[ Just because he's not overly kind doesn't mean he isn't a gentleman. And surely it would help Satine to settle if she were greeted with an act of warmth rather than distance. They are, after all, in this together now.
At least until he tires of her.
But for now, revelling in winning is a fantastic thing. ]
You needn't thank me at all. It was, after all, your stroke of genius.
[ A maid came in then, with a tray of cheese and fruit and something to drink. Once she sets it down, André sends her off to run a bath. ]
Have a little something to get your strength back. Once you've had a chance to freshen up, I'll show you the estate. You are the lady of the house now, after all.
[ Yes, it was... Wasn't it. She's honestly not sure how she'd have handled facing him if he'd approached her with an air of arrogance - if he'd thrown her decision in her face. With time, she'd hope to be able to ask him to have someone look in on Christian for her, but that would be quite far down the road. Who knows if he'd even stay in Paris? Would it all be too much for him? Or would he manage to finish his book and capture their memories in the poetic way only he could. It's thoughts for another time, a time when she doesn't need her wits about her like she does with André. She always felt as though he were three steps ahead of her and it was unnerving.
Satine murmurs a soft thank you to the maid before letting his words sink in. She'd never been the proper lady of a house, not even sure if she'd be any good at it. Sure, she'd basically run the Moulin Rouge, keeping the dancers in line and helping them through their own issues... But this felt different. Far more proper. It had all seemed like a far off proposal, fantastical in a sense when he'd first mentioned something like this if she'd agreed to be with only him. But, she'd let love blind her and that dream had felt unattainable. As though she'd tarnished it beyond repair.
It was more than she'd expected and she needed to be appreciative of what's awaiting her beyond the bedroom door. It's the answer to all her prayers and security for, hopefully, the rest of her life. Her gaze moves from the food for a moment before falling back to him. ]
[ If she'd had a chance to see this side of him, genuine or not, she might've been willing to consider giving him her heart eventually. She was vulnerable right now, though. Satine needed to be more aware of herself than usual. Thoughts like that could be dangerous.
Watching him rise, she adjusts on the bed and gives a nod in response. To say this was all a little overwhelming as the reality sank in around her was an understatement. She doesn't give it much time, rising once he leaves to set about getting ready. Ignoring the stiffness still in her body, she takes a few pieces of fruit before slipping into the bath. At least this was familiar. Eventually, she's escorted by one of the maids in a light blue bustled dress. They'd done her hair in some elegant up-do and she still felt as though she was on borrowed time. That this was somehow a dream and she hadn't chosen her own security over love. ]
[ It's not something she should get used to. For Andre, the honeymoon period will pass quicly, and she'll find that he is in and out often. He does, after all, deal mostly in Paris and travelling to and from the city on a daily basis is too exhausting. She will have plenty of time to get to know her new status, and he'll do what he can to introduce her to the society ladies in the area.
But that can wait.
When she's ready, she will be escorted to a library of sorts on the main floor. There are shelves and a desk and a fireplace that's been lit, and Andre is sipping a glass of wine while he waits. ]
[ One day, she'd lose his interest. She recognized that. But, she wanted to commit to this. She'd find ways to fill her time here and keep her thoughts off of Paris and those who might still reside there. No, she'd work on continuing to get to know those who staffed the estate. She'd make sure they'd have as good a life as possible - to only ever experience kindness and gratitude from her. It'd be far easier than the introductions to society, having to learn new rules to operate by and ways to behave. And if she thought it through, the kindness to the staff would probably be one of those rules she'd be breaking before knowing it.
The room she's brought to is stunning, just like everything else in the house. André had good taste and paid attention to details. It was something she could appreciate in this particular setting. She makes a mental note to come back and delve further into some of the titles on the shelves if allowed. While she didn't have the time to really pursue any passions outside of her work, she'd had to educate herself in order to be able to converse with the high caliber of men she tended to bring in. While most wanted only the physical, there were a select few that preferred conversation. ]
Refreshed, thank you. This is all stunning, André.
