“Make haste, cousin!” Orpheus tugged at his left shoe whose laces had been tangled underneath him. Finally managing to pull the shoe over his foot, he hobbled out of the dressing room into Corin’s bedchamber.
Corin had been sat up in bed all afternoon, charting a new route for a recent business agreement he had made in India, and very skillfully ignoring Orpheus’ whining.
“We cannot be late to the first event of the season, Corin. If I have to dress you myself, I shall.” Orpheus teased, tossing Corin’s dress clothes onto the bed.
“It is far too early for dressing, and you are wrinkling my coat. Can you not entertain yourself outside of my bedchamber, cousin? Or do you live only to taunt my every waking moment?” Corin smiled a half-smile, closing the map as he peered up at his very excitable younger cousin.
“If you do not dress now, all the ladies of the ton will have their dance cards full by our arrival, I shall never wed, and I will indeed irrevocably taunt your every waking moment for all eternity. Now…” Orpheus took a calming breath and narrowed his eyes in Corin’s direction as he held up the untouched suit. “Will you dress, or will you be my bride this season?” Orpheus raised a brow, catching his breath after his ramble.
Corin rolled his eyes as he tossed his feet over the side of the bed.
“Fine. Enough jest. I will prepare to leave. Go finish primping and preening and leave me be.” Corin chuckled, taking the all black suit from Orpheus and moving to his dressing room. In truth, Corin would much prefer for Orpheus to stay unwed. Then, perhaps, the burden of being the eldest could be staved off by them both for yet another year.
However, Corin was aware that time was hardly on his side, and misfortune struck their family more often than not. If he did not wed and produce an heir soon, all of the efforts of his father and grandfather could be in vain.
Corin quickly pulled himself into his attire, adjusting his hair in a perfectly swept back style. He glanced down at his shoes, a brand new black leather pair, perfectly crafted to his size, and he smiled. ‘Perhaps she would be there tonight too.’ He thought. As he finished preparing, he glanced in the mirror.
It took little for Corin to achieve the kind of stand-out attractiveness most men, like Orpheus, desperately sought. Despite minimal effort in his appearance, it was Corin’s cool allure that seemed to pull people in.
“We will be on time, Orpheus. Have the footmen pull the carriage around. Let us depart before your nerves burst your inseam.” Corin smiled to himself, moving toward the entrance with Orpheus.
“Boys.” A deep voice bellowed from the depths of the main foyer. Orpheus’ father, Ezra, stood at the back of the hall, cast in shadow. “I expect brilliant matches. You are responsible for continuing our line and ensuring our successes. Do not mess this up.” He finished his statement as the staff opened the doors to the estate showcasing the opulent carriage pulled to the front steps.
Corin and Orpheus looked to one another, one whose face was alight with hope and excitement, the other drawn pale from the thought of attending the event at all. Both, in desperate need of a match, whether desired or not.
They entered the carriage, speaking little as they rode toward the Queen’s opening ball.
As they stepped out, Orpheus could not help the awed gasp at the sight of the decor and the lights of the party inside. Even Corin looked on in amazement. Despite his travels and wealth, he had often stayed away from the grand events of the upper class.
“Come…Corin, come!” Orpheus tugged on Corin’s sleeve, pulling him forward and effectively snapping Corin out of his dazed stare. Corin had not been prepared for events such as these, and despite his disinterest, his anxiety was palpable.
Corin and Orpheus entered, their eyes scanning the crowd of people that had already formed.
Corin’s landing on only one person in particular.
“Ilyas…” Corin breathed, a smile deceiving the distain he felt at attending. Corin had not seen Ilyas since he had left France. Their communications were inconsistent and brief. Corin had often wondered what became of him after he had left, but he had never imagined they would reunite here.
Ilyas seemed most enthralled in a conversation with a young woman Corin did not recognize. Not wanting to disrupt, Corin tried to stable his mind and headed toward a corner of the ballroom.
“Go, Orpheus, enjoy your time. I shall keep watch from here.” Corin said, shooing his younger cousin away. Corin was well aware of Orpheus’ excitement, and could not let his own fears taint his cousin’s joy. However, the music, lights, and crowd were already becoming overwhelming for Corin. As he made his way to the corner of the room, he pulled a small flask from his pocket and took a sip. At events such as this, Corin was well aware the only provisions provided were likely wines and champagnes, all of which Corin had sworn off years ago. Instead, he brought a Korean herbal tea in his flask, one hailed in the East for soothing nerves. Corin had hoped it would work tonight.
“I will check in with you soon!” Orpheus promised as he ran off across the ballroom. Corin knew that would likely not be the case, but he appreciated the sentiment. Corin stood, alone, sipping his tea and observing the very unfamiliar scene play out in front of him.
Orpheus on the other hand could not be more in his element. Happily glancing around the ballroom at the people he had known for some time, he was looking for one woman in particular to dance with this evening. And he had just found her.
“Lia!” Orpheus, called, maneuvering over to Aurelia and her sister. As he approached he saw a man. Not any man, but Harrison Davis. A notorious rake and devilish conman of hearts.
Orpheus stopped in his tracks, his fists clenching at his sides.
‘How dare he approach her? With such a nonchalant, faux-suave countenance. Vile.’ Orpheus thought, his blood rising to his face out of anger. It should be known that Orpheus would court her again this season, as he had the last, and he did not take kindly to competition of any sort. Especially, involving matters of the heart.
As quickly as he had called, Orpheus spun on his heels and moved the way he came.
Orpheus made his way to the corner Corin stood in, his blood boiling.
Corin looked on in confusion, the shift in his cousin’s disposition having shifted drastically in a matter of seconds.
“Is there an issue, cousin?” Corin attempted to stifle his laughter, trying to scan the crowd for the cause of Orpheus’ mood change.
“No.” Orpheus said, grabbing two glasses of champagne from the table behind Corin and quickly downing both glasses. “No issue.” Orpheus hissed, averting his eyes and trying to breathe.
Corin forced a smile and gave Orpheus a pat on the back. It was time to mentor, Corin supposed. Which was, in fact, the very reason Corin had agreed to stay for the season at all, to guide Orpheus along the right path.
“There are many men present more experienced in the ways of the ton, and women, than you and I, cousin. Do not take slight to friendly competition. You are valiant at heart.” Corin attempted to motivate him. “Besides,” Corin continued, “Any woman worthy of your arm will come in time. We have many an event ahead of us this season. Fret not.” Corin took another swig of his tea. “Find a lady to dance with. Whether she holds your gaze or not. Have fun this first night, Orpheus. You have been looking forward to this. Do not let such petty convictions stray you from finding your heart.” Corin finished his motivational speech, and it did, in fact, seem to stir Orpheus once again.
“You are most wise, cousin.” Orpheus smiled, giving Corin a pat in return. “I only wish you would heed your own advice and relish in the festivities yourself. I’ll be off.” Orpheus said, moving back into the crowd, and leaving Corin alone in the corner once more.
both approachable
mentioned:
Ilyas @Madilnel
Harrison @Kristi
Aurelia @benitz786
