regency au } { of mathematics and moving on

[beanchaointe]

Lydia: [which will be endearing but she'll eventually get down to gossip with] So you're the new Stilinski heir.

Stiles: Yes, that would be me, m'lady. I am still learning about this world though. It was not one I was born into.

Lydia: So I've heard. It's all very King Arthur.

Stiles: [laughs] I assure you, I am not that great of a man.

Lydia: You can't deny the comparison. Shuffled off to be a stable boy when really the heir to a large fortune.

Stiles: [rubs the back of his neck] Well, there are similarities, yes.

Lydia: Mmm. So why hasn't your uncle married you off yet?

Stiles: It is not for my lack of trying.

Lydia: Really? Forced into a difficult match?

Stiles: Not forced. More that the one I have come to love does not know how to handle affection well.

Lydia: [there's a soft laugh at that] Are you sure she is not determined to commit herself to a convent?

Stiles: No, I just think that there are a lot of factors to her life that make it hard for her to understand her own feelings. I've gotten to understand her a lot better recently.

Lydia: So you think you will eventually be able to win her heart?

Stiles: I think so. I think I am almost there, but I was hoping that you could help me.

Lydia: Me?

Stiles: [and he explains the letters to Lydia, and how he has been using the false identity to be able to try and open her up to the idea of accepting affection and his own learning how to woo with words the right way, and how his letter personality was going to the dance with her] However, I'm also invited to the mask, and I can't go unescorted without raising her suspicion. Since I know Lady Allison is going with Sir Isaac because of their bet... I was hoping to see if you would say you would come with me. I don't expect to be your only escort because that is not fair to you...

Lydia: [is quiet as she considers, watching the rest of the room for a moment, and it's not as though she had other prospects at the moment. At least, prospects that were worth mentioning] I'll think about it.

Stiles: I will be forever in your debt, m'lady.

Lydia: [small smirk at that, before turning and shifting so that she was giving him more of her attention, or at least that's what her body language indicates] Might as well sell it, no?

Stiles: Yes. I don't believe that the lady in question understands jealousy, but still, I do wish to get to know you better. [he smiles and holds out his arm] Shall we take a walk in the garden then?

Lydia: [nods as she takes his arm] That would be lovely. It's too loud in here anyway.

Stiles: [and away they go for their walk, and Stiles will tell Lydia about his homeland]

Lydia: [which she is interested in as one of it's few places she hasn't been with Allison]

Stiles: [and then about growing up with Lord Whittemore. He skirted around the details about the abuse and being used as a tax debt. There was some things he'd rather people not know.]

Lydia: [which is fair enough, she wouldn't want people knowing about her either]

Stiles: [and then he will want to know about her and how she came to be one of Allison's ladies]

Lydia: [and she'll talk about her parents and how they wanted to marry her off to some creepy old lord that she doesn't want to talk about but Allison offered to take her on as a lady instead. Her father considered it a step down, but her mother talked him into it because while she's with Allison she has the chance to continue her education which she would not have gotten otherwise.]

Stiles: Well, I don't blame you. I mean, who would want to marry an old, creepy man anyway?

Lydia: My thoughts exactly. Thankfully, the only suitor requiring my attention at the moment is mathematics. And making sure that Sir Lahey doesn't get ahead of himself.

Stiles: Well, I will tell you that Sir Lahey - boisterous as he is - is very respectful. He enjoys the sound of his own voice, but he is just as nervous about what he will do when he gets the woman as any other young man.

Lydia: If he is truly that nervous around us, then you think he would take more consideration of his words.

Stiles: I think that is a side effect of his nerves, to be honest.

Lydia: Mmmm. [she shakes her head] Fortunately for him, Allison is fond of teasing him, and he hasn't said anything too egregious. Yet.

Stiles: I think he enjoys her teasing. And he does bring it upon himself.

Lydia: He does.

Stiles: Does your lady like him at all in that way?

Lydia: She likes that he challenges her. And that he doesn't seem ... repulsed by her commitment to being an equal in the world of men, rather than an accessory. Possibly because he's already accustomed to being led by a more female presence.

Stiles: It is true. You come to live here, your views on the sexes are changed. And for the better.

Lydia: Part of the reason why I like them - both the Hales and the Argents. No one seems to care here that I prioritize my studies over my finding a husband. It's ... refreshing.

Stiles: I think it's admirable, myself. But I have a completely skewed view of life.

Lydia: Your peculiar upbringing lends to strange interpretations of things, I take it?

Stiles: When you are a servant, you have no worth. Everyone was better than me - man or woman. I was just there to make sure they had what they needed.

Lydia: You must have had worth to someone.

