» in bad company, tag: mr elkins

[Adrienne de Marque]

Adrienne had awoken early that day to an empty room and an equally empty bed. The only way to explain the lock of wolf dogs crowding her bed was that Papa and her brothers had taken the day to go hunting, and, with her mother on holiday, she was totally alone in the house. It took her a while to convince herself that she did, in fact, need to get out of bed and get dressed for the day, in case visitors were to come. After all, with the masters of the house gone, it was her duty to make sure everything was taken care of.

She eventually did get up from bed, calling her maid in to help her get ready for the day ahead. With no plans to leave the house, she instructed Anya to keep her hair down and in it's natural ringlets around her face and body. She munched on the small breakfast of fruit that was out before her as Anya manipulated the curls to fall just so, in the way that would flatter her features the most.

Her clothing was nothing elaborate as she did not plan on being seen by more than a few people, and consisted of a simple white shirt and a high waited, full, black skirt that set off her tiny waist and emphasized the hourglass figure she naturally possessed. Though it was simple, the little French girl made sure she still looked as lovely as she could in it. After all, she was one of the prettier girls around, she had a reputation to uphold.

She moved downstairs and into the parlor, sliding into her favorite arm chair and turning to sit in it in a most unladylike fashion. With her back against one arm and her legs draped over the opposite arm, she balanced a book on her upraised thighs and began to read, ready to move if she were to acquire company.

[Roderick Elkins]

With the holiday quickly approaching, Roderick found himself completely buried in work. Wizard after wizard and witch after witch had tried to create home-made magical presents and had completely failed in them. They often left rather large messes for Roderick and his employees to clean up, as well as a mound of paperwork that needed to be written up and filed away. Normally, the man didn't mind such a thing. He liked to work hard. It made him feel accomplished and productive. Wasting a day away from boredom was not an option for the man. He had never been bored a day in his life. There was always something to work on, something to improve.

Today however, he'd found that he had several files that needed to be signed by Alexandre de Marque. The man had taken a holiday to spend time with his family instead of working. While Roderick didn't agree with his decision (for what kind of a man chose his family over responsibility?) but he was unable to move forward in his filing until he was able to have the current ones taken care of. The forty-two year old slipped the files neatly in his brief case before he left the offices and headed to Wellingtonshire. The de Marques did not leave far from him and he reached their house after only a short walk.

He straightened his charcoal colored overcoat about him as well as his black trousers. The crisp white shirt underneath did not possess a single wrinkle and the dark mahogany-brown vest that he wore over it was pressed neatly. The black buttons upon his coat glinted in the winter sunlight as he knocked upon the de Marque's door. A maid answered, to which he announced himself, "My name is Roderick Elkins, I'm here to see Mr. de Marques, as we have some business that he needs to attend to for the Ministry. It won't take long."

[Adrienne de Marque]

Adrienne's ears perked up as she could hear the maid opening the door in the adjoining parlor. She closed her book for a moment so her senses were totally in tune to the conversation in the parlor. The heavily accented voice of the Russian maid echoed off the carpet free parlor.

"Master de Marque iz out of ze house for ze afternew with his sonz. However, hiz daughter iz in, I'm sure she would be deelighted to help yew."

Adrienne immediately closed the book in her lap and stood from her chair, taking up the act of a perfect hostess. She glided with grace and sophistication to the door of the parlor, opening it and stepping so the door framed her oh so perfectly, in a way she had practiced until it was perfect. She clasped her hands on the front of her ebony skirts, observing the man in the door for a moment.

"Bonjour, Monsieur." Her naturally accented voice purred. She then glided a little farther forward, turning whiskey amber eyes to the maid. "That will be all, Helga. Merci." When the Russian woman had taken her leave, she then turned the same, entrancing eyes to their visitor. "I'm sorry, I fear you have just missed my father. He and my brothers have taken a quick hunt this morning and should not be gone long."

She stepped back a little and gestured to the parlor. "I would be honored to have your company, however, while we both wait for them to return."

[Roderick Elkins]

The information that the maid gave him was rather disappointing. It meant that his day would be even longer than it would have been already. There was nothing he could do until the files were signed. It was not in his interest to waste time chatting away with de Marque's daughter about unimportant things. Before he could respond to the maid and decline in as a polite of way as possible, the sound of footsteps approaching could be heard. He had never met Miss de Marque and had had no intentions of it. Marrying a co-workers daughter was not something he wanted to consider - he would never be able to get away from work for his home life would remind him of it as well. Granted, he was a workaholic and the only thing he ever thought about was work. However, he liked to imagine that one day he wouldn't be quite so obsessive about it and would actually take the weekends off to relax.

