GILDED

william cavendish 5th duke of devonshire “i think, sir, that you are a sheep in wolf's clothing”

[devcnshires]

lady sophia cavendish

Well now she was even more uncertain, though she hoped that the uncertainty wasn’t quite so obvious in her features. The truth was that looking at accounts settled her because there was no space for grey. Numbers either were or weren’t. They added up or they didn’t. And whilst many people found numbers entirely baffling, she found them calming. It just so happened to be that the distance between the two siblings had never felt as great as it did in that second. There had been a long enough gap between them that they had, more or less, lived completely separate lives. Now, sharing the same space, she didn’t know how to consolidate those two lives. It made for awkwardness, and a sense that she was treading in an unfamiliar footstep. For all she knew he might have gained the same joy from numbers as she did. She just didn’t know. “Perhaps I will take a look at them later” she decided, speaking more to herself than to him, a low murmur to reassure her own unsettled heartbeat. 

“That is true” she nodded conceding his answer with grace. She was probably worrying over nothing, boys would be boys after all, and Richard was such that she could imagine him disappearing for all hours of the day. It was her own overactive imagination, instincts working against her that made her worry. No doubt he was with friends, socialising and not as she feared, in some den of iniquity destroying his life and all of the prospects their father and William had worked so hard to create for him. Richard did not have William’s nature though, and he certainly did not have the smooth tongue to talk himself out of trouble…but there she was again, brain whirring two seconds faster spooling out images of horrors she could only imagine. Such concerns clearly did not come to the front of William’s mind, but she did not hold that against him. She had always been more of the worrier when it came to their siblings. “Of course, she must be your priority” she agreed, reaching for the bell to call for tea. “Do you suppose you will stay in London once you have married?” she asked, glancing over at her brother inquisitively. “I cannot quite imagine Matilda in the quiet countryside”

That was something at least. Small steps, William. “Good,” he smiled encouragingly at her. “be my guest. The books are always in the study.” Who knows, perhaps Sophia would be able to work some magic that William didn’t possess, and more economical ways of doing things could be found. Not that they were struggling for funds, they were very comfortable, but it was never a bad thing to see where money could be made. “You’re still a Cavendish, Sophia. Marriage never changed that.” He spoke, his tone gentle. “The estates may be entailed to me, but they’re your homes as well, for a long as you wish it.” Who was he to know what the future may hold? Would he like for her to marry again? Yes, but only if she wanted to. William was not perhaps always the most observant when it came to feelings, but even he could tell that a melancholy had settled over her upon her return.

“He will settle down.” He insisted with a small smile. “If I have been able to then I know that he can. He just needs time.” William certainly had needed time following his first engagement, and perhaps that was telling. With Matilda, he had never needed that. Marrying her was something he actively wanted to do, it wasn’t some business transaction between the Devonshires and the Bessboroughs. “I intend to keep London as the main base, I do find time in the country frightfully dull. There’s only so many times one can go shooting before growing weary of it. But I think that we probably will go up to Chatsworth after the wedding. I had considered taking her to the continent, perhaps down to Switzerland or Italy, but she has said that she doesn’t want to keep me away from business for too long, not that it matters much to me, and I think she should begin to get to grips with being the lady of the house.... as long as mother relinquishes that.”

[devcnshires]

roger, earl of bessborough

Roger swirled the whiskey in his glass, looking on as the fire flickered before him and his dear friend. It took a strong personality to crack open Roger’s mind to expose what was inside, and William had always been the man to do so. Though they had their differences, with Will being as charming as Roger was standoffish, the pair had been friends since boyhood and onward through their college days. Though he didn’t care much for politics, Roger entertained his friend’s thoughts, leaning forward to glance at the paper with a huff.

“The King has fallen ill and they have chosen to remove him from society to save his health and his pride. I see no peculiarities at hand. It seems the foppish man is on his sick bed every other month.” Though he considered himself a Whig, Roger couldn’t bring himself to assume the best from this turn of events. “Don’t get ahead of yourself.” At the very least, the Duke had a wedding to arrange with a pretty young woman who would surely distract him for a short while. Matilda. Now a proper woman about to be given away to Roger’s closest friend. “Don’t bore me with wedding plans, I’ll hear enough of it from my dear sisters and their gossip. Do remember,” he said, frowning, “if you break Matilda’s heart, I will break your neck.” Of course, Will would do no such thing. Of course, Roger would enforce it either way.

