regency au } { of apologies and new friendships

[apirateslove]

Bianca: [arriving a Lord Sumpter's estate the day she leaves for Venice is a letter, sealed with her father's bank and addressed to Grayson. Written in a careful, delicate hand is the following:]

Lord Hale,

I wished to apologize again, for the unfortunate turn our evening took. I never meant for you to feel like all I was seeking from you was a suitor or a proposal. My father is a man who has always valued preparedness above all else, a value I inherited from him, especially when coming into a situation where I would be at a disadvantage.

I put your name on a list not to try and force your hand, but to not stumble into a situation where I found myself taken advantage of in pursuing someone who was not available. To not embarrass myself in front of the peerage and find myself in a situation where I am not able to communicate effectively. I only wished to seem as though I belonged. The Italian lords and nobles I have interacted with in the past would not hesitate to make a mistress out of girl who is not titled if she didn't know any better.

I truly did not know who you were when I struck up that conversation on the stands, though I can see now how that may have seemed disingenuous in hindsight. While I enjoyed your company, I had no intention to pressure you for something you were not willing to give. My list is quite long, it would be impossible for me to marry all of them. But I had hoped that in the process, I might be able to make a few friends.

All I ask of you now is your friendship. While I return to Venice on the morrow, I would welcome any missives, if you would like to continue to get to know each other from a distance. I find that my English is much better via correspondence as I may take my time, so hopefully this will avoid any future misunderstandings. And if I do not hear from you, please accept my regrets and the hope that we may be better met in the future.

Warmest regards,
Bianca Amato

Grayson: [and he'll be in the garden when they letter is delivered, and stops to read it. Twice. He sighs, knowing he had overreacted in the moment and should have found her to apologize. It always came back to the times when he started going to tournaments with his parents.

From when he was little, there was always a father trying to push his daughter on him. He was the heir of the manor... at least as far as anyone outside of the Hale inner circle knew. His parents, God bless them, had replied that he would get to choose his own wife when he was ready.

But Grayson was never ready. As he got bigger and hit his tenth year, the father's stopped and the daughters took their chances. Ladies at court saying they wanted to be friends, but as he learned to tell when they were just saying that instead of meaning it, he realized no one actually wanted to know him. It made him start to dread being in public and he chose to only associate with his family and the knights.

His father talked to him first when he realized Grayson wasn't interested in girls. All the other boys his age were caught up in the world of flirting and courting, and he preferred to stand in the gardens drawing. He explained to his father that he tried, but he just never felt anything when looking at a girl--no feelings of lust, love, or revulsion. He just didn't care either way.

Parrish then asked him if he felt anything towards the boys his age, but the answer way the same. On top of that, the knights told him what men and women did in bedchambers in the dark, and it made Grayson's stomach twist. It sounded wet and sticky and sweaty--all sensations that he hated from touch and even in his food. Why would he want to do those things?

When Miranda was asked to visit the Sumpter estate, Grayson begged to go with his best friend to escape the uncomfortable days at court. He wasn't ready for it to happen again, leading to his reaction.

So instead he just sat in the garden, cursing himself]

Miranda: [Andrew is in town with his father, and the children are with their nurse, so Miranda wanders out into the gardens to find him. She can sense that something's off in the force, through best friend magic, and when she finally tracks him down, she can tell that something's wrong] What is it? Is that from home?

Grayson: No, it's from Bianca, the lady I met at the tournament.

Miranda: Oh. What'd she say?

Grayson: She was apologizing again for upsetting me and explained everything that he sisters had been talking about, and her reasoning behind having that wall of suitors.

Miranda: Ah. [moves to sit next to him] I take it there was good reasoning?

Grayson: Yes. She's never been up this way so she was preparing to know who some of the bachelors that she would run into were so she couldn't be taken advantage of. It was a smart plan, now that she's explained it.

Miranda: It is. Clever girl. [she glances back to him] And nice of her to send an olive branch - I assume that's what the rest of the letter is?

Grayson: She wants to make friends as well as explore her prospects, and feels that she communicates in English better on paper than in person, which is true. She's also leaving tomorrow, and wants to know if I'd like to write her.

Miranda: Will you?

Grayson: I think I will, as a friend. She was nice to me, not like the other girls treat me when I'm at a feast or in court.

Miranda: Good. I'm sure it will be a relief to receive your correspondence.

Grayson: I should also probably find her and let her know this before she leaves.

