medhel an gwyns

charles reid mp for helston "to hold and possess the whole fullness of life in one moment"

[charlesreidmp]

the hon. alice alexandre

SHE DEFINITELY RELATED. the sooner she was out of that place, the better. of course, she was bound (or told) to stay for as long as her brother remained, but alice was far too bored for that. a night with mister reid at a pub was more desirable – drinking away the redundant and shallow talks of the rest of the people here. ❝ i agree. and between you and i, i would prefer a different crowd. ❞ of course she tried to fit in with the rest of the women with their ornate gowns and perfect manners, but alice did enjoy more than that. charles’ life seemed exciting and even scandalous with the views he held and displayed in parliament. it was a life that seemed so unattainable to her, yet that was his day to day – sailing, drinking, and fighting torries. ❝ i am sure that we could escape. besides, all scrutiny dissolves sooner or later. ❞ it was true that anyone who saw them would stir up some sort of scandalous scenario, but alice wasn’t sure if it made her nervous or slightly excited her. besides, it was her brother that would receive criticisms too. ❝ shall we, then? we could go through the back entry if you’re nervous- ❞

“Well, if that be the case, Miss Alexandre,” How could he refuse? It was sure to be a far more entertaining night. Once the dance had come to an end, he ushered her towards the doorway they had previously passed through. “I suppose so, although that’s usually down to someone else causing a greater scandal.” It was the way of the world, he supposed. And it wasn’t as if he was a stranger to having his name passing people lips for less than flattering reasons. “Nervous? Me? No, you do have me wrong. Not for myself, at least. That dress is not exactly inconspicuous. But I s’pose if we’re to do this this we should not do it in halves. The Old White Horse Cellar’s not far from there and they serve a fine ale.” Should they use the back entry? Or throw caution to the wind and use the main entrance? “Ladies choice. Please, lead the way.” Charles had a handful of crumpled bank notes in his pocket, he couldn’t imagine a night in a pub being a pricey one. Were he a different man he would question whether Alice truly understood what they were to do, but one look in her eyes was all the reassurance he needed. Despite society’s pressure, she was no retiring rose. No matter what happened, the night would certainly prove to be one of the most entertaining he had had in London. 

[charlesreidmp]

the hon. alice alexandre

SHE WAS ALMOST DISAPPOINTED THAT her brother hadn’t seen the two in passing. he would most likely catch the sight in a few minutes, but alice could only imagine the aggravation he’d feel seeing his sister with a whig. not only a whig, but one of the most radical whigs in parliament as of now. this part of charles certainly intrigued her to no extent. his ideologies varied dramatically from that of her family’s, but the whigs definitely had an appeal to the girl. ❝ women and those with red hair i’ve heard, ❞ alice continued, feeling his eyes on her as she smoothed out his collar and even enjoying the closeness between the two. ❝ and bananas, ❞ she nodded, eyes looking up to the man to see if her words were correct. his promise did have her smiling though, and alice was sure that the event of the pair out on the sea would be the subject of daydreams for days on end. while her mother would absolutely scold her for being so close to a cornish whig, alice trusted that he would be true to his words. ❝ i will hold you to that then. ❞ movements followed his – the hand he had placed on her waist providing a vague touch of intimacy which she hadn’t felt in a while. ❝ now… mister reid, are you bound to your duties and must stay here to socialize with your peers, or would you allow me to steal you away to the pub down the road for a drink? ❞

“It’s a miracle anyone’s allowed on a ship.” He mused. “But I’m not terribly picky; women, redheads and bananas are all welcome aboard. Although I wouldn’t welcome Lord North’s ministry or the King.” The comment could hardly be taken as seditious should they be overheard. Yes, Miss Alice Alexandre would look rather pretty sitting at the bow of his dinghy,  under the pale spring sun. “Please do.” She was bold, certainly. It was refreshing. So many of the society ladies were vapid confections of silk and lace, rarely speaking their mind. An eyebrow raised at her question as they danced. Bold indeed. “That’s not a duty I be bound to. Sooner I leave the better.” It would be easy for Charles to leave the gathering without anyone batting an eye, in fact they would probably be rather pleased to see the back of him, he had a habit of unsettling the upper classes. But Alice? That was where the challenge lay. Things were different here, the unmarried were under such scrutiny. Back home few would bat an eye were they to abscond together, but here? No doubt it would cause scandal. But really, would that be so bad? Well, for her it could mean ruin. “A drink down the road sounds like a fitty reward for successfully getting out of here.”

