Colorful Seduction- Part 4
Mar. 29th, 2011 11:22 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
sgteam14283Title: Colorful Seduction
Author: sgteam14283
Rating: PG
A/N: Last section is here and enjoy!
Lorne entered the stables and took in the scent of fresh hay. “Laura?” he asked quietly, yet loud enough for her to hear him. In the days following the party the weather had stopped being so dismal and as a result Evan had resumed work on Laura’s painting; it had been progressing nicely, he was almost done with it, and it meant that he was living at the manor once again.
Besides, it enabled him to see her without it becoming suspect that something was going on.
“Over here.” She said, appearing slightly in front of him with a smile and gave him a light kiss. “I thought that you’d never show up.”
“Your mother found me and I had to explain to her why your painting was taking longer than originally planned.” He replied as he returned the kiss and smiled. Since returning and having both of them confess their feelings for one another they had made it a daily ritual to ride out on the surrounding countryside; when they were away from the house they both felt free from the constraints that their stations were governed by.
“And what did you say?” Laura asked as they started towards two horses and leading them out.
“That my subject proved to be more difficult to capture than originally thought.” Evan replied with a wiry smile. They hadn’t planned on being attracted towards each other, it just happened. She always had a quick retort on hand and never failed to bring a smile to his face. He also knew that he infuriated her to no end but that drew her to him at the same time; they were like oil and water, an unlikely mix but hard to separate once combined.
Laura laughed softly as they mounted their horses and headed out of the stable. “I take it that what you said wasn’t far from the truth.” she teased, knowing full well that he was nearly finished with it yet delayed because he wanted to extend their time together. She didn’t want him to leave either, Evan made her see everything in a different light; the sun never shone so bright, the colours never seemed brighter and the smile that he wore whenever they were together made it all worth it. Laura knew that all those thoughts sounded like they came from a silly romance novel, but that was how she felt around him.
Evan just smiled and spurred his horse forwards, leaving Laura to chase after him.
--
They arrived back hours later, both slightly disheveled but in high spirits; neither wanted their time together to end.
Laura left the stables first, smoothing back her hair and riding habit. Walking up the path she felt like she could fly; for the first time Laura felt like she was truly free. Seeing servants bustling about, she quickened her pace while wondering what was going on.
“Ah Laura, there you are!” her mother exclaimed, looking up from directing servants to see her daughter walk into the room. “Where have you been?”
“Out riding-” Laura started to explain but was cut off by her mother waving a hand in dismissal.
“It doesn’t matter, what does is that you’re here now. We need to get you dressed; he’ll be here any minute!” the Countess replied, taking her daughter by the hand and leading her out of the room and towards her chambers.
“Who’s coming?”
“The Duke of Northumberland and his son!” Laura’s mother replied, smiling. “Why do you think that I commissioned a portrait? If rumor is to be relied on then his son is quite taken with you; Marguerite told me that he noticed you at the party and seemed to like what he saw.” She continued as she signaled for Laura’s maid to bring out her best gown.
It seemed that Laura’s world fell apart with that simple sentence. Everything seemed to fade away as she tried to comprehend what her mother had just said.
Northumberland’s son was coming here. Her mother would do everything to make sure that a match was made and Laura knew that her father wouldn’t turn down the offer if Northumberland made one; depending on the contract he could afford it and it would increase their standing at court immensely. She’d have to move up North and most likely never see her family and friends again.
Or Evan.
The world spinning in front of her eyes, Laura was only slightly aware of the fact that she was about to faint.
Then she actually did.
--
Evan waited a few minutes before walking up towards the manor. When he arrived, Evan was greeted with a flurry of activity as a carriage approached the front doors. Stepping back, he watched as the carriage came to a stop and its passengers stepped out. The Duke of Northumberland and his son walked through the open door and as Evan watched the men he couldn’t help but wonder why they were here; Laura’s father was well respected in the Regent’s court however he was hardly worth a visit of Northumberland and his son.
