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"I don't know, I don't want to take advantage." Beatrice knew she was repeating herself at this point. But the prospect of possibly meeting Ava right after the ballet made all the doubt she had thought she had already grappled with rise back up in her. After all, before, it had been only theory, now she was preparing to meet the girl she was going to make a proposal to that felt quite indecent.
Shannon looked at her with a mild smile, understanding in her eyes. She put her arm around Beatrice, as always not caring about decorum, despite them being in the front hall of the theatre, waiting to be let into the main hall. Beatrice smiled back at Shannon, glad that her sister had her back.
"You are not taking advantage. You are not hurting anyone. We talked about this. These girls, they will get patrons whether you are going to sponsor one or not. This way, you can ensure that Ava is treated right. You can share your wealth with those who have less. While also making sure you are not taken advantage of either." Shannon's voice turned hard when she said that and Beatrice leaned closer towards her, wanting to comfort her. They both knew what Shannon was talking about, as did Lilith, who simply furrowed her brows grimly. But Shannon smiled immediately after and shrugged her shoulders slightly. "Both sides win. That is how an arrangement like this works." Shannon voice was full of conviction. But then her smile softened and she patted Beatrice's arm. "But you do not have to go through with it if you don't feel comfortable. I am sure Ava will understand."
Beatrice smiled at her gratefully and Lilith shook her head, clearly just refraining from rolling her eyes.
"This is not a decision you have to make right now. This is why we are here, no? For you to meet Ava and see whether sponsoring one of the girls is even for you at all? Camila said that Ava would fit perfectly for you, but only you can be the judge of that ultimately, And I know you were looking for company for Shannon's house party, but if Ava is not the one, then she is not," Lilith said, her tone neutral but a little edge in it that told Beatrice she did not fancy having the same discussion they already had had many times. Especially not here, out in the open.
Beatrice sighed and then nodded, smiling at Lilith, though it was a little strained.
"I know. And I am thankful to Camila for speaking to Ava on my behalf." Beatrice took a deep breath, straightening up and nodding again, mostly to herself.
Lilith was right, she could at least meet Ava and see whether she truly would benefit from an arrangement like this. And whether Beatrice would want her to come with them to spend Christmas at Shannon's country house. Which was how all of this had gotten started in the first place, with Shannon planning to invite the girl she had spent last Christmas with, despite having mostly stopped being her patron and Lilith inviting Camila. Beatrice felt a little awkward about once again being the odd one out, the one who would not have intimate company. So Shannon suggested she meet the girl Camila said would fit her perfectly.
As much as Beatrice was sceptical, Shannon had taught her all about which signs to look out for to accurately judge whether a woman was truly interested or only feigning it for ulterior motives. While Beatrice was not entirely confident in her ability to spot those signs accurately, she hoped that with both Lilith and Camila there and with Camila vouching for Ava's truthfulness and eagerness, she would be able to tell.
Shannon squeezed Beatrice's arm once more and smiled at her, right when the doors to the great hall were opened.
"Shall we then?" Shannon asked, already turning towards the doors but leaving it to Lilith to lead the way to her private balcony. Both Shannon and Beatrice followed her.
Taking their seats, Beatrice still couldn't stop her thoughts from wandering towards what would await her after the ballet, when she would meet Ava. While part of her was anxious, she could not deny that part of her was also very excited. Would they truly fit as well as Camila had said? Beatrice barely hoped for it. There had never been a woman she had connected with on a deep level. She had had some dalliances after taking on the role of a gentleman in society, but this would be the first time for her to become a patron.
It was something Beatrice had so far always been hesitant about, as much as Shannon and Lilith made a regular habit of it. Well, Shannon supporting different girls and Lilith only keeping Camila under her wing for years now. Beatrice knew they loved each other and felt sorry for Lilith, knowing that her mother would never allow her to marry Camila. But there was nothing Beatrice could do about that and dwelling on it would not get her anywhere, especially not now.
