Waltz of Wings by the Regency Company 5/?

[kmf]

Waltz of Wings by Regency Company

Chapter Five [aka the `invisible' chapter] by Jooles*

Dinner at the Darlian estate was always something of a fuss. Relena was Buxted's darling - their gem. It was her untouched spirit that gave an otherwise droll country village an air of fashion. And whatever social event she hosted, it was always surely to be talked about and analyzed by Buxted's inhabitants.

And so it was on a quietly chilly snow laden night that the villagers made note of a party of three gentlemen visiting High Ridge and anticipated the servants' gossip on the morrow.

The morning of the twentieth had been rather hectic for Relena. She had hosted many dinner parties in the past, though somehow this dinner was different. Relena had a special interest in Lucrezia and Hilde and if meeting and playing at being agreeable with Mr Maxwell gave leverage to better prospects for her two friends, then so be
it. Ensuring their security was an all important aspect of why the dinner had to be a success.

Relena had found some use for Dorothy's snippy personality in the days preceding the dinner. Dorothy had assisted Relena in the choice of meat for the evening and had helped her choose the after dinner entertainment; although there had been much disagreement over the subject at the time. Dorothy had preferred the idea of a four piece instrumental accompaniment; while Relena's intention had been more along the lines of keeping the entertainment intimate. For although she was indeed a fashionable young woman she was also highly conservative in that she did not like to flaunt her wealth and status as her cousin found so much joy in doing. Her wealth allowed her to lead a
comfortable lifestyle while her status ensured her position as Buxted's adviser on anything and everything. And the role of taking care of Buxted's people came almost too easily to Relena... it was in her nature.

There had been something of a raucous when the trio had arrived; something about a horse needing a scythe to lead the way. Relena had been extremely puzzled by the statement, especially since it came from the mouth of the much spoken about (though not always in agreeable terms) cousin of the Noins', Mr Maxwell. He was certainly charming and had a jovial pleasantness about him that made him a very difficult man to dislike. He dressed in dark trousers and cut away jacket enlivened only by eight silver buttons patterned with a flower motif. His waistcoat was high
buttoned and was of a modest houndstooth cloth, understated but tasteful. The top few buttons of his waistcoat were loose allowing his cravat to spill forth in a cascade of frothy white. It was the conservative uniform of the time, yet still infused `personality' in the otherwise dull costume of the time. Perhaps it was the distinctively unique waist-length braid he sported, or may hap it was the strange violet colour of his eyes that twinkled with outright mischief. Whatever it was it had Relena absolutely and utterly charmed. And upon meeting Mr Maxwell she found it very difficult to think ill of her friends' cousin.

His land steward and his friend had stood silently and almost broodingly in the background while Mr Maxwell had been introduced to the rest of the party attending Relena's dinner. The party had of course included the two younger Noins and their mother, aunt to the now infamous Mr Maxwell.

Mr Quatre Raberba Winner and his father were in attendance also. Dorothy had dressed herself in her most dazzling finery that evening and looked quite stunning that evening. While in contrast, Dorothy's companion Miss Bloom was as usual dressed in a plain and unflattering gown seeming to shadow herself from the rest of the company. Relena's father's cough had cleared up enough that evening so that he in the end did put on an appearance. Whether it be out of the delectable smells of dinner cooking that had permeated the summerhouse for most of the day, or whether it be out of becoming acquainted with one of the three young men in the hopes that one might take an interest in his daughter. Whatever the reason Relena didn't know; nor did she care. Mr Darlian was in attendance and in a way that was all that mattered.

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Relena Darlian had dressed in cream silk shot with silver. The gown had short puffed sleeves, simple and unadorned. The neckline was low with lots of gathers to the front to enhance her bosom. The high waist line was emphasized by use of silver braid that sparkled in the candle light. Her hair was entwined with cream and silver silk flowers, and around her neck hung a simple gold chain supporting a small gold cross. Consequently it was a dress that suited her figure and complimented all her noteworthy attributes. And even though the dinner party was lit only by the dim means of candlelight; Mr Heero Yuy could honestly say that Miss Darlian was genuinely a woman of pure and harmonious beauty. Shadowed by his long messy locks of dark hair, Heero studied the young woman sitting across from him at the dinner table. She had so far proved to be a very competent hostess that evening, especially when dealing with the newly introduced guests at dinner. In addition she had taken part in nearly all discussions always offering an important well thought out and in the end clever opinion. Heero couldn't help but be fascinated by Relena Darlian. She was evidently a pretty, wealthy, clever and competent young woman. And underneath all these pleasing features was a heart that sang of utter purity and sweetness. Heero believed that he may have just found the kind of wife men his age only dreamed of finding. She had a broader knowledge base than many other women of their time; and yet she did not flaunt her superior knowledge but instead insisted on using it for the goodwill of others.

