Old candles still burn hot

Amethyst laughed at her friend's evaluation. She did rather feel like a beautiful, evil genius. The masquerade was allowing all kinds of meetings and mingling that wouldn't be possible when introductions and social classes set everyone out in their neat little lines. She liked a little chaos, and this was just delicious. She could set all of them free for a night, so long as they kept their masks firmly in place.

"I'm pleased as punch, my darling. Everyone seems to be willing to play along for now. And that means the two of us have a chance to enjoy the party ourselves." Her grin was wide and almost hungry as she glanced at the back door.

"If anyone asks where I went...tell them you lost me in the crowd, won't you?" she was already distracted, planning her change into her second dress--one that for once, wasn't her trademark purple. What better way to vanish into the party than to do the one thing she swore left and right she'd never do? Everyone else got to be someone else for the night...so why shouldn't she?

Lynn's smile was as large as a Cheshire cat, as her bright blues twinkled with mischief. There was a reason she and the countess were good friends. They thought very much alike, and Lynn outright adored her.

"Why of course darling! And if anyone asks...I'm not here." She called to her. Waving her fingers over her shoulder as she watched Amethyst disappear from sight. Lynn's grin stayed on her face, as she looked back down. Placing her hands wide on the railing as she leaned slightly forward to peer down.

The sea of gowns and suits was quite the sight to be seen. Aesthetically pleasing of course what with the Countess's strict dress code. She let her head tilt as she rested a cheek on her shoulder letting her eyes scan the many covered faces. She knew what most of her sisters were wearing, save for maybe Blythe, but Lynn's eyes wandered looking for the other two. Wondering if they'd find someone to entertain themselves with for the night, and what might be in store. The first social event of the season was certainly off to a big start, and Lynn's quietly pondered the ones to come.

Before she knew it, Sophia would be entering her first social season. She was only ten of course, and had several more years ahead of her, but Lynn suddenly wished she didn't have too. Her sweet angel deserved far better then being tossed to the wolves or forced into a match she might not want. Lynn herself had been married in her first season to Reginald, and though they were happy for a short time, Lynn could never fully give her love to her husband. Something had always kept her back. It didn't...well Reginald didn't feel right. He may have "tamed" her, but maybe it was something else? A realization that this was to be her life and that she needed to be better for her children. She'd been forced to grow up, and look where it landed her.

A possible dead husband, four children and a fortune she was just sitting on. Rumor and scandal surrounding her... There was more to come, she knew that. Questions she'd have to answer too if not from her family, from her son when he became of a certain age and asked why people said certain things, and of course... That impossible man.

She'd lost track of how long she stood there, gazing down into the ballroom. Thankful for the opportunity the Countess had provided in becoming someone you weren't for the night. In Lynn's case, maybe she didn't want to become someone new, but an old version of herself. A version that didn't have a Gang leader waiting for his next payment, that wasn't stressed, or became anxious at every time someone walked through the front door or she received the post.

For a night, she could go back in time, and maybe...Just maybe, rewrite a part of history she hadn't even considered...

Phoenix had chosen the perfect day to arrive back in London society--or rather, fate had chosen it. He had been merely playing into the ebb end flow of his business, but he took any chance he could get to find his way back to London...and into the embrace of a certain woman if he was able. It just so happened that today that woman's best friend was throwing a massive fete, one that involved hiding your identity. It was enough to make him wonder if the Countess of Bath knew exactly what her best friend was into.

He arrived fashionably late in a nice suit and the last black mask the shop had been carrying. He trusted that his instincts would lead him to Lynn Cheshire, as they always did, but there was quite a crowd, larger than he'd anticipated. Once he saw her there would be no trouble recognizing her, but there were so many useless people in the way he had half a mind to trip some of them. He drifted towards a waiter who passed through with a tray of champagne, snagging one as the man passed. As he turned, he caught a portion of the crowd eddying around the small stage, where one lone woman stood, looking down over them. Curious, he moved closer, and as he drew near enough to make out her lovely figure, and the way her dark hair shone in the flickering light of a dozen purple lamps, he knew he'd found her.

With a smirk, he stopped below the railing where she stood, put his hand over his heart, and called softly up to her.

"Oh, she doth teach the torches to burn bright!
It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night
Like a rich jewel in an Ethiope’s ear,
Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear."

Lynn hadn’t realized how much time had passed as she stood up on the stage, off to the side looking out into the crowd. Her eyes were wandering, never settling and she thought she’d entered into a daze. Nearly becoming consumed by thoughts about the future and what it might bring. Would Reginald ever return? And what of her sweet Benjamin? For a woman who preached about not caring what others thought of her, and normally didn’t, it was another thing when her children were involved. They could whisper and talk about Lynn and her madness all they wanted, how wild she was, and how improper, but her babies? Never.

Her thoughts were pulled away when a voice suddenly drew her attention. One she knew all too well, and despite the years that they’d been apart, one she’d recognize anywhere. The same one that sent shivers down her spine, and he didn’t have to whisper things in her ear and hold her close. He merely had to be there. Instantly, she searched frantically for him, until her eyes landed on the figure just below her.