Stiles: I did. And I love her with all my heart because of it.

Lydia: [she smiles softly] Your lady, then.

Stiles: Yes, and one of the main reasons I am living here with the Hales. [he smiles, the smile of a man in love] Lady Cora is the world to me. I cannot imagine it without her.

Lydia: [her eyebrows climb slightly at that and she laughs] I see what you mean, now.

Stiles: Yes. [chuckles] I realize I'm trying to accomplish an impossible task. But she is worth it.

Lydia: It's not entirely her fault. After Talia's death, from what I've been told the other Hale women were left with very limited choices, and in some ways she was very sheltered.

Stiles: And the man she was supposed to marry had the emotional understanding of a slug.

Lydia: [she laughs] I would have said a lizard, but I suppose a slug works just as well.

Stiles: It is giving a bad name to lizards.

Lydia: [she raises her eyebrows] Wouldn't the same be said for the poor slugs?

Stiles: True. [smiles] At least slugs help in the garden.

Lydia: So shall we consider it safe to say that there isn't a vile creature appropriate enough for Jackson Whittemore, and leave it at that?

Stiles: That works for me.

Lydia: [nods] He was also on the list of potential suitors for me. Thankfully Cora got to him first and I dodged that bullet entirely.

Stiles: You are very lucky for that. Though I'm not sure how his luck will fare now.

Lydia: I'm sure he will become attached to someone sooner or later.

Stiles: Well, if we're lucky, she will be one strong enough to put him in his place. The world does not do well with men like him in power.

Lydia: No, they do not.

Stiles: [looks over at Lydia, and gives her a smile] So mathematics?

Lydia: [she nods] I have a rather unladylike affinity for numbers. And languages. [there's a small pause] My first tutor could barely keep up with me.

Stiles: I used to be good at numbers. I took my studies well when I had them. But there's no real use for them in a stable.

Lydia: It is truly a shame the way the nobility see fit to waste talent.

Stiles: There are many men who are greater than nobles, but they will never have the power to make that change unless there is something they find worth fighting for to make it. [he points over to where Parrish is playfully climbing up the side of the manor to Laura's window with flowers in his mouth]

Lydia: [glances over and laughs, shaking her head] At least it seems that they will be happy for a long time, which is more than you can say for most couples.

Stiles: They will. I've never seen a man fight so hard for the love of one woman. He's proof that the rules can be broken.

Lydia: Maybe he is. He's lucky that she loved him in return.

Stiles: As I recall, she tried not to. She all but banned him from ever speaking to her. He just refused to give up on her.

Lydia: Well, she had her reasons. Daniel Argent is a psychopath after all.

Stiles: She did. And Lord Parrish had his. I don't think he would have if he didn't feel she was worth it.

Lydia: He is lucky that his brother is keeping him in line. He has been ... incredibly unhappy about the entire situation. Especially his sister marrying Lord Hale.

Stiles: I think Lady Kate and Lord Peter have actually been good for each other.

Lydia: They have. In their own way. But for Daniel it is not about happiness, it is about control. And the fact that Kate makes her own choices has never been something he's ... appreciated.

Stiles: Well, maybe he could marry Lord Whittemore. They would be a good match in that way. [smirks]

Lydia: [there's a soft laugh before she shakes her head] I'm sure that he would sooner fall on his own sword.

Stiles: And the world would be better for it. [laughs]

Lydia: It truly would.

Stiles: Well, I should probably escort you back to Lady Allison before they think I stole you away.

Lydia: [nods in acknowledgement before taking his arm] Thank you for the walk.

Stiles: Thank you for your company.

Lydia: [and with that they head back inside to rejoin the rest of the wedding]

Stiles: [Yup, and when they can, Stiles will go and find Cora, smiling at her] I was beginning to wonder if you would ever get free.

Cora: [glances over with a smile] I'm sure Sir Gilbert would have been happy to release me at any time. All you had to do was ask.

Stiles: Yes, but then he would have been left alone with no one to talk to. At least he got to have a beautiful escort at his side in you.

Cora: I suppose at least there is that. [though she doesn't know how good of company she actually is, considering they're in-laws and all.]

Stiles: And may I say, you look very beautiful tonight.

Cora: [nods with a small smile] Thank you, Lord Stilinski.

Stiles: Do you think young Lord Gilbert will miss you? I do wish to still have at least a dance.

Cora: [she glances over to where Jeremy seems to be talking to one of the other ladies, and she shakes her head] I have a feeling he won't even notice I'm gone.

Stiles: Good, then shall we? [he holds out his hand to her]

Cora: [nods and takes his hand] We shall.

