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guilty-pleasures21 · 1 month ago

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Chapter 5 - the opera

Part A

Part B

Part C

Warnings: none.

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Pav stretched his arms out as he walked into the hallway with Rohan and Gabe. “That was long! I must commend the singers on their impressive stamina!”

“Yeah and we’ve still got another hour left after this break,” Rohan agreed. Pav turned to him with a look of horror.

“An hour?!” he exclaimed, looking to Gabe for some reassurance that his cousin was only joking. But he was sorely disappointed when Gabe responded with a solemn nod.

“And you do this for fun?” Pavitr questioned.

“Most socialising,” Anjali supplied, slipping into their conversation. “Though some of us do seem to have fun here.”

She glanced over at Miguel from the corner of her eye, watching as he hesitantly made his way over to her sister. She was turned away from him, huddled in a corner of the room, and his brow furrowed with puzzlement as he stopped a few feet away from her, trying to figure out how to approach her. Perhaps she didn’t need to come up with a plan after all.

“Lord Gabriel? Is that you?” The accented voice broke into Anjali’s thoughts and she turned to find a young man striding over to them with the relaxed smile of someone who believed themself to be invincible. He appeared familiar and as he got closer, she realised that it was the Italian gentleman who had been whispering with the young Earl Frederick at the ball the other night.

“Excuse me.” Gabe nodded politely to the group, then walked over to the man with a courteous smile. “Mr Orsini, is it?”

“Sì!” Felice confirmed, shaking Gabe’s hand and giving him an enthusiastic pat on the back. “And you are Lord Miguel’s brother, sì?”

“Yes …” Gabe replied slowly, confused by Felice’s immediate mention of his brother. He didn’t seem to recall his brother ever meeting with the young Italian, so why would he lead the conversation by mentioning Miguel? “And you are Frederick’s friend?”

“Sì. We have known each other for a long time,” Felice confirmed casually. “How are you finding this season? I have heard rumours of your brother’s insistence on remaining a bachelor. Your mother must be worrying about your future as well?”

The question seemed a little intrusive, but perhaps it was just how they spoke in Italy? More forward and open with one another about their personal business? Gabe hesitated as he tried to come up with an appropriate response.

“I am finding the season rather … eye-opening,” he decided finally. “I am still … a little young to be married, but I have been using the opportunity to gain an insight into my possible prospects.”

Felice bit back his frown at the young man’s vague answer: he’d mentioned nothing at all about his brother’s current situation, so how was he supposed to know how he was faring compared to Frederick? Though Frederick seemed more interested in ensuring his half-brother’s failure than securing his own success.

“Lord Gabriel?” A new voice interrupted their conversation but this time, the voice seemed to be feminine. Gabriel turned around and was surprised to find an unfamiliar young lady standing beside him. She smiled when she saw his face and he couldn’t help but notice how mesmerising her wide, hazel eyes looked. “It is you! Goodness, it has been ages!”

Gabriel shook his head, trying to catch the weak flicker of recognition that tickled the back of his mind. “My apologies, my lady … have we met before?”

The lady laughed and Gabriel felt his heart pick up its pace at the delightful sound. “I suppose I have grown up quite a bit since we last saw one another. Annabelle? Annabelle Reilly? You used to tug on my pigtails every time you saw me.”

Gabe’s eyes widened with recognition as the old memory came to mind. “Lady Annabelle?! Goodness, it must be, what, eight years? How have you been? It has been a long time since you have called on Lord Richard.”

Lord Richard was her cousin whose country estate had been close by to the O’Hara’s when they were younger. Annabelle had visited there often due to the frequent trips her parents would make out of the country and the children would play together whenever Richard’s or Gabe’s parents would call on one another.

“Has it really been that long?” Annabelle questioned, still aiming that lovely smile at him. “I must see him one of these days. I am afraid my parents started bringing me with them on their trips once I was old enough to travel. It has been lovely seeing the world, but I must admit that there is truly no place like home. What of you? How are your brother and your parents?”

Gabe hesitated for a moment. ‘My brother has decided that our kind and sweet neighbour shall be his chosen source of entertainment for this Season. God knows what he is up to, but I trust that Lady X is smart enough to know not to fall for his charms.’ “My father … passed a while back. He had been in ill health for a while, so … it was not entirely unexpected.”

