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azurelunatic) wrote2021-10-02 04:42 pm
azurelunatic) wrote2021-10-02 04:42 pm
Entry tags:
The Devil's Cub Livetweet, DW-side archive
#AmReading It's time for Devil's Cub! Spoilers for an 89 year old book.
Most people are rattled by a threat to their life. Most people are rattled when seeing someone die in front of them. Our cool customer shoots a highwayman dead and continues to the party or whatever he's headed to, unruffled.
Fully ruffled. The coat has a lot of ruffles in addition to the smoking hole.
The frightful corpse is to be sent to Bow Street. I suppose because that would likely solve several open inquiries into highway dudes?
HI FANNY!
Dominic here, Marquis of Vidal, is the son of good ol' Justin (Avon) and our dear "infant" LĂ©onie, who cannot be trusted to keep Vidal out of trouble or coax him into displaying a proper feeling.
I admit I picked up this book a few weeks ago and put it back down because I was having a minor flashback to that time I saw a man die in the street after a single vehicle collision.
Fanny is still an absolute chatterbox who cannot stick to one topic and I appreciate her so much.
Vidal is the Devil's Cub, his dear papa having been known as the Devil. Vidal drinks, shoots, duels, gambles, and keeps opera dancers. *le gasp* https://t.co/GFsRabxNON
[Phantom of the Opera gif: Raoul Disapproves]
HOLDING ORGIES WITH ALL THE WILDEST YOUNG RAKES IN TOWN omg
Nevertheless Fanny has her eye on Vidal as a match for her daughter Juliana, and this is before first-cousin marriages were quite so widely squick.
Vidal and Juliana chat. ' ... but all the men I have met who are brilliant matches are just like you, and would make the most horrid husbands.â Correct, Juliana. Correct.
Juliana would like Vidal's confederacy in advancing her desired match with a well-conducted young country gentleman name of Frederick. It's clear that Juliana is the one with the spunkiness in this outfit. Vidal is disinclined.
Juliana has a boring older brother. Her dad, poor guy, is dead.
Justin is shockingly old-looking! He is still the same snob he ever was, but the practicality of pointing out that Vidal shouldn't trifle with the affections of someone who isn't familiar with upper class fuckygames doesn't go unappreciated.
Oho! Vidal does have a girlfriend amongst the bourgeoisie!!
I suspect we're not supposed to like Mrs. Challoner.
Young Mary Challoner is good-looking, direct, has common-sense, and likes to puncture male egos with her sense of humor. Almost a Bluestocking! Oh, I like her already.
Sophia is blonde and silly and everything that Mary is not. I'm sure that Mary adores her despite it all.
Sophia is Vidal's girlfriend! Mary has a sensible suspicion of him. And since I've read the back cover of the book, I know where this is going.
Sophia has another admirer but he's boring compared to Vidal. Sophia goes out, in questionable company as well as Vidal (so, double questionable, and Sophia has her reputation to think of). Cousin Joshua Simpkins is an asshole btw
Sophia is depending on her mother, and not being run off with, to get marriage out of Vidal. Against her will, Mary has a bit of a crush on Vidal too.
A meetup in Kensington Gardens! Hooray for Mary, not letting her sister slip off with Vidal.
Uncle Rupert has still got the ADHD vibe going strong.
Vidal knows that Mary has his number. He's determined to avoid marriage, especially to a cit.
Mr. Comyn goes out gaming, at Timothy's. Vidal is there. They are playing exceeding high.
Vidal! You're never gaming at 4am on the very morning of your race! (His dad suggested he could do the run in 3 hours 45 minutes, which everyone but those two agrees is Much Too Fast, though LĂ©onie believes in Vidal as always.) No drunk driving, kiddo!!!!!!!!!! No!!!!!!!!
Aww shit, Mr. Quarles dislikes Vidal to start with, and now he's making an accusation of cheating? Dude, this guy duels. You're a dead man.
Oh god, these assholes are refusing to listen to any sense, and WHO THE FUCK LET VIDAL GO ARMED IN A GAMING HOUSE. jeeze. Vidal shoots the flame off a candle even though he's drunk. Unsure which candle he was aiming for. Broke the mirror behind them.
Quarles is shot, possibly mortally wounded. Vidal was too drunk to duel; meant to kill the guy. And now he's late for his race. Nobody is happy. Vidal's a callous asshole as well as a drunk driver.
Vidal has not returned from Newmarket when LĂ©onie comes calling.
LĂ©onie would have certainly heard of the stir that Vidal raised before he left, but her first question is about the race.
Quarles is still alive, possibly, but not by much. Avon has sent a note. I would not like it if Avon sent me a note, under the circumstances.
Now we learn about the scene in Timothy's after Vidal levanted. Avon showed up. Comyn displayed heartening presence of mind and kept pressure on Quarles's wound despite the redoubled commotion. I like him more and more for Juliana.
Avon's instruction: GTFO of England before Quarles dies. (You can't just go around shooting people, you young asshole!)
Vidal is, of course, late for his date with Sophia. Cousin Joshua goes about lecturing Sophia on the proprieties but in a way calculated to make us all ready to punch him in the nuts. He forbids communication. That takes about two seconds to violate.
Vidal must flee! Soon! His intentions are extremely dishonorable! But will Sophia come to Paris? Libertine Paris, where such relationships are understood? She is tempted! They agree! ...Ish. Sophia is dazzled but not entirely decided.
News of the race! 3:44, just a minute under what Avon suggested for Vidal's time! (Don't be like Vidal. Cars aren't horses. Don't drive drunk. Don't ride drunk either.)
Vidal seems to approve of Comyn for Juliana, and gives sensible advice (make friends with Avon, just up and elope with Juliana without looking for Fanny's approval). They play.
If Comyn wants things to always be licit, destine, and on the up and up, he really oughtn't to get mixed up with this family. But I think he's hooked, and honestly might keep Vidal a little more anchored if they were friends.
Avon is going to give Vidal the raking over of a lifetime.
I *knew* having the duel right then and there was a mistake! There are ways to do these things, and That Wasn't It, Bro.
Ohhhh, Avon has brought LĂ©onie into it. Vidal is not getting out easy.
Avon is sufficiently icy that Vidal has to be internally bleeding from at least five directions.
At least LĂ©onie has never shot anyone, despite her intentions.
LĂ©onie is right. Vidal is too much like her and someone like LĂ©onie would not be a good match for him. (As we already know, Mary is perfect! She will bust up one side and down the other.)
Vidal does not care very much for les convenances and in his haste to get everything in order has addressed his note to "Miss Challoner", which as we know means the *eldest* sister when we are being formal.
MARY KNOWS ALL.
