Sunday Afternoon (Alec, Allaster, Charlie, Daisy, Mather, Sophy)
Who: Alec Bowdoin, Allaster Holt, Charlie Perkins, Daisy Hubbard, Nathaniel Mather, Sophy Elliot What: Church service and refreshments afterward Where: Old South Church When: The Sunday after Charlie's initiation. Summary: Alec and Charlie finally get to meet Miss Hubbard, and the little group gets to know each other a little better.
Sophy Elliot sat in the family pew box, fanning herself with one of her new French Battenburg lace fans, slow and deliberate, wanting to ensure the congregation saw her fashionable purchase. The Talbots were fine and good -- upstanding -- Bostonians but the Elliots were, in Sophy's mind, poised to be leaders of the city's social scene. And she intended to be Marianne of this new Republic, the figurehead to which the young men and women of Boston could look to for inspiration. Such lofty thoughts were not, Sophy was sure, appropriate for church and she schooled herself to keep her satisfied smile in check. It would not do to infuriate Rev Mather: Mother was rather taken with him and having the handy excuse of his charitable work was one Sophy has come to depend on.
Lazily, she cast an eye around the congregation, noting who was present. Daisy Hubbard, of course, with her beningly sweet mien and ridiculously overtrussed frocks. She was sitting with her parents on either side of her, and Sophy offered a half-smile when she caught the other girl's gaze. Before Daisy could embarrass them both by waving or some other such nonsense, Sophy turned her head, identifying the other interesting players: cousin John, of course, and her new friend Mr Perkins, as well as the excessively morose Mr Bowdoin and the vastly more preferrable Mr Holt. It was to Mr Allaster Holt, newly of New York, that Sophy studied through the lace of her fan. Scanlon the maid reported that a friend told her that Mr Holt called on Miss Hubbard recently and that Sophy found grating. It would never do for Miss Hubbard to make a more advantageous marriage before her.
"I think the decision of the good sense of the people and of the authorities, will be to resist any change of law which will lead to making the Sunday excursion more easy. I think so, and I hope so. I think that is the true decision. The principle of the statute is as good for 1880 as it was for 1790," Mather continued. He felt that this sermon was well timed and appropriate. Now that the students were back in classes, Rev. Mather had noticed a sharp decline in volunteers for his City Mission Society. He hoped he could imbue the young members of his congregation with the holy fire of social responsibility. It was important for these young scions to fully understand their purpose in the world and the blessings which God had heaped upon them.
He was thinking particularly of young Miss Elliot and Mr. Saville, two volunteers who had now been in attendance for several weeks. He glanced over and felt pleased when he noted that Georgy was looking up in rapt attention. He nodded at her and continued to preach. He carefully watched the rest of the congregation, looking for a drooping head or a smug smile. Attention was important and Mather kept his sermons short but expected focus from his congregation.
Allaster forced himself to sit still in the Grantmore pew box. His hands kept straying to pick at gouges in the wood or pull at stray threads in his buttons. Once his hand strayed toward Charlie's leg, wanting to trace the finger shaped bruises he knew lay beneath the fabric of his pants but stopped when Mather mentioned indecent behavior in a house of worship in his sermon. Allaster bowed his head to hide his smiled and rested his hand on his own leg.
He knew Daisy was somewhere behind him, had greeted her warmly when she acknowledged him on the church steps. He had shared an appropriately hardy handshake with her father and made her mother laugh before excusing himself to catch up to John. His friend was back to his proper self, though, and demured when Allaster tried to rib him gently about Charlie's initiation.
He had made his rounds, dreading the moment when he'd have to sit down, maintaining a straight back in the uncomfortable pew. And that had been before he'd realized what a terrible distraction it would be having Charlie sit next to him. It made his thoughts stray places they shouldn't while in church. It was already hard enough concentrating on the sermon while he watched Alec sit behind the organ, his face relaxed and happy looking in a way it never was when he wasn't playing, his fingers moving sure and easily over the keyboards.
