finalflight | psl; [a marriage of inconvenience]

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psl; [a marriage of inconvenience]

THE AUBEL ESTATE is located in Derbyshire, England, a stately old home reminiscent of centuries long past. Long ago, it had fallen into disrepair and abandoned until previous generations of the Aubel family purchased the land for themselves, having found their fortunes in matters of real estate. Since that time, the outside has been restored and the inside has been renovated at least three times. Four, if you ask the uncle who remembers the one summer where the chandelier fell from the dining hall, taking a large portion of the ceiling with it. How embarrassing, if such a thing is true.

In its present state, it straddles the line between the old and new. The large, prominent rooms are ostentatious as they are filled to the brim with austere English culture; the smaller quarters, traditionally used by the servants and staff, are far more modest, and over time have allowed the tendrils of modernity to creep in as a result. Regardless, the home is impressive no matter how you look at it, and there are few who do not cast an envious glance at the estate as they pass by Derbyshire on their way to town, or perhaps northwest to Manchester, if they've even farther to go.

PHILIP AND JAMES AUBEL, father and son respectively, are the owners of the home, though only the father remains for any extended period of time. And even then, he only stays perhaps one or two seasons at a time, until he returns to his home in London, spending one or two seasons there, before returning again, living out his life of retirement to the fullest. James visits nearly every week (driving in from Manchester, and back) in the Spring, until the first freeze of Winter, when nothing will grow. Though they have a staff of two dozen -- give or take, depending upon the time of year -- taking care of the estate and its grounds, James is more diligent about keeping up appearances of the house, showing a special interest in maintaining the complex hedge maze on the land directly behind them. Only he keeps access to its center, a literal walled garden of seasonal flora.

AS RECENT DEVELOPMENTS WOULD HAVE IT, James has been drawn into an arranged marriage by his father and an old business acquaintance. She is scheduled for an extended visit soon, and the staff have done a meticulous job of preparing the hall for her arrival -- and the rest of the rooms, as well, if she is expected to make her living here permanent, one day. Today, the weather is clear and the help is eager to aid her in unpacking. The grounds are green and the family dog, an old greyhound with cataracts in one eye, bounds up to her with a slow wagging tail. The father will greet her, of course, with all the usual formalities, and though he doesn't know her all that well at all, she at least seems nice enough. He disappears soon after, leaving her to her own devices as she sees fit. James himself is nowhere to be found.

Somewhere, sooner rather than later, a collision course of first impressions will take place.

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D I R E C T O R Y;

➤ shitpost.
➤ first impressions.
➤ diamonds.
➤ text her, texter.
➤ saviour.
➤ flirt.
➤ closer.
➤ cross-examine.
➤ PARTY CRASHERS.
✶ elle + devon
✶ elle + corvus
✶ ian + james + corvus
✶ devon + james
➤ alien abduction.
➤ sleep now.
➤ bathe.
➤ remember.
➤ drink.
➤ welcome home.

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[James Aubel won’t show to greet his new fiance until a good half-hour later.

It wasn’t as if he was unaware of her arrival; in fact, it would be impossible not to be. He had been told of the exact day and time she would arrive (more than once, his father made certain he wouldn’t forget), but beyond that, he could… feel the presence of another, far away, but present. It was like a small stone had been dropped into a still lake, and James could feel the ripples cascading towards him. He had frowned, reaching out a bit further with his mind, feeling what it was she felt — apprehension, stress. A decided want to not be here.

He shifts his weight from where he sits — a small, white gazebo somewhere on the western grounds, big enough for three people at the most — and stretches his legs out, settling his head back and closing his eyes. If she didn’t want to see him, he was fine by that. He’d rather stay here, soak up the sun, enjoy a nap. Let the sun sink into his bones, and let her, the new stranger he was supposed to marry, take in that big, empty estate. Why should he impress upon her his presence, when it was clear that he was likely the last thing she wanted to see? It worked out for both parties, in the end.

