Stephen
Evangeline Luronsque
The Batten Estate

This time, instead of wallowing a little more, Evangeline made sure to pay attention to where they were going. The last thing she needed to do was get lost if she was ever without a guide. Paying attention to the footsteps, the hallways, the little landmarks that broke up the identicality of the corridors, it was practically meditation. 

Although she wasn't made up, her Auburn hair and sweet face was at the very least a saving grace. She may have seemed a little natural, to the people who saw her, but hopefully not wild or unkempt. She tried to ignore them, anyway.

As they made it to the painting, she looked up at it with glassy eyes, that seemed to flicker in the light of the sconces. She searched the painting. What did she expect? Out-dated or not, it was a good-looking Lord, with a nice bone-structure, a very Withic look to him. It was almost relieving that he was just so ordinary. She smiled a little bit, genuine this time, as she remained entranced by the portrait. "He's handsome." She noted. She already sounded more comfortable. It was one less thing to worry about.
Mary
General servants and Knights of House Batten
Batten Estate 

Remus looked from Evangeline to the portrait. He was glad she seemed to relax at the sight of her soon to be husband's face. At least she wasn't reaching around a corner, that was always a good sign. 

He took a moment to study the painting, thinking about the little he knew of the man. How would he react when he found out he was to be married? What would Cornelia expect of him now that he had a responsibility to the House? 

All things beyond him, no point In thinking to hard on it he thought. Standing in silence he waited until she seemed satisfied, simply waiting for any more questions she might have.
Stephen
Evangeline Luronsque
Batten Estate

She stayed there for a while, looking at Caius's portrait to commit it to memory. She was past the feeling of shame, and so she seemed to become more confident in her strange ways. She reached out and touched the frame of the portrait, taking a deep breath. "You said he looks different from this now? What's changed?" She inquired, flicking her hair back.

She dropped her hand, rubbing her fingertips together as she looked over to Remus again. 

"Could I have this portrait sent to my quarters? I know that's odd, but I want to truly memorize it. I'm tired of surprises, Sir."
Mary
General servants and Knights of house Batten 
Batten Estate 

Remus looked back at Evangeline, and thought back to the last time he had seen the young man she was soon to be married to. 

"He grew a beard. Not big, but he tries. The hair is probably a bit longer, and while the painting won't show it I think I herd rumor he cut his leg bad fishing so he might have a scar. Besides that, I'd imagine he looks almost the same." 

He took a moment to consider her request. Was it normal for ladies to ask for paintings of their future husbands? Or was it just a southern thing? Whatever it was, he tried to suppress the idea of what rumors would come from this. The servants were going to have a field day with gossip. 

"I can see that it's arranged. Try not to tire of surprises to quickly however, Lady Cornelia hasn't had much to celebrate as of late so I'm sure there might be a few more sooner or later."
Stephen
Evangeline Luronsque
Batten Estate

Evangeline took a deep breath, combing her hair back with her fingers as she looked up at the portrait. A beard, eh? She could see it, maybe. She tilted her head. "If he doesn't... If he doesn't uh. *Want* Me. What happens?" She folded her hands and began walking back to Remus and taking his arm.

"Do I just get to be a nice little accessory for the House, then?" She didn't sound sarcastic or upset, it was more like she was just trying to discern. 

It had creeped in, but... This acceptance. It was as if she realized that *Anything* They did... Could not be as bad as what has already happened. She had nothing left. She tried not to dwell on this last part. Was she going mad?