The Broken - Chapter One - The Debutante's Ball
Chapter One - The Debutante's Ball
Music filtered through the manor, greeting guests as they entered. Remus found himself being beckoned inside by the high, mournful notes of a violin. He nodded to the butler and handed off his cloak to his manservant. It was more than a little rude to enter the ballroom with hardly a nod to the host and hostess, but for once he couldn’t care less.
Propriety be damned, he had to know where the music was coming from. He edged along the dance floor, avoiding both the dancers and the observers, and headed toward the stage, a small raised platform, where the musicians for the evening sat.
There was a piano, a clarinet, and a violin, and the notes of the three instruments seemed utterly intertwined. As Remus watched them play, he saw that the beauty of the music could all be attributed to the violin player. The man slowed and hastened his own playing to match it to the others, playing softly at moments when the others were more powerful and loudly when they were quiet. The music flowed through the crowd, infecting them with the urge to dance. Remus had never seen a group of dancers enjoy themselves more.
The music was a waltz, by Chopin, Remus thought, though the tempo was just a tad bit faster than was perhaps normal. The men and women on the dance floor hardly seemed to notice, but he could tell from the flushed cheeks and broad smiles that they were enjoying the quick pace of the dancing.
It was all due to the violinist. The trills of his violin pulled the rest of the room into his music and then swept them along on the song. Remus watched him push and pull the bow over the string as his fingers danced along the neck, nimble and graceful.
The long fingers captivated him, but not as much as the violinist’s face. The man was fully involved in the music, his eyes closed, one foot silently tapping out the beat. His hair, long and black, was pulled back from his face and tied with a ribbon at the nape of his neck, and the man paid no attention to it as he played. Remus was amused as he watched it flip and flop all over the place at the violinist's harsh movements. The man seemed not to care about his appearance but only about the entrancing music pouring from his violin.
As the song ended, the violinist’s movements slowed until no more notes echoed in the room. Only then did his eyes open. Remus found himself staring into them, fascinated by the utter darkness in them. The man gazed at him in return for mere seconds before shuttering his eyes and turning away. Remus was shaken by how the man's glance had affected him, making his breathing stutter and his hands tremble.
He moved away from the platform, anxious to escape before anyone could see how the musician had captivated him. It was dangerous to pay too much attention to a man. Homosexuality was a curse, a perversion, a reason to die. Remus didn’t dare open himself up to accusations about his preferences-he had too many other things to hide as well.
Glancing around the room, he spotted Pansy Parkinson, one of last year’s debutantes, staring longingly at the dance floor. Remus headed in her direction, partially out of pity for her, but mostly for his own benefit. What better way to hide one’s proclivities towards men than by dancing with a woman? He pasted a smile on his face as he grew closer to the homely young lady.
The smile she offered him in return made her pug-like nose crinkle. Remus really did feel sorry for the young girl. She had been out for a year, but the gossip amongst the ton was that not a single man had shown any interest in her. Her sharp tongue didn’t ease the way for her to meet people either.
Remus bowed to her. “Shall I have the honour of dancing this set with you?” he asked, presenting his hand.
Miss Parkinson nodded and took it softly, her white kid glove brushing over Remus's calluses. He led her to the dance floor, pulling her into position near three other couples just as a quadrille began. Remus could hear the violin above the other instruments again, its notes twining around the spinning dancers and twirling them ever faster.
Following the head couple, he danced carefully with small steps to match his partner. He kept his eyes on Miss Parkinson and the dancers around them, refusing to allow himself even a glance towards the musicians. They danced in silence for a few moments until Miss Parkinson leaned towards him and whispered, “You seem terribly distracted; I am afraid you shall trod on my feet is you do not pay more attention to me.”
Remus laughed lightly at her jibe, knowing she expected him to be offended by her mention of her lower limbs. “Fear not, my lady, for I am quite fleet-footed. I shall do my best to offer my attention to you though, rather than focusing on the beautiful music.”
They stepped around and then moved back together, continuously circling about their part of the dance floor. “The music is extraordinary, is it not?” she murmured when they were near enough to speak. The steps of the dance sent her whirling away seconds later, saving Remus from having to voice his opinion on the music... and the musicians.
“Elizabeth Rede informed me that her father hired the pianist and clarinettist for tonight, and it cost her father more for the two of them than all of the food.”
Remus felt his eyebrows raise of his own accord and Miss Parkinson shot him a saucy smirk.
“It is, of course, low-brow to discuss money in public. You’ll have to forgive me, Lord Shrieking. My mother despairs of ever taming my tongue.” She paused only momentarily. “Still, I find that those topics which I am not to discuss are often the most interesting ones. Wouldn’t you agree, my lord?”
Remus clasped her hand and squeezed it gently enough that those watching would not see it but that Miss Parkinson would understand he did not fault her for her words. “I would indeed, though not in the presence of Lady Parkinson. Your mother is a most formidable woman.”