Stiles: [and he will take her out to where the dance floor is and will pull her into his arms as the next song is about to start. He has been learning to dance with all these tourneys, and he is going to take care not to step on her toes] Your brother is a literal ball of sunshine today.

Cora: [smiles softly as she moves through the steps easily] He has been waiting for this for a long time.

Stiles: I know. I'm very happy for him.

Cora: As am I. Laura thought this would never happen.

Stiles: I will admit he has come far in the last year from the man I originally knew.

Cora: [she nods] Elena has been good for him.

Stiles: She has. She is a very sweet woman.

Cora: [she nods] She is. I'm glad he found her.

Stiles: And I'm sure between your siblings, this manor is going to be overflowing with babies very soon.

Cora: [she laughs] Well, Laura will probably give birth in the next few months. We'll see how Derek and Elena do.

Stiles: And Patience will be the eldest and rule them all.

Cora: [she nods] It's how it's supposed to be though - for packs, anyway. A large house with lots of siblings and cousins.

Stiles: I have asked my father if he and his new wife plan to have children. I wouldn't mind a sibling.

Cora: What did he say?

Stiles: They were going to think about it. I think there is more to that, but it is not my place to ask.

Cora: [she nods] I'm sure if it is meant to be, it will happen in it's own time.

Stiles: I'm sure. Plus, I will soon have my own family so I probably won't get much from a sibling at this point in my life.

Cora: Maybe not.

Stiles: I will just have to hope that I will inherit in-laws that will become siblings to me as well.

Cora: I'm sure if you find the right family, you will.

Stiles: I'm sure. [he just smiles at her at that because he already has]

Cora: [she smiles back, completely unclear on what it means and just settling to enjoy the rest of the dance]

Stiles: [as will he, and when the dance ends] Do you care for another, or do you want to take a walk?

Cora: [tips her head to the side consider, before glancing back to him] I think a walk would be nice.

Stiles: Then let us go for a walk. [and he will hold out his arm to her]

Cora: [and she will take it, letting him lead the way]

Stiles: [and he will take them out of the reception and just take a nice walk outside] So what new book have you received from your friend?

Cora: [she smiles softly] A book on medicinal herbs for common problems. It is rather interesting. It's odd the powers the things you don't think much of can provide.

Stiles: Oh? What have you learned so far?

Cora: Herbal medicine is pleasantly fragrant. [she smirks]

Stiles: [chuckles] I have heard that. My step-mother's kitchen has a few dried herbs hanging on the walls. It gives off a welcoming smell as well.

Cora: [she nods] It must be nice to go home to.

Stiles: It is. It's nice to know I have a home. [he smiled at her] Something I will always be grateful to you for.

Cora: [she pauses before shaking her head] I was just doing the right thing.

Stiles: I know. But I can still be grateful for it, can I not?

Cora: [she glances over at him, before nodding and looking down at her feet] I suppose. I just ... it's hard to believe it's something I should be thanked for.

Stiles: It means a lot to me.

Cora: Then I am happy to have done it.

Stiles: I hope one day I can take you there to meet them.

Cora: I would like that.

Stiles: Perhaps in the winter? We can escape the cold for a while.

Cora: [she nods] Perhaps. I will have to see how things are managing with Laura.

Stiles: Yeah, that's true. I can understand that.

Cora: If I can't go there, perhaps they can come here. I'm sure we would love to have them stay with us.

Stiles: I'm sure. Though I think you will have to get comfortable with them thanking all of you for returning me to them.

Cora: I will have time to prepare myself before then.

Stiles: And I'm pretty sure they will love you just as much as I do.

Cora: [her head ducks a bit, before glancing away. She still doesn't know how to deal with the way Stiles feels about her, even if she's handling it a bit better than before]

Stiles: [he takes a deep breath, then just keeps walking a moment]

Cora: [she's quiet for a moment, before glancing over at him] Why me?

Stiles: What do you mean?

Cora: I just ... I don't understand why you chose me.

Stiles: [he stopped them, taking her hands] Do you remember that day at Lord Whittemore's where you came to talk to me in the stables? Where you saw my injured face?

Cora: [is quiet, looking down at their hands, but she nods]

Stiles: You were the first person to see me as a person. Not as a servant, but a person worth time getting to know. I was nothing until I met you.

Cora: [she still doesn't really understand it. She just did what anyone would do. She understands that some people treat their servants terribly, but she doesn't see why that is a reason to love her] I didn't think you were nothing.

Stiles: I know. And that fact you think like that is rare where I come from. These things you do and think any decent person should... that is not the norm. Your family... Cora, I have met many families while working with the Whittemores. Your family is rare, and special. It's that heart inside of you, with that beautiful mind... I don’t think there really is another person like you in all the world.

