Nov 22, 2021 17:24:41 GMT
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