Classic Roger. William mused with a fond roll of the eyes. Always the more practical of the pair where William was more fanciful. “To remove him to Hampton Court or Kew perhaps, but as far as Windsor? Surely that suggests something altogether more serious?” No doubt the court would be tight-lipped about whatever was the issue this time around, and given the Cavendish family’s political leanings there was little chance of William being able to find someone who would be willing enough to give him the answers the Whigs so desired. “I’m not getting ahead of myself, don’t you worry. I’m just trying to understand why they would allow someone to continue to rule when they seemingly do not possess the constitution for it. They’ve removed them for less in the past.”

Chuckling, William took another sip from his glass. “You are involved in this also, don’t you forget. You have the honour of giving her away.” It wasn’t long until the wedding was to take place, and even less time until the banns would start to be read at the church. William’s smile faltered at his friend’s words. Did he have so little faith in him. Clearing his throat, he set the glass down. “I know I have a habit of frivolity, and that to those that weren’t involved in the engagement would perhaps see my actions as such - forsaking one bride for another - but you know my intentions, the last thing I wish to do is hurt Matilda.”

[devcnshires]

lady sophia cavendish

It seemed her offer had surprised him, and though logically she might have told herself that his tone of surprise was just him being caught off guard, the insidious voice in her head told her something entirely different. That voice told her, in its low persuasive whisper, that she was a burden upon her siblings, that those connections between them were beyond repair, that she was better out of their lives. And, as much as she might have wanted to silence that voice once and for all, instead she just found herself retreating inside herself even more, giving up the fight before it had even started. She would have happily looked over the accounts, numbers were simple, they were a language which she was fluent in where her social skills failed her. But now she just felt uncomfortable by her own offer, an irritant to her brother, even as he smiled over at her. Once that smile would have calmed her fears but she was too far down the path for that now. “Well if you are sure” she accepted with a delicate nod, folding her hands neatly in her lap. 

“She is as one would expect when a marriage is forced upon her” her answer was short, and ever so slightly blunter than perhaps she would have intended, but it was no less true. It wasn’t like William could deny that the upcoming nuptials would have taken the youngest Godwin by surprise. She might not have been strong armed in to the marriage, but it had rather been taken out of her hands. “I think she will be a good fit” she added a second later, hurriedly trying to cover over her misstep the second before. Of course. The alliance. Yes it wasn’t like she could deny that the marriage would give the two families an unprecedented amount of influence and sway amongst society. “And Richard is happy with the match?” she asked, glancing over at him with a raised brow. “I have not seen much of him at all these recent days…”

William waited for Sophia’s reply. Was she having second thoughts? Should he have simply just agreed with no comment? She could be terribly hard to judge at times. But he supposed that was to be expected, given the distance between them. It would improve in time, of that he was sure. “I am.” He replied. “Truly, Sophia, if it is something you wish to do then you are more than welcome to help with the accounts.” In all honesty she would probably be better than he. It wouldn’t be long now until he would have to meet with all the tenants at Chatsworth individually to negotiate terms going forward into the following year, but that could wait until after the wedding. In fact there was a number of items that he would need to address following the wedding. Perhaps it would be better for he and Matilda to honeymoon at Chatsworth rather than slipping away to the continent or one of the other Cavendish properties. But that would be something to discuss with her.

William shrugged. “You know how young men can be. You hardly saw much of me when I was that age.” There was plenty in London to keep a young man with money away from home for extended periods of time, only returning for sleep and a change of clothes. It was something that would change for the most part as they grew older and began to settle, though there were a few exceptions to the rule. “I wouldn’t worry too much about it, he has a good head on his shoulders.” He paused for a moment before starting up again. “Christmas is not far away now, you’ll see perhaps too much of him then.” He chuckled. “I think we shall remain here in London. With the wedding so soon after Christmas, it makes little sense of us to leave and then return. Too much rushing around, and I wish it to be as smooth as possible for Matilda’s sake.”