His curiosity piqued, Evan went inside just in time to see Laura entering the room. She looked rather pale and quite unlike herself. Not wishing to disrupt the meeting, Evan started to slowly back out of the room however was noticed by Laura’s mother.
“Master Lorne, there you are!” she said, smiling and walking towards him. “I was just telling the Duke and his son about the portrait you are working on of my daughter.”
“Thank you Your Grace.” Lorne said, formally bowing to the Countess and company. “It has been a pleasure to paint such a lovely picture.”
“I was wondering if we might view it, I know that it’s not completed but surely you must have my daughter fully painted.” She asked leadingly.
“Of course,” Evan said slightly smiling and nodding his head. “It’s in the drawing room.”
“Excellent.” The Countess beamed and turned to lead the small party towards the room.
As they walked, Evan managed to get himself by Laura. “Is this why you’ve been acting so strange?” he asked quietly. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I didn’t know trust me.” Laura hissed, not pleased at the turn of events. “Mother must have been planning this from the start.” She glared at the back of her mother’s head, “How she convinced them to come here I’ll never know, but she’s good.”
--
Laura adjusted the skirt of her dress and sighed, then reached to grab the mask that was on her bed and put it on. The masquerade was going to start soon and Laura could tell that is was another blatant attempt by her mother to get Northumberland and his son to see her.
“At least Evan is going to be there.” She thought, smiling a little. That was one of the benefits of a masquerade; everyone was disguised so anything went. As she stepped out of her room and walked down the hall, Laura knew that both of them were treading on dangerous ground; if her mother found out about their rendezvous’ then there would hell to pay-for both of them. Laura would be punished and lectured about her duty as a Count’s daughter and Evan’s career would be ruined. Once it got out that he had engaged in a flirtation with one of his subjects no one would want to commission work from him.
They both knew the risks, but at the same time they couldn’t help it; they were complete opposites and were attracted to each other.
Glancing around the room, which was now filled with their friends, Laura wondered where Evan was. She wasn’t able to spot him but that didn’t surprise her since every one was wearing a mask that obscured their faces. Standing to the side of the revelers, she slightly fidgeted with the fan that she was carrying. The music ended and everyone politely clapped, then started to dance again when a waltz started.
“There you are.”
Laura turned towards the sound of the voice, a smile appearing on her face, “Yes I am. Where were you?”
Lorne smiled and took her by the hand to lead her to join the other dancers, “Just working on something.”
As they glided across the floor, Laura was surprised to see how well they moved together. She had never felt like this before with anyone else and that frightened her a little. She didn’t want to say that she was in love with Evan but at the same time that was the only word she could describe her feelings.
Evan looked into Laura’s blue eyes and couldn’t help but feel content. It had been a long time since he had that feeling that it was almost foreign to him and he felt like he could feel like this forever. The thoughts of where his next commission would come from as well as if he would have enough to pay for his rent and supplies were far in the back of his mind.
The music ended and both of them didn’t want to leave the floor, but at the same time it would look odd if they stayed so Lorne started to lead her away and suggest that they go somewhere else more private. However, they had only gone a few steps when Northumberland’s son came up to Laura and, bowing, said, “Might I dance with the Lady Laura?”
Evan could hardly protest, even though he vehemently wanted to; after all it was the next Duke of Northumberland that was asking. “Of course, if you’ll excuse me.” He said in an even tone, avoiding eye contact with the man and simply bowed to Laura, “My Lady.”
Laura wished that she could decline Northumberland’s request but knew if she did then there’d be hell to pay from her parents, so she simply said nothing and just smiled. He took her hand and started to lead her in a Scottish reel; and while Laura was enjoying herself at the same time she tried to look for Evan but was unable to find him.
As they danced, Laura caught her mother looking at the pair and smiling. Then Laura knew that Northumberland hadn't happened upon her by chance; her mother had activly pointed her out in the hopes that he would ask her to dance. It seemed that she never stopped scheming to get her only child into the best match possible.