Attempting to pay attention to the sermon Allaster turned his attention to Mather. He looked away after a short moment and wondered if this was some sort of deranged divine punishment. He was surrounded by men who made him think the most impure thoughts and the most inopportune time. Blowing an annoyed breath through his nose he snatched a bible from the pew and spread it open on his lap, hoping that some dull Genesis begats would distract him from his surroundings.
Charlie sat in the pew, sneaking glances over at Allaster's erect figure. He was trying not to think about his encounters with Allaster, tried not to think about how Allaster felt moving against him. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat and hoped that his face was not too too flushed. This was neither the time nor the place to have such inappropriate thoughts coursing through his brain. He reminded himself to breathe evenly and regularly. Remember the world is a stage. Charlie forced himself to watch the minister, though he did not listen to any of the words. He loathed Sunday services, though he was developing an appreciation for the music. It was rather soothing.
Alec listened to Rev Mather's sermon -- not from any keen interest in the topic -- but rather, to ensure he didn't miss his cue. Happily, Rev Mather kept his services brief and soon enough, Alec began the postlude. Having spotted his classmates in the pews, Alec didn't linger at the organ once the service concluded, and he turned off the bellows before quickly stepping into line to greet the minister. His mother would be watching his behavior and he didn't relish a lecture for being rude.
Daisy was so very thankful the service was over. She had been bored throughout the minister's entire service and she was very put out that Allaster had not sat in the Hubbard family pew. She could not see him from where he was sitting and Daisy felt herself on the verge of swooning just so he would come to her rescue. It would have been so romantic. Only the knowledge that Papa would certainly insist that he take her right home kept her from fainting during the service.
But now it was over and Daisy waited impatiently to catch Sophia Elliot's eye. Miss Elliot looked so glamorous and Daisy was eager to link arms with the other girl and have the excuse to speak to some of the young men. She knew that Mr. Holt would certainly come over to speak with her Papa again, but she wanted the opportunity to speak with him out of her Mother's hearing. Miss Elliot should prove an acceptable diversion.
Sophy yawned behind a gloved hand and snapped her fan closed, smiling politely as she waited for her chance to shake hands with Rev Mather and his mousy sister. Finally, she reached the minister and she offered her brightest smile. "Rev Mather, that was truly inspiring." To Mrs. Hall, another smile. "How lucky we are to have such an elevating speaker." Sophy cast another glance at the minister; he's handsome and Sophy made a mental note to ask John if he knew anything about the Rev Mather's situation.
Social obligation over, Sophy followed her mother outside to the manicured lawn by the church. This week the Beacon Hill Women's Auxiliary sponsored the luncheon; this meant Sophy would be required to linger on behalf of her mother. How tedious.
Diversion arrived in the form of Miss Hubbard and Sophy sauntered over to the young girl. "Daisy!" She leaned in for a quick brush of cheek-against-cheek, offering a warm smile at Daisy's parents before taking the girl's arm.
"Another fine day," she purred, pulling Daisy with her, and she started for the table of refreshments. "Now tell me, is it true that you have been seeing a certain young man recently...?"
Nathaniel Mather greeted each person with sober pleasantness. He liked greeting his congregants, though he occasionally found their complaints to be vexing. They do not understand how truly blessed they are. They still complain yet they have food on their tables and money in their pockets. But he knew that every person had their limitations and their personal struggle with the Almighty. He would not judge them but it did not mean that he did not find his word occasionally tedious. "Thank you for your kind words, Miss Elliot," he replied and bestowed a rare smile on Sophia. He found the young woman charming and wished that she would give as much energy to her work with the Mission Society as she seemed to give to her personal appearance. "It seems a long while since the City Mission Society has been graced by your presence."