So engrossed was Mr Yuy in the analysis of Miss Darlian's wealth of attributes that he had to be spoken to `twice' so as to recapture his attention.

Relena smiled impishly at Heero from across the dinner table, her golden tresses shadowing her in the candlelit room like a halo of wreathed gold. "I hope we here at High Ridge are not boring you Mr Yuy."

Heero who had said but one or two sentences all evening replied in all seriousness, "On the contrary Miss Darlian. This has been a very entertaining evening indeed."

The dim lighting of the room meant that Heero was ignorant to the pretty blush that subsequently stained her cheeks at his nonchalant words. In all honestly Relena herself had been quite entertained that evening, especially when of sitting and secretly studying Mr Yuy while still fulfilling her role as hostess. He was tall, dark, handsome and most of all mysterious. And a man like Mr Yuy could be shockingly dangerous for a young woman like Relena Darlian. Especially a young woman with such high ideals as she did have.

"You have put on an agreeable dinner Miss Darlian. Very pleasant." Heero said, extending his already generous compliment.

"Well thank you, your compliments are very touching Mr Yuy." Relena replied before going back to her meal, the main course having just been served.

A long silence between the two ensued but broken when the younger of the two Miss Noin's called for Relena's attention.

"Relena, Mr Maxwell has an opinion on Mary Wollstonecraft. I believe you would be quite thoroughly intrigued to hear it." Hilde called to Relena. Heero watched as the dull expression on Relena's face in mere moments changed to an expression of sheer determination. He was aware of his left eyebrow quirked up in interest at this latest development.

"Does he now?" Relena said clearly, "And what is Mr Maxwell's opinion of Mary Wollstonecraft?" Relena asked, clearly addressing her question indirectly at Duo.

Duo looked across the table at Relena meeting her serious gaze. She had a determined "I'll change your opinion of Wollstonecraft even if it kills me" look on her face. Duo had only just met these people whom he thought were indeed an agreeable group of people and he in no way wanted to upset the equilibrium that had been achieved that evening. So instead of giving Miss Darlian a true analysis of his opinion on Ms Wollstonecraft he extended the truth of his opinion somewhat. Something absolutely and utterly unheard of in regards to his character. But in this case a wise direction to take.

"My opinion of Ms Wollstonecraft is unimportant for the moment Miss Darlian. For at the moment I am merely enjoying the company of my two cousins, my aunt and all you lovely people this evening." Duo said glancing at the younger of his two cousins. She wore an unimpressed expression that in no way suited her playful personality.

Relena's determined set to her brow softened through and she saw no need to start a debate on Ms Wollstonecraft's credentials and what-nots that evening. After all making a good impression was what counted.

And so all was well for the time being. Conversation continued predominately between the older three guests who, being of the same generation, enjoyed similar tastes. Lucrezia Noin had heard but a little of the gossip regarding
Lord Treize Kushirnada and thought it an interesting topic to engage the younger set in conversation. "Relena what is your knowledge of Lord Kushrinada's upcoming wedding?"

Treize Kushrenada was an important man and up to but awhile ago had been quite eligible. Only a short time ago the two Noin sisters and even many of Buxted's inhabitants had thought Relena might marry Kushrenada further down the line if only because they were both important members of Buxted's society and both heirs to large sums of money.

But with the recent news of Kushrenada's engagement to an unknown Lady Une all rumours about Relena and Kushrenada had ceased to exist. Relena as it turned out had very little interest in Kushrenada. He was an acquaintance of hers (as every person in Buxted was) and had for awhile called on her when she'd first inherited her mother's wealth. But Relena had always sensed a falseness about Trieize that made her uncomfortable around him. There was something not quite right and Relena felt that there were many secrets that Treize kept hidden. It was for this reason and Relena's negativity to marriage that she had never encouraged Treize's acquaintance.