The figure that came into view from the doorway was lovely. She was dressed simply yet beautifully and her face was one of the most beautiful he'd ever seen. The way she held herself was astounding. The way she spoke, even more so. She was perfect in his eyes, which was a title that was rather hard to achieve in the stickler's books. He usually always found one thing or another wrong with the girl. Determined that he simply had overlooked something, he responded with a cordial, "I would be quite honored to accept your invitation." There was no trace of his interest in her in his face, for he was well practiced in the art of deception.

As he entered the house, he said, "I apologize for calling without warning. I just needed to discuss a few things with Mr. de Marque and had hoped that he might be home. It is quite fortunate that he is not, for I don't believe I would have made the acquaintance of such a lovely lady as yourself Miss de Marque." He imagined that her father liked to keep her quite hidden. Roderick didn't blame him. She was a treasure that any man would love to have as his own. His dark chocolate hued eyes held a brightness to them as he offered her a small smile.

[Adrienne de Marque]

Adrienne smiled as he accepted her invitation, gliding in to the parlor. "It's hardly a chore. Monsieur. Our house is always open to distinguished looking gentlemen, such as yourself." She moved across the room to the drink cabinet, gesturing with one, long fingered hand to the furniture-two arms chairs, a love seat, and a chaise- poised together around the fire place where a warm fire was burning. "Please do take a seat and make yourself comfortable."

She stepped elegantly around the musical instruments displayed in the room, running her hand almost seductively over the polished surface of the grand piano, the cello, and the violin all displayed appropriately. She could play all of them, and did frequently. Her brothers did like to hear her play, after all. She then stopped before the drink cabinet, opening it with delicate hands. She knew it was still rather early, but it was only proper to offer her guest a drink.

She then turned back to him, as to not speak to him totally over her shoulder, without looking at him. "May I fix you a drink, sir?" She asked, one delicate brow arched nearly to her hairline. "I know it is still rather early but it is only polite of me to ask. If you would prefer something more subdued, I can have Helga make us up some tea."

To be honest, Adrienne would prefer a bit of a stouter liquid. She was a drinker, and loved a good glass of brandy no matter the time of day.

[Roderick Elkins]

As he followed her into the parlor, he couldn't help but admire her form and the way it moved when she walked. He didn't allow himself to stare, for that would be entirely improper, but he was able to sneak a glance or two before she turned to face him once more. Roderick didn't like to think of himself as a man who thought of a woman as merely an object - but he was in denial. He simply thought of them as an accessory. A wife would complete his life, if only because it would elevate his status and he would have someone to bear his children and pass on the family name. The actual act of having (and creating) children interested him very little - although he knew he wouldn't hate the latter. It was just something society expected of him. He would not be viewed as successful until those steps had been achieved.

"Thank you," He replied politely while he settled himself upon the chaise. There were many instruments in the room he noticed immediately. The way she touched them hinted that she adored each and every one. Roderick had heard of women who could play several instruments, but all three? It certainly was an accomplishment. Granted, they might be her mothers, but her familiarity with them convinced him that she played all three - and well. Before he could ask her about them however, she fixed her gaze upon him and acted every part the cordial hostess. He shook his head, "Regrettably, I'll have to request for the tea. I must return to the Ministry later today and have quite a bit of work to do. If it were later in the day however, I would very much like one." In fact, he usually had a glass of brandy or ale with his dinner. If it had been around that hour, he certainly wouldn't have denied her offer.

After a moment of admiring the instruments - for though he'd never learned to play one - he knew what sort of music they could create. "Are you rather fond of music, Miss de Marque?" He asked, motioning toward the piano, cello and violin. It had been obvious to him that she was, however it was rude to make assumptions. Aside from this, he wanted to hear her speak and perhaps make a generalized sketch of her personality. Her beauty had enticed him enough to pay a good deal of attention to her in the light of a potential bride, whether she knew it or not. He kept his face and voice vaguely interested however, since he didn't want to start off as incredibly attentive at first. He imagined she had suitors who did just that, but it was not his style.

[Adrienne de Marque]

Adrienne felt a sly, almost seductive smirk creep onto her features, leaning back against the liquor cabinet slightly. "Ah, the pain of forced sobriety." She teased before slinking over to the door and opening it, sticking her head out for a moment to call to Helga once more. "Helga, some tea if you will." Once the maid had responded that she understood, Adrienne closed the door once more before, turning just in time to hear his question.

"Oh." She replied, almost having forgotten the instruments in the room. She had made it a subconscious habit to touch each of the instruments as she walked by, to simply get a feel for them. She loved the arts, all forms of it, particularly music. "Yes, actually. Papa made sure I was well cultured in the arts. I was trained in the violin, cello, and piano, as well as vocal and ballet. My brothers as well also play at least once instrument, mine was supposed to be the harp, but I enjoyed Etienne's violin more than I did my harp, from the violin came the cello, and I picked up piano from my Papa. He is a wonderful player."