Or at least, enough, but the hot goss about Vidal's dueling problems has not made it as far as Mary. Instead of Paris, Mary's thinking the flight might be towards Scotland and the hasty ceremonies at Gretna Green. She's in for a surprise!!!
Mary fakes a headache to get out of a party. Sophia is not so much in love with Vidal after all. She finds a mask! She sneaks out!
And there he is! She keeps the mask. They're going south. They can't be heading to Gretna. omg when will she be discovered omg
Not yet! Vidal supposes her asleep and she doesn't want to make a ruckus in front of people who will laugh at her. Though they're far out enough that her stash of money might not get her all the way home...
"she might well have supposed that he was flying for his life" MORE TRUE THAN YOU KNOW but also he often travels like this, it's unremarkable
also she has grabbed the pistol out of the coach and nobody knows whether it's loaded except for probably Vidal who tends to know how he leaves his guns and based on the rest of his shooting habits it's probably loaded let's remember this for later
NOW Mary remembers the duel. Now that they're at the coast of the Channel. Vidal seems to be in the habit of bringing his bits of muslin this way. Mary's not pleased.
Oho! Pig-swill on order, and discovery!!!
Mary is taunting the fuck out of Vidal and *I am here for it*. (She's wondering if Vidal is going to murder her and that is an extremely rational concern under the circs)
Vidal is convinced by the taunts that Mary is none so virtuous. She's planning to go home but Vidal is mad enough to take her to Paris. But she'll go on her own terms.
Vidal! Breath play is not safe!!!!!!!!!
Vidal has Designs for the voyage, but Mary is seasick. Poor Mary. (But Vidal is thwarted!)
They have arrived across the Channel! Mary is startled to learn that even though she brought almost nothing she has baggage -- the baggage that Vidal provided for Sophia.
Dinner. Mary brings the gun.
Vidal advances. Mary produces the gun.
She shoots! She scoooooores! (His arm. She has hit him in the arm, and disturbed the landlord.) LĂ©onie is the only woman Vidal knows of who would have pulled the trigger. He's impressed.
Now that Mary has spoken the only language Vidal understands, they discuss why she's actually there. Vidal is now concerned for Mary's reputation. Good, Vidal. You're starting to show some proper feeling.
"If you call me a respectable young female again--" I love Mary
VIDAL IS OFFERING MARRIAGE IN ORDER TO NOT RUIN MARY THIS IS NOT A DRILL (also if he ruins someone as well-mannered as Mary his reputation will take the hit and really he can't afford that)
Maaaaary's got feeeeeeeeeeeeeeelings
But now that Vidal's come up to scratch, it's tantamount to stealing Sophia's fiance (nevermind that he would never have offered for Sophia)
Mary decides the only career possibility for her is as a governess in France. She would basically be Mary Poppins and I am here for that AU.
Vidal's gunshot wound looks bad. He will not have a surgeon sent for, according to Fletcher. He must be at least the local head of staff. Mary orders Fletcher to fetch the surgeon. On her orders, not Fletcher's initiative. Fletcher respects this. Good.
They are playing marriage chicken. Vidal has no chance. (Neither does Mary.)
OH SHIT VIDAL KNOWS MARY'S GRANDPA more to the point AVON KNOWS MARY'S GRANDPA the families are *not* going to let this one go if they get wind of it
The surgeon arrives, and I am just in love with the phrasing here.
"disposed of the little surgeon's diagnosis and proposed remedies in one rude and extremely idiomatic sentence." Doctor is surprised. "'Monsieur, I was informed that you were an Englishman!'"
"My lord said, amongst other things, that he did not propose to burden the doctor with the details of his genealogy."
"He consigned the doctor and all his works, severally and comprehensively described, to hell, and finished up his epic speech by a pungent and Rabelaisian criticism of the whole race of leeches."
"Whereupon the doctor, who had listened rapt to the unfaltering diatribe, said with enthusiasm: 'But it is wonderful! An Englishman to have so great a command of the French tongue! It is what compels the admiration!'" Thank you, LĂ©onie.
Mary proceeds to order everyone around and is well on her way to winning over Vidal's staff. There is a battle of wills over a bowl of gruel. (Mary wins, by giving up so Vidal is forced to eat it to make her not sad.)
The logistical problems of marriage: if it's seen that Mary is staying with Vidal, and then they get married, Mary will be seen as the one taking advantage.
We pause briefly to fat-shame one of the de Saint-Vire connection.
So Mary is under strict instructions to stay invisible, on pain of her reputation. But there's an Englishman trying to navigate France with no comprehension of the language. I suspect that this is soon-to-be-cousin Frederick Comyn...?
It is! Vidal explains himself. Comyn is infuriatingly calm. (I like him so much.)
Oh!!! Mary knows Juliana! They were the dearest friends at seminary! How delightful!
Vidal plans to put Mary into the care of the same cousin who is hosting Juliana; with the excuse of being old schoolfellows, the visit will become respectable. And then the elopement? Mary's plan: Juliana can help her get a nice, respectable, anonymous job.
The journey to Paris is resumed!
And goes with only slight incident. I love that Vidal threatens to dress Mary. Immediately they reach Paris and Vidal has to go locate his relatives. Which means dressing for a ball. Mary approves.
Vidal locates his cousin (and some more relatives) and confesses the situation to dear Juliana.
Now that Juliana and Mary are reunited, we go back to England and see what the Challoner family is up to.
Sophia does not take it at all well. Mrs. Challoner begins scheming. Sophia threatens suicide. Mrs. Challoner is having none of it. She attempts to descend upon Avon House. Avon House doesn't permit the descent.
Meanwhile, Sophia has been left alone and immediately shares the information of Mary running off with Vidal. Her confidante Eliza has no intention of keeping this as a confidence, of course, and Sophia intends to let the whole town know that Mary's a shameless hussy. Lol.
Cousin Joshua is in agonies that a) Mary has clearly rejected him, and b) HOW COULD MARY BE SO SHAMELESS O WOE.
Lady Fanny's servants are the weakest link, and Mrs. Challoner busts in. Lady Fanny assumes that a visit from such a vulgar person is naturally about bills, which takes the wind out of Mrs. Challoner's sails.
When Mrs. Challoner appeals to Lady Fanny's feelings as a mother, Lady Fanny's new suspicions are confirmed: this vulgar person is trying to swear a bastard on Avon.
They untangle the misunderstanding. Fanny is entirely too calm until Mrs. Challoner leaves. She sends for LĂ©onie via her stolid son John.
LĂ©onie refuses to take the situation seriously, except by remarking that Avon will be displeased. Either Mary went with Vidal willingly to France, or Vidal would not have taken the wrong sister and she must be in England somewhere.