--
Evan stepped out into the garden for some fresh air and to cool his temper. After Northumberland had asked Laura to dance he had monopolized her time since then and Evan was left in the background to make small talk with the various courtiers that the Countess brought by to introduce him. But he would admit that the time talking had not been wasted, when he had excused himself to get some air he had lined up a few clients after he was done here. Now the party was winding down and Evan was left to hope that Northumberland had gone as well.
“Glad it’s over with?”
Evan turned around to see Laura taking off her mask and walking towards him. Nodding, he did the same and felt the cool air gently move across his face. “But I’m sure that the party was a success.”
Laura shrugged, “Depends on who you talk to, especially if it’s my mother.”
Evan chuckled at the statement and was silent, realizing how beautiful Laura looked in the moonlight. The pale light made her shine with a dull radiance and he felt like he had never seen anyone so beautiful until that moment. Feeling his heart pounding, he took a small step towards her, “Laura...” he trailed off, his mouth going suddenly going dry.
“Yes?” she asked, noticing how uncomfortable Evan suddenly was and for a moment wondered if he was going to end things with them; that he had come to his senses and realized that there was really nothing between the two of them. That is had just been a flirtation. Fear ran through her and she struggled to maintain the essence of calm.
Deciding to through caution to the wind, he moved towards her and kissed her. Evan was hesitant at first, but then as he realized that she wasn’t going to pull away he relaxed and felt her response likewise. The kiss seemed to go on forever but neither of them wanted it to end, the need for air finally driving them apart. Looking into her eyes, Evan wondered if she felt the same way that he did right now but was afraid to ask. Then they kissed again and he knew that she was. Taking her by the hand, he led her back into the house and, careful to avoid the servants still up, made their way towards his room.
--
Laura stepped out of her chambers and hoped that the money she had slipped her maid was enough to keep her quite about the fact that she hadn’t returned until early that morning; both her and Evan knew that if anyone found out their lives and reputations would be ruined. But neither of them regretted last night and as she made her way to the sitting room wondered how long they could keep this up; Evan could only delay finishing the painting for so long and who knew when her mother would commission him again...
“Laura!” the Countess greeted her daughter exuberantly when she walked into the room. Rising she hurried over to Laura and gave her a hug. “Come sit down, I have wonderful news!”
To say that Laura was surprised at her mother’s greeting would be an understatement. Her mother was usually criticizing her in one way or another (to be fair Laura deserved some of the critiques) so to be on the end of a praise was disconcerting. The feeling only increased when she said there was wonderful news. Slightly stiffening, Laura tried to still her racing heart while asking, “What is it?”
“Northumberland’s son asked to pay court to you this morning!” her mother beamed, glad that her hard work of setting the two up had paid off. “I knew that the painting would help and he said that you were simply charming and graceful last night...”
Laura’s eyes went wide at the news and nearly fainted again. Tuning her mother out, she wanted nothing more than to go back to last night where she had been in the company of someone who loved her and didn’t want any of the strings that came attached. Her mind in haze, Laura mumbled an excuse about needing to talk to her maid about something and fled the room as quickly as she could, making her way towards Evan’s quarters. She needed his reassurance that nothing between them would change.
Knocking on the door, she waited impatiently for it to open. When it finally did, Laura entered starting to talk a mile a minute, “You’ll never believe what my mother just told me! Apparently Northumberland thought I was ‘charming’ and ‘graceful’ last night, as if I’m all that. And I can tell that she’s already compiling the guest list for the wedding, like there’ll be one-” She stopped short when she noticed that Evan’s bags were out and he was packing them. “What’s going on?”
Evan paused in his packing to look at Laura. After she had left his room he had gone downstairs to let the Countess know that her painting would be finished by tomorrow and saw the messenger leave. Then he had heard the news and his world had come crashing down. He knew that their affair wouldn’t last, it was folly to think so, but he didn’t think that it would be over so soon. And he knew what had to be done; he told the Countess that the painting was finished (which was the truth, since it had only needed a few touches here and there) and that he was taking his leave, thanking them for their hospitality. Retreating to his room, Evan had immediately started packing which was when Laura arrived.