Instead, Beatrice told herself to enjoy the ballet, looking over the balustrade towards the stage. It did make anticipation rise in her to know that she would soon see Ava. Lilith had said Ava would be the girl dancing next to Camila in the background. Beatrice knew it would most likely be hard to judge anything from this distance, but she was still finding herself intrigued.
When the lights where turned low and the curtain was opened, Beatrice let herself be swept away by the music. She did love the ballet and dancing. It was mesmerizing, the rhythm, the symmetry. The performance they were watching right now was in particular touching. Beatrice understood why Ava and Camila had praised it. The dancing and the music were superb. Trying to pay attention to the background dancers, Beatrice found that they were too fast and too similar to even make out Camila, let alone Ava, someone Beatrice had never seen before.
Despite being a little disappointed, when the final note was done, Beatrice clapped not just dutifully but truly excitedly, standing up and leaning over the balustrade as much as she dared to see the dancers bowing. There still was no way to tell them apart, though Beatrice thought she caught a glimpse of Camila's black curly hair. But it was gone as soon as she had spotted it. And then the curtain was closing again and the lamps in the hall were being turned back on. Everyone started to leave their spaces, Lilith one of the first, eager to see Camila.
Once again, Beatrice hesitated a little, but Shannon gave her an encouraging look and put a hand on her shoulder. Beatrice swallowed and nodded, following Lilith towards the backstage area of the theatre. She could do this. There wasn't even anything to it. She would simply meet Ava and if they did not get along as swell as Camila seemed to think they would, Beatrice could still talk with Camila and Lilith and politely let Ava down. Yes. Nothing to it.
When they all fell in line with the other gentlemen and gentlewomen wanting to become a patron to one of the dancers, Shannon put her hand on Beatrice's shoulder again, nodding at her.
"I will wait by the door, let you and Ava get acquainted, alright? If you do find that you like Ava, you can invite her to our house party, like we talked about. But there is no pressure, you understand that, right?" Shannon asked, smiling but also looking at Beatrice searchingly. Not wanting to back out now that they were here already, Beatrice nodded. Part of her wanted Shannon to stay with her, but she did not want to overwhelm Ava. Lilith's presence would already be enough for that.
That thought made Beatrice chuckle inwardly. Lilith could be intimidating indeed, but Beatrice assumed that Camila's presence would soften her enough to not scare Ava away. When the owner of the theatre walked up to the door and opened it, Beatrice took another deep breath, smiled one more time at Shannon and then followed Lilith inside. The sounds and sights in this room were nearly overwhelming and Beatrice kept herself to Lilith's side, fearing she would become disoriented.
Lilith was walking briskly towards a specific part of the room, Beatrice simply keeping up with her. But then Lilith stopped and Beatrice looked up at what they had been walking towards. Only for her breath to hitch like she had been punched in the gut. Not able to stop herself, Beatrice felt her eyes go wide and her heart beat faster in her chest. Her eyes were glued on the women next to Camila, a woman who now smiled at Beatrice widely, her eyes shining.
Vaguely, Beatrice heard Camila introduce the woman as Ava and thankfully, Beatrice found her manners again, bowing down and holding out her hand. Ava giggled and oh, that sound went straight to Beatrice's core. Holding out her hand as well, Ava's cheeks flushed the prettiest shade of red when Beatrice took her hand, so gently as if it was the most precious thing she had ever held. Ava's hand was warm in hers, the feeling of her skin making little shocks go through Beatrice in a way she had never before experienced.
"Lord Beatrice Young, at your service," Beatrice managed to say, fearing that her voice was breathless and hoarse but hoping it was only that way for her own ears. Ava inhaled sharply when Beatrice bowed down to press the gentlest of kisses onto the soft skin of her hand, more colour flushing Ava's cheeks, her mouth forming the most delightful little 'o'. Beatrice tried to breathe, to calm her racing heart. Reluctantly letting go of Ava's hand and straightening up, Beatrice smiled at Ava, putting everything she was feeling into that smile. "I am delighted to make your acquaintance, Ava."
