Albina smiled warmly at Edgar’s response, appreciating his consideration. “Thank you. I appreciate the thought of joining you for a sunrise, but you’re right; early mornings can be quite chilly, and my fondness for warm beds tends to keep me under the covers at such hours.” Her playful side emerged as she leaned in slightly, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “However, I might just be tempted to make an exception for such a poetic endeavor. So, who knows, one day you might find me by your side, enjoying the beauty of a sunrise and the verses it inspires.” Her playful tone conveyed a sense of intrigue, leaving the possibility open.
As the conversation about favorite smells continued, Albina listened attentively. His love for the scent of aged wine seemed to pique her curiosity even more, as it was something she had not known about him nor would have guessed. “Aged wine does have a distinctive and pleasant aroma, I can’t deny that,” she agreed with a gentle nod. “You do have a refined taste, I must say.” Then a playful smile returned, " But a self-proclaimed connoisseur, you say? I’m intrigued. Perhaps we ought to put your connoisseur skills to the test someday. When I visit your estate for the medical pamphlets, I shall bring my finest wine, and you can impress me with your expertise. How does that sound?" Albina did not drink wine often, but she enjoyed the finer wines from time to time. She then spoke in a more serious tone again, “Speaking of studying the pamphlets, I shall send word ahead of my visit, and I’ll greatly look forward to your warm welcome.”
Albina could not help but feel a bit touched by the words Edgar spoke next, it really made her excited to know she had someone like him in her life. Albina’s eyes lit up with excitement and a hint of admiration as she responded to Edgar, “Lord Edgar, you’ve just made my day with those words! The passion for learning is an attribute I truly appreciate in a person. The idea of exploring new horizons and constantly expanding one’s knowledge is, in itself, quite thrilling.” She couldn’t help but feel a surge of admiration and connection to Edgar’s shared enthusiasm for learning. Her playful spirit shone through as she added with a teasing glint in her eye, “Who knows, we might end up competing to see who can master a new skill first. Me obtaining medical knowledge, you playing an instrument. An enjoyable challenge, wouldn’t you agree?” She knew it was not a fair challenge, as she was greatly at an advantage, it was much easier to study some pamphlets that obtain the skill to play an instrument, however, she enjoyed the idea of it being a competition too much not to say those words.
With that, their dance came to an ending. “I look forward to our future meetings, Lord Edgar” she said as she looked him directly into his eyes. She loved Edgar’s company, he offered her the mental stimulation she so desired, and even if she enjoyed playfully flirting with him, she was not quite sure whether she could actually see him as an option for marriage. At that moment, she saw a face that surprised her was her tonight. “And I most enjoyed our dance. But if you would politely excuse me now.”
Approaching Bruce still feeling a slight air of surprise, she extended a gracious nod and offered a polite smile, her words tinged with curiosity. “Bruce, I must inquire, what has brought you to this gathering?” Her voice carried a hint of playful surprise. “Investigating another case amidst the ton so early into the season? You certainly don’t let the grass grow under your feet, do you?” She allowed a soft, amused chuckle to escape her lips as her gaze subtly swept over his attire, using only her eyes to look at him. After a brief moment she said, “My apologies, I seem to have been hasty in my judgment,” she continued, a realization dawning in her eyes. “Indeed, I notice now, you are a part of the season, a most delightful revelation, I must admit.” she said, her voice carrying genuine enthusiasm. Maybe now she could get to know Bruce even better in a more socially acceptable manner, because she had never been able to share their previous meetings with anyone. It would not have been accepted, her, a lady, meeting alone with a man who was not even of nobility. She was well aware interacting with Bruce here might also come with its risks for that reason, but she felt confident enough that Bruce understood the social intricacies of high society to not put her standing at risk.
@Ouijaloveletters - Edgar
@Bluecookies - Bruce