Georgy smiled at Miss Elliot and nodded her head. Unlike her brother, her smile was often forthcoming. "I do agree, Miss Elliot," she murmured. She almost frowned when she noticed Miss Elliot's gaze resting on her brother for longer than was necessary, but she simply ducked her head. It was not her place to critique the congregants and nor could she expect her brother to always remain a bachelor. She did not think that the elegant Miss Elliot would enjoy being a pastor's wife, but Georgy quickly chided herself for such unkind thoughts. You do not know what is in her heart.
*** *** *** Daisy smiled and kissed Sophy on the cheek. "Miss Elliot," she cheered. "It is so wonderful to see you." They walked away from her parents and Daisy leaned closer to Sophy, eager to hear anything the other girl would say. "Was not the service dreadfully dull?" she complained. "Why does Rev. Mather drone on so? Papa says he must always keep his services and sermons short if he wishes to continue here." She puffed up a little, as if proud of her father's opinions. "And his sister," she continued. "I suppose she could be pretty but one would never call her beautiful." She glanced over at Sophy for approval of her opinions.
They walked towards the lemonade and Daisy flushed happily under Sophy's scrutiny and question. "Yes, but whom did you hear this from?" She was eager to hear what Sophy knew and who might have discussed herself and Mr. Holt. "Mr. Holt is an angel," she whispered dramatically. "And an absolute dear. Do you know of his family in New York?" Daisy was all a flutter.
Allaster slipped into line behind Alec and bumped their shoulders together.
"You continue to raise church music from the tedious to the exultant, Alec." He turned to Charlie. "You should hear him when he's composing and thinks no one is listening. He sings. I shall say no more about it," he said with a laugh.
When it was his turn to greet the minister he sobered appropriately and said, "Truly rousing as always, sir," while shaking the man's hand. "God bless you. Ma'am," he said with a nod to Georgy and moved off.
He waited for Alec and Charlie to make their greetings and then meandered pointedly away from the table of refreshments.
"I don't quite have it in me yet to make nice with Miss Hubbard," he said with a wry smile. "Brace me, my friends. Fortify my soul that I may endure."
"No, not beautiful," Sophy agreed automatically, barely casting a glance at Mrs. Hall. But Daisy's critique of the minister piqued her and she said, coldly: "Rev Mather is eloquent and an asset to this community." She stood stiffly next to Daisy but softened after a moment. "It hardly matters the source of my information, just the veracity," and her voice grew warm. Cautiously, she studied the stream of congregants exiting the church, searching for the angelic Mr Holt. "Of course I know of his family, dear." Really, Daisy was quite tiresome at times.
Charlie followed Allaster into line and forced himself to look away from the handsome way Allaster's trousers clung to his bottom. This was certainly not the time nor the place for such inappropriate thoughts. "I would like to hear you sing," Charlie informed Alec and smiled at the other boy. Charlie took his turn speaking to the minister and the minister's sister, rushed through really, and moved to join the other boy's on the lawn.
"Good Lord, Allaster. Are you courting?" Charlie asked. He was not certain if he was disappointed or not. He already enjoyed being Allaster's particular pet, and he wondered if he would have to compete with Alec. He hoped not. Charlie was not very competitive.
Daisy smiled, pleased that Sophy agreed with her. But then Sophy's voice was cold and Daisy looked at her friend in surprise. "My Mother agrees with you," she pouted. "But I still find him dull," she replied petulantly. She held Sophy's arm, oblivious to any dislike on the other woman's part.
She almost hopped when Sophy turned the conversation back towards her potential courtship with Mr. Holt. "I do not know the truth of the rumor," she demurred, smiling. "What do you know of them?" she asked eagerly. "He spoke of his mother and sisters. Do you know them?" She was eager to hear everything and anything about Allaster's family. She looked around, eager to spot Allaster.
Alec ignored Charlie's dig about singing, assuming he was being put on by the other man. Instead, he offered a stiff smile to the minister's sister, hating the confusing swirl of anxiety and pleasure he felt around her. It was vaguely similar to the feeling he had around Miss Thayer -- not entirely unpleasant -- and he nodded his head politely to Mrs. Hall before offering his hand to Rev Mather.