Miss Parkinson burst into raucous laughter, startling the couples around them and earning herself a sharp glance from the aforementioned Lady Parkinson. It took three turns about their section of the dance floor before she could calm down.
“My lord, that is an understatement if I’ve ever heard one!” she exclaimed. Breathing harshly for a moment, she brought herself back under control. “Still, we’d best turn our conversation to a different topic. My mother has ears like a hawk, and I’d do well not to irritate her. She is already quite irked that I turned Sir Vincent Crabbe’s offer to dance earlier this evening.” She snorted, a terribly unladylike sound that suited her. “As if I would dance with that buffoon. He’d like as not trip the both of us in the middle of the Grand March.”
Remus watched the young girl flush with anger. The strong emotion brightened her eyes and warmed her cheeks, making her look quite attractive. It was a pity that such emotions were considered unfeminine-Miss Parkinson’s true beauty would never be allowed to be seen in polite society. She’d likely spend much of her time as an unmarried woman on the sidelines as a wallflower.
“I do not believe that is the most prudent topic to discuss, my dear,” he whispered quietly in her ear, wanting to save her from possible embarrassment if her mother caught wind of her speech.
She blinked at the reprimand and then nodded. “Of, course, my lord. My mouth does tend to run away with itself. Perhaps... the music then, since you spoke of it.”
Remus wished he had not spoken. It was too bad the girl cared nothing for society’s rules or he could silence her with a reminder that conversations should not be held on the dance floor. Instead, he offered little of his own opinions to the conversation, asking her, “What of the music?”
“Why, the utter pull of it! I’ve never heard such wondrous music in my life. I do imagine that Sir Thomas Rede’s money was well spent on the musicians.”
Remus nodded in agreement. “And which of the instruments do you prefer?” he asked softly, hoping she would pick the right one.
She did as he hoped. “I must say that I’m quite in love with the violin. I attempted to play it once and could wrench only the most annoying sounds out of it. I’m quite jealous of that man’s talent with it; though I’m not envious of his hair. My God, I’ve never seen such a greasy mess in my life.”
Remus started and almost turned to look at the violinist. He had not noticed his hair beyond its involvement in his body’s movement; he had been far too captivated by his music and then his eyes to see much else. He covered his interest with a nonchalant, “He is quite good.”
“He’s more than just good. He’s amazing. Miss Rede told me that he’s been with Sir Thomas’s estate since before she was born, and that her father has not had him play at a ball in almost fifteen years. She believes it was because her father was saving him for her coming out ball. He has played for private parties here on the estate though. He is even better as a soloist; he played Vivaldi’s Spring, from the Four Seasons, at a high tea Miss Rede put on this winter and it was easily the best music I’ve heard in ages.” Miss Parkinson gave a put upon sigh. “My mother is glaring at me for talking too much. Nevertheless, it’s her fault that I’m the way I am. I’ve never been the most attractive girl. She thought that by dragging me to the theatre and orchestra she would make me an intelligent and docile wife for some old widower who wouldn’t care if I was ugly as long as I could mind his children. She never realised that intelligence would only tempt me to learn more and speak about taboo topics.” Her eyes glittered. “You mustn't tell anyone, but I've even been to a women’s suffrage meeting. My mother would kill me if she knew!”
Remus laughed aloud, though nowhere near as loudly as Miss Parkinson had earlier. The song ended and he walked her slowly back to where her mother stood glowering. “I won’t tell. Do try to temper your tongue though. Your mother would have the vapours if she knew what you'd told me.”
She frowned but bit back a response as he returned her to her mother. He bowed deeply and she offered him a curtsy in return. “Thank you for the dance, Miss Parkinson.”
“Likewise, I thank you, Lord Shrieking. If it pleases you, do let us dance again. I’d like to continue our conversation.” The sparkle in her eyes told Remus that she knew she was not supposed to be so forward as to ask a man for another dance and that she had done it to irritate her mother. He suppressed a grin.
Remus nodded his head and then backed away as Lady Parkinson began to berate her daughter for a lack of manners. He had enjoyed his dance with the young woman, but he would not dance with her again that night. He dare not give her or her mother the idea that he might be interested in courting her. Instead, he made his way around the room, dancing with as many women as he could, especially the widows and young wallflowers. He didn’t learn anything else that night about the violinist, as the other women he danced with were well versed in society’s requirements and they did not attempt to talk as they danced.
Nevertheless, he was very interested in learning more about the man, and he determined to visit the Rede estate later that week and thank them for the invitation to the ball. It would be a good excuse to inquire after the violinist and perhaps contract him for a ball or two of his own.
~*~
Indeed, Remus did visit only three days later. He handed his calling card, which had his full title-Lord Remus John Lupin, Baron of Shrieking-on it, to the butler and was quickly shown into Sir Thomas Rede’s study. The Baronet stood as he entered, offering his hand.