However, she had been one of the first people to know about his engagement to Lady Une and had since been informed at regular intervals updates of new concerning the pair's upcoming marriage.

"I believe that Lord Kushrenada's wedding is shortly after Christmas. As of late, it is to my knowledge that he has been busy with his business ventures in London." Relena told the now very interested group of guests. Kushrenada was often spoken of, but very few in Buxted had actually spoken to him.

"And of his fianc??"

"Honestly I know very little of Lady Une. I know that there is a great deal of preparation in anticipation of the wedding..." Relena said vaguely, trying to recall what Treize had last said to her in regard to his affianced. Something about her selecting the fabric for her wedding dress from a shipment of fabrics in Italy...

"Oooh I know the latest news of the Lady Une you are speaking of Rellie." Miss Dorothy Catalonia interrupted her cousin. The guests at the dinner table turned their attention to the extravagantly dressed Dorothy Catalonia. She was wearing an unusual shade of burnt gold, almost orange in colour. Her sleeves were tight down to her elbows, but the tops were puffed and ornamented with little gold tassels. The cuffs of her sleeves were heavy velvet, darker in shade than the silk of her dress. The low bodice was also inset with the velvet that had been embroidered with gold in a diamond pattern. Her hair had been ornamented with rosettes of fold ribbon and topped with a small ostrich feather dyed to match the colour of her gown. Around her neck hung an ornate necklace of three strings of pearls attached to which was a large gold medallion. In the centre of the medallion was a large ruby and from the bottom of the medallion hung seven drop pearls, the lowest of which nestled in her cleavage. She was dressed more for a ball than a dinner party. She looked far more the portrait of a wealthy heiress than Miss Darlian the wealthier of the two did.

"You know Lord Kushrenada, Miss Catalonia?" The younger Mr Winner asked Dorothy, interested in Miss Catalonia's links with the much spoken of man. Although what was spoken about him wasn't nearly always the type of gossip one could publicly share; as it wasn't very agreeable news. Quatre studied the group of Relena's guests. The lower occupants of Buxted were somewhat aware of Treize's dirty dealings. He seemed to have easily deceived the slightly higher up members of Buxted's society though. However Quatre had noted the slightly detached disposition within which Relena approached the subject of Treize. She seemed almost weary of him.... Then again Treize had been amongst the group of men that had been on High Ridge's doorstep when Relena had first inherited her mother's wealth. And had been one of the most persistent.

Dorothy tilted her head at Mr Winner's questioning. She had thought that Relena's guests were well aware of her links with Treize. "Well of course I know Lord Kushrenada, Mr Winner. We are cousins."

"Oh. Then it is explained." Quatre said studying her eyebrows. He noted the hereditary resemblance and smiled somewhat, resisting making a comment on them.

Relena, seeming to sense what Qutare was resisting to say met her friend's amused look and shook her head as a warning for him not to continue with the current topic of conversation. For she knew from bitter experience that once someone got Dorothy Catalonia started on the subject of her `connections' silencing her cousin was a very
difficult task.

Dorothy was not ignorant of the glances that passed between Relena and the clergyman. Feeling snippy she continued with telling the guests of her links with the Kushrenada family and noting with annoyance that they
didn't seem all that impressed with her royal linkages. The least impressed of all the dinner party was Mr Maxwell's land steward, Mr Barton who had spent most of the meal picking at his food and looking absently out the window. All evening he had only exchanged a few words with Catherine, Dorothy's companion. Dorothy had noted that Catherine seemed quite jumpy that evening; as though she'd come across something she didn't expect and
wasn't quite sure how to approach it. But that was of no matter, Dorothy's concern was the dinner party, not her companion who she could talk to later on after the duty of putting on a show was no longer a pressure.

When Dorothy paused to catch her breath, Miss Hilde Noin chose that moment to excitedly ask Relena a question much of Buxted still debated on concerning their `gem'. "Excuse me Relena, is it true that Lord Kushreanada was amongst the group of young men who called upon you when you first inherited High Ridge?"

"Hilde!" Lucrezia scolded her younger sister's outburst. Mrs Noin also interrupted her own conversation with Mr Darlian to glare at her wayward younger daughter.

