Post by Deleted on Sept 7, 2014 16:19:59 GMT -5
Taking into consideration what Marcus had told him before the royal party arrived, Reed decided that he would strike while the iron was hot. Instead of waiting to be imposed on by royalty, he intended to extend an invitation to the Deveraux princesses to travel home the long-way-around - through Shelbourne. The duchy was essentially in a state of readiness to receive exalted visitors, and he had some other business that would call him home soon anyways. Better to get it done with before they decided to surprise him like they had Marcus.
Observation of how the Deveraux princesses did things and how they ranked with each other told the Gardiner Duke that he would be best to discuss this with the two oldest sisters. Nicolette was the Crown Princess, of course, but Antoinette had a commanding air all of her own. Including her was just going to be smart and hopefully spare him the first of what was likely to be many sneers. He had already written to Lily, letting her know of his intentions and to tell her to start preparing Lockewood for a large number of guests, not wanting to catch his sister too off-guard. She would give him hell when he got home, Reed knew. It couldn't be helped, but he was giving her as much advance notice as he could. And the Deverauxs might not accept either.
Requesting an audience with Their Royal Highnesses, Reed did his best to look like a Duke instead of his usual, casual self. He wasn't deaf to gossip, knowing how the Diva Princess could be about style and appearance. Fortunately, he had a new doublet and matching trews made of a fine fabric dyed in a dark blue that suited him. Hopefully it would gain the approval of the fair, fickle princess too once he had secured their attention for a brief chat. He was a patient man and at their disposal, of course.
Nicolette Deveraux, @antoinettedeveraux
Observation of how the Deveraux princesses did things and how they ranked with each other told the Gardiner Duke that he would be best to discuss this with the two oldest sisters. Nicolette was the Crown Princess, of course, but Antoinette had a commanding air all of her own. Including her was just going to be smart and hopefully spare him the first of what was likely to be many sneers. He had already written to Lily, letting her know of his intentions and to tell her to start preparing Lockewood for a large number of guests, not wanting to catch his sister too off-guard. She would give him hell when he got home, Reed knew. It couldn't be helped, but he was giving her as much advance notice as he could. And the Deverauxs might not accept either.
Requesting an audience with Their Royal Highnesses, Reed did his best to look like a Duke instead of his usual, casual self. He wasn't deaf to gossip, knowing how the Diva Princess could be about style and appearance. Fortunately, he had a new doublet and matching trews made of a fine fabric dyed in a dark blue that suited him. Hopefully it would gain the approval of the fair, fickle princess too once he had secured their attention for a brief chat. He was a patient man and at their disposal, of course.
Nicolette Deveraux, @antoinettedeveraux