March 31st, 1891 — Macnair Residence, Inverness-shire

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After the nightmare of an night and start to his day, Charles had finally found a spring in his step. Not literally, however, he was still far too sore for that sort of sudden, jerky movement but once he'd gotten home and cleaned himself up he felt a great deal more optimistic. His drunken foolishness last night had been deeply regrettable but what did it matter when he would be the one marrying his cousin? Macnair witnessing him in such a state was his consolation prize and really his fault for rigging the duel, even if he still denied it.

The pain in his side was still bad but the rest had made a big difference and there was nothing on the earth that would stop him from claiming his bride that afternoon. It also helped that he'd had a plethora of different potions to help him remain upright without wanting to vomit from the pain. He'd made a rush order for flowers and had a handsome bouquet for Mrs. Macnair and a modest but very classy minimalist bouquet of lilies for Tatiana - she was getting the ring, after all - and for her uncle he'd found a nice bottle of whiskey from his own cupboard that he'd yet to open because he didn't want to push himself too far again, certainly not before seeing her.

There was absolutely no doubt in his mind that this was a mere formality, she'd as good as accepted yesterday when she'd said she needed to refuse her cousin before she could in good conscience accept him. For the millionth time he marveled at how such a woman could exist - to be the perfect balance of intelligence, beauty, goodness, and honesty - and better still to be all his! He was also hoping there'd be a chance to kiss her again, an even better kiss than last time. But first the formalities, where would they be without formalities?

He arrived right on time as if he'd made it in to work, his servant in tow carrying all but the little bouquet for Tatiana. It was a little odd being back there again so soon but he didn't have the time or inclination to dwell on that. Thankfully his injury was still painful enough to make holding in the ridiculous grin he felt taunting the corners of his mouth a lot easier than it might've been otherwise. Charles, along with his manservant laden with gifts, were shown into a reception room. There he waited eagerly, and a little nervously truth be told, for her arrival. Tatiana, my dearest. Had he not been in such high spirits, so sure of himself, he probably would have been embarrassed for having used a term of endearment so readily.

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Outfit | Tag: @"Tatiana Lestrange" | Notes:

The following 4 users Like Charles Macmillan's post:4 users Like Charles Macmillan's post
   Angelica Selwyn, Elladora Black, Tatiana Macnair, Valerian Macnair

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She had written to Charles Macmillan, but the note remained unsent upon her writing desk. As undesirable as the chore was, Tatiana knew it was one that had to be done in person; matters had progressed too far for a mere owl to suffice.

Her face was a mask of serenity as she entered the parlour, but it did not shift into the usual smile she afforded Mr. Macmillan. It did, however, serve to hide the knot that had been in her stomach when she had awoken that morning.

My dearest. It was almost enough to trip her up literally; as it was, her face faltered ever so slightly at the endearment.

"Mr. Macmillan," her own greeting came, in comparison rather sterile. This, though, was appropriate, under the circumstances.

  

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— graphics by mj ❤ —

Ever since we met I only shoot up with your perfume,
It's the only thing that makes me feel as good as you do

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She didn't look as pleased to see him as he'd have expected but he wasn't going to let that bother him, perhaps she was nervous? Ladies were prone to such things he knew. I brought a token of my appreciation for your aunt and uncle, he gestured to his manservant, or rather to the flowers and alcohol he was holding. And, of course, for you. Charles held out the lilies for her to take.

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Outfit | Tag: Tatiana Lestrange| Notes:

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   Elladora Black

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"Leave us," she directed the manservant, the look she gave him making very clear that this was not optional.

She did not take the lilies.

"Mr. Macmillan," she said dispassionately, "I fear that you have not been wholly honest with me."

  

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— graphics by mj ❤ —

Ever since we met I only shoot up with your perfume,
It's the only thing that makes me feel as good as you do

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She wasn't taking the lilies. She wasn't taking the lilies. He slowly retracted his arm as he finally twigged that something was not right. His brow furrowed at her words. What was she referring to? Certainly he hadn't disclosed every intimate detail of his every waking second to her, but that was normal! There were things men didn't tell women but that didn't make it a lie. What had her cousin said to her? What lies? As far as Charles was concerned he had been entirely honest. Not been honest...? Her cousin wouldn't have mentioned the duel, that would be moronic even for him! I'm afraid I haven't a clue to what you're referring, please enlighten me.

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Outfit | Tag: Tatiana Lestrange| Notes:

  

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"My cousin..." she trailed off. Now that she knew he had confronted Valerian, Tatiana expected Mr. Macmillan would easily deduce of which cousin she spoke. "My cousin has brought into question your character." Your ability to be the man I expect you to be. "Why did you not tell me you approached him?"

She regretted asking as soon as the question left her lips. It did not matter; what mattered was that the situation was now decidedly altered.

  

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— graphics by mj ❤ —

Ever since we met I only shoot up with your perfume,
It's the only thing that makes me feel as good as you do

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So it was Macnair. Not that she'd really had time in the last 24 hours to have her opinion of him ruined by anyone else. He had not been expecting this, this was not how it was supposed to go, but Charles was confident it was a mere bump in the road and he'd navigate it easily. However, he did bristle a little at 'brought into question your character'. I did pay your cousin a visit, I was certain he was the gentleman who made you an offer of marriage. Forgive me, I was... He pursed his lips for a moment looking visibly uncomfortable before he continued. Jealousy is an unattractive quality, and even less attractive to have to confess to.