Cora: [her eyes drift up to his again, still not really understanding or knowing how to handle it. She only ever wanted him to be safe. She didn't realize it would bring this] I wish I understood this more. [she always feels like she's hurting him]

Stiles: [he licked his lips a moment, and then guided her to sit at the bench with him] How can I explain it for you?

Cora: [she shakes her head, her eyes falling to her hands again] I don't think you can. I think it's something I need to ... feel for myself, only I wouldn't know how to identify it if I did.

Stiles: May I ask how you feel when you're with me?

Cora: [she looks over at him again before shrugging] I enjoy it? I'm always happy to spend time with you.

Stiles: And when I'm not with you and you think of me... what do you feel then?

Cora: [she presses her lips together for a moment, trying to put it into words] I ... I look forward to seeing you again.

Stiles: So you miss me?

Cora: [she shrugs] Of course. But I miss all of my friends. [she has a hard time pinning down what makes him different than them]

Stiles: All my friends are here. [he goes to hold her hands] You all are family to me too.

Cora: [she closes her eyes, frustrated] So how do I know if it's different? If I love you because you are my family or because it's something else?

Stiles: For me, it's something I feel in here. [he took her hand and placed it on his chest] When I'm in Austria, all my heart wants is to be back here with you. Yes, I am happy to be home and with my family, and I enjoy my time there, but I always feel as if there is something missing. And you are always the first thought on my mind.

Cora: [that she doesn't feel. Not in the way he's explaining. She misses him but she doesn't long for him. At least not yet. It's not the excitement she feels when she waits for a letter from her suitor or the anxiousness in wondering what he will send her next. She watches him for a moment, before glancing away uncomfortably]

Stiles: You feel that for someone else, don't you? [he's watching her, but he's not hurt]

Cora: [looks up at him and there's an apology in her eyes] I'm sorry.

Stiles: [he shook his head] Don't be. Cora, I would rather you find yourself willing to love, even if it was another, than for you to never know how it feels to love at all. [he raised her hand to his lips and kissed her gently]

Cora: [she watches him for a moment, before giving him a small smile] Still. I never wanted to hurt you.

Stiles: Do you think you love this man you have never met, Cora?

Cora: [she sighs before shaking her head] I don't know. Maybe. He makes me feel ... different.

Stiles: But different in a good way?

Cora: [she nods, before a small smile crosses her face] Special.

Stiles: Good. Then I'm happy for you. Not hurt. I promise.

Cora: [she nods, but she still feels a little guilty that she can't return his feelings the way he wants her to. That's not going to go away ... until she learns the actual identity of her suitor]

Stiles: [and he leans forward, gently kissing her forehead, not her lips. Out of respect for her choice] I will always be your friend, Cora. That will never change.

Cora: I hope not. I would miss you too much.

Stiles: Same here. [he looks up at the stars a moment, then just smiles] No, I'm very happy for you. You deserve to be made to feel special.

Cora: [exhales slowly as she looks up with him] Let's hope that the masque goes well, then.

Stiles: You will be in my prayers. Now I just have to hope Lady Lydia will consider my proposition to attend with me.

Cora: [her eyes light up as she looks over] So you like her, then?

Stiles: She is very easy to talk to. And very smart.

Cora: She is. If you enjoy mathematics at all, I'm sure she would be happy to speak with you about her work.

Stiles: that is what she was telling me about. I was good at it when I was studying with Lord Whittemore, but I excelled better at history and science.

Cora: [she nods] She's studied a great deal. I'm sure you'll have plenty to talk about.

Stiles: I'm sure. Though I know she is enjoying her studies and I wouldn't want to take that from her for a marriage.

Cora: Why would you?

Stiles: Marriage usually follows with children and responsibilities to run a household. That takes away time from studies, and if she is that driven... it would not be fair to her.

Cora: [she nods because that is true] Then perhaps, if you are interested in marrying her, you should let that be her decision to make. In time, she may consider it a worthwhile sacrifice.

Stiles: Well, I still need to get to know her better first. This is just a hypothetical, after all.

Cora: That is true.

Stiles: Think you can put in a few good words for me?

Cora: [she nods with a small smile] I can do that.

Stiles: Thanks.

Cora: Of course.

Stiles: We should probably head back inside.

Cora: [nods in agreement] Yes. Sir Gilbert should probably be reassured that he didn't lose me.

Stiles: [stands and holds out his hand again] And I am sure that Lady Lydia would enjoy more dancing soon.

Cora: [nods in agreement and back inside they go]

Stiles: [and he will leave her with a final kiss on her knuckles and go back off to check on Lydia]