Realistic or Modern Suitors at the Abbey

[MissPenny2]

"I do suppose that's one way of looking at it, yes. Better to be fashionably late than never arrive at all, do they say? And thank you very much. The Abbey holds a large piece of all the family's heart, I can assure you." Lady Montgomery looked to the two young men, stepping back from the door as Lowell began to push it closed once more. "We had hoped there to be some time to all become aquatinted before dinner. The kitchen staff has taken great pride in tonight's courses as I hear."


"It is a cross I must bear alone, baby sister." Diana's joking tone was coupled with the hint of one of her signature smirks, tugging at the corner of her lips as she moved to step past Margaret. "If we're lucky, I'll manage to make it through dinner without keeling over of boredom." Sending her sister a quick wink over her shoulder, Diana felt some of her nervous thoughts slipping away. Her smart remarks, and general ability to get away with them, were things she held to with pride. If she could only hold on to them for the duration of her descent down the stairs, she was sure she'd make it through the evening just swell. Taking one final deep breath, she stepped out of the hall and placed one hand on the banister.


"So terribly sorry, Mother, Father." Diana painted on a well practiced and dazzling smile as she started down the stairs. "Small wardrobe mix-up, nothing to worry about. Ingrid took care of it straight away." Her low heels left small clicks resounding through the air as she reached the group waiting in the foyer, coming to a stop at her mother's side.

 

[Akeira]

Margaret snickered very delicately when Diana smirked lightly, stepping back to let her eldest sister move toward the staircase. "Hopefully it will not result to that outcome." She replied, sending her sister a small simper in response to her wink. She glided backwards, watching Diana disappear down the stairs and waiting for her opportunity. Now that she was alone, her nerves began to set in once more. In times like these, she made out best quietly, remaining a fly on the wall and only speaking minimally. It was something she did naturally when nervous or anxious, though multiple thoughts went through her mind at once. When a suitable amount of time had passed, the brunette made her way down to the foyer.


"Hello, Mother, Father." Margaret said tenderly, a soft smile gracing her exquisite face. "I apologize once more for our delay." She continued slight embarrassment, the sound of her heels resonating throughout the foyer. She looked at the group and said no more, stepping beside Diana and waiting patiently for introductions to follow. Margaret left a small space between her and her sibling, knowing that it was customarily Kayla's place. She exhaled softly, praying silently that Kayla would arrive at any moment.

 

[ThatGuyWithSouvlaki]

"My complement to Ingrid, she has done a fine job fixing it. You both look stunning."Richard managed to comment once stepping out the trance brought about watching Diana and Margaret walk down. "Well, i hope that's the last cliche complement i come with."

 

[RyanJXavier]

George shifted his gaze to Richard, "What happened with Lady Margaret that you remember?" He raised an eye brow then noticed his daughters come down the stairs, two of the three of them that is, "Ah my beautiful daughters, be prompt next time yes?" Lord Montgomery looked at the clock, "The last suitor is not here yet? Eh he has fifteen more minutes. I understand the distance he travels from". George was sure to give an extra fifteen minutes and fifteen minutes only. Lord Montgomery nodded at the two suitors then turned to his daughters, "Where is Kayla?"

 

[Dusky]

James Woodhouse

​

James laughed as Richard shook his hand. "I wouldn't allow it, friend!"


And to Lady Montgomery, he said, "Oh, yes, that is indeed what they say. And I do so value fashionable pursuits. I make it a point to be fashionable myself! They say it's an unworthy pursuit for a man, but I really must disagree - "


At that very moment, a voice rang out from the top of the stairs. "So terribly sorry, Mother, Father." James turned his head and to his delight found a very beautiful young lady descending the stairs, her brown hair in a neat coif and her body held straight, with great elegance. He bowed deeply to her as she reached the foot of the stairs, and then was once again distracted by an entrance.


A pale-skinned beauty once again descended the stairs, apologizing for the delay. Once again James bowed, feeling for a moment that he might look rather foolish. This tied his tongue a little and it was with a hint of competitive irritation that he heard Richard speak his compliments. He stirred himself and took the hand of the eldest sister, fondly patting it, and then the younger. "I thoroughly agree with Mr. Ashford! Never have I seen such regality! Such humble elegance and beauty! I must say, you are like flowers, both of you so different, yet poised and delicate all the same. I can only imagine that your sister matches you in countenance. It seems you excellent ladies have one of your number missing, just as Mr. Ashford and I do."


He fixed his absolutely most winning grin onto his face. He may have gone for a rogueish wink, but he was unsure that Sir Montgomery would take that well. The man began to speak, scrutinizing something that Richard must have been speaking about before he arrived and then questioning the whereabouts of his daughter Kayla. James was rather curious to hear the answers to those questions himself.