John knows his cousin. What if it was for revenge? LĂ©onie takes that seriously, and they must fly to Rupert without losing any moment, and from there to France to figure things out.
I have lost count at this point of the number of people who are intent on forcing Vidal to marry Mary, but that count now includes LĂ©onie, provided that Mary isn't the designing hussy that Sophia is.
LĂ©onie descends upon the Challoner house. Sophia goes off-book.
Mrs. Challoner, you have no idea what you're dealing with. LĂ©onie can out-vulgar you, out-plot you, and run rings around you. I would pity you if you weren't so terrible, and perhaps I pity you even so.
And of course that interview is enough to knock LĂ©onie from wishing to force Vidal to marry Mary and into wishing to make Mary any viable match so that Vidal won't have to be tied to someone in the mold of such a vulgar maman.
We pause for the night as both my partner and the cat are in bed and I would probably disturb them if I were to giggle or gasp or yell at any of the characters who really need yelling at.
One of my locked friends has offered a spirited defense of Mrs. Challoner: whatever her other shortcomings, she is trying to get her girls the life they should have had if not for the husbandly malfeasance and familial neglect. Which is a very fair point!
We resume.
LĂ©onie attempts to enlist Rupert's help. This is going to end with a whole delegation going to France, isn't it.
Rupert is browbeaten into agreeing to go.
Rupert is browbeaten into traveling slightly more light than he would have otherwise done.
Avon descends upon Fanny, extremely smug about the Mr. Comyn/Juliana match.
Mary's aim of becoming a governess is not met with enthusiasm by Juliana.
Mary and Mr. Comyn chat. Juliana is being contrary when told to not flirt with a certain rattle. Mr. Comyn is not best pleased. Vidal is not best pleased upon surprising Mary and Mr. Comyn exchanging a (cousinly, I'm sure) hand clasp.
Mary and Vidal are still at cross-purposes. She's got feelings but doesn't want to trap Vidal (and doesn't like being so deeply without options herself). Vidal is a sneering twit and unable to express any of his feelings in anything but controlling behavior. Boo, asshole. Boo.
Argh. Frederick and Juliana are Not Communicating Well, and the rattle of a Vicomte (de Valmé) isn't helping them. Vidal obtains an audience with Cousin Juliana at the ball via a defenestration threat to the Vicomte. (Woo! Defenestration! My favorite!)
Oh, Juliana! You are being *beastly* to Frederick!!! But you do have a point about controlling behavior. And he has a point about your appalling manners.
FREDERICK ARE YOU DOING WHAT I THINK YOU'RE DOING NO DO NOT DO THAT THING, I BEG OF YOU NO GOOD WILL COME OF IT
shit he's actually proposing to her, in that extremely emotionally constipated way that seems to be the only way an upper-class Englishman has of doin' feelings not that he's GOT them here, except wounded pride, and that's no way to start
Mary's considering it.
OH MY GOD THEY'RE ON THE WAY TO DIJON TO GET MARRIED.
Comyn, you idiot, you clearly have no experience of this family or you would not have left any kind of note for Vidal.
Mary and Frederick are discovering points of absolute disharmony. (I cheer.) They're not good for each other. Frederick thinks that Mary should be less prosaic about the whole thing. Mary's reminiscences about Vidal are more rose-tinted than the O, That Brute that F expects.
VIDAL HAS THE NOTE. There's the swearing that I love and expect!
Mary and Frederick are traveling fast (according to Frederick). Mary has observed that this is nothing in comparison to how Vidal travels. This, I see, is about to be tested. I wonder whether it'll result in a dramatic I GOT YOUR IMPEDIMENT RIGHT HERE ASSHOLES scene...
Mr. Timms is ready to defend the honor of his future mistress in the face of some comparisons to past bits of muslin that Vidal has been around with.
Mr. Timms also has opinions on the various deficiencies of appearance in the gentlemen he's dressed before, and he has a long and storied career of them.
Vidal purposes to leave once he's figured out the destination. Juliana is determined to come with, and has left a note for their aunt. This is bound to be hilarious once we discover WTF she's actually said.
Juliana does not care for the bouncing and jostling involved in Vidal's level of speed. Nor would I, really, but she did insist upon coming. This is the sensibility that Frederick was looking for but missed in Mary.
Juliana has teased Vidal into admitting his feelings.
Oh no! A lost wheel! This will delay the arrival of Vidal and Juliana onto the scene with Frederick and Mary.
Meanwhile, LĂ©onie and Rupert have achieved Paris. Where is Vidal? It is a mystery! Why is he heading to Dijon? And where is Mary?
If Vidal has abandoned Mary in Paris, LĂ©onie is absolutely furious with him, because that is Just Not Done.
Aha! Now we come to Juliana's letter's effects!!!
Oh, no, never say "we know everything", always compare notes. That way lies extreme misunderstandings (which are bound to be AMAZING)
Rupert and LĂ©onie now believe that Vidal has eloped with Juliana. Oh boy. Tante de Charbonne is in A State and does not wish to face Fanny over any of this.
LĂ©onie has not realized that Juliana's friend is the same Mary that Vidal ran off with. LĂ©onie decides that the only thing to do in order to clear up the situation is to follow the party to Dijon. (Uncles, mothers, rakes, wives, how many going to St. Ives?)
Mary and Frederick have reached Dijon! But Mr. Hammond is not in the marrying mood.
Mr. Hammond is accompanying a young gentleman on Grand Tour and does not wish to be bothered by the appearance of weird Englishmen in a fashion that someone might doubt his ability to be a staid and respectable companion.
So Mary and Frederick are unmarried when Vidal does his best party-crashing maneuver. https://t.co/i1hAICPlJU
[Family Guy gif: the Kool-Aid Man crashes through the wall, saying "OH YEAH". Various Family Guy characters say "OH NO" in turn.]
Frederick gamely lies. 'Will your lordship have the goodness to unhand my wife?' Vidal has Frederick by the throat when Juliana busts in. Let's see if Freddy has the gall to lie to her as well.
Mary dumps the water-jug over the unequal brawl (and Juliana). Your practicality is an inspiration.
The men draw swords. Since Vidal is basically perfect, he is good with the rapier even untrained, so he's more than a match for the trained Frederick.
Vidal overpowers Frederick!!! Mary grabs a coat and wades in!!!!!!!!!!!!
She is stabbed!!!!!!!
To his credit, Vidal immediately is shocked to his senses, tosses his sword down, and grabs Mary's fainting form before she can hit the floor.
He forgets to be emotionally guarded. Mary notices.
It's just a scratch! Fortunately!!!!! (though god knows that the swords won't have been as clean as they could be)
Vidal, still believing that the marriage actually went through, goes extremely possessive. Frederick has calmed down and is inclined to tell the truth now. Mary needs to lie down very quietly and leaves them to their discussion.