Miranda: From what I understand the Amato sisters were being sponsored by the dowager viscountess not far from here, Lady Wharton. They live at Henderson Hall. At least, that's what I heard at the party.

Grayson: That shouldn't take long to get to.

Miranda: No, it shouldn't. I have some time - do you want me to go with you?

Grayson: [nods] You could also perhaps distract her sisters so I can talk with her alone for a bit?

Miranda: I can definitely do that. When would you like to leave?

Grayson: After lunch? It'll give me enough time to be presentable to call on her. [the words feel weird in his mouth] That's what I'm doing, right?

Miranda: That is. [she smirks] I'm sure she will be very happy to see you.

Grayson: I hope so. [thinks] Do I need to bring anything? Like am I supposed to have a gift for the viscountess to thank her for allowing me entrance? Is it rude not to bring anything for Bianca? [he's seriously never done this before, and didn't pay attention to what Ben had done.]

Miranda: [reaches for his arm and gives it a small squeeze to remind him to breathe] Flowers or something simple for the viscountess would be welcome. We should also send notice that we're coming. But for Bianca, I wouldn't bring a gift unless you want to give her the wrong impression.

Grayson: Right, can you, um, handle the flowers while I send notice?

Miranda: Yes, I can. And remember to breathe.

Grayson: [that gets her a smile] I'll try.

Miranda: Good. I'll go find the flowers and leave word for Andrew about where we went.

Grayson: [and they will go off to do their jobs and have a quick, light lunch before they make the short trip to Henderson Hall. He followed Miranda's advice and didn't bring anything for Bianca. There was already the issue of miscommunication that he didn't want to add to it.]

Miranda: [carries the flowers and when the dowager viscountess appears, she extends them to her with a smile] Lady Wharton, thank you for having us on such short notice.

Lady Wharton: Oh, not at all. I always did love a surprise visitor. And these are lovely, thank you. [she nods to Grayson with a smile] Lord Hale, how lovely to see you as well.

Grayson: Thank you. I'm constantly told I need to get out more. [he gives the viscountess a small smile and a head bow] Thank you for your hospitality today.

Lady Wharton: Of course. I always did love a full house, and sadly the Amatos will be leaving soon. [leans towards him as she leads the way inside] If you wanted to continue to get out more, you're more than welcome to come keep a lonely old woman company.

Grayson: I guess that depends on if you like art. I spend most of my days sketching, perfecting my technique. I could come visit and we can talk and perhaps I can sketch some of your manor.

Lady Wharton: I love art. In fact, I have been patron to a small arts not far from here. I sponsor a few promising talents in town and try to help them start their careers and expose them to new mediums. Perhaps you would care to accompany me at my next visit?

Grayson: I would love that. [the only time he's open and talkative is when it comes to art, so it would be a great way to "get out more" and perhaps make a friend or two.]

Lady Wharton: Wonderful. I'll be sure to send word. [glances over at Miranda] You didn't tell me your cousin was so charming, Lady Hale.

Miranda: He prefers to be underestimated. [teasing]

Grayson: [he feels his cheeks heat up a bit. More like he prefers to remain in the shadows. But that description isn't wrong either]

Lady Wharton: Well, we are having tea in the parlor. The eldest Ms. Amato baked us some Venetian delicacies as a thank you for hosting them, and she is quite the talent in the kitchen.

Grayson: I'm sure that talent will help her on her quest for finding a mate.

Lady Wharton: It certainly will. As will her father's impressive wealth.

Miranda: How did you come to sponsor the sisters, Lady Wharton?

Lady Wharton: My son, the viscount, married an Italian countess who's family kept their money with the Amatos bank. Henry tentatively put some money with them and found it to be a sound business proposal. So when their father reached out looking for a sponsor to bring them to court, I felt it was a lovely opportunity to have some company and get first hand knowledge of all the interesting gossip.

Grayson: Have you ever been to Italy before?

Lady Wharton: I have. Beautiful country. Giovanni, my daughter-in-law's father has a gorgeous property out in Tuscanny where they held the wedding.

Grayson: I've never been. Hales normally don't travel that far south.

Lady Wharton: Well, if you are interested in art, you must visit Rome at least once. Tell your father it is a worthwhile investment in your passion.

Grayson: I will let him know. Lady Bianca also mentioned visiting her home city of Venice.

Lady Wharton: To visit Venice, you must be very comfortable on boats, of which I am not. But I'm sure it's still just as beautiful.

Grayson: I'm used to the frozen form of water, but to travel from Norway to the mainland, we have to cross a good length of water. It's why my parents didn't return to the manor between tournaments.