She saw that smirk, and instantly knew. A mask didn’t have to cover his face to recognize those eyes. The same eyes that she often dreamed about waking up too, and the same shade of brown that a certain little boy had. Her seized upon seeing Phoenix Bishop, and all the wind went out of Lynn’s lungs as she stared in shock. Clearly she hadn’t been expecting him, and her lips silently said his name, though no sound came out. The wind had been knocked from her sails, and suddenly the last two years felt like a century.

He’d missed so much. The last they’d seen each other had been a ball much similar. And the moment they’d parted, Phoenix had left her once more. This time to face down a disaster she hadn’t been prepared for. The last time they’d seen each other had been the first time in ten years. Ten, long, painful years, only comforted by his letters. Lynn hadn’t known how painful it was until she’d laid eyes on him, and even now after nearly two more, Lynn felt like she was being flayed open. Benjamin was the first thing on Lynn’s mind. A very important detail that Phoenix didn’t know about. Could never know about, or Lynn’s daughters would be ruined forever.

Never before did she wish she’d never see the man before her again. And yet, that wish would also be her undoing. She was a walking contradiction, and all she could do was stare in shock, before she managed to pull herself together. “Well, well, well, look what the cat dragged in…” She said, a small smirk appearing on her face, before pure delight appeared in her bright blues. Despite all the trouble he put her through, Lynn could never stay mad at Phoenix. And in that moment there was an overwhelming sense of relief that he was there. She’d never voiced her troubles, not wanting to burden anyone, and yet her best friend was back.

Lynn whirled around on her heel, moving away from the railing as she went for the stage exit. Moisture quickly filled her eyes, as she had to pick up her long skirts or else she’d trip over the train with how quickly she moved. With each step, she praised Amethyst yet again with this masquerade. She had no fear as she took the last step and rounded the corner making her way around the stage to where she’d left Phoenix. The moment she spotted him, she placed her hands on her hips, as she tapped a foot, a look of contemplation on her face before she made up her mind. She started towards him again, this time slower, as she fought the sting of tears.

“O, then, dear saint, let lips do what hands do.
They pray; grant thou, lest faith turn to despair.”

She said quietly as she continued her approach to him.

Look what the cat dragged in…"

Phoenix winced. Perhaps he'd expected too much looking for a warm welcome after vanishing last time around. But he didn't like to linger here, watching her go about her pretty little married life with another man. It hurt too much to see what might have been his if he'd only been born wealthy. God, he'd missed her. The strength of it was like a physical pull, a chain wrapped round his very heart, dragging him back to her no matter how he tried to trick himself. He couldn't break free, even if he wanted to. He'd love her til the day he died, and then he'd find some way to haunt her even then.

When she brightened into a smile, he did likewise, relieved to see that she was happy to see him. She turned sharply on her heel, and he looked for the stairs, that he might meet her at the bottom. He didn't make it quickly enough through the crowd to beat her there, but he did shorten her hunt, at least. She stopped with her hands on her hips, and he raised a dark eyebrow above his mask.

What had her waiting?

Her reply to his earlier Shakespeare returned his grin as he moved slowly but surely toward her, taking her hand to draw her slightly behind a massive floral arrangement before he did as she asked and carefully, tenderly, brought his lips to hers. It was more chaste than he might have liked, but the emotion seeped into it nonetheless. He never could hold back how he felt for her, not since they were children. The fact no one else had figured it out was a sheer miracle.

As he pulled away, a wistful smile crossed his lips. "Thus from my lips, by thine, my sin is purged," he quoted, then dared to kiss her again, his hand coming up to caress her cheek against whatever good sense he might have had once upon a time. It was torture to pull himself away, but he did, stepping out from behind the florals so that no one would take the time to be too concerned with who they were and what they were up to.

"I've missed you, love. More than I can say."

The moment Phoenix’s hand was in hers, she felt like she’d been set ablaze. As was what usually happened when this man touched her skin. It was as if he could control her magic, causing her body to warm at his touch, and his smile had her melting all over. She couldn’t help but smile back and fought the eagerness to quickly follow him behind the floral arrangement. She wanted to take her time with him, as time with him was precious and fleeting.

Once she was obscured from view the hand that wasn’t holding his, instantly went to rest on his chest as she tilted her head up. Feeling the skape of his lips brush against hers, she did her best to fight the tears that wanted to fall. The waves of emotion taking over, and she wanted desperately to just fall into his arms and weep. Tell him everything he’d missed, and that she didn’t know what to do. But Lynn was stronger than that. She had to be, for the inevitable, when Phoenix would leave her again.

He was gone to soon, as he pulled away from the chaste kiss. Her blue eyes opened and she stared up into his nearly black eyes, a soft smile appearing on her face as he finished the quote. She leaned into his touch, turning her head to quickly place a kiss on his palm. Wishing they were somewhere more private already.

