#arvnsis

SHE HEARD THE FAMILIAR FOOTSTEPS BEFORE SHE SAW HIM. dozing by the fire, her intention had been to stay awake -- to be waiting at the foot of the stairs when his carriage came up the drive. but the warmth from the hearth and the lateness of the hour had been too enticing and her eyelids had soon grown heavy. it was only the firm sound of his boot in the passage that brought her back to herself. on her feet in an instant -- sleep forgotten -- she rushed for the door, eager to catch him before he retreated into his own dressing room. she knew he would not disturb her if he thought her asleep, but it had been far too long and the weeks apart too agonizing for her to wait until morning to see him. 

“  PERCY!  ”    she called. she made no attempt to lower her voice for the sake of the servants, nor indeed did she think at all of what they might whisper when she darted from her room, straight into his road-weary arms. there was a happy, mischievous smile on her lips as she murmured into the shoulder of his coat,    “  how cruel of you to think you could avoid me tonight!  ”

❝     i was almost worried that you would have passed on the challenge.     ❞

❛ —ah, mr. blakeney! you’re right on time, jus’ finished it up, ❜ she chirps before he can get a word in edgewise, quickly disappearing from the meager room he’d called upon her in . when the only cromwell daughter returns , moments later , an over-full bouquet of lovingly arranged flowers blocks half of her from sight . it’s placed on the table before them with care , & she can’t help but to smile at the sight , despite herself , ( hopefully the hint of pride isn’t unbecoming ) .

❛ i tried t’ match th’ color scheme you mentioned best ‘s possible — i hope it meets your expectations ? ❜

a  small  gasp  ,  veil  slipping  just  so  into  her  face  .  lydia  widely  grins  from  ear  to  ear  ;  it  can’t  be  helped  .    ❝  deadly-vu  !  ❞

                             “  is it --  ”    she hesitated, eyeing the tall man carefully. she did not think this could be him -- the famous scarlet pimpernel. after all, every mouth in france whispered tales of his deeds, either in fear or in hope. and in her mind, he had become almost a mythical creature. surely no flesh and blood mortal man could be responsible for his daring escapades. surely this man was not her family’s only hope? lili’s brow furrowed and she gave a slight shake of her head.    “  is it -- is it you?  ”