[devcnshires]

lady matilda vaughan

Anything but London was just perfect. They deserved some peace and quiet before returning to the city and deal with what people would still have to say after that wedding. She knew a ceremony wouldn’t calm the rumours just like that, but she hoped it helped. She hadn’t minded at first, but it had reached a point where people were mean about it, as if she was the bad person in this story. “I am sure you will find a place to go, my love. You know I’ll be happy going anywhere in this world as long it’s with you.”

Going abroad would take too much time. William was a busy man, and she did not wish to keep him away from the city for too long in case he was needed. The situation in their country wasn’t the best at the moment, and she knew William had a duty to the cause and everything they had been fighting for. “We can think about it. But, are you sure going abroad would be a good idea? Any place will be romantic enough if we’re together. I just want some time away from this city.”

Tucking his cane into the crook of his arm, he took Matilda’s hands in his own, thumbs brushing over the soft leather of her gloves. “This is a decision I want both of us to make. We’ll decide together where we shall go.” After all, it was to be there honeymoon, not a business trip. It would be unfair of him to dictate where they were to go. 

William shrugged, a move of affected nonchalance. “Why shouldn’t we? We would have to avoid France, but that cannot be helped. But I do believe things will be fine if I were to leave for the continent for a month or so.” It had been well over a decade since he had last left England, and it was about time for another trip. “I hear that the are some rather charming properties to rent on the banks of Lake Geneva, if you are so inclined. But if you would rather stay here in England I am happy with that. We have some time to decide, but not much. Our wedding is not far off now, after all.”

[devcnshires]

lady claire vaughan

smiles melts into a chuckle , amused by the words her future brother in law spoke. “ I always thought our lot is nothing but a side show. ladies with their tales as extravagant as their dresses , & gentlemen as dandified as the most glorious of peacocks , only one compliment away from sprouting feathers from their backsides. “ she chuckles at the image implanted in her mind , & thinks of her own bitterness & disinterest of the ton ; perhaps she ought to keep it reined in. “ perhaps. I certainly feel like it would be a much better pastime than spending it here. “ she comments. 

another chuckle erupts from her mouth & she lightly shakes her head ; “ no , I still enjoy the opera , even if I have seem most of them more times than I dare to count. “ attention shifts to his words , head bobs in an attentive nod , & a smile stretches her lips. “ indeed. you had enough time to truly know her , & she to know you. while our families might be enraged by the situation , I am quite happy with it’s outcome. if it gives you some rest , I would like you to know you have my blessing. “

“I suppose that you are correct. It does seem that money does encourage people to eccentricity.” Whilst he was yet to see it for himself, he had heard tale of women with panniers so wide they had to pass through doorways sideways in order to fit - William almost couldn’t believe it himself. “I am afraid that I cannot comment on that for I am guilty of that myself.” William had always dressed well, on more than one occasion following the fashions coming out of the court of Versailles, albeit not quite as ostentatious. “It would be amusing, to say the least.” No doubt that events at the gardens that night would be more entertaining; the last time William had found himself there he had the chance to watch fire eaters and acrobats, certainly something you would never see at Almack’s.

“I have heard that Herr Mozart is working on a new opera, although when we’ll see it is anyone’s guess.” He shrugged. “Thank you, Claire. I think they will understand in time, or at least I should hope so. I’m not terribly worried, but I wish it for Matilda. None of this has been easy on her, and I think the support of our families would help.”

[devcnshires]

lady esther cavendish

“Lovely, then let us go today. I see this as an opportunity to educate you. Matilda will be thoroughly impressed by your knowledge of hoop skirts and petticoats by the time I’m finished with you.” Esther patted her mouth dry with a napkin. The summer at Hardwich had been an interesting one, with Esther hiding away in her room while the Duchess stormed about the house, furious with William. She had learned over the years to stay out of her mother’s way if one of her siblings opposed her, lest Esther find herself also being scolded. “You know she’ll be quite sour through the wedding. I fear what will happen if she bites Matilda’s head off as she likely wishes to do.” Hopefully, Sophia would be up to the challenge of subduing their mother. Heavens knew that Esther would be as far away as possible.