Setting down his shirts, Evan moved towards Laura and took a deep breath; he had intended to leave without saying good-bye. It would have been easier that way and avoided what was about to happen. “I’m leaving.” He said while taking her hand and giving it a gentle squeeze.
Laura gave him a hurt look and pulled her hand from his, “Why? Why are you doing this to me?”
Evan sighed, “Laura-”
“No!” she interrupted him, feeling tears start to well in her eyes. “No, you don’t get to do this to me! I need you!”
“No you don’t, you’ve gotten on fine before me and you will after me. I’m sure that you’ll make Northumberland very happy.”
“But I love you!” In all truth she hadn’t been planning to say those words, they just came out and for a second Laura was surprised but knew that she meant the words. Before this there had been crushes but Evan was the first real love she’d ever had. “You get me, you never ask me to be something I’m not and would never ask me to change.”
Those three words caught him off guard, but Lorne could see the sincerity in Laura’s eyes as she said them. But even uttering how she truly felt couldn’t change the fact that they could never be together. It took all of Evan’s willpower not to grab her hand and run off with her to America so that they could be together. For a brief moment, Evan almost convinced himself that they could do just that and live happily ever after; he could find work somewhere and provide for Laura, even if it meant giving up painting, just so they could be together. But then the moment passed and all that he was faced with was that in the world they lived in they could never do such a thing; her father would hire whomever, no matter the cost, to make sure his only daughter and heir would remain in the country and marry one of her station.
“I love you as well but we both know that we can never be together. You’ll be a Countess or a Duchess someday and I’m just a painter; we live in two different worlds.” Evan knew that those words had to be spoken otherwise they might both continue to believe in a fantasy. It was easier to break the spell both of them had been under now that they could move on with their lives.
Laura sobbed louder after Evan spoke and stormed out of the room, not caring that she was acting like a fool. Bursting into her room, she fell onto her bed and let the tears fall. How long she lay there she didn’t know, but when the sobs finally subsided she emerged and found that he had gone; leaving a number of sketches including the ones Laura had admired last night.
Looking out of the window, Laura wondered if she would ever look at another painting the same way again because every time she looked at one all she could think about was the man who made her feel alive for the first time in her life and never cared that she had a witty retort on hand and wasn’t like the other girls he had painted. All she knew was that it felt like there was a hole in her heart which would never be filled by anyone other than him and she didn’t know if it would ever heal.
No matter what their station in life was, he was her great love.
--
He never forgot her.
Evan continued to paint for the near-royalty, earning his living through their commissions and was nearly picked to paint the Regent’s coronation portrait when he finally became King.
But Laura was always at the back of his mind.
Evan did other paintings of her as well; each one perfectly rendered and they always had an element of sadness to them, the pain of the abrupt end to their romance making its way onto the canvas. She was his muse and whenever he started a painting of her always finished it in one setting; no matter how long it took. If he stopped then he felt like he’d go crazy and not be able to think about anything else until he was done with it.
However, he wasn’t surprised when news of her marriage to Northumberland was announced; after all her mother had schemed with his to get the pair together and he was slightly surprised when the Countess had contacted him to order another commission, this time a landscape of their manor as a wedding gift. She said that Laura always stared at his sketches that he had given her as a gift when he had stayed there so she thought that a painting from him would be nice.
It would have been rude for him to turn down the offer so he accepted and painted the manor from memory; the curves of the turrets and every rise and fall of the hills perfect. The manor would always be in his memory as the place where he met his true love.
But as time went on the pain dulled, eventually fading but Evan knew that it would never go away.
She was his true love, no matter what the constraints of society said.
Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
Author: sgteam14283
Rating: PG
A/N: Last section is here and enjoy!
Lorne entered the stables and took in the scent of fresh hay. “Laura?” he asked quietly, yet loud enough for her to hear him. In the days following the party the weather had stopped being so dismal and as a result Evan had resumed work on Laura’s painting; it had been progressing nicely, he was almost done with it, and it meant that he was living at the manor once again.
Besides, it enabled him to see her without it becoming suspect that something was going on.
“Over here.” She said, appearing slightly in front of him with a smile and gave him a light kiss. “I thought that you’d never show up.”
