Thread: Bright Young Thing ::: {Prince of Smut & Ariamella}

RE Bright Young Thing Prince Ariamella Giddy elation carried Scarlett to an emotional high, and her lips split into a wide grin upon hearing Brian's compliments, even if they sounded a bit superficial. After all, how would he knew how intelligent or accomplished she was without ever having spoken to her about the subjects? He would be sorely disappointed to find out that Philip was only blowing smoke in attempt to get him to court her, but she couldn't argue with the truth of her own father's words. She was raised in Catholic private schools, always with the best instructors and faculty, educated in everything from literature to to maths. It was basically expected for her to be educated as she was part of high society, and it was just as important as her etiquette training. But a part of her mind couldn't shake the feeling that Brian was only saying such grand things to please her father. Years of meeting various coworkers and important businessmen made it easy to spot the signs of a man trying to climb his way up the political ladder, and no matter how polite Brian was, Scarlett could almost see right through him. But then, another part of her believed he was telling the truth. A spark of attraction hit her when he had taken the chance to stare at the neckline of her dress and the soft flesh that lay beneath, and she was almost positive that he felt it as well. It was a shame that her ability of luck couldn't detect feelings and intentions. The special sense of intuition only seemed to work when actions and events were involved, but the mechanics were logical in a way. There was no real method calculating a person's feelings and thoughts she could see the probability of events, not read minds. Even if there was some way for her to read into someone's emotions, it would be useless. Impressions and feelings were prone to change especially when it was someone that she had limited interaction with. Outside the drawing room, seated on the hardwood floor, Scarlett sighed. She wanted to be upset with the judge and federal agent, resenting the feeling of being treated like an object being brokered by her father to the man with the highest status. Whatever happened to being married out of love? Whatever happened to being swept off your feet in a whirlwind romance that resulted in stolen hearts and hot nights? But she also knew that the old man acted out of love and concern for his daughter's future, and she couldn't-- and wouldn't-- fault him for it. It's not like Brian was a bad-looking man. He was quite the opposite really clean-cut with kind eyes and a winner's smile, physical traits that were complemented by charm, refinement and obvious confidence in his womanizing skills. Out of all the girls and and women who might have wanted him, it was she that had won him, and it was by default as well! It wasn't hard to imagine herself as a doting wife. It wasn't hard to imagine herself clad in white and walking down the isle to greet the man of her life. It wasn't hard to imagine herself smiling teary-eyed at the guests as the priest announced them as husband and wife. Mrs. and Mr. Brian Grady. Her wonder of it all was too great for her to keep silent, and she tested the possibility of the married name out loud, whispering Scarlett Elizabeth Grady into the air. A giggle of nervousness and excitement bubbled up from her diaphragm, prompting her to clamp a hand to her mouth in fear of being too loud. The name itself rolled off the tongue quite nicely, but saying it out loud made the prospect of her marriage to Brian all the more real . It cemented the idea in her head, and it was sure to already be lingering in the back of his mind as well! Soon enough, it would only be a matter of time before her father started pestering her to grant him grandchildren... She could almost hear his voice rambling on and on... Wait, his actual voice was getting closer! Absorbed in her thoughts, Scarlett had forgotten to keep track of the conversation behind the door, and now she was panicking, trying to find an excuse as to why she was sitting outside the drawing room. She couldn't give Brian the impression that she was an eavesdropping gossip! Quickly, she scampered into the library across the hall, making a small porcelain vase shatter on the ground as her foot caught the leg of the small table by a bookshelf. She cringed there was no way her father and his guest hadn't heard that. Kneeling on the floor, she reached for a familair book off the bottom shelf and opened it to a random page just as Philip took a step in the door. You heard that too, didn't you Brian? he asked, his voice reflecting concern. ... Scarlett? Goodness, what happened! And what are you doing here? Oh, um, conversing with Mr. Grady earlier reminded me of an exquisite French literary work, and I searched the larger library before coming here. I found it here though. She quickly waved Les Misrables up to both men before returning it to the shelf, standing after she did so. The sound of the drawing room door opening so suddenly made me jump and bump the table. It was an accident, father, I promise! I apologize for being so clumsy and interrupting your time with Brian. The young woman glanced up at her father with remorse written on her face, and she only hoped the feigned sad innocence masked the guilt in her eyes. Would Brian be able to tell something was awry? It's quite alright, dear. I hope you weren't hurt! I'll have the staff clean this up right away. The judge patted his daughter on the shoulder before brightening the situation with a grin and a hearty chuckle. Brian, how long have you been here? Three months? I'm sure Scarlett would love to take the opportunity of showing you around the great Chicago. Would you like that? Oh, yes! the young woman added, nodding her head enthusiastically. I have Margaret's birthday luncheon tomorrow, and then Penelope planned to take me to see her cousin at the opera the day after, so our outing will have to be in three day's time, if that's alright. Both Westins look expectantly at Brian, the judge's eyes shining with hope, and his daughter beside him seductively biting her bottom lip.