Out with the Old

[Ivone]

Ivone's smile remained firmly in place, even when Raeme's words intended to cut, even when he referred to her as a stray.

"When he decides it will be, I am sure it will. " Ivone inclined her head and moved away, slipping her hand into Tius' and taking steps forward and back.

"We should compare wounds and see whose is worse." Ivone was not about to tell Tius his father referred to her as a stray dog, a bitch by proxy, and told her their "dalliance" would end.

"I hear you are a blind cad who treats his prospective marriage prospects poorly. How very scandalous, Butterfly." Ivone's gaze was warm on his, with undercurrents he'd come to see more often. A little mischievous smile danced on her lips. The music ended and Ivone curtsied to Tius, giving him a fine view of the nape of her neck. Ivone turned toward the musicians and applauded politely, just as everyone did.

"I suppose next we must move through the room to stop and talk to this person and that?"

[Vicentius]

He chuckled at her words, his easy smile at odds with the worry in his eyes.

"That would be a difficult one to call, Miss Malatrast," he said, "my mother aims for the heart, but my father likes to flay his victims. We may have to agree to disagree."

They moved together again, albeit more slowly, as the tempo of the music was winding down, and he shook his head ruefully at her assertions. She was putting a brave face on things, but his father had bothered her, it was the only logical explanation for why she seemed so pleased to see him. To think, no, to even entertain any other idea was simply hubris, and he was not that kind of gentleman. Or at least he tried not to be.

"The Bird was just bitter that she failed to impress," he said, "and father has never dealt well with failure. I'm sure we could have been perfectly miserable together, but why take that risk? She could be equally miserable with someone else, after all?"

The music ended, and he bowed to Ivone, certain he imagined the slight hesitance she displayed in rising from her curtsy, as though she wanted him to see the expanse of pale skin at the nape of her neck. When they straightened, and turned to applaud the band as was proper, he noted his parents leaning towards one another in what could be construed as affectionately, but he knew to be conclave. Well, now wasn't that interesting? Another slight turn revealed Aurelio and dear Sparrow in similar pose, and he wondered how the stars had aligned to bring those two together. And then he didn't.

"We should," he said, "but, I think after exposure to my family again, you deserve a drink and a slight reprieve, don't you?"

Offering her his arm, he waved down a passing waiter and liberated a goblet of red wine in the name of the revolution, as well as a goblet of spiced punch for himself. It had been something of an inauspicious start, but he had to say, he was enjoying himself.

[Ivone]

Ivone graciously accepted the goblet of wine, careful to take only a small sip here and there, as she slipped her arm through Tius'. It would not do to get tipsy in this environment. She did not have the luxury of being a naked fool on the dance floor. Some other time, some other place, perhaps, but not tonight. She would find water to quench her thirst soon, but wine was a requirement. They walked and talked, Tius careful of her and generous to her as always. He curved toward her, so she might speak without having to yell. She leaned toward him, stretching some, so he would not have to lean too far.

"I am fine with exposure to your family. They are your family after all." Ivone offered Tius a smile.

"Besides, seeing you in them is interesting. Your father spoke of your business acumen and I swear I've seen you with that same stance." A fact that led her to forgive Raemes' words, but only a little.

"Mm. Well, you do know that those two birds had actually been engaged since they were conceived, don't you?" The Sparrow and the Peacock belonged together. Alignment of Merynir to Moryldar did advance the Merynir's further, but the Morringtons were at the top of the proverbial food chain.

"The slavery scandal had put that off track. You were good to avoid that entanglement." These were comments spoken solely for Tius' ears. The pair of them unwittingly mirrored the other two couples' interactions, a fact that did not go unnoticed.

"Your father mentioned Melika not attending. Do you think they are making a move while we are here?" Ivone was only a little worried. Most everything had been removed, but a few toiletries. The worry stemmed from a sense of having her privacy invaded.