[charlesreidmp]

percy, viscount palmerston

It would be wrong to imply that Percy was in any way pleased that anything but good had befallen the king.  He did not wish ill upon a single person and certainly he was not so bad a subject as to wish for anything but good for him.  He had hoped, many times, for a change of heart, but not for this.  It was fully accurate, however, to suggest that he saw this new situation as an opportunity.  

It was well known that the King gave his support to the Tory party; it was equally well known that the Prince of Wales gave his to the Whigs.  If the King was unable to rule, the obvious Regent was, naturally, the Prince which was, in turn, a promising situation for the Whigs.  Now, Percy felt sure, was their opportunity to do good for this nation.  Perhaps, by the time the King was well again and enough change had been wrought, the King, himself, would be brought round to see how much better England was in the hands of the opposite party: everyone would see.

Percy could hardly contain his excitement at the prospect.  So it was that in cheerful good spirits, he made his way through the park.  The sun had hardly ever felt brighter; the flowers rarely seemed so vibrant or sweet-smelling.  Percy took this as a sign of favor from the Almighty, a sign that all soon would be well and the path was paved.

“Good morning,” he greeted the first person he saw.  “A splendid glorious day, is it not?  I can hardly believe how well all the world looks, today!”

It had been a long night in one of the coffee houses tucked away in the narrow streets on London. Perhaps as a member of parliament it would have behooved Charles not to attend, but that revolutionary streak in him was not easily quashed. Charles could only be thankful that Parliament was not meeting that day as he stumbled out into the street, eyes straining against the morning sunlight. The cries of the young boy hawking that morning’s newspaper pierced through the bleary haze that had settled over the Cornishman. Handing over a few coins, he took a copy, now-alert eyes scanning through the printed words. With an almost disbelieving grin, he set off on his way. This was just the news they needed.

Perhaps cutting through the park was not the most straightforward way to return to his lodgings in Southwark, but the morning was pleasant enough. There was no doubt that news confirming the talk that had begun to circle would lend an almost frantic energy to proceedings, and Charles could not wait. This was the chance that the Whigs had been waiting for to reassert themselves against the Tories. And if the King were not to recover... well, a change in ministry would not be far off, and Charles had no doubt that the Prince of Wales would invite the Whigs to form a government upon his ascension to the throne.

“Palmerston,” He greeted upon spotting the Viscount. “Indeed. Have ye seen the news? ‘Tis a great thing.” He held the newspaper towards the man.  “D’ye think that we’ll be summoned to the House?” Perhaps there would be no chance for sleep today. But it could wait.

[charlesreidmp]

lady claire vaughan

chuckle deepens at his words ; “ I can imagine. for some it is the only sort of entertainment they get , listening to themselves speak. “ chuckle shifts to a small laugh at the latter ; “ then I truly ought to take her up on the offer to have tea with her. though , I must say , she is sometimes terribly misinformed ; or she plays the misinformation rather well. “ the ladies of the society were a bane to the said society , but it would seem that it is the only way the world functions ; people speaking against people & finding more creative ways to hurt one another. it was odious. lips purse , Claire nods ; “ I suspect so long as there is promise of glory , gentlemen will continue to integrate themselves in the conflict. people can rarely find it in them to let the things be at peace , & alone. “ nod turns more passionate ; “ no , they do not. & what is possibly worse , they do not seem to care. “

“Oh to be sure.” He agreed. “And it’s a sort of entertainment I enjoy - ignoring them.” He laughed. It was something that Charles was becoming more adept at; the polite smile and nod when one was trapped in a conversation one had little interest in. “Do not underestimate Lady Melbourne. If it seems that she is misinformed it is because it is something that she is wanting to start.” It was something that Charles had little time for, but even he could acknowledge that the Melbournes were driven by Lady Melbourne’s ambition, and not the viscount’s. “It seems as if the spoils of war present a far more desirable glory than the wellbeing of one’s own people. They would rather make a profit off their tenants than see them sustained. It’s quite surprising what hunger can inspire a man to do. And one needs only to look at the stirrings on the either side of the channel...”

