~Deja Vu~
⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
"How excited are you for today?" Arabella asked. She was supposed to wake Persephone up for her calls but it seems as though Persephone was already up.
"Extremely excited." Persephone couldn't help but gush, especially because she hoped a certain someone would show up.
"You never did tell me how the ball went. I have never seen you this happy."
Persephone thought back on her night at the Danbury ball. A night that started dreadful, ended in a possible suitor. James made her night ten times better and she hoped they could continue what they had started.
"Well other than Robert bothering me to no end, I did happen to meet someone."
"And who is this someone?" Margaret voiced out, entering Persephone's room.
"Oh no one, just James Vronsky."
Arabella gasped. "You got yourself a Duke?"
"Not just a Duke but the Duke of Salisbury." Margaret corrected her young granddaughter.
"How was he? From what I heard, he was in America." Arabella ignored her grandmother, putting in her main focus on the young Thornhart.
Persephone smiled. "Honestly? He was wonderful. Charming, smart—"
"Don't forget, good looking." Arabella interrupted, fixing the girl's hair.
"He's someone who I would want to get to know more and who knows what the future may take us."
Persephone couldn't believe what she was saying. She had only met the guy for a couple of hours and she was already swooning. But she had a gut feeling and her mother always told her to follow her gut feeling no matter what.
"Well then, I really do hope he shows up just so I can meet him. He sounds lovely." Margaret was happy for the girl. She hoped James was perfect for Persephone. After everything and the possible things heading her way...she deserves it.
"Margaret?"
"Yes dear?"
"Do you know any particular reason why Athena and Daniel wanted me to wear blue for my first ball?" Persephone could barely sleep due to what was going on. One reason was obviously James but the other was that damn blue dress.
"I have no idea. Athena just told me to have Bella take out a blue dress for you." Margaret looked at the girl before looking at Arabella. "Do you know anything, Bella?"
"I mean Daniel came up to me before coming to Persephone's room and informed me to have her wear the blue dress. That even if she disagreed to still have her wear it. That's why I was scared about getting a lecture." Arabella would always have Persephone's back no matter what but she was always scared of Athena and Daniel. They both had the power to ruin both hers and her grandmother's lives.
"I only ask this because even Robert mentioned the blue dress. Makes me not even want to wear a blue dress ever."
Persephone couldn't help but think. Was the dress her sister and brother-in-law wanted her to wear to please Robert? It also didn't stop her thinking as to why Athena was adamant on Robert. Things weren't making any sense but she didn't want to overthink things. Maybe it was all a coincidence?
"What don't we forget about that man and focus on what is really important. Your callers will soon be waiting on you."
"Grandmother's right. I'm sure today will be an eventful day."
"You guys are right. I'm going to have boys lining up for me." Persephone agreed with the two as she tried to boost her own confidence. "What's the worst that can happen?"
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The worst did happen.
If Persephone believed Athena's was bad, hers was far worse.
Francis Thornhart was no longer here to kick any boy out but that didn't stop Daniel from stepping in and doing exactly that. Every guy who came inside the Thornhart mansion was soon kicked out by Daniel himself. Believing they were 'unworthy' and 'didn't stand a chance'.
By the time the last guy was kicked out, Persephone was seeing red. A day that was supposed to be about her turned into shit all because of Daniel fucking Thornhart. All it took was Robert Arrington to be welcomed with open arms that Persephone finally decided to snap.
"A can't believe you. Every caller I had kicked out all because of you." Persephone glared at the man. "And on top of that you let him in."
"I am doing what is best for you, Persephone." Daniel argued back.
Persephone laughed. "What's best for me? Or what's best for you?"
Athena went pale to the face, immediately staring at Daniel who seemed to have kept his composure. Athena knew Persephone was smart and she knew at some point she was going to find out what they were all hiding.
"Persephone, I had asked Daniel to have some alone time with you. I didn't want you to be distracted by them." Robert butted in, trying to diffuse the situation.
Persephone rolled her eyes. "What makes you think I want to spend time with you? I want nothing to do with you, Lord Arrington. Please save yourself from the embarrassment and have some dignity for once."
"Is it because of that boy?" Robert couldn't help but question her.
"That boy is the Duke of Salisbury, a man who is of higher status than you. I suggest you show some respect."
"I see." Robert chuckled, looking at the ground before glancing at her. "You are so fixated by the Duke because he is of higher status. I didn't take you to be that kind of woman."
"That is enough." Athena yelled at him. "You will not speak to my sister in any kind of way, especially in my house. The next time you speak to my sister like that I'll personally escort you out of my house. Do you understand, Robert?"
Athena felt eyes on her. She knew Daniel was looking at her from the corner of her eye but she didn't care. She didn't care if she just jeopardized the plan. There was no way in hell she would ever let Robert of all people speak to her sister in that matter.