Hilde blushed and murmured an apology of sorts. So caught up in her mis action was she that she was unaware of her cousin's amused and studious gaze. Duo Maxwell was rather taken with his younger cousin. She had a playful and slightly naive outlook to life that he supposed was due to her country life upbringing. But underneath the supposed frivolity was a masked intelligence and anxiety that she'd obviously worked hard at hiding for that particular evening. Duo wanted to meet with Hilde again, but at a less done-up event than Relena Darlian's dinner party. He wanted to know why she'd been so hot and cold with him all evening. It was as though she had to keep reminding herself that she was supposed to dislike her cousin, when in fact Duo had a feeling that Hilde thought quite favorably about him. Just as he thought favorably of her.

"It is of no worry Lucrezia. Hilde was only being interested." Relena shushed the older Noin's sister's scolding. "It was a long time ago anyhow."

Hilde's head of dark curls popped up in newfound interest. "So the rumours were true then Relena?"

Dorothy, annoyed at her loss of attention made a tssking sound at which point her dinner partner for the evening, Mr Quatre Winner leaned over and asked if she were all right. "I'm fine thank you." She replied rather icily, now angered at how her cousin had paired her with a man who was, in her opinion, a complete incompetent.

Meanwhile Relena had told the interested members of the dinner party in the briefest of sentences that `Yes, Treize Kushrinada had called on her, and no, nothing had come of it.' She had at the time not been oblivious to Mr Yuy's inquiring stare and met his gaze. "What is the matter Mr Yuy?" Relena asked, concern shadowing her features.

Heero shook his head, not wanting the attention Miss Darlian's question had drawn to him. "I just thought it interesting that from the dozens of men you had calling for you, you didn't manage to form an engagement of your own." Heero said with a harsh tone to his voice.

Gasps sounded out among the room, and the distinct sound of Mr Darlian's wine glass clattering sounded out. Relena glared at Heero with a mixture of shock and resentment. No one had openly questioned her actions. No one had ever thought to. However, everyone looked on in anticipation of her response, not the least being Mr Darlian who seemed amused.

Heero was unmoved, and met Relena's stony expression, though she spoke calmly as though his comments had had no effect on her.

"Marriage is not for me. I do not wish to marry and because of my situation in life I have no need to form an engagement of sorts."

Relena replied noting how Dorothy snickered at her words. "And not one of the men that called on you had the right qualities to cause you to form an attachment to them?" Heero continued with his questioning, well aware that this was the most he'd spoken all evening.

Relena, unaffected once again shook her head. "I loved none of them. What is the point of marrying someone you have no deep and meaningful feelings for?"

"Marriage isn't always about love Miss Darlian." Heero retorted feeling as though he were telling the intelligent young woman the facts of life.

"I am aware of that already Mr Yuy."

"And you are aware that the chief reason for marriage these days, Miss Darlian, is to form an agreeably secure situation for the female counterpart of the marriage union?" Heero continued. The focus was no longer on the two of them although he was vaguely aware that some of the dinner party were still listening in to their conversation.

"Of course I am aware that security is every woman's primary concern Mr Yuy. However, I do not need to marry therefore I will not. Subjecting myself to the life of the role as an obedient wife is not something I am suited to doing." Relena explained, now reveling in the challenge Mr Yuy's direction of conversation had taken. He was the first male (apart from her father) to challenge her ideals and she had to be ignorant to say that Mr Yuy's unique form of flirtation was unnerving and exciting for her all at the same time.

"And you are content with your life in Buxted?" Heero prodded some more.

"Why yes of course I am. Buxted is my home. It is my life and I am happy here." Relena replied, though it was somewhat of an act responding to Mr Yuy's inquisition. For although she was content with her life in Buxted, she had been slightly bored with the normalcy and repetitiveness of her life of late. She'd begun to long for adventure, a change, a knight in shining armor.

Was Mr Heero Yuy her dashing young rescuer?

"I don't believe you." Heero said flatly, though quietly as he couldn't afford shocking their fellow diners again.

Relena shrugged, her curls bouncing around her pretty face. Two could play at being aloof.

Just maybe Mr Yuy's arrival would add a sense of adventure to her life in Buxted.
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A/N: Mary Wollstonecraft was an early feminist. She wrote "A Vindication
for the Rights of Women" and her daughter was Mary Shelley who wrote
Frankenstein. She was highly controversial but a role model for women
everywhere.

Thanks all for reading and please do take the time to review. This was one
of those difficult chapters to write, but it eventually got written.

Next up is kmf... Go bug her!

Cheers,

Jooles* ^_^