Is she going to get it? Judging by the size of the group listening outside, perhaps not. And there's Uncle Rupert! Fortunately Mary sees him before he sees her, and since she's bloody and Vidal ripped her dress open, she decides to remain unseen.
And LĂ©onie has started lecturing Vidal, more or less at the top of her lungs! She detests this tramp who Vidal must now marry, sight unseen! Mary does not like hearing this discussion.
Fortunately there is a Paris-bound stagecoach just outside! Mary grabs cloak and purse and scrams with the intention of going as far as her limited cash will take her.
LĂ©onie wants answers. None of her relatives are making sense, so she prevails upon Frederick to give answers.
Frederick embarks on a lengthy and somewhat longwinded explanation, and has just gotten to the part where he realized that Vidal does truly love Mary after all, when...
Hullo, it's Mr. Hammond! Come to (as he thinks) hold a wedding!
Mr. Hammond does not at all like the scene of chaos he's arrived into.
Vidal tries to sell LĂ©onie on why he loves Mary. LĂ©onie is a little swayed, but knows that Avon will be fearfully upset. As much as Vidal fears his father's anger, that's not enough to stop him.
Frederick has been trying to chill out Mr. Hammond; Vidal summons him to lead LĂ©onie to go meet Mary, who everyone dearly assumes has gone to lie down in her room, where she said she was going. The coach will have traveled some ways by now.
LĂ©onie: 'But why does she run away so much? I find it not at all easy to understand.'
Juliana explains.
Mr. Hammond, having made 0 friends, departs. Average parson makes at least 1 friend but due to someone's bad grasp of data entry and worse formula-building the answer of NaN friends is an outlier adn should not be counted.
LĂ©onie is determined that no one is marrying anyone if they don't want to (because it would in fact be a scandal if it was known that Vidal was in a position of chaperone to Juliana) but since LĂ©onie is now here, she is the ultimate chaperone.
Frederick and Juliana are perhaps starting to reconcile with each other.
LĂ©onie and Rupert are not yet convinced of Mary's merits and are congratulating themselves on maybe earning Avon's forgiveness if they succeed in keeping Vidal from marrying below his station. Ha. Ha.
LĂ©onie's opinions on whether or not Vidal should marry Mary keep flickering in the wind. That's just how LĂ©onie is, don't be alarmed. She loves Vidal and will try to help -- unless of course she takes a dislike to Mary. Always a risk!
Vidal is determined to at least give Mary the protection of his name, having gone this far. But he's not going to force her into anything else besides marriage. (Good god. Everyone needs no-fault divorce as an option here, but if we had that we'd also not have ruination.)
Rupert has discovered a very good wine. That's Rupert for you.
Mary has the opportunity to reflect on how a marriage beneath his station had fucked up her father's family relations, and reflects that Vidal would not do well in Mary's family acquaintance. Hoo boy.
Mary alights from the stage and realizes that the good inn doesn't want to take her. She's arguing about this, and failing, when...
... oh goodness, I think I recognize that ebony cane, that emerald ring, that excellent diamond stick pin.
An elderly gentleman decides to intervene on her behalf. 'I imagine I might well be your grandfather.' You're about to become her father-in-law, in fact, sir.
Avon (for it is surely he) discloses his long friendship with Sir Giles, Mary's noble grandfather.
They have an excellent and merry dinner!
Avon requests an explanation of her current circumstances. She is determined not to lie to him, and begs privacy.
Avon already knows too much, so she might as well tell everything and fill in the blanks.
'I feel an almost overwhelming interest in the methods of daylight abduction employed by the modern youth.' Possibly comparing notes to when his wife was carried off by her late and unlamented father?
Mary tells the tale; upon getting to the bit where Vidal's gunshot wound had become inflamed she remarks that he's easy enough to manage.
Avon comments that Vidal's parents would surely wish to meet her. Mary has opinions about Avon (by reputation) but doesn't want to air any rudeness in front of a friend of his. (She still hasn't guessed, despite some similarity to Vidal.)
Avon is trying desperately to not fully lose it as Mary describes the situation with the jug of water, the rapier duel, Juliana's hysterics, and the fact that Vidal did not actually kill Frederick. Extremely surprising, that last.
'I stopped it. I thought it was time.' Mary is a stone cold badass. The absolute nerve it takes to stand the fuck up to an enraged large man who you are pretty sure is bent on violence is no small thing, especially when you actually care about him.
(There's a personal story that I could put here. It really does take a lot of steel and perhaps a certain amount of anger of your own to do the thing.)
Avon asks if Mary loves Vidal. She does! She confesses her misgivings about the difference in social standing. But what if Vidal shows up?
'I can safely promise you, my dear, that while you remain under my protection you are in no danger from Lord Vidal.'
At this moment, Vidal appears in the courtyard. Avon instructs that Vidal is to be admitted. Mary's instinct here is to hide, and I can't say it's wrong.
Vidal is Extremely Startled to see Avon there. How long is the comedy to be drawn out? :D :D :D
Mary realizes that there is exactly one person in the world who can make Vidal straighten up and mind his manners with that incredible brevity. Oops.
Avon offers Mary an out to be claimed if she wishes, then leaves the pair alone to MAYBE ACTUALLY DISCUSS THEIR FEELINGS HONESTLY THIS TIME, YOU PAIR OF ABSOLUTE STEWED PRUNES
and they do! He promises to never tyrannize over her she accepts that promise for exactly what it's worth ('at the first hint of opposition you'll coerce me shamefully') but we ALSO all know that she will bend him around her little finger <3 <3 <3
Of the characters in play here, they're absolutely suited for each other and I love it (this is an absolute NOPE of a book for Ev, Vidal's too much an asshole)
In the morning Avon sends for the rest of the family.
There is a cover story! Mary argues that she's too sensible a creature to have gone into a decline over a situation with a man, but is overruled. Avon lays out the positions of the players to effect the dance of the proprieties.
It was indeed sensible of Mary to refuse to go out partying while staying with Tante Elizabeth.
Much to everyone's surprise, Mr. Quarles (remember Mr. Quarles? The one who Vidal shot at the gaming-house?) is going to live. Avon trusts that Mary is going to ride herd on Vidal to make him stop killing people out of hand.
LĂ©onie arrives, and cannot credit that Mary is actually Sophia's sister, as Sophia is very different. LĂ©onie threatens to bring Mr. Hammond down upon them all, for clearly Vidal must now marry her.
Rupert is concerned with his incautious wine purchase (six dozen of one and three dozen of the other) and concerns Avon with the tasting and logistics.
Mary has a private moment with LĂ©onie.
Juliana and Frederick arrive!