And so half an hour passes before James is pulled out of his shallow slumber by the approaching of another presence. One far more familiar, one that radiated an unwavering confidence, though tinged at the edges with a keen guilt that could not be ignored. The young man frowns a little, but resists opening his eyes. Resists moving. Maybe the presence would leave.

Get up, James. What on earth are you doing out here? Your fiancé’s arrived, and you should be in there saying hello. Show her around!

James cannot help but grunt a little at his failure to be left alone. His father either didn’t care that he had been “sleeping”, or knew that he had merely been pretending to. He turns his head to look at him, still lazily slouched in his seat, as if a hammock would be the next best thing to napping in a gazebo, if he could have his way.]

She doesn’t want to see me right now. Let her get used to the house. She has Simon to keep her company.

[His father scoffed. Yes, let the dog be the host for the day. Are you mental? Get up. Now.]

Fine. [James hesitates only for a second before standing, this time allowing himself a stretch. Philip Aubel continued to say something along the lines of, And you need to shave. Make sure you take care of that before you leave.] Fine, I will. [James tried to wave his father away, even as he began walking back to the house.] Don’t worry so much about me — I’ll show our new guest the upmost hospitality.

[His father didn’t follow after that point, nor did James expect him to. He walked across the grounds, green blades of grass crunching underneath each step, and only when he was close enough did he call out:]

Simon!

[The old greyhound would hear him, undoubtedly, and if his fiancé was with him, then the dog would not fail to lead her to James. He would bet money on it.

Within the manor, Simon’s head turns, floppy ears perking up. While the attentions of a new person was all well and good, one of his owners was calling him, and he was eager to oblige. He barks, then bounds off towards one of the exits to the outside. He stops, pawing at a closed door, whining.]

[In that half hour, Devon was able to freshen up and make herself look what she hopes is close to human being status to her new in-law and fiance. Hair is combed and untangled, looking soft and airy around her shoulders. Face is washed, clean, with a fresh application of minimal makeup.

Just look presentable sweetie. You don't have to gussy it up all the time, but you do have to look sharper than you would here. And you know everyone says that you clean up quite nicely. Devon remembers her mother's advice and tries to take it to heart when it comes to choosing her clothing; white button up blouse, black pencil skirt, black stockings, pumps... God was she dressing up for an interview?

When she's finally done, she walks outside where the grey hound is waiting, smiling at it, but then blinks in surprise when he barks when called for. Automatically, she follows it to the exit and from a distance she freezes when she sees him.

Breathe.

Devon takes a deep breath and opens the exit. Time to face the music. Strangely, her heart isn't beating as fast as she thought it would. Not out of a sudden burst of feelings (that would be silly, that only happens in other stories), but rather, a sense of calm washed over her the moment she set eyes on James Aubel. Perhaps it was a good foreboding. She waves from where she is as she makes her way over to the gazebo and to the start of her new life.]

Edited 2016-12-02 15:11 (UTC)

[There she is, is all he can think, as she appears before him. She's pretty, he has to admit, albeit dressed a bit like they were going out to lunch for the day. He certainly hopes that wasn't what she was expecting of him; James himself is dressed nicely, but quite casual for him. A neutral-colored long-sleeved shirt, a v-neck cut with half sleeves. His slacks are nice, but nothing flashy, the same as his shoes. His watch looks expensive, though, silver and Swiss. It glints in the sunlight as he puts a hand in his pocket, raising a brow at the wave.

He grins, though it's air-thin and lacking in any real warmth. Simon bounds up to him and his smile widens just a little, but he tells him to hush and sit still, and the hound obeys diligently, sitting at his feet, tail wagging.

James brings his gaze back up to Devon. Runs a tongue across his teeth as he decides what to say, nearing.]

The new fiance, switched out with the previous, like an old piece of furniture. This must be strange for you.