 

[ThatGuyWithSouvlaki]

"Well...My lord. Just your basic accident that comes as result of horseplay by mere children."Richard said a slight nervous break in his calm demeanor, one he tried quickly to rectify."A matter clearly not much issue now. Margaret and I were quite the rascal pair in our youth if my memory of things is anything to go by." 
(signing off the night.)

 

[RyanJXavier]

Ryan climbed off the horse, "Fique aqui." He looked around and started to walk to the area he saw the figure around the trees, "Anyone here?". Glancing back at the horse, he looked around once more, "Horse's perspective...". "I'll give this "situation" five minutes or I just might be late" He thought to himself. His curiosity was getting the best of him as he stepped over some branches.


Lord Montgomery furrowed his brows, "Margaret explain to me further after dinner". He decided to switch the subject as an attempt to have a somewhat smooth introduction, "Now, Mr. Woodhouse how have you and your family been? I heard that you make money more than you spend. Is that so?"

 

[Dusky]

James Woodhouse

​

"Lord Montgomery! Thank you for asking, sir. We have been quite well, blessed really. You know, we have taken on two new maids. My parents are quite content since they've retired. Oh, you known how Father isn't in the best of health, he's been ill for years... But he is comfortable, he is comfortable. It is as you say, in any case. My income exceeds my expenses, and if I am to be honest I really don't spare any expenses. I suppose I am most fortunate to be in such a happy spot of life! The business goes well, and I have been so graciously invited into your home - Your daughters are charming, I couldn't ask for more - Well, I really must thank you!" James held out his hand to the man, smiling. He of course would not mention any reservations he had about the arrangements.

 

[RyanJXavier]

George shook Woodhouse's hand and smiled a little, "Have you heard of this fellow suitor of yours?" He gestured to Richard, "Have you two met one another?" Although Lord Montgomery was regretting the arrangement, he was definitely proud of the suitors he had chosen for his daughters.

 

[MissPenny2]

Diana watched the two newcomers to the Abbey with an almost amused expression glinting in her eyes. Scanning them each carefully in turn, she didn't try to hide the fact that she was not the least bit swept away by their bits of flattery and compliments. In fact, she had half a mind to make a snide remark as the second gentleman used the term 'delicate', but she held her tongue. Accepting her father's wishes and acting as if she were thrilled by them were two very different matters. Intentionally ignoring the idea of giving either of the men any sort of thanks, she turned her eyes to her father.


"I'm afraid Kayla wasn't feeling very well. She thought she'd do better with some fresh air and sends her apologies. I'm sure she'll join us soon." The little white lie rolled off her tongue easily, completed with a smile and a brief glance in Margaret's direction.


Catherine sent her eldest daughter a disapproving look but knew very well that she had no more control over Diana's mouth than she did the weather.


It was when her father asked about money flow and the man jumped at the opportunity to explain himself that Diana had to strain herself to resist rolling her eyes. Charming? That's interesting, I don't remember speaking a word to you as of yet. The words were kept to her own thoughts for now, but the evening had only just begun.

 

[Dusky]

James Woodhouse

​

James nodded. "Not until today, sir, but we have had our introductions. Mr. Ashford seems quite the pleasant man, wouldn't you agree? So very unassuming and humorous - I could not be as good! A man of honor, I assume. But as for the other fellow, who has yet to arrive - I know nothing of him, but I must assume he would be just as much a gentleman as Mr. Ashford here! In any case, no man can be always punctual - it is an eternal goal. It is a pity that your daughter feels unwell. A calamity, even! I do hope the fresh air helps. Nobody likes to see their friends ill." Suddenly his face fell. "But is she alone? I know there is little danger here, still I cannot help but worry. Hopefully all goes well on her walk."


His eyes scanned the faces around him, gauging what each person must think of him. The worst he could see so far was simple indifference, but he had so hoped to see everyone smile. No matter - time and time again in his life he had to remind himself that he couldn't please everyone.

 

[Akeira]

Margaret raised an uncertain eyebrow when Lord Montgomery referred to the middle sister, glancing at Diana for guidance. She chose not to reply to her father's inquiry, knowing that her elder sister would handle it. Using what she was taught, the youngest stood a bit taller, acting with poise and delicacy instead. Upon hearing her sister's excuse, however, Margaret stifled back a giggle, covering her mouth and clearing her throat to disguise her amusement.