We end with wine and toasting. And, of course, arguing and hilarity. My god, this family is exhausting to try and keep up with! What a wild ride!
Most people are rattled by a threat to their life. Most people are rattled when seeing someone die in front of them. Our cool customer shoots a highwayman dead and continues to the party or whatever he's headed to, unruffled.
Fully ruffled. The coat has a lot of ruffles in addition to the smoking hole.
The frightful corpse is to be sent to Bow Street. I suppose because that would likely solve several open inquiries into highway dudes?
HI FANNY!
Dominic here, Marquis of Vidal, is the son of good ol' Justin (Avon) and our dear "infant" LĂ©onie, who cannot be trusted to keep Vidal out of trouble or coax him into displaying a proper feeling.
I admit I picked up this book a few weeks ago and put it back down because I was having a minor flashback to that time I saw a man die in the street after a single vehicle collision.
Fanny is still an absolute chatterbox who cannot stick to one topic and I appreciate her so much.
Vidal is the Devil's Cub, his dear papa having been known as the Devil. Vidal drinks, shoots, duels, gambles, and keeps opera dancers. *le gasp* https://t.co/GFsRabxNON
[Phantom of the Opera gif: Raoul Disapproves]
HOLDING ORGIES WITH ALL THE WILDEST YOUNG RAKES IN TOWN omg
Nevertheless Fanny has her eye on Vidal as a match for her daughter Juliana, and this is before first-cousin marriages were quite so widely squick.
Vidal and Juliana chat. ' ... but all the men I have met who are brilliant matches are just like you, and would make the most horrid husbands.â Correct, Juliana. Correct.
Juliana would like Vidal's confederacy in advancing her desired match with a well-conducted young country gentleman name of Frederick. It's clear that Juliana is the one with the spunkiness in this outfit. Vidal is disinclined.
Juliana has a boring older brother. Her dad, poor guy, is dead.
Justin is shockingly old-looking! He is still the same snob he ever was, but the practicality of pointing out that Vidal shouldn't trifle with the affections of someone who isn't familiar with upper class fuckygames doesn't go unappreciated.
Oho! Vidal does have a girlfriend amongst the bourgeoisie!!
I suspect we're not supposed to like Mrs. Challoner.
Young Mary Challoner is good-looking, direct, has common-sense, and likes to puncture male egos with her sense of humor. Almost a Bluestocking! Oh, I like her already.
Sophia is blonde and silly and everything that Mary is not. I'm sure that Mary adores her despite it all.
Sophia is Vidal's girlfriend! Mary has a sensible suspicion of him. And since I've read the back cover of the book, I know where this is going.
Sophia has another admirer but he's boring compared to Vidal. Sophia goes out, in questionable company as well as Vidal (so, double questionable, and Sophia has her reputation to think of). Cousin Joshua Simpkins is an asshole btw
Sophia is depending on her mother, and not being run off with, to get marriage out of Vidal. Against her will, Mary has a bit of a crush on Vidal too.
A meetup in Kensington Gardens! Hooray for Mary, not letting her sister slip off with Vidal.
Uncle Rupert has still got the ADHD vibe going strong.
Vidal knows that Mary has his number. He's determined to avoid marriage, especially to a cit.
Mr. Comyn goes out gaming, at Timothy's. Vidal is there. They are playing exceeding high.
Vidal! You're never gaming at 4am on the very morning of your race! (His dad suggested he could do the run in 3 hours 45 minutes, which everyone but those two agrees is Much Too Fast, though LĂ©onie believes in Vidal as always.) No drunk driving, kiddo!!!!!!!!!! No!!!!!!!!
Aww shit, Mr. Quarles dislikes Vidal to start with, and now he's making an accusation of cheating? Dude, this guy duels. You're a dead man.
Oh god, these assholes are refusing to listen to any sense, and WHO THE FUCK LET VIDAL GO ARMED IN A GAMING HOUSE. jeeze. Vidal shoots the flame off a candle even though he's drunk. Unsure which candle he was aiming for. Broke the mirror behind them.
Quarles is shot, possibly mortally wounded. Vidal was too drunk to duel; meant to kill the guy. And now he's late for his race. Nobody is happy. Vidal's a callous asshole as well as a drunk driver.
Vidal has not returned from Newmarket when LĂ©onie comes calling.
LĂ©onie would have certainly heard of the stir that Vidal raised before he left, but her first question is about the race.
Quarles is still alive, possibly, but not by much. Avon has sent a note. I would not like it if Avon sent me a note, under the circumstances.
Now we learn about the scene in Timothy's after Vidal levanted. Avon showed up. Comyn displayed heartening presence of mind and kept pressure on Quarles's wound despite the redoubled commotion. I like him more and more for Juliana.
Avon's instruction: GTFO of England before Quarles dies. (You can't just go around shooting people, you young asshole!)
Vidal is, of course, late for his date with Sophia. Cousin Joshua goes about lecturing Sophia on the proprieties but in a way calculated to make us all ready to punch him in the nuts. He forbids communication. That takes about two seconds to violate.
Vidal must flee! Soon! His intentions are extremely dishonorable! But will Sophia come to Paris? Libertine Paris, where such relationships are understood? She is tempted! They agree! ...Ish. Sophia is dazzled but not entirely decided.
News of the race! 3:44, just a minute under what Avon suggested for Vidal's time! (Don't be like Vidal. Cars aren't horses. Don't drive drunk. Don't ride drunk either.)
Vidal seems to approve of Comyn for Juliana, and gives sensible advice (make friends with Avon, just up and elope with Juliana without looking for Fanny's approval). They play.
If Comyn wants things to always be licit, destine, and on the up and up, he really oughtn't to get mixed up with this family. But I think he's hooked, and honestly might keep Vidal a little more anchored if they were friends.
Avon is going to give Vidal the raking over of a lifetime.
I *knew* having the duel right then and there was a mistake! There are ways to do these things, and That Wasn't It, Bro.
Ohhhh, Avon has brought LĂ©onie into it. Vidal is not getting out easy.
Avon is sufficiently icy that Vidal has to be internally bleeding from at least five directions.
At least LĂ©onie has never shot anyone, despite her intentions.
LĂ©onie is right. Vidal is too much like her and someone like LĂ©onie would not be a good match for him. (As we already know, Mary is perfect! She will bust up one side and down the other.)
Vidal does not care very much for les convenances and in his haste to get everything in order has addressed his note to "Miss Challoner", which as we know means the *eldest* sister when we are being formal.
MARY KNOWS ALL.
Or at least, enough, but the hot goss about Vidal's dueling problems has not made it as far as Mary. Instead of Paris, Mary's thinking the flight might be towards Scotland and the hasty ceremonies at Gretna Green. She's in for a surprise!!!
