Theodosia smiles at the look girl. Looking over to the other twin, she offers a gentle look. She doesn't want to force her to come over if she's not comfortable with it. The situation is soon resolved when the girls are sent upstairs to play. She shifts her attention back to Dominic. "It's perfectly fine. The girls are both delightful." She certainly wouldn't have minded them staying downstairs. Laughing quietly, she hands over a few of the cards. "Yes, please. Any help would be fantastic. You have already been more than helpful but I won't turn down an offer to help me write these notes." Her smile grows a little more. "All you have to put is a basic thank you and some sort of compliment. Anything to do with flower arrangements or the wonderful food usually wins them over." Honestly, she doesn't know what food will be served or what the decoration will look like but she can make an educated guess based off of the last parties.
Romance (O/O @Second-rate-Illy)
Dominic began writing, and while he did that he was searching his brain for something to talk about. "Lady Theodosia, if you don't mind asking, what was you childhood like?" Hoping it wasn't to personal, Dominic waited for any story she had, that or for her to turn him down and move on to something else, but right now he couldn't think of anything else. Dominic was too scared to ask why, or how she ended up with Richard. He wanted to know more about her, everything about her. What are you desperate?
(Sorry it's bad. I'm super tired and I'm having trouble thinking.)
"Well, I am an only child and my parents are the Duke and Duchess Bennett. My parents were very busy people so I was raised mostly by my nanny. Um, I met Richard three years ago and my parents arranged for us to be married and we have been married for three years." Theodosia briefly pauses in writing to think. She doesn't offer very much information on her and Richard's relationship. What is there to tell? The marriage was arranged and she wasn't allowed to say no. "There really isn't much to tell." Offering a slight smile, she goes back to scribbling down polite words for the thank you notes.
(It's totally fine! : ) )
"Seems we have something in common. I'm also and only child, I wish I had siblings though." He decided to talk about this since he didn't really want to hear about the whole Richard thing. "I lives seem so different, it's crazy." Unlike Theodosia, his mother loved him very much and worked hard to feed then when his father left. That was until she got sick. Dominic took over then. He work carrying heavy loads to the stores around here, since a lot of elderly live in this town. But the Richard found him. He took both his mother and him in. The only thing was he hasn't seen his mother since. "Did you ever wish to have a sibling?" Dominic eyes never left the notes, he wanted to finish this as soon as possible so he could take her walking through the town.
"It does seem as though we have something in common despite how different our upbringings were," She laughs lightly. "Yes and no. It would have been nice to have someone to play with. My parents wouldn't let me play with any of the other kids in town so I was rather lonely. I fear that if I had a sibling my parents would have pitted us against each other." Theodosia finishes with the first batch of notes. All that's left is for Dominic to finish what he has. "What about you? Did you ever wish for a sibling?" Her parents are………..interesting so it's probably for the best that she doesn't have a brother or sister. Being an only child also means that she gets the family fortune when her parents pass. She doesn't really care for the money though.
"Yes and no." Dominic laughed because she said the same thing. But it was true. "It was already hard enough on my mom with just one kid, but it would have been nice to have someone around. That's why I was thankful for my friends." He only wished he still talked to them. Coming into town today though he might run into one. Dominic finished his last card before pushing it towards Theodosia. "Since we are done with that, would you like to get food now?" Mary brought out a menu of the foods they had. Dominic already knew he was going to get the beef stew, because what was better than beef stew on a winter day.
(Sorry I'm a bit busy, so I had to write this quickly.)
"Yes, some food would be nice," Theodosia agrees with a small nod and smile. Picking up the menu, she looks though it, considering everything for a moment or two. There are all sorts of options. Stew, breads, pastries, sandwiches, soups, drinks and a few more things. Everything looks wonderful but she decides to go with a croissant and some tea. She had eaten a good breakfast this morning and isn't hungry enough for proper food. "Have you lived in town all of your life?" She asks, wanting to know more about him. It's hard to find someone to talk to since everyone is afraid to talk to her since they don't want to get on her husband's bad side. All she wants is a friend or two so she isn't so lonely.