It seemed like Ava was as enamoured with Beatrice as she was with Ava. Her breathing was fast, her cheeks still coloured red and now a wide grin spread on her face.
"As am I. Delighted, yes, absolutely," Ava said, her tone full of awe and breathless. Then she looked at Camila, a little mischievous glint appearing in her eyes now. "Camila has told me so much about you. I could not wait to meet you." Ava now looked back at Beatrice, smiling even wider now, wiggling her body in a way that Beatrice found more than endearing. "And I am glad I have. Met you. Or rather that I am meeting you. Right now."
Beatrice laughed lightly, seeing out of the corner of her eyes that Lilith rolled her eyes, but she did not mind, on the contrary, she still thought Ava absolutely fascinating and adorable.
"I am as well." Beatrice racked her brain for something else to say, anything to keep Ava talking and ideally to be able to hear her laughter again. The outfit Ava was still wearing gave her a topic she deemed appropriate. "And I hope you'll let me compliment you on your performance in the ballet, it was exquisite."
Ava's light giggle and the way her face lit up even more in pride was Beatrice's reward and oh, did she cherish that reward. Even more so when Ava started talking about the ballet with such vigour and enthusiasm that Beatrice found her heart go out to her immediately. Listening to Ava with joy, Beatrice found herself wanting to be near her more, wanting to hear her laugh and see the twinkle in her eyes when she talked about something she was passionate about.
As much as Beatrice had been hesitant about the idea of inviting someone she barely knew to their Christmas house party, now she was rapidly warming up to the idea of having Ava there. To be able to talk to her, laugh with her and maybe even take her to bed if and when she was amicable – which she clearly seemed to be from the looks she was giving Beatrice and the barely concealed hints she gave her – all of it felt very tempting to Beatrice right now. More than she had thought it would be.
When the temptation got overwhelming, Beatrice looked at Lilith and Camila, wondering whether she truly could dare to be this forward. They both smiled at Beatrice encouragingly, which made her feel both brave and a little silly for worrying so much. After all, this was what she was here for. Still, she turned for a moment, wanting to see Shannon, but she seemed to be in an engaging conversation with a woman at the door, not looking at Beatrice at all. Frowning a little, since the woman with Shannon was clearly not a ballet dancer, Beatrice told herself that it was not her concern and turned again, looking right into Ava's shining eyes, excitement and interest so clear on her face that Beatrice could not stop herself.
"Would you like to come with us to my sister's country home for the holidays?" Beatrice asked, rushing the words out. Ava's eyes went wide, as did her mouth, looking at Beatrice with both disbelief and wonder. Lilith cleared her throat and Beatrice remembered what exactly it was she was offering Ava. "I mean, I would offer to be your patron. You would stay for free, of course, and earn money by keeping me intimate company."
Beatrice cringed inwardly when she added the exact sum of money, which Shannon had assured her was reasonable for a fortnight spent at a house party. But it now made Beatrice think again of how indecent that proposal was. Ava did not seem to think so, her eyes going even wider when Beatrice mentioned how much money she was offering. For a moment, Ava simply stared at her, only to then shake herself out of her stupor and nod more than enthusiastically, her entire face lighting up with glee, a wide grin spreading on her lips. She even gripped Beatrice's hand, making heat rise up in Beatrice.
"Yes, yes, of course, I would love to," Ava said, her tone very excited. "Will there be carriage rides and chestnut roasting? And a Yule log?"
Beatrice laughed lightly not actually sure whether those things were planned but already finding herself wanting to guarantee them just to see Ava's eyes shine like this. So Beatrice nodded, smiling softly.
"Of course. My sister's country home is well equipped for all sorts of entertainments," Beatrice said, feeling very accomplished by how much she had made Ava happy with this proposal. Camila laughed as well and nodded when Ava turned to her with the grin still on her face.
"I can confirm, the house parties at Shannon's country home are legendary. I will be there as well this Christmas, with Lilith and I would love it if you come with us," Camila said, smiling brightly. Ava nodded enthusiastically and looked back at Beatrice with so much happiness that it made her feel proud at being able to give Ava that.