“Your mother found me and I had to explain to her why your painting was taking longer than originally planned.” He replied as he returned the kiss and smiled. Since returning and having both of them confess their feelings for one another they had made it a daily ritual to ride out on the surrounding countryside; when they were away from the house they both felt free from the constraints that their stations were governed by.
“And what did you say?” Laura asked as they started towards two horses and leading them out.
“That my subject proved to be more difficult to capture than originally thought.” Evan replied with a wiry smile. They hadn’t planned on being attracted towards each other, it just happened. She always had a quick retort on hand and never failed to bring a smile to his face. He also knew that he infuriated her to no end but that drew her to him at the same time; they were like oil and water, an unlikely mix but hard to separate once combined.
Laura laughed softly as they mounted their horses and headed out of the stable. “I take it that what you said wasn’t far from the truth.” she teased, knowing full well that he was nearly finished with it yet delayed because he wanted to extend their time together. She didn’t want him to leave either, Evan made her see everything in a different light; the sun never shone so bright, the colours never seemed brighter and the smile that he wore whenever they were together made it all worth it. Laura knew that all those thoughts sounded like they came from a silly romance novel, but that was how she felt around him.
Evan just smiled and spurred his horse forwards, leaving Laura to chase after him.
--
They arrived back hours later, both slightly disheveled but in high spirits; neither wanted their time together to end.
Laura left the stables first, smoothing back her hair and riding habit. Walking up the path she felt like she could fly; for the first time Laura felt like she was truly free. Seeing servants bustling about, she quickened her pace while wondering what was going on.
“Ah Laura, there you are!” her mother exclaimed, looking up from directing servants to see her daughter walk into the room. “Where have you been?”
“Out riding-” Laura started to explain but was cut off by her mother waving a hand in dismissal.
“It doesn’t matter, what does is that you’re here now. We need to get you dressed; he’ll be here any minute!” the Countess replied, taking her daughter by the hand and leading her out of the room and towards her chambers.
“Who’s coming?”
“The Duke of Northumberland and his son!” Laura’s mother replied, smiling. “Why do you think that I commissioned a portrait? If rumor is to be relied on then his son is quite taken with you; Marguerite told me that he noticed you at the party and seemed to like what he saw.” She continued as she signaled for Laura’s maid to bring out her best gown.
It seemed that Laura’s world fell apart with that simple sentence. Everything seemed to fade away as she tried to comprehend what her mother had just said.
Northumberland’s son was coming here. Her mother would do everything to make sure that a match was made and Laura knew that her father wouldn’t turn down the offer if Northumberland made one; depending on the contract he could afford it and it would increase their standing at court immensely. She’d have to move up North and most likely never see her family and friends again.
Or Evan.
The world spinning in front of her eyes, Laura was only slightly aware of the fact that she was about to faint.
Then she actually did.
--
Evan waited a few minutes before walking up towards the manor. When he arrived, Evan was greeted with a flurry of activity as a carriage approached the front doors. Stepping back, he watched as the carriage came to a stop and its passengers stepped out. The Duke of Northumberland and his son walked through the open door and as Evan watched the men he couldn’t help but wonder why they were here; Laura’s father was well respected in the Regent’s court however he was hardly worth a visit of Northumberland and his son.
His curiosity piqued, Evan went inside just in time to see Laura entering the room. She looked rather pale and quite unlike herself. Not wishing to disrupt the meeting, Evan started to slowly back out of the room however was noticed by Laura’s mother.
“Master Lorne, there you are!” she said, smiling and walking towards him. “I was just telling the Duke and his son about the portrait you are working on of my daughter.”
“Thank you Your Grace.” Lorne said, formally bowing to the Countess and company. “It has been a pleasure to paint such a lovely picture.”
“I was wondering if we might view it, I know that it’s not completed but surely you must have my daughter fully painted.” She asked leadingly.
“Of course,” Evan said slightly smiling and nodding his head. “It’s in the drawing room.”
“Excellent.” The Countess beamed and turned to lead the small party towards the room.