Persephone looked at Robert up and down. "Let me be clear, Lord Arrington. I did not set my eyes on the Duke because of his higher status. I set my eyes on him because he is caring, intelligent, and best of all, my age. The next time you speak about people trying to make their way to the top, I suggest you look at yourself in the mirror and the people you surround yourself with."
Persephone glanced at Daniel before walking up the stairs. She had enough of being around those people. The nerve he had to speak to her in any kind of way.
It didn't take long for Persephone to enter her room. To her surprise, she found Arabella, who was tidying up her room.
"How were the callers?" Arabella looked up from what she was doing. But one look on Persephone's face was all she needed to know that things went south.
"Terrible. Daniel kept keeping them out and on top of that allowed Robert Arrington in the house just for him to call me a gold digger."
"Gold digger? The nerve of that man." Margaret was just as angry. Who did this man think he was?
"And on top of that, James didn't show up." Persephone sighed, laying down on her bed.
Persephone couldn't help but feel defeated. Today was supposed to be about her. About getting to know the men that wanted to pursue her. She wanted to find a husband but Daniel ruined all of it.
"But maybe he's coming soon, dear." Margaret tried encouraging the girl.
"Or he won't come at all. I wouldn't be surprised if the men Daniel kicked out informed him to not even show up."
She would not be surprised if no guys show up at all after this. Daniel made it his mission to kick every single man out of the house and potentially for good. Daniel had said some mean nasty things and if Persephone were them, she wouldn't show up either.
"Don't give up now, Persephone. This is just the beginning." Margaret advised.
"This is just the beginning for Daniel to embarrass me in front of everyone." Persephone stated. "At this rate you might as well find me some cats so I can grow old with."
"Stop talking nonsense. He isn't going to stop you from finding a husband."
"You're right about that." Persephone looked at Margaret. "But he won't find me the husband I want."
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"You need to stop babying her." Daniel waited until he heard the door slam before turning to Athena. "Persephone isn't a toddler. She's a grown woman."
"She may be a grown woman but I won't let Robert disrespect her like that."
"Let's not forget about the plan." Robert butted in but all he received was a glare from the woman.
"You and your stupid plan." Athena scoffed, placing her hands on her hips. "I wouldn't even be surprised if your plan fails. Did you see how quick Persephone was in asking that question? She'll know about it in no time. "
"You mean our plan." Daniel looked between the two before looking at Athena. "And how would Persephone feel when she finds out you knew about the plan for years now? I don't think she'll be very happy."
"Are you blackmailing me?"
"No. I'm simply telling you what will happen if any of you slip up." Daniel walked closer to the two. "This can go the easy way or the hard way."
Robert looked at him confused. "And what's that?"
Daniel scoffed, rolling his eyes. "Easy: she doesn't know about the plan and follows our steps and everyone lives happily ever after. Hard: She finds out and she still has to do what we say. Either way I don't care about the outcome but you Athena, I would personally recommend the easy way if you don't want your sister to hate you."
Athena looked down, understanding what was at stake. She didn't want her relationship with her sister to ruin all because of her. Either way she would deserve it. She knew it. Athena knew she should've told her sister the moment she found out but like Daniel said this is what's best for the family. And as dumb as it sounds, she believed him.
"Now that we all agree on something, Robert, you have to—"
"Sorry to interrupt sir but the Duke of Salisbury is here."
Just by the mention of his name, Robert grew annoyed. Why was he here, he thought. It was bad enough that he spent his night entertaining his girl but now he wants to show up here and be one of her callers. As much as Robert tried not to show it but he was practically red in the face.
"Don't tell me you're going to let him in?" Robert glared at the back of Daniel's head.
"Bring him in." Athena announced, not bothering to look at a pissed off Robert and an annoyed Daniel.
It didn't take long for James Vronsky to enter—with gifts in each hands. He expected a lot of things. Persephone sitting down, patiently waiting for the next caller. Persephone attending to multiple callers at once. But what he didn't expect was to find the legal guardians of the girl and Lord Arrington—of all people. And yet there was no sign of Persephone in sight.
"Of course he comes here with gifts." Robert mumbled under his breath, though everyone heard it.
"I do apologize if I came late." James apologized, ignoring Robert's response that was directed at him.
"There's no need to apologize." Athena gently smiled at him. "Persephone had just left to her room."
"I can always come back another time if right now is not a good time." James could tell by the atmosphere. There was this unsettling tension, mostly coming from Robert.
"Or don't come back at all. You aren't fit for Persephone." Robert called out, looking at the boy up and down.
"Excuse me?" James furrowed his brows. "And you are?"
"Lord Arrington. If you didn't already know."
"That's the thing. I really didn't." James fired back. "But as a Lord, I do expect you to have some sort of respect for a Duke. Don't you think so?"
Right then and there, Athena understood why Persephone took a liking towards the young man. They were practically the same.
"That's enough." Daniel looked at the two before turning towards James. "I suggest you leave at once. Persephone will no longer take any callers from this moment forward."
