Tweak

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Tweak says, "Who you gonna call!?"

Lord Tobias Hurst, Duke of Devon (lord_hurst) wrote in toujoursliberer,
@ 2008-08-08 21:41:00

Entry tags:

aime_laurent, antoine_laurent, beatrice_stanley, beth_downing, constance_mosley, demetri_blake, georgina_rochester, gwendolyn_linley, harry_fisher, jacques_belmont, katerina_ashcroft, marie_hardwick, melisande_auclair, nell_abbot, patience_hurst, piper, plot, rupert_aveline, sergius_petrov, slater, thaddeus_chadwick, theodore_berteaut, thérèse_du_labarre, tobias_hurst, vivian_thorpe

Lord Hurst: A Ball In His Honour
Item: An invitation sent out by Lord Hurst to many of those in the upper portion of society
Who: Lord Hurst on behalf of Sergius Petrov
Warnings: TBA
Open to: All of the nobility, friends of the Hurst family, those being blackmailed by Sergius, plus Constance, Slater, and Harry.

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mizslater
2008-08-10 07:47 pm UTC (link)

She raised her eyebrows at that, managing to keep herself from grinning. His reaction pleased her a great deal as she had expected him to grow annoyed or merely to grumble and move away. She liked a healthy, witty exchange and he seemed willing to offer her that.

She turned it right back on him, enjoying the thought of a good give and take between them. "If that is true, Sir, then your extra seven inches should make it so your view is never obstructed. Those of my country are usually of the milkweed sort and are rarely so tall, so you should have no trouble seeing anything you wish to in rooms as crowded as these."

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etiquette_
2008-08-10 07:55 pm UTC (link)

"You would think I could see over all, but I seem to have met my match with you," he replied, soft and smooth as he sipped his wine with an air of indifference that usually infuriated people he spoke to. He wanted to test this little woman. She didn't seem to be backing down and secretly that made her a deeper mystery to be explored at any opportunity. "Your words seem to flutter up and stick in the air like smoke... you are a new creature and one which I am most fortunate to meet."

With another smile Ramez extended his hand. "I am Ramez Detraum. And you are?"

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mizslater
2008-08-10 08:07 pm UTC (link)

"How poetic, I shall have to remember that. Though I will say the word 'smoke' does seem to come up a great deal when one is speaking of anything that has to do with me, perhaps I should look into that." she knew well that 'fire' was a better and more frequent word, as she did tend to burn and smolder. She did like it, surprisingly, but then she had always been enthralled by fire.

"Cordelia Slater." she slid her delicate hand into his, half expecting him to crush it in his massive hand. It was so refreshing to find a man dressed so well exuding so much masculinity, and there was hardly anything more she liked in a man than masculinity.

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etiquette_
2008-08-11 10:02 am UTC (link)

A Slater? This was too delicious, he had to be dreaming. With a flicking blink of his eyes he studied her closely. This was not too good to be true... please, fate, do not be so cruel. "Pleasure to meet you, Senorita Slater, Fire of London," he said smoothly. "I am referred to as an inferno more often than not. I would disagree but I cannot deny that I leave many infernos in my wake..." He glanced around the room as if she were already boring him but he continued to speak. "One cannot help the fact that sparks fly where they will, especially around me. Judging by my meeting you this evening and despite your icey appearance," he added, meaning her dress, "it seems I have the brightest in my midst."

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mizslater
2008-08-11 11:35 am UTC (link)

"You do have a tongue as smooth as silk, Mr. Detraum, I am very sure you leave many burning in your wake with such talk as that." and while he was very charming, Delia was quite fond of the way he pronounced S' in his exotic accent, but she was not so easily taken in. But it did leave her more inclined to remain in his company, so perhaps his words were having the desired affect after all.

She knew his game, she played it often enough to know it well, but this was one of the rare times she got to be on the receiving end. "But tell me, what brings you to England, and to this..." she glanced out at the crowd for a moment then looked back to him. "Dull affair?"

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etiquette_
2008-08-11 11:44 am UTC (link)

He had meant inferno literally - anyone who knew the Detraum family also knew their penchant for flaming buildings - but he hadn't the heart to stand there and explain, shattering the illusion. She was on to him, he knew that, but she seemed to find it fun and so Ramez continued in the same way.

