|
|
Post by Aislinn Crogan on Sept 24, 2007 21:09:33 GMT -5
Aislinn wandered through the stables peering into the stalls at the magnificent breeds of horses. She saw stallions, geldings, mares of the finest sort in all different shades of colors. So far her favorite had been a dappled gray mare that had seemed of a sweet tempermant. Normally one wouldn't see a young lady inquiring about horseflesh, but since her mother and father were away for the moment she had been left in charge of the estate affairs and one of them happened to be stocking the stables.
Her dark blue day gown swished gently around her ankles as her sapphire eyes glinted with a bright sparkle of excitment. Back in Ireland she had loved horseback riding and had been a champion in her county. A stray breeze blew a wisp of her chocolate brown hair into her eyes, but she tucked it back into place as she walked deeper into the stables looking for a prize stallion that she could breed.
|
|
|
|
Post by Duke Robert Knight on Sept 25, 2007 14:22:00 GMT -5
Robert had taken a break from his high powered political career today, in order to finalize the purchase of a new stallion for his brother Damien who had just returned home from a full blown European tour. Ever since he was let go of the service he had never been quite the same and Robert as well as the rest of the family was quite eager to help him return to normal.
" Ah, you've outdone yourself this time my good sir. I think my brother's birthday will have to wait. I might steal him for myself." he told the caretaker jokingly as he inspected the large black Andalusian stallion he was considering buying for his brother. Robert was not known to have the kindest face in London but today was one of the rare instances where he looked generally happy in public. Most likely because he was doing something for his family.
His eyes molded appreciatively over the horses lean flanks and heavy neck. Aye, this horse was meant for breeding, and it seemed to be Damien's latest passion. Robert was more than happy to help finance it as long as Damien stayed around here and didn't go back into the wilds.
|
|
|
|
Post by Aislinn Crogan on Sept 25, 2007 20:35:08 GMT -5
Aislinn had entered the stall of an arabian stallion with a healthy shining beige coat. She was staring at him appreciatevely when she heard male voices a few stalls down from the one she was in. Curious she patted the horse one last time before exiting the stall and walking slowly, each step a bit hesitant as she didn't know who was there. As she neared the voices she stuck her head around the corner of the stall and let out a gasp of astonishment at the magnificent creature in front of her. Aislinn forgot that there were people in the stall as she gazed in awe at the beautiful Andalusian stallion.
She took a step standing back up straight as her eyes swept over the black coat. Lean flanks and a heavy neck were proudly shown off. He would be perfect for breeding! she thought. Wondering at how much speed was possessed in his powerful looking hooves and forelegs Aislinn noticed the two men in the stall at that moment. Blushing a dark crimson she dropped into a small curtsy once she noticed that one of the men was a noble like herself. Must be highranking judging by his clothes, she thought. As she rose from the curtsy she directed her attention back to the stallion, embarresed that she hadn't noticed the presence of the others. "Forgive me I was just admiring the stallion. Is he for sale?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Duke Robert Knight on Sept 25, 2007 21:03:21 GMT -5
Once Robert and the breeder were interrupted Robert looked over at the entrance to the stall in annoyance but quickly remembered his manners once he observed it was a member of the fairer sex. He bowed slightly, and shook his head.
" You have excellent tastes my lady. Unfortuantely I've beaten you to him. I'll take him Mr. Clabon and the Arabian next door. And I'll be sure to send my brothers here when they are in the market. You have a wonderful selection here." he said with a smile on his face.