[charlesreidmp]

the hon. alice alexandre

HER MOTHER, COMING FROM A RATHER WEALTHY FAMILY, had spoken quite ill about cornwall and the people there. dim-witted ways of speaking, she’d tell alice. charles seemed quite the opposite – and that accent was certainly something that alice was fond of. the girl followed him past the crowd and closer to the small group of musicians playing that night. of course the thought of her brother seeing her on the arm of a whig crossed her mind, but it was a thought she rather enjoyed. charles wasn’t simply a pawn to drive her brother mad, although it was a plus. the two stopped in an acceptable spot, alice setting a hand on his shoulder in preparation for the upcoming dance while he spoke to her. ❝ ah, sailing, ❞ she repeated, teasing him playfully. alice breathed a small chuckle before shaking her head in a sort of apology for that. ❝ no, it sounds lovely… you are making me rather envious, mister reid. ❞ voice was smooth and that gaze she held on him hardly broke due to the enchantment of those clear blue eyes. ❝ my father was a merchant, but he spent some time on the sea as well in the name of the country. of course, he has never allowed me on a ship. ❞ that hand on his shoulder idly straightened charles’ collar just slightly. ❝ i have already promised to see you again after tonight. perhaps you could make a promise that we shall see these sublime waves one day. ❞

Charles caught a glimpse of the Duke of Marlborough as they passed, unsure on whether or not he was relieved that the man hadn’t seen them. Well, the night was still young and there was plenty of time for them to irk the man in question. Charles nodded, setting a hand carefully on her waist. “Fishing, farming, mining, the Cornish are simple folk. Although things do have a habit of getting out of hand when the Pilchards get spotted.” He grinned at her, the expression holding a sly edge. “And though many will deny it, the county is rife with smuggling and a touch of wrecking. Many a home is furnished by flotsam and jetsam.” Including his own, though his parents would be swift to deny it in their desperate attempts to further themselves in the world. “Ah, Miss Alexandre, I’m sure that’d be because he did not wish to anger the sea gods. Women have always been considered bad luck on a ship.” Charles eyed Alice as she adjusted his collar and made her proposition. “I think I can agree to that. I’ve never been a godfearing man myself, though the Methodys did their best to get me to join their flock. I promise, upon me own honour to take you one day.”

[charlesreidmp]

miss harriet beauchamp

“Regrettably it seems those who think otherwise are in the vast minority.” She supposed when a title had been in a family for hundreds of years it would be easy to become complacent – and highly presumptive. Still, Harriet would not excuse it, she did not place as much weight upon a title as society as a whole did despite coming from a family of gentry with their sights set ever higher. She laughed. “That I cannot hold against you. Perhaps you should indulge some of your sense upon your fellows, they all seem to be lacking in it. However large a fortune may be, they all run out eventually.” Harriet looked pointedly in the direction of the gaming tables through the large doors on the opposite side of the room, barely managing to avoid rolling her eyes before returning her attention to the man opposite. “I could not agree more, though my luck seems to have changed.” She beamed. “Is the mood in Parliament much changed recently?”

“Is that not always the way?” It certainly seemed as such. “Ah, but they would not listen to me. For who I am to judge? New money who knows little of how society works.” He scoffed, his head shaking. “Nay, they’ll borrow money to pay their debts before admitting their fortunes have been squandered. I’ve heard tale that even the Prince of Wales himself has dipped into his coffers to help out a friend.” The whole culture of gambling such sums was maddening. They would never learn. “I should hope that is has.” He hummed in thought. “It depends who you ask. Lord North is still pouring everything he and his government has into the war effort in America against better judgement. The Whigs are growing frustrated - this war is futile. We should grant them the independence America desires and focus on the issues at home. Our people are struggling and the Tories care little.”