"Business. I am here to assess my competition and attempt to gain new clients, but so far I cannot find anyone who might be in need of any of my services. How about you, Senorita? A lady such as you should be charming the likes of the bachelors on the dance floor. Unless... you are one of those 'different women', the ones so intent to be independant that you are putting off the plight for marriage until you have your adventure out of your system."

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mizslater
2008-08-11 12:09 pm UTC (link)

"I do my best to always attend the right parties every season, Sir, and any event thrown by Lord Hurst is usually the talk of the whole year. Also," she added a slight smile coming to her lips and she tilted her head in the direction of her father. "My father was planning to attend and he has been doing his best to keep his eye on me thanks to his concerns of the potential actions of one, Mr. Fisher." it also had something to do with all the trouble she had been stirring up lately, but Mr. Detraum did not need to know that.

That smile only grew, "I am not one of the miserable few who think marriage is just cause to dampen an adventurous spirit and should be avoided. Most of the bachelors here, while charming and well turned out, are hardly worth the effort I have found, so that is why I have come to stand here and observe, hoping some late arrival will spark my fancy."

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etiquette_
2008-08-11 01:46 pm UTC (link)

As Ramez spoke to this woman he was learning all the more about his new residence in London. Fisher and Slater did not trust each other, and knew of each. Fisher was quite a one, and Slater was a master at working the room if what Ramez had seen was to be believed. Judging by his daughter he was a strong person. If children were the product of their parents, Cordelia might be a carbon copy.

"Late arrival?" Ramez inquired innocently, taking another idle sip from the glass. "I was only tardy by a few minutes. Hardly what you could call late..." his eyes twinkled in that knowing manner and he hid his grin beneath the glass as he took another drink.

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mizslater
2008-08-11 02:00 pm UTC (link)

That caused her to chuckle lightly. "Such cheek for a foreigner." she was pleased he had tapped her and had caused her to forget the boredom of a few moments ago. "You are very bold, Sir, is it particular to you or is it a common trait among your countrymen?" she was fishing for information as always, most she came across usually gave up more than they were willing when confronted with drink and her lovely, sweet face.

"You mentioned looking for clients, Mr. Detraum, what is it that you do?" she was hoping it would be something useful to her as she was growing to like this spaniard before her. It would be a shame if she had to toss him away because he wasn't useful.

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etiquette_
2008-08-11 02:08 pm UTC (link)

"The difference between me and my countrymen, is that I know the difference between boldness and misjudged arrogance." He was tempted to light a cigar but could not see anyone with so much as a pipe out of the corner of their mouth. Plus, he did not want to upset the pretty lady as she seemed to be interested in finding out about his life. He was used to women doing this, but she did it in a different way. Miss Cordelia had purpose - what that purpose was he did not know. Nor did he care to. "I have seen many a man fall because they thought they were invincible. To be a truly courageous man you have to know when the tide is against you."

Her bright little question had deeper meaning and he was happy to answer. "I am a self-employed man. I am the best friend of many rich men at home and abroad, but the one they tend to keep in the shadows lest their reputation suffer. My work is a little complicated, but I have no qualms in getting my hands sufficiently dirty. Your father may perhaps know a thing or two about that." With a wide smile Ramez ignored the supposed etiquette of the party and withdrew his case of cigars, offering one to the lady.

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mizslater
2008-08-11 02:22 pm UTC (link)

"Thank you." She took one when he offered, she and Jimmy had been stealing them from their father since they were little so it was something she was accustomed to doing, even if it was considered a masculine habit. Since she had grown up raised by men and wanting to do everything her brother did, her perceptions of gender specific mannerisms were a bit warped.

"My father will be greatly pleased to hear that his reputation continues to proceed him. And I imagine when you say competition you do mean my father, for there is no greater man for that sort of thing in the whole of London, if you would allow me to say." But of course she saw her father as a sweet old man who did all of his work through his men and would never hurt a fly with his own hands... Even if she had seen proof to the contrary on more than one occasion.