(It's all good!)
"Yes, I didn't get to travel much like I wished." Dominic had always had a dream of traveling the world, but with his mother getting sick and now working for Richard, that dream dream began to fade away. "Here sweet hearts." Mary brought in their food and immediately Dominic's mouth began to water. Debby's cooking was good, but there was something about Mary's food that he loved. Maybe it was the nostalgia of it. The smell filled his nose, and before eating he wanted to take that in since he didn't know when he would be back. "I think I was about nineteen when Richard found me and took me in." He wasn't going to mention that Richard hasn't let him see his mother since. That would sound sketchy and he didn't want Theodosia to feel she was in more danger then she already is.
“Maybe you will get a chance to travel sometime in the future,” Theodosia offers, trying to be optimistic. She would love to travel and see everything that the world has to offer but the chances of that happening are slim. “Thank you, Mrs. Hughes.” A polite smile tugs at her lips as she gratefully accepts the food. Everything smells divine. The tea has a a delicious apple cinnamon aroma and the croissant reminds her of a fond memory from her childhood. “Your mother must really appreciate all that you do. Do you get to see her very often?” She asks, uncertain of the arrangement between Dominic and Richard. Her husband doesn’t tell her anything business wise. It is not her place to know what’s going on.
"Not as much I'd like." He said as he took a bite of food. This was something he didn't like talking about much. Dominic decided he should talk to Richard about it. Seeing his mother was something Richard shouldn't deprive him of. "My father left when I was just a child." He figured he might as well tell her. "So I was always the man of the house." He laughed and took another bite. Being vulnerable wasn't something Dominic did often, but if he wanted Theodosia to see him more and notice him he was going to have to let her in. And he wanted her to start to notice him.
She nods her head slightly as she sips at her tea. The pipping hot beverage tastes even more amazing now since it's freezing cold outside. "Oh, I am so sorry to hear that," She says, both in reference to the lack of time spent with his mother and the fact that his father left. "You must have been quite the spunky child, running around and getting things done." A smile appears on her face as she pictures it. She picks up her croissant and takes a small bite. It tastes heavenly. The inside is warm and soft but the outside is crisp and flaky. It's perfect. A quiet sigh of contentment escapes her lips. She wishes that she could bake as well as the Hughes.
"I wouldn't call myself spunky, but I was definitely determined and motivated." And he still was, if it was for his mother and now Theodosia he wouldn't be around. Honestly, he would've left this town a long time ago. There wasn't much here for him besides two people and one was already married and the other, Dominic didn't even know if she was still alive at this point. Not realizing it Dominic let out a sigh. Why am I here again? He took another bite of his food, it was a bit salty, but that's how he liked it, and Mary knew that. "I wonder how Debby and Marissa are doing?" I'll also need to find a suit for this party. Dominic didn't have many clothes to wear besides his work uniform. "
Blowing lightly on her tea, she cools it down enough so she doesn't manage to burn her tongue. She glances over to him and raises her brows at the sigh. Was something wrong? She's tempted to ask but she doesn't want to intrude. As much as she would like to ask what's wrong and possibly help, she also understands that there's a good chance that he's not comfortable around her. Most of her husbands employees aren't. She can't blame them for that. "We should go check on them. I would hate to leave them waiting in the snow if they have already completed the shopping." She brushes the crumbs off of her hands and neatly tidies everything up. "Are you finished eating?" She asks, not wanting to rush him.
"Sounds like a good plan." Dominic stood making sure his chair did scratch the ground. Taking his bowl and water cup to the counter he hand it to Mary. "Thank you, it was delicious." With a smile he walked back over and gathered Theodosia dishes as well. He didn't do it to make her feel like she couldn't, it just came naturally for him. "You ready?" He held out his hand like always, it just seemed like the gentlemanly thing to do. Dominic just hoped if she got tired of it that he would tell her. He didn't want to become a nuisance. Taking in the warmth he put his jacket back on preparing for the wave of coolness.
