Once Upon A Dream

She took a few deep breaths, not facing Ellie, hoping to calm her unexpectedly racing heart at the seemingly innocent moment, before finally turning around. There was no smile there, only confusion as she processed what she had just felt, and Ellie’s words weren’t making it any easier. She wanted to get to know her? “Why?” Riley asked, unable to contain her skepticism. She couldn’t understand what she was feeling so she retreated to logic. She didn’t like not understanding.

"Because you're fascinating," Ellie said gently without missing a beat, completely genuine as she kept her gaze on Riley's face. She continued in a hushed tone, so anyone who passed by the heavy door might not accidentally hear, "You go to college lessons in trousers and a hat because you can't help not knowing. You're independent, intelligent, funny, and strong. And I know that just from one afternoon of knowing you. I want to know more."

Beautiful as well, but Ellie wouldn't embarrass herself by adding that to the ever growing list.

She gave the girl an earnest smile, standing from her seat. "And who knows how far I'll go? I might end up close to London, or back in the countryside." She took a half of a step towards the girl, not wanting to scare her but wanting to be a little closer. "And if I'm more than a walk away, carriages exist, as well as letters-- and I wouldn't be an obedient little wife who stays at home while my... husband is galivanting around the town." The last part was added with a small playful edge, making a little face at the word 'husband', hoping it would calm Riley's nerves at least a little.

Ellie scanned Riley's face, shrugging softly as she opened up completely. Riley seemed trustworthy, and she didn't mind being vulnerable if it would help them be friends. "Nobody really knows me either. Not even my family-- they see me as a child who can't make a decision or have an opinion without heavy guidance. I want someone to know me, and I really want to know you, Riley. Beyond the barriers of the season."

“Marriage is how they keep us subjugated.” It was why Riley herself was so determined never to marry one. The moment she did, all her freedoms would fade away. She would be expected to let her new husband manage her estate and her money would no longer be her own. Who wanted that? Riley didn’t need some stranger to take care of her, her father ensured that much before he passed.

“Well, Ellie,” Riley tested out, figuring she would show the woman the same courtesy she was showing her, “you have caught me at my most scandalous so it is safe to say I have no reason to be anything but genuine.” Not that she was talking about it in the same context of what Ellie was, but friendships felt like they fell in the same category for Riley. It was hard to tell who genuinely wanted to be friends or who wanted to get close to her just for the title she carried.

"You can rest easy knowing that I don't want to be close because of what you have to offer," She started, a playful glint in her eye as she took a step towards Riley. Ellie continued, teasing as she let her gaze briefly dance over Riley's face, "I want you close so that you might not be able to gain the speed to knock me off my feet again."

“Well, if I shall be cursed with your presence from now on, I insist you call me Riley,” she stated, the smile on her face showing no hint that this was any such ‘curse’. “You are free to drop the titles and manners. They are quite a mouthful,” she smirked and gave Elaine a little nudge of her elbow, “and we both know I am not very graceful.” She wouldn’t force it but she truly believed that, in the spirit of friendship, titles were utterly unnecessary.

"Riley," She repeated, testing out the name as if testing the temperature of water before diving in. "Well, Riley, I wish I could follow in your footsteps. I have no desire to marry a man, even though I know I must marry someone by the end of the season." Her brows knit above her nose ever so slightly as her impending future nagged at the back of her mind.

She glanced down at the ornate rug, shaking her head, "It all feels like some awful game. Everyone using each other like chess pieces, marrying just for the sake of a shiny new title or money. I--" She paused her words and looked back to Riley, thinking of what she would say next for half of a moment. "Though men have most of the power, it seems like all they ever want to do is use us and our power. I don't want to be used."

Again.

Her gaze averted again, hoping the sadness in her tone didn't reveal too much once the words slipped past her lips. This time she focused on the little book she held.

"It feels a bit silly, wanting to marry someone simply because I enjoy their company, enough to wake up to them every morning. But with how concerned everyone is for their reputation, it's hard to know when they're being genuine and if you would actually..." Elaine shrugged, her smile softening, already resigning to her fate, "I'm not sure... get along, I guess."