Mary fakes a headache to get out of a party. Sophia is not so much in love with Vidal after all. She finds a mask! She sneaks out!
And there he is! She keeps the mask. They're going south. They can't be heading to Gretna. omg when will she be discovered omg
Not yet! Vidal supposes her asleep and she doesn't want to make a ruckus in front of people who will laugh at her. Though they're far out enough that her stash of money might not get her all the way home...
"she might well have supposed that he was flying for his life" MORE TRUE THAN YOU KNOW but also he often travels like this, it's unremarkable
also she has grabbed the pistol out of the coach and nobody knows whether it's loaded except for probably Vidal who tends to know how he leaves his guns and based on the rest of his shooting habits it's probably loaded let's remember this for later
NOW Mary remembers the duel. Now that they're at the coast of the Channel. Vidal seems to be in the habit of bringing his bits of muslin this way. Mary's not pleased.
Oho! Pig-swill on order, and discovery!!!
Mary is taunting the fuck out of Vidal and *I am here for it*. (She's wondering if Vidal is going to murder her and that is an extremely rational concern under the circs)
Vidal is convinced by the taunts that Mary is none so virtuous. She's planning to go home but Vidal is mad enough to take her to Paris. But she'll go on her own terms.
Vidal! Breath play is not safe!!!!!!!!!
Vidal has Designs for the voyage, but Mary is seasick. Poor Mary. (But Vidal is thwarted!)
They have arrived across the Channel! Mary is startled to learn that even though she brought almost nothing she has baggage -- the baggage that Vidal provided for Sophia.
Dinner. Mary brings the gun.
Vidal advances. Mary produces the gun.
She shoots! She scoooooores! (His arm. She has hit him in the arm, and disturbed the landlord.) LĂ©onie is the only woman Vidal knows of who would have pulled the trigger. He's impressed.
Now that Mary has spoken the only language Vidal understands, they discuss why she's actually there. Vidal is now concerned for Mary's reputation. Good, Vidal. You're starting to show some proper feeling.
"If you call me a respectable young female again--" I love Mary
VIDAL IS OFFERING MARRIAGE IN ORDER TO NOT RUIN MARY THIS IS NOT A DRILL (also if he ruins someone as well-mannered as Mary his reputation will take the hit and really he can't afford that)
Maaaaary's got feeeeeeeeeeeeeeelings
But now that Vidal's come up to scratch, it's tantamount to stealing Sophia's fiance (nevermind that he would never have offered for Sophia)
Mary decides the only career possibility for her is as a governess in France. She would basically be Mary Poppins and I am here for that AU.
Vidal's gunshot wound looks bad. He will not have a surgeon sent for, according to Fletcher. He must be at least the local head of staff. Mary orders Fletcher to fetch the surgeon. On her orders, not Fletcher's initiative. Fletcher respects this. Good.
They are playing marriage chicken. Vidal has no chance. (Neither does Mary.)
OH SHIT VIDAL KNOWS MARY'S GRANDPA more to the point AVON KNOWS MARY'S GRANDPA the families are *not* going to let this one go if they get wind of it
The surgeon arrives, and I am just in love with the phrasing here.
"disposed of the little surgeon's diagnosis and proposed remedies in one rude and extremely idiomatic sentence." Doctor is surprised. "'Monsieur, I was informed that you were an Englishman!'"
"My lord said, amongst other things, that he did not propose to burden the doctor with the details of his genealogy."
"He consigned the doctor and all his works, severally and comprehensively described, to hell, and finished up his epic speech by a pungent and Rabelaisian criticism of the whole race of leeches."
"Whereupon the doctor, who had listened rapt to the unfaltering diatribe, said with enthusiasm: 'But it is wonderful! An Englishman to have so great a command of the French tongue! It is what compels the admiration!'" Thank you, LĂ©onie.
Mary proceeds to order everyone around and is well on her way to winning over Vidal's staff. There is a battle of wills over a bowl of gruel. (Mary wins, by giving up so Vidal is forced to eat it to make her not sad.)
The logistical problems of marriage: if it's seen that Mary is staying with Vidal, and then they get married, Mary will be seen as the one taking advantage.
We pause briefly to fat-shame one of the de Saint-Vire connection.
So Mary is under strict instructions to stay invisible, on pain of her reputation. But there's an Englishman trying to navigate France with no comprehension of the language. I suspect that this is soon-to-be-cousin Frederick Comyn...?
It is! Vidal explains himself. Comyn is infuriatingly calm. (I like him so much.)
Oh!!! Mary knows Juliana! They were the dearest friends at seminary! How delightful!
Vidal plans to put Mary into the care of the same cousin who is hosting Juliana; with the excuse of being old schoolfellows, the visit will become respectable. And then the elopement? Mary's plan: Juliana can help her get a nice, respectable, anonymous job.
The journey to Paris is resumed!
And goes with only slight incident. I love that Vidal threatens to dress Mary. Immediately they reach Paris and Vidal has to go locate his relatives. Which means dressing for a ball. Mary approves.
Vidal locates his cousin (and some more relatives) and confesses the situation to dear Juliana.
Now that Juliana and Mary are reunited, we go back to England and see what the Challoner family is up to.
Sophia does not take it at all well. Mrs. Challoner begins scheming. Sophia threatens suicide. Mrs. Challoner is having none of it. She attempts to descend upon Avon House. Avon House doesn't permit the descent.
Meanwhile, Sophia has been left alone and immediately shares the information of Mary running off with Vidal. Her confidante Eliza has no intention of keeping this as a confidence, of course, and Sophia intends to let the whole town know that Mary's a shameless hussy. Lol.
Cousin Joshua is in agonies that a) Mary has clearly rejected him, and b) HOW COULD MARY BE SO SHAMELESS O WOE.
Lady Fanny's servants are the weakest link, and Mrs. Challoner busts in. Lady Fanny assumes that a visit from such a vulgar person is naturally about bills, which takes the wind out of Mrs. Challoner's sails.
When Mrs. Challoner appeals to Lady Fanny's feelings as a mother, Lady Fanny's new suspicions are confirmed: this vulgar person is trying to swear a bastard on Avon.
They untangle the misunderstanding. Fanny is entirely too calm until Mrs. Challoner leaves. She sends for LĂ©onie via her stolid son John.
LĂ©onie refuses to take the situation seriously, except by remarking that Avon will be displeased. Either Mary went with Vidal willingly to France, or Vidal would not have taken the wrong sister and she must be in England somewhere.
John knows his cousin. What if it was for revenge? LĂ©onie takes that seriously, and they must fly to Rupert without losing any moment, and from there to France to figure things out.