Theodosia raises to her feet and carefully pushes her chair in. She politely thanks both Mary and Dominic before she takes his arm. "Yes, I am." With Addie tucked in one arm and her other looped through Dominic's, she steps towards the door. The bakery is warm and cozy so stepping back out into the cold is going to be an unpleasant shock. "Is there anything else that we need to do before we have to go back?" She would hate to get home only to learn that they've forgotten something important. Richard wouldn't be pleased if she forgot to do everything expected of her. She really doesn't want to deal with him and his short temper.
"Ah, yes actually there is, and I could use you help with it." She was close to Richard, so maybe, just maybe she can help him pick an outfit for the ball. He led her out and the cold air hit him like a ton of bricks. Is whole body was shivering, and Theodosia could probably easily tell. Though he kept a smile on anyway. "I don't understand people who can just sit outside and enjoy this." It was a mystery to him. He knew an older couple when he lived here that did that. Walking down the street, Dominic would kick up some snow just for the fun of it. He wished he was still a kid and could come and play in the snow for a awhile. Dominic turned right and there it was, Brunstetter's seamstress shop. The best clothing shop in town. They were so well known that people from other towns would come here and buy dresses and tuxedos. "Have you been here before?" If she hadn't it would be a surprise, but then again, Richard didn't take her out often.
“What can I help you with?” She asks, more than happy to do so. Stepping out into the cold, she takes a deep breath. It’s freezing. She looks over to Dominic, frowning when she notices him trembling. She shrugs off one of her two coats and drapes it over his shoulders, not wanting him to get sick. “It’s lovely out here. The weather may not be very warm but the snow is beautiful.” Looking over to the seamstress shop, she smiles slightly. This is where she gets many of her dresses for special occasions. “Yes, this is where I got my wedding dress and several other things. I have not been here in what seems like forever, though.” She hasn’t left the house in such a long time. Richard doesn’t often let her out of his sight. It’s hard dealing with being so controlled. She just wants a little freedom.
Dominic led her inside, it was warm, just like the bakery. "I was hoping you could help me pick an a appropriate outfit to wear to the party." He looked around and saw some of many colors. Black, blue, red and more. Some were out of his price range, so sticking to the cheaper ones. The owners were both women, and they did a fantastic job. It seems they were to busy to help at the moment as well.
(Sorry it's short. I'm having trouble thinking right now.)
(Sorry! I'm at the beach and the wifi is all sorts of wonky!)
Theodosia nods her head to show that she agrees. Looking around at the different colors and fabrics, she occasionally glances at Dominic to see what would look best on him. "A royal blue would look nice on you." Picking up a roll of fabric, she holds it in the air and studies it. The fabric is a cheaper quality but it's still lovely and it should hold up for several years. She hands the fabric over to Dominic before starting to keep looking around the store. Everything is so nice.
Dominic moved to the blue suits seeing if there were any he liked. It was difficult since he had to stay in his budget, but also look for a nice one because Richard because wouldn't want to be seen with anyone under dressed. "Do you see one Richard would approve of?" The two workers were still extremely busy and wasn't coming to help. There must be a lot of rich people coming here for their clothes for the party. (I'm going to be busy for a while, so sorry if my replies are short or if I take a while to answer.)
(I'm back! Sorry that I haven't gotten on sooner, things were insane for these last few days.)
Theodosia carefully inspects everything, trying to put herself in her husband's point of view. Unfortunately, there's not much that he would approve of. She hums quietly as she thinks. It takes her several minutes before she's able to narrow down the selection. "These three." She gestures to two blue suits and one in a deep shade of red and gold. All are on the cheaper side but she doesn't know how much he has to spend so they may still be out of budget.
Dominic decided for one of the blue ones. He didn't want to stand out too much. "Excuse me." Dominic walked up to one of the workers and smiled. "I'd like to buy this." Stopping what she was doing, she smiled and walked them to the counter. "Sorry about that, we have been so busy." Dominic pulled the money from his pocket. Just enough. "Don't worry. I understand." Sloding the money over the counter, he took his suit. "Thank you. We should go check on Deby and Marissa." Said said as he turned to Theodosia. It was probably best that they left. Richard would start asking questions if they were gone too long.
