Chapter 1: Pilot

Kitty's POV

I felt my breath catch as he held my hand over his heart, the steady rhythm beneath my palm oddly soothing.

Dante: It's already yours.

And for the first time. I believed him.

{M O N T H S A G O}

At the age of exactly twenty years, I was still going by my childhood nickname and there wad pressure from a plethora of directions to get married to a potentially handsome and rich suitor. Though really the handsome part was not the most important of the pairing. And last but, certainly, not least: I hated the idea of this with a fiery, intense, undying passion.

Kitty: Heavens, Angelica, are you trying to pop my ribs out of place?

Angelica: Breathe in, Miss Kitty. You'll never fit into your dress at this rate.

Kitty: That's what Mama gets for lying about my measurements to the tailor.

I tried to breathe in deeper as Angelica pulled the stays of my corset even tighter.

Angelica: There. Now to choose your dress. The tailor sent a Royal Blue Victorian Lace Dress.

Kitty: I think it will do the job splendidly.

Angelica: Would you like to apply some make-up?

I looked at Angelica like she had grown to heads. Then, I laughed aloud.

Kitty: Since when do I wear make up? No, thank you, Angelica. I think I look as good as I possibly can. Angelica, have you seen the ballroom yet? Are there a great many guests?

Angelica: Yes, Miss. A great many. I dare say twice the amount there were at you last birthday party.

Kitty: I'd hope so. One should strive for improvement after all.

I turned so Angelica could fasten my dress up, catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror. I wouldn't exactly call myself beautiful, but I was rich and in this world that seemed to count for more.

Angelica: You look beautiful, Miss Katherine.

Kitty: Thank you, Angelica. Anyone of note downstairs? You know mama is hoping I'll meet The One tonight.

I waggled my eyebrows at her teasingly before bursting into a fit of giggles. The One seemed like such a foreign and unwelcome concept to me. I still wanted to enjoy another year or two of freedom before I had to settle down.

Angelica: I believe I spotted the Hamptons, Lord Radcliffe...

Kitty: Oh, the Hamptons! That means..... Wait did you say Lord Radcliffe.

Angelica: Maybe?

Kitty: Why is he here?

I couldn't help a childish foot stomp as i found out this most unfortunate news. Dante Radcliffe was the most eligible bachelor in the country, and also the biggest rake in the whole of England.

Angelica: I imagine your parents invited him, Miss Kitty. It would have been rude to deny him an invitation.

Kitty: I can't stand the man.

Angelica: Come now. Don't worry about that. You will dance and make merry and you'll forget he's there after five minutes.

Every year for my birthday, my parents threw a lavish ball and invited everyone of importance to attend. It was the occasion of the year, though other people might have tried to say otherwise. Walking into the ball room, I couldn't help but notice that there were more people this year. Furious I was but I decided to not drag a fuss about it. I spotted my parent so I walked up to them.

John: Are you enjoying yourself so far, Katherine?

Kitty: Oh yes, Father. You've really outdone yourself this time!

John: There are a lot of eligible bachelors here tonight.

Kitty: Good for Emilia.

John: Emilia is not the eldest.

Kitty: No, but she's the most likely to make a good wife to someone rich and handsome with much more money than sense.

Dad and I shared a good laugh.

John: Here, id like you to talk to some gentlemen. You know them, naturally. Lawrence, Kingsley, White!

The three gentlemen walked of to us every graciously.

Lawrence: You yelled, sir.

White: Why is there so much sparkling nonsense at this party?

Well, I'm offended.

Kingsley: Splendid part so far, Mr. Hawthorne. Do you always go all out for Miss. Katherine?

John: I do, Mr. Kingsley. My eldest deserves only the best. Now, perhaps the three of you would like to entertain my daughter for an hour of dancing while I go talk to my wife?

Let's get this party started.

Kitty: May I have the honour, Mr. Kingsley?

Kingsley: Naturally, Miss. Katherine.

We walked to the dance floor and began to waltz to the music playing.

Kingsley: Might I saw you look absolutely radiant tonight, Miss. Katherine?

Kitty: You may, Mr. Kingsley. But only because it's my birthday and I'm in such a charming mood.

Kingsley: Even when not on your birthday.

He have me the flicker of a wink before putting on the mask of a perfect gentleman again.

Kitty: And how is your sister?

Kingsley: Eliza? Oh splendid. She so wished to come but I fear her health is not up to it.

Kitty: A shame. Ill have to pay her a call next week?

Kingsley: I'm sure she would like that, but I fear I have kept you away from your other admirers long enough.

Kitty: Thank you for a most invigorating dance, Mr. Kingsley!

I curtsied and he bowed and I walked over to Lawrence.

Kitty: May I have the honour, Mr. Lawrence?

Lawrence: I would be delighted to dance with you, Miss Katherine if given the chance.

Kitty: Consider this your chance then, Mr. Lawrence.

Lawrence: Are you having a pleasant birthday so far, Miss. Kitty?

Kitty: Oh quite delightful, Mr. Lawrence. Though, I of course, always enjoy the time spent with family and good friends.

Lawrence: I noticed you have the esteemed Lord Radcliffe as one of your guests. He must be honoured to be here.

Kitty: Yes, well, as he should be. He's lucky he was invited at all.

Lawrence: Oh, has your family had a feud with him.

I covered my mouth with a hand quickly before clearing my throat. I was unwise to speak so hastily.

