|
Post by Vianne Giry on Jan 12, 2007 21:31:13 GMT -5
*Vianne collected herself for a moment before she returned to the terrace.* "I hardly know what questions to ask..." *she murmured in a voice roughened by unshed tears.*
|
|
|
Post by Sir Percy on Jan 12, 2007 21:34:46 GMT -5
Percy's eyes were very soft and tender as he looked up at her.
"I can explain, if you will let me, Vianne," he said, his voice very tender.
|
|
|
Post by Vianne Giry on Jan 12, 2007 21:44:45 GMT -5
*Vianne looked at Percy for a long moment before she disappeared back into the house. A short time later, she entered the garden by a side door and walked towards Percy.* "Tell me something true," *she pleaded gently, beginning to pace up and down the paths.*
|
|
|
Post by Sir Percy on Jan 12, 2007 21:46:44 GMT -5
Percy smiled gently at her.
"You are a very brave woman for coming here," he said softly. "As for truth...you married me six months ago, and met me three months before that."
|
|
|
Post by Vianne Giry on Jan 12, 2007 21:54:08 GMT -5
*Vianne chewed on her thumbnail distractedly.* "If you must call me brave, you ought to know that I've a knife concealed upon my person and I am prepared to use it if you are less than honest with me, Monsieur," *she said, her coldness springing up as a defense.* "We were married in summer, then?"
|
|
|
Post by Sir Percy on Jan 12, 2007 21:58:58 GMT -5
"Then my lady is not only brave, but wise as well," Percy said gently. "We were married in late August, yes, although the Republic now calls that Frucitor."
"I was forced to leave on business shortly after, but you were pregnant almost immediately."
|
|
|
Post by Vianne Giry on Jan 12, 2007 22:03:48 GMT -5
"Oh." *A frown creased her brow.* "What kind of business could you possibly have? Etienne implied that you were...reasonably well-off."
|
|
|
Post by Sir Percy on Jan 12, 2007 22:07:03 GMT -5
Percy looked quite seriously at her.
"I was at the kind of business that all men should hope to strive towards, Vianne. The business of protecting my fellow man."
|
|
|
Post by Vianne Giry on Jan 12, 2007 22:11:17 GMT -5
*Vianne shook her head.* "Please dispense with clever and cryptic remarks--apparently I'm married to you. I'm asking you why; I want to know who you are. Vague comments aren't helpful in the least."
|
|
|
Post by Sir Percy on Jan 12, 2007 22:25:09 GMT -5
In a strange sense of deja vu, Percy slid the small seal ring off his finger and turned it over to that infamous little flower.
"Do you recognize this?" he said softly, holding it up.
|
|
|
Post by Vianne Giry on Jan 12, 2007 22:27:58 GMT -5
*Vianne barely glanced at it.* "No." *She stared at the ground for a moment.* "...but then there seems to be several things I do not recognize. My husband, for one, it would seem," *she said, tilting her head back to peer curiously at the tall figure before her.* "Why do you trouble me with baubles when it is you I wish to know?"
|
|
|
Post by Sir Percy on Jan 12, 2007 22:31:37 GMT -5
Percy moved closer and gently took her hand.
"Because," he said, "before you came into my life, that little red flower was all that I was."
He glanced at her. "I have much to tell you, but perhaps the first thing you should know is that the little red flower is my emblem."
"I am the Scarlet Pimpernel."
|
|
|
Post by Vianne Giry on Jan 12, 2007 22:42:55 GMT -5
*Vianne's eyes widened.* "But...wh--" *At a loss for words, she took a step back and tried to remove her hand from Percy's grip, an involuntary gasp of pain escaping her.*
|
|
|
Post by Sir Percy on Jan 12, 2007 22:44:21 GMT -5
Percy released her hand and gently caught her by the shoulders.
"Vianne!"
He reached out and gently cupped her chin.
"Are you unwell?"
|
|
|
Post by Vianne Giry on Jan 12, 2007 22:47:01 GMT -5
"No!" *she said quickly, angry with herself and half-turning away.* "It's only my hands," *she muttered dismissively, biting her lip.*
|
|