[hr][hr][center][img]https://s23.postimg.org/h6shths5n/virginia.png[/img]
[img]https://68.media.tumblr.com/e1e20629c43d083e365cb6358b2ca293/tumblr_o17frnvlTR1thj7ndo1_500.gif[/img][hr][color=9999ff]Location:[/color] Almack's
[color=9999ff]Mood Music:[/color] [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cplUonBPjrs]^_^[/url][/center][hr][hr]Prior to entering the establishment, Virginia's eyes flickered back to the gentleman. Truthfully, she was not quite certain of the answer to Fyror's questions. There were so many men of questionable character in London that it became hard to track. And all she knew was that whoever the fellow was, Millicent had already taken a disliking to him. Her words about him, prior to excusing herself, had been most clear. 

[color=9999ff]"I haven't the foggiest notion, Sir Kildragon,"[/color] Virginia admitted. [color=9999ff]"But nothing good shall come of it. He is likely just as the rest, attempting to mold dear Millicent into a blushing bride."[/color] Having answered Kildragon's question, Virginia had entered Almack's ahead of Kildragon and Mosi. The pomp and circumstance of the ballroom caused a slight sigh to leave Virginia's lips. These affairs were nothing more than political meetings, of weddings to be arranged and alliances to be forged. 

London was perhaps skilled at many things--the starvation of the poor, the waging of war, the religious sedation of the masses--but there was one talent that stood out in particular. There was a proclivity for gossip among the ton, allowing rumors to fly madly. Prior to her father's disappearance, the rumors about Virginia had been quite predictable. 

[i]She keeps corpses in her basement, did you hear?
I 'eard back in the colonies, she danced naked in the woods!
There's something funny about 'er, that entire family![/i]

Of course, there was perhaps merit to those tales. For in truth, Virginia did not mind those ones so much, as compared to the whispers that had circulated ever since her dearest mother and father vanished, believed to be lost at sea. Now they spoke of her wealth, of her status in society--there was speculation that her brother, James, was sickly and that he would not live to assume the earldom. There were rumors that James had vowed to never accept his father's title. The specifics did not matter--all that mattered was that young eligible men, in want of the title of the Earl of Dywell, had begun to gaze upon Virginia. 

In her ice blue gown, with her pale skin and light blonde-brown hair, she wasn't quite the vision of the ideal wife. But what did her looks matter? It was her societal position and money that they wanted. Virginia didn't need to ask to know the thoughts swimming in their mind--[i]marry the girl, ship the brother away, throw her in bedlam and remarry a beauty![/i] Yet as Virginia glanced at her dearest friend, dancing with what appeared to be a forced smile, Virginia smiled coyly herself. 

Many a man had made the mistake of setting their sights upon Millicent, yet they all had failed. Men underestimated the women of society--their undoing to the very last. 

"Pardon me, Lady Crypt," a younger man, likely the son of some gentleman, said with a soft smile. His red hair caught the light of the party, and Virginia detected the softest Irish accent. He introduced himself quickly, following the traditional rules of etiquette, but Virginia hardly listened. Society dictated that a woman could hardly refuse a dance, provided the proper steps were followed. "Might I pencil meself--[i]myself[/i] in for your next available dance?"

[color=9999ff]"I suppose, if you must,"[/color] Virginia replied, her voice tinged slightly with reluctance. [color=9999ff]"I shall look more favorably upon this if you can respond to this inquiry properly, however."[/color]

"Of course, Lady Crypt," the man said, his eyes slightly wide, as if expecting some sort of test of culture and etiquette. 

[color=9999ff]"What thing of this world inspires the greatest fear in you?"[/color] Virginia asked, as the man gently took her into a dance. His eyes were still a little wide, and he seemed to be concentrating on the dance more than anything else. It certainly wasn't the usual sort of question one encountered at events of the Season. [color=9999ff]"Surely you have heard of the Crypts, else you would not have known my name. If this question takes you quite aback, then perhaps any courtship you are interested in pursuing would be most tenuous."[/color]

"Spiders, I suppose...Maybe a ryne, perhaps," the man answered, his voice tinged slightly with nerves. "If I may be candid, Lady Crypt, why do you ask?"

Virginia smiled ever so slightly, as they continued to dance. [color=9999ff]"I am quite fascinated with fear,"[/color] she answered truthfully. [color=9999ff]"Does that not frighten you to know?"[/color] But the man only gulped, as if not certain how to respond. Once the dance ended, he thanked her, and hastily excused himself. Virginia smiled contently. 

[i][color=9999ff]Another eligible young man removed from my presence...[/color][/i] she mused to herself.