[charlesreidmp]

miss harriet beauchamp

There was only so much fun to be had watching men huddled over green cloth, playing whichever game they thought would be most lucrative, or making polite small talk with acquaintances of her brother-in-law. Harriet prided herself on being quite adept at the latter, though not immune to eventually growing tired of having to do all the work in a conversation with a less than satisfactory partner. So she had taken to a far corner of the room, passing the time watching people scutter about below. “You simply must,” she encouraged brightly and with a smile, turning in her chair to face the new company. “If only to save me from the otherwise pitiful company present, it seems some are of the opinion that when ones has a title one does not need a personality to match.” Harriet huffed a quiet breath. “You are not interested in gaming, Mr. Reid?”

“Is that not always the way? They like to think the title does all the talking.” Charles observed, sitting down in the empty chair. It was so often the case, in his experience. So many people in his acquaintance that had titles were the dullest, particularly those with a lesser title such as a knighthood or a baronetcy. Not that Charles had ever been one to put much into a title, but those recently elevated always possessed an air of pompous banality. “Not for the prices they gamble here, Miss Beauchamp.” The amount of money exchanged in games of cards at Almack’s was frightful to Charles. And could have been put to far better use than mere entertainment. “I would say that I am here for the conversation, but it can be rather hit and miss, don’t you agree?”

[charlesreidmp]

lady claire vaughan

smile widens , & she chuckles at his words. “ livestock does sound much more interesting than what they are all currently discussing. it almost makes me wish for a more odious way to spend my time. such as giving in & finally asking viscountess Melbourne what is that absolutely interesting thing she has to tell me every time we see one another. “ gossips were not high on her list of civilised conversations , & she never participated in discussions which had any semblance of gossip { petty or not }. chuckle turn to snort , & the Vaughan nods. “ so I have heard. though , if I can be honest , I am surprised the government has not fallen a year ago. all those tories & their odious affairs. I wonder how anyone can tolerate their medieval ways. “

“Oh yes, the discussions about Mr Bodrugan’s herd of prize-winning Ayrshires is always thrilling.” Charles laughed. An eyebrow raised. “I believe you must be missing out. Lady Melbourne knows simply everything. If she doesn’t know it then it isn’t worth knowing, or so I am told.” And they always said that fishwives were the worst gossips. Clearly whoever started that had not been introduced to the ladies of high society. “They have the King in the palm of their greasy hands, unfortunately. And that won’t change as long as we’re involved in this damned conflict in America. But there are determined to maintain their hold over there when we should let the Americans govern themselves. And then they turn a blind eye to the poor...” He trailed off, scoffing. “None of them have an idea what it’s like outside of London and their country estates.”

[charlesreidmp]

the hon. alice alexandre

─── ⊱ ⋆ ✧ HAND REACHED FORWARD TO SHAKE HIS, alice’s own satisfied smile growing on her lips. she did look forward to seeing the man again now, although her brother may not be as thrilled about it. ❝ how could i refuse? ❞ that charisma alone made it difficult to not be attracted. ❝ though i trust cornwall would love to have you back, i do not think i’d like to share for now. ❞ her arm looped around his when he offered, following him to the floor with eyes seemingly unable to leave charles. perhaps it was the lure of him being a person who she knew her brother wouldn’t take a liking to given his political affiliation… how alice loved aggravating her brother. it wasn’t only that though, charles had left a fine impression on her that first, brief meeting they had. ❝ do you have much time for boating these days? i have never been, but i am fond of watching them on the water. ❞ 

“And it will have me back soon enough.” Charles grinned. “But for now it can wait, as I have an extremely important matter to attend to.” He carefully picked through the crowd to the ballroom in the adjoining room. It was rather nice to have a beautiful woman on his arm, and no doubt the fact that her brother was a prominent tory lord would set tongues wagging. But then again, much of what he did caused that. “Not as such. The Serpentine is hardly as invigorating as navigating around Cape Cornwall. People may go boating as a hobby in London, but sailing is a way of life back home.” His head shook. “A lake in a park is considerably too genteel for me. Oh ye should see it, Miss Alexandre. Waves breaking on the rocks that jut up from the ocean, engine houses for the mines perched on the cliff faces... I believe the term to best describe it would be sublime.” Perhaps he could show her, one day.

