Thread: Secrets and Lies (Sync & Mali)

Her own cheeks turned red this time. Such a simple gesture was enough to make a woman swoon at impecable manners. And if her sheltering had not been shattered, it would be enough for her. Alas, it was a kind gesture, far more mannerful than the gestures of men fromt his party inappropriately propositioning her. And it was such kindness that she hadnt seen in a man in so long. He placed her hand back but even through the silk glove, she could feel the imprint and warmth of his lips that remained. It made her smile, and without looking down, her left hand covered over her right, as if to hold that kiss with fondness. LIke a treasure, keeping it safe and protected. Her cheeks reddened more, though this time not for the same reason as before. It should not have shocked her. What would have been surprising was if he hadnt heard of her by name to match ruined reputation. Considering everyone who was anyone among the high society goers seemed to know of her family well and once upon a time fondly, they all knew about her. And that stopped being surprising quite quickly. But for some reason she kind of wished that he didnt have some inkling. It was one thing for a man to have a seedier reputation, it was kind of expected sometimes. Men had free reign to do as they pleased for the most part, so long as they did something productive with their lives, so not to put shame to their family name. Women on the other hand...there was only one mold that was accepted and that was certainly not the mold she fit into anymore. But it seemed that he didnt mind. Or, like her, he didnt rely solely on the debasement of gossip to garner a full opinion. Did he really mean that? She looked at him, the blush fading from her cheeks as she searched his face for the truth in those words. Elsa could not be so certain. You may believe you fare worse and considering the gossip that rolled around once upon a time, you are likely correct in that assessment. However, you being a man gives you a certain advantage that I do not posses. She smiled meekly, tilting her head lightly. But I appreciate your kindness. And I thank you for not casting upon me the same judgment that others have. Just as he did not, she would not either. Who was she to judge after all? Elsas suspicions were put to rest by his offer. He did not promise a night of debasement, engaging between her legs either in the coat room or drawing room. No, there was no hint of anything perverse in his offer one bit. And that lightened her shoulders of the heavily rested scandal weighing down on them. Finally, such a man did exist. A big smile formed on her face and she nodded her head almost too enthusiastically. I would be delighted Mr. Hawthorne. And she truly was. Perhaps there was hope after all. Perhaps there was still a chance. Turning, she stepped by the railing and let her arms rest over it, crossed and the soft wind of the night blowing over her face, through her hair which cast a tendril of loose hair over her forehead. You are right. There is little we can do to further tarnish ourselves. And rather than succumb to the worst of our doomed reputations, we could She flourished her hand as she thought of the proper word. Toast to it, instead. Though Elsa was aware she would had nothing to toast with but air.