While the two guests spoke, she took a moment to look them over. To her surprise, she recognized Lord Richard Ashford from an event in the fountains of the Abbey, though a considerable period of time had passed. They both had charm and seemed to enjoy flattery, something she was unsure to which the origin was. Instead of voicing her question, she remained silent, obeying her father's wishes to go through with the introductions. As the men continued to talk, Margaret's thoughts wandered a bit, looking past the gentlemen and out one of the windows toward the front lawn. A grin crossed her face, craving to be free and walk barefooted in the grass. Of course, she would not have the opportunity to do so.





"Margaret explain to me further after dinner." She heard her father say, drawing her from thought back to the conversation at hand. "Yes, Father." She replied slowly with a soft smile, thinking on the accident that had occurred years previous. It was comical really, though they had both been mischievous in their younger years. Margaret bit her lower lip to hide a small smirk that appeared on her delicate face, hoping she would be able to keep her outward appearance for the remainder of the evening.

 

[RyanJXavier]

George raised an eyebrow at his eldest daughter, "Oh really? If you say so then. I will have to speak to her after dinner as well". Lord Montgomery nodded, "It is wonderful that you find him amusing. As a matter of fact the three suitors come from different backgrounds. Richard here is a general in the British Army and son of a duke and duchess, and you are old money, having come from an already rich family". He glanced at Catherine, "Our daughters look stunning do they not?" The man paused and took a deep breath, "I expect outstanding behavior from both you suitors and my daughters as well. Remember that you may or may not be in front of the person you will spend the rest of your life with. I say may not because one from each side has not presented themselves yet". Lord Montgomery looked at the clock and fixed his suit. "So much talk and hardly any time has passed. This will be...different" He thought to himself.

 

[MissPenny2]

Catherine nodded and gave her husband a warm smile. "They do indeed, as always." She let George finish speaking to the four young adults before taking a breath and placing a guiding hand on Margaret's back and Diana's shoulder. "While we wait for Kayla and our third gentleman to join us, why don't we all take a seat in the parlor, hm?" Her eyes met those of each of her daughters' in turn before looking back to the suitors.


Diana gave a small nod and turned towards the room to the side of the foyer, leading the way. The parlor was small compared to the main sitting room deeper within the Abbey walls, but still rather roomy. It was decorated in a cream with hints of gold and emerald green. The furniture consisted of one love seat, one sofa, two armchairs, a coffee table, an ornate desk with a wooden chair, and of course lovely landscape paintings adorning the wall in gleaming frames.


Diana took a seat on one side of the love seat, her usual spot, and tucked a stray piece of brown hair behind her ear. Her eyes followed her smiling mother as the Lady took a seat on the sofa across the coffee table.


"Please, take a seat." Catherine called to the rest.

 

[Dusky]

James Woodhouse

​

James followed the young ladies, taking a moment, however brief, to discreetly admire the swaying of their hips. The room was gorgeous, as was everything else in the house, and as they all sat down he had to say so. "I must admit to jealousy; our parlor could learn a thing or two from yours!"


((I'm going to refrain from posting for a bit because Margaret, Kayla, and Rayver need to catch up.))

 

[RyanJXavier]

George walked to the parlor and sat down on a chair. He desired to resume reading his article, but knew that it would have been rude. Lord Montgomery had noticed that he had run out of things to say at the moment. The rules were to be discussed once Kayla and Mr. Remington arrived, and that was about it. There was not much to go over before the whole arrangement actually began. George had a sort of reputation for entertaining his business guests through his engaging discussion regarding business topics. He had hoped that the suitors would prove themselves during dinner so that his silence and observation would not bore them to death. Ofcourse being with the suitors was as if he was taking care of indirect business...in a way, but the situation was different due to the fact that he was not taking care of direct business such as shipments and whatnot. 

((I'm going to refrain from posting for a bit because Margaret, Kayla, and Rayver need to catch up.))

(In that case...)


Ryan thought for a moment then mounted his horse. He looked around from the horse's view and found hair flowing in the wind. That was definitely a human. Ryan dismounted his horse and started to make his way to the tree...human.....human and tree. He stepped on a few branches on his way while dodging the rest. His view consisted of several trees, a path where the horse stood, and a tree in front of a person in a dress. Ryan examined his view as he made his way over. Brown hair was flowing, a portion of the person's dress was showing, and the tree was blocking everything else of the person. Was the person hiding from someone? Was the person hiding from him? Or was the person lost, maybe even hurt? "Excuse me, are you alright? Do you need help?" Ryan asked then paused to remember that one of the possibilities was that the person was hiding from someone or something. The suitor continued, "I won't bite and I certainly will not hurt you in any other way". He did not bother to encircle the tree until the person responded.