[charlesreidmp]

lady claire vaughan

eyes fixed upon her brother , she watches him speak to a lord she did not bother to remember. intricate games of play pretend , women with painted smiles & pretty lies were foreign to her ; never the one to blend in & to feign her temperament , Claire seldom found herself entertained by the gatherings. had her brother not insisted upon her presence , she never would have been here , sitting by herself with a bored expression lingering on her face ; only to shift into something polite & reasonably excited when people would venture close to speak with her. inclining her head , she allows the man to sit on a vacant chair. “ be my guest. I could use some company. “

“Perfect, thank you.” He nodded before settling on the chair, long limbs tucked somewhat awkwardly. “Never in my life would I have come to miss the discussions of livestock at the assembly rooms in Truro, but I do believe that the conversations here have made it possible.” He commented, casting a glance at the brunette. “I don’t think I can sit through another conversation about how admirably Lord North’s government is holding up. No matter how many times the words are spoken, it does not increase the validity of the statement.” His eyes rolled. Truly it was only a matter of time before the government crumbled, and Charles was eagerly counting down the days.

[charlesreidmp]

the hon. alice alexandre

─── ⊱ ⋆ ✧ PART OF HER HAD WONDERED IF he had any other motives by his deal for her. his words had made her raise a brow, though amusement continued to grace her features. ❝ a small price to pay, and one i would be more than happy to agree upon. ❞ her words were accompanied by a smile – this one not teasing, but gracious at his kind words. she had only known him briefly from small run-ins, but alice would be lying if she hadn’t thought about spending more time with the man who presented as if he were forbidden fruit given their political standings. then again, it was her brother who forced her into this all. her own beliefs differed from tories, though alice could never speak publicly about that or her family would turn against her. ❝ i believe you owe me a dance, sir, ❞ alice continued, pink lips tilted upwards as golden green eyes looking up at the man before her. ❝ you do have my promise that we shall meet again. ❞

A slow, satisfied smile spread across his face. How fortunate. “I believe that this is the part where we shake hands in order to seal the deal.” Charles commented, offering a hand. “It’s what gentleman do, or so I’m told.” He quipped. “I am glad to hear that you are willing. I would have been rather disappointed if you had refused... returned to Cornwall with my tail between my legs.” He hummed in thought. “Yes, I suppose I do now.” He held his arm out towards her. “Shall we? I’ll do my best not to embarrass you, but I haven’t had lessons in dance like others have. I preferred to spend my time in a little boat. Still do, as it happens.” Parliament would soon suspend for the Christmas season and Charles would find himself joyfully making the week long journey back to the family estate in Cornwall. 

[charlesreidmp]

lady lucretia godwin

Lightly chuckling at his comment, Lucretia shrugged. “My chaperone is waltzing around, speaking to his friends and, I would presume, potential allies. My father is in the crowd, so I do not feel endangered. Unless someone proves to be brave, or foolish, enough to try and snatch me with more than half my family present.” In light of her sister’s scorned engagement, there was blemish on the Godwin name. While Lucy was far from rebellious, she found no need for a chaperone, with her family present and their reputation slightly tarnished. “I doubt my family would find in them to care that much. Being the youngest daughter seems to have at least some perks. It is my eldest sister, and my brothers, that are being watched like hawks.” She commented before adding, noticing the faint accent; “Have you been in London for long?”

“Ah, of course. Unofficial business? That’s what these places are best for, is it not?” Charles had certainly made some under the table deals in the past, casual pacts with likeminded members of parliament. No contracts save for a handshake and an understanding. After all, that’s how the gentleman seemed to conduct their sport. Because that’s what politics was to them. Something to amuse themselves with, and they so rarely had to live with the repercussions of their actions. No, that was the everyday folk, and he no doubt had better experience of it than most. “I can imagines. Patronage and marriage, that is what matters most. About three years now, give or take. But I try to return home when I can. I would be failing at my job if I was not there for my constituents... and London is frightful at the best of times. I’d trade all this for the view of the sea back home any day.”

