Princess Aurelia Charlotte, Duchess of York

22. Duchess.

[aureliawindsor]

[ hailee steinfeld, she/her, cis woman ] — was that AURELIA WINDSOR? the TWENTY-TWO year old is the DUCHESS of YORK, how exciting to see her this season! rumors have it she is STUDIOUS and OPEN-MINDED, but i’ve heard she is REBELLIOUS and CLUMSY as well — maybe that’s why she's been called the ENIGMA. I have even heard that SHE SNEAKS INTO LECTURES UNCHAPERONED — only time will tell.

NAME: Aurelia ‘Riley’ Charlotte Windsor

PRONOUNS: She/Her

AGE: Twenty-Two

SEXUALITY: Lesbian

LANGUAGES: English, French, Latin

TITLE: Princess Aurelia Charlotte, Duchess of York

HISTORY (tl;dr at bottom):

For as long as Princess Aurelia ('Riley') Charlotte could remember, she had been Duchess of York. While it was very common for children to be raised without mothers, Aurelia was raised without a father. Her father, Prince Henry Arthur, Duke of York, was the younger brother to King George III and often trusted with military excursions on behalf of the Crown. Unfortunately, only two years after his first daughter was born, the Duke of York was involved in a military accident and passed away, leaving his estate to his only daughter. Given the family connection and the sacrifices of his brother, the King bestowed the title of Duchess of York to Aurelia.

Like any good Dowager Duchess, Aurelia’s mother managed the estate on her daughter’s behalf, maintaining the wealth and fortune of her husband, while embracing the independence that came from running an entire Duchy without a husband to stifle her. Aurelia was the apple of the Dowager Duchess’ eye and was heavily protected–their fortunes reliant completely on Aurelia’s continued survival in such a dangerous time. Aurelia grew up sheltered, her only freedom found in the many books of her father’s library. Regardless, she was happy, raised with the best tutors in the extreme comfort of their family’s country estate.

When Aurelia turned sixteen, her mother decided to move them to London during the season so that Aurelia could experience proper society for the first time and perhaps begin catching some eligible bachelors’ eyes. Gone were her freedoms to do whatever she wanted, replaced with constant balls and parties. Aurelia hated every moment of it. The only advantage of being in London was her ability to sneak her way into nearby lectures and exhibitions, the gatherings able to quell her forever curious mind. She always disguised herself as a mere gentleman, lest scandal befall her name.

When she turned twenty-one, Aurelia could no longer avoid her mother’s demands for her to debut. Being an eligible Duchess and niece to the King, if she weren’t the diamond of her season, she was at least a sapphire, and her callers formed lines longer than her massive estate could contain. The endless lines of suitors bored her and she found every excuse to end the calls as early as possible. As the close of the season got nearer, it was clear that the Duchess of York had made no progress towards securing a husband and the disappointment throughout the ton was palpable.

If only everyone knew that the Duchess had no interest in finding a husband at all–in fact, she was quite partial to women.

Now in the second year since her debut, Aurelia continues to dread the constant insanity that was the race for suitable marriages. She does her best to avoid the dance floor and continues to dissuade any young gentleman from pursuing her hand. All she truly cares about is the newest textbooks being printed and enjoying her freedom for as long as possible.

TL;DR:

Aurelia (’Riley’) is niece to King George III;

Her father was a military general but died in an accident when Aurelia was just two. As a way to honor his brother, his majesty passed the title to Aurelia;

Aurelia’s mother managed the estate in Aurelia’s name and kept her incredibly protected and sheltered since ownership of the title and estate is reliant on Aurelia’s continued survival;

Riley grew up being tutored by the best professors and had access to a ton of books;

Riley started going to London during the season at 16 so she could get used to everything;

Discovered local university lectures and sneaks into them dressed as a man to avoid detection;

Debuted at 21 (last year) and was super popular due to her title and wealth;

Rejected everyone and intends on continuing to reject everyone since she’s only interested in women, studying, and her freedom.

[aureliawindsor]

While Ellie’s slow approach made Riley nervous and the way her eyes moved over her face made her blush slightly, Riley made no move and simply watched as the beautiful girl teased her. Riley was usually quick-witted and more than willing to throw back a taunt but this felt different and she was left speechless. Her eyes flickered down to the hand that gently brushed her own and clenched it, feeling the need to control herself—though from what, she didn’t know.

She took a few deep breaths, not facing Ellie, hoping to calm her unexpectedly racing heart at the seemingly innocent moment, before finally turning around. There was no smile there, only confusion as she processed what she had just felt, and Ellie’s words weren’t making it any easier. She wanted to get to know her? “Why?” Riley asked, unable to contain her skepticism. She couldn’t understand what she was feeling so she retreated to logic. She didn’t like not understanding.

She shook her head, her eyes apologetic. “I apologize. I do not mean to accuse, but sometimes I struggle to understand what the point in building a friendship is with someone who has every intention of marrying and being whisked away to a far off estate. I do not mean to single you out. It is a general question, albeit an unasked question, with all the women I meet during the season.” She hated that she was suddenly being rude but Ellie’s actions—her words—were unnerving Riley and she didn’t like feeling this way.

[elainexhale]

All the playfulness melted away from the girl's expression as she listened to Riley, her smile turning warm and understanding. Of course she would be skeptical- it was only natural for someone of her station to ask questions and ensure nobody with ill intent was let too close.