Emogen Stone was there, of course, with her son and daughter, all of whom were dressed well, but not as well as the people who would judge them: people like Raemes and other Descendants. She was gossiping with a few members of the Ladies Auxilliary group who'd been part of setting up the Ball. This was their first group.

[Vicentius]

Leaning in, he played up to the interested bachelor angle, smiling and laughing as though her response about his family was the wittiest thing he had heard all season. Turning to whisper to her, he tilted his own goblet of punch for her to drink from while pretending to sip suggestively from hers. Letting her drink her fill, he chuckled and gave her hip a gentle squeeze, his hand skirting the borders of propriety without ever quite leaving it.

"They never tired of reminding us," he said, rolling his eyes, "but somehow that never quite stopped our dear Bird from...shopping around, shall we say."

They had all heard the stories of course, and the endless lectures about family, obligation and duty over the years, but that still had not inclined Tius to roll over and play dead when his father barked. He was uncertain what match had been made for him, Morringtons being quite selective, but he was rock solid in his certainty that whatever poor woman it was, was much better off without him. As it was, the tides of the party ebbed and flowed as such things did, and they could not linger on the sidelines for too long. He smiled.

"I would not think so," he said, "though she may push for it. Barging in like a thief is distasteful and lowers one's social standing. She already failed in her attempt to bring the law to bear, so she will bide her time to save face, else she give you the high ground."

Subtly turning to where the delightful Miss Stone was in anxious conversation with her contemporaries, he took a sip of his punch and began to move in that direction. It was as good a direction as any other, and he did need to speak to Miss Stone to congratulate her on a job well done, and to inquire about Maudeen's writing project, of course. He did so hope she was putting those books to good use.

[Ivone]

The spiced punch was a better option, by far. Ivone leaned into his hand as Tius squeezed her hip, returning the interest. It was an easy part to play, given the truth underlying the act. She made a sound of soft amusement.

"Shopping. Is that what they call it these days?" Ivone considered Tius' words and nodded with relief.

Tius turned and Ivone moved with him, well in step and alignment. Some things were trained, but with Tius, having spent enough time with him already, it was easy. His hand brushed against her lower back as they moved toward the Stones and he dipped down as if making some soft comment or other. Ivone lifted her cup and murmured,

"I do believe Maudeen has noticed your approach." It was true. Maudeen's gaze had latched on to Tius the moment they moved in their direction. Her lips moved as if she were reciting something to herself. "Mind yourself, I do believe she's smitten."

Not that Tius would be horrible to anyone, only Maudeen had an intensity to her that made Ivone worry the girl might make a scene. When they arrived at the group, the gossipy ladies turned rows of smiling teeth in their direction.

"Mr. Morrington, Ms. Ivone, how nice to see you two looking so splendid." The word "together" was left unspoken. Maudeen chose that moment to speak. When she spoke it was in a blurted rush.

"Mr. Morrington, I am so happy you are here. I hope we might have time to speak about the books you lent me." Maudeen's eyes were wide and her cheeks were pink. Ivone winced internally. Hadn't Tius mentioned knowing someone Maudeen might like? Ivone gave a gentle, doting smile and turned her gaze to Tus, letting it linger for a moment before acknowledging Emogen's greeting.

"You are too kind, Mrs. Stone. I think I should be the one acknowledging you, and the ladies auxiliary...." Ivone inclined her head to Emogen's companions. "I don't think the Ball would look half so wonderful had your efforts been directed elsewhere."

[Vicentius]

He leaned in, ever the attentive escort, and chuckled as though she had just said something quite witty. The interesting thing about the social ladder, and those who sought to climb it, was how much attention they paid to the rungs. Sometimes the rungs were very close together, and other times they were leagues apart. Those on Monetario's rung would always be up there, scowling down at the graspers underneath. Of course, some people didn't know that, but what was life without a little mystery? He let his gaze flicker towards Maudeen without ever changing his stance.

"She is a sweet thing," he said, "though one suspects she could stand to get out more."

