Post Dance I • Baylor / Magnus
“I’m well aware of that, but a gentle reminder never hurts,” she quipped, flashing a teasing smile in his direction before turning her attention once more to Lady Adeline. There was no denying the grace and beauty that surrounded Lady Delaney, making her a coveted jewel in the eyes of society, including the elusive Queen herself. Pursuing someone as highly sought-after as Lady Delaney might seem like a long shot, but destiny had a way of surprising even the most skeptical hearts.
“I suppose I could always use this as leverage and threaten to spill the beans to Maisie,”!she playfully suggested, a mischievous smirk gracing her lips.
“A place like this would be a haven for both you and your horses, don’t you think?” she chimed in with a nod of agreement, her expression reflecting the tranquil beauty of the surroundings she imagined in her mind. “It holds such a sense of serenity and wholesomeness.”
As he inquired about her own plans for the future, she paused, her thoughts drifting to the aspirations that often felt like secrets held close to her heart. In an ideal world, a world of boundless possibilities, she envisioned herself traveling, pursuing higher education at a university, embracing a life of exploration and knowledge. But the reality of her status as a woman in society dictated a different path, one of societal expectations and responsibilities.
“The future I imagine and the future that awaits me are two different worlds,” she replied with a touch of melancholy, her gaze thoughtful. In a world where societal norms often circumscribed a woman’s dreams, her own aspirations were often constrained by the roles she was expected to play.
“Oh, how I wish,” she agreed with a wistful sigh, her eyes filled with a longing for adventures beyond the horizon. “That sounds utterly amazing, and I would relish every moment if only it were possible,” she added, her voice tinged with a touch of regret.
“Perhaps, for the time being, I shall content myself with your captivating stories,” she continued, a playful twinkle in her eye. The idea of traveling and exploring the world together, throwing caution to the wind, was undeniably appealing.
For a fleeting moment, Dorothea allowed her imagination to wander, picturing a life where she and Baylor embarked on thrilling journeys side by side. The excitement, the companionship, and the shared experiences painted an enticing picture.
She couldn’t help but wonder about the path her life might have taken if she had chosen a different course, if she had married Baylor. Such thoughts might be considered inappropriate for friends, but with Baylor being one of the closest to her heart, curiosity tugged at the corners of her mind. After all, he was an exceptional man. Nevertheless, that wasn’t their reality, and she was content with the cherished friendship they shared.
“But I must admit, I do quite enjoy a fine glass of whiskey,” she confessed, a sly grin playing on her lips. a hint of mischief in her eyes. “At least that part of the story I can indulge in myself.” She smiled playfully “I do believe it’s time for me to refresh myself,” she announced with grace. “Hopefully, our paths shall cross once more,” she added, giving him a slight nod as they parted ways. With that, she made her way through the ballroom, determined to find herself a refreshing beverage.
As Dorothea gracefully navigated her way through the dancing couples, she suddenly found herself caught in an unexpected mishap. A young woman from a nearby couple had tripped on her dress and collided with Dorothea, causing her to momentarily lose her balance. The reflexive expletive escaped her lips, a whispered “fck” escaping into the air as she swiftly righted herself.
She turned to the embarrassed girl who had bumped into her, but before she could say anything, the girl offered a hurried apology and fled, leaving Dorothea somewhat flustered by the encounter. With a composed breath of air, she turned her attention back to the person she had bumped into, and to her surprise, she found herself in front of none other than Prince Magnus Edevane. Her eyes widened in surprise. She had just used profanity in front of a prince and bumped into him? This was not how she had envisioned her evening. Mother better not hear about this.
“Oh, I do apologize, your grace,” she said, her voice maintaining its grace and poise. “I certainly did not mean to use such language in your presence,” she added, realizing the impropriety of her words and the situation. “And, of course, I did not intend to bump into you, your grace.” After a brief pause, she added, “Or anyone else, for that matter.”
Unlike the countless starry-eyed young ladies both within and beyond the ballroom, Dorothea harbored no desire to engage in conversation with the prince, let alone seek his attention. This rather unexpected mishap had caught her entirely off guard.
Was he handsome? Undoubtedly. Did he exude a pleasing scent unlike most of the men in the room? Absolutely. But did she harbor any desire to marry him? Not in the slightest.
@CrazyCaliope Magnus
@Jass Baylor
@Littlefeets Maisie mentioned
@sunflowerjm Adeline Mentioned
@Madilfill I think auggie is second if you have him free