"Because you're fascinating," Ellie said gently without missing a beat, completely genuine as she kept her gaze on Riley's face. She continued in a hushed tone, so anyone who passed by the heavy door might not accidentally hear, "You go to college lessons in trousers and a hat because you can't help not knowing. You're independent, intelligent, funny, and strong. And I know that just from one afternoon of knowing you. I want to know more."

Beautiful as well, but Ellie wouldn't embarrass herself by adding that to the ever growing list.

She gave the girl an earnest smile, standing from her seat. "And who knows how far I'll go? I might end up close to London, or back in the countryside." She took a half of a step towards the girl, not wanting to scare her but wanting to be a little closer. "And if I'm more than a walk away, carriages exist, as well as letters-- and I wouldn't be an obedient little wife who stays at home while my... husband is galivanting around the town." The last part was added with a small playful edge, making a little face at the word 'husband', hoping it would calm Riley's nerves at least a little.

Ellie scanned Riley's face, shrugging softly as she opened up completely. Riley seemed trustworthy, and she didn't mind being vulnerable if it would help them be friends. "Nobody really knows me either. Not even my family-- they see me as a child who can't make a decision or have an opinion without heavy guidance. I want someone to know me, and I really want to know you, Riley. Beyond the barriers of the season."

She took a step closer, then another, smiling up at Riley as she clasped her hands behind her back, "May I? Know you, I mean."

[aureliawindsor]

Riley listened. All she could do was listen as Ellie listed off what she had noticed so far from merely a handful of hours with her. It was more than any of her suitors had ever noticed from multiple interactions with her and the edge in Riley’s demeanour softened.

Her eyes ran over Ellie’s face, looking for even the tiniest hint of deceit, malice, anything that told her she couldn’t trust her pretty words. There were so many pretty words, so many perfect words, that it didn’t make sense in Riley’s head that anyone was using them to describe her. Sometimes, it felt like all she ever received was confusion, disapproval, and scorn.

And here Ellie was—appreciating.

“I—“ she blushed, unsure what to say as Ellie got closer, her eyes earnestly asking for permission. Riley averted her eyes, unable to meet Ellie’s striking blue, not when it was accompanied by such a tender face. After a few second of silent contemplation and consideration, Riley felt herself give in to what Ellie was offering: an actual friendship. “It seems you already have,” she resigned.

After a few more moments, Riley’s eyes were able to return to Ellie’s. “I would like to know more about you as well, Ellie.”

[aureliawindsor]

Riley couldn’t help but smile at Elaine’s words, agreeing whole-heartedly that marriage was a trap that allowed men to use their power. There seemed to be a hint of personal experience there but it wasn’t surprising when Ellie was raised by a brood of men. She had probably seen or heard firsthand their intentions.

“Marriage is how they keep us subjugated.” It was why Riley herself was so determined never to marry one. The moment she did, all her freedoms would fade away. She would be expected to let her new husband manage her estate and her money would no longer be her own. Who wanted that? Riley didn’t need some stranger to take care of her, her father ensured that much before he passed.

“Well, Ellie,” Riley tested out, figuring she would show the woman the same courtesy she was showing her, “you have caught me at my most scandalous so it is safe to say I have no reason to be anything but genuine.” Not that she was talking about it in the same context of what Ellie was, but friendships felt like they fell in the same category for Riley. It was hard to tell who genuinely wanted to be friends or who wanted to get close to her just for the title she carried.

“Everyone who has tried to marry me has not been genuine. I doubt they can be. I carry too many benefits that are hard to ignore in favour of simply my personality, and even that is distasteful to many men who want nothing more than an obedient mother to their children.” She sighed and shook her head. “None of them know me.”

[elainexhale]

A small wave of relief washed over Ellie as Riley agreed with her, more than happy she didn't step out of bounds and say something too intense. She loosened the grip on the book at her chest, letting her hands slide behind her back to hold it there instead as the comfort took down any walls that she might have built around her soul.

"You can rest easy knowing that I don't want to be close because of what you have to offer," She started, a playful glint in her eye as she took a step towards Riley. Ellie continued, teasing as she let her gaze briefly dance over Riley's face, "I want you close so that you might not be able to gain the speed to knock me off my feet again."

She brushed past Riley, her arm grazing against hers and a soft laughter escaping her as she walked toward the couch. "And, for the record, I like your personality. What I have seen so far, at least." Ellie sat on the couch, grinning over at Riley as she let any attempt left at a proper façade fade away, "And I'm looking forward to getting to know you more." She nodded towards the seat next to her, a silent request for Riley to join her.

[aureliawindsor]

While Ellie’s slow approach made Riley nervous and the way her eyes moved over her face made her blush slightly, Riley made no move and simply watched as the beautiful girl teased her. Riley was usually quick-witted and more than willing to throw back a taunt but this felt different and she was left speechless. Her eyes flickered down to the hand that gently brushed her own and clenched it, feeling the need to control herself—though from what, she didn’t know.

She took a few deep breaths, not facing Ellie, hoping to calm her unexpectedly racing heart at the seemingly innocent moment, before finally turning around. There was no smile there, only confusion as she processed what she had just felt, and Ellie’s words weren’t making it any easier. She wanted to get to know her? “Why?” Riley asked, unable to contain her skepticism. She couldn’t understand what she was feeling so she retreated to logic. She didn’t like not understanding.