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Outfit | Tag: Tatiana Lestrange| Notes:

The following 1 user Likes Charles Macmillan's post:1 user Likes Charles Macmillan's post
   Elladora Black

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"Indeed," she agreed primly, "it is. But this, as well as other remarks made," not only by Valerian, either, "have led me to...to reconsider where we stand."

  

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— graphics by mj ❤ —

Ever since we met I only shoot up with your perfume,
It's the only thing that makes me feel as good as you do

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What other remarks? He'd said a great many things to her cousin, many of which were not at all fit for her ears, but what would Macnair have chosen to repeat? Might I ask what these remarks were? If Macnair would tamper with a bullet to win a duel, it was perfectly within the realm of possibility that he would slander him to get what he wanted. The fact of the matter was that Macnair had been complacent for too long, he'd only made a move when he saw the window closing and had no shame in playing dirty. And he had the nerve to cast aspersions on his character?! Macnair had probably drugged him to get a head start on poisoning Tatiana's mind against him this morning.

This really wasn't what he'd planned, yet again his plans were being upset by Macnair, but if he didn't keep a cool head and see off her concerns he may as well tell her to marry her cousin and be done with it all.

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Outfit | Tag: Tatiana Lestrange| Notes:

  

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"Nothing slanderous," she offered, more to make her life easier than to reassure him, "but enough that I am no longer satisfied that we would be a good match."

There. She had said it.

It was at least half-true.

  

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— graphics by mj ❤ —

Ever since we met I only shoot up with your perfume,
It's the only thing that makes me feel as good as you do

---

Nothing slanderous but bad enough to... The blood drained from his face. This was the opposite of what was supposed to be happening. When I saw you last you were going home to refuse your cousin's offer. Now your opinion of me is so altered? She would have him believe that her opinion was swayed by 'nothing slanderous'? What else could it be? I take no pleasure in speaking ill of your cousin to you, which was actually somewhat true, he didn't want to come across as petty or underestimate any familial loyalty and shoot himself in the foot. But he must have disparaged me quite thoroughly to you. I can't deny anything when I don't know what I'm being accused of, but I can't imagine anything truthful that would've prompted a change of heart. It was blatantly obvious that Macnair had told whatever lies came to mind in the face of rejection. Could he sink no lower?

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Outfit | Tag: Tatiana Lestrange| Notes:

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   Elladora Black

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Tatiana resisted the urge to sigh. It was her own fault, really—she had cultivated Mr. Macmillan carefully; she ought to have expected he wouldn't leave without complaint.

"My cousin said I ought to marry anyone but you," she said at last, "which is rather a broad claim, given some of the imbiciles I am certain you both count in your acquaintance. My brother... he supported the match," Tatiana added, "but only inasmuch as I wished for it. I did not get the impression he considered it particularly advantageous."

Macmillan might harbour disdain for Valerian, but she doubted very much he would disparage her brother in her presence.

(Or at all, if he had two brain cells to rub together.)

  

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— graphics by mj ❤ —

Ever since we met I only shoot up with your perfume,
It's the only thing that makes me feel as good as you do

---

The shock was plain to see on his face. He felt a sharp pain but it wasn't from his injury. How considerate of your cousin to wait until the last minute to offer his opinion, I'm sure his only thought was for your wellbeing and had nothing to do with his own. There were so many things he wanted to say bubbling under the surface but none of them would do him any favors. For the first time ever he found himself wanting to be angry with her, no matter how sure he was that this was entirely Macnair's handiwork. Was he mistaken in her intelligence? Was it a partiality for her cousin that he'd desperately convinced himself couldn't be? Whatever he's said to you, don't you think you know me better? Do you not trust your own opinion of me over that of a man who barely knows me? His chest hurt in a strange, intangible sort of way.

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Outfit | Tag: Tatiana Lestrange| Notes:

The following 2 users Like Charles Macmillan's post:2 users Like Charles Macmillan's post
   Angelica Selwyn, Elladora Black

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A beat, and then, "Men are not likely to reveal all of themselves to the women they seek to woo," Tatiana remarked, not entirely sure she thought him wrong.

The following 1 user Likes Tatiana Macnair's post:1 user Likes Tatiana Macnair's post
   Valerian Macnair

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— graphics by mj ❤ —

Ever since we met I only shoot up with your perfume,
It's the only thing that makes me feel as good as you do

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The same is as often true of women as it is of men. He'd made that mistake once, surely he hadn't made it twice? Once was unfortunate, twice made him a fool! I have only ever been myself with you, Miss Lestrange. Reticent at times perhaps, but never deceitful. Surely she would believe him? It worried his pride to think what he might do if she did not reconsider but it terrified something much deeper to think she might be lost to him forever. However it wouldn't be proper if you knew me as well as your cousin, in that regard I've always thought myself at a considerable disadvantage.

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Outfit | Tag: Tatiana Lestrange| Notes:

The following 2 users Like Charles Macmillan's post:2 users Like Charles Macmillan's post
   Elladora Black, Tatiana Macnair

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You would never have been at any sort of disadvantage if you had dealt with things in a more timely manner, the witch thought sourly.

"I apologize, Mr. Macmillan," she said instead, "if I have been unclear. I do not mean to decline your proposal so much as I feel it only right that you hear from me that I have agreed to marry Mr. Macnair."

Had agreed to be Mrs. Macnair instead of Mrs. Macmillan.

"You would not have me break such an arrangement?" she asked, eyebrows raised, not entirely certain which answer she would prefer.

  

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— graphics by mj ❤ —