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etiquette_
2008-08-11 02:31 pm UTC (link)

"Of course," Ramez humoured her. "Your father seems to be the best businessman I have seen in my time in London. There are of course the rogue traders and self efficient men but he is a force to be reckoned with no doubt..." Ramez did not think any of this at all. Compared to him, Slater was an amateur at best. Ramez would love for the old man to see what delights the Spaniard could teach him.

Inhaling deeply on the cigar once he had lit them both, Ramez allowed the smoke to circle in the air before exhaling. "You are very fond of your father, I take it," Ramez observed, "and yet you stand here away from him. Why?"

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mizslater
2008-08-11 02:45 pm UTC (link)

She wasn't sure if she believed him or not. Her father was a great man, but it was occasionally difficult for some to recognize superiority. Not wanting to get into that sort of discussion, she let it go, never one to worry about what others thought and she was content in the knowledge that she was right, no matter what he might have said. She saw no need to argue her point. She took a deep drag, relaxing a little more, if that were possible.

"I am very fond of my father, as I should be as he has done very well by me, and has always done his best to look after me. But as you most likely know, it does do well to always stand in your father's shadow, even if you do happen to be a woman." which was mostly true, but the rest of it was due to Viv. She would not mention the slut as she knew it would reflect poorly on her if she spoke of it here.

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etiquette_
2008-08-14 09:24 am UTC (link)

Ramez nodded. "I did that myself for many years so I understand your reasoning. It is when you are suddenly thrust into the spotlight without being prepared that you wish that you had stayed by his side." Yes this may have been cryptic but it was still very much a Ramez sort of manner. With a long drag of hs cigar he let the smoke curl upwards, hiding the focus of his eyes which rested on Slater.

"He has a pretty woman there.. and she is not in the shadows..."

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mizslater
2008-08-14 10:20 am UTC (link)

"He is quite found of her." she could feel his hook dangling under her nose, but she was not foolish enough to succumb to his baiting. She would not speak against Viv in public with her father so near, she would not shame him in such a way. Still, she tightened her jaw and brought her glass up to her lips, taking a deep drink.

The drink was followed by another drag from the cigar, that calm feeling it had once given her slowly disappearing with the smoke she breathed out. "As long as he is happy he could have all the women in the world and I would not care." it was a lie, but it did make her look the loving, caring daughter she usually was.

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etiquette_
2008-08-14 10:25 am UTC (link)

"Then you are a better child than I, Senorita," Ramez chuckled, knowing she had avoided his trap and deciding to take a different route. After a long drag of his cigar he sighed slowly, gazing over at the two of them. "When my father was alive he had many strings of women and I - I cared a great deal. Though he was happy, he did not deserve the distraction - and they did not deserve him, for a quantity of reasons..."

With a sideways glance at Delia Ramez chuckled once more. "I apologise. Let us talk of something more fitting for such an occasion. I would not like to spend what precious little time I have with you discussing our father issues."

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mizslater
2008-08-14 11:02 am UTC (link)

"That is part of the advantage of being the daughter and not the son. A daughter has all those lovely feelings for their fathers, being infallible and all those other things that make them put their fathers firmly on a pedestal." it was a very pretty lie, and while she did put her father on a pedestal, she knew damn well he wasn't infallible.

She raised her eyebrows at that. "Oh? And what did you have in mind for our precious little time together, Mr. Detraum?" Delia was always Delia and knowing her a conversation with a man could not be ended unless there was a bit of flirting or innuendo.

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etiquette_
2008-08-14 11:13 am UTC (link)

Ah there it was - the flirting and suggestion back to amuse him. In a change of tactic Ramez offered a smile and, bowing low to her, in a very respectful manner, he replied, "Whatever the lady wishes. As a stranger to your country and to your company I am obliged to uphold my manners and do whatever you wish. It is only polite that I do. Think of it as a custom of mine."

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mizslater
2008-08-14 11:43 am UTC (link)

"Such an annoying little custom, if you will permit me to say." Delia liked control, she got more pleasure from it than the actual sex usually, but she had thought he would be one to challenge her control. It was hardly any fun when a person weakly submitted to her, she liked the fight and the fire deep within, something she thought she could see in Ramez, but she must have been mistaken.

She took another drag from the cigar, letting the smoke free slowly. "How very English of you."

