Labels: novel
Caleb dressed in his favourtie attire, denim. He seemed to be gazing at everything, the grandfather clock, his shirt, his reflection in the mirror. His face lit when Eloise strolled casually into the room, and to his delight, displeasure spread across her face at the sight of him. "Brother.""Sister." He smirked."Up and about as usual, i suppose. A rather fond habit of yours." Eloise remarked."In the best of company at that!" Caleb said. Eloise resisted the urge to inquire him. She would never give him the satisfaction of her curiosity. But who? Eloise smiled, pleased with her resistance. "He starts with an N. Sneaky little ferret.""Oh, him." She said, her voice a bit soft. "He seems to have a good influence on you, brother. I'm sure you two will be the best of friends.""Ah, perhaps. You've never met him, have you?"
"No, why would i -" Eloise cut short, clearly sensing the danger in his words."Would you like to tag along?""Of course not." She muttered, her bland expression betraying her facade. For anyone else, it would have seemed quite convincing, but he was Caleb, and that was another problem entirely. She was not a good liar."Of course, of course." Caleb repeated his words, with a frail vigour."Although," she decided to give in, realising the pointlessness of the situation, "I did promise Clarice I'd buy her the dress we saw at Georgia's.""So, you are interested." He teased."No, i'm not!""I'm sure you've heard of the rumours." Naqi carried a wicked reputation. He was the sort to mingle with ladies, young of age, potential in looks. Eloise was sure of that; since her friends often spoke of him with venom. She knew of his tousle with a certain woman whom, according to Caleb(a highly non-reliable source, surely) discovered the true meaning of love. Preposterous! That struck Eloise with a force so abrupt, it was a wonder she remained standing. Eloise liked to think in logic, and she tolerated none of the abstracts of love. "I've heard of them," seeing there was no point in denying in. "And no, i am not interested in him. Not one bit.""He is a suitable match for you, dear sister.""He is a complex male. A snob, a delinquent, a -""He is my protege. All will be well," Caleb assured her. Eloise couldn't help but laguh. If he were as innocent as Caleb was, she would have been better of with Thompson. Thompson Reavers, an all-rounder with an amiable reputation, socially adaptable, and very friendly with the ladies in general, not a complete ignorant like Naqi. And in two months time, he was to be hers and she would forget ever hearing Naqi's name. Ever. "I'm sure." Eloise finally spoke, nodding at her brother."Well, i'll be going in ten minutes time. What about that dress you promised Clarice?""I'll be joining you later. I have to see Clarice first." If she was going to lie, she might as well make most of the truth."Suit yourself, sister." He resumed his taunts. Eloise could feel it in her toes. Something was going to happen today, something interesting. She just knew it. And she wouldn't be surprised if Naqi turns out to be the cause. Not surprised at all.