That was something of an understatement, given the nature of their rather brief conversations. Well, if he was being honest about it, calling them conversations was something of a stretch. A conversation tended to involve more than one person talking, and what few words she had been able to get out had been rushed agreements with his expressed sentiments. Such a shame, really, he felt, as she had some intriguing ideas, but her mother's voice was too loud in her ear for her to really branch out.

He straightened to proper pose as they approached, polite almost-smile in place and taking in the faces ahead of him. Another curious thing he had observed about those who would climb the ladder, was that they hunted in packs, but attacked individually. They were like sheep in some ways, but sheep just ran when scared, or attacked when threatened; they did not try to bite the sheep next to them as well. He directed his smile along the pecking order, and was about to respond to Emogen's statement when Maudeen spoke.

"Miss Stone," he said, "I could hardly bear to be elsewhere on such a night. However, I would be remiss if I did not at least greet your lady mother and the fine ladies of the Auxiliary before I let you whisk me away."

Bowing to those assembled, he straightened and turned to Emogen, raising his drink in a salute.

"Mrs Stone," he said, "it is the least I could do to pay homage to the sterling efforts of the Auxiliary. The designs are inspired."

[Ivone]

"Didn't you say you knew someone who might suit her?" Ivone was worried Maudeen might get it in her head to throw herself at Tius, which would make things quite awkward for both of them. Entrapment wasn't a far stretch for someone to scheme about a man like Tius.

Ivone smiled at Tius' response. Well, there now, he'd committed to spending some time with Maudeen, who looked thrilled, and stared at Tius in that intense way again.

The ladies all smiled at Tius and lifted their cups, basking in his praise. Ivone looked away and found Aurelio staring at her. The cruel smile he reserved for her flickered into view and he lifted his cup to her.

Ivone wanted to slap that smile off of his face. The bastard. She cut her glance away and spotted Giles and a few others who'd pretended to be her friends. Not that she had believed they were, how could they be? Somehow she'd finished half the cup of wine without even thinking. Ivone resisted the urge to put her hand on Tius in a proprietary way and instead leaned to place the remaining wine on a nearby table. She needed to keep her wits about her.

Emogen's smile broadened.

"Mr. Morrington, you are much too kind."

Maudeen edged closer and had even brushed, in a way she thought very circumspect. She needed to pull on her Lady M persona. Tius was a beautiful man whose heart she needed to win away from the conniving she-devil on his arm.

But how?

"Todd! Why don't you ask Ms. Ivone to dance or at least take a walk around the floor with her. It will be good for your leg." Todd, who was happily and contentedly chatting with his friends, pivoted on a heel and his cane.

"What, yes? Of course." He limped to Ivone and extended his Ivone. "If her companion can bear to be parted from her?"

Emogen's brows lifted.

Perhaps she could net two birds with two Stones.

[Vicentius]

He felt Ivone tense beside him, and shifted his arm where it linked with hers. It was a small thing, subtle, but intended as a reminder that she was not alone. He did not need to look to guess the source of her discomfort, and neither did he begrudge her the flash of temper that had likely caused her to tense. Aurelio Merynir was...uncivilized in many ways, and Tius suspected he opted for mockery to cover his insecurities and doubts. Tius' smile, however, never wavered, nor did his eyes leave Emogen's at her response to him, in fact it widened to match hers.

"Kindness implies undue charity, Mrs Stone," he said, inclining his head, "while Puradynism emphasizes Just Reward. I give what has been earned. To do any less is anathema."

Maudeen moved closer, and he suppressed the urge to raise an eyebrow at her presumptuousness. Yet, when she spoke, it wasn't anger, or irritation that it stirred in him; it was disappointment. The suggestion was blatant, in rather poor taste, and far below what he felt she was capable of. He knew her prose, and had endeavored, delicately, to coach her to improve, but perhaps the delicate was not what was needed in this case. Perhaps a person required an example. His smile remained, but grew cold and slipped from his eyes as he pulled on the persona of Morrington.

"I am afraid her companion cannot."