As they walked, Evan managed to get himself by Laura. “Is this why you’ve been acting so strange?” he asked quietly. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I didn’t know trust me.” Laura hissed, not pleased at the turn of events. “Mother must have been planning this from the start.” She glared at the back of her mother’s head, “How she convinced them to come here I’ll never know, but she’s good.”
--
Laura adjusted the skirt of her dress and sighed, then reached to grab the mask that was on her bed and put it on. The masquerade was going to start soon and Laura could tell that is was another blatant attempt by her mother to get Northumberland and his son to see her.
“At least Evan is going to be there.” She thought, smiling a little. That was one of the benefits of a masquerade; everyone was disguised so anything went. As she stepped out of her room and walked down the hall, Laura knew that both of them were treading on dangerous ground; if her mother found out about their rendezvous’ then there would hell to pay-for both of them. Laura would be punished and lectured about her duty as a Count’s daughter and Evan’s career would be ruined. Once it got out that he had engaged in a flirtation with one of his subjects no one would want to commission work from him.
They both knew the risks, but at the same time they couldn’t help it; they were complete opposites and were attracted to each other.
Glancing around the room, which was now filled with their friends, Laura wondered where Evan was. She wasn’t able to spot him but that didn’t surprise her since every one was wearing a mask that obscured their faces. Standing to the side of the revelers, she slightly fidgeted with the fan that she was carrying. The music ended and everyone politely clapped, then started to dance again when a waltz started.
“There you are.”
Laura turned towards the sound of the voice, a smile appearing on her face, “Yes I am. Where were you?”
Lorne smiled and took her by the hand to lead her to join the other dancers, “Just working on something.”
As they glided across the floor, Laura was surprised to see how well they moved together. She had never felt like this before with anyone else and that frightened her a little. She didn’t want to say that she was in love with Evan but at the same time that was the only word she could describe her feelings.
Evan looked into Laura’s blue eyes and couldn’t help but feel content. It had been a long time since he had that feeling that it was almost foreign to him and he felt like he could feel like this forever. The thoughts of where his next commission would come from as well as if he would have enough to pay for his rent and supplies were far in the back of his mind.
The music ended and both of them didn’t want to leave the floor, but at the same time it would look odd if they stayed so Lorne started to lead her away and suggest that they go somewhere else more private. However, they had only gone a few steps when Northumberland’s son came up to Laura and, bowing, said, “Might I dance with the Lady Laura?”
Evan could hardly protest, even though he vehemently wanted to; after all it was the next Duke of Northumberland that was asking. “Of course, if you’ll excuse me.” He said in an even tone, avoiding eye contact with the man and simply bowed to Laura, “My Lady.”
Laura wished that she could decline Northumberland’s request but knew if she did then there’d be hell to pay from her parents, so she simply said nothing and just smiled. He took her hand and started to lead her in a Scottish reel; and while Laura was enjoying herself at the same time she tried to look for Evan but was unable to find him.
As they danced, Laura caught her mother looking at the pair and smiling. Then Laura knew that Northumberland hadn't happened upon her by chance; her mother had activly pointed her out in the hopes that he would ask her to dance. It seemed that she never stopped scheming to get her only child into the best match possible.
--
Evan stepped out into the garden for some fresh air and to cool his temper. After Northumberland had asked Laura to dance he had monopolized her time since then and Evan was left in the background to make small talk with the various courtiers that the Countess brought by to introduce him. But he would admit that the time talking had not been wasted, when he had excused himself to get some air he had lined up a few clients after he was done here. Now the party was winding down and Evan was left to hope that Northumberland had gone as well.
“Glad it’s over with?”
Evan turned around to see Laura taking off her mask and walking towards him. Nodding, he did the same and felt the cool air gently move across his face. “But I’m sure that the party was a success.”
Laura shrugged, “Depends on who you talk to, especially if it’s my mother.”