[Yes, that's his hello. Isn't he a gent. Words that would do little to ease her anxiety, which he can still feel throbbing beneath the surface.]

[Her face is neutral, but there is definitely a pang of irritation that stabs her. It fades just as quickly and it's shrugged off by her. When Devon speaks up, her voice is soft, gentle even. It gives off the quality of geniality, which in this moment, is rather genuine. She doesn't want to get off on the wrong foot even though he's close to it with her.]

And a good day to you too.

[A pause before Devon walks towards him, stopping short in front of Simon, as if using the dog as a buffer between them.]

Or as we say in the States, "Hi."

[Now, was that irritation he just felt, brief, like a pinprick? He examines her face, and is met only with a pretty smile, congenial and soft. Either she was good at leashing her tongue, or she was unaware of her own annoyance.

He tries to look amused when she steps closer. Reminds himself that he’s supposed to be the polite host for the day — surely he can manage that this once. Guide her around the premises. Pretend to care about her comfort, like he’d actually be here half the time. One day of that was enough to leave an impression; beyond that, he could consider himself free of his hosting responsibilities.]

Right, I know. I’ve been there before. Hi.

[There’s a pause, made awkward by its length. Simon whines a little.]

It’s good to meet you. I’m James, as I’m sure you know. [He extends a hand for a handshake, an introduction as good as any.] Devon, right?

[One would think Devon would be used to British accents, what being part British and surrounded by them, but when that voice comes out of that face, she realizes, "Wow, I'm weak still." Even with that not-so lovely introductory line from him.

Devon accepts the hand, returning it with a firm grip and shake.]

Devon Ava Winters. Not a Flemming, but according to one, Mr. Lucas Flemming, I guess I'll fit the bill.

It's very nice to meet you too. And thanks for taking the time to greet me. I know you work a lot and out of the estate most of the time.

[She's learned that much from Lucy before... Well.]

[He releases her hand, putting his own back into his pants pocket. His fingers fidget with some loose change as he speaks.]

Blood is thicker than water. Naming conventions, too. And don't thank me for doing what I'm expected to do.

[Really, don't. If he had his druthers he'd be napping right now. Still, he supposes the company could be worse; he really can't complain that much about young, pretty, and female.]

I can show you around. If you like. It's a big house.

[Her trepidation echoes softly throughout her being. Or she could be just as fidgety, if not more so. But it's kept under wraps and she nods in agreement to his offer.]

I'd like that. I've been in a big house or two, but it'll be the first time I'll be staying in one for an extended period of time.

[A beat.]

Not a good idea to get lost on the first day so that Grandpa would have to send another replacement.

[Ah, there it is.]

[He quietly arches a brow, then walks past her, motioning for her to follow.]

This way, then. We'll start up front.

[Heading back in, Simon gets up and follows them idly behind, happy to see what's going on. As they walk down a particularly long hall, James has to remark on something.]

I have to admit that I'm a little confused. The reason why your grandfather decided to switch Lucy out with you is still unclear. Did I miss out on some family drama?

[Straight to it.]

Edited 2016-12-02 16:18 (UTC)

[Yikes.

Devon would have been content to follow along quietly, scratching Simon behind the ears every now and then when James hits her with the loaded question out of nowhere. Well, it isn't out of nowhere. It's a legitimate inquiry and probably better to lay it out on the table instead of letting it stew in a dirty awkward corner.

Not that it makes for an easy answer. Her brows furrow together and she shakes her head.]

I... From my standpoint, I was completely blindsided. I mean, everyone was. Grandpa's spontaneous, but...

[She takes a deep breath and gives her best explanation.]

Lucy was going to be fine either way. With or without your hand. Grandpa said... Grandpa wanted better for me.

