What Blooms in Adversity

Elisabeth was running a bit behind by the time that she returned to her room to prepare for her lunch with Leopold, but for the first time since meeting the gentleman she felt completely calm and collected about the prospect of facing him again. During their first encounter she had let him get to her because she wasn't prepared. It was almost as if he could see right through her, and more than that he proved that her initial impressions of him wasn't entirely correct. This was not a feeling she was used to. Usually she felt comfortable in the knowledge that she understood how the people around her would interact. Having someone who challenged this idea was as terrifying as it was compelling, but the conversation she had with Maria gave her the strength of conviction to believe that she could face both Leopold and Bill, and be able to make the best decision. She also knew what the deciding factor would be. In Elisabeth's mind it was truly the only thing that mattered. The fact that she had feelings for both men complicated matters, but in the end they would walk out of her life. Her children, on the other hand, would be raised by whatever man she chose, so to Elisabeth the one who would make the best father was the obvious winner. Now, all she had to do was determine which man that was.

Elisabeth dressed carefully. She considered wearing something extravagant, but somehow it didn't feel fitting for the occasion. Not only was this a simple lunch, but the guest attending was also a man whom she had previously spoken to about being honest in their presentation. This made her consider a casual appearance, as she would be more apt to dressing in comfortable clothes such as sweatpants and a tee shirt, but this too didn't feel right. Instead, she opted for a simple, blue, sundress. It was rather plain, but it was also flattering, and easy to slip on. Still, she found herself fretting over simple decisions such a how to wear her hair in a way that she never had before. After about twenty minutes she headed down, still feeling self conscious and unsure, but completely out of time.

As she approached the picnic area in the back garden her heart left in an unfamiliar way. She had been out here many times, but somehow today felt different. The scent of lilies and roses was typically overwhelming, as she preferred the gentler scent of lavender that grew closer to the woods inside the palace estate, but today it faded into the background. She looked up to see the man of the hour staring nervously into a cup of tea. Looking at him carefully it was easy to see how much thought he put into his presence here today.

Leopold's black hair was not slicked back as last time, but it was clear that he took pains to groom it in a way that was flattering to his figure. His golden brown eyes shown with anticipation, but Elisibeth couldn't help but frown as she noted the dark circles around his eyes. He had previously mentioned having a young son at home and she had reason to believe his job was quite taxing. Seeing him in such a state of exhaustion made her wonder if this meeting was truly a good idea to consider him as an option. If he was struggling already could he really handle another child? Still, she would be lying if she said that she was anything but happy to see him.

As if he had just now noticed her presence Leopold stood up and with a pleasant smile said, "Good afternoon, Miss Elisabeth. It's wonderful to see you again."

To many this would be precieved as no more than a standard greeting, but to Elisibeth the manner in which he spoke said volumes. As such, she truly believed that he was delighted to see her again. While she shared his feelings on the matter, she did wonder why he had taken such a liking to her. "Good afternoon. I have eagerly awaited your arrival." She responded, attempting to sound indifferent, but failing miserably. Even she would have to admit later that she was looking forward to this meeting far more than she realized.

After thus initial greeting, however they got down to the heart of the matter, or as it was in this case the child of the matter. "What made you decide to have a child so soon after your son was born?" She asked. this question at face value was a simple one, but it showed Leopold a few things. First, she was well aware that he had a station which afforded him the choice of when to participate in breeding ceremonies. Two, she had the clarity of mind to remember, not only that he had a child, but also that he was very young, and three, that it was not his character as a man, but as a father that she was concerned with. This put a strain on him, as he really only came to learn more about the young lady. Still, he wasn't ready to give up.

"My son may be young, but he is such a delightful and intelligent child. How could I not want another like him." He replied, before adding. "Still, it is hard work raising a child, and I'm well aware of the difficulty I'm asking for. I only hope that I can raise my children in a manner that they most deserve." As he said this last part he pulled out Elisabeths seat and motioned to her with a sly grin.

This did not escape Elisabeth's notice, but rather it made her unbelievably curious, so much so that she had to take a moment to remember her goal in responding. "That's good." She said, with a smile. "It shows how much you care about your son. Could you tell me a bit about him." This line of questioning was something that Elisabeth was truly curious about, as she wasn't ever going to be allowed to have contact with her own children. It was also something that showed how good he was as a father.

Leopold didn't miss the Interview like nature of this meeting, and to his surprise he felt disappointed and excited at the same time at the prospect of this meeting. He was smart enough to understand why she led the meeting in it's current trajectory, but despite trying to force back his own emotions on the subject couldn't deny that he wished to spend this time convincing her of his own charms, though he may not have understood why he felt so strongly on the matter.

As it would happen the rest of the lunch was a careful match of wits that resulted in Elisabeth making deep inquiries about the welfare and personality of Leopold's son, and Leopold trying to strengthen the bond between the two of them. In truth, Leopold was as good of a father as he could possibly be given the strain that his position put on him, but his lack of knowledge gave Elisabeth some room for doubt, especially coming from a woman who had known so little in her life. Leopold too had made strides as Elisabeth felt more and more drawn to him for his keen intellect and relatable personality as the lunch progressed. By the end Elisabeth felt more conflicted than when she had first started perhaps that is what led to their final encounter of the meal.

When the meal was reaching it's completion, as if it were only the natural thing, Leopold pulled Elisabeth from her seat and held her close. He held her so close, in fact that she could hear the irratic sound of his heartbeat before pulling back just enough to whisper, "No matter what you choose now, just know I'm not giving up."

Her heart was beating wildly. She wanted to respond, but try as she may she couldn't grasp on to the thoughts let alone the words she needed to do so. Instead, she looked at him fully flushed and at a loss for words, before turning away and ending their encounter abruptly. She had no idea what to thing of the emotions that were running rampid through her heart, but she looked forward with determination and no idea that the very emotions that she was trying so hard to deny in any other time would likely be considered the first blossoms lif love.