Annabelle placed a gentle hand on his forearm and Gabe’s heart skipped a beat. “Still, it must not have been easy to deal with. I regret not having been there for you, Gabriel.”

He swallowed hard at the sight of the rosy pout she aimed up at him, then took a step away from her, flustered. It was too bad that he did not possess even half of the charms his brother did. Maybe then he would know how to interact with such a lovely young lady. “Er, yes, well … It was not your fault.”

Annabelle gave him an understanding smile, then turned her attention to Felice. “Mr Orsini. I take it? I have heard a few rumours about you making their way around the ton.”

She held a hand out to him and he clasped it in greeting as a smug smile stretched rapidly across his face. “Well, we do have a few minutes before the next scene begins. Would you like to know the truth behind those rumours, bella?”

He held his arm out to her, his body angled towards the refreshments table and Annabella gladly curled her fingers around his elbow. “Oh, how exciting!”

Gabe felt his stomach drop at the obvious pleasure on her features. But then she turned back to him with that lovely smile and his heart sped up in hopeful anticipation.

“Are you joining us, Lord Gabriel?” she asked, her expression warm and inviting. Gabe straightened, drawing himself to his full height above both Annabelle and Felice.

“I would be delighted to accompany you, Lady Annabelle.” Felice raised an eyebrow at the determined expression on Gabe’s face as he moved to stand on Annabelle’s other side, but he mentioned nothing of it as they made their way over to the table.

She glanced around to confirm that no one was paying her any attention, then she turned around and pulled out a small Italian dictionary. She’d carry it with her whenever they went to the opera, studiously flicking through it with Miguel so she could learn some Italian. He was so clever, Miguel, so learned and well-read and- Argh! Could she not stop thinking about him for just one second?!

“Are you in need of some assistance, my lady?” She almost dropped her book when she heard the familiar voice coming from behind her. She turned around and clutched her dictionary tightly behind her back, straightening her expression so that Miguel wouldn’t be suspicious of her.

“Lord Miguel,” she began, careful to maintain an even tone. “Have you been enjoying the play so far?”

He smirked at her as he folded his arms across his chest. “Quite well, actually. My favourite part so far has been when she gave him the flower. I thought it was quite clever on her part.”

X nodded her head slowly, trying to guess at whatever the female protagonist could have meant by the action. “Y-Yes, indeed. It was … an intelligent move on her part.”

He pressed his lips together, completely aware that she had absolutely no idea what had been happening in the play. But it was cute the way she’d furrow her brow everytime she was thinking of how to respond to him.

“And do you not think Alfredo rather admirable to be so dedicated to his love for her despite her profession?�� he continued. X’s eyes widened as she jumped onto this new piece of information he provided her with.

“Oh, yes, definitely!” she agreed quickly. “It is not an easy thing to be … so dedicated to someone … who works … in such a profession …” She broke his gaze, hoping that he wouldn’t realise that she was basically just repeating his exact words.

He swallowed down his laughter at the way she repeated his words. “Really? I thought you would have disagreed considering your strong moral compass.”

Oh no. What had she just agreed to?! Perhaps she should just tell him the truth and beg him to relay the story to her. She chewed on her lip as she searched his face for a clue. Finally, she sighed and frowned up at him. “Fine! I had absolutely no idea what was going on! Please translate the story for me oh great and intelligent Lord Miguel!”

A soft snicker escaped his lips as they curled at the ends. “Why would you care, princesa? I thought you were more interested in the view next to you.”

Her frown deepened at his unkind teasing and he couldn't help but notice how adorable she always looked whenever she was annoyed with him.

She clenched and unclenched her fists by her sides. She hadn't even been able to see Gabe in their darkened surroundings! And it wasn't like he'd had any idea what had been going on onstage - the only other language he knew was French and only because it was compulsory for members of the upper class to know. But never mind that, she had spent the entire first act puzzling over her suddenly complicated feelings for Miguel, too distracted to pay attention to the story anyway. Goodness, why did he have to be so … so infuriating?! “Well, if I am such a bother to you, my lord, then perhaps I should just return home early and allow you to enjoy the rest of the show in peace.”