She shook her head, her eyes apologetic. “I apologize. I do not mean to accuse, but sometimes I struggle to understand what the point in building a friendship is with someone who has every intention of marrying and being whisked away to a far off estate. I do not mean to single you out. It is a general question, albeit an unasked question, with all the women I meet during the season.” She hated that she was suddenly being rude but Ellie’s actions—her words—were unnerving Riley and she didn’t like feeling this way.

[aureliawindsor]

“I’ll make sure to tell my mother that you approve of my bedside manner. She would most likely credit herself for that accomplishment,” Riley replied, though there was a large grin on her face. It was nice to have someone who was so readily willing to believe that she could actually be a good surgeon if the world allowed her to. Perhaps she was being too trusting but Elaine was saying all the right things to make Riley comfortable enough to be honest.

“Well, if I shall be cursed with your presence from now on, I insist you call me Riley,” she stated, the smile on her face showing no hint that this was any such ‘curse’. “You are free to drop the titles and manners. They are quite a mouthful,” she smirked and gave Elaine a little nudge of her elbow, “and we both know I am not very graceful.” She wouldn’t force it but she truly believed that, in the spirit of friendship, titles were utterly unnecessary.

“But, of course, only when we are alone. My mother taught me everything I needed to know to secure myself a husband and she would be absolutely aghast if she knew I have no desire for formalities,” she paused and shrugged. Elaine already knew so much about her that it hardly hurt to tell her something else. “Though between you and me, I have no desire for many things my mother wants for me. I have no intentions of marrying a husband. I find men boring and unappealing. I do not intend on chaining myself to one for the rest of my life.”

[elainexhale]

"A miserable, thankless job, I'm sure- tolerating that," Elaine hummed, her own grin on her face mirroring Riley's. The wooden frame and leather bindings of the books pressed into her back as she leaned against the bookcase, feeling relaxed and comfortable for the first time in forever.

"Riley," She repeated, testing out the name as if testing the temperature of water before diving in. "Well, Riley, I wish I could follow in your footsteps. I have no desire to marry a man, even though I know I must marry someone by the end of the season." Her brows knit above her nose ever so slightly as her impending future nagged at the back of her mind.

She glanced down at the ornate rug, shaking her head, "It all feels like some awful game. Everyone using each other like chess pieces, marrying just for the sake of a shiny new title or money. I--" She paused her words and looked back to Riley, thinking of what she would say next for half of a moment. "Though men have most of the power, it seems like all they ever want to do is use us and our power. I don't want to be used."

Again.

Her gaze averted again, hoping the sadness in her tone didn't reveal too much once the words slipped past her lips. This time she focused on the little book she held.

"It feels a bit silly, wanting to marry someone simply because I enjoy their company, enough to wake up to them every morning. But with how concerned everyone is for their reputation, it's hard to know when they're being genuine and if you would actually..." Elaine shrugged, her smile softening, already resigning to her fate, "I'm not sure... get along, I guess."

She pushed herself off of the bookcase, her gaze finally returning to the woman as she pushed the thoughts of what waited for her out of her mind. She tried to pick up her tone, drawing a little smile on her face, "Anyways, please don't mind me if I try to live vicariously through you whenever I visit. And call me Ellie. Please. Or Elaine. Whichever. Miss Hale has always sounded so stuffy."

[aureliawindsor]

Riley couldn’t help but smile at Elaine’s words, agreeing whole-heartedly that marriage was a trap that allowed men to use their power. There seemed to be a hint of personal experience there but it wasn’t surprising when Ellie was raised by a brood of men. She had probably seen or heard firsthand their intentions.

“Marriage is how they keep us subjugated.” It was why Riley herself was so determined never to marry one. The moment she did, all her freedoms would fade away. She would be expected to let her new husband manage her estate and her money would no longer be her own. Who wanted that? Riley didn’t need some stranger to take care of her, her father ensured that much before he passed.

“Well, Ellie,” Riley tested out, figuring she would show the woman the same courtesy she was showing her, “you have caught me at my most scandalous so it is safe to say I have no reason to be anything but genuine.” Not that she was talking about it in the same context of what Ellie was, but friendships felt like they fell in the same category for Riley. It was hard to tell who genuinely wanted to be friends or who wanted to get close to her just for the title she carried.

“Everyone who has tried to marry me has not been genuine. I doubt they can be. I carry too many benefits that are hard to ignore in favour of simply my personality, and even that is distasteful to many men who want nothing more than an obedient mother to their children.” She sighed and shook her head. “None of them know me.”

[latetobloom]

Mingxia raised her eyebrows at the explanation of her family, that was the royal family. "Oh, wow...I was unaware, my apologies." She let out a sigh. "We are unaware of such relations. I am quite unused to having a title myself. With the passing of my late uncle, we all received titles." She most definitely was not raised for such a life, only wanting to be happy, as her parents have always wanted for her. "I shall trust your word and play it at a ball or soiree that calls for such talents. I do enjoy playing it, it brings me serenity."

[aureliawindsor]

"I look forward to your performance." Aurelia paused for a second, taking the girl in. It didn't seem like she was as interested in the marriage season as many of the other girls she had met, but surely their arrival in London couldn't be for any other reason. Was it worth investing in a friendship that would end in the other's marriage in the span of the next few months? Aurelia had to wonder.

"I hope this season treats you well, Miss Wetherby, and you find reason to return to London even after you find a match. It can be quite a challenge for those of us who have less interest in the social scene."

