InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "No time for love, Mr. Jones."

Aimé Laurent (tigersatthegate) wrote in toujoursliberer,
@ 2008-06-16 18:52:00

Entry tags:

aime_laurent, antoine_laurent, plot

Aime Laurent: After Lord Hurst's
Subject: Punishment
Who: Aimé Laurent
Where: The Townhouse
Warnings: TBA
Open To: Antoine Laurent

Aimé waited a few moments in front of the door to his brother’s study, trying to compose himself. He didn’t know what lay ahead of him but he was fearful of it despite himself. Antoine had been distant since their stay at Lord Hurst’s, even though Aimé had tried his hardest to earn his brother’s forgiveness and Lord Hurst had requested to see him again, breaking his promise had been a foolish thing to do.

It had been such an impetuous, immature thing to do and Aimé could do nothing but hate himself for it now. He should have put a stop to his love affair the first time Antoine commanded it. Aimé was never going to be allowed to take Mercedes as his lover so why had allowed himself to carry on with something he knew was just going to end up hurting them? And really, the son of a French Lord in the arms of a merchant with a fleet of only two ships, one not even finished, and no title to his name? What sort of life would that have been for Aimé and what would it have secured for the family? Nothing but insults and debts no doubt.

It was a good thing Antoine had discovered them. It had to be. Antoine would make sure Aimé had no more distractions, that he remembered his duty to the family.

Taking a deep breath Aimé raised one hand and knocked at the door, ready to face whatever his brother had in store for him.

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tigersatthegate
2008-06-17 02:39 pm UTC (link)

Aimé bit his tongue. The last thing he wanted was for his brother to treat him like a child. He did not need to be watched every moment by a servant as if he was still a little boy. Antoine should trust him.

But then he had before and Aimé had betrayed him. Although it might be embarrassing this was the price he had to pay.

"Not agreeable, but I will live with it, yes." He said.

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antoine_laurent
2008-06-17 04:46 pm UTC (link)

For a moment, Antoine was worried that he'd pushed too far. After all, it was a bit like treating him like a child. But, at the same time, he had to be careful. It wouldn't do for someone influential to catch Aimé meeting the other man.

Nodding, he forced a smile. "You know that our servants are discreet. They have to be. They shall not intrude on your life. And, if you can show that I can trust you, we shall discuss changing that part of the punishment."

Handing Aimé a quill and a piece of parchment, he sighed. "Would you prefer to write that letter in here or somewhere else and then bring it back to me?"

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tigersatthegate
2008-06-17 04:59 pm UTC (link)

So he was not going to be allowed to keep secret what he had to say to Mercedes then? Still that was probably for the best. He'd only write something to give the man hope they could still be together as they had discussed.

"I'll write it here. You can tell me if I make any mistakes." He said, settling down at his brother's desk and dipping the quill into the ink.

Mercedes, He wrote although he considered putting dear or my in front of the name.

I cannot see you again. I know that this is sudden but you must understand my position. Lord Hurst has made me a very valuable offer I cannot refuse and I am only being foolish in perusing a relationship with you when I have a man such as Lord Hurst willing to take care of me.

I have also forgotten my duty to my family and this is unforgivable. I am sorry to have to end our relationship in such a way but I fear face to face I would be overcome some clever words from you and forget myself again.

Please, Mercedes, do not think badly of me for doing this. I made it clear when we began that I would always put my family first and the time has come for me to do that. It would never have worked between us. You are a merchant. You cannot give me what I need nor desire in life and I would only make myself a laughing-stock and shame my family if I continued with you.

I am sorry, Mercedes. I did not mean to lead you on as I have done. This was just an infatuation. I am certain you will find someone more fitting to your station. I will always think of you fondly and have not forgotten my debt to you. I will still praise you when asked for a recommendation on a shipping merchant but that will be the end of my association with you.

Forgive me,
Aimé.

He handed the letter to his brother without speaking, hoping it would meet with his approval as he did not think he could write another letter without his tears mingling with the ink.

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antoine_laurent
2008-06-17 05:18 pm UTC (link)

Antoine watched Aimé as he wrote the letter and for a brief moment considered telling him to forget it. After all, he hated seeing his brother this upset. Sure, he was cruel, but he did what he thought was best. And now that he was seeing what the best thing was causing Aimé to go through, he thought about saying farewell to those ideals.

But, he knew that he couldn't. If Lord Hurst were to find out about Aimé and Mercedes, it would ruin the family. Taking the letter from him, Antoine scanned it and nodded. Pulling out an envelope and the family seal, he closed it up before speaking.

"Thank you. I know that you are upset - please don't try to deny it - but one day you'll realise that I'm not trying to hurt you. I'm trying to help make sure that you have a good life." He loved his brother - more than he should sometimes - and the idea of him having to go through life with less than he deserved was not acceptable.

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tigersatthegate
2008-06-17 05:25 pm UTC (link)

Aimé smiled, blinking back tears and he brushed his hand across his eyes quickly, wiping them away.
"I know, Antoine." He said. "I'm not angry at you. I know you just want what is best for us. I should have listened to you the first time." He stood, and kissed his brother on the cheek fleetingly.

"I do hope you won't mind if I take dinner in my room tonight. I do not want to explain to father why I am so upset, I do not think it would be good for his constitution to learn about this."

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antoine_laurent
2008-06-17 05:49 pm UTC (link)

It reassured him to some extent that Aimé wasn't mad at him. At least that was one less thing that he'd have to worry about.

Nodding, Antoine smiled softly. "That will be fine. I shall have a tray sent up when it is time for us to dine. If you change your mind, I know that Father would be happy to see you." He understood however, the need for space when something like this happens. "And thank you for taking this so well. I'll inform Father that you weren't feeling well and simply wanted to rest this evening."

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	tigersatthegate 2008-06-17 05:59 pm UTC (link)
	"Thank you," Aimé said, not wanting to stay there any longer than he needed. He turned away from his brother, leaving the room and waiting until he had closed the door behind him to break down. He passed the servants, trying to ignore their looks. Let them think what they liked. He'd done his duty. (Reply to this) (Parent)

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