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etiquette_
2008-08-14 11:50 am UTC (link)

"English? Ah, you serve to insult me," Ramez chuckled, letting his cigar drop a little before taking another drag. "I was not aware the English had manners. And to think up until we had this little conversation I thought you were to prove me wrong... I am afraid I was mistaken. You are truly English in every way."

The smirk on his face was patronising and infuriating to many, and as he suddenly looked about the room he gave the distinct impression she did not exist, standing by his side.

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mizslater
2008-08-14 11:58 am UTC (link)

She chuckled at that, greatly amused. "You are very good, Sir, tell me do you practice or do these words just come to you?" This was what she liked, verbal sparring was so much more exciting than a simple little flirt. He was on the verge of annoying her and there was nothing Delia loved more. She was growing to like this foreigner.

"I imagine you must practice as I believe insults are slightly different in, what is it, Spanish?" she guessed. "Or perhaps you are like most and while you were learning English, picked up the insults and the foul language first?"

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etiquette_
2008-08-14 12:09 pm UTC (link)

"Sí, Spanish - your intellect astounds me," came the dry reply, with Ramez continuing to stare at the rest of the crowd. He ignored her smile, her laugh, and though they were quite endearing to see and hear he stopped himself short. "You could tell that just from my appearance, my accent and the way I sa yes? You are truly a genius."

The cigar almost done, he drew out the ending before throwing it into a nearby vase. Nowhere to stub it out, damn it. "I do not practice, no - you see, speech generally comes naturally, with one word after the other using grammar to form sentences after being taught from birth... I have been speaking naturally for oh - thirty years? And several other languages for twenty-nine. Whilst your first words may have been wanker and fuck, my first described what I held most dear."

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mizslater
2008-08-14 12:22 pm UTC (link)

"I was merely being polite, Mr. Detraum, I am sure you know very well by now how London feels about those not born in this country. I imagine you have a great deal of difficulty getting people to understand you. Do you have one of those little men that run about and translate everything you say even if you are speaking English? If you don't, then you should, it would be most helpful for the rest of us to understand a word you are saying."

She was smiling the entire time, only vaguely aware how bizarre the whole thing was. "You will forgive me if I do not remember my first words, but if you wait a moment I am sure I can find someone else of your advanced years that was around me at the time and who would know."

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etiquette_
2008-08-14 12:30 pm UTC (link)

Ramez gave a short laugh. "You would think I needed an interpreter, but as it is I understand you perfectly despite that curious - accent," he said, emphasizing the word. It was an odd yet welcome change to the usual conversation he was ued to. "And, as it seems you understand me without much trouble, I do not feel the need to request one."

With a soft shake of his head he now met her eyes with the darkness of his. "I do not wish to know which curse you chose to proclaim in your infancy, thank you very much for the offer. I am sure you said it quite eloquantly."

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mizslater
2008-08-14 12:47 pm UTC (link)

"I just happen to be gifted with an excellent pair of ears, one must if one is going to survive in London. But I will admit that I have had occasional trouble with some of your words, and your S' are very amusing, so forgive me if I have been smiling after some of your words. And if you do not like this accent I have another, not so posh, but it would better denote that I am indeed a Slater." and she saw no shame in that, she was very proud of her father and of belonging to his family.

His eyes were so dark and it seemed as if they went on forever, it caused her to hold his glaze perhaps a bit longer than she should. "As difficult as it may be for you to believe, I was a sweet, good natured child, so I hardly think I would have uttered any sort of profanity." even if she had heard her father cursing as far back as she could remember.

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etiquette_, 2008-08-14 08:51 pm UTC

mizslater, 2008-08-14 09:25 pm UTC

etiquette_, 2008-08-14 09:28 pm UTC

mizslater, 2008-08-14 09:51 pm UTC

etiquette_, 2008-08-15 08:33 pm UTC

mizslater, 2008-08-15 09:18 pm UTC

etiquette_, 2008-08-17 11:19 am UTC

mizslater, 2008-08-17 11:40 am UTC

etiquette_, 2008-08-17 11:52 am UTC

mizslater, 2008-08-17 12:15 pm UTC

etiquette_, 2008-08-17 12:58 pm UTC

mizslater, 2008-08-17 01:46 pm UTC

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