[elainexhale]

Ellie made a mental note of the title, her expression growing more curious by the second as she watched Aurelia approach her. She looked down at the book as it was placed in her hands, the generous offer stealing the words from her mouth for a few moments. "Are you sure-" She had managed to stammer out before Aurelia continued to speak, her teasing words reigniting that smile of hers.

Elaine hugged the little book to her chest, listening intently to Aurelia's answers. "I feel as though us women can simply breathe incorrectly and be damned in society's eyes. It would, indeed, cause quite an uproar." A sad little laugh left her own lips, the bright curiosity on her features softening to a gentle fondness.

She looked down at her arm as Aurelia took it in her hands, the gentle, almost professional touch causing a blush to spread over her cheeks. Just as it did earlier that day, it caused her heart to flutter just a bit, even though she hadn't a clue as to why it would. Her gaze danced over Aurelia's face, and couldn't help but watch in awe as she examined her. The duchess was very pretty, and the focused look on her features was the most beautiful, elegant thing she had seen since arriving in London. Ellie became extremely aware of every breath, every little move she couldn't control, afraid that if she did any sort of movement that it would break Aurelia's focus and end the moment.

"A gentle dilution of whiskey," Elaine nodded and averted her eyes from Aurelia's face, slightly embarrassed of the involuntary reaction she had to the examination. "Understood." She took a small breath to compose herself, before returning her gaze to the duchess.

"It's a shame, how society places us in these boxes without our input or approval." She offered Aurelia a soft smile as her newly freed arm joined her other in hugging the academic book to her chest. "I would love to see you as a surgeon-- or anything in the medical field, your bedside manner is impeccable." Elaine laughed, and continued in a light teasing tone, "And while I hope there are not any more sudden collisions in the near future which I would need your attention, I'd be happy to listen to you speak of what you've learned. It's fascinating." She tapped her finger against the cover of the book, a playful glint in her eye, "That is, if you want. I'm afraid that, if I have it my way, you will be seeing quite a bit of me. If not to read and ask questions, then to simply talk and be in each other's company. I haven't had as much fun as I have had today in a very long time."

[aureliawindsor]

“I’ll make sure to tell my mother that you approve of my bedside manner. She would most likely credit herself for that accomplishment,” Riley replied, though there was a large grin on her face. It was nice to have someone who was so readily willing to believe that she could actually be a good surgeon if the world allowed her to. Perhaps she was being too trusting but Elaine was saying all the right things to make Riley comfortable enough to be honest.

“Well, if I shall be cursed with your presence from now on, I insist you call me Riley,” she stated, the smile on her face showing no hint that this was any such ‘curse’. “You are free to drop the titles and manners. They are quite a mouthful,” she smirked and gave Elaine a little nudge of her elbow, “and we both know I am not very graceful.” She wouldn’t force it but she truly believed that, in the spirit of friendship, titles were utterly unnecessary.

“But, of course, only when we are alone. My mother taught me everything I needed to know to secure myself a husband and she would be absolutely aghast if she knew I have no desire for formalities,” she paused and shrugged. Elaine already knew so much about her that it hardly hurt to tell her something else. “Though between you and me, I have no desire for many things my mother wants for me. I have no intentions of marrying a husband. I find men boring and unappealing. I do not intend on chaining myself to one for the rest of my life.”

[aureliawindsor]

Riley wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth so when Elaine started pulling her towards the door, she all but ran to get away from everyone else. She took the lead and pulled Elaine upstairs, containing her grin as they rushed past all the confused footmen and maids to her favourite room. She closed the door behind them and took a deep relaxing breath. "This was my father's study," she explained, her eyes going up to the giant portrait of Prince Henry. "But it is mine now and it's my favourite room in this entire house."

All around them were various books that the family had gathered throughout the years and while she had a library back at the main estate, the London home contained its own impressive catalogue. "When you saw me this afternoon, I was rushing home from a lecture," Riley explained, running her hand over the spine of a medical book. "It is deeply unfair that women cannot attend university when all I want to do is learn. I have to resort to books on recorded lectures, disguises, and hiding..."

She didn't know what it was about Elaine, but she felt comfortable with the woman, enough to be honest about her desires and intentions. "There is not a day that goes by that I do not wonder what I would have been able to do, to accomplish, had I simply been born a man." She chuckled. "Instead of spending all this time looking for a husband, I would be doing something actually worthwhile."

She turned back to Elaine. "Are you debutting this season, Miss Hale? If so, I wish you the best of luck."

[elainexhale]

Ellie trailed behind Aurelia into the study, her eyes blowing wide when they gazed upon the shelves of books. Though she had cultivated her own impressive little library, she didn't have access to as many books as the ones that had a home along these walls.

She made her way to a neighboring shelf as she listened to Aurelia speak, her curious eyes tearing away from the scholarly titles and impressive leather bound spines to look at her. Elaine's first question had been answered before she could even ask.

"Yes, I'm afraid so," She breathed a soft laugh as she returned her gaze to the books, not wanting the reality of the world that awaited her past the heavy wooden door to take a hold of her. "I think we share a very similar desire, your grace."

Elaine plucked a little book from the shelf, a collection of essays from astronomers, a wistful melancholy ghosting over her features. "I had to fight and plead to learn what I have- begged my father to buy books for me and let me take lessons past any basic necessities my governess had to offer. Not that I blame them for the lack of extracurriculars, they were used to a band of brutes who would rather play soldier outside than read a book." She laughed gently as her hand ran over the cover, unable to look back over at the girl. It was embarrassing, knowing so little in the presence of someone who clearly knew worlds more.

