fortuna

Kamari gently patted Diana's arm before beginning to walk in the direction of the modiste. A place only recently Kamari found herself frequenting. "The other day I was envisioning orange but now it is a deep cerulean that comes to mind . . . " It felt silly to think and even sillier to voice aloud. "What of you? Perhaps we should order you something new too."

She could see either colour on her sister. Both would make her look ethereal, and no doubt would help Kamari in gaining the attention of suitors. A mixture of joy and jealousy began to embed itself within Diana. The challenge that their parents had posed was one that Diana would love to abandon, but her fear of missing out left her unwilling to back down. "Either would look stunning, Sister. Is there room in the budget do you think for two? It would be a pity to turn down one just for the other when you would look so swimming in both." Diana assured, squeezing her sisters arm slightly. "I will think about it while we are there, look at a fabric or two - if anything getting something would appease mama."

Brown eyes landed on the woman before her, assessing her for a moment before shrugging. "They do not exactly answer back in so many words, but depending on the animal there is certainly a non-verbal response when asked a question. Obviously, this serpent was not feeling exactly forthcoming with its company today."

Under the weight of the ladies questioning brow, Marcel was forced to consider (or at least pretend to consider) the question. “Only a bit jaded, I think.” He conceded, before adding in his own defense. “If I was truly jaded I would not allow them a first chance. If they’re foolish enough to squander the opportunity do they then deserve to be rewarded with a second?”

The gentleman had a point, she had to hand it to him. If someone had truly squandered an initial opportunity, did they truly deserve a second? "You bring up a fair argument Sir, I have to give you the credit where it so aptly due."

Playfully, the femme rolls her eyes with a shake of her head. "You shall have to ward them off, for they will not stand to be apart from me for more than mere minutes." Kamari was quite optimistic despite never having wooed anyone, but women did it all the time. She told herself there was no way it could be too difficult. "My walk is fine, albeit a tad boring. I was just about to head into town; I have a dress fitting to attend. Would you like to join me, sister ? "

With a shake of her head, Diana put her arm in the crook of her sisters’ elbow, humming slightly. “We shall see about that,” she teased, only to screw up her nose. She didn’t hate going to the modiste, but she did not like it all that much either. “I suppose I could, as I have nothing pressing to attend to since my slithery friend decided to abandon me. Have you chosen a colour you’d like for your dress?”

Marcel’s eyebrows raised, feigned surprise to match the lades feigned disappointment “You intended to give them a chance despite their poor reputation?  I take it you haven’t been in town terribly long?” He shrugged a shoulder, unable to resist returning her grin. “The fashionable do tend to gather in the park at this time of day. Perhaps it considers itself a dandy and gardens are simply too countrified for snakes refined tastes. Were I you, I would try my luck with the birds., I’ve heard they’re much more agreeable” Instead of polite denial, he nodded, offering a hand to help her up. “Yes. But one hardly expects to ride through Hyde park without at least one interruption. I’ve interrupted you as well, so I would consider our books even.

Diana let a chuckle escape her and she shrugged. “I believe everyone deserves a second chance, do you not? Or has being in town so long jaded you?” she questioned, brow cocked in curiosity. The gentleman before her was entertaining to say the least, and even if she hadn’t been able to get a hand on the snake, she was glad to have met someone with a sense of wit about them. 

Kamari had not been venturing too far behind her sister, noting when she stopped to look at something in the flowers. It wasn't unusual behavior, but it did pique her interest. Prompted her to halt right behind her, leaning over her shoulder to try and get a peek at what she had been observing. "What is it?" The femme finally inquired, her voice just above a whisper. If she was successful in her endeavor to spook Diana, she might get a little jump out of her. The mere thought makes the corners of her mouth curl into a partial and mischievous grin. "Surely you shall not find yourself a partner hiding upon the peonies." A small jest between sisters.

Diana jumped slightly as she heard her sisters' voice over her shoulder. "Kamari!" Diana chastised, chuckling slightly at the fact that her sister had been able to spook her. "No I certainly shall not, but I was looking for a tool to ward partners from my loving siblings." She mused shaking her head a little. "I thought a snake should do nicely, but he did not seem to want to indulge me. Your hand is still in play... For now." She replied with a wink, standing and smoothing out her dress. "How are you enjoying your walk?"

Most of the errands that he needed to run that morning required a trip through Hyde park. In fact, none of them required it - but that hadn’t stopped Marcel from taking the detour anyway.  The park was a favorite place of his, perhaps because it was one of the few locations in the city where one could feel like they had stepped outside of London, even if only for a minute.  It was still London though, and one generally didn’t find ladies crouching in the grass.

Diana turned abruptly when she heard the sound of footsteps nearing her, using the parasol (perhaps it was handy for something) to block the sun so she may see who was approaching. "You know, I had thought to give them a chance, but I believe you are correct - their reputation proceeds them." She replied with a slight sigh, attempting to feign disappointment for a moment before the illusion shattered and she was grinning.