He was Almost Absorbed by the System

Chapter Seventeen - The Heir and the Witch

Master Matthew stared for several more moments into those pale eyes that resembled so much those of his beloved from his life passed, causing the owner of said eyes to actually blush. It was quite obvious to see the red staining the naturally whitened skin, which clearly saw lack of sunlight. Feeling embarrassed himself, he pulled himself to his full height, while noting that the man before him was not much shorter than himself. For some reason, this pleased Matthew, as did much about the man. His hair was fair, with slight tones of blond and required a cut, for it was unfashionably long, even during a time where long hair on men was favoured. He was perhaps a tad too thin for his height and his plain attire was not quite cut right to his frame. He was not handsome and his wire rimmed glasses were loose upon his smallish nose, but there was still something appealing about him. Clearly he did not resemble Warren whatsoever, with the exception of those pale eyes, once icy blue and now a soft grey, but Matthew found himself hoping beyond hope that this man was his lover.

There was no recognition in those eyes, just an vivid curiosity. Matthew coughed and felt heat within his face. "My apologies, I am Matthew Westcott and you are?"

"Oh, um, Cornelius," the other man, whose age he could not quite ascertain, replied. "Cornelius Lincoln-Kay."

"Lincoln-Kay? By chance related to the Lincoln's?" Matthew asked.

Cornelius nodded. "My great-grandmother was the sister of the Main House."

"Ah, of course," Matthew stated in realisation. "I believe my father has had business dealings with your father on occasion." Cornelius nodded, it was probably true. Matthew sensed a finality to this topic of conversation and hastened to extend their contact. "You were interested in my pocket watch?" The other man's eyes lit up instantly and Matthew felt his heart clench. "I'm afraid I cannot tell you much. I bought it in a shop filled with curiosities and felt impelled to purchase it." He more than suspected the actual truth of its origins now he recalled his past life, but he felt he was forgetting something important. "There is no engraving upon it to state it's maker."

"May I?" Cornelius asked in a breathless fashion that stirred more than Matthew's heart. He swallowed back his sudden urges and offered the watch to the slender hands. The long fingers caressed the linear patterns, before turning it this way and that, examining the visible detailing, hands and face, before almost reluctantly returning it as if what was seen was not quite sufficient. Matthew watched this thorough play almost hypnotised. There was a strangely comfortable silence that fell between the two men after Matthew placed the timepiece in his pocket. The young man was more than certain now that the other man was his former lover and wondered just how they might reconnect. Patience, he urged himself, he doesn't remember me. For God's sake, I've only just remembered myself!

The lengthening peace forming the fragile connection of companionship was shattered in a moment as a shrill impatient voice came forward.  It took a moment longer to realise that the girl was not calling for him and he couldn't help but feel relief followed by dismay that it was Cornelius's name being called.  "Cornelius Edward Lincoln-Kay!" The girl, who was about his own age yelled haughtily to the man beside him, who almost whimpered in response.  The girl, whose pretty face was red from exertion, was accompanied by a young man of similar youthfulness.  From their similarities, both with dark brown hair and facial shape, they ought to be siblings, he felt.  "Just where have you been hiding yourself?  Do you not understand how rude it is to your host to distant yourself so?"

"Sister, brother..." Cornelius quickly responded, whilst throwing glances at Matthew, silently offering apologies for the girl's abruptness.  Matthew felt his tension relax a tad.  The girl was not his lover's wife.  He just hoped none would surface.... not that such an obstacle would stop him from pursuing the man now.

The girl glanced at Matthew just as her companion grasped her arm in both recognition and warming.  The man then bowed.  "Master Westcott," he said, calmly.  The girl offered a belated curtsy.

Matthew tilted his head towards Cornelius, who stuttered slightly before introducing them.  "Oh.. um.. Master Westcott.."

"Call me Matthew," he murmured softly so that his words only reached Cornelius's ear.  The other man's face reddened, much to Matthew's amusement. 

"Uh.. hmm... well," Cornelius couldn't quite make himself say the man's first name, but felt he didn't want to upset him by using his title either.  "Er.. yes.. this is my sister, Nellie Lincoln-Kay and my brother Amadeus Lincoln-Kay."

"Charmed," Matthew took Nellie's hand to kiss the back of it, before bowing slightly to Amadeus.

Nellie giggled lightly, which instantly irritated Matthew though he was trained enough not to let it show.  "Thank you for taking care of our older brother.  He is dear to us, despite his eccentricities."  Amadeus frowned, nudging her in the side to warn her from saying too much, but his warning clearly was ignored if the sudden glare his sister threw at him was anything to go by.

"It was of no merit," Matthew brushed off her words.  "I found our conversation delightful and enjoyed his company."  Don't speak ill of your brother, girl.

"Our parents will be pleased to hear that Cornelius did not embarrass himself this time," Nellie said.  It seemed the girl could be quite the unthinking witch and this was clearly not the first time she had spoken out so from the angered look of Amadeus.  Cornelius, however, seemed completely unperturbed, as if his mind had wandered elsewhere.  Or perhaps he was used to it and just did not bother letting her sentiment get to him.  "Oh and please excuse my twin," she said, as an elbow prodded her waist once more, "he is only not this silent when speaking business.  Stop doing that!" She yelled at Amadeus, "how will you ever find a bride when you treat your sister so cruelly?"  It seemed Cornelius was not the only victim of her wicked tongue.

"How will you ever get a husband when you cannot hold your tongue," Amadeus quietly responded.  She huffed, childishly and crossed her arms about her ample chest.  Matthew chuckled slightly behind his hand.  Despite the poison, the girl was quite beautiful, he was sure there would be several men willing to claim the rose despite its thorns. 

*Ting*

Cornelius was instantly drawn back to reality, his eyes fixated upon Matthew's pocket.  "Oh!" He said with infectious enthusiasm, "it chimes as well!"

"That it does," Matthew agreed with a grin, silently aware that it had never done so before.  Taking it out of his pocket, he opened the cover with a click to glance at the face which had altered for his eyes only.

Mission; Prevent the consumption of the drink now being delivered to Lady Katrina.  Warning, do not attempt consumption of said drink.

Matthew could not quite hide the frown from his face, but quickly recomposed himself.  "Ah," he thought rapidly, "forgive me, but I must excuse myself.  It has been delightful.  Hopefully we can speak again soon."

Amadeus nodded, while his sister clearly showed a look of disappointment.  He could not quite read the expression upon his lover(hopefully)'s face.  It pained him, but he tore himself away from Cornelius and returned to the gallery to find his sister and save her from whatever potential poison was heading her way.