A Rake, A Spinster, And An Arrangement

Chapter 12 : Alone, But Not Lonely (Ep 3)

While there will be a great amount of art on display today in the new wing of Scrivenshaft House, it will not be the paintings on the wall that receive the most attention. Indeed, there will be a great many gentlemen in attendance that will be holding court this evening, including a few new delicacies that we have only entertained on one feathered evening.

To begin with, of course, there is the very handsome Duke of Nottingham. He is most certainly in want of a wife, so that he may be rid of his stepmother, the Lady Parkinson. He is often seen walking away from her. Perhaps the Lady Parkinson is looking to test the son against the father? Indeed, will not someone save the poor Duke?

Another recently returned, and my, does he lookripe for the picking, is the second eldest Weasley. Recently returned from the country, he is a strapping young lad that looks as though he can charm his way right into any young widow's bed. Perhaps the Duke should introduce his stepmother to Mr Weasley?

And, not to be forgotten, the Duke's good friend, the Marquees! He is finally being seen in attendance once more! While we have yet to see him on the dance floor, and will not enjoy such a display today, it is said that he is quite light footed. Perhaps, soon.

And of course, there is the still unwed Duke of Wiltshire, who has continued his courtship of Miss Potter. Will the two simply hurry up and wed already, before another scandal erupts? Honestly, one would think that, even as enamored as they are, they do not intend to wed!

Last, but most certainly not least, is the recently arrived Prince Viktor of Russia. He seems to have every eye in the Ton, both gentlemen and ladies. It is being said that the Prince is looking to establish himself permanently in England, and is in want of business prospects... and a wife.

How shall all of the young ladies of the Ton control themselves, with so many eligible gentlemen in attendance this day! Perhaps, even beyond the art and the fine male specimen, there will be another treat to feast our eyes upon...

Hermione entered Scrivenshaft House, her heart pounding in her chest. She had never been able to experience art in such a way, and her nerves felt on end. The fact that she would be meeting Draco here also... well, she had not seen him in two days, and she had felt as though they were on the verge of something important, at the Lovegood Ball. She wanted to know the answer to it.

She wanted to know what it was that had happened, afterwards. Harry had come home from the club smelling of cigars and bourbon, but when he had looked at her, it was so strange. It was almost as though... as though he knew something. Or perhaps... he understood something?

Something had happened, and if Harry was not going to tell her, she would simply have to ask the Duke.

Unfortunately, she was almost immediately distracted by the art.

This was a society event, one in which one was meant to be seen and to see... and nothing on display was the actual art. That was a simple excuse. No, this was a social gathering, and she knew that, but the art...

It sucked her in, almost immediately.

All thoughts of finding the Duke disappeared, and instead, Hermione simply moved from room to room, looking at each piece. She noted, over and over again, that the Duke's name was on the plaque - donated by, loaned by, for sale by... so many pieces coming from the Malfoy family.

None of them were... quite to her taste. Something about each was so cold, so rigid. They almost felt more like... technical work, than the work of an artist. Hermione was not one to judge - art was never her forte - but they were not to her taste.