“Wonderful! Oh yes, by the time we’re done today I’ll be able to tell the difference between a robe à l’anglaise and a robe à la françsaise.” William laughed softly. “We can only hope that I won’t prove to be a disappointment to her in that respect, although I don’t believe that you’ll misguide me.” He shrugged. “She’ll get over it in time. It’s a better match, and she’ll see that. Besides, she can’t be too surprised, given the history between our families.” In that sense it was a natural progression. Much like there fathers before them, William had always been close with Matilda’s brother, Roger. “But I am old enough for her opinions to no longer hold quite as much weight as it once did.”

[devcnshires]

@rogvaughan

If the atmosphere in Brooks’s was different after the news of the King, no one commented on it. But things felt... reinvigorated. This was the chance the party had been waiting for, and whilst William could not completely revel in it, he could still enjoy the good spirits to be found. Whilst other men hunched low over tables discussing plans, William reclined in a plush armchair by the fire, allowing the warmth to soothe the dull ache in his leg that always made itself apparent when the weather turned cold.

“What do you think, Rog?” He dropped the evening newspaper down on the small table between their chairs. “It’s a little odd, is it not? To remove the King to Windsor?” He shrugged before picking up one of the glasses on the table and taking a sip. “Oh well, whatever’ll make it easier in the long run.” He could only hope that he would be offered a place at court should a regency be established. “In other news, the arrangements are coming along nicely for the wedding.”

[devcnshires]

lady claire vaughan

smile widens as she regards her future brother. the talk of William’s union with her dearest sister Matilda has brought about a scandal , but Claire was not of the minding sort. the only thing she wants is her sister’s happiness , & seeing how happy he makes her , is quite enough for her to be all that more inclined to defend their union tooth & nail. “ lord Cavendish , I am pleased to see you here. “ she speaks with a delighted smile , contend to finally have decent company. chuckle escapes her , & it turns into delight ; “ nothing that is not utter fabrication. I heard that duke Marlborough fails to make an appearance because he has developed another head. the one on the shoulders , mind you. “ 

lips purse in thought at his question , then she finds herself shrugging lightly. “ I have spent the majority of the last two years in the seclusion of our country house. I was an odious company when my husband died. I came home a little over a year ago , & ever since I have been bored. London got quite old , rather quickly. now there is rarely anything to entertain me while I await for my brother to arrange another marriage for me , as I am certain he will do. “ she lightly comments , then offers him a smile ; “ & how did you fare all this time ? when did you discover your feelings for my dear sister ? I know her tale , but I would like to hear yours , if you do not mind sharing. we are to be family soon , after all. & in light of that I must insist you call me Claire. “

The Duke couldn’t help but laugh at that. Marlborough was a bit of an odd sort as it was. “Truly? Well then, I am quite sorry to miss it. It’s a frightful shame that he feels himself unable to bless us with his presence. It is not often that we have a side show amongst our lot. Perhaps we would encounter him if we were at Ranelagh Gardens instead?” They had all sorts of performers there, William remembered seeing some rather talented acrobats on his last visit to the pleasure gardens in Chelsea. It had certainly been worth the trip out of the city.

He listened quietly as she explained herself, his expression thoughtful. He couldn’t even begin to imagine what it would be like to have one’s world turned upside down in such a way. Although, London getting old was not something he shared. “Tired of the opera already?” He asked with a small, humourous smile. “No, no, I do not mind at all.” He shook his head. “And you may call me William. As you will recall, I hosted your brother and Matilda at Chatsworth over the summer. One thing led to another...” He trailed off with a shrug. “and suddenly my mother was very angry.” He chuckled.

[devcnshires]

thomas, marquess of exeter

Dread hit Tom like a weight.  “Good God,” he swore, rubbing his brow with one hand.  “This is calamitous.  Cannot other physicians be got in to make His Majesty well again?”

“My lord, were it so simple as all that, the thing would be already done.”

