Contrite & Convicted

Harmony Part II

Harmony Part II

Anthony and Benedict sat within his art studio at school, watching the other fumble around. Benedict for being merely drunk and Anthony for being a lout.

"Do you do this every night?" Anthony asked his increasingly annoying brother.

Benedict rolled his brown eyes. "It is a party brother." Anthony scoffed and looking into his brothers hazing eyes.

"This is not exactly what I had picture for an institution of this tuition...or is it?" Benedict laughed.

"Ugh, stop parenting." Benedict laid his head against the futon, encouraging Anthony to drink some wine, to which of course, he accepted.

"I merely wish to remind you brother, you are up in line to find a wife, a suitable match. You may be the second brother but that does not make you scarce in this race, it does not exempt you, or Collin from familial duty.."

"Parenting, brother!" Anthony scoffed, and swallowed some more wine, as Benedict did the same. For what other thing was there to do at a party?

"Does this have anything to do with your own son and your own scandal?" Anthony scoffed and pointed to nothing, but thinking of everything. Benedict swallowed some more wine.

"Look, brother. Things may seem bleak now, but it as I have learned in my studies. If life is not the artwork you wish to create...alter the color palate. Or change your...perspective." Anthony looked at the other artists, dancing, dreaming, drinking and painting.

It may have seemed odd to him, but it was no different that things he found of interest. Hunting, riding, working...

Nevertheless, he came with purpose.

"I've come to let you know Mother wishes to throw a ball soon. Or some sort of soiree. She wishes for your attendance." Benedict nodded and placed the invitation on his desk. Hoping tomorrow, when he was sober that he would remember it.

Little did he know, he had already forgotten it.

___________________

"I do detest art." Ester mentioned as both Violet and herself stood at the steps of the gallery. With massive artworks hanging above their own heads. Violet shared a small chuckle.

"You never did, but neither did your mother if I am correct." Ester and her both smiled as they wandered around the art gallery.

"Have you seen Eloise recently?" Ester asked Violet. Ester had noticed her coming and going at odd hours and sneaking out of society events, but never asked her. It was not her business, should she seek solitude.

"She is around somewhere, off to hide. Oh look, there are the Banes!" As if on cue, Lawrence and Kate wrapped around the stone statue of Hermes.

"Why, Viscount and Viscountess, how lovely to see you both to be able to congratulate you on your wedding." Lawrence and Kate both bowed respectfully and accepted the formalities and felicitations.

"Thank you, Viscountess, we thank you." Lawrence looked towards Ester and extended his hands in greeting.

"Viscountess, how does little Jacob fare given the tons need for uncouth hovering?"

Ester smiled but blushed at his openness, even though she appreciated it.

"The lad does not seem to notice anything different. Other than an unusual amount of hovering and snuggling. I doubt he minds." The two shared a small laugh and Ester turned to Kate.