Lady Wharton: A wise choice, I'm sure. [she pauses in the parlor where Mariella and Isabella are chatting amongst themselves in Italian] Here we are. Please make yourself comfortable.

Isabella: [looks up] Lord Hale! You're here.

Grayson: Thank you. [looks over at Isabella and Mariella] Hello, ladies. I came to speak with your sister Lady Bianca before you leave tomorrow.

Mariella: She's in the kitchen. Would you like me to go fetch her?

Lady Wharton: Please, if you don't mind. Thank you, my dear.

Mariella: [nods and runs off to find her]

Isabella: Did you receive her letter?

Grayson: [goes to sit, but waiting for Miranda to sit first] I did. Also, this is my cousin, Lady Miranda Hale.

Miranda: Pleased to meet you.

Isabella: You as well, Lady Hale. You are bethrothed to the elder Lord Sumpter, yes? We met the younger at the tournament. [her nose wrinkles briefly] I do hope his brother has more charm.

Miranda: [laughs] Yes, it is hard to believe that he and Andrew are related at times.

Grayson: Lord Sumpter the elder is going to be a much better presence to the area when he inherits the manor.

Lady Wharton: Believe me, we are looking forward to it. Some I've heard, are even counting the days.

Grayson: And with Miranda's insight and advice, it can only get better. [yes, praising his bestie]

Lady Wharton: She was lucky enough to land the one who takes after their mother. I'm sure they will have quite the partnership.

Miranda: [nods] I can only hope.

Bianca: [footsteps sound in the hallway as Mariella practically drags her sister around the corner, while Bianca keeps looking over her dress, trying to make sure there isn't any flour, with a tray of S-shaped butter cookies dipped in chocolate in her hand. but as they reach the doorway she straightens and looks over at him with a smile] Lord Hale. I am glad you came. Ah - [pauses and holds out the tray] - bussolai? They are fresh.

Grayson: [he returns the smile and nods, picking one of the cookies up] Thank you.

Bianca: [nods as she passes the tray around] Lady Wharton has been so generous. Baking is least I could do.

Grayson: She has praised your talents in the kitchen when we arrived.

Bianca: She is too kind. [and she will take a seat on the couch across from him]

Miranda: [takes a bite of her own cookie and makes a pleased noise] And she did not exaggerate. These are delicious.

Bianca: Grazi.

Grayson: [he also takes a bite, then nods] How did you learn to make these?

Bianca: My aunt, on my mother's side. My mother loved to bake and when I was old enough, I asked my zia to teach me her favorites.

Grayson: I'm sure that she's proud of you.

Bianca: I hope. But I love it too. It can be very, ah - [she snaps her fingers as she tries to think of the word] - Like with a baby when they cry?

Miranda: Soothing?

Bianca: Si, soothing.

Grayson: I feel that way sometimes with my art. You can let things that are upsetting you fade into the background for awhile

Bianca: Yes. And if the days is particularly terrible, take it out on bread dough.

Grayson: Healthy coping method.

Bianca: Yes. [hands play with the sleeves of her dress nervously] Did you and Lady Hale travel far?

Grayson: [shakes his head] No, Sumpter manor isn't far from here. [he sees her nerves and looks to Miranda for help]

Miranda: You know, Lady Wharton has quite the lovely sculpture garden. [glances to Bianca to see if she will take the opportunity]

Bianca: [nods, understanding] Yes. Would you like me to show you, Lord Hale?

Grayson: I would love to.

Bianca: Bellisima. Please, this way. [and she will get up to lead the way out of the back if the house to the gardens]

Grayson: We'll be back soon. [and he will follow her]

Bianca: [and once they are out of earshot of the tea room] You received my letter?

Grayson: I did, and I thought it best to come answer it in person.

Bianca: [nods] I am glad you did. And I do apologize again.

Grayson: I understand more now and I think it should be I who apologizes for overreacting.

Bianca: [shakes her head] No apology necessary. I know how it sounded. Were I you, I overreact too.

Grayson: I've just never been interested in courting, but I'm also the first son of the Lord of the manor, so most don't care about my feelings, and instead their opportunity to move up in social status. That's why I reacted the way I did, but you wouldn't have known that.

Bianca: [nods] It is unfortunate, that these are the games we are forced to play.

Grayson: I'd be perfectly happy not having to marry at all, to be honest. That's why I'm here with Miranda--to escape it for awhile.

Bianca: Do your parents still expect it of you?