"I never knew what questions to ask, or what text to request- but when I did find something-" She risked a glance over at Aurelia, her smile brightening a bit as those little moments of 'eureka' flooded into her memory. "I have never been more excited." Her eyes returned to the astronomy book, that familiar warm feeling of wonder flooding through her as she wondered just what the sky held. "Perhaps I would do something worthwhile too. But..." The brightness faded a bit as reality nagged at the back of her mind. "I am to play the part of a proper young lady-- one that needs to marry. It is my duty."

She placed the book back on the shelf, leaning against the wooden frame as she turned to Aurelia, "What would you want to do? If you were born a man, I mean." She glanced at the medical book the woman had trailed her hand along, "Would you be a physician?"

[aureliawindsor]

Elaine’s answer surprised Riley, admittedly not used to women who were interested in more than the latest fashions or gossip. Perhaps that was why she was so willing to keep Riley’s secret? An empathy and understanding towards wanting more than life had dealt them. “Journals,” Riley explained. “I recommend The Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society. They publish papers by various specialists in the fields of science. If one piques your interest, you can simply see if the author of the paper has published books.”

Riley had developed a system that resulted in the giant collection Elaine saw before her. No one had taught her how to do research or engage in academic discourse, but Riley stubbornly taught herself if no one else would. She was more than willing to impart her knowledge on other women who struggled with the same. “If you ever wish to borrow a book from me, you are free to.” She walked over to the shelf that Elaine was at and reached over her, pulling out the book she had just placed back and placing it in Elaine’s hands. “I insist. The duchess is requiring you to read to be in her company,” Riley teased, knowing that it was probably one of the goals for the night. Elaine’s family couldn’t complain about her reading up on topics that the duchess clearly wanted to talk about.

At the woman’s question, Riley blushed and nodded. “Yes, I am particularly interested in the medical sciences and the human body. I would have loved to have been a surgeon.” Riley shook her head, a sad chuckle leaving her. “Can you imagine the scandal? A woman of my status touching strangers and dealing with all the blood and taint of death and illness?” It was never to be so Riley had no choice but to indulge in simply the knowledge rather than the practice.

She looked down at Elaine’s covered arm and reached to gently take it in her hands. “If I may?” She pulled the sleeve back and carefully undid the dressing, her eyes searching the wound for any sign of infection or something more dangerous. Her actions were gentle, her eyes focused on its task. When she spotted nothing concerning, she nodded, pleased. “It may seem unorthodox, my lady, but ensure you clean this every day with a gentle dilution of whiskey and place a new clean dressing on it. It should prevent the wound from getting worse.” She carefully redid the dressing before returning Elaine’s arm to her.

[elainexhale]

As the last note rung out, Ellie spared a glance over at the group, a little nervous to see what they might think. Her family must have had a bias when it came to her playing, and she had grown accustomed to being silenced back in the Duchey. But she saw Aurelia's wide eyes and awestruck face, and her worries melted away.

A bashful smile pulled on her lips as she watched the girl approach, taking the girl's hand once she was close enough. Her eyes caught on their hands as she stood from the piano bench, unable to keep herself from thinking back to earlier that day and the little blush that accompanied it. After a moment, she remembered she should probably say something. "Thank you, I'd love that."

"Didn't you just receive a tour, Ellie?" Her brother piped up, giving her an inquisitive brow. He wanted to get more time with the young duchess as well, and his little sister appeared to be hogging her attention. If Elaine were to fail this season, if her secret were to be revealed, he wanted to make sure he was in a secure enough of a position to provide for her, as well as his own family when the time came. Marrying a duchess, especially one so close to the crown, would definitely secure all of their futures.

Elaine looked over at her brother, then back to Aurelia, that smirk tugging on her lips once more. "The first half of one, yes." She tugged on Aurelia's hand, taking a step back towards the door, the excitement of getting to know the woman just a bit more driving each little step, "But with a home as beautiful as your grace's," She looked back towards her brother, "there's too much to explore in such a little amount of time."

[aureliawindsor]

Riley wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth so when Elaine started pulling her towards the door, she all but ran to get away from everyone else. She took the lead and pulled Elaine upstairs, containing her grin as they rushed past all the confused footmen and maids to her favourite room. She closed the door behind them and took a deep relaxing breath. "This was my father's study," she explained, her eyes going up to the giant portrait of Prince Henry. "But it is mine now and it's my favourite room in this entire house."

All around them were various books that the family had gathered throughout the years and while she had a library back at the main estate, the London home contained its own impressive catalogue. "When you saw me this afternoon, I was rushing home from a lecture," Riley explained, running her hand over the spine of a medical book. "It is deeply unfair that women cannot attend university when all I want to do is learn. I have to resort to books on recorded lectures, disguises, and hiding..."

She didn't know what it was about Elaine, but she felt comfortable with the woman, enough to be honest about her desires and intentions. "There is not a day that goes by that I do not wonder what I would have been able to do, to accomplish, had I simply been born a man." She chuckled. "Instead of spending all this time looking for a husband, I would be doing something actually worthwhile."

She turned back to Elaine. "Are you debutting this season, Miss Hale? If so, I wish you the best of luck."