" If you'd like perhaps Mr. Clabon could show you something in a nice mare?" he suggested. " But forgive me, where are my manners? I am Robert Knight, Duke of Hawkscliffe Hall." he commented idly. This woman had caught him off guard, usually he was quite careful to show a hardened exterior. But when he was doing something for his family it was a different matter entirely.
|
|
|
|
Post by Aislinn Crogan on Sept 25, 2007 21:49:01 GMT -5
Aislinn frowned slightly as the man said he had already bought the horse, but not wanting to seem rude she smiled and shook her head in dissapointment. She had briefly seen the look of annoyance flash across his face and wondered what had brought that on. "Such a tragedy that this fine beast has been bought. But I must likewise say you have magnificent taste Lord Robert. And since I have seemed to have forgotten my manners as well let me introduce myself. I am Aislinn Crogan daughter to Count and Countess Camron and Isolde Crogan."
Pausing after her introduction she looked longingly at the stallion once more before covering her look up with a proper mask and continued with her train of thoughts. "I have seen a few fine mares, but I am looking for a stallion as well. My father wishes for me to stock up our stables and I've been wanting to find a stallion to breed with for a few days now." She looked over at the other stall with the arabian and sighed. "The Arabian is a fine stallion as well. Your brothers must be the envy of all for surely with the sorts of horses you buy they cannot but breed the best."
|
|
|
|
Post by Duke Robert Knight on Sept 26, 2007 18:50:14 GMT -5
" A pleasure Lady Aislinn and my thanks for the fine compliment. I've picked up a thing or two over the years after having four brothers who love horses more than their own lives. My brother Lord Damien practically has a harem for his stallion, thusly I thought it prudent to add a stallion or two to the mix." he replied diplomatically. Everyone knew that all but Robert and Amelia weren't of true blood. To the Knights it didn't matter but to the rest of society it did.
" Surprising that a young lady would be interested in horseflesh. I would love for my baby sister to become interested but she always resists. She says she has five brothers who love horses, there isn't any room left for her." he joked playfully. " I try, my brothers deserve nothing but the best and I'm glad that I have deep enough pockets to accomodate them." he told her with a small, modest smile.
|
|
|
|
Post by Aislinn Crogan on Sept 26, 2007 23:02:08 GMT -5
Aislinn laughed in amusement at Lord Robert’s description of his brothers and their stables. She tried to imagine the size and grandeur their stables must possess, but couldn’t imagine how it would appear, or how much work it would take to upkeep a stable such as that. “That sounds marvelous. I’m sure Lord Damien will be quite pleased with either of the stallions you have purchased this day.”
Back home in Ireland she had taken much pride in her stallion Dark Fire back home. None could match his speed and she had taken much delight in riding him every so often, but after Duncan died she wasn’t allowed to ride him. She had been taken and raised to be what a proper young lady should, and of course proper young ladies weren’t allowed to ride stallions. Luckily she had a father who seemed to delight in raising her in odd ways otherwise she wouldn’t be here, or for the fact that her mother was turning a blind eye to this transaction for once. When she heard that Lord Robert had a younger sister she smiled and shook her head in pity. “I pity the poor girl. No lass should be left at the mercy of brothers who appreciate horses more than herself,” she said with a playful air to match his own. “Alas such is the fate of women. To make due with the fact that some times there are some things in a man’s life that they put above the woman,” she said on a sigh. “But at least your sister has your love I’m sure Lord Robert,” she said brightening up slightly. Aislinn was not someone to stay on a dreary note for long. Duncan. I will take your words to heart.
|
|
|
|
Post by Duke Robert Knight on Sept 27, 2007 17:21:49 GMT -5
" I think he will be. It's his birthday a week from Saturday so I've had to do this in secret so it'll be a surprise." he said nodding in approval as he regarded the stallion. It was hell trying to plan a party and get enough time to get a suitable present in order when you had all of society as well as four other nosy bodies in the house with you.
" Oh yes, Lady Amelia suffers so." he replied dryly. " Five brothers who absolutely adore her and can refuse her nothing. I cannot imagine how she puts up with us." he joked. " I will concede the point that some men are like that Lady Aislinn. But not all. There are a few rare gems out there." he remarked casting his eyes downward. Robert was often categorized into that stereotype of being nothing but a politician and his women came second. But he never would let people see the real him, he always had a wall erected around his heart.