He let that hang there for a moment, swirling his punch as he looked from one face to the next.

"Puradynism emphasizes Just Reward," he said, again, "and is founded on the principles of Duty, Honour and Sacrifice. On my Honour, I cannot abandon Miss Malatrast, even to such a fine young man as yourself, for to do so would be failing in my Duty, and put a lie to the words of praise I've given to the good Ladies of the Auxiliary, and to every word I've spoken as a Morrington. Would you have me forsake my familiy's Honour and yours for a dance, sir?"

He raised his eyebrows, keeping the stern expression just long enough to be uncomfortable for Todd, and then broke into a wide grin and a genuine laugh.

"I jest," he said, "it's not truly my decision to make, Miss Malatrast is her own woman, after all, but you understand my dilemma. Miss Stone, please, join us for a drink, and we'll discuss those books."

[Ivone]

Beneath her hand Ivone felt the muscle in Tius’ arm flex, drawing her attention away from Aurelio and his fair-weather friends. Ivone looked up at Tius, watching him speak. She kept her expression smooth, pious even, as Tius intoned his thoughts on being a Puradyne. Then, he turned colder than she had ever seen him and it shocked her. To her credit, though, Ivone managed to keep her expression neutral. His words, though, thrilled her more than they should have. If she’d been pressed, she would have had to lie that her heart hadn’t skipped a beat. She hoped that the thrill didn’t show on her cheeks.

More than a few ladies raised their brows at his comment as well. Ivone was certain it would go into the rumor mill, further instantiating the idea that the pair of them were a couple. Ivone shifted subtly toward Tius - as if seeking the protection he offered and as if she preferred to be close to him. The coincidence of these things being true just lent more credability to the gesture.

Todd’s face showed his surprise, moving from the thought of a genial offer to it being a slur on a Descendant, in quick succession. When Tius grinned and laughed, it took Todd a moment to recover, but recover he did.

“Changers, Mr. Morrington, you had me worried there! Of course! I am remiss.” Todd put his free hand over his heart and a most convincing contrite expression on his face. He wasn’t an unattractive man, actually. His only fault, in Ivone’s mind, was that he was not Vincentius Morrington.

“I do hope you will forgive my poor manners, Ms. Malatrast.” Ivone inclined her head graciously.

“Of course, Mr. Stone. I regret that I am still recovering from that first set. I will, however, take a turn with you around the room.” With that, Ivone gave Tius a glance. Separating was a gamble, but might be worth the risk. She slipped her arm from Tius’ to Todd’s to move off.

The ladies, for their part, hung on every gesture, every expression, every glance, and every touch, cataloging them for further deliberation amongst themselves. Certainly at least one of them would say Ivone's glance was a longing one. There were camps, of course, for and against them being a couple.

Well, thought Maudeen, that did not go as well as I’d hoped. Her embarrassment at causing her brother to be rebuked was obvious enough, but she still had managed to get rid of Ivone. Maudeen pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose and reached for a cup of punch.

“I defer to your knowledge in such things, Mr. Morrington.”

[Vicentius]

Perhaps it had been too much, perhaps it had been cruel, but Tius knew that the application of power was not always gentle; his father was testament to that. The important point, he felt, as both Todd's and Maudeen's faces shifted from assurance, to shock, to confusion and slight relief, albeit tinged with unease, was that the message had been received. The Auxiliary could think what they wanted, frankly, because they were beneath him. That was not a kind thought, nor was it a generous one, but in this case it was true, and despite his smile, he met their looks clearly and curiously. At Maudeen's words, he inclined his head to the Ladies once more.

"How polite of you," he said to her, "such a credit to your family. Mrs Stone, you'll forgive me for borrowing your daughter, I'm sure."

Smiling, he offered his arm and led Maudeen a bit away from Emogen and the Auxiliary, not enough to be suggestive or even out of sight, but enough for the illusion of privacy. He did so love gatherings in that respect; so many people around, so much action, and yet individual interactions got lost in the melee, every couple hidden in little eddies within the great maelstrom. He wondered how best to phrase what he wanted to say, or rather how to broach it.