I have lost count at this point of the number of people who are intent on forcing Vidal to marry Mary, but that count now includes LĂ©onie, provided that Mary isn't the designing hussy that Sophia is.
LĂ©onie descends upon the Challoner house. Sophia goes off-book.
Mrs. Challoner, you have no idea what you're dealing with. LĂ©onie can out-vulgar you, out-plot you, and run rings around you. I would pity you if you weren't so terrible, and perhaps I pity you even so.
And of course that interview is enough to knock LĂ©onie from wishing to force Vidal to marry Mary and into wishing to make Mary any viable match so that Vidal won't have to be tied to someone in the mold of such a vulgar maman.
We pause for the night as both my partner and the cat are in bed and I would probably disturb them if I were to giggle or gasp or yell at any of the characters who really need yelling at.
One of my locked friends has offered a spirited defense of Mrs. Challoner: whatever her other shortcomings, she is trying to get her girls the life they should have had if not for the husbandly malfeasance and familial neglect. Which is a very fair point!
We resume.
LĂ©onie attempts to enlist Rupert's help. This is going to end with a whole delegation going to France, isn't it.
Rupert is browbeaten into agreeing to go.
Rupert is browbeaten into traveling slightly more light than he would have otherwise done.
Avon descends upon Fanny, extremely smug about the Mr. Comyn/Juliana match.
Mary's aim of becoming a governess is not met with enthusiasm by Juliana.
Mary and Mr. Comyn chat. Juliana is being contrary when told to not flirt with a certain rattle. Mr. Comyn is not best pleased. Vidal is not best pleased upon surprising Mary and Mr. Comyn exchanging a (cousinly, I'm sure) hand clasp.
Mary and Vidal are still at cross-purposes. She's got feelings but doesn't want to trap Vidal (and doesn't like being so deeply without options herself). Vidal is a sneering twit and unable to express any of his feelings in anything but controlling behavior. Boo, asshole. Boo.
Argh. Frederick and Juliana are Not Communicating Well, and the rattle of a Vicomte (de Valmé) isn't helping them. Vidal obtains an audience with Cousin Juliana at the ball via a defenestration threat to the Vicomte. (Woo! Defenestration! My favorite!)
Oh, Juliana! You are being *beastly* to Frederick!!! But you do have a point about controlling behavior. And he has a point about your appalling manners.
FREDERICK ARE YOU DOING WHAT I THINK YOU'RE DOING NO DO NOT DO THAT THING, I BEG OF YOU NO GOOD WILL COME OF IT
shit he's actually proposing to her, in that extremely emotionally constipated way that seems to be the only way an upper-class Englishman has of doin' feelings not that he's GOT them here, except wounded pride, and that's no way to start
Mary's considering it.
OH MY GOD THEY'RE ON THE WAY TO DIJON TO GET MARRIED.
Comyn, you idiot, you clearly have no experience of this family or you would not have left any kind of note for Vidal.
Mary and Frederick are discovering points of absolute disharmony. (I cheer.) They're not good for each other. Frederick thinks that Mary should be less prosaic about the whole thing. Mary's reminiscences about Vidal are more rose-tinted than the O, That Brute that F expects.
VIDAL HAS THE NOTE. There's the swearing that I love and expect!
Mary and Frederick are traveling fast (according to Frederick). Mary has observed that this is nothing in comparison to how Vidal travels. This, I see, is about to be tested. I wonder whether it'll result in a dramatic I GOT YOUR IMPEDIMENT RIGHT HERE ASSHOLES scene...
Mr. Timms is ready to defend the honor of his future mistress in the face of some comparisons to past bits of muslin that Vidal has been around with.
Mr. Timms also has opinions on the various deficiencies of appearance in the gentlemen he's dressed before, and he has a long and storied career of them.
Vidal purposes to leave once he's figured out the destination. Juliana is determined to come with, and has left a note for their aunt. This is bound to be hilarious once we discover WTF she's actually said.
Juliana does not care for the bouncing and jostling involved in Vidal's level of speed. Nor would I, really, but she did insist upon coming. This is the sensibility that Frederick was looking for but missed in Mary.
Juliana has teased Vidal into admitting his feelings.
Oh no! A lost wheel! This will delay the arrival of Vidal and Juliana onto the scene with Frederick and Mary.
Meanwhile, LĂ©onie and Rupert have achieved Paris. Where is Vidal? It is a mystery! Why is he heading to Dijon? And where is Mary?
If Vidal has abandoned Mary in Paris, LĂ©onie is absolutely furious with him, because that is Just Not Done.
Aha! Now we come to Juliana's letter's effects!!!
Oh, no, never say "we know everything", always compare notes. That way lies extreme misunderstandings (which are bound to be AMAZING)
Rupert and LĂ©onie now believe that Vidal has eloped with Juliana. Oh boy. Tante de Charbonne is in A State and does not wish to face Fanny over any of this.
LĂ©onie has not realized that Juliana's friend is the same Mary that Vidal ran off with. LĂ©onie decides that the only thing to do in order to clear up the situation is to follow the party to Dijon. (Uncles, mothers, rakes, wives, how many going to St. Ives?)
Mary and Frederick have reached Dijon! But Mr. Hammond is not in the marrying mood.
Mr. Hammond is accompanying a young gentleman on Grand Tour and does not wish to be bothered by the appearance of weird Englishmen in a fashion that someone might doubt his ability to be a staid and respectable companion.
So Mary and Frederick are unmarried when Vidal does his best party-crashing maneuver. https://t.co/i1hAICPlJU
[Family Guy gif: the Kool-Aid Man crashes through the wall, saying "OH YEAH". Various Family Guy characters say "OH NO" in turn.]
Frederick gamely lies. 'Will your lordship have the goodness to unhand my wife?' Vidal has Frederick by the throat when Juliana busts in. Let's see if Freddy has the gall to lie to her as well.
Mary dumps the water-jug over the unequal brawl (and Juliana). Your practicality is an inspiration.
The men draw swords. Since Vidal is basically perfect, he is good with the rapier even untrained, so he's more than a match for the trained Frederick.
Vidal overpowers Frederick!!! Mary grabs a coat and wades in!!!!!!!!!!!!
She is stabbed!!!!!!!
To his credit, Vidal immediately is shocked to his senses, tosses his sword down, and grabs Mary's fainting form before she can hit the floor.
He forgets to be emotionally guarded. Mary notices.
It's just a scratch! Fortunately!!!!! (though god knows that the swords won't have been as clean as they could be)
Vidal, still believing that the marriage actually went through, goes extremely possessive. Frederick has calmed down and is inclined to tell the truth now. Mary needs to lie down very quietly and leaves them to their discussion.