Riley had developed a system that resulted in the giant collection Elaine saw before her. No one had taught her how to do research or engage in academic discourse, but Riley stubbornly taught herself if no one else would. She was more than willing to impart her knowledge on other women who struggled with the same. “If you ever wish to borrow a book from me, you are free to.” She walked over to the shelf that Elaine was at and reached over her, pulling out the book she had just placed back and placing it in Elaine’s hands. “I insist. The duchess is requiring you to read to be in her company,” Riley teased, knowing that it was probably one of the goals for the night. Elaine’s family couldn’t complain about her reading up on topics that the duchess clearly wanted to talk about.

At the woman’s question, Riley blushed and nodded. “Yes, I am particularly interested in the medical sciences and the human body. I would have loved to have been a surgeon.” Riley shook her head, a sad chuckle leaving her. “Can you imagine the scandal? A woman of my status touching strangers and dealing with all the blood and taint of death and illness?” It was never to be so Riley had no choice but to indulge in simply the knowledge rather than the practice.

Elaine hugged the little book to her chest, listening intently to Aurelia's answers. "I feel as though us women can simply breathe incorrectly and be damned in society's eyes. It would, indeed, cause quite an uproar." A sad little laugh left her own lips, the bright curiosity on her features softening to a gentle fondness.

She looked down at her arm as Aurelia took it in her hands, the gentle, almost professional touch causing a blush to spread over her cheeks. Just as it did earlier that day, it caused her heart to flutter just a bit, even though she hadn't a clue as to why it would. Her gaze danced over Aurelia's face, and couldn't help but watch in awe as she examined her. The duchess was very pretty, and the focused look on her features was the most beautiful, elegant thing she had seen since arriving in London. Ellie became extremely aware of every breath, every little move she couldn't control, afraid that if she did any sort of movement that it would break Aurelia's focus and end the moment.

"A gentle dilution of whiskey," Elaine nodded and averted her eyes from Aurelia's face, slightly embarrassed of the involuntary reaction she had to the examination. "Understood." She took a small breath to compose herself, before returning her gaze to the duchess.

All around them were various books that the family had gathered throughout the years and while she had a library back at the main estate, the London home contained its own impressive catalogue. "When you saw me this afternoon, I was rushing home from a lecture," Riley explained, running her hand over the spine of a medical book. "It is deeply unfair that women cannot attend university when all I want to do is learn. I have to resort to books on recorded lectures, disguises, and hiding..."

She didn't know what it was about Elaine, but she felt comfortable with the woman, enough to be honest about her desires and intentions. "There is not a day that goes by that I do not wonder what I would have been able to do, to accomplish, had I simply been born a man." She chuckled. "Instead of spending all this time looking for a husband, I would be doing something actually worthwhile."

She made her way to a neighboring shelf as she listened to Aurelia speak, her curious eyes tearing away from the scholarly titles and impressive leather bound spines to look at her. Elaine's first question had been answered before she could even ask.

"Yes, I'm afraid so," She breathed a soft laugh as she returned her gaze to the books, not wanting the reality of the world that awaited her past the heavy wooden door to take a hold of her. "I think we share a very similar desire, your grace."

Elaine plucked a little book from the shelf, a collection of essays from astronomers, a wistful melancholy ghosting over her features. "I had to fight and plead to learn what I have- begged my father to buy books for me and let me take lessons past any basic necessities my governess had to offer. Not that I blame them for the lack of extracurriculars, they were used to a band of brutes who would rather play soldier outside than read a book." She laughed gently as her hand ran over the cover, unable to look back over at the girl. It was embarrassing, knowing so little in the presence of someone who clearly knew worlds more.

"I never knew what questions to ask, or what text to request- but when I did find something-" She risked a glance over at Aurelia, her smile brightening a bit as those little moments of 'eureka' flooded into her memory. "I have never been more excited." Her eyes returned to the astronomy book, that familiar warm feeling of wonder flooding through her as she wondered just what the sky held. "Perhaps I would do something worthwhile too. But..." The brightness faded a bit as reality nagged at the back of her mind. "I am to play the part of a proper young lady-- one that needs to marry. It is my duty."