Grayson: I don't think they would force, but they also don't like the idea of my being alone.

Bianca: Is it, ah - [her voice drops off as she tries to figure out how to phrase it] It's common, in the artists I've met, for men to enjoy male company also. [or only but she knows how it's perceived by the church and doesn't want to pigeonhole him]

Grayson: [chuckles] Everyone asks that, but no. I just don't get any feelings like attraction or love in a romantic way. I can love, I mean I love my family so I know the emotion. [rubs the back of his neck] I guess I'm just broken when it comes to this.

Bianca: No, not that. Though in Italy, your father would have likely sold you to the Church in exchange for status. [which sounds cruel but she's met far more priests who chose that life to curry favor with the Holy Father rather than actual devotion to the church] My father is not so cruel. He will let me choose, for the most part. But only if I marry and have an heir, will he give me the bank and that is an important legacy to me.

Grayson: My mother was originally betrothed to a horrible man, as was my aunt. My great uncle Peter found ways to break those contracts so they could choose their own mate. It was the greatest gift he could give.

Bianca: It sounds as though they were fortunate to have him. I have met women who were not so lucky.

Grayson: As have I, and knowing I would not be a good husband, I don't wish to be that to someone.

Bianca: Because you do not believe you could love them?

Grayson: [nods] Nor do I wish to make an heir.

Bianca: Then I believe that is very wise of you. But it must make court very lonely.

Grayson: Not really. I have a lot of cousins.

Bianca: Like I have a lot of sisters? [joking]

Grayson: My family tends to have big families. My uncle Derek has five children of his own, Aunt Cora has four, and that's not counting my cousins who are already married and having their own children. And of course, my sister Amelia.

Bianca: It sounds lovely. I always liked big families.

Grayson: It was nice, always having a friend when you were growing up there.

Bianca: Will you stay here with your cousin when she marries? Or will you go back to your family home?

Grayson: That'll be up to MIranda, I believe. I'm sure she'll want time alone with her husband.

Bianca: Oh, I'm sure. [that is important to newlyweds, isn't it.]

Grayson: Maybe I can do as you and Lady Warton suggest and travel.

Bianca: I think it's very rewarding to try new things.

Grayson: So I've been told. [and there's that smile, the one that makes people see him looking like his father]

Bianca: [smiles in return, as they turn into the sculpture garden. artful hedges wind around stylish fountains and other sculpture pieces and stretches out over the property] Lady Wharton has mentioned that she's planning a ball for next year. If the weather holds she wants to host it here.

Grayson: [he might not be able to sculpt, but he appreciates it just the same. He nods approvingly] This would be a beautiful place for certain.

Bianca: [nods] Perhaps, if the wedding needs to be hosted here, your cousin might choose?

Grayson: She would choose that with Lord Sumpter, I'm sure. Their manor, while cold and quiet at times, does have a lovely landscape as well.

Bianca: [she nods] Perhaps if you decide to travel, you may visit Venice?

Grayson: There, and Lady Warton suggested Rome as well.

Bianca: Oh yes, you must see the chapels. Beautiful frescas.

Grayson: I will remember that. [thinks] you mentioned about wanting to be friends still. I would like that. Perhaps we could write and you tell me of your country and I can give you information to aid your quest for a mate?

Bianca: [smiles widely and nods] I would like that very much.

Geayson: Good. You'll need to show me how to address letters to get them to you through the post. I'll give you mine here, as well as Hale Manor, just so you have it when I return home.

Bianca: Si, I will write it down for you.

Grayson: Same. [looks at the distance they've traveled in their walking] We should make our way back before Lady Warton thinks I've stolen you away.

Bianca: [nods and she will lead the way back to the house, and as they reach the back door, she glances back to him with a smile] I am very glad you came.

Grayson: Me too. [and he will go and open the door for her]

Bianca: [and they will enjoy the rest of their visit, and when they leave, Bianca will pass him the address of her family's estate in Venice]

Grayson: [and he will tuck it into his pocket, and hand her his addresses in return] Be safe on your travels home.

Bianca: You as well. [and she will take that and retreat back into the house]

Miranda: [takes his arm] Ready to go?

Grayson: Yes. [and he will thank Lady Warton for her hospitality]

Lady Wharton: It was lovely having you, Lord Hale. Please do feel free to visit anytime.

Grayson: I shall. Have a pleasant rest of your day, ladies. [and he will bow and then hold his arm out for his cousin]

Miranda: [she will take it, and off they will go to head back to the Sumpter manor for dinner as expected]