Aug
An excavation of sorts
There is a certain tension in the air when I enter the ballroom tonight. Albert and Harold both are present, and neither the beloved parrot nor the black toucan are squawking at each other, which suggests something dire indeed has occurred.
I search the already crowded ballroom for Lady B, and find her looking quite put out. She meets my gaze and is positively glowering. I think quickly through everything I have done in the last few weeks. No…I can’t think of why she might be upset with me. I take a deep breath and (bravely) approach.
As I do, I see that she is standing next to a youngish-appearing gentleman. A light has cast him in silhouette but from the cut of his hair and his coat (and yes, I can tell a man by the cut of his hair), I recognize her nephew, Montague. (In fact, all I really have to go on is the cut of his clothing and hair because every time I’ve seen him before tonight, he’s been a bruised disaster. Only a fortnight ago, he was brawling with one of Miss Darcy Burke’s heroes. Although Katharine has been nursing him back to health and perfect male beauty.)
Lady Beaufetheringstone?
Lady B: Miss Darby, perhaps you can convince my wayward nephew that as noble as the cause may be, he cannot help every damsel in distress. He must be presentable if he will attend events in London.
I look at Monty and wince. After Katharine did such a wonderful job tending to Monty’s wounds, he now looks slightly worse for wear.
Another incident?
Monty: I assure you, Miss Darby, that the lady’s assailant looks far worse than I.
And then, he winks.
Have you ever seen a man with two bruised eyes attempt to wink? It is a bit frightening. And arresting. For between the slightly swollen lids of his right eye, I can almost make out the color. It looks…black. Or maybe it’s a very dark brown. Or maybe that’s just the shadow and in reality his eyes are hazel. Or a rather light blue?
Fine, I admit it, I don’t actually know.
Maybe you can take a look and help me?
What do you think? Should Montague stop his impulsive and well-intentioned brawls? Or does he simply need to engage an excellent teacher of pugilism?
Aug 16, 2012
1:41 am
Hi Sabrina,
I said his eyes were ‘stormy dark blue’ which would most certainly look black in certain light or within heavy bruising. *wink*
I suspect that Monty is not going to change his ways when it comes to the defense of the ladies so perhaps one of the many heroes that frequent the Ballroom might give him some lessons in pugilism so that he may at least learn to defend that face of his long enough for us to get a good look at him. Just a thought. I adore any man who defends a woman’s honor so aggressively. : )
Aug 16, 2012
6:34 pm
Nice. And I think I agree about him not changing his ways.
Aug 16, 2012
9:52 pm
Me too. I think he’s dreamy! I hope he continues defending damsels forever!
Aug 16, 2012
7:25 am
While I LOVE icy blue eyes. I think that Monty has delious chocolate brown eyes. The ones that are like a puppy dog’s eyes.
This also may sound strange, but on how you can tell a man from the cut of his clothes and his hair, I would say that the eyes can tell a bunch about a guy, too. Going from his personality, he is very passionate and an intense fellow. Perhaps he could be a Philly phan – they are very intense and passionate, just like Monty.
I feel that Monty has to step back and ask, “Does this matter? Is this worth getting into a brawl about?” I am sure Monty feels he does not need a boxing coach. BUT – maybe some time at Gentleman Jackson’s place will help him of his aggressions.
If I were the one to ask why he gets into so many brawls, I am sure he would tell me that he is defending the honor of ladies everywhere. While some would swoon at his feet. I am sure others who may feel that they can handle the situation themselves. Who knows – maybe Monty would get a kick from that sort of female.
Aug 16, 2012
6:36 pm
Aw a puppy dog. That makes me even fonder of him. But I do wonder if he’s ever come to the defense of a woman who would prefer he didn’t.
Aug 16, 2012
9:59 pm
I chose brown too, Jamie. He’s definitely the passionate sort.
On another note, thank you for your lovely review of ONCE UPON A BALLROOM on Amazon! That was very kind of you, and I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Aug 16, 2012
11:34 am
I think Monty gets into all of these brawls because he’s young, brash, and impulsive. Perhaps he’s just so very bored and dying for something to do, even if it’s picking fights? He definitely needs to grow up a bit I think. But I think his instinct to protect damsels is laudable and a very good trait. He just needs to learn to pick his battles, as it were, and realize when we ladies can handle things on our own and leave us to it!
I’m sure there’s the perfect lady for him out there for whom he’d not only fight, but lay down his life if it comes down to it.
I’m going with cool grey for his eye color!
Aug 16, 2012
6:37 pm
I like the idea that he’s bored…. That has me thinking.
Aug 16, 2012
10:00 pm
Oo oo! We must come up with a project upon which to focus his excess energies!!! This is going to be fun.
Aug 16, 2012
2:42 pm
Monty definitely has green eyes, and the twinkle with mischief in a way that only green eyes can.
Personally, I can forgive a bit of brawling if it is in defence of a lady but the frequency with which Monty finds himself in this condition does suggest he is ignoring the multitude of non-violent ways he can assist young ladies.
Whilst this disregard for his physical appearance is a good quality in a man I think the women of this ballroom would think much better of Monty if he engaged his efforts in supporting the Women’s Suffrage Movement!
Aug 16, 2012
5:38 pm
I voted green! Just because it’s my favorite color. LOL. No particular reasons. Yes, I’m 5 years old.
But I really did like Jamie’s description of puppy-dog brown eyes, though.
He just doesn’t strike me as an icy-blue guy. Though I do love me some cold, intense, icy-blue heroes.
Am I the only one suspecting (hoping?) that Monty’s predilection for brawls has its roots in some Past Traumatic Event?
Aug 16, 2012
6:39 pm
Nope, not the only one!
Aug 16, 2012
7:55 pm
perhaps a little less fighting & a little more training would both be in order
of course I just think he likes the fuss the ladies all make over him & ruffling his aunt’s feathers (after all it’s hard to marriage material if you scare all the mama’s & papa’s) 
Aug 16, 2012
10:13 pm
LOL, donna ann. Excellent point! Perhaps we should hire a trainer for him?
Aug 17, 2012
1:56 am
I think we should…just imagine having a trainer around the house as well!
Aug 16, 2012
8:26 pm
I think Monty should keep fighting. I love the fact that he’s so protective of ladies. And one day, he will find The One and she will be a lucky girl.
BTW, I voted green. He totally has green eyes.
Aug 16, 2012
8:33 pm
I hate to disappoint you all but his eyes are a mesmerizing brown, so dark that they pierce your soul! That’s why he gets into all those fights! Those eyes are a challenge to those who he makes feel like lesser souls which arouses them to challenge him! He’s actually a peaceful soul at heart and looking for just the perfect woman to tame him!
Aug 17, 2012
2:25 am
Love it!
Aug 16, 2012
9:52 pm
I voted green, too. I’m piggybacking on Tessa’s reason, lol. And, because, there really needs to be some more green-eyed heroes.