Is she going to get it? Judging by the size of the group listening outside, perhaps not. And there's Uncle Rupert! Fortunately Mary sees him before he sees her, and since she's bloody and Vidal ripped her dress open, she decides to remain unseen.
And LĂ©onie has started lecturing Vidal, more or less at the top of her lungs! She detests this tramp who Vidal must now marry, sight unseen! Mary does not like hearing this discussion.
Fortunately there is a Paris-bound stagecoach just outside! Mary grabs cloak and purse and scrams with the intention of going as far as her limited cash will take her.
LĂ©onie wants answers. None of her relatives are making sense, so she prevails upon Frederick to give answers.
Frederick embarks on a lengthy and somewhat longwinded explanation, and has just gotten to the part where he realized that Vidal does truly love Mary after all, when...
Hullo, it's Mr. Hammond! Come to (as he thinks) hold a wedding!
Mr. Hammond does not at all like the scene of chaos he's arrived into.
Vidal tries to sell LĂ©onie on why he loves Mary. LĂ©onie is a little swayed, but knows that Avon will be fearfully upset. As much as Vidal fears his father's anger, that's not enough to stop him.
Frederick has been trying to chill out Mr. Hammond; Vidal summons him to lead LĂ©onie to go meet Mary, who everyone dearly assumes has gone to lie down in her room, where she said she was going. The coach will have traveled some ways by now.
LĂ©onie: 'But why does she run away so much? I find it not at all easy to understand.'
Juliana explains.
Mr. Hammond, having made 0 friends, departs. Average parson makes at least 1 friend but due to someone's bad grasp of data entry and worse formula-building the answer of NaN friends is an outlier adn should not be counted.
LĂ©onie is determined that no one is marrying anyone if they don't want to (because it would in fact be a scandal if it was known that Vidal was in a position of chaperone to Juliana) but since LĂ©onie is now here, she is the ultimate chaperone.
Frederick and Juliana are perhaps starting to reconcile with each other.
LĂ©onie and Rupert are not yet convinced of Mary's merits and are congratulating themselves on maybe earning Avon's forgiveness if they succeed in keeping Vidal from marrying below his station. Ha. Ha.
LĂ©onie's opinions on whether or not Vidal should marry Mary keep flickering in the wind. That's just how LĂ©onie is, don't be alarmed. She loves Vidal and will try to help -- unless of course she takes a dislike to Mary. Always a risk!
Vidal is determined to at least give Mary the protection of his name, having gone this far. But he's not going to force her into anything else besides marriage. (Good god. Everyone needs no-fault divorce as an option here, but if we had that we'd also not have ruination.)
Rupert has discovered a very good wine. That's Rupert for you.
Mary has the opportunity to reflect on how a marriage beneath his station had fucked up her father's family relations, and reflects that Vidal would not do well in Mary's family acquaintance. Hoo boy.
Mary alights from the stage and realizes that the good inn doesn't want to take her. She's arguing about this, and failing, when...
... oh goodness, I think I recognize that ebony cane, that emerald ring, that excellent diamond stick pin.
An elderly gentleman decides to intervene on her behalf. 'I imagine I might well be your grandfather.' You're about to become her father-in-law, in fact, sir.
Avon (for it is surely he) discloses his long friendship with Sir Giles, Mary's noble grandfather.
They have an excellent and merry dinner!
Avon requests an explanation of her current circumstances. She is determined not to lie to him, and begs privacy.
Avon already knows too much, so she might as well tell everything and fill in the blanks.
'I feel an almost overwhelming interest in the methods of daylight abduction employed by the modern youth.' Possibly comparing notes to when his wife was carried off by her late and unlamented father?
Mary tells the tale; upon getting to the bit where Vidal's gunshot wound had become inflamed she remarks that he's easy enough to manage.
Avon comments that Vidal's parents would surely wish to meet her. Mary has opinions about Avon (by reputation) but doesn't want to air any rudeness in front of a friend of his. (She still hasn't guessed, despite some similarity to Vidal.)
Avon is trying desperately to not fully lose it as Mary describes the situation with the jug of water, the rapier duel, Juliana's hysterics, and the fact that Vidal did not actually kill Frederick. Extremely surprising, that last.
'I stopped it. I thought it was time.' Mary is a stone cold badass. The absolute nerve it takes to stand the fuck up to an enraged large man who you are pretty sure is bent on violence is no small thing, especially when you actually care about him.
(There's a personal story that I could put here. It really does take a lot of steel and perhaps a certain amount of anger of your own to do the thing.)
Avon asks if Mary loves Vidal. She does! She confesses her misgivings about the difference in social standing. But what if Vidal shows up?
'I can safely promise you, my dear, that while you remain under my protection you are in no danger from Lord Vidal.'
At this moment, Vidal appears in the courtyard. Avon instructs that Vidal is to be admitted. Mary's instinct here is to hide, and I can't say it's wrong.
Vidal is Extremely Startled to see Avon there. How long is the comedy to be drawn out? :D :D :D
Mary realizes that there is exactly one person in the world who can make Vidal straighten up and mind his manners with that incredible brevity. Oops.
Avon offers Mary an out to be claimed if she wishes, then leaves the pair alone to MAYBE ACTUALLY DISCUSS THEIR FEELINGS HONESTLY THIS TIME, YOU PAIR OF ABSOLUTE STEWED PRUNES
and they do! He promises to never tyrannize over her she accepts that promise for exactly what it's worth ('at the first hint of opposition you'll coerce me shamefully') but we ALSO all know that she will bend him around her little finger <3 <3 <3
Of the characters in play here, they're absolutely suited for each other and I love it (this is an absolute NOPE of a book for Ev, Vidal's too much an asshole)
In the morning Avon sends for the rest of the family.
There is a cover story! Mary argues that she's too sensible a creature to have gone into a decline over a situation with a man, but is overruled. Avon lays out the positions of the players to effect the dance of the proprieties.
It was indeed sensible of Mary to refuse to go out partying while staying with Tante Elizabeth.
Much to everyone's surprise, Mr. Quarles (remember Mr. Quarles? The one who Vidal shot at the gaming-house?) is going to live. Avon trusts that Mary is going to ride herd on Vidal to make him stop killing people out of hand.
LĂ©onie arrives, and cannot credit that Mary is actually Sophia's sister, as Sophia is very different. LĂ©onie threatens to bring Mr. Hammond down upon them all, for clearly Vidal must now marry her.
Rupert is concerned with his incautious wine purchase (six dozen of one and three dozen of the other) and concerns Avon with the tasting and logistics.
Mary has a private moment with LĂ©onie.
Juliana and Frederick arrive!
We end with wine and toasting. And, of course, arguing and hilarity. My god, this family is exhausting to try and keep up with! What a wild ride!
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