[charlesreidmp]

elizabeth, viscountess melbourne

Almack’s felt particularly close today, Elizabeth reflected as she parted from her husband and went in search of a little fresh air.  Her timing was fortunate for only a moment later she spied two gentleman vacating a small table by the windows and made her way to it.  Elizabeth had only been seated a moment when the man approached her.

“Please do.”  She searched his face a moment, trying to place it.  “Mr. Reid, is it not?”

Nodding his thanks, Charles settled himself in the chair. “Indeed it is. My reputations proceeds me then, I gather.” Although he could not say whether that was a good thing or other wise. He had certainly been making waves with his more radical way of thinking, even if it had more detractors than supporters. He had seen Lord Melbourne’s wife in passing, but had yet to been properly introduced to the woman. Charles knew enough about the upper echelons to know that she was a good contact to have, the woman effectively acting as Whig society’s barometer. “I trust that you have not heard anything too terrible.”

[charlesreidmp]

the hon. alice alexandre

─── ⊱ ⋆ ✧ HER MOTHER HAD ACTIVELY MADE A POINT to alice to be more involved with people of her step-brother’s caliber. romantic or platonic – she just wanted alice to be more popular or known than she was. it was simply the fact that alice wasn’t attracted to most of the personalities of these sorts of people, particularly those who identified as a tory. this event would have been a perfect stage to practice her mother’s teachings, but the girl was far too uninterested. talking to mr. reid was the highlight of her night so far. ❝ i am sure that mr. fox would adore a dance though, ❞ she teased right back, grin growing after alice chuckled at the thought of it. ❝ bribery you say? ❞ alice continued with that same amused grin. ❝ name your price then and i shall provide. ❞ it wasn’t as if he could ask for something too outlandish, they were at a high class party after all. 

Charles barked out a laugh at Alice’s quip, the sound decidedly less dignified than that of those in their company. “No doubt he would, if he were supplied with enough wine.” He cast a glance across the crowd at the man in question. “I do believe that we aren’t terribly far off. But I will not offer him my hand - I rather fear for my wellbeing.”  Whilst it was an amusing thought, Charles was not quite willing to sacrifice any credibility he possessed amongst the crowd. He had goals, after all. “That is what I said, Miss.” An eyebrow raised. He hadn’t expected her to be so willing. What could he propose for a bribe? A dance with the dullest man in the room? No, that wouldn’t do.  His eyes trailed over her face appreciatively, noting the fine dusting of freckles over her nose. “How about, as my price, the certainty of seeing you again after tonight?”

[charlesreidmp]

percy, viscount palmerston

@charlesreidmp

The day had had a raucous sort of tenor, sweat-drenched men on benches shouting passionately across the aisle at one another like agitated crows.  Percy wasn’t entirely sure what he’d expected from politics, but that aspect had taken him by surprise.  He supposed, given the refined attitudes men attempted to showcase out and about, he’d anticipated a more formal approach in the higher reaches of government.  

Exhausting as it was, however, he was relieved to find that passion still lived there.  He preferred to shout his convictions than to whisper them.  Of course, he’d only watched the session, his father doing the shouting as he was an MP there and Percy, himself, was ineligible now for the House of Commons, but he’d found the debate most engrossing - and tiring.

Still, recess was welcome when it came and Percy slunk gratefully into Almack’s, in search of a seat.  Spotting Charles Reid, he made his way towards him.  The two men had been introduced and, now having heard him speak, Percy was interested to get to know him better.

“May I?” he inquired, gesturing to the seat opposite Charles.  “I must say, I was most moved by many of the things you had to say, today.  I’m impressed,” he added.  “I thought I should come over here and congratulate you.  I share many of your views and I was delighted to hear you speak.  I, too, hope for a future full of just the sort of reform and justice of which you spoke.  I think, perhaps, we can help each other,” he laughed, rubbed his chin.  “Lord knows, we’ll all need allies if we are to achieve the sort of change we wish to see.”