"My dear Lady M," he said, "you were doing so well. Miss Malatrast spoke so fondly of you too."

He paused, swirling his drink slightly before taking a sip, catching a clearly off-hand glance from Zidia as she skirted the dance floor. Stretching slightly, he adjusted his sleeve and returned his attention to Maudeen, remaining in character.

"I trust you found them useful?"

[Ivone]

Oh, how she wished she could settle high up somewhere and watch Tius' exchange with Maudeen. She liked to watch him engage with others verbally, watch as he pulled on this mask or that, switching easily between them.

Walking had been an offered kindness to Todd, who knew it.

"It was very kind of you to suggest the walk, Ms. Malatrast. I'm afraid I am not up for dancing just yet."

Ivone smiled up at Todd.

"I hope your leg is healing well? I know it seems sacrilegious to say so, but Dr. Sehkhara's healing skills are government sanctioned. Have you considered them?"

Todd shook his head, brows furrowing.

"No, mother would hear nothing of it. Taints the blood, boy!" Todd chuckled and patted Ivone's hand. Ivone chuckled as well. Todd was quite good at mimicking his mother's style. Face taking on a neutral mask, Todd followed up with,

"I hope he is being kind to her." Ivone blinked then glanced over her shoulder.

"She's blushing furiously. That will set tongues to wagging, but I know he is a kind man at heart." Was he? Regardless of everything, he was still a Morrington. Tius had proved that once already tonight.

~~~~~~~~

Maudeen blushed.

He knows! And, he referenced Ivone's fondness of her. All was fair in the game of love, was it not?

Well, that's what she wanted to say. Instead, she took another sip of punch and nodded her head.

"Yes, I think I will write next on the trade routes."

[Vicentius]

"A fertile topic for intrigue," he said, "as evidenced by our own glorious history, and a worthy endeavor."

It was, though a certain amount of experience was required to milk the full yield from such a topic. Money was such a very... pedestrian... reason to fight, but it suited so many at the same time. Wars fought, families destroyed, hearts broken, all over the chance to get more or less Bishani flowing in a given direction. Approached properly, one could write a saga on such things, and in fact, many had. In some place that saga was called 'history'. He kept his expression neutral, giving her the space to be embarrassed without imposing or without seeming to shy away.

"Lady M, I gave you those books, and more importantly my time," he said, not ungently, "because I believe you have potential. We both do. Families too often view their children as horses to be broken and traded to the highest bidder, and show little regard for the talent wasted in the process."

He caught a glimpse of Todd and Ivone moving, and he did not doubt that he was a subject to be discussed. He applauded Todd's sense of brotherly and gentlemanly concern, as he did anyone willing to take a stand for decency, but the truth was that if Tius had wanted to dishonour Maudeen there was little that Todd or Emogen could do to stop him. It was a sad fact, but a true one, and one of the many reasons he was thankful not to be that sort of noble. It was generally cleaner all round.

"Miss Malatrast in particular has had a very hard time of it," he said, "and continues to have difficulties. She is a dear friend, and while I understand that the heart wants what it wants, you will understand why I will not stand for anyone so blatantly dismissing my friend."

He stopped, taking another sip of his punch to let that sink in, then turned to look at her directly.

"My apologies if that hurt your feelings," he said, "sincerely. But I look after my friends. Forgive me also, for being so blunt, but I must ask; does the Lady M seek only a marriage and a comfortable home, or does she wish to take center stage?"

[Ivone]

Maudeen, listened intently to Tius’ words, drinking in his wisdom with more than a little fervor. He thought she had potential. She drew on a solemn face as Tius spoke of Ivone. The message sank in, but it didn’t mean she wanted to hear it. Besides, her mind was already on the grand adventure the Lady M would experience and a passionate encounter with a gypsy trader.

He had hurt her feelings, but his follow-on question was one she hadn’t really considered. Certainly, most of her stories were about passion and love. Maudeen blinked.

“She wants to be center stage in her marriage and her life.”