[It’s obvious he’s hit something of a sore spot (he doesn’t need empathy to know that much), but his curiosity would not have it any other way. He didn’t particularly care which one he married; he didn’t particularly care that he was getting married at all. Just another notch on the belt of life, something expected of him, another show of success and fulfillment, the mark of a life well-lived. At least, he could only assume as much. Society dictated it, his father dictated it, his co-workers would congratulate him… In the end, there was really nothing to complain about.

But regardless, the switch was sudden. He had texted with Lucy back and forth, he had a vague sense of her personality. With Devon? Well, he barely knows what to expect. She says she was blindsided, and he cannot help but wonder just how uprooted she was. He wonders, idly, if she would grow to hate him and what he represented, the death of her familiar, happy life. And the birth of something cold and alien, a new “home” that he doubted felt like home at all to her. Lord knows his father wouldn’t be against keeping her happy in her new environment, but James knew there was only so much to be done. As for himself, he wouldn’t be here all that often. Then again, maybe that was for the best.

He finds her explanation curious.]

And what exactly is wrong with you? [Well, that came out rude. Too bad he doesn’t seem to care all that much, even if it wasn’t his intention.] Why do you need better, and she doesn’t? I was told about your sleepwalking, but switching out an engagement for that alone is a bit… well, overkill.

[Oh boy. Devon isn't sure if this upfront manner was going to fly in the long run or not. In an a way she appreciates it in a twisted manner, where she at least knows he isn't trying to feign wholly positive traits. On the other hand? He could use a reprimand or two. Mom would be good at that.

She ignores his remark about the sleepwalking.]

Honestly, either one of us would do fine, married or not. I'm not exactly lacking and clearly Lucy isn't. Grandpa's just... Him. What he says goes.

And you weren't trying to get Lu back.

[And now he just looks vaguely confused at that last remark. If he notes that she didn't mention her sleepwalking, he doesn't say anything about it just yet.]

Was I supposed to?

[That's.... Telling.

Devon stops, and stares at James. He definitely wasn't joking. Amazing. ]

... Doesn't matter now, does it.

[It is telling. Strange how a creature as empathic as James can be so cold to others and their own feelings.

They reach the foyer area of the house, footsteps echoing with each stride he takes. The click-clack of a canine’s toenails continue to trail them, though Simon seems to lose interest soon after, curling up on a rug beside the stairs.]

…No, it doesn’t. The decision has already been made. [He looks at her, as if trying to puzzle out why she seemed to be judging him.] Don’t get me wrong, I liked your cousin as much as any other man might have. She seemed intelligent and pleasant enough. But I wasn’t exactly in love with her; all things considered, she was just a stranger. Just like I am to you, and you are to me. The situation hasn’t changed, not as much as some might think. The individuals have just switched places.

[There is a lot to reply to and had they not been strangers as he said, Devon would have given him a piece of her constantly gear turning mind. But she always starts out quiet. Unassuming. So she looks at James levelly. And she nods as if what he said sounded sensible enough. ]

Fair enough. I don't dwell on what's past. I'm already an ocean away at this point.

I do hope you don't think that Lucy and I are a one to one as people though.

Edited 2016-12-02 21:02 (UTC)

I’d hope not. But we’ll see, won’t we?

[He grins again, this time a bit crooked and smug. He hardly expects them to be the same, but he does expect to feel the same way about both of them: mostly ambivalent, but enough to remain cool and civil towards. Her lack of response makes him feel comfortable in assuming this; he doesn’t bother reading further into her emotions this time.]

Anyway, this is probably where you were accosted by the staff—

[He motions at the foyer, and the tour begins properly. He shows her all the rooms on the first floor, first — the studies, the dining room, the living areas, the kitchens and the guest quarters, etc. Once that’s all said and done, he leads her upstairs. Simon remains sleeping on the floor below.]

This, I think, is your room. Though I might be redundant in showing it to you; you've already been inside? [They’re on a second floor hallway, one done-up in austere decor. He opens a door to a spacious bedroom — it’s a step above a guest room, but certainly not as grand the master bedroom, nor his own. Still, it’s hardly anything to scoff at. He watches her reaction carefully.] I think everyone was safe to assume you’d want your own… place to sleep, right?