“Lord Shrieking, how nice to see you. May I enquire as to the purpose of this visit?” The older man’s hand gripped Remus's hand hard, and his eyes were flinty. Remus knew Rede hated that Remus was twenty years his junior and yet he was a Baron whereas Rede was a mere Baronet.
“I just dropped by to thank you for the invitation to your daughter’s debutante ball, Sir Thomas. It was truly lovely.” Remus couldn’t help by emphasise their difference in status by addressing him as Sir Thomas, and he knew it would upset the man.
He was right. The man flushed a mottled puce, which contrasted badly with his foppish blond hair that was beginning to gray.
“Of course, my lord. My lady and I were grateful for your presence.” Rede was smiling but his teeth were clenched.
They spent a few minutes making small talk about Parliament and the recent changes in the economy. Rede was looking a bit antsy, so Remus decided to try to move on to what he cared about. Remus was afraid he would regret having upset Rede when he brought up his real purpose for visiting. “I really enjoyed your ball tremendously. The music was especially wonderful. May I ask how I can contract the musicians for my own balls this season?”
Rede smiled darkly. “I’ll write down the addresses at which the pianist and clarinettist can be reached. The violinist, however, is a member of my own estate, as he owes me a debt, which he is paying off through labour.”
“Is that so? Well, he is an asset to you then. He was easily the most talented of the three.” Remus thought quickly, hoping to find a way to gain contact with the man. “Would it be possible for me to hire him as well?”
Rede shook his head. “I am afraid not. I’ve planned to use him at my other balls this season. I simply cannot offer him to you.”
“I’d pay you enough that you could hire someone else,” said Remus. He knew he sounded anxious, but he didn't care. Something about the violinist entranced him and he wanted the chance to get closer to him.
Rede seemed as though he were contemplating the offer, but Remus tried not to get his hopes up. Sure enough, Rede refused.
“I don’t need money, I’m afraid. My daughter grew up listening to his music, and I’d always planned for him to play for her debutante balls.”
Remus saw an “in” then. Rede would happily give up his musician if it meant gaining something very important... such as connections for his daughter.
“I do understand, really, but I find myself enthralled by the sounds he creates. I know that money is worth little to you. Perhaps a trade would be more in order?”
Rede visibly perked up. “What kind of trade?”
Remus fought a grin. He had him. “My manservant plays the piano, flute, and clarinet extraordinarily well. I’ve had him tutored in instruments since he was a young boy as a favour to his father, my estate manager. He would present a good image to the guests at your balls, I promise.”
Rede frowned. “It would be nice to have a larger variety of music, which his skills would afford me...”
“I would also, of course, offer your family a standing invitation to all of my balls and dances this season, since your musician would be the one playing for them.”
“Will you be having many balls this season, my lord?”
Rede’s eyes were glittering with greed. Remus had many friends in high places who often attended his events. Miss Rede would be able to meet many men who were titled, and Rede would have a chance to secure a prominent husband for his daughter. Remus had known Thomas Rede for years, and the man never passed up the chance to secure for himself a higher social standing.
“I’m planning on this being a busy season. This is the ten-year anniversary of my mother’s death, and she always loved balls. Filling Shrieking Manor with gaiety will be a tribute to her memory.” It was the truth, and it worked well for Remus’s purposes. He didn’t think it would matter to Rede, but he said, “That’s why I want to contract your violinist. The violin was always my mother's favourite instrument.”
Rede ran his hand through his hair. “Your mother was a gentlewoman, God rest her soul.” Remus lowered his head as if saddened to remember her passing, but it was really to hide a frown. Rede, barely out of mourning for his first wife’s death in childbirth, had attempted to court the Dowager Lady Shrieking a mere week after she stopped wearing her widow's weeds. His mother had been a gentlewoman, but she had still cursed the man many times over for his callous actions.
“I’ll gladly lend you my musician in return for yours,” Rede continued. “There’s is, of course, the matter of a contract.”
Remus rolled his eyes before he raised his head again. “I’d be happy to sign one. Do you have time to write it up now?”
“Yes, yes.” Rede had already placed a sheet of paper on the desk before him. “I’ll just make this short...”
Rede scribbled down the terms of the deal and handed it to Remus to read. He corrected a few things, and when they had both agreed upon the terms and signed two identical copies of it, they stood and shook hands.
“I’m glad that I was able to visit today, Sir Thomas. I do believe that everything should work out wonderfully.”
Rede agreed and escorted him to the door, where Remus's carriage stood waiting. “When can I expect your manservant to arrive?”
“I’ll send him along as soon as he’s packed, no more than a day or two from now.” Remus took his coat from the butler. “Good day, sir.”
“Good day, my lord,” replied Rede as Remus stepped out of the door.
Remus was halfway down the steps before a thought occurred to him. He turned halfway around till he could see the door. “Sir Thomas, I didn’t think to inquire before, but what is your violinist’s name?”
Rede’s answer sounded dark and mysterious, like the violinist himself.
“Severus Snape.”
Table of Contents ~ Next Chapter