"Wonderful, sir," he enthused quietly. Rev Mather took a keen interest in current events; while his sermons often bespoke of the dangers of vanity and pride, Alec vastly preferred them to the previous minister's preference for gloom-and-doom.
"Courting?" Alec echoed, and he frowned at Allaster. "You called on Miss Hubbard?" Alec hated the answering stab of jealousy and he glared at Charlie, as if the other man were somehow at fault.
"I met his mother and sisters last Christmas." Sophy navigated Daisy past the refreshment table to a stand of wrought iron chairs, set up in small groups to encourage socialising. She perched herself lightly on the edge of her seat, sipping at the lemonade, waiting for Daisy to sit down.
"They were smartly dressed." Sophy couldn't recall much about Allaster Holt's family and she shrugged, bored. "I'm sure they are charming to have turned out such a lovely young man."
Allaster sighed and sneaked a glance over his shoulder at where Daisy was siting with Sophy Elliot.
"I did indeed call on her. I told you her father had invited me to do so, Alec," he said, giving his friend an exasperated look. "And we're not courting. Yet. She's a sweet girl, perhaps a bit... naïve. But she's easy to talk to, interested in art..." he shrugged. "I believe she would be easier to court than certain other ladies."
Allaster sighed and tugged at his frock coat and cast a longing look at Charlie. He would dearly love to be quit of this tiresome gathering and go somewhere where he could remove his coat, roll up his shirtsleeves. "Though I just spent the last while listening to how I should keep the sabbath sacred and should not impose upon another to do work not dedicated to God, I am longing dreadfully for a beer and a game of cards. But I see that the ladies have moved from the refreshement table so lemonade and tea sandwiches will have to serve as a substitute."
Daisy almost pouted when Sophy mentioned having met Allaster's sisters and mother. She wished she could have met them herself. It was not fair that Sophy had met them. But Daisy was a mature woman and so she only sighed with envy. "Mr. Holt had mentioned the possibility of me meeting them," she could not resist adding. Daisy was keen to prove that Mr. Holt was interested in courting her. "I do not know if I should like them," she added, attempting to be coy.
Daisy sat down next to Sophy but wished she had not. She would much rather walk around and demonstrate her athleticism and grace for Mr. Holt and the other young men. She shifted impatiently on her seat, and craned her neck as she tried to spot Allaster. "And yourself, Miss Elliot? I have heard you were impressed with Mr. Perkins." Daisy was certain it was nothing but Mrs. Elliot had mentioned something like that to Daisy's mother when she came to tea last week.
Charlie grinned at Allaster's sigh. He could understand Allaster's reluctance to spend anytime with the gentler sense. He had to smile, though, when he imagined Sophia Elliot's response to being called 'gentle'. He liked the young woman, and he supposed if he thought about such things, he would seriously consider courting her.
He nudged Alec's shoulder and grinned at the other boy. "Should we abandon our families and flee to the club?" He knew that it was impossible but the afternoon Allaster suggested sounded vastly preferable to any other. "Good Lord, don't tempt a man so," he grumbled.
The three of them shuffled over to the table and Charlie grabbed a cup of lemonade and a small sandwich. He looked over and tried to catch Sophia Elliot's eye.
Daisy almost sighed again when she looked around. They were surrounded by mothers and matrons and no one very interesting. She was about to get up and walk around alone until her mother stopped her or she discovered where Mr. Holt had secreted himself.
She craned her neck again and then spotted the tall, well-groomed figure of Mr. Holt. From the way her stomach leaped, Daisy was certain that she was in love. Oh. It shall be a very good courtship. She reached out and seized Sophy's hand. "There is Mr. Holt now." Without regard to what her mother might think, Daisy raised her hand and waved at him. Not wanting for him to disappear, she dragged Sophy out of her seat and over to the table of refreshments. "I am suddenly parched," she declared.