Evan chuckled at the statement and was silent, realizing how beautiful Laura looked in the moonlight. The pale light made her shine with a dull radiance and he felt like he had never seen anyone so beautiful until that moment. Feeling his heart pounding, he took a small step towards her, “Laura...” he trailed off, his mouth going suddenly going dry.
“Yes?” she asked, noticing how uncomfortable Evan suddenly was and for a moment wondered if he was going to end things with them; that he had come to his senses and realized that there was really nothing between the two of them. That is had just been a flirtation. Fear ran through her and she struggled to maintain the essence of calm.
Deciding to through caution to the wind, he moved towards her and kissed her. Evan was hesitant at first, but then as he realized that she wasn’t going to pull away he relaxed and felt her response likewise. The kiss seemed to go on forever but neither of them wanted it to end, the need for air finally driving them apart. Looking into her eyes, Evan wondered if she felt the same way that he did right now but was afraid to ask. Then they kissed again and he knew that she was. Taking her by the hand, he led her back into the house and, careful to avoid the servants still up, made their way towards his room.
--
Laura stepped out of her chambers and hoped that the money she had slipped her maid was enough to keep her quite about the fact that she hadn’t returned until early that morning; both her and Evan knew that if anyone found out their lives and reputations would be ruined. But neither of them regretted last night and as she made her way to the sitting room wondered how long they could keep this up; Evan could only delay finishing the painting for so long and who knew when her mother would commission him again...
“Laura!” the Countess greeted her daughter exuberantly when she walked into the room. Rising she hurried over to Laura and gave her a hug. “Come sit down, I have wonderful news!”
To say that Laura was surprised at her mother’s greeting would be an understatement. Her mother was usually criticizing her in one way or another (to be fair Laura deserved some of the critiques) so to be on the end of a praise was disconcerting. The feeling only increased when she said there was wonderful news. Slightly stiffening, Laura tried to still her racing heart while asking, “What is it?”
“Northumberland’s son asked to pay court to you this morning!” her mother beamed, glad that her hard work of setting the two up had paid off. “I knew that the painting would help and he said that you were simply charming and graceful last night...”
Laura’s eyes went wide at the news and nearly fainted again. Tuning her mother out, she wanted nothing more than to go back to last night where she had been in the company of someone who loved her and didn’t want any of the strings that came attached. Her mind in haze, Laura mumbled an excuse about needing to talk to her maid about something and fled the room as quickly as she could, making her way towards Evan’s quarters. She needed his reassurance that nothing between them would change.
Knocking on the door, she waited impatiently for it to open. When it finally did, Laura entered starting to talk a mile a minute, “You’ll never believe what my mother just told me! Apparently Northumberland thought I was ‘charming’ and ‘graceful’ last night, as if I’m all that. And I can tell that she’s already compiling the guest list for the wedding, like there’ll be one-” She stopped short when she noticed that Evan’s bags were out and he was packing them. “What’s going on?”
Evan paused in his packing to look at Laura. After she had left his room he had gone downstairs to let the Countess know that her painting would be finished by tomorrow and saw the messenger leave. Then he had heard the news and his world had come crashing down. He knew that their affair wouldn’t last, it was folly to think so, but he didn’t think that it would be over so soon. And he knew what had to be done; he told the Countess that the painting was finished (which was the truth, since it had only needed a few touches here and there) and that he was taking his leave, thanking them for their hospitality. Retreating to his room, Evan had immediately started packing which was when Laura arrived.
Setting down his shirts, Evan moved towards Laura and took a deep breath; he had intended to leave without saying good-bye. It would have been easier that way and avoided what was about to happen. “I’m leaving.” He said while taking her hand and giving it a gentle squeeze.
Laura gave him a hurt look and pulled her hand from his, “Why? Why are you doing this to me?”
Evan sighed, “Laura-”
“No!” she interrupted him, feeling tears start to well in her eyes. “No, you don’t get to do this to me! I need you!”
“No you don’t, you’ve gotten on fine before me and you will after me. I’m sure that you’ll make Northumberland very happy.”
“But I love you!” In all truth she hadn’t been planning to say those words, they just came out and for a second Laura was surprised but knew that she meant the words. Before this there had been crushes but Evan was the first real love she’d ever had. “You get me, you never ask me to be something I’m not and would never ask me to change.”