In the past, if Elaine were to make a decision that would harm her, she would quickly be moved away by her brothers or father, but they wouldn't usually explain why. Without the context, she was never sure what the point of problem was- and didn't know how to fix it.

"Hale," She let her knit brows relax from their confused contortion, bringing a small smile to her face. She tried to think on the books she's read, the things she experienced back at the Duchey, anything that might educate her decisions. She had learned the harsh truth that- there were so many things a woman could do wrong that would taint her reputation in the way she warned. Had this woman given herself to a man as she did? Something worse? Is that the fate that awaited her if she didn't wed this season?

"I apologize, I must confess I'm still learning the ways and the rules of this society. As well as who people are. That on the countryside doesn't feel as..." She tried to find a kinder, more proper word than the one she initially wanted to use, "strict as here. Or as intense."

The man’s playfully stern tone caused laughter to bubble from Elaine’s chest as she watched the ball return to its owner. Once it was secured with the boy, who was promptly called over by the other children, seemingly having grown tired of their own game, she turned back to the mud covered man.

“Hale,” She offered him a smile, bowing her head as she briefly curtsied. “Elaine Hale.” She continued in a playful tone, glancing over at the ball as it zoomed across the grass. “Heaven knows how dangerous a rogue ball could be. So I, for one, am glad you and your ankles were spared, Sir…?” She rose her brows at the man.

"Well, I do hope I didn't ruin your game, Miss Hale." He laughed shortly as the boy ran in the direction opposite of the duo.

"You are family to Viscount Hale?" Thomas asked and his butler promptly leaned forward slightly to whisper inconspicuously into his ear. He quirked a brow and nodded once, "His only daughter?" An awkward misstep but not beyond recovery.

"Oh, no 'sir' necessary, madam. Thomas William Leigh. It is a pleasure to be in such esteemed company though I do apologize for my rather soiled attire. I was just leaving the driving ring."

"That would be me, yes." She turned to him, a small laugh escaping her at his apology, before adding with a small playful edge, "No apologies necessary, Mr. Thomas William Leigh." Elaine looked down at her own hem, a bit grassy and muddy from her running in the grass.

But no. There he was, taking about half-steps for each of his mother's as she walked with him arm in arm, going on about how wonderful of a day it was turning out to be, her eyes constantly searching for connections, or possible situations to gossip about with the other ladies later. Meanwhile, Alex was merely humming in response, his face unamused, painful, even. It was simply all too much. Forcing a smile for each passer-by as a greeting. The small talk, to which he could barely add before his mother would take over the conversation. Not to mention how he terribly needed to sneeze, the blossoming flowers torturing his eyes and his nose.

Thankfully enough, they'd arrived to his mother's friends' usual spot to sit down and chatter sooner than he thought, and he was granted leave (this time from the ladies), and thus he could finally be on his own for a bit. He'd walked, slowly, overcome with thoughts on his own, and just as he wasn't quite paying attention to his surroundings, he felt something bump into his foot. It was only once he looked down that he saw the ball, the little boy, and the lady approaching.

Alex wasn't quite sure as to the relation between the child and the lady, as she seemed more like his sister, rather than his mother, but before he could finish his thought process, it dawned on him that he was expected to react.

A smile, belated, though much more genuine than the ones he'd thrown at other members of the ton just earlier, has crept over his lips as he glanced at the boy. "I wouldn't want to intrude in your playtime." Sadly, his eyes dropped to the ankles exposed from the skirt being pulled up slightly, and even if it was only for a moment, Alexander practically whipped his head away, avoiding eye contact with the lady. "I'm uh, quite alright, thank you, Miss--" It had only occurred to him then, that she was a new face. At least she was introduced to the ton sometime during his time away in the army.

With a voice like that, the woman was truly stunning.