Only then did she realize that not only had she not asked him his name, but she had neglected to tell him her own. She felt a bright crimson blush work onto her creamy skin. "Pardonnez-moi. I never introduced myself to you." She walked a little closer before dipping into a low curtsy, bowing her head slightly. "I'm Adrienne de Marque."

[Roderick Elkins]

Roderick allowed himself an appreciative quirk of his lips in response to her tease. While he personally didn't have a very strong sense of humor, he had a fondness for sarcasm. Usually, it erred on the harsh side of things but he was able to find amusement in things that were much more neutral.

Roderick listened interestedly as she explained just how avid her interest in the musical arts was. The more he heard - violin, cello, piano, vocals and even ballet - the more interested he found himself in her. She was everything that he wanted to have in a wife. She was well cultured, refined, had a sharp wit (from what he had deduced), and above everything: beautiful. "I wouldn't want to put you on the spot Miss de Marque, but I wonder if perhaps you might play something for me? I quite admire a woman who has so many talents - I would feel very honored to listen in on something so exquisitely refined," He asked, his dark eyes bright while his face retained the faintly interested scheme.

The shade her cheeks colored enhanced her beauty even further. He did not allow himself to admire her, for he did not want her to know just how intriguing he found her. He rose from his seat as she drew near, "A beautiful french name - I must say, your parents have wonderful taste," He commented and dipped forward slightly into a bow, "I am not sure if you overheard the maid and I - I am Roderick Elkins." A small smile played about his lips as he stood and met her gaze.

[Adrienne de Marque]

Adrienne smiled slightly when he stood, bowing to her as she curtsied before standing once more. She nearly exhaled in relief upon seeing that he did not tower over her, much as her father, brothers, and most men in general did. At her height at a little over five feet tall, five foot five even in her tallest shoes, most men still were like a giant to her. Him, not so much, and she immediately liked that about him.

"C'est un plaisir, Monsieur Elkins." She purred in her native tongue, her courtly, charming smile still on her face. "And Merci. I was named after my paternal grandmother and my mother." She then turned her eyes back to her piano, her courtly smile turning to one of pure, longing delight. "And I would love to play for you." She gestured back to his seat. "Please, do it comfortable."

She moved to the piano and slid onto the seat carefully, raising the lid with delicate hands. She flexed her fingers a few times, feeling the joints crack and loosen up before placing her hands on the keys. She tapped a few experimentally before beginning to play a slow, mournful tune.

After the first measure, she allowed her voice to join her fingers, the soft soprano ringing through the carpetless room.

"I've heard there was a secret chord that David played and it pleased the Lord, but you don't really care for music, do you? It goes like this the fourth the fifth, the minor fall and the major lift. The baffled kings composing hallelujah. Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah." She sang the first verse before playing a measure and moving into the second verse.

"Well, your faith was strong, but you needed proof, you saw her bathing on the roof. Her beauty in the moonlight overthrew you. She tied you to her kitchen chair, she broke your throne, she cut your hair. And from your lips she drew that hallelujah. Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah."

___________________________

notes totally stole the lyrics from Leonard Cohen/Allison Crowe because that song is TOO pretty.

[Roderick Elkins]

OOC: I love that song. <3

IC:

Roderick had a simple understanding of the french language. While he could not speak it save for a pitifully put together sentence, he was able to understand her. Luckily, she kept the sentences she spoke rather short. The man had never been entirely fond of the language - for he hadn't liked anything that wasn't english - but he didn't think he minded when she spoke it. It sounded graceful, like a honeyed lullaby.

The fact that she had agreed to play for him spoke of self-confidence that he admired. He did not like the women who shied away when it was their turn in the spotlight. It spoke of ill breeding and poor character. Such words could not even be placed in the same sentence as Miss de Marque's name, for she was the complete opposite. "Thank you," He replied again while he retook his seat like she had suggested. He would have much preferred to stand nearer to her so that he could watch her more fully, but it would be rude to do such a thing now that she'd requested he sit.

The man listened intently as the first measure was played. It was a beautiful song that she had chosen and one that he did not recognize. While he had not expected her to sing, it was a wonderful surprise. He leaned back against the chaise while his eyes flicked between her deftly moving fingers to her face and lips. She appeared as if she rather enjoyed herself and Roderick was pleased. She was very talented, which was somewhat impressive to the man. His eyes were bright as he listened to her while a genuinely interested look rested upon his face.

[Adrienne de Marque]

Adrienne was aware of his eyes watching her, but it did not effect her. She had always been one who loved playing to a crowd, which, she was sure, was her reasoning behind learning as many instruments as she had. It always gave her an opportunity to entertain, much as she was now. Though most crowds she did cater to were much larger than this one, she would not deny an attentive crowd anything.