She turned to leave, making good on her threat, but Miguel grabbed her wrist quickly, stopping her before she could even take a step.

“Conejita …” he pleaded softly. X’s anger bubbled even more at his use of yet another likely inappropriate Spanish term.

“What now?!” she questioned.

He raised his eyebrows, taken back by her unexpected irritation. He released her wrist and took a small step back, giving her a little space.

“It is nothing inappropriate, princesa. It just means ‘bunny’.” His lips stretched back into a smile as she wrinkled her nose up at him. “Which is what you look like everytime you make that face at me.”

Her heart thumped with delight at his comparison of her to a cute little bunny and she dug her fingers into her palms to stop her lips from curling into a smile. She straightened and sniffed with feigned disinterest. “Well …”

He took a step closer to her, taking the opportunity to brush his fingers against hers gently. “I’ll explain the story to you, princesa. ¿Bien?”

He twisted his fingers around hers, clasping her hand loosely, and she felt all her irritation melt away at the intimate gesture.

“Okay,” she relented. She lowered her head as her cheeks heated up and her lips stretched wide at the ends, and Miguel felt his heart flutter at the sight of her shy smile. She was much too cute for her own good.

She smiled as the two lovers finally reunited onstage, then turned to Miguel for an explanation when the woman continued to lie weakly on her chaise.

“He has come to see her too late: she is still dying,” he explained softly, his warm breath blowing loose a few strands of her curly hair.

“Oh.” She watched the scene closely, trying to stifle the tears that hovered on the edges of her eyes. Then she noticed a slight movement out of the corner of her eye and she turned to find Miguel holding his handkerchief out to her. She narrowed her eyes at his knowing grin, but accepted the cloth anyway, suddenly grateful to have someone who knew her so well. She dabbed at her cheeks as the woman took her last breath, then pressed the cloth to her mouth as she finally went limp in her lover’s arms. The man gazed at her forlornly, then sang his final lines, his words deep and mournful.

“Death is but a footnote in our story, my love,” Miguel murmured into her ear. “I shall wait for you until the page is turned and we reunite in the next chapter.”

She turned to look at him and her breath caught in her throat when their gazes met, his fiery eyes already trained intently on hers.

“Until then … my beloved.” Her eyes fell to his lips as he recited the last line and her heart fluttered with excitement when she realised how close they were to her own. She leaned forward, slowly and instinctively, then stopped when their lips were just a breath apart.

He could hear his heart beating in his ears as she cautiously closed the distance between them. She was so unbelievably beautiful, with her dark eyes that widened everytime she caught him looking at her; her curly eyelashes that brushed against her cheeks everytime she lowered her eyelids; her rosy lips that pursed into that perfect little ‘o’ everytime she leaned into him … Dios, he could take it no longer! Damn the consequences, he thought, reaching up to cup her cheek in his hand and stroke his fingers across her soft skin: he’d lose the ability to form any rational thought if he didn’t kiss her right there and then. He parted his lips slightly and bent over to meet hers … but then the audience erupted into applause, shattering the moment between them. The lights turned back on and now, X’s expression was horrified as she looked up at him. She pulled back, almost falling out of her seat in her haste to get away from him.

“R-Right …” X stammered, smoothing her dress once she’d stood up. “Um, well, t-thank you … for … for the translations … my lord. I shall see you again when we next meet!”

She gave him a quick curtsy before she hastened out of the box to return to her carriage. And his heart lightened at the slight blush colouring her cheeks as she’d stuttered out her thanks. He didn’t know why he’d developed this sudden urge to kiss her every time he saw her, but he was glad that his impulses didn’t seem to have ruined their friendship so far. His stomach churned as he thought about all that she was giving up to help him secure his biological father’s assets. She’d always taken such good care of him, without him ever having to ask for it, so it was only fair of him to be more considerate of her feelings. He sighed as he stood up and followed her out the door: it was going to be a long Season this year.

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guilty-pleasures21 · 2 months ago

Text

Chapter 5 - the opera

Part A

Part B

Part C

Warnings: none.

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“So,” Anjali began, sidling up next to her sister in their carriage, “you’re sitting next to Miguel, yes? I can sit next to Gabe and Rohan and Pav can sit next to each other. It’s so great that we’re an even number now!”