[latetobloom]

Upon finishing playing, she listened to Aurelia with a calm demeanor. After playing her erhu, Mingxia was always in a calm state. But when she heard that the aunt of the woman next to her was the Queen of England, her eyebrows raised. "Her Majesty?" She said in clear shock. "Forgive me for my surprise, my lady. My...family has not informed me on the royal family of this country. Your aunt is the Queen?" She imagined that in part it was a small prank from her family. She was the only one who had not stepped onto English soil until recently, her older brothers having studied at university here before their move.

[aureliawindsor]

Aurelia was so used to people knowing who she was that she completely forgot to properly introduce herself beyond her name. “Oh! It’s my fault for not properly introducing myself. I am the Duchess of York. My father, Prince Henry, was the former Duke of York and the King’s younger brother.” Aurelia supposed she was also a princess by that lineage but she rarely felt the need to embrace that title. She couldn’t say she was very close to that side of the family since she spent her childhood in the countryside and only recently got to know her cousins more substantially since spending the season in London.

“But please, do not feel the need to treat me any differently. It is not like I have the Queen's ear." She wasn't that close to her aunt and the woman was rather stubborn and controlling. There was no way to get her to do anything she didn't want to.

[mccnbeam]

After the Roman emperor, possibly, the stoic, the philanthropist. Devika's father had studied the classics, too, and she had found herself fascinated with the notion of a philosopher-king. As pretty a name as it was, as weighted with meaning as it might have been, she had to admit that Riley suited the young woman before her in a different way. "Friends conspiring in corners it is. Riley, it is."

Though the sudden movement took Devika by surprise, she recovered quickly. "It's no matter," Devika lowered her voice, tilting her chin to speak surreptitiously to Aurelia. Across the way, the Earl of Cambridge paused to linger smarmily on a cluster of girls frittering obviously in his direction. "I admit I can see why you're not keen on the match. He seems... a little too enamored of his own reflection to care much about his toes. Hopefully he'll find another target."

[aureliawindsor]

Riley grinned when Devi used her name, feeling much more at home in it than the stuffy 'Aurelia' that her father blessed with her. She liked her name and couldn't fault him for naming her after an enlightened Roman emperor, but there was something so much more comforting when nicknames were used.

"I find most men are far too enamored with themselves," she added. "I hate the season for that reason. I am forced to sit and smile as they go on and on about topics that could make fish sleep. They are utterly uninteresting. Having to marry one seems like a curse that I have no interest in inflicting on myself."

[aureliawindsor]

For the first time in…ever… Riley actually found herself smiling throughout a dinner that her mother was hosting. The Hale men weren’t half-bad and Elaine continued to shine so genuine throughout dinner. There were even moments of laughter as they would recount stories of some of their moments at their estates, though Charlotte learned soon enough that Miss Hale was not going to be the one to encourage femininity from her daughter—not when she was raised by a brood of men. Still, Aurelia needed friends to take her nose out of her books and the girl was lovely enough.

When Elaine mentioned the piano, Riley shrugged. “A staple in every house, I suspect,” she answered. She couldn’t remember the last time she had played that thing and only really played the piano when she was bored or ran out of books to read.

“Why don’t you play us a song, Aurelia?” Charlotte suggested.

Riley pressed her lips into a forced smile. “I’m sure that Miss Hale complimented it because she would love to try it, isn’t that right, Miss Hale?” Riley asked, hoping to get out of having to perform. It exhausted her social energy to engage in dinner already, let alone perform. “Please, I insist,” she offered, “I am sure your playing is much superior to mine.”

[elainexhale]

"Go ahead, Elaine," Arthur piped up, smiling at his daughter over the edge of his teacup. "She has become quite proficient, not only in playing the pianoforte, but singing as well. "

Elaine's cheeks flushed a deep rosy pink, looking from her father, to Charlotte, and over to Aurelia. It was no use to try to deny them, knowing Arthur would simply continue to insist until she played. It was one of the perks of having a daughter who, on paper, was accomplished- he could brag about the skills she had cultivated for herself. It didn't bother her, she was happy to make him proud- even if the reasoning for being proficient in this particular skill wore heavy on her soul.

"You speak too highly of me, Father. I wouldn't want to disappoint them." Ellie shook her head as a light laugh escaped her lips, "Very well." She looked over at Aurelia, and added quietly as she stood from the seat, "Then perhaps that tour-" The look in her eyes pleaded for a little bit of mercy, as she wasn't used to playing in front of an audience.

For years, while she was in the Duke's care, she played the piano every day. It was the only thing to do, as she had quickly read through the little library she had brought with her and he dismissed her requests for new stories most of the time, telling her the bible was the only book she truly needed. Every morning after breakfast, she would find her way to the drawing room on the far side of the manor, away from ears that could be annoyed by the continuous melodies, practicing her singing and her playing. Anything for a bit of an escape.

Ellie sat at the piano and became acquainted with the new instrument, her fingers sliding over the ivory and ebony keys as she thought of what to play. When she decided, she left her fingers deftly move across the keys, finally feeling slightly at peace for the first time in a long time- she hadn't felt the urge to play since she had been home. Her voice soon joined in on the melody, floating through the air with a gentle grace as the lyrics slipped past her lips. Her voice wasn't strong like that of an opera singer, but more along the likes of a siren that had strayed beyond the shore.

[aureliawindsor]

Riley was thankful that her redirect worked and that Elaine had taken the fall for both of them when it came to playing. Still, as she started playing and singing, Riley couldn’t help but think she dodged a bullet. Her own musical ability couldn’t compare to Elaine’s and she was more than happy to not have embarrassed herself by trying. Her eyes were wide with awe as the girl performed, only briefly glancing away to gauge other people’s expressions. Her mother was visibly impressed but rest seemed to look at Elaine as if this were commonplace. Though to the Hales, it probably was.