Tom knew this was true.  He, himself, had noted a deterioration in the king prior to this retreat to Windsor, but to hear it so brought up at a meeting made Tom’s stomach churn.  “This Whigs will be delighted.”

“Surely no one could be so unpatriotic as-”

Tom’s jaw set into a scowl.  “Something must be done.  Now, more than ever, strong and resilient leadership is absolutely necessary.  We must be the ones to display it.  Now, go, do what you can tomorrow.  This evening is for careful thought.  Good day,” he added, tipping his hat, as he turned and made his way down the many stairs.

He emerged into the dying sunlight, felt its gilded rays splash across his shoulders and stopped.  It felt mildly symbolic, a sort of premonition for which Tom did not much care.  Squaring his shoulders, he set off again, unhurried, till he came to the spot in question.  Tonight, he needed to be out amongst the people, to see how they fared, what they required - and to better understand both their fears, with regard to these rumors about the king’s health, and their hopes.  The last time a king had been declared mad, a fearsome civil war had broken out, laying waste to the nation.  Of course, that had been three hundred years ago and, Tom felt fully confident, that would not come to pass again in this new, modern age.  Nonetheless, calamity of some sort seemed a predetermined outcome.

Tom stepped into Almack’s almost in a daze, gaze combing the crowd to study each and every face.  Had they heard?  Did they know?  How would they all react?  He meant to find out.  “Good evening,” he said to the person beside him.  “I trust you’ve had a fulfilling day?”

The news that had broke earlier that morning, followed by the rumours, was something that had been welcomed by the Whigs. It wasn’t that they wish ill on the King - well, some of them did - but with the King now at a distance from London, the hold the Tories had over him would no doubt loosen. And if he was deemed unfit to rule the Prince of Wales would be named regent, and there was no secret as to where his loyalties lay. Perhaps Thomas would have to show his face in the House of Lords for once, no doubt things would be getting interesting.

Almack’s was certainly the place to be that evening, more so than any of the clubs. The musicians could barely be heard over the eager voices who had long since relinquished hushed tones to discuss the latest turn of events. A glass of port clasped in his free hand, William made his way around the groups of his compatriots, listening to the tentative plans being discussed. There would be some way to show his support. Eventually he moved to stand by the window that looked over King’s Street.

He turned at the sound of the voice. “Lord Exeter.” William greeted politely, taking a sip from his glass. The man was a friend of his younger brother, and he had been seeing him more regularly, but there was something about the Marquess that didn’t sit right with him. “Oh yes, it’s been quite the exciting day, would you not agree?”

[devcnshires]

lady esther cavendish

At the mention of their mother, Esther narrowed her eyes, her usual cheery demeanor vanishing like mist in the morning sun. “Perhaps we could go on Friday afternoon,” she suggested, toying with her tea spoon. For a moment she remained quiet, her expression dark. “I’m certainly not looking forward to December. I’d be quite pleased if Mother stayed where she was. We visited her over the summer, surely that was more than enough for all of us?” Esther knew her pleas were futile. It would be Christmas, and the Cavendish family would be together once again, even if it was with the one woman Esther never seemed to get along with. She gave a forced laugh. “William, I only jest, you will be as handsome as Matilda is beautiful when you both meet at the altar. So long as you keep your mustache trimmed, of course.”

“Friday sounds agreeable, unless you would rather go sooner. I am free today. I may not be the most knowledgeable on ladies’ fashion but I’ll do my best.” William took another sip of tea. “I think we would all rather that she remains up north but she won’t miss the wedding.” The stop at Hardwick on their return from Chatsworth had not been a pleasant one for William as he had made the foolhardy decision of informing the Dowager Duchess in person about his change in bride - something that had not gone down well.” His eyes narrowed playfully. “And what makes you think that I don’t? My valet does a fine job of it.”

[devcnshires]

lady matilda vaughan

Matilda was grateful that he had dropped the subject for now, giving her the space to deal with it on her own. She would, of course, tell him everything later. But right now, she simply wanted to ignore it and pretend everything was fine. Showing those hyenas how truly affected she was would be close to admit defeat, and she was not quite ready to give up, not when the wedding was just less than two months away and everything would go back to normal after that.