"Can I at least leave the gifts?" James asked, mostly directing his attention towards the older Thornhart. He didn't want to walk back out of the house with the gifts still in his hands. That would be too embarrassing.
Before Athena could speak, Daniel answered instead. "No you may not."
"But Daniel—"
"No Athena." Daniel interrupted her. "I don't want him to think he has a chance with her."
Robert couldn't help but smirk and James wanted to wipe that smirk out of his face at that very moment. He felt something was odd between this trio and James was ready to find out what it could be.
Athena sent the young man an apologetic look. She really wished Daniel wasn't so harsh or so mean. This wasn't the man she met. This wasn't the man she married.
"There's no worries. I see that my presence isn't welcomed."
"You know the way out." Daniel responded.
James didn't wait to walk out of the room but he did hear Athena's voice scolding the man. He really did want to get to know Persephone. From the talks they had, James got to know her better. Sad to say her family was basically controlling her whole life.
"Wait up!" A voice called out, making James stop and turn to where the voice was.
Arabella rushed by James, practically out of breath. She raised a finger at him to give her a minute to breathe.
"I apologize for my rudeness but you do walk mighty fast." Arabella apologized to James, giving him a courtesy.
"How can I help you?" James asked, looking at the young handmaiden.
"I'm here on behalf of Persephone." Arabella spoke. "Well, technically she doesn't know but I do know you're the Duke of Salisbury. Persephone has spoken about you."
Arabella really hoped James wouldn't tell on her. She knew the moment Persephone would find out Arabella was telling James that she was talking about him, Persephone might just kill her.
James smiled. "She has?"
"Yes. She had gotten upset this morning which is why she wasn't present when you arrived. Her brother-in-law can be a pain in the ass." Arabella realized what she had slipped out and quickly looked panicked. "Please don't tell anyone I said that. I apologize for cursing."
James laughed. "You don't need to apologize. I have experienced him and can say he is quite an ass."
Arabella chuckled, before realizing why she was even speaking to the Duke. "Which is why I wanted to speak to you before you leave. I heard how they treated you. If you want I can possibly give the gifts to Persephone. No one will know about it."
"You'd do that?"
"Of course! I love Persephone and I just want her to be happy." Arabella confessed. "Plus, who doesn't love gifts?"
James was glad Persephone had someone like Arabella. Someone who cared about her happiness. Someone who truly cared about her.
"Actually, I have a better idea." Arabella smirked as an idea popped up in her head. "Do you have a couple minutes to spare before leaving?"
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It didn't take long for Arabella to return back to Persephone's room. This time she was satisfied with what she did. She knew in her heart she did the right thing and Arabella simply didn't care if the other Thornharts would find out what she did.
"What's with that look on your face?" Margaret questioned her granddaughter. "And why do you have gifts?"
"These." Arabella placed them in front of Persephone. "These are for Persephone."
"Who are they from?" Persephone asked, furrowing her brows.
"Open the letter and find out."
Persephone opened the letter and gasped at the name. "It's from James."
"Well hurry up and read it out loud." Margaret spoke, wanting to hear what the young man wrote.
Dear Persephone,
Under unwanted circumstances, I could not see you and present to you these gifts in person. But alas, if I can not see you I must write to you instead. In a way, it's a bit romantic, isn't it? The night we had was unforgettable and replays in mind whenever I think about you. Your beautiful smile that lights up the room. Your deep brown eyes that I can get lost in. You have become a beautiful woman, inside and out and I wish you get to know you more.
I personally didn't know what to get you but my mother did help me, I really hope you enjoy them. The red roses present love but I picked it out because it reminds me of you. For the other gift, if you wish to continue what we have shared and possibly share something soon in the future, wear the gift I sent you for the vauxhall celebration. In a way, it would let me know if you wish for us to continue or if you absolutely want nothing to do with me. I respect any choice you will make. I hope to speak to you again.
Yours truly,
James Vronsky
Persephone didn't waste any time opening the gift. The group of women gasped at the sight. It was a necklace filled with diamonds and on the center was a ruby. Persephone smiled, she didn't know how James did it but she found it incredibly thoughtful.
"You have to write to him back." Margaret added.
"How am I supposed to write to him back?"
"This is where I come in." Arabella smirked, stepping in front of the two women. "After he gave me the letter he told me if you ever wanted to write back, I can always give it to his handmaiden."
"I guess you do have everything sorted out." Persephone was pleased to hear about Arabella's plan. She was glad to have a person like her in her life.
"So...are you going to wear it?" Arabella asked, watching the girl.
"That's for me to know and for you to find out." Persephone jokes, smiling at the letter once more. "In the meantime, I do believe I have a Duke to respond to."
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! Author's Note !
─◌✰್ Robert and Daniel may have tried to keep Persephone away from James but it seems as though Arabella had other plans.
─◌✰್ In other news, will Persephone wear the necklace and what will she respond to James? I honestly love this duo and can't wait until their relationship starts to blossom.
─◌✰್ Thank you all for reading. Enjoy♡