The house was quiet, Justin sat in front of the library's hearth. He had not yet ordered it lit, but had told all servants to leave. He reclined, one booted foot swung gracefully over a long leg, in a red armchair. His favourite. Usually by now he would be seated with his ward, and his Cherie at his side by now. It was after dinner and the library was both of their sanctuary. They would either read or talk, tucked away from the rest of the house and from society. But tonight she was at large, or, rather, dinner. Having gone with his sister and brother in law to some lordlings house, he found the silence strangely unnerving.

Usually he too would go out, more often then not with her. He would return late with a drooping figure beside him, half asleep from the constant dancing and socializing and he would gently hand her to a maid to be washed and put to bed. It was, though he never said it, his favourite part of the night. To see her so happy with her life, with the parties and dresses and food, and worn out by it all too, was something he found immensely pleasing.

The door to the library opened and he lifted his eyes lazily to behold his sister. Like the hearth, he had lit no candles and saw, with some surprise, that it had grown quite dark and that the hallway beyond was full of dazzling light. Fanny bustled in with layers of lace.

"Lord! What an icebox this is, Justin. What strange habits you keep. The fireplace works perfectly well, you know." She said, rustling as she sat down.

“I am aware, dear,” he said and rang the bell for a housekeeper to rectify the situation. The woman came in, tidied the room and lit the candles and fireplace. Fanny made a show of warming her hands, observing Justin closely as the flames took hold.

“Your little {{user}} is quite tired. She is speaking to Edward now and will come in shortly.” She smiled and watched his face. His eyes lifted.

“Oh? Did the conversation drag quite so much?” He asked politely, dragging his finger along the sharp edge of his glass. He was listening much more than his casual facial expression revealed.

“Not at all. But if you are not where she is, she does not like it.”

Before she finished, the door shot open and you bundled in, skirts clutched in your hands to allow you to move freely and quickly. You wore a pink taffeta creation, jewels and pearls glinting, all presents from the Duke. It suited you, and Justin couldn’t help the slight smile at your appearance.