[ Of course it's stunning. He doesn't say it, but it's clear on his face that he agrees. He stands and extends a hand to her, giving her an obvious once-over to make sure it all fits well. ]
This is your life now. I know, I know, you had a fondness for the club and your friends, but doesn't this feel much better? This life suits you, my dear.
[ She automatically moves to the extended hand, her skirts shifting around her in the only way expensive fabric could. It was divine and knowing herself, she could easily get lost in this life. She could forget everything she'd done and everyone she hurt to get here. Her voice is steady when she speaks, no hint of doubt seeping in. ]
That life is behind me. I wish them all nothing but the best, however, I'm looking forward to the new adventure.
[ There was nowhere she could go in the club. No other heights she could achieve within those walls. This was the right choice. She knew that and in her weakest moments, she'd wrap it around herself like a protective shroud. ]
no subject
At least until he tires of her.
But for now, revelling in winning is a fantastic thing. ]
You needn't thank me at all. It was, after all, your stroke of genius.
[ A maid came in then, with a tray of cheese and fruit and something to drink. Once she sets it down, André sends her off to run a bath. ]
Have a little something to get your strength back. Once you've had a chance to freshen up, I'll show you the estate. You are the lady of the house now, after all.
no subject
Satine murmurs a soft thank you to the maid before letting his words sink in. She'd never been the proper lady of a house, not even sure if she'd be any good at it. Sure, she'd basically run the Moulin Rouge, keeping the dancers in line and helping them through their own issues... But this felt different. Far more proper. It had all seemed like a far off proposal, fantastical in a sense when he'd first mentioned something like this if she'd agreed to be with only him. But, she'd let love blind her and that dream had felt unattainable. As though she'd tarnished it beyond repair.
It was more than she'd expected and she needed to be appreciative of what's awaiting her beyond the bedroom door. It's the answer to all her prayers and security for, hopefully, the rest of her life. Her gaze moves from the food for a moment before falling back to him. ]
Of course, I won't keep you waiting long.
no subject
Of course, my dear. We've got all the time in the world.
[ He stands, adjusting his waistcoat as he does. His image is everything, even in the privacy of his own home. ]
When you're ready, one of the girls can bring you down. Should you need anything, they are at your beck and call.
no subject
Watching him rise, she adjusts on the bed and gives a nod in response. To say this was all a little overwhelming as the reality sank in around her was an understatement. She doesn't give it much time, rising once he leaves to set about getting ready. Ignoring the stiffness still in her body, she takes a few pieces of fruit before slipping into the bath. At least this was familiar. Eventually, she's escorted by one of the maids in a light blue bustled dress. They'd done her hair in some elegant up-do and she still felt as though she was on borrowed time. That this was somehow a dream and she hadn't chosen her own security over love. ]
no subject
But that can wait.
When she's ready, she will be escorted to a library of sorts on the main floor. There are shelves and a desk and a fireplace that's been lit, and Andre is sipping a glass of wine while he waits. ]
You look wonderful. How are you feeling?
no subject
The room she's brought to is stunning, just like everything else in the house. André had good taste and paid attention to details. It was something she could appreciate in this particular setting. She makes a mental note to come back and delve further into some of the titles on the shelves if allowed. While she didn't have the time to really pursue any passions outside of her work, she'd had to educate herself in order to be able to converse with the high caliber of men she tended to bring in. While most wanted only the physical, there were a select few that preferred conversation. ]
Refreshed, thank you. This is all stunning, André.
no subject
This is your life now. I know, I know, you had a fondness for the club and your friends, but doesn't this feel much better? This life suits you, my dear.
no subject
That life is behind me. I wish them all nothing but the best, however, I'm looking forward to the new adventure.
[ There was nowhere she could go in the club. No other heights she could achieve within those walls. This was the right choice. She knew that and in her weakest moments, she'd wrap it around herself like a protective shroud. ]