With a voice like that, the woman was truly stunning.

When Elaine finished, Riley immediately clapped, a bright smile in her face. “That was beautiful,” she genuinely complimented, finding the girl evermore endearing by the moment. Despite Elaine knowing her secret, she was glad she came and Riley had a feeling they would be good friends from the way they were able to throw knowing smirks at one another throughout dinner, as if sharing inside jokes they didn’t know they had already made. “As a reward, I will gift you with a tour, Miss Hale,” Riley announced, approaching the girl with her hand offered.

[latetobloom]

"Oh flowers are not my forte either, I must admit. But we do have excellent florists and gardeners that help us keep up this wonderful safe haven." Mingxia said as she picked a flower from the tree and looked down at it. "Cherry blossoms in Paris are a sight to behold, just...filling the city with this wonderful color. Even when it was raining." She said before giving the flower to Aurelia.

Xian soon came with her erhu and bow. "Ah, xièxiè Xian." Mingxia said as they bowed to each other before he walked away. "This is an erhu. It makes my favorite sound possibly on this Earth." Sitting down, she prepared her bow and sat upright, and played while closing her eyes.

[aureliawindsor]

Aurelia watched in awe as Magnolia began to play, the instrument seeming so simple yet still so capable of making many different notes. Underneath the pink leaves, the melody made for a picturesque moment and Aurelia could suddenly see why the garden was so important to maintain. It was part of the ambiance and specialness of it all.

By the time Magnolia finished, Aurelia’s eyes were closed, her body relaxed into the bench. She opened them and met Magnolia’s eyes. “That was lovely, my lady. You must perform it the next time your family hosts a party. I’m sure it will draw many eyes to you. Having unique skills makes you special and it might even catch my aunt, Her Majesty’s attention.” Which is what everyone seemed to want on their debut.

[elainexhale]

Elaine playfully groaned at the mention of pockets, "Do not tell me that or I will go steal a pair from my brother's wardrobe right now." She giggled, patting her hips as she imagined being able to hold whatever she needed right there. "Why did we ever get rid of them? My mother's dresses from her youth had them. I feel like we've been robbed."

She glanced down at her skirt, smoothing her hands over the light fabric. "I could only imagine how freeing it must feel, I couldn't tell you the amount of times I have tried to move faster than a snail's pace and swept my own feet out from under me. If I could run and move how I wanted to, and not be restricted by this tube of fabric, I think I might just be unstoppable."

She heard movement inside, and assumed a member from Aurelia's household was about to pop their out of the door and tell them it was time to go eat. "Perhaps after dinner you could give me an actual proper tour? I would love to see it, and get to know you better- rather than associate you with being knocked to the ground." Ellie teased, but her tone was warm and friendly. She held out her arm, figuring the girl might want to keep up the same level of cordiality they had left the room with.

[aureliawindsor]

For the first time in…ever… Riley actually found herself smiling throughout a dinner that her mother was hosting. The Hale men weren’t half-bad and Elaine continued to shine so genuine throughout dinner. There were even moments of laughter as they would recount stories of some of their moments at their estates, though Charlotte learned soon enough that Miss Hale was not going to be the one to encourage femininity from her daughter—not when she was raised by a brood of men. Still, Aurelia needed friends to take her nose out of her books and the girl was lovely enough.

When Elaine mentioned the piano, Riley shrugged. “A staple in every house, I suspect,” she answered. She couldn’t remember the last time she had played that thing and only really played the piano when she was bored or ran out of books to read.

“Why don’t you play us a song, Aurelia?” Charlotte suggested.

Riley pressed her lips into a forced smile. “I’m sure that Miss Hale complimented it because she would love to try it, isn’t that right, Miss Hale?” Riley asked, hoping to get out of having to perform. It exhausted her social energy to engage in dinner already, let alone perform. “Please, I insist,” she offered, “I am sure your playing is much superior to mine.”

[xsecretkeepers-deactivated20250]

“Then I am afraid I have little to offer you, I have only ever served in Europe, I know far more about the cold of the Baltics than I do of the heat of India.” He was watching her carefully, feeling as if he were on unsteady ground, “Regardless, I know it would have taken resilience, to do what he did. To be away from home for so long, to go so long without laying roots. Living the life he did takes far more than physical strength. It is emotional strength, mental and spiritual strength that really sees someone through.” His smile was forced, “I know plenty of men in the army who have followed their fathers’ footsteps, or the footsteps of every second son in their family. It is always a dangerous motivation, to do something for your ancestors and not yourself.”

[aureliawindsor]

Aurelia’s smile turned sad as he explained the truth of many of the enlistees. “I suppose you are correct. My father wasn’t the second son, but he definitely wasn’t the heir.” The military was a good way for a Prince to distinguish himself from his brother who was destined to inherit everything. “But he wasn’t lacking wealth so if he wanted to idle his days, he could have. He chose not to so I imagine there has to be something about the military that keeps people in it.” Everyone told him to retire after her birth but he hadn’t so some things were more important to the man.

[elainexhale]

Elaine playfully groaned at the mention of pockets, "Do not tell me that or I will go steal a pair from my brother's wardrobe right now." She giggled, patting her hips as she imagined being able to hold whatever she needed right there. "Why did we ever get rid of them? My mother's dresses from her youth had them. I feel like we've been robbed."

