Victorian Romonce: An Age of Love and Scandal!

[ShadowPrincess]

The large ballroom of the Grand Duke of Leighton buzzer with the chatter of young men an women. It was the night of the first ball of the Season. Arianna stood on her adoptive fathers arm staring out at the people. The large crystal chandeliers were lit with hundreds of candles, the flames reflecting off the gold ceiling.

Arianna Looked for her friends, hoping to spot someone she could socialize with while taking a turn about the room. Ari was still new to the Nobility and the customs they had. She was wearing a very expensive maroon satin ball gown with small rubies adorning the plunging neckline. It showed off everything a man would be looking for in a young bride. Her mother's locket, a golden oval encrusted with diamonds, rested in the hollow of her throat.

"Now don't be too concerned with finding a husband right away, Arianna." The Duke of Marston's low voice whispered to her. "Tonight is just to get you acquainted with the Ton and find eligible suitors."

Ari nodded and glanced about the room once more hoping one of her friends would see her and rescue her from being paraded around like a show pony.

[RenDarsie]

As she crossed the ballroom Joanna received several scoffs of disapproval. She wasn't surprised however, as she had become accustomed to it. She attended many of these events without an escort and was therefore sometimes the topic of distaste for the socially respectable. She ignored them, and continued her way to an unoccupied space far from the dance floor.

Tonight she wore a gown of deep purple, almost black. It was rather simple, draping down her slender frame without being too form revealing. Corset lacing with black ribbons ascended from her waist upwards on both the back and bust of the gown, but there was no other ornamentation. She wore black gloves to her elbows, and a garnet pendant dangled from a black choker necklace. As for her hair, it fell plainly over her shoulders. This was the most she would dress up for an event like this, after all once it was over she would likely be gallivanting in the slums.

She watched as ornamented ladies and suave gentleman participated in polite conversation, giggling and exchanging small mischievous smiles. "How much simpler it would be without all this formality, if one could just express themselves without fear of insulting another or being ostracized." Joanna said quietly to herself as she observed the room. Hopefully she would find Arianna soon. Joanna was quite accustomed to this kind of environment, but she wasn't so sure about how Ari would react. "Perhaps she'd be easier to find if I were to actually look around." Joanna muttered, and began to walk slowly from her secluded sanctuary and into the sea of people scattered throughout the ballroom.

[XanesFox]

Eli had heard of Londons Duke Marston was throwing a grand ball in honor of his daughters eligibility for marriage. Whats even worse is that his father had heard as well and decided that the whole family were to go. So dressed in their best, the Ambrose family had set out in their horse and carriage to the grand estate of the lonely duke to attend this wonderous event.

Along the way after hearing heavy nagging from his father about being as presentable as possible his ruby eyes rolled in their sockets. "Father what if I do not wish to marry?" The albino young man asked and with no haste from his father got a retort of; "Eli you will marry by the end of this month with or without my help. You're of age and I WILL NOT have you sully our family name to be some harlot who cant seem to keep his long john in his trousers!" The boy had pulled his rather long snow white locks back in an decent manner to appease his father which earned a smicker from his little brother Fergus. "Pipsqueak you better shut it... You may be 12 but youre eligibility will come two birthdays from now." His sultry and ohh so ever salty voice had warned the little boy about his upcoming life. Which seemed to work the kid shut his trap and stayed quiet.

Once the Ambrose family had made it to the Estate the youngest was the first to spring out of the carrage followed closely of the two boy's father. The elder gentleman turned to his eldest son with a glare and then the oldest son had gotten out. Standing up straight and walking tall the three men had entered the luxurious estate. "Fergus go dance I'll be right back with your brother." Their father had said dragging the eldest boy up to the Duke himself and had introduced himself and his son.

Elijah on the other hand got one glimpse of the much younger daughter and his heart melted away. "Good evening Milady Arianna. May I say you look rather ravishing tonight?" He had said taking her hand and giving it a kiss on the knuckles. She was his type in every way; young, beautiful, elegantly dressed, and He was pretty sure she had a sharp toungue to her. "If Milady is parched I'll fetch her a drink." He offered trying to swoon her from the get go. Eli's actions seemed to please his father heavily as the two older gentleman had split ways and started to talk to other guests.