 

[ThatGuyWithSouvlaki]

"Lord Montgomery is being kind, i am only captain in the army not a general." Richard corrected having said the word general subsequently in manner more fitting to a swear ford. He followed quietly into the parlor and finding a seat near Margaret. He couldn't have found the chair too soon, his bum leg acting up so needed to get of his feet and message it slightly. Things went uncomfortably quite for a moment and Richard searched for a topic. He sat forward pouring himself some of the provided tea.

 

[Akeira]

Margaret nodded in response to her mother's request, turning toward the room next to the foyer and walking into the parlor. It was a room she always enjoyed with its delicate cream colors and comfortable furniture. When not outside or in her room, the youngest preferred to relax in the parlor, soaking up what the day had to offer. Appearing in the parlor, she felt eyes on her back, though she could not truly determine their origin. Deciding it was nothing, she let it go and sat down in the large sofa in the room.





She sat quietly, tucking one leg underneath the other and leaving her hands clasped in her lap. Looking at the others, Margaret waited patiently for the talk to begin, knowing there would be much of it throughout the evening and the suitors' stay. To soothe the lack of conversation, she gently reached forward for a cup of tea provided by the staff.

 

[ThatGuyWithSouvlaki]

Richard took a sip of his tea looking around the room for a potential topic of conversation, the silence was palpable and he didnt like being left to his thought as the often go to one matter. His eyes spotted an old grand piano, it brought up a possibility for a conversation starter, He put the tea on the table and walked up to the piano, his hands began mimicking the act playing,


"Is this old thing still here? Thought i never see something i recognize from the last i came." He commented.

 

[MissPenny2]

Catherine turned in her seat to face Richard and the piano with an authentic smile at the recollection of a time when her girls were still just small children. "Yes, I could never think of parting with it. George's sister had the idea to redo some of the decorating in the Abbey a few years back but it was a condition on my part that she had to leave that be." Her voice was softer than it had been prior, obvious that she was now addressing Richard alone rather than the entire group.


Diana caught her mother's cue, knowing that she expected her to start some sort of small talk with another of the party. She didn't move a muscle for several seconds, simply glancing away from her mother and sister as she weighed the situation. Not one to make a scene over nothing, Diana leaned forward to select one of the teacups before turning her gaze to the other young man.


"I'm sorry, I don't believe I caught your name." She spoke in a volume that matched that of her mother's, forcing a polite smile to her lips. "I'm Diana."

 

[ThatGuyWithSouvlaki]

"It would have been a pity to lose, it not only a nice piece it also sounded great. Unless it was i playing. "He said jokingly making a shivering movement acting as if the mere thought of him playing was horrid. He was glad the ice was broken at least for a little bit."Who is the pianist in the family? I recall someone playing with it."

 

[HollyLeafForever]

(Sorry, i have been at home cleaning and stuff.)


Kayla had heard the man, and was almost certain that it was one of the suitors, she stood up and turned around so she was facing him. "Im sorry sir, is this your property? I just come here to read sometimes, but if im disturbing you or the household i shall leave." She knew there was a good chance that he would not believe her or say something dum like no im not the owner of this property, but she just squeezed her book and thought what would the rabbits do. After all they made it to watership down, and survived for a while on there own. Maybe thats what she would have to do.

 

[RyanJXavier]

"I apologize for the interruption. I just thought that you might have needed help. I am new to the area so I do not know who occasionally reads at this location. You may stay" Ryan quickly glanced at his watch. "Well I must go now. I guess I shall see you around? Goodbye!" He started to make his way to his horse. "That was slightly awkward. Eh but I'm two minutes behind! I need to catch up!" The suitor thought to himself as he picked his walking pace up on his way to the horse.

 

[HollyLeafForever]

As the man walked away Kayla almost broke out in laughter, then it recurred to her. If hes late then he is one of the suitors, she laughed even louder and then shut her mouth. "If hes on of the suitors and he dose not even know who i am, he either must have been just told or dose not care!" Then she sat back down and watched for her sisters.

 

[RyanJXavier]

George relaxed a bit as he noticed small discussions taking place. Lord Montgomery glanced at the clock and thought to himself "Eight more minutes...suitor number three, and five more minutes till I send someone out to get my daughter".


Ryan mounted his horse, "Vamos!" The horse started to gallop and Ryan thought "At this pace I will never be on time". He gathered all the commands he could think of then said, "Depressa! Anda logo! Vamos fazer isso! Um pouco mais rápido, por favor!" The horse jolted forward almost throwing Ryan off of it, "Woah! I didn't know that you could travel this fast! We'll be there earlier than I had expected". Within a few minutes Ryan was able to arrive at his location, "Devagar amigo. Excelente trabalho". He dismounted his horse and started to make his way to the door.