She glanced down at her skirt, smoothing her hands over the light fabric. "I could only imagine how freeing it must feel, I couldn't tell you the amount of times I have tried to move faster than a snail's pace and swept my own feet out from under me. If I could run and move how I wanted to, and not be restricted by this tube of fabric, I think I might just be unstoppable."

She heard movement inside, and assumed a member from Aurelia's household was about to pop their out of the door and tell them it was time to go eat. "Perhaps after dinner you could give me an actual proper tour? I would love to see it, and get to know you better- rather than associate you with being knocked to the ground." Ellie teased, but her tone was warm and friendly. She held out her arm, figuring the girl might want to keep up the same level of cordiality they had left the room with.

[aureliawindsor]

The fact that Elaine was laughing along with her antics surprised Riley. She expected condemnation, or at the very least, bewilderment, but Elaine didn’t judge her and seemed curious about it all. Just that thought made a blush rise to Riley’s cheeks, but she quickly shook the thought away. This was their first time meeting so maybe she was just trying to make a good impression? Being the friend of a duchess definitely never hurt anyone’s chances in the marriage market.

“Yes, of course, though my London home is hardly comparable to my country estate in the Duchy,” Riley explained. “I shall invite you there some time. We can take my horses out and really enjoy the freedom of pants. Have you ever ridden with them?” Hidden away in the country, no one would really care if two ladies decided to ride horses wearing men’s pants—it was the practical choice—and Riley felt so much freer without the watchful eyes of everyone around them.

She took the offered arm and led Elaine back inside before the footman could even announce dinner. When they arrived in the dining room, her mother seemed pleased that the both of them were smiling. Aurelia rarely took a liking to anyone, man or woman, so Charlotte was more than happy for her daughter to befriend someone—especially if that someone could teach her daughter the value of marriage.

Aurelia took her place at the head of the table and she didn’t miss the way that Elaine’s brother was strategically sat by her side. He was to be the future Viscount so they wouldn’t make a half-bad match at all. Nevertheless, Elaine was also close by and Aurelia spent the evening directing every question to her back at her newfound friend instead of her brother since Riley was definitely much more interested in the former.

[elainexhale]

As soon as Aurelia explained what she was so concerned about, the confusion slipped from her face. Of course she was worried about word of that slipping- it didn't even cross her mind since she knew that what she saw that afternoon would die with her.

"Oh," Ellie was relieved it was an issue that could so easily be resolved. "Nothing- nothing. I wasn't going to say a word. I just wanted you to know I recognized you so I could thank you later and... maybe ask some questions. I have to admit my curiosity has been piqued." She laughed gently as she glanced down at her arm, the neat, clean wrappings around her wound poking out from under her sleeve.

She glanced back up at the duchess, nodding towards her arm, taking a breath to suppress the pink flush that threatened to spread across her face, "It is feeling a lot better already. I'm sorry to scare you though, that wasn't my intention at all."

She pulled her sleeve further down over her bandage, make sure nobody could see it- or question it. Ellie spoke in a hushed tone, just loud enough for the other to hear, her voice a little playful to hopefully get rid of some of the tension, "Maybe you could let me try it on sometime though, is it as comfortable as it looks?"

[aureliawindsor]

Riley was left mildly speechless when the girl told her she wanted nothing. Really? Nothing at all? The girl now held a reputation-ruining secret in her hands and she didn't want to use it to her advantage in even the slightest? Riley searched for any deceit or hidden intention under Elaine's eyes but found none. She was really just letting it be...

When Riley's shock finally wore off, she nodded at Elaine's question. "It's even more comfortable than you can imagine. I don't have to raise my skirt just to properly move. There are even proper pockets!" If it were up to Riley, she would dress like that all the time just for the pockets alone. "It is unbelievable how much freedom I feel from simply changing into that outfit." Riley would have recommended it, but she wasn't going to drag someone else down her rabbit hole of impropriety.

[elainexhale]

Her cheeks flushed as she was whisked away from her brothers, her father, and her own thoughts. She followed her as quickly as she could, though the woman's much longer legs made her quick steps even harder to keep up with.

She was elated at the thought of being shown around the manor, be able to talk to her, to ask questions, to get to kno-

Name your price.

Ellie's face quickly contorted with confusion. She thought her knowing little smile would just be enough to let her know she recognized her, to spark a conversation later where she could learn about her a little more. Not... whatever this was.

"I--" Ellie opened her mouth to speak, but she didn't know what to say. Her brows knit above her nose, searching the woman's face for any clue as to what she might be referring to? "I'm sorry? Name my price?"

[aureliawindsor]

If Elaine hadn’t looked so genuinely confused, Riley would have interpreted those words as a mockery or challenge, yet she did look confused. Was there no ill intent from her? Maybe Riley was too quick to judge the girl. Still, it was a risk to trust anyone in the ton and scandal spread through it faster than wildfire through a forest. Riley couldn’t afford to trust to blindly. She could afford a few favours to keep her mouth shut, however.

“For you to keep what you saw this afternoon to yourself,” she clarified, needing Elaine to know that Riley intended on it remaining a secret. No one needed to know and if paying Elaine off was what it took, she would do it. It was only a matter of time until this happened and while Riley predicted would be the end of her excursions, she didn’t actually want them to end. She enjoyed the freedom of walking around in complete anonymity, with no one judging her every move.