The atmosphere in Almack’s was almost frenetic following the debate, even more so than usual. Tensions were rising high in the provinces, with money being funnelled into the war effort in America, and the cost of grain rising. The lack of consideration that Lord North’s government seemingly had for its people infuriated Charles like nothing else could. He had spent time amongst the people - was one of them - and saw what kind of dissent an empty stomach could inspire. Combined with the lack of representation parts of the country felt compared to others, Charles couldn’t help but feel as if Westminster was not exactly for the people. It was something he wished to change, or attempt to at least, but it was not a task that only one man out of hundreds could make. He needed support. And whilst there were those of the Whig persuasion who would happily support his efforts, there were others that he been proving to be more difficult.

A secluded corner was what Charles needed at that moment, along with a snifter of brandy. He idly pushed the glass around the mahogany tabletop, lost in thought. Head snapping up at the sound of the voice, he offered Percy a smile. “Of course. Please, be my guest.” He gestured to the chair with a hand, leaning back in his own. “I thank you for your kind words, Lord Palmerston.” Was that the correct form of address? Charles still struggled with how to address those with titles, although it was perhaps in part due to his reluctance to conform. “You do? Well, I’m glad to hear it. Yes, we certainly do need as many allies as we can muster, especially until we’re in power once more.” It was a curious offer, certainly. “And would you suggest we help each other.... my lord?”

[charlesreidmp]

lady viola godwin

Viola could not recall for how long she had been gazing from the window, a wistful look twinkling in her hazel hues as she studies the figures that passed by on the street below. Very few wore a gown as well made and delicately decorated as her, nor as incredibly impractical. How often she had cursed the wide frames that were meant to accentuate the hips that were in her case far from desirably curvaceous. Or no, this actually went far beyond accentuating. This was no less than a torture devise, meant for keeping a woman up on her feet when all she desired was to sit down and have a cup of tea to pass the time. - As usual, she was floating somewhere in between joy and utter boredom. She did her supportive duty as all eyes were to be directed towards her sister, and when she did not perform the middle daughter of Viscount Althorp prefered it that way. 

As if she awoke from a daydream, she blinked a few times as redirected her gaze as a voice sounded from opposite side of the table. The interesting tongue in which it spoke immediately caught her attention, causing her to turn rather than dismissing the man completely. “Please, it has been waiting for the moment one would realize it was the very best spot in the whole room.” Viola joked with a lighthearted, melodic chuckle. 

“Very best spot in the room, eh?” Charles mused playfully. “Indeed. And upon which merits has it been granted such a distinction?” He queried with a raised brow, glancing around the room before sitting down upon the chair. The club was certainly busy, the rooms teeming with clusters of people. In truth, he was lucky to have found a free spot. Perhaps the young woman was joking. Surely such a spot would have already been taken? Or Perhaps not. Leaning forward slightly, cerulean hues settling on the window and the busy street below. “Ah, is this why? The little worker ants passing by?” Well, the goings on of the street below would certainly be more entertaining than the discussions being held inside Almack’s, especially for a young woman. 

[charlesreidmp]

lady lucretia godwin

It was not her choice to be here, but rarely do ladies have a say in their family’s desires - and her father was adamant to parade her, and her sisters, around like a golden calf. While smiling came easy to her, she grew tired of it pretty soon, and spied an empty table. Excusing herself from her father’s - and his friends’ - company, Lucretia stalked towards one of the empty chairs, closest the the window. Light coloured hues watched the interactions of others, her lips pursed in thought; while she was certainly accustomed to such gatherings, she was starting the feel the fatigue of spending too much time on her legs - and when a voice interrupted her train of thought, Lady Godwin turned to the source of it, and lightly smiled;

“No, of course not. Please.” She delicately motioned to the unoccupied chair beside her.

“Thank you.” He nodded before sitting down in the chair, long legs sprawling across the fine turkish rug, some habits were more difficult to lose than others. He vaguely recognised the girl, most likely from one of the many functions he had been forced to attend in his tenure as an MP, but there was no way that Charles would have been able to tell you who the girl was. “Shouldn’t you have a chaperone with you?” That’s what fine ladies did, wasn’t it? Be chaperoned around until they were married. Charles never quite understood it. It wasn’t something you often saw in Cornwall, save for the few old families, but then again, things were far simpler out west. “Don’t you worry, miss, I won’t go telling your family that you were unaccompanied. We all deserve a little bit of freedom.”