thedispatch | (no subject)

(no subject)

William dropped down from his horse. It had been a long ride - from London straight down to the southern coast of England. But he'd barely stopped, only doing so when his horse refused to go further without rest and water. But each time, William did little more than tap his foot anxiously, trying to focus on anything but his thoughts of what happened the day before.

But now that he'd arrived, there was nothing else to distract him. The horse was forgotten as he walked towards where the English Channel extended out to what seemed like eternity. With the thick fog of the early morning, there was no telling just what was out there. William's breath was shaky as his gaze then drifted down. Beachy Head, a beautiful site for some, with the tall cliff towering over the shore line below. But for him, this day, it was his enemy - or perhaps his closes friend. Whichever the case, he was terrified.

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I wanted to see you happy for Christmas.

[ His own arms gently rest upon her waist, as he's careful not to upset any of the delicate stitching on the gown. ]

[ Likewise, she has to be careful not to smear her makeup, so no nuzzles - and certainly no crying! She has to take a steadying breath. ]

I'm always happy when I'm with you, I want you to know that; but, truly, you've outdone yourself.

I hope you don't mind, this was your gift for the holiday.

[ There may be a bit of something for her that morning, but unfortunately he had to give her the main present a say early. He's certain she won't mind, though. ]

[ Pulling back to give him an incredulous look, laughing. ]

It's more than I could've ever hoped for! I'm ecstatic.

If you could assist me with my shirt. I'm never quite please with how the jabot lays over the vest.

[ The pattern of his vest is not nearly as bold as Grell's dress, but it somehow suits him. It's left open, as he hopes Grell can properly fasten it and align it all well for him. ]

[ Hands resting at his shoulders, her face softens with a simple confident nod.

She would assist him, in any case, but it's good that this will delay her looking in the mirror. It will give her a bit of time to gather herself and not get so emotional! ]

Likewise, it's easier done with assistance, I think.

[ Carefully, she takes the undone neck piece while laying the vest as it's meant to be; it's not tied up quite yet, but this will prevent any unnecessary creasing. First, she must button the vest. ]

You did a lovely job of choosing your outfit. There's even these little hints of red! Ah, we'll look handsome arriving together, won't we?

Ah. I don't believe I noticed the red. It's rather minimal compared to your gown.

[ William makes sure to stand tall, allowing the vest to fit his torso properly. ]

But, yes. I think we will. And you will certainly draw attention, looking as you do.

[ Okay, so that might make her brows twinge with a bit of anxiety! Still, she exhales the nerves, taking the jabot ends to tie carefully. ]

I suppose it's good that we're to get some practice in at the market first.

[ As she ties, he observes her features. ]

Are you nervous?

Well...

[ Readjusting the fabric ties to lay smoothly, she fluffs the ends. ]

Any attention I'm accustomed to receiving isn't of the positive variety, I'm afraid. It sounds very intimidating, drawing eyes.

I will be there beside you.

[ He tries to sound reassuring despite his rather monotone voice. ]

Are you able to imitate a more feminine voice? That is really the only thing I can see giving you away.

[ She averts her eyes, for she has been practicing, but she's a bit shy about it.

Also, now that she's finished with his tie, she rests her hands over his upper chest idly. ]

I sound silly.

I can't determine that without hearing it.

[ Her hands are ignored for now, as he's more focused on this last obstacle. ]

[ Sighing, she clears her throat. ]

Really, it--

[ She's tried to raise her voice, but her voice cracks! Covering her face with embarrassment, the lady shakes her head - but still, she tries again. ]

Really, it isn't any good...

[ It's softer, airier, but to her own ears, still sounds too deep. Really, though it still has that masculine edge to it, it could be passable to those who have never heard her voice before. ]

[ William hums, an unsure look on his face. ]

Perhaps something more like...

[ He gives a sample introduction in his own attempt at a higher pitched voice. And...it does not come across any better. If anything, it should give Grell more confidence in her own. ]

Ah. Perhaps not.

[ Grell may have nodded, looking discouraged for a brief moment-- but as soon as William gives his input, she can't resist laughing. Hands over her mouth, she nearly doubles over. ]

O-oh, Will... that--...

[ Hands folded to press against her breast, she takes a breath. ]

[ Even though he'd just admitted to his impression being completely off, he still gives quite the offended frown at her laughing. ]

Must you laugh? I am trying to assist you.

[ Something about how seriously he takes it makes the situation hilariously endearing, and she's for ed to bite her lip to keep herself from snickering.]

I'm sorry, darling. I don't mean to upset you--

[ Wait, did she just call him.....

She blushes brightly. ]

Darling?

[ Yeah, he caught that. ]

Nnoooo--

[ Of course he did! The redhead covers her face, shoulders curled inward. ]

I'm sorry--!

You don't need to apologise. Just make certain you do not call me that in front of anyone at the gala. I am not introducing you as my lover, merely a friend who has needed a place to stay. Making it seem as though we are intimate will cause a lot more of a headache.

[ An unwed woman in his home is one thing, her in his bed will be another matter entirely. ]

[ So, he isn't mad? Grell's hands curl so that she may peek over them - and inevitably, she nods with a frown. ]

O-of course, I wouldn't have expected that at all...!

[ Perhaps there's some reasoning behind his lack of anger. He's so monotone about it, though, that it's pretty hard to discern. ]

I suppose it would have been simpler to introduce you as male, but that would hardly be comfortable for you.

Edited 2020-01-09 06:50 (UTC)

[ To that, Grell's brows knit and she gives the most unsure hum. ]

No, I think they would've questioned why you invited a molly to live in your home.

True.

[ He sighs. It's a concept William had never really thought on before, but now that he's gone through all this with Grell, he can't help but feel anger over how others would treat people like her. ]

I do not see you as that, I'm sure you know that by now.