A bashful smile pulled on her lips as she watched the girl approach, taking the girl's hand once she was close enough. Her eyes caught on their hands as she stood from the piano bench, unable to keep herself from thinking back to earlier that day and the little blush that accompanied it. After a moment, she remembered she should probably say something. "Thank you, I'd love that."

"Didn't you just receive a tour, Ellie?" Her brother piped up, giving her an inquisitive brow. He wanted to get more time with the young duchess as well, and his little sister appeared to be hogging her attention. If Elaine were to fail this season, if her secret were to be revealed, he wanted to make sure he was in a secure enough of a position to provide for her, as well as his own family when the time came. Marrying a duchess, especially one so close to the crown, would definitely secure all of their futures.

When Elaine mentioned the piano, Riley shrugged. “A staple in every house, I suspect,” she answered. She couldn’t remember the last time she had played that thing and only really played the piano when she was bored or ran out of books to read.

“Why don’t you play us a song, Aurelia?” Charlotte suggested.

Elaine's cheeks flushed a deep rosy pink, looking from her father, to Charlotte, and over to Aurelia. It was no use to try to deny them, knowing Arthur would simply continue to insist until she played. It was one of the perks of having a daughter who, on paper, was accomplished- he could brag about the skills she had cultivated for herself. It didn't bother her, she was happy to make him proud- even if the reasoning for being proficient in this particular skill wore heavy on her soul.

"You speak too highly of me, Father. I wouldn't want to disappoint them." Ellie shook her head as a light laugh escaped her lips, "Very well." She looked over at Aurelia, and added quietly as she stood from the seat, "Then perhaps that tour-" The look in her eyes pleaded for a little bit of mercy, as she wasn't used to playing in front of an audience.

For years, while she was in the Duke's care, she played the piano every day. It was the only thing to do, as she had quickly read through the little library she had brought with her and he dismissed her requests for new stories most of the time, telling her the bible was the only book she truly needed. Every morning after breakfast, she would find her way to the drawing room on the far side of the manor, away from ears that could be annoyed by the continuous melodies, practicing her singing and her playing. Anything for a bit of an escape.

“Yes, of course, though my London home is hardly comparable to my country estate in the Duchy,” Riley explained. “I shall invite you there some time. We can take my horses out and really enjoy the freedom of pants. Have you ever ridden with them?” Hidden away in the country, no one would really care if two ladies decided to ride horses wearing men’s pants—it was the practical choice—and Riley felt so much freer without the watchful eyes of everyone around them.

She took the offered arm and led Elaine back inside before the footman could even announce dinner. When they arrived in the dining room, her mother seemed pleased that the both of them were smiling. Aurelia rarely took a liking to anyone, man or woman, so Charlotte was more than happy for her daughter to befriend someone—especially if that someone could teach her daughter the value of marriage.

She followed Aurelia inside, shifting the conversation to something a little less implicating for the ears that listened to them, while still asking Aurelia about herself. She was intrigued by her, like a puzzle she desperately wanted to take her time with. Though her social skills weren't incredible, her intellectual thirst kept the words flowing from her mouth with ease as their families ate, taking the questions Aurelia directed at her and posing her own in return.

Once everyone was full and happy, they retired to the drawing room, where the conversation continued. Ellie had taken a seat next to Aurelia on one of the loveseats, quietly whispering little remarks and anecdotes in which she made fun of her brother when he said something she found particularly ridiculous.

"On peut les nourrir si tu veux," we can feed them, if you want, she said as she pulled a small satchel of oats from the basket. She had noticed the woman's accent and was suddenly very grateful she had her governess teach her when she was young. She looked quite distressed, maybe it would help to hear something relatively familiar.

With her mother dying shortly after she was born, Elaine was raised by a household of boys- with no way of teaching her to be a proper, accomplished young lady. Her Governess did her best, but often times Ellie would be pulled away from her lessons by her father and brothers to join them in their games and adventures. So instead of learning different languages because it was the proper thing to do, she begged her Governess, who was French, to teach her her language so she could feel more at home in their manor.