9
Samh 9.10.1342 18:00
Theodomani spoke of nothing but the best qualities of his lady love the entire way to her home. He explained how she had taken ill at the thought of his death and had only now recovered enough to receive visitors. Geodor found this all amusing and a bit overdramatic on the lady’s part, but he kept his mouth shut on the topic.
After their arrival, they were shown into the main parlor where the two cousins were focused on practicing their instruments. He recognized Jeanilotta, Theodomani’s beloved, at once from the description of her that he had received. A slight paleness added to the delicate clearness of her complexion. Her luxuriant black hair was knotted in two buns atop her head and a diamond studded net covered each. Two thin strands of hair framed her face in small ringlets. She was tall and commanding with that dignified movement and haughty gestures as she sat strumming the harp. Geodor’s first impression was that she did not seem to be one who had just recovered from a near fatal shock. It was clear that she must have been a belle of the city and not only knew this fact but reveled in it.
He assumed the woman at the piano to be Abaledina, the orphaned cousin. From what he could see, she had chestnut-colored hair pulled back in a double French braid that was woven together into one braid at the loose ends. The cousins were similarly dressed, one in yellow and one in violet. Their leggings had contrasting thick black stripes running down the outside. Their short-sleeve, off-the-shoulder silk tops were patterned with geometric shapes. These were worn over what looked a tank top made of natural, undyed silk lace that had the same geometric patterns woven into it.
They finished their song, and Jeanilotta impatiently asked, “I wonder where Theodomani is today?”
“Here," the man next to him said. “Allow me to present Viscount Elwynalam, the man who saved me from an unfortunate death on the moon.”
Jeanilotta laid aside her harp and rose with a grace that Geodor could tell was meant to display to every advantage her elegant figure before she quickly crossed to him.
“I owe you much, my lord, and must forever remain your debtor. You have preserved my life by saving that of my friend." She dramatically gave a hand to him, as she said this while her full black eyes swam with tears in their clear crystal depths.
Although captivated and amused by this display, he noted the other young woman had risen from her seat and now stood gracefully next to the piano.
Jeanilotta instantly noticed she had lost his attention and added, “Permit me to present to you, my cousin, my adopted sister, Abaledina.”
As soon as all were introduced, Jeanilotta became very animated from the presence of the two men. After only a short while, Geodor realized she expected them both to hang on her every word. Theodomani naturally gratified her wish, but he found himself faking it. Her vanity was clear, but it was tempered by her desire to be adored. Without her specifically saying it, he believed it was Jeanilotta's impulse to charm him.
He glanced at Theodomani, childlike and loving, as he feasted upon the heightened charms of his betrothed bride. There was no hint of jealousy—he was unaware of the guile in his lover’s eyes.
Geodor smiled to himself. She would learn soon enough that he would not be a stepping stone for her next conquest.
His mind preferred to focus on the quieter cousin. Abaledina had been cast into the shade by her Jeanilotta’s display. She took her embroidery stand and retired to a low window seat almost as soon as she had been introduced. It was her sapphire blue eyes and more womanly figure that attracted his attention, but she spent most of her time as a listener instead of a participant in the conversation.
He often noticed the sweet smile that occasionally played about her mouth and felt he could accurately read the reactions in her eyes to the things discussed. This quiet expressiveness hinted at an inner strength and did more to raise her in his esteem than an hour of incessant talking could do.
“And what attraction was there to bring you to the moon?" asked Jeanilotta, when she noticed his eyes straying too long from her again.
“If I had known the attractions in this room, perhaps I would have vacationed here instead!" replied Geodor. “La Soutain is celebrated the world over for the beauty of its ladies, but I had hardly hoped that I would all at once behold her two most lovely daughters."
"Reserve your admiration, my lord," continued Jeanilotta, unaware that he had easily avoided answering her question. "We hope to show you a world of beauty this week, if you honor our Friday ball with your presence.”
Careful not to let his smile drop at the mention of a ball, he glanced at all three of the other inhabitants. He was able to assure himself that if this was the same ball the thugs had mentioned earlier, none of those present was aware of the connection.
“Please, forgive us the imposition,” Abaledina spoke for the first time, misunderstanding his silence for reluctance to attend. “My aunt felt a ball would be the ideal way to celebrate Jeanilotta and Theodomani’s engagement as well as Theodomani’s safe return to us. Sometimes in her planning, she does not take the participant’s feelings into consideration.”
“I would love to attend. It will give me a perfectly acceptable chance to dance with you if you are willing.”
Abaledina blushed beautifully.
“Perhaps you would also allow me to steal your betrothed for a dance,” he quickly added, turning to his new friend. Theodomani agreed whole-heartedly and backed it up with a diatribe on how well his betrothed danced. Glancing at Jeanilotta, though, he noticed an almost jealous look that she shot at Abaledina.
“Abaledina,” she said, her voice sweet and venomous, “you are looking sad tonight. Is it possible that the sudden departure of your betrothed, Eriath, is the cause? I did not think his absence had ever afflicted you thus before.” Turning to Geodor, she added, “I’m sure my brother wouldn’t mind you dancing with her in his absence.”
He scanned Abaledina’s countenance at the mention of her engagement, and it indicated a severe internal struggle.
"Yes, I, too, am betrothed," she absentmindedly added.
Pushing aside her embroidery, she excused herself from the party, stating she had some correspondence to complete. Geodor puzzled over this response. Prior to Jeanilotta’s statement, Abaledina seemed happy and content, sitting quietly with them. It was only after mention of the fiancé that she seemed sad. A slow smile crept across his face. If her heart were truly engaged, he would best be able to judge that at the ball.
The men had stayed longer than was proper, but Geodor learned much and was introduced to a woman who stirred feelings of attachment inside him that he had never felt before. She also presented him with a mystery—and he loved trying to solve mysteries.
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