Rohan raised an eyebrow at his sister’s uncharacteristic enthusiasm and Anjali narrowed her eyes at him, warning him to not say anything about it. But X didn’t seem to notice anyway as she continued to gaze at the floor of the carriage.

“Oh, um …” Her heart thudded in her chest as she considered sitting next to Miguel, his woodsy scent curling around her, his warm breath tickling her neck everytime he leaned over to translate something for her. Her stomach buzzed with excitement at the very thought and she frowned as she tried to tamp down the unwelcome emotion. “Perhaps … I could sit with you, Anjali!”

She brightened up as the idea entered her mind, suddenly feeling in better spirits about the whole event. “I am always sitting with Miguel, I am sure he would appreciate a break from my constant queries.”

Anjali let out an incredulous snort at the suggestion. “Please, Penji, I think he is the only one of us who would never tire of your queries.”

X frowned, surprised by her sister’s reaction. “What do you mean?”

“Well, you both share the same curiosity for … most everything in life,” Anjali pointed out. “He always seems so delighted to discuss his new learnings with you.”

X fell silent as she thought about it; about the delight that would illuminate Miguel’s features whenever she asked him about something unfamiliar or when he was teaching her about some new theory he’d recently come upon. The carriage slowed to a stop and X realised that she’d been smiling at the image of Miguel’s bright eyes and his elated smile and the excitement that carried through his words whenever he spoke to her. She shook the thought away and took a quick moment to compose herself before stepping out of the carriage. She placed her hand in the one stretched out towards her, allowing herself to be helped down. But unfortunately, she missed the last step and pitched forward precariously.

“X!” Miguel exclaimed, grabbing her by the waist before she landed on the ground. “Are you all right?”

Her heart pounded in her chest as the adrenaline rushed through her veins and she raised her gaze to meet his. But then her eyes landed on his lips and all she could think about was how soft they looked and how warm he felt, his strong arms wrapped around her to hold her steady against him.

She didn’t respond and his breath hitched in his throat when he noticed where her attention had fallen. He swallowed hard at the way her eyes had darkened, then bent over slightly as his hands unconsciously pulled her closer to him.

Her hands made their way up his chest as he tugged her towards him and her stomach flipped over excitedly at how close they had gotten to one another. She tilted her head to the side, angling her mouth towards his, and her eyelids fluttered shut as she felt his warm breath brush across her lips.

His fingers ached with the desire to reach up and stroke the soft skin of her cheek; to hold her close to him as he finally met her lips and found out for himself how sweet she really tasted … but there were too many people around. He gritted his teeth and forced himself to take a step back.

“Don’t fall in love with me, princesa,” he warned her softly. X blinked her eyes open, confused by the sudden turn of events. Then she gasped and jumped away from him when she realised what she’d just been about to do. She turned away from Miguel, completely mortified by her own actions, and studiously avoided his gaze as she straightened her dress. Goodness, what a terrible idea that would have been, kissing him in front of everyone! Or just kissing him anyway! Why in Heaven’s name would she even want to kiss him?! He was so … infuriating and … cheeky! And so incredibly full of himself, swaggering around and smiling at every young woman who passed him by like he was God’s gift to the world or something.

“Miguel? Lady X?” Gabe called to them as he walked over. “Is everything all right?” He glanced back and forth between them, confused by their awkward glances and inexplicable silence.

She felt a wave of relief wash over her when she saw Gabe: sweet, gentle Gabe, the epitome of a well-mannered gentleman, the perfect choice for a respectable husband. He quirked an eyebrow at her in question and she responded with a reassuring smile, letting him know that everything was all right. He held his elbow out to her and she leaned over to Miguel before accepting it, keeping her voice low so Gabe wouldn’t overhear.

“Don’t make me, Miguel,” X muttered under her breath, her tone firm and unyielding. Then she plastered a smile on her face and walked off with his brother, not even sparing him a second glance as she made her way into the theatre.

Anjali stood in the main hall, waiting for her sister to stroll in together with Miguel. She’d noticed the way X had started freezing up just at the mention of him, so she hadn’t said anything when he’d gone over to help her down from the carriage. But goodness, she hoped her sister would get over it soon: the two of them were so well-suited to one another, they would make each other so happy once they finally got together.