[She puts her eyes to work as they make their way around the estate, committing the rooms to memory. There really is a lot to take in and that was only the first floor. As they pass by Simon, she gives him another drive by petting before going up. She'll be doing that a lot.

As they go to the second floor and to her room, Devon makes sure that there's enough floor space so she can spread out for... Projects. She'll need to inquire if there's an unused room that she can go hog wild in.

And at James's question, without missing a beat, she answers promptly.]

It was nice and thoughtful for everyone to think of that. I'll have to find a way to show off my proper thanks.

[Zing.

Selectively oblivious? Already prepared with an answer?? Sincere?????

Sometimes, it's hard to tell with Devon.]

[Well, there's his answer to the question he didn't ask. Still, James isn't surprised. He would have been shocked if she had answered in the opposite manner.

He chuckles a little to himself, but doesn't explain why. Instead:]

No need for that. Your own room is the least anyone can do, in a house that you'll be living in.

[He motions down the hall.] When I'm visiting and you can't locate me, I'm probably in my own room. It's just down the hall, to your right. My father sleeps on the second floor as well, but at the opposite end of the estate.

[She is. So tempted to ask if it would be alright to use a scooter to get around the estate. What is she, 12? But Devon has fleeting thoughts such as those, whimsical, ultimately silly, things that she would only really express in text and doesn't show on her face at all.

A gaze is cast towards James's room and she nods.]

Gotcha. It's all clear to me, so that just leaves the grounds of the estate right?

[(also what's the wifi, the truly important question that she decides not to ask yet, it seems so improper even for her in this situation)]

Edited 2016-12-02 23:54 (UTC)

[He can feel a lingering question that she's holding onto, and he even pauses long enough for her to change her mind and ask it. But when nothing comes, he just looks down at her skeptically... and answers her question.]

On a day like this, it'd be a crime not to show you.

[Eventually they'll make their way to the grounds, green as far as the eye can see. It's obvious that a lot of effort is put into making everything seem immaculate. James leads her around the perimeter of the house.]

There's a rose garden just down there. During the spring and summer, they attract the largest bees you've ever seen, but they're usually harmless. And as you can see, there's more than enough room to go for a morning walk, and with how open it is, someone on the second floor of the house could see you, from all the way out here.

[He inclines his head towards the hedge maze in the distance, large and imposing. He couldn't pretend to ignore that.] Unless you get lost in there. Don't.

[Even Devon, in her somewhat fatigued state can't help, but smile at the prospect of roses. She's from Portland after all.]

With how big the grounds are, it's perfect for a morning jog too.

[When he acknowledges the hedge mage, she pauses to look at it. Something about it feels...]

... Definitely won't go jogging there though.

[But back to what she wanted to ask.]

What kind of roses are grown here?

[James is completely fine if she doesn't want to talk about the hedge maze. If it makes her uncomfortable, he won't do anything to assuage that.

Roses, though. He lists them off easily.]

Madam Isaac Peirre, Aloha, Windrush. Tuscany. Your basic Snowdrift. And a few others.

[Someone seems to like gardening...]

You like roses? A bit cliche.

[Pot, kettle....]

[Devon lets out a surprising laugh and shakes her head while smiling down at her feet. Her hands are behind her back as if she's finally relaxed somewhat.]

I'm from Portland, Oregon. The City of Roses? If I didn't have a small appreciation from the city with a garden of 7000 plus species, I'd have to rethink my life.

Seven thousand?

[What. God, he's never been to Portland before. He should. Maybe he can take a business trip there soon? Or come up with a reason to visit the in-laws? How big are their gardens? How can he-]

I... right. I had forgotten. In that case, I don't think this garden will be very impressive to you.

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