GLUTTONY

" the question is if he'd believe you. i think you should go ahead and do it. it might help us learn something new about your brother. "

"Orson, you want to see the show too huh? I have to reinvent ways to get that little vein in his head to dance."

〝 is it too obvious of a lie if i attempt to suggest he'd be just fine? 〞

"It warms my heart that you'd be willing to lie to keep me, Inhye. There's still time for you to leave your husband and we can run away."

"Do you want it in scale form or..." She trailed off. "Either way, your secret would be safe with me. So long as your brother never finds out I hypothetically knew." Elinor finished her thoughts off with a wink. "You're not really thinking of giving into their offers... are you?"

"I do love a good scale or even a graphic. Can you make me a bar chart..oh or a pie chart. Percentages really are aesthetically pleasing.." the mirth rolled off his tongue with ease. Barrett didn't find himself grasping for some clandestine act of piety in from of the brunette. "If you're keeping my secrets, it only fair for me to keep yours." He pitched in closer, his hands handing between his knees as he studied her. "Not in this lifetime but it's always good to feel wanted."

location: national galley

"  ––––  arny  ?  "  promptly  turning  her  attention  to  the  scene  unfolding  ,  curiosity  raises  upon  her  features  with  a  hint  of  hilarity  .  "  what  a  fantastic  nickname  ,  creative  ,  even  .  "

" please, and i am asking this nicely, never ever ever call me by that name. absolutely never. " victoria was making a mistake by even considering marrying into the family. arny was an insane thing to say. but, perhaps... arnold sighed loudly at the younger woman's words. perhaps victoria fit right in ! " if you leave now you'll miss the whole thing ! it would be too unfortunate. " [ ;; @barrettalderidge ]

"It's better than something like Arno, Arnaldo, or A-dawg. The last one would be one hell of a brow raiser. Although, Arny, doesn't seem like a man who takes too many rumps around with Americans. They do really love tacky things." His shoulder rose and fell with an aloof smile. Barrett gingerly adjusted his own collar knowing he had a spare shirt with him. "Let's call us even. I got to call you that ghastly nickname and you ruined my shirt. Victoria, does that seem an even trade off?"

"At least the wine selection tastes good.." he swiped his thumb along his chin to catch what was left from the point of impact. The once white collar now a vibrant crimson. "...just a smidgen but any excuse to disappear for a little bit is heaven sent. Good to see you, Arny."

"I swear all of those etiquette lessons have been turned to rubbish somewhere between the big house and the Oxford many moons ago." Barrett hummed playfully. He knew his childish rebellion came from a place of boredom and he would content with the very person he had wronged so deeply. "...although with your guidance I can be reformed. I'll apologize for my gauche attempt at a laugh and I'll make sure she knows it's sincere." His dimple deepened in his cheek at the softness of her quip. "Done. We can call it a bonus or a consultation fee. Only stipulation is that our next meeting, you'll make sure to side with me. It'll make Bernard absolutely go mad."

she hummed, "sure. she learned that from me. she's nicer than i am, however." sophia raised an eyebrow, "she has a better sense of humour than i do too."

"I would say you're being pretty nice right now." Barrett was disappointed that he hadn't been met with teeth and claws. "Is there where you'll scold me for my poor taste in humor or disrespecting your sister's "kindness"? I would like to mentally prepare how I can smooth this over."

His dimple deepened at the way she had spun the woeful end that would definitely haunt the grounds of the great house if she ever took him up on the quixotic offer. Barrett would never hurt his brother so profoundly; he just couldn't help himself in the moment to toy with the idea of what never was and would never be. Victoria bloomed before him like a beautiful english rose; soft lips like petals and deep blue eyes that spoke secrets only he could hear. Their friendship grew over many seasons at Oxford. He never thought that the life he carved away from the family would bleed so violently into the previous. Of all the women in the world, why did have it to be her? "We can blame it on my chivalry who uncanny desire for chaos." He held his arm out to her. "I think I can muster up a cup or two for us. So, tell me, what have you been doing lately. Do not say wedding plans, we both know that's a lie."

"Ah, yes, I had the immense pleasure in chatting with Nevaeh. It seems my humor didn't hit in any of the right places that evening. She's got a fire, I must say. Did you learn that from you?"

"I think that it was all in good jest but you you think it's the right thing to do, I'll do it." Barrett leaned in closer to get a better look at her. "What do you think I should I give her? Wine? Flowers? Chocolate? Fifty thousand dollars? What is the proper conduit for my deep apologies for traipse on her ego?"