Unless someone had a child out of wedlock or got murdered, she doubted anything more scandalous would happen. But it was all worth it, and they would never take that away from them. Soon they would be married and all of this would be left in the past. It was better if they tried to focus on something else that night. “Perhaps we should consider a trio after the wedding. Maybe a couple of weeks, go to somewhere away from this city. It doesn’t have to be that far as long no one knows about us. Would it be a good idea?”

He mulled the idea over. It certainly wasn’t a bad one. “A trip sounds like a great idea. We can go as far or as close to the city as you would like. I have several estates at my disposal.” Hardwick Hall certainly would not be an option, William could think of anything worse than spending their honeymoon under the watchful eye of his mother. Of course there was Chatsworth, that would be the logical place to go, give Matilda the opportunity to make herself familiar with the running of the house, but there was also Chiswick House and Bolton Abbey, the latter with it’s monastic ruins on the estate making for a more romantic getaway.

“Would you want to stay in England, or would you wish to go abroad? Italy is rather nice, so is Switzerland. It can be your choice, Mattie.” It was the least he could do, what with the engagement being far harder on her than it had been on him. “You don’t need to decide now, but have a think.”

[devcnshires]

percy, viscount palmerston

Percy chuckled at that quip.  “It would come as a welcome reprieve,” he replied in kind.  “I’ve stopped far too many people, as it is, with this same request - I fear if this goes on much longer, even the members of the Royal Navy will begin to reevaluate my navigational skills,” he joked.  “Indeed, if you hadn’t happened along, I fear I would have been forced to appeal to those very skills and wait for nightfall, that the stars might guide me home.”

Percy grinned, falling into step with the other man with genuine gratitude, glad of a guide.  He breathed in deeply, inhaling the crispness of autumn as it stole into the breath of the world.  Percy welcomed its coming.  The last few weeks had seemed to him unbearably hot, but he had not doubt his mental status had had its impact, as well.  His transition in life had given him renewed purpose, but it had also left him whirling like a child’s toy top.  He was gyrating still, he felt, spinning and spinning and spinning as the world sped by.  The season, of course, would speed many things along - but it also represented, to him, a mental slowing down that was not sluggishness but, rather, pacificity.

“As you may have gathered,” began Percy with an ironic quirk of his lips.  “I’m a bit…turned around.  Is your house in this area?  I wondered if, that being so, you had any…recommendations for how to pass one’s time…outside the house and outside the House of Lords.  I find I’m not up to the task of merely one or the other every night,” he added with a twist of amusement.  “How do you generally pass your free evenings?”

"If they have not begun to doubt them already.” William joked, his expression bright with mirth. “And let me guess, none of them have been particularly useful? You will find people to be hit or miss, depending on whether or not they live in the area. But you’ll find your way around soon enough.” The streets around Piccadilly were second nature to him now, having spent most of his time over the last decade at the family’s townhouse rather than any of their country estates. “Or perhaps we can live in hope that one of your staff would send a footman out for you.”

William nodded, the movement punctuated by the click of his cane against the pavement. “Devonshire House is at the other end of the road.” He gestured vaguely with his free hand in the direction they were heading. “Opposite Green Park. Rather conveniently situated for Brooks’s and Almack’s, although I had no hand in the selection of their premises.” Recommendations? Oh, that was something he could do. “Brooks’s is the club you’ll want to join. Boodle’s is also an option, but there are Tories there as well. Almack’s assembly rooms are fine. If you enjoy theatre, Drury Lane for plays and King’s Theatre on Haymarket for opera. There are,” his voice lowered conspiratorially. “nunneries also, in Covent Garden and Golden Square, if you are so inclined.” It was something he no longer partook in, but there were many of their class that still did.