With her arm still linked with Sophy's, Daisy moved swiftly to the table and stood directly in front of Allaster. Then, bold as can be, she turned her back on him and began to talk with Sophy. "And do you plan to take tea with your sister and brother-in-law again this week?"
Allaster was sipping his lemonade, completely distracted by the way Charlie insisted on licking crumbs from his fingers, when his eye was caught by a flash of peach moving determinedly toward his little group.
"Here we go, boys," he murmured softly. He began to smile as Daisy drew near but then she stopped and turned her back on him to resume her conversation with Sophy. He clutched Alec's sleeve and looked heavenward for a moment, fiercely biting the inside of his cheek so he wouldn't laugh out loud. When he'd composed himself he gave Alec a long suffering look, straightened his coat and said, "Miss Hubbard, I had hoped to see you after church. I find myself longing for your charming conversation."
Daisy heard Mr. Holt and she smiled with delight. But she did not turn around, not yet. The Lady's Guide to Perfect Gentility advised not paying too much attention to potential suitors lest it discourage other suitors. She continued to speak nonsense to Sophy, very attuned to every word Mr. Holt was saying.
Sophy had to bring her hand to her mouth to hide the twist of a grin that threatened to erupt; the angelic Mr Holt hadn't disguised his pained expression, thinking perhaps only his compatriots witnessed it, and her estimation of him increased. Eager for more stimulating conversation, Sophy caught Daisy's arm in a firm grip and turned the woman a hint.
"How funny!" Casually, Sophy pointed with her lace fan at the three loitering men. "It appears Mr Perkins is right here!" Sophy leveled a smile at Charlie Perkins before offering one to each of his companions and she waited for Daisy's exaggerated gasp of surprise. One must have a word with her about her affectations.
Charlie nearly groaned aloud at Allaster's Miss Hubbard. Could he have found a less suitable match? Charlie raised his eyebrows at Allaster and Alec and wondered if they could sneak away before Miss Hubbard turned around. But he heard a woman's voice and he turned, a smile plastered across his face. He almost smiled at Miss Hubbard's affected gasp and he had to bite his lip when he saw Miss Elliot's expression. "Miss Elliot," he replied, a fake serious expression on his face. "So delightful to see you again. I do hope you are not causing more trouble for your maid."
Alec was cold on Allaster's new acquaintance but watching the easy way he chatted with Sophy Elliot irritated him to no end. He told himself he wasn't jealous; it was the overly familiar tone Charlie took that offended him.
"Miss Hubbard, Miss Elliot." Alec nodded his head at the two women and tried to ignore the smooth way Allaster purred at the Hubbard girl I find myself longing for your charming conversation. With a sniff of irritation, Alec ladled a cup of lemonade for himself, wishing he had agreed to leave for the club rather than lingering and, frustrated, he dropped the ladle back into the bowl, uncaring that he splashed lemonade everywhere.
"Mr Bowdoin!" Sophy hissed at the sulking man and took a quick step back from the table, smoothing a hand over her dress to search out any wet spots. "Please be more watchful." She refrained from casting a dark glare in his direction; were they alone, she might have, but with Allaster Holt and Charlie Perkins watching with bemused curiosity, she schooled herself to remain soft and charming.
"As usual, Mr Perkins, I am hardly the troublemaker at this moment," she replied as demurely as she could, and now temptation was too much. She glanced over at Alec pointedly then turned back to Charlie, smiling beatifically.
"Mr Perkins, have you met my dear friend Miss Hubbard?" She kept a hand on Daisy's arm to still the other girl; God only knew what nonsense might spill out of her mouth.
Allaster reached over and stilled the ladle where it was still bobbing in the lemonade, threatening to spill more liquid over the side of the bowl. It was rude, but Charlie was speaking again so Allaster turned away from the women slightly so he could face Alec.