She clasped her hands together in front of her, attempting to look proper and natural as Phoenix stepped out from behind the arrangement and she slowly followed, though her steps were hesitant. Many emotions were at war within her, and she suddenly despertately wanted a drink to try and smooth over her nerves. She glanced up when he spoke again, and it caused her stomach to flip, and a sad smile appeared on her face. “Not as much as I.” She whispered. Her usual fire and sass she might have put behind the remark, was no there. Her flame had dimmed in the last year due to the stress she’d been dealing with.

“H-How long are you here this time?” She found herself asking, cursing herself for weak she sounded. But there was only so much a woman could handle when she was the only one handling such things, among four children as well. She was thankful for the mask. Glad it hid the stray tear that fell from her eye and was absorbed by the white fabric. Last time had only been one night. At least from what she could see of him of course, but...things had changed now, and she almost wondered what Phoenix knew. What he had heard? Suddenly she was becoming very afraid about what rumors he’d heard while he’d been away, and what he thought of the matter.

"Actually… that depends on you, my sweet. Would you be terribly distressed if your childhood love were to spend the whole season in London? I've got business with the modistes and hatters in town, seeing about a new brand of silk, in all kinds of fabulous colors. That and fireworks--I've brought a special sample of those just for you and your miniatures, as well." His voice was playful, and his mouth laughing, but his eyes betrayed his genuine nervousness. "Of course, if that would cause any trouble for you at home, I can keep my distance...or, I can keep it while the sun is up, at least." He winked.



Would she rather that he went away? She spoke of missing him even more than he missed her, but did she really? Did she have time to worry for him between time spent with her husband and her daughters? And more than that, should she? Was it cruel of him to dance back into her life when he could stand being away no longer? Was he only hurting her?



Everything he'd done was always to be good enough for her, to impress her, fill her time with laughter and good things. Even if he couldn't have her, at the very least he could know that his work was benefitting her as often as it distracted him from her.



He took her hand again while waiting for her answer, guiding her into the swirl of waltzing figures. A waltz was always a good excuse to dance close, and the music would mask their conversation. The purple lantern light made her look like a figure from a dream, almost enough to make him wonder if perhaps he had dreamed all this, and he was still in China, sleeping on a strange bed after arguing with silk weavers for days. But no, her hand in his was solid, and her lips had been warm and familiar against his own. This was his Lynn.

Lynn blinked in surprise, so much so the threat of more tears spilling was for the moment halted. He was what? Staying for the whole season? More then that he wanted to spend it setting off fireworks with her and the girls. She could already hear Georgiana’s shrieks of delight, and seeing her run around in her excitement. Franny bouncing up and down along with her. She wondered suddenly how Benjamin would like fireworks, if he’d be in complete awe, or terrified. The thought of her son however brought reality crashing back around her, and she didn’t know what to say. She just knew Phoenix was pulling her for a dance.

Any sense of decorum was thrown out the window then, as Lynn didn’t care what eyes spotted them. As far as they knew, they were a married couple enthralled in the other. Though they weren’t married, they were certainly captivated, and Lynn looked up at Phoenix like he’d just given her the sun, moon, and stars on a silver platter.

A whole season...With him. Reginald wasn’t there, for once...She didn’t have to hide her feelings for the man before her to the public eye. She could be with him however she wanted, and with that thought in mind, she all but melted against him. Resting her head on his chest while they swayed to the music. She bit her bottom lip before she glanced up at him, wondering how much to tell him suddenly. The fact he was staying was more of a relief to her then she realized, there were only...a few obstacles. Their son being one, and how Phoenix would react to knowing about him. How he would react to knowing Lynn had kept word of it from him. She hadn’t even told him she was pregnant last, for fear he might think he was...well the father. Which he was.

But there was one thing she couldn’t keep from Phoenix. Something he was bound to hear sooner then later. She could delay Benjamin, she couldn’t delay the fact that there was no Lord Cheshire. She didn’t want to keep that news from him any longer then she had too. Not when she’d been blessed with more time with him. The hand that wasn’t in his own, came up to cup his cheek as she smiled up at him, but there was a slight hesitance to it. “A lot’s happened since you’ve been away.” She murmured quietly. Her thumb brushing the smoothness of his cheek, just below his mask.

She paused, taking a deep breath and then pursed her lips for a moment before she parted them again. “He’s gone, Phoenix.” She spoke quietly. Keeping her voice down as her smile widened a bit more. “Reginald. He-” Who was she to lie to this man? When she’d always valued honesty with him? Still, no one wanted to admit their husband had left them and their children. He’d abandoned them. And Lynn had to pick up the pieces. “He left us.” Her voice was thick but for a different reason then sorrow for a lost idea. “We can discuss it more in private, later but-” She huffed a small laugh as she laid her hand on his chest, right over his heart. “The children and I are supposed to be staying with my parents for the season, however I think I could be persuaded to take the miniatures with me to our town home.” She suggested. The Cheshire manor would prove to be less crowded and she wouldn’t have her mothers prying eyes on her and a particular man coming and going as he pleased.

Her gaze softened incredibly as she peered up at him. “I don’t want to waste a minute that I have with you.” She confessed. If she had a season with him, then she would sure as hell make the most of it. And then...maybe...tell him about her other troubles later...