(https://pin.it/2dffbl42x7lf4o)
Theodosia adjusts the wicker basket on the crook of her arm, thinking. She carefully pushes the notes to the side before placing Addie in the basket and tucking the dog in with a small but soft blanket. If anything happened to her Addie, she'd be a wreck. The dog means the world to her. "Yes, of course. We should be getting back soon anyhow," She agrees, nodding her head. The longer they're gone, the more upset Richard will be. She desperately hopes that he has yet to notice their absence. Work has been distracting as of late so perhaps he got wrapped up in some sort of important task.
Dominic walked out and held the door open for Theodosia. He wondered if there was any other excuse he could make so they could be alone longer. Richard didn't deserve her. But what makes me think I deserve her? Dominic knew he wasn't good enough for her either, but he wanted to be. As they walked down the street, Dominic waved bye to everyone he knew as they neared the carriages. He wasn't ready to go home, this was the little bit of freedom he wouldn't have for awhile.
Theodosia thanks him and offers a smile before leaving the building. Looking around, she takes everything in. Her house is beautiful and luxurious but she'd love to have more time out here. She wants more social interaction. A few trips to town every month won't hurt. It's unfortunate that Richard doesn't trust her. She suppresses a sigh and pulls herself out of her thoughts. At least she was able to come out today. She carefully pulls off her gloves, tucking them into the basket before lightly running her hand along a snow coated bench. The snow is freezing cold but it's incredibly soft and powdery.
In the distance waited Deby and Marissa. The were just about to get in their carriage. Dominic didn't blame them, it was cold out, of course they wouldn't wait outside. "Guess we better move a bit faster." He hated saying that to a Lady, but he also didn't want Deby and Marissa to wait in a cold carriage too long. Thank goodness they weren't too far from their own carriage. "I had a lot of fun." Dominic said quickly before he lost the nerve to do so.
(Really, really sorry. My weekend was crazy.)
Theodosia offers a nod of her head before picking up her pace. It's rather difficult to walk through snow. At least the carriage is in sight. The driver has the door open and is merely waiting for them to climb in so that they can get back. She turns to Dominic and smiles. "As did I. Thank you for accompanying me to town." It had been a nice change of pace from being stuck at home all day. She accepts the driver's hand as she climbs into the carriage. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end.
(It's all good! :) )
The closer they got to the mansion, the more Dominic wanted to stop the carriage and run away with Theodosia and confess his feelings. Thinking that made him embarrassed and hate himself more. With his hand he rubbed the bridge of his nose. Don't think like that. Maybe I should go on a date or something. Dominic thought maybe he was thinking this was because he was lonely and Theodosia was the only Lady around his age he is around. At the party I'll try and find a nice girl. He held his new text close to him. He was honestly excited, this was something he hadn't done in a while. And being around more people will be refreshing.
Theodosia looks out of the window, contently pegging Addie. She honestly doesn’t know what she would do without her little baby. The dog goes everywhere with her, no exceptions. It’s unfortunate that Richard hates her as much as he does. Maybe that’s part of the reason she likes her so much. Addie may have been a present from her husband but the dog’s presence constantly spites him. Just thinking about that puts a small smile on her face. Owning Addie is the one thing she does to upset her husband that she can get away with. It’s a sad thought for most but it’s one of the few things that she can take comfort in. She’s startled out of her thoughts when the carriage stops a few minutes later. The door opens and the cold winter air is let into the carriage.
Dominic got out first and fixed up his appearance. Richard would be anger if he looked the way he did right now. It was depressing to be back, he could already feel the bad aura around the house and it was suffocating. "Well, we better get inside." He help Theodosia put of the carriage. He watched as Deby and Marissa went in first. He admired they're bravery. But then again Richard didn't seem like he knew they even existed.