"I don't know what's gotten into you but that was tremendously coarse, even for you," he said under his breath. Lemonade had spilled over the side of Alec's glass and onto his fingers. Allaster wanted to take out his handkerchief and clean the mess away, draw Alec aside and find out what was eating at him. He fancied for a moment that Alec was jealous over his attention to Daisy, but then banished all those thoughts from his head. Alec was most likely simply hot and bored.
"How are we to catch you a lady as charming as mine if you behave thusly?" he said, pitching his voice so only Alec could hear. "Come on, put on a smiling face and I promise to get you good and drunk later."
Without waiting for a response he turned back to the conversation.
Daisy watched and tried to remember not to scowl at the very rude Mr. Bowdoin. She was not certain why Mr. Holt had such uncivilized friends. Though Mr. Perkins appeared reasonably friendly, she did not care for his face nor his manner of dress. He looked a bit like a woman, especially compared to his elegant friend. I am terrifically in love with Mr. Holt, she mused. Certainly a marriage proposal must shortly follow such a revelation, and Daisy was crestfallen that she would have to refuse him. She did not want to accept any first proposal of married, even to someone as charming as Mr. Holt.
Her mind is thus occupied when Sophy pressed her arm and she jumped slightly. "Mr. Perkins," she murmured and then fluttered her eyelashes up at Mr. Holt. "Mr. Holt, it is delightful to see you again." She smiled coyly, as if she had not just seen him before church. "Mother would like you to come to tea this week." It was a total lie, but in Daisy's mind, a necessary lie.
Charlie watched the conversation with something approaching horror. He turned his attention to Sophy, certain she was at least entertaining. Her friend, on the other hand, he was not so certain of. "Miss Elliot, I do believe that must always cause chaos wherever you go." He grinned impertinently at her. "Your beauty must drive men to distraction."
"Mr Perkins, compliments will get you nowhere with me," Sophy demurred in a tone that suggested, in fact, the opposite was true. She snapped her fan open, fluttering it lazily. Her mother would accuse her of being slatternly for keeping her wrist so loose but Sophy knew the gentle breeze fluttered the artfully arranged wisps around her face in such an alluring manner. Besides, it was hot out; and Sophy made sure Charlie saw the twist of smile of her lips before she smoothed her face to something neutral and polite.
"And Mr Holt, you seem to be in great demand these days." She looked over at Daisy then back to Allaster and pretended to be inspired. "We should have a picnic some afternoon!" She pointedly ignored Alec Bowdoin; of the three men, he was the least amusing and no one liked a third wheel.
Allaster watched the exchanges with a look of amusement but he was still focused on Alec, standing silent and moody beside him.
When Daisy said her mother wanted him to come for tea he smiled even though his gut clenched. He could only imagine what an afternoon of sipping tea with Mrs Hubbard would be like. And it would be one step further toward an official courtship. He suddenly, desperately hated the whole dance and wished he could turn back to his brothers, announce that he vastly preferred their company and could be quit of this whole event. But he knew he couldn't.
Instead, he grinned charmingly and said, "I should love to come around for tea, Miss Hubbard, please tell your mother I accept. It will be a refreshing break from the tedium of my studies."
When Sophy spoke Allaster turned to her, watching the careful way she fluttered her fan. He could see the sharpness in her eye, the wry twist of her lips. He only had passing acquaintance with Miss Elliot and he hadn't realized what a wicked mind her pretty exterior hid. He made a mental not to watch her and to get to know her better.
"I do not know of others' demands, Miss Elliot. I am quite taken with the demands of one particular lady. I have found a muse that lifts my art and mind."
Charlie and Alec will have no end of making fun of me for this, Allaster thought.
It took every ounce of self control to not allow herself an ironic lift of an eyebrow at Allaster's confession: it was inconceivable that Daisy's bovine facade -- sweet but hardly anything noteworthy -- could truly be inspiring to anyone. But she fanned herself and managed, after a moment:
"That sounds more like 'infatuation', Mr Holt, rather than 'obligation'," and she fanned herself lazily again, appealing to his friends.