Kitty: Nothing of the sort.

Lawrence: Well, I hope he'll be a pleasant guest all the same. Enjoy the rest of your night, Miss. Kitty.

Kitty: You as well, Mr. Lawrence.

Lastly, the oh-so-rude Mr. White.

Kitty: Would you care to, Mr. White?

White: If you insist.

Kitty: Have you had a pleasant time?

White: It's been well enough.

Kitty: I enjoy parties quite immensely. Especially the dancing.

White: Dancing is nice.

Kitty: Yes

Please give me more to work with.

White: Well, this has been delightful, Miss. Katherine, but I'm afraid I must take my leave.

Kitty: Of course, Mr. White. I'm glad you could attend.

As the night wore on, I found myself dancing with gentlemen after gentlemen who all fawned over how lovely I looked in my dress. I was dancing with a fine young man while discussing politics. Suddenly, we were caught off my Lord Radcliffe.

Kitty: I was dancing, Lord Radcliffe.

Dante: And you still are. Aren't I sweet?

I couldn't help stomping my feet. Shame it didn't land on his.

Kitty: You are vile!

Dante: Calm down, Kitty. Your claws are showing.

Kitty: Id claw you if it wasn't improper.

Dante: You should be happier. Happy birthday, by the way.

Kitty: Thank you.

Dante: You should do something adventurous.

Kitty: Like what? Claw you for real?

He leaned down and whispered into my ear, "Truth or dare, Kitty."

He flashed me a wicked smirk as he leaned close to my ear, his breath hot against my neck. I looked around, relived no one seemed to notice before I pushed him back a bit.

Kitty: With who?

Dante: Me naturally. Games are always more fun with two people.

Kitty: Your logic is flawed, Lord Radcliffe.

Dante: Or perhaps you are scared?

Kitty: I fear nothing!

Dante: Except maybe parlour games?

Kitty: Scandalous parlour games.

Dante: If you'd like to make it scandalous be my guest.

Kitty: I hate you.

Dante: I love your consistency of judgment, Katherine, truly.

Kitty: If I play your stupid game, will you leave me alone?

Dante: Naturally, for the rest of the evening.

Kitty: Then I will meet you in the gardens. No one will be there.

Dante: Until then, Miss. Hawthorne.

I walked into the gardens, stepping carefully lest I fall in the dark. This was the height of improper. After waiting 15 minutes, I was pissed off about being stood up by an arrogant bast.

Kitty: Where is he? I cant believe I came out here for that jerk.

Stomping my feet angrily. I watched him walk over to me. Thankfully, he finally arrived. His hair a mess and his clothes rumpled. It doesn't take a genius to figure out what he was doing.

Kitty: Seriously? Where did you find the closest woman willing?

Dante: I don't know what you're talking about Kitty. Is your imagination running wild again?

Kitty: Let's just get this over with.

Dante: So eager, Kitty.

Kitty: Miss. Katherine to you.

Dante: Truth or dare?

Kitty: Truth

Dante: Who was your first kiss?

Kitty: Um...

Dante: Don't be shy, Love.

Kitty: I haven't had one yet.

He looked quite astonished when I peeked at him through my lashes.

Dante: Well, they're quite overrated, trust me.

Kitty: Truth or dare?

Dante: Dare, always.

Kitty: I dare you to sing a song.

Dante: I walked in the lonesome evening. And who so sad as I. When I saw the young men and maidens. Merrily passing by. To thee, my Love, to thee-

I was taken aback as he started. Though his voice was shaky, it was breath-taking.

Dante: Truth or dare?

Kitty: Dare

Dante: I dare you to sing a song.

Kitty: I just dared that you ass. Whatever. The night has a thousand eyes. And the day but one; Yet the light of the night world dies. With the dying sun. Why do you look like that?

Dante: Look like what?

Kitty: Truth or...

Dante: Dare. It will always be dare.

Kitty: I dare you to dance like a ballerina.

Dante: Absolutely not.

Kitty: Then you lose.

While he danced, quite horribly might I add, I couldn't help but cackle like an evil watch of how terrible he was dancing.

Dante: Truth or dare, Katherine?

Kitty: Dare!

Dante: I dare you to honk like a goose.

Kitty: Honk! Honk!

We both shared a good laugh.

Kitty: I dare you to bark like a dog.

Dante: Whatever. Arf! Arf!

We played for another half hour, mostly being ridiculous with our dares and truths.

Dante: I dare you to take a dare.

Kitty: That's not how this game works Lord Radcliffe.

Dante: Bawk! Bawk!

Kitty: You're a child.

Dante: I dare you to kiss me.

I leaned forward and pressed my lips to his, hearing the way his breath hitched as I took him by surprise. This would show him. He surely hadn't been expecting this. But then he was pulling me closer, his hand on my waist as he kissed me back, his movements sure. Suddenly it made sense why so many women wanted him and so many men hated him. He knew what he was doing, and even if I despised him I found myself enjoying the kiss. But only a tad!

Mrs. James: Heavens! What is this? Miss. Hawthorne, you ought to be ashamed.

Kitty: Mrs. James, it's not-

Mrs. James: Kissing a gentleman, and when you're not even engaged! The horror! Oh, what would your parents say? What will everyone else say? The ladies at church will not take kindly to this I assure you!

Dante: Mrs. James! How happy am I to be the first in giving you the joyous news!

The what now?

Dante: Miss. Hawthorne has agreed to my offer of marriage!