Salaì on the other hand had heard that this party needed a few extra hands to help with entertainment and had offered the Duke his piano playing to keep the guests entertained among with his sketch book and charcoals to draw some of the guests for a small coin. His father and step mother were hosting at the central art museum this night and he didn't want to be stuck watching his step sister. Sitting at the piano the young italian man had been playing Nocturne Opas 9 by Bach for the past five minutes with the orchestra helping him along the way. He decided after this song to take a break from playing to get himself a drink and socialize a bit with the many rich patrons who have come to greet the young Duchessa(duchess).

Salaì had been playing most of his night away but was growing tired and itching to draw some of the scenery in the palazzo hes in. Once the song had ended another pianist had taken his place so he could roam about for a while. But being of new money as some of the aristocats here called it, he didn't know very many people. So after getting a drink of wine that was offered, he sat down by a wall with his sketch book and pencil in hand.

The young boy was sketching the many visitors and the ball room when he had seen the young woman these fine folk came to see. "Now I see why these people have come...." He says admiring her natural beauty. "But even I know men like that are vultures...." He had thought to himself while making fun of Eli who was trying hard for the girl to like him. After having a small insulting conversation to himself Salaì had let his eyes travel the crowd and seen Johanna wondering about looking lost. He quick took a sketch of her and had gotten up from his spot.

[ShadowPrincess]

Arianna bowed to the Duke of Leighton's daughter. She had managed to excuse herself from constant watch of her adoptive father. Her short talk with the young man trying to win her heart had ended with her politely promising him a spot on her dance card later in the evening. She had caught a glimpse of Joanna and was heading her way when another man stopped her. He was older and, according to her father, a notorious rake in society. She bit her lip lightly as he grabbed her arm to lead her to the dance floor.

Ari gasped at the pain in her arm and pulled away, trying not to make a scene. Her good friend Joanna was spotted on the edge on the mass in the ballroom and Ari called out to her, excusing herself to go to her friend. She clasped Joanna in a short hug. "Thank goodness I found you!" Ari whispered. "This evening has been so overwhelming. Every man in here that is single is after my fathers title and my Dowry. I just don't know who to believe."

[Damacyn]

Ballrooms, a battlefield that always made Daniel unconfortable, mainly because she was such an average dancer and she had the bad habit to step over the unlucky feet of the dames.
She ran a gloved hand on her blonde short hair, a gesture she always do when nervous and entered the ballroom in her high uniform and shiniy silver saber, hoping to find a suitable partner for a round of waltzer before hitting the bouffet.
The words of her father echoed inside her head "This ball will build your reputation in the eye of the respectables, now that you are officially a member of the high society you'll have to stay alert and don't make a fool of yourself... most importantly, don't let anyone know your secret!"
That last bit hit on her heart like a sledgehammer, she heard stories of these "nobles" that are able to ruin the life of a respectable man with simple rumors. She almost wanted to get back to China!

She stayed aside, on the edge of the room, smiling kindly at the ladies that seemed interested in that dashing young officer that was her, but she was feeling a bit lost among all the unkown faces.
She eyed a young lady walking by alone and after a quck sip of wine to take courage she came near her.
"Mind a round of waltzer m'lady?" She asked to Joanna with a kind smile, her voice was kinda husky but still a bit boyish, she could easily pass as a rather young man if it wasn't for her height.

[Neutrally Chaotic]

Antonius stood quietly by one of the several doors that probably lead somewhere off away from the room which seemed to overflow with color. He held a long-stemmed glass in one hand, the other draped over his stomach with the ease of someone familiar with their surroundings. He'd never been here before of course but he'd attended several like it in the past so it was something he was well acquainted with. Anton's father of course had wandered off to talk to other overly-dressed party-goers, leaving him unattended, which in hindsight was perhaps a poor choice. His eyes were already alight with the endless opportunities to brew up some sort of mischief. He just needed a partner in crime. Perhaps someone who looked just as listless as he was? Then again, what was the fun of entertaining someone who he didn't have to work for.

He couldn't help the grin as he took a sip from his glass and pushed off from the wall. Yes, this would be fun. Such a boring affair was quite lucky to have him in attendance. Antonius's eyes searched through the throngs of people, dodging out of the way as people drifted by, their dances seeming monotonously plagiarized. If only the band would play one of those Russian tavern songs his father always went on about, but maybe it just wasn't appropriate. A shame really. Anton shook his head, focusing back on the task at hand as he set his nearly empty glass on a tray as one of the waiters passed by. He had to liven up this party at least a tad.