"Come now, Mr Bowdoin, confess: is our Mr Holt truly as romantic as he appears?" She looked over at Daisy, tapping her fan gently against the other girl's arm. "I would despair should anyone break my dear friend's heart," and this time, she looked back at Allaster. There was no animosity or warning in her gaze, just a kind of predatory curiosity.
"I shouldn't know," Alec growled, looking from Sophy to his friend and he sighed before draining his cup of lemonade. The simpering display of the two women was grating on his nerves and he felt embarrassed and ignoble for envying his friend. Aware that he was being a bear, he forced himself to relax and tried again.
"But Allaster is the best of men." That was honest -- albeit emotional -- understatement and Alec couldn't keep from wincing with embarrassment. "We all aspire to match his amiable charm," and this time, Alec's voice was dry.
Sophy frowned at Alec and dismissed him by turning her body more toward Allaster and Charlie. "Certainly," she murmured politely, hoping Bowdoin would take her hint but she fluttered her fan at just the angle to block his face all the same.
Charlie bit the inside of his mouth and tried to suppress the smile. Miss Elliot had certain depths and a certain twist of humor. He could appreciate how very dull it must be sometimes for women. He would very much prefer to spend time with Miss Elliot than with Miss Hubbard. Miss Hubbard's conversation left much to be desired.
And then there was Alec, who did not appear to like either of the women. Charlie almost laughed at his sour expression. He sipped his lemonade and watched the interaction between Allaster, Alec and the young ladies. This would be an excellent scene.
Daisy was feeling quite left out of the conversation. She did not care overmuch for Mr. Perkins or Mr. Bowdoin. She smiled joyously when Allaster confirmed he would come to tea. And then he paid her a compliment in front of his friends and Daisy wondered if now would be the time to swoon. Certainly she would not like to crush her peach silk, but she would look fetching in Mr. Holt's arms. He must be in love with me.
Allaster looked at Alec, surprised at the candor in his voice. He knew Alec was his friend, but to hear such words tumble from his lips made Allaster's chest tighten. He wanted to touch him just then. Nothing unseemly, just a press of fingers so that Alec would know what it meant for him to have said that.
His hand remained still by his side though as he said, "It cheers me to hear you say so, Alec."
He turned back to Sophy and allowed a slight arch to his eyebrow. "Miss Elliot, to say obligation implies that I find no joy in it. And to say infatuation implies that I barrel ahead foolishly. I can assure you that neither is the case. I have carefully considered what I desire in a wife and shall not be happy until I find such. Should the case be that I find it in the first lady I court," he puased and shrugged elegantly. "Then so be it. But I make my match carefully, be assured."
If Daisy's parent's overheard, he could potentially be married within a fortnight. But he didn't think they were in earshot. Besides, he wanted to see if Miss Elliot was a shrewd as she looked and caught his meaning clearly.
Daisy gasped audibly when Mr. Holt spoke. She brought her fan out and proceeded to fan herself rapidly. She was very certain that she would faint dead away at this very moment. The only thing that kept her upright was the fact that if she fainted, it would be Miss Elliot and not Mr. Holt who would catch her. So Daisy consoled herself with fanning herself, blushing attractively and glancing up at Mr. Holt through fluttering eyelashes. She was so very certain that Mr. Holt was confessing his heart's desire to her. He could mean nothing else. She opened her mouth to speak but found herself momentarily speechless. "Mr. Holt, how do you know you've met your heart's match?" she whispered. She was very excited to hear what flowery praise he would speak of her.
Sophy managed -- just barely -- to keep from rolling her eyes as Daisy went into an apoplectic fit beside her. At Daisy's breathless whisper, she sniffed and gave the other girl a disapproving look. Who shall save you from yourself? Before Allaster was forced to cough out some treacly response, Sophy closed her fan and gently tapped his arm with it, like a spinster aunt teasing a beloved nephew.
