Through time; The ripper

An invitation

*Lily*

“Leo!”

At the voice we both turn and I can’t help but notice the small groan from Leo, apparently he is not happy about this person spotting him.

Approaching us is a man who bears a striking resemblance to Leo… handsome, confident, and dressed impeccably in tailored clothing that speaks of wealth and status. He has a well-groomed mustache that adds an air of maturity to his features, and I can’t help but feel a flutter of curiosity mixed with anxiety.

“Augustus!” Leo says in a tone like he is breeding the grim reaper.

As Augustus strides closer, a charming smile spreads across his face. “And who is this lovely lady?” His gaze lands on me, and I feel suddenly self-conscious under his scrutiny. “Let me guess, you are a famous actress or perhaps an opera singer?”

I open my mouth to respond, but before I can gather my thoughts, Leo interjects. “No, This is Miss Lily Tempest, she is from a good family up north and is helping me with my work.” His tone is firm yet protective, and I sense a hint of pride in his voice as he introduces me. “Lily this is my brother, Augustus Thorne, the earl of Ashford and heir to the dukedom of Ravenshollow.”

“Ah, a lady of distinction,” Augustus declares, taking my hand and lifting it to his lips in a brief, elegant kiss. “Miss Lily Tempest, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

“Likewise,” I manage, my heart racing at the unexpected intimacy of the gesture. His charm is undeniable, and I wonder why Leo seems uneasy. I am also nervous to speak to much, in case I reveal myself as not belonging.

“Leo, you must bring her to the ball tonight,” Augustus urges, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “It would be a shame for her to miss out on such an occasion.”

“A ball?” I echo, the word feeling foreign on my tongue.

“Yes, our dear esteemed father, the Duke of Ravenshollow, is hosting a gathering this evening,” Augustus explains, his tone light and inviting. “A splendid affair, with music, dancing… everything one could wish for.”

Leo shifts slightly, his expression becoming more guarded. “It’s more my aunt’s affair, really… she insists on maintaining tradition since our mother passed,” he replies, his voice steady but laced with an undercurrent of discomfort.

Before I can say anything, Augustus leans closer, his gaze holding mine with an intensity that sends shivers down my spine. “Miss Tempest, I assure you, it will be a night to remember.” His charming smile is infectious, and I feel myself drawn into his enthusiasm.

Leo clears his throat, and Augustus steps away, shitting his focus to Leo. “Thank you, Augustus. We’ll consider it.”

“Excellent! I expect to see you both there,” Augustus declares, his tone final. He tips his hat with a flourish and strides away, leaving the invitation lingering in the air.

As he disappears into the distance, I turn to Leo, curiosity bubbling inside me. “What’s this ball about? Do you attend many?”

He runs a hand through his hair, the gesture familiar yet disarming. “Only when I must,” he admits, his gaze distant. “It’s more of a formality now, a way to pay respect to family traditions. My aunt has taken it upon herself to host these events since my mother died.”

I nod, understanding the burden of familial duty all too well. “And do you enjoy it?”

He shrugs, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his lips. “It’s… an opportunity, I suppose. A chance to mingle with society and such. But the real reason I attend is to support her.”

“So your father is an actual Duke? Like royalty and all that?” I look at him, I am not sure what I had expected, but not this.

“Not really royalty, just the aristocracy even though my family do have ties to the royal family a couple of generations back,” he grins. “But yes my father is a Duke.”

I raise a brow. “Namedropping the royal family. So I guess you will wear some fancy evening gala for the ball then.”

“My best of course,” he grins.

“And what about me? What would I wear to a ball?” I ask, the idea both thrilling and terrifying. “What would suit me?”

Leo chuckles softly, a warmth spreading through me at the sound. “You would look stunning in anything, Lily. But I suspect my aunt would insist on something more elegant. She has a flair for the dramatic.”

The thought sends a thrill through me… a chance to step into a world so different from my own, if only for a night. “I’ve never been to a ball,” I admit, my excitement tinged with apprehension. “Will it be… to hard, like would I reveal myself?”

He pauses, considering my question. “I am pretty sure you would be able to pull it off. And hey if someone thinks you crazy, just remember tomorrow there will literally be generations between you and them.”

I find comfort in that notion, I will definately never see these people again so why worry. “Then I suppose I shall need a suitable dress,” I muse, a smile breaking through my earlier anxieties.

“Indeed,” Leo replies, his gaze steady on mine. “And I shall ensure you have the finest.”

As we navigate the winding paths of the park, I find myself stealing glances at Leo, admiring not just his outward appearance but the strength and determination that defines him. There’s a fire in his spirit that ignites something within me… a sense of purpose I hadn’t realized I needed.

“Tell me more about your world,” I say, my curiosity piqued. “What is it like to be an aristocrat in London in 1888?”

Leo chuckles again, the sound light and genuine. “It has its advantages and its burdens. We live in a world governed by rules and expectations. There’s a certain pressure to uphold the family name, to maintain appearances.”

“Is that why you don’t enjoy the balls?” I ask, wanting to understand the complexity of his life. “Because of all the rules and expectations?”

He nods slowly, his expression thoughtful. “Partly. There’s a performative aspect to it all that can feel… stifling. But there are moments of genuine connection, too. It’s just that those moments are rare.”

I ponder his words, feeling the weight of the expectations he carries. “Do you ever feel trapped?”

“Sometimes, however as a second son I guess less as no title and legacy is waiting for me,” he admits, his voice softer now. “But I find solace in my work. Solving these crimes, uncovering the truth… It gives me purpose. It’s what I was meant to do.”