Don Pedro/Beatrice anti-otp

[_ladydisdain_]

*is sitting near her window, reading, though the sunlight is making her sleepy and it is harder and harder to think of the book*

*she is wearing, we might add, the dress that Hero gave her, yellow-gold embroidered with blue flowers. let it never be said that Beatrice doesn't like pretty things-- it is only pretty words from lovers that earn her

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[inyourfacejohn]

*iRonic, the purpose of this post, then -- *

*happens upon her, then, as he passes back, and pauses for a moment to appreciate the dress's and sunlight's effect on her, then clears his throat with a slight grin, to alert her to his presence*

[_ladydisdain_]

*quite.

*startled, nearly drops the book, but stands, and curtsies, and smiles* Your grace!

[inyourfacejohn]

*grins in return, bowing, just excessively low enough to make it gently teasing, but there is still respect there -- Beatrice is, after all, a lady worth admiring* Lady Beatrice.

[_ladydisdain_]

*smiles, because Don Pedro's respect is worth having, and his teasing, too*

I had expected no visitors. *it sounds as if it should be an apology for the state of the room, but things are neat, except for perhaps a book or a stocking not yet in its place*

[inyourfacejohn]

*flattered to hear it*

*slight grin* And 'tis as tidy as if you had expected a company of soldiers.

[_ladydisdain_]

*laughs* There is little enough point tidying for soldiers, my lord. 'Tis too quickly undone.

[inyourfacejohn]

*lightly* I know not if I should take offense or praise you for your most insightful words, my lady. *and another grin -- he's almost incapable of being solemn-faced*

[_ladydisdain_]

Perhaps both, though 'tis something of a balancing act, and may be more suited to a fool than your princely self. *doesn't mind-- it's a rather pleasant grin, after all*

[inyourfacejohn]

O, all princes are fools, dear lady, for all men must make fools out of themselves, and are not princes men? Balancing acts are the least of our worries.

[_ladydisdain_]

So long as your grace's balance is kept-- for there may be some happiness in folly, but not so much in a fall.

[inyourfacejohn]

I believe I've practice enough to keep it, should nothing come my way to catch me off-guard. *grins*

[_ladydisdain_]

I do not think I have seen my lord taken off-guard. Is there such a thing as will cause it? *curiouslook*

[inyourfacejohn]

*another grin* You are welcome to try what you will, my lady, and I will tell you of your success in the endeavour.

[_ladydisdain_]

*pauses, looking contemplative* . . . O! *kisses him, lightly, and then smiles-- if that wasn't just the thing, she doesn't know what will do it* What say you, my lord?

[inyourfacejohn]

*and she should be gratified to note the fleeting startled look crossing his face, before a reluctant, rueful grin follows* You have managed it, my lady, and quite thoroughly.

[_ladydisdain_]

So I thought. For is't not the rarity that causes the start-- and no rarer thing, than one vowed ever against? *. . . just pretend there isn't something approaching a blush on Beatrice's face. it's got to be your imagination.*