No Dance: Conversation w/ Harrison Davis ~ongoing~
Corin’s stare stayed fixed on Ilyas until Harrison broke the silence between them.
[color= #d4af37] “He had left us to bother a con artist?…” [/color] Harrison scoffed, clear annoyance still ringing in the vibration of his tone. Con artist? the phrase was particular in its description. Corin wondered what he meant by it, but decided not to question him further on the girl as it seemed tensions lingered from earlier, and Harrison could clearly use a respite rather than prying inquiries.
Corin could not tell if Harrison was hurt or angry or both, but it was clear there was much left unsaid between the two. Corin was never the type for unresolved conflict, so he decided perhaps it might be best to allow Ilyas and Harrison to attempt their own solution, but if he needed to intervene for the sake of peace, he would as he quite enjoyed the idea of their newfound friendship.
[color= #0E6251] “Perhaps Ilyas is far more attached to the girl than you previously thought, Lord D-“ [/color] Corin cleared his throat, a small smile at Harrison‘s correction of formalities. [color= #0E6251] “Harrison.” [/color] Corin finished with a grin. It felt nice to know someone else in this sea of pretentious flattery enough to use an informal first name. The offer from Harrison to use informal addresses set his nerves more at ease. It was rare and infrequent that Corin made friends of any kind as he was often traveling, and was self-admittedly, not the most friendly of people.
[color= #d4af37] “I do wonder about you…” [/color] Harrison continued, discussing both his own clouded thoughts, and his curiosity of Corin’s origins.
[color= #0E6251] “Yes, perhaps a night at the gentlemen’s club will be much more suited to such a discussion. However, you are correct in your assessment of my nationality. I am a Frenchman, born and raised. I do like to consider myself more of a worldly man, yet I suppose my accent betrays my ideals.” [/color] Corin allowed a small chuckle to escape him, ever more hyper-aware of his own speech. He supposed his strange mix of English, Korean, and French accents must sound very strange to the ears of others.
[color= #d4af37] “Tell me apart from title what do you look for in a lady?” [/color] A subtle tease to Harrison’s words as he spoke of Corin’s allure and taste in women.
[color= #0E6251] “To be sure, I am not that fond of English women.” [/color] Corin admitted, fighting a smile. [color= #0E6251] “I find them dull and pretentious. However, I am in need of a wife, not a woman of interest. So, I suppose my preference in a lady is the type that would be open to a marriage with a man who holds no title. Which, among nobility, is often hard to find, despite any wealth, renown, or mysterious allure I may hold.” [/color] Corin smirked, his eyes alight with a familiar lightness that only Ilyas had ever pulled from him. He understood why Ilyas fostered a friendship with Lord Davis, as they held very similar energies and humors. A comforting sort of openness that Corin always felt at ease in the presence of. He could tell they would grow close during their time together this season.
[color= #d4af37] “Ah, the face of nothingness is getting getting to me, perhaps brighter than a smile. No one talks about how much a blank face can hurt. I can’t even look at you right now…Is there any reason you had stopped your laughter…?” [/color] Harrison teased, covering his face with his hands briefly to shield his gaze.
Corin rolled his eyes with a small smile. He and Ilyas were indeed, very similar. There was a familiarity within their interaction that had Corin feeling as if they had known each other for years. In truth, Corin had heard of Harrison briefly from Ilyas, although he never had a face or name to attach to the many stories and childhood references. It was as if they had already been friends for many years, living pre-attached in Corin’s mind through the memories of their mutual friend.
[color= #0E6251] “It is often that I am reminded of the necessary formalities of English court, forgive me.” [/color] Corin said, offering a small smile in the place of his laughter. [color= #0E6251] “I find it quite difficult to share such expressions as laughter in public spaces, or at all, for that matter. But, again, perhaps a conversation best had over a drink, another time.” [/color] Corin held his flask tighter, the realization of his nerves surrounding the night hitting him again as he spoke of expectations and formalities. He decided to distract himself, instead, focusing on the topic of women.
[color= #0E6251] “On a much more intriguing note, I am sure there is a woman of great beauty and little aversion to the idea of marriage in this ballroom. Perhaps there is where I shall find my bride. Your assistance would be much appreciated, Harrison. And I am sure we will be able to find you a woman of equal compatibility within the season, no? Or do you not desire a wife? I would assume a man of your title would be in longing for an heir, but if there is no women that please you here, perhaps our next venture together might be in French court next season.” [/color] Corin gave Harrison another pat, teasing him with the idea of another year’s search. French court did contain some of the most pleasing of women, a more open type, in more ways than one, that Harrison and Ilyas would no doubt find their fill in. However, despite his jest, Corin resented the idea of another season of searching.
In fact, he would sooner marry a scorned woman or a spinster before setting off on another season of courtship festivities. It did not serve him to be single, and despite his lack of desire for a wife or a child, he was aware of their necessity.
This season, Corin would leave England as a married man, he was certain.
mentioned:
Harrison (@Kristi)
Ilyas (@Madilfill)