"That sounds amazing! I'm sure we'll have so much fun," Ava said, grinning still. Then she turned her gaze to the door and jumped up. "Oh, I need to tell Mary. My sister. She will be so excited!"
With that, Ava skipped forward to the door, Beatrice watching her with a soft smile on her face, the warmth in her insides still there, like a fire, flickering softly.
"I take it introducing you to Ava was a good idea after all," Lilith said, now looking quite smug and accomplished. Beatrice laughed lightly, but looking back at Ava was making her feel glad to have met her indeed.
"Yes. Yes, it was a very good idea," Beatrice agreed, meaning every word. While she still was not entirely certain about being a patron, it was obvious Ava was very excited about spending time with her, so Beatrice was willing to set aside her doubts and give it a try.
Ava came back after a moment with a wide grin, her cheeks still flushed and immediately taking Beatrice's hand and holding it for the entire time until Shannon walked up to them and told them they had to leave. Beatrice found herself disappointed to have to leave Ava and thought about how to be able to see her again before the trip.
"Will you be here tomorrow again?" Ava asked, obviously also not wanting to say goodbye.
While nothing had been planned, Beatrice shared a look with Lilith and Shannon, who both nodded. Beatrice then turned to Ava again, also nodding in acknowledgment.
"Yes, we will be. And I would be honoured to walk you home after the ballet tomorrow," Beatrice said, finding herself spontaneous once again, very uncharacteristically for her. She hurried to add, "Shannon will be there of course."
Beatrice was not sure if she overstepped with making this decision for both of them, but judging by Shannon's smirk and the way she nodded knowingly, excitement and something like triumph in her face, she had not.
"I would be honoured as well to accompany you home, yes," Shannon said, a little amusement playing in her voice, but also anticipation. Ava grinned again and laughed happily and a little breathlessly when Beatrice once again took her hand and kissed it, bowing deeply.
Beatrice would have loved to stay longer, but she knew they needed to go, so she simply bid Ava adieu, wishing she could be as forward as Lilith, who kissed Camila on the mouth briefly before following Shannon through the other door. In the hallway, Shannon looked at Beatrice with a knowing smirk. Beatrice pushed down the urge to roll her eyes and instead nodded, allowing herself a dreamy smile, thinking about Ava and how her eyes had shone, how her laughter had made warmth rise in Beatrice's body.
"You were right. As were Lilith and Camila," Beatrice said, glancing at Lilith who still looked quite smug. "I very much would love to get to spend more time with Ava. She will be fine company during our house party."
"I agree," Shannon said, smiling at Beatrice softly. "I believe you chose wisely. And I have offered Ava's sister to come with us as well, I will speak with her more when we come back tomorrow to accompany them home from the theatre."
That was a revelation Beatrice had not expected, her eyes going wide. Lilith clearly was also shocked, furrowing her brows.
"You invited someone you do not know?" Lilith asked, confusion and a hint of anger in her voice. Shannon looked at her sharply and Lilith immediately softened, bowing her head. "I am sorry, it is your decision, of course."
"Thank you. You are right, I do not know Mary, but she is Ava's sister, so she is not a stranger." Shannon smiled again, turning to Beatrice. "I do not know whether Mary will agree, but if and when she does, I hope it will be even more fun for Ava with her sister there."
Beatrice thought about Ava's enthusiasm and how she had skipped over to her sister, clearly having a very close relationship with her and nodded. The idea of Ava having her sister there over the holidays was warming Beatrice's heart even more, since she herself could not imagine not being with Shannon at Christmas.
"Yes, I agree, I am sure Ava will be delighted," Beatrice said, nodding.
Together, they left the theatre, talking about the house party and all the preparations that would still have to be done. Beatrice was quite excited about spending time with Ava, already making peace with becoming a patron. Indecent proposal or not, as long as both her and Ava agreed to everything that would happen, there was nothing amiss. At least that was what Beatrice hoped very much.