"So Mr Holt, you are joyful and calculating in equal measure? Such talent." She let her voice drop to a bored murmur but she kept her eyes on Allaster before, finally, sliding her gaze to Charlie.
"And are your friends as conscientious as you, Mr Holt?" She didn't bother glancing over at Alec but she graced Charlie with a sly smile. "Mr Perkins hardly seems the type to work so..." Pausing, she tapped her lip with the edge of her fan for a moment as she sought out the right word. "Assiduously." She lifted her lips in a hint of grin to soften the barb; it was a gamble but she suspected Charlie wouldn't mind. Sophy had, in her estimation, a rather keen sense of how far she could go with her wit and quips and her brief time with Charlie lead her to believe he would be a safe and engaging foil.
Alec Bowdoin, on the other hand, only grimaced further and Sophy struggled to keep her smile bright. Charlie Perkins might be dragging his feet to find a wife but at least he was amiable, which couldn't be said for the Bowdoin boy.
Allaster favored Daisy with a charming grin. "I believe I told you as we walked together, Miss Hubbard. I will know my future wife from the way she is indistinguishable in my heart from my art. Both will elevate me beyond the mundane."
At Sophy's observation of Charlie Allaster turned to him, trying to smooth out the wry twist of his lips. "I have known Mr. Perkins for only a short while, but in that time I have witnessed him to be unflagging in his work, if properly motivated."
Daisy frowned when Sophy touched her arm. She frowned more as Sophy spoke to Mr. Holt. She did not like the idea of her friend being so bold and brazen with her conversation. She also did not like Miss Elliot monopolizing Mr. Holt's attention. But Mr. Holt spoke to her and Daisy flushed with pleasure. She was certain that she was the woman of which he spoke. She was sure of it. There could be no one else whom Mr. Holt held in such esteem.
Charlie was amused by Miss Hubbard's obvious preference for Allaster. He felt that a good friend would warn Allaster that he was doomed to be engaged before Thanksgiving. Charlie, however, had his own selfish reasons for hoping Allaster might not become engaged too quickly. He looked away from Miss Hubbard and caught Allaster's gaze. He smiled, shook his head and sipped his punch.
When Sophy spoke, he smiled. He enjoyed her wry wit and that she kept the conversation interesting. He could not say that of any other female acquaintances. "Miss Elliot, you malign my character," he protested. He shook his head, as if chagrined. He glanced over at Allaster and decided to tease his friend more. "Miss Elliot, it is clear that Mr. Holt's heart is taken and Mr. Bowdoin is elsewhere." He stuck out his arm and grinned charmingly at her. "Would you care for a turn around the perimeter." He wondered if Allaster would be irate with him. Charlie hoped so. It could make everything much more interesting.
Sophy affected a sigh, as if heartbroken, but nodded at Charlie's offer. It was a bit risky, taking his arm so openly, but more than that, it would draw attention and that Sophy enjoyed.
"Come, Mr Holt, claim your heart's desire," Sophy teased, sauntering around the table to take Charlie's arm. She rested a gloved hand on his forearm, smiling winsomely at him. "Now, Mr Perkins, you must be very charming and very witty or else I will have to envy Miss Hubbard and that would never do."
Daisy gaped at the open display of preference on Mr. Perkins' part. She was shocked at his words but more shocked at Sophy's response. She looked over at Mr. Holt, irate that he would not show her the same deference and kindness. She stuck out her lower lip, fully prepared to pout and insist that Mr. Holt treat her with such gallantry.
Charlie grinned as Sophy took his arm. He was delighted by this exquisite creature, completely delighted. He petted her gloved hand briefly before dropping his hand. "Miss Elliot, I do hope you are prepared to be very charming," he purred. "I need heavy repayment for the damage that will be done to my reputation." He ducked his head slightly to murmur to Sophy: "You are quite scandalous I believe."