"Well baby, I've been here before. I've seen this room and I've walked this floor. I used to live alone before I knew you. I've seen your flag on the marble arch, but love is not a victory march. It's a cold and it's a broken hallelujah. Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah." Her voice continued strong and clear as her fingers stroked the keys almost sensually. She played another measure before beginning into the next verse, her favorite verse.

"Well, there was a time when you let me know what's really going on below, but now you never show that to me, do you?" The flirt in her always came out when she sang this verse. Her eyes lifted from the keys to lock on her audience of one, locking with his dark eyes so similar to her own. The dark, whiskey color of her own eyes burned with a bright and seductive intensity. "Remember when I moved in you, and the Holy ghost was moving too, and every breath we drew was hallelujah. Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah."

She exhaled hard and broke the gaze, looking back to the keys, her whole intention to leave him longing and wanting more. Now to simply wait for him to react, and see if it worked.

[Roderick Elkins]

The performance was intriguing. As he watched her play, his mind whirled. He was incredibly interested in courting her, but without her father's permission it would be unacceptable. He must speak to her father, privately, about the matter. Not today, for he did not want to appear smitten, but perhaps at work sometime in the upcoming weeks. He was not smitten by her in the least... then again, perhaps he was just a tad, but not enough where he could not control himself. She was a fine specimen and would make a perfect wife. He viewed it more as a business deal than a matter of the heart.

The locked gaze she gave him while she sang had not been expected and he felt something inside him stir, but he fastened it down rather quickly. Roderick disliked the feeling of not being in control. He felt that perhaps he might have a hard time controlling her, as she seemed to have a rather wild streak, but if he was able to keep her happy and attentive to him once they were married, he saw no issue with it. If it made him have to shower her with gifts everyday, then so be it. He certainly could afford it.

He met her gaze firmly, but warmly. His body position and face remained aloof, but his eyes bore intently into hers. He was a human being after all, and a man. He had his faults, whether he liked to admit it or not. All he wanted was to rise and stand near her and breath in her scent, but he forced himself to stay planted in his seat and strove to appear even more aloof and less affected by her.

[Adrienne de Marque]

Adrienne had tried to break her gaze with a finality. to leave him wanting more. But it apparently did not work. From what she could tell, he had not even moved, but she could feel his eyes still watching her. She was not liking this. He had far too much self control for her to play this game with, which meant she was going to have to try a new tact.

She moved into the last verse of the song, fingers still stroking the keys sensually. "Well, maybe there is a God above, but all that I've ever learned from love aas how to shoot somebody who outdrew you. And it's not a cry that you hear at night, and it's not somebody who's seen the light. It's a cold and it is a broken hallelujah. Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah. Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah." She finished the song and allowed her hands to rest, still gently on the keys.

She waited for him to say something, anything, and then she would enact her new game strategy: meet his aloofness with much of the same thing. In short, fight fire with fire. She waited in silence, the last note still ringing on the walls. Just as she was about to stand, Helga appeared at the door with a tray of tea.

"Thank you, Helga. If you would, set it on the table please." She asked politely, smiling her thanks when she did. She then stood from the piano, closing it carefully and waiting for her company to speak.

[Roderick Elkins]

Roderick was not aware of the frustration he had caused the girl to have. As the song ended, he clapped his hands politely and enthused, "That was beautiful Miss de Marque. I don't believe I've ever heard such a wonderful sound in all my years." It was genuine and a small smile sat about his lips. While she was a bit of a flirt, he still had every intention to request permission to court her once he was able to speak to her father.

The tea upon the table was warm and smelled flavorful. He had been rather chilled from the walk and the heat of the liquid would be welcome in his belly. While liquor would have made him warmer for a good deal longer, he did not allow himself to be tempted. It was rude for him to serve himself forever, so he simply sat and waited for her to offer him a cup.

"I imagine you've been playing the piano for a good number of years?" He asked her, still rather interested in the matter, "And singing as well? You have a lovely voice, so sweet and genuine."

[Adrienne de Marque]

Adrienne nodded politely as he asked her of her piano. "Yes. Papa has been playing to me since I can remember. I just picked it up from him. As I said, the harp was my intended instrument. Unfortunately, the gorgeous instrument sits up in my closet, played only once." She sauntered over, hips swaying before taking her seat carefully. "Please, help yourself. I'm still sated from breakfast."

She sat up perfectly straight in her chair, as was expected of her, though her gaze was far less intense, and much more uninterested. She looked out the window, as if looking for her father and brothers to return. She could only smile slightly, if not ruefully, upon seeing their horses come through the woods and into view. Her little game would have to come to an end...for now.

"Papa and my brothers have returned." she informed her guest, standing slowly from her seat. "They should be in momentarily. I must go meet them, if you will excuse me for a moment?" Her request was simple enough. She did, of course, have to inform her father that he had company.