[RenDarsie]

Not long into her stroll around the ballroom Joanna noticed Ari tearing herself from Eli and fleeing from several other suitors. She smiled softly to herself, 'That girl is too beautiful for her own good' she thought, amused. When Ari reached her Joanna hugged her tightly and briefly, then stood with her hands softly laying on Ari's shoulders. "Don't worry, love" Joanna said softly to her jarred friend. "I promise you'll make it through this night unscathed. The first ball is always the worst, it is your public reveal after all. Everyone is going to want to get to acquainted with you. Take deep breaths." Joanna spoke evenly and softly to soothe Ari's nerves.

As she spoke with Ari, a young gentleman not much taller than her with blond hair in a military uniform approached her asking for a waltz. Internally, Joanna cringed. 'A waltz? How terribly boring.' She thought. 'The parties at the brothels have much more exciting dances.' Yet externally she offered a small polite smile to the man. "Wouldn't it be more polite to offer your name first, officer?" She chided coyly. She glanced to Ari, this man didn't seem imposing and dancing with a calmer gentleman might ease her nerves and allow her to begin enjoying herself. "Might I introduce to you the Lady Arianna." Joanna said formally. "Tonight is her first public reveal, and as the proper young woman she is she is quite nervous. I take it a military man of yourself could treat her to a polite dance, unlike the other beasts parading around this room?" Joanna gestured to the several suitors left in Ari's wake towards Joanna.

She glanced around the room once more, searching for any sort of familiar face to get out of having to dance. Not far her gaze landed on Antonius and instead of instantly looking away as she had done with every other face, she paused. He had such an interesting expression on his face, almost a placid look of disinterest but beneath that was something more. She blinked a few times and tore her gaze away and she felt her pulse begin to speed up. 'What the hell Joanna. Don't even think about it. He's just some rich prick like everyone else here obviously.' She scolded herself and returned her attention to Daniel and Arianna.

[Damacyn]

"My, where are my manners!" Daniel said while smiling and doing a courteous bow, the one she always use when dealing with the top brass in the army.
"My name is Sir Daniel Law Montgomery, pleased to make your acquaitance Lady Arianna" she said while handkissing the young lady. She spotted a few dirty looks from Arianna's suitors, she would have to deal with a few disgruntled gentlemen later, but for now she preferred to don't pay attention to them, afterall she wasn't in the mood for a ballroom brawl.
"I'm myself in a first public reveal, at least to the english society, I came back from China just a week ago, but I must say that the chinese ladies aren't quite skilled with european dances" She said with a grin and offered her arm to Arianna. "Mind to show me how the english dames dance?".

She glanced behind Joanna and Arianna and noticed a young man with the hair as white as the snow, drawing something while looking at the ladies.
Daniel felt a weird warm feeling while looking at the boy, but she scoffed it and returned her attention at the lady.

[Cinderfloof]

Lucian walked slowly into the ballroom, rather late indeed but trying to stay away from the public eye. He'd always hated things like this. It would consist of awkward young women caked with jewels and lace parading in front of him, impolite whispers of the materialistic snobs circling the air, and an inevitable request for him to play the piano. The last part he wasn't too upset about, at least. He would never feel as comfortable as he did when playing. Everything was alright, just for a second. For now he planned on just sticking as far away from everyone else as he possibly could, though, avoiding the members of the ball and looking rather interested in the architecture of the mansion.

Lucian recognized that things would be bad if he didn't find a suitor before this season was over, but also couldn't bring himself to act upon it. He just didn't want a wife. He didn't want to lie to her about how she was beautiful or tell her that he loved her when he truly never would. In all honesty, he wasn't even paying any attention to the female attendees. The men were far more attractive, sleek and fine. His cerulean eyes drifted softly.

[ShadowPrincess]

Arianna nodded to Daniel and took the hand offered to her. "I would be honored to dance with you." She spoke in a soft voice. "It just so happens that my dance card is free at this time. My father will be please to see I am enjoying a dance."

She stepped out on the floor letting herself get carried away with the music. She was a magnificent dancer, having practiced Ballet for most of her childhood and taking dancing lessons in preparations for her debut to society. Her satin gown ruffled in the candle light and the jewels on it sparkled.

"Thank you for rescuing me Sir Daniel. I did not think I could bare another moment of those awful men trying to claim my dowry on my first night out." Ari blushed softly confessing to the man about her unease in the mass of people who had come to meet her.