“Lady Anjali!” Anjali turned in the direction of the gasp and smiled when she saw one of her good friends.

“Lady Gayatri!” she exclaimed in return. “I did not know you would be here today!”

“Indeed,” Gayatri agreed, exchanging a brief hug with her friend, “but how wonderful it is to bump into you like this.” She smiled at Rohan in greeting, then widened her eyes in question when her gaze landed on Pav.

“Oh! Gayatri, allow me to introduce our cousin, Pavitr,” Anjali began. “He has just come over from India and will be staying with us for a while.”

Gayatri turned to Pavitr and her smile brightened once again. “It is nice to meet you, Pavitr.”

His mind went completely blank as he gazed up at her in awe. She had to be the most beautiful and elegant young lady he had ever seen in his life! He fixed her with a dopey smile, then flinched when he felt a sharp pain in his side. He turned to his right and saw Rohan silently gesturing for him to say something.

“O-Oh! Uh … Nice to meet you, Lady Gayatri.” He fell into a bow at the last second - much too low for someone of her station - and Gayatri giggled softly at his error.

“Have you been to the opera before, Pavitr?” she asked.

“No,” he replied, shaking his head enthusiastically. “But Lord Miguel was explaining to me the story early. It seems rather … sad.”

Gayatri nodded her head in understanding. “But it is so beautiful the way they express themselves. The music, the harmonies, the costumes!”

Pav smiled as he watched the way Gayatri’s features lit up with delight as she spoke of the performances. “I see you are quite passionate about the opera, my lady.”

Gayatri paused, embarrassed by the vigour with which she was speaking. “Oh, yes, well, I … They work so hard … do they not? I just want them … to be well appreciated.”

She forced a small smile back onto her face, but Pav ploughed on, oblivious to her sudden discomfort. “Do you play any instruments, Lady Gayatri?”

“Well, I play the pianoforte, of course. Like any other accomplished young woman …” Her words trailed off until she was basically muttering the last bit, her words soured by an undertone of disappointment. Fortunately for her, Pavitr still did not seem to notice.

“I would love to hear you play some time, Lady Gayatri,” he admitted. “And sing as well! You must have such a lovely singing voice.”

A soft blush coloured Gayatri’s cheeks as she finally started paying attention to the young man’s generous flattery. “Oh, please. You are too kind, Pavitr.”

She lowered her gaze, suddenly shy. “But, um, I believe the show will be starting soon. Until we meet again?”

“Until then, my lady.”

He strode into their reserved box, heading straight for his usual seat next to his friend. To his surprise, however, he found it to already be occupied. Miguel’s jaw tightened, but he kept his features straight as he waited for his brother to get out of his seat.

“I think you’re in my seat, brother,” he pointed out finally, irritated by Gabe’s refusal to move. Gabe twisted around to look up at him and Miguel felt his chest tighten as his brother shared a look with their neighbour.

“Well, actually, we thought it would be a good idea for you to introduce Pavitr to the opera,” Gabe suggested. “You are the most well-versed in it, after all.”

There was no hint of sarcasm in his brother’s tone, but Miguel still felt offended by his words. And also, what was with this ‘we’ business? There was no ‘we’ when it came to his brother and X. Their neighbour was more than capable of thinking for herself - she didn’t need Gabriel to speak on her behalf. Miguel turned his glare to X and waited for her to argue - to tell Gabe that he should sit with her cousin instead because Miguel was the one she always sat next to. But she kept her head lowered, studiously avoiding his gaze. Miguel huffed in frustration and stalked over to Anjali instead: it wouldn’t be fair for him to ruin Pavitr’s first time at the opera with his sour mood.

Anjali raised an eyebrow as Miguel dropped into the seat beside her, the irritation radiating off him in waves. “Miguel?”

He inhaled slowly, taking a moment to calm himself down before he unintentionally snapped at Anjali. “It would seem that you and I will be partners for tonight’s play, Anjali. My brother has decided that he would like to sit next to your sister tonight.”

What? That hadn’t been part of the plan. Anjali furrowed her brow and opened her mouth to object, but decided against it when she saw Miguel’s arms folded tightly across his chest. Instead, she sank back into her seat and set her mind to inventing another scheme.

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