Clone 1: Aurelia X Harrison
If there was one thing Aurelia could say today, it was that her mother was positively glowing. There was a certain radiance in the way Roselyn Ellis looked at her daughter, a gaze that seemed to emanate pure, unhindered pride. It was a look that, if not new, was certainly unfamiliar to Aurelia, or at least to the Aurelia she could recall. Perhaps this is how her mother always looked at her in the presence of others. For Aurelia, though, it was the first time she could remember receiving this kind of unequivocal approval.
It made Lia happy—happy to bring joy to the person who cared so deeply for her. Today seemed to be a culmination of her mother’s aspirations for her, introducing her to a string of eligible suitors: Dukes, Marquesses, and Earls—all carefully selected, their standings meticulously scrutinized. Viscounts and Barons were seemingly excluded from consideration, their rankings deemed insufficient for Roselyn’s eldest daughter, the daughter of a duke. Every man present was of high societal standing, possessing not just the right title, but also the right age, looks, and wealth. Her mother had orchestrated it all with meticulous precision.
And yet, despite the parade of esteemed gentlemen, why did Aurelia feel a subtle tightening at the bottom of her heart? It was like the metaphorical corset she wore, the one she felt constricting whenever she donned a gown. Her mother was happy, and that should have been enough for her. Perhaps, as the day unfolded, one of these men might become her future husband, and maybe one would catch Lydia’s eye as well—considering Aurelia assumed most, if not all, were likely to engage in conversations with her younger sister.
Despite this, the dichotomy of her emotions lingered, as she waltzed through conversations, sipping tea, and engaging in polite banter, all while harboring a yearning that felt like an unspoken echo in the vast halls of the estate. It was a peculiar sensation, one that added a layer of… confusion to a day that, on the surface, seemed to be orchestrated for joyous unions and aristocratic merriment.
Ignore it.
Ignore it, Lia.
Snapping her head out of her own thoughts, it seemed her mother had noticed the falter in her appearance.
“It was indeed a pleasure to receive you, Lord Trenton. Pray, convey to your esteemed father our sincere invitation for dinner next week. We would be honored by his presence.”
Lady Roselyn’s voice, smooth and composed, filled the space. The regal smile she wore masked any inkling of tension that might have crept into her daughter’s demeanor. The intricacies of aristocratic life demanded a polished facade, and Lady Roselyn was a master at maintaining it.
Aurelia, on the other hand, fought an internal battle - her head pounding slightly as it did the night before, a silent struggle unfolded beneath the gracious exterior she presented. Her gaze flitted briefly to her mother, registering the unwavering determination etched on Lady Roselyn’s face. A momentary pang of yearning gripped her heart, but she swiftly tamped it down. This was her life, she reminded herself for the second time.
With a practiced smile, Aurelia turned her attention back to Lord Trenton, nodding in agreement with her mother’s invitation. “Indeed, it would be a pleasure to welcome your father to our home. Until then, Lord Trenton.” The words flowed smoothly, the regency etiquette ingrained in her since childhood guiding her interactions.
As the gentleman took his leave, Aurelia’s mother walking him out; giving a look to Lia telling to her that she needed to compose herself. Aurelia couldn’t help but cast a fleeting glance toward the vast gardens, visible from her seat.
It only took a few seconds before her silence was once again interrupted.
"Miss? Your mother told me to bring you your medication.
Aurelia smiled at the maid, her attention pulled from the garden once more. “Thank you. Do you mind, however, informing my mother that I would appreciate a few moments of respite? I believe I simply need to stretch my legs.”
The maid curtsied and nodded, understanding the unspoken request for a moment to herself. Aurelia watched her leave, her gaze lingering on the retreating figure until she was alone. Grabbing but an apple from the table; Aurelia begin walking towards the garden.
The scent of blooming flowers greeted her as she stepped further into the open air, the soft rustle of leaves offering a gentle melody. Aurelia strolled along the manicured paths, the cool breeze providing a welcome contrast to the stifling air. The vibrant colors of the flowers seemed to dance in the sunlight, something she hadn’t noticed in the mask of night, and for a moment, she allowed herself to be captivated by the beauty that surrounded her. Perhaps her heart was captivated by the night, but had it not been, the morning would have swept her off her feet, waltzed her around, and made her fall utterly and completely in love.
Just answer me this:
Why would you trade the day for the night
I give you my rays and baby blue skies
Lia once again allowed the song to leave her lips in a whisper as she looked around. It was different to be here with the sun instead of the moon. Perhaps she preferred the night, but there was a distinct beauty to this daylight. It beckoned to her just the same. Aurelia walked deeper into the garden, retracing her steps from hours prior, wandering back towards her secret passage, and wondering if there was any lingering sense of her escape.
Walking to the edge of her property, Lia examined the shrubbery. There was a clear way to sneak into Keats’ property, but it was also clear that unless one was actively searching for it, this opening would likely go unnoticed. Bending down to her knees, Aurelia peered through the gap and saw a greenhouse in her view sight - far on the opposite edge of the property, with the Keats’ home towering in the background. It was somewhat fascinating to observe life from an angle that likely went ignored.
Well… that was until Aurelia saw a face looking back at her, seemingly appearing out of nowhere. An unexpected encounter caused her to visibly jump back and fall on her backside.
You had to be kidding her. Perhaps it was instinct—God only knows—but Lia noticed that the apple she was holding previously was no longer in her hand. No, it also wasn’t on the floor next to her. It seemed that with her fall, she had instantaneously thrown the item at the man looking towards her. A man she would rather not be standing face to face with. Correction… er… face… through… shrubbery with.
“Lord Harrison?” Lia questioned, before setting her eyes on his hand holding his head—possibly from the impact of the apple. “I am… so sor… no, actually, why… why would you scare a lady like that? Why are you even there?”
@Kristi
@novella - Lydia mentioned