~~~~
“She’s not a stunning woman, but I think she has her strong points. I worry she will throw herself into a situation that will put her back instead of move her forward. I think she needs someone who loves her, truly, and will dote on her and help her grow.”

Ivone chuckled.

“Todd, you’re a good brother, but I think most women want that. Don’t forget a partner. There should be give and take.”

“Ah, true, true. No hope for me, then?”

Ivone gave a soft smile.

"No, I'm afraid not."

Todd chuckled and patted her hand again.

Zidia Morrington passed into Ivone’s peripheral vision and Ivone turned them back toward Tius and Maudeen. If she and Todd continued on their current path, they would pass Aurelio, Sparrow, and the crew. Frankly, Ivone didn’t think she’d have to courage to face them without Tius on her arm.

[Vicentius]

"An interesting choice," he said, taking a sip, "and a reassuring one."

He maintained his eye contact with her, tilting his head to one side and passing a hand through his hair. It was easy to say the words, he knew, but whether she truly wanted that was only for her to know. It was made all the more difficult by his certainty that she wasn't completely paying attention.

"The theater is in the doldrums," he said, "a new company is taking over, there is confusion about what direction to take, and more importantly, there is an opening on the writing team. I believe the Lady M could find her calling there."

He let that hang there for a minute, then tapped his drink with a fingertip, raising an eyebrow.

"It would require working closely with myself and with the writing team," he said, "and success is not going to be immediate, but I have faith."

He paused again, smiling.

"That is, of course, if the Lady M was interested."

He glanced over to where Ivone and Todd were making their way back, surreptitiously stepping closer to Maudeen as he did so.

"Then again, perhaps she's more interested in the gypsy before her than the prize he represents," he said, sipping his drink, "a tragic hazard of her work, no doubt. One in her position would need to think larger scale, I would think, because it is about what she wants, and what her association with such fascinating people can gain her."

He turned back to look at Maudeen, leaning in to whisper.

"But that's just an observation," he said, "and I've clearly kept you too long. Shall we head back?"

[Ivone]

The gesture caught more than one woman's attention. Ivone's gaze strayed to Tius on more than one occasion. Maudeen's gaze focused back on Tius and her eyes widened.

"I'd like that."

Maudeen flushed.

"I'd like that, too."

Maudeen thought her heart was going to pound out of her chest when Tius stepped nearer. Gypsy? What gypsy? Her mouth gaped like a fish's. Her skin prickled when Tius whispered near her.

"I'll do it."

She'd just have to figure out how to get around her mother's objections.

~~~

Todd noted Ivone's gaze change its focus and looked as well. He saw Tius step closer to her sister and how she reacted. His features darkened.

"Ms. Malatrast, I think your companion is just like all other men and you might want to rethink your opinion."

Ivone turned to look at Todd then back at the picture the pair made. She had to admit the closeness was a bit... close, but she knew. She just knew it wasn't what it looked like.

"Don't mistake a girl's infatuation for a man's intention, Mr. Stone." Todd looked at Ivone, stared at her. So, she kept her expression earnest. A thought flickered in his gaze. He connected the dots between the rumors about Tius Morrington and the lack of rumors that tied him to womanizing behavior. Ruffled feathers assuaged somewhat, Todd replied,

"I suppose."

"I wouldn't be surprised if Tius was talking to Maudeen about her extracurricular activities."

"Oh, you've seen those have you." Todd's voice was very unenthused.

"I have. And, I think she has potential. You should support her efforts to find outlets that are constructive."

Todd blinked. Someone thought Maudie's writing had potential. More than one someone? He nodded despite himself.

"I will, if you say so."

Ivone smiled sweetly as they arrived.

"I do."

A warmth of emotion flickered as she looked at Tius, a communication without words.

Mission accomplished.

Now on to their next group.