" She has my love. How could I have anything else for my family?Family is something I believe very strongly in Lady Aislinn. " Tis why my sister won't marry untill a suitor passes an interview with all five of us present. And that, I promise you is very difficult to do."
|
|
|
|
Post by Aislinn Crogan on Sept 27, 2007 20:49:33 GMT -5
"Please give my regards to your brother if you get the chance. I wish him a very pleasant birthday." She was about to turn and make her leave when he started to speak again, and she found she couldn't move.
Aislinn's eyes widened a bit slightly at his words, but she quickly looked down so that he would not see the emotions that welled in her eyes. Lord Robert reminded her a bit of her brother in the way he acted. Duncan had always worn a mask when it came to others and society, but when he was home and it was only family the mask would come off and he would say that she had his love, and would always look out for her. Smiling slightly she tilted her head up. "I meant no offense by my words. I am sorry if it seemed that way. I merely stated what it is I see, and like you said there are a few rare gems out there. I have only met one like that. My lately departed brother Lord Duncan."
She tilted her head up a bit more till her eyes looked into his at her next words. "It is a great thing when a man believes in his family. For a person without a family has nothing for which to base love on." After saying what she thought Aislinn turned her head to the side nervously. "I'm sorry if my words seem rude or rash, but I often find myself speaking what I think. Forgive me."
|
|
|
|
Post by Duke Robert Knight on Sept 28, 2007 12:44:37 GMT -5
" I shall, and please keep an eye peeled for an invitation to the party. Practically everyone who's anyone will be there. As for your apology it is not needed. You did not wrong me. As for your brother, I am very sorry for you loss. If there is anything I can do, by all means you have but to ask." he replied with automatic politeness.
At her comment about speaking what she thinks he laughed softly. " Tis an endearing quality that most women do not have. Think nothing of it. Unfortunately I find myself late for an another engagement, I'm afraid I must bid you adeiu my dear." he said with a sulky grin. He rather liked this chit, she said what was on her mind. He hated society women who were always yessing him. It was so bloody vexxing to try and figure out what they really were thinking.
He bowed slightly to her and called to his groomsman William. " Take the carriage back to Knight house. I'll ride Zeus." he said waving him on. He swung up onto the saddled horse and squeezed the stallion's sides lightly. He reared up into the air and as Robert calmed him down he tossed Lady Aislin a arrogent
" A fiesty one isn't he?" and cantered out of the stable.
|
|
|
|
Post by Aislinn Crogan on Sept 29, 2007 4:48:32 GMT -5
Aislinn wondered if her father had recieved an invitation to this party yet and if so why he hadn't told her about it. "Thank you. I'll be sure to pay special attention to such an invite. And do not worry about the loss. I have had time to deal with it." But time doesn't heal all wounds, it just numbs you. she thought to herself as she plastered on a fake smile. She would always blame herself for the death, that would never change.
"And I'm glad you think that Lord Robert. For that is one person I can use against my mother. She seems to think my outspokeness is one of my many faults." Aislinn was pleased that at least one other person agreed with her. Not even her loving father thought her outspokeness was a highly fashionable trait, but it was something the Irish country had bred into her. It would remain with her like her guilt.
As he bowed she curtsied in return and laughed at his last comment. "Yes, quite feisty. But he suits you," she whispered to herself. Turning to the groomsman Mr. Claborn she smiled sweetly and pointed to the stall of the dappled gray mare she had seen earlier and another stall with a fine stallion with a pure white coat. "I'll take those two please. Please send the horses to the Crogan Estate. I'll be there to collect them." The man nodded and told her the price for the horses. Nodding her head she reached into a small purse and took out a handful of coins which she gave to him. "Money well spent I say."
With that she too left the stables. Aislinn thought back to the odd conversation she had just had and let out a small chuckle. "What a strange conversation. I must remember Lord Robert, for he is quite an unusual character."
|
|
{=}{/=}