He sipped at his wine, rolling it about in the glass before bringing his nose to it, taking in a lungful as he enjoyed the complexities of the aroma. The Viscountess returned her gaze to the menu, and finding the drinks list found herself astounded that he’d been so generous as to offer her a drink. No, not generous, the slimy thing is merely trying to make his way into her knickers. Don’t let you guard down, Emma girl, that snake will slither about until the opportunity arises to strike.
Numbers, numbers... find the highest-price item she thought her mother would enjoy and she’ll take the most expensive meal they had to offer. The back of her mind toyed with how she might manage to empty his pocketbook some more, there would be a point where he’d start to sweat and stutter and grow nervous. Surely. Yes... her lips parted in shock at the prices had slowly turned to a wicked grin, one side curled up as the other continue to rest, giving off a supremely confident show. That’s how she’ll be rid of him; too expensive for him to possibly afford.
“Yup, I’m ready to order.” Folding the paper up she put it down on the table, looking to him with that smirk.
“Em...” he folded his slowly, thinkingly, before looking to her. “Do you have a dog, by chance? Could get him a nice little steak if you like, the sirloin marsala is beyond delectable.”
That’s the pricey item she had planned to order.
Chapter 4
Her smile glowed as they rumbled along the dirt road, her neck lined with glistening gems, a flat rectangular box tied up with ribbon containing a brand new dress of the latest style. Still feeling full from that luxurious meal, her mother had been a bit perplexed at being brought a meal from a restaurant but upon seeing it she thanked them none the less before seeing them off once more. More thankful than for the meal, she was glad to see her daughter so happy, even though it was mostly due to her sinister plan to stagger him with expenses.
Well, there was no stagger, he smiled just as she did, but with all she'd gained from that date it was hard to look displeased. The wheels slowed as they turned towards her large family home. Watching him walk along, the loud engine turned off, she awaited him to open the door for her before she got out with the boxed dress in-hand.
“That was quite a first date.”
“Mmm.” A rather mild agreement considering her confident smile and glinting neck.
“We must do this again sometime.” The man reached down, gently taking her hand, and she only managed to suppress yanking it away by the fact that her mother doubtlessly heard the engine and was watching them through the window. He brought the small hand up, kissing the back of it, her brand new bejeweled ring glancing his cheek.
“Perhaps we shall.”
“Give your mother my regards, I hope she enjoyed our little gift.”
“I'm sure she did.” His considerate comments and mentions were met with brief responses, awaiting him to return to the steering wheel and putter off.
“Well, I'll write when I'm available for another night out, perhaps next time will be a ball, hmm?”
“Perhaps.”
“Good night, dear Emma.” He brought himself forward to take her lips in his, she turned her face to offer a cheek. Any other time, it would be her offering something to his cheek, and it would not be her lips. He accepted the small victory.
“Night, Your Grace.” He hadn't even opened the driver side door before she turned to her home and made her way inside.
“Well, you seemed rather stiff upon your return. Not even a proper good night kiss for a... well... how could that not be a successful first date?” Her eyes remained on the exquisite necklace for a moment. High-class food, jewelry, and what's that?” Her daughter slid the box onto the large dining table.
“A dress from France.”
“France? My... however...” the mother's eyes were low, and Emma followed their direction, lifting her right hand that held the new ring between pinkie and middle fingers. “Right finger, wrong hand.” The girl scoffed.
“You expect engagement on the very first date?”
“At your age? I accept engagement whenever possible.” Her mother rattled out quickly and sternly. “Whenever possible. Especially for a man of his standing. Moreover...” her eyes narrowed a moment, “... wh-... where's your make-up? It had been on when you brought me the plate, wasn't it?”
“Um, well... n-no.” It had been a very brief return visit, no drinks or even sitting down. The meal had been presented and they were off once more.
“No? Whatever happened?”
“Must we get into details, mummy?”
“I don't know, must we? He had sworn to tell me how the date had gone. Would you rather I hear the details from him first, or from you?” The wise mother had an eyebrow raised as sh gauged he girl's reactions and mannerisms. A step back, a look to the side, a hand to the back of her neck, shoulders giving a slight slouch, features appearing unsure and worried. “What happened?”
“I... well, he...”
“Yeeees?”
“He was driving all over the road like mad!”