Those three words caught him off guard, but Lorne could see the sincerity in Laura’s eyes as she said them. But even uttering how she truly felt couldn’t change the fact that they could never be together. It took all of Evan’s willpower not to grab her hand and run off with her to America so that they could be together. For a brief moment, Evan almost convinced himself that they could do just that and live happily ever after; he could find work somewhere and provide for Laura, even if it meant giving up painting, just so they could be together. But then the moment passed and all that he was faced with was that in the world they lived in they could never do such a thing; her father would hire whomever, no matter the cost, to make sure his only daughter and heir would remain in the country and marry one of her station.
“I love you as well but we both know that we can never be together. You’ll be a Countess or a Duchess someday and I’m just a painter; we live in two different worlds.” Evan knew that those words had to be spoken otherwise they might both continue to believe in a fantasy. It was easier to break the spell both of them had been under now that they could move on with their lives.
Laura sobbed louder after Evan spoke and stormed out of the room, not caring that she was acting like a fool. Bursting into her room, she fell onto her bed and let the tears fall. How long she lay there she didn’t know, but when the sobs finally subsided she emerged and found that he had gone; leaving a number of sketches including the ones Laura had admired last night.
Looking out of the window, Laura wondered if she would ever look at another painting the same way again because every time she looked at one all she could think about was the man who made her feel alive for the first time in her life and never cared that she had a witty retort on hand and wasn’t like the other girls he had painted. All she knew was that it felt like there was a hole in her heart which would never be filled by anyone other than him and she didn’t know if it would ever heal.
No matter what their station in life was, he was her great love.
--
He never forgot her.
Evan continued to paint for the near-royalty, earning his living through their commissions and was nearly picked to paint the Regent’s coronation portrait when he finally became King.
But Laura was always at the back of his mind.
Evan did other paintings of her as well; each one perfectly rendered and they always had an element of sadness to them, the pain of the abrupt end to their romance making its way onto the canvas. She was his muse and whenever he started a painting of her always finished it in one setting; no matter how long it took. If he stopped then he felt like he’d go crazy and not be able to think about anything else until he was done with it.
However, he wasn’t surprised when news of her marriage to Northumberland was announced; after all her mother had schemed with his to get the pair together and he was slightly surprised when the Countess had contacted him to order another commission, this time a landscape of their manor as a wedding gift. She said that Laura always stared at his sketches that he had given her as a gift when he had stayed there so she thought that a painting from him would be nice.
It would have been rude for him to turn down the offer so he accepted and painted the manor from memory; the curves of the turrets and every rise and fall of the hills perfect. The manor would always be in his memory as the place where he met his true love.
But as time went on the pain dulled, eventually fading but Evan knew that it would never go away.
She was his true love, no matter what the constraints of society said.
Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
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Date: 2011-03-29 05:14 pm (UTC)I love the overall feeling of this chapter and the emotions contained therein. Such a perfect capture of a very different time and a relationship that would have been unique and different from the others that Lady Laura and Master Evan had prior to these sittings.
Though I do have (a probably silly) question- In the masquerade scene you refer to Laura's mother introducing others to Evan and the Count's son refers to Laura as "Lady Laura". How did they know who was who? I mean they are all in masks and such so how did they tell that 'hey that blue bird over there? That's lady laura' or whoever.
no subject
Date: 2011-03-29 06:43 pm (UTC)And no, that's not a silly question-Laura's mother would have pointed her out to the son and they would have seen what the other was wearing before the party offically started so they could be on the lookout for each other (I'll actually put in a bit explaining that).
no subject
Date: 2011-03-29 10:24 pm (UTC)I totally agree with that. Though now I'm totally wondering what happened in the future when/if he painted things for her family. (For some reason I have this mental image of her years down the road commissioning him to paint a portrait of her daughter.)
Thank you for answering my question. I didn't even think about that they'd see each other beforehand and that her mom would have known what she was wearing to point her out to the son. :)