[devcnshires]

lady sophia cavendish

“I see” she nodded in understanding, crossing the room to sit in one of the softly furnished armchairs opposite him, not allowing herself to totally sink into the plush fabric as she listened to him speak. She had always enjoyed looking over the accounts when she had been younger, an odd quirk of hers. She could speak some French and a little Latin, but the language of numbers was like a hymn to her. “I am happy to look over anything for you” she offered hesitantly. Years back there would have been no pause to her words, but now she could not quite determine what her place was – was she a guest? Merely staying her welcome before she had to move on? Or was this her home? Neither option made her feel particularly comfortable, and it certainly meant that when it came to such menial things, such as accounts, she did not know where the line of acceptability was anymore. 

“Can a sister not simply want to see her brother?” she challenged him with a crooked smile, noting his limp and searching around the room for his cane. He always tried to act like the cane was mere fashion, but they all knew otherwise, and knew of the pain that would shoot through his leg if he did not have his support. “I went to see Lady Godwin” she added a moment later, dipping her head ever so slightly to avoid his gaze. “Lady Lucretia i should say”. The clarification felt necessary, if only to spare any potential questions about which Godwin daughter she had spoken too. Poor Lady Tabitha on the other hand was the white elephant in the room, alluded to, but never truly spoken about. “I presume you had a hand in the betrothal? I cannot imagine mother would have been quite so keen had the idea not been put into her head…”

It wasn’t an offer he had expected. William remembered that Sophia had always had a gift for numbers, but he hadn’t thought that she would have been interested in the estate accounts. “Oh, uh..” a hand reaching up to rub at his moustache in thought. “only if you want to. Don’t feel like you have to offer because I’m complaining about it, you know I enjoy being overdramatic.” He shot her a winning grin. He had never been particularly close with Sophia like he had their brother or even more recently with Esther. Between his studies and her marriage, the siblings had spent little time together, and that was something that William was keen to remedy. Perhaps it was the fact that he was finally settling down that made him want to improve things with his family, or perhaps it was the fact that he had never exactly been around.

“I suppose so.” He settled back down on his chair with a small sigh, wincing slightly as he stretched his bad leg out. Oh, of course. That was what she wanted. Schooling his expression into one of polite interest, he crossed his arms over his chest. Ah, Lucretia. “Did she have much to say?” Of course the betrothal would be brought up. It was a somewhat unusual situation, even William could admit that much. “A small hand. But it seems that an alliance between our two families was what was important, it did not quite matter who that alliance was made between.” And he couldn’t blame the Althorps for that. The Devonshires occupied a unique place within society, being the highest ranking Dukes that were not of Royal blood, having been that way for generations now.

[devcnshires]

lady claire vaughan

eyes rake across the room , crowded with people ; ladies fanned themselves , despite the summer’s heat having long stalked away , & the autumn’s chill already beginning to settle. some men played cards , some watched the women with curious glances , undoubtedly calculating which lady was unmarried & suited for their particular needs - tories turned to tory, whigs to whig , & all those in between shifted their alliances & views as they deemed fit for the moment. lack of interest evident in her eyes , Claire found herself a vacant seat , further away from the centre of attention , so she could better amuse herself watching the ladies & gentlemen attempting to find middle ground & common tongue. 

head tilts to the side , hand lightly circles the goblet of red wine in her grasp , shoulders resting against the back of the chair. her eyes spy a person or two she was acquainted with , but had very little drive to converse with - their gossips bored her & their tales inflated to the proportions of the ancient epics. gaze slithers from one figure to another , until they rest upon a person close to her , standing withing earshot. 

“ fantastic soiree , would you not agree ? but , if I hear one more tale of who did what & who spoke ill of whom , I might be forced to leave. I doubt my companion would approve. “ she glances towards a lord , dozing off in the chair close , but not too close , on her right ; smirk blooms on her lips & she returns her glance to the other person ; “ if you’d be so kind to join me , I promise not to repeat any of the odious tales I’ve heard so far. “

The evening was about as exciting as one could have anticipated when the host had been born during the tail end of Queen Anne’s reign. Stifling a yawn, William leant against a wall, eyeing the clock in order to work out the earliest he could leave in favour of spending the rest of the evening at Brooks’s or Almack’s, somewhere far more entertaining. But as a supporter of the Whig party, William had to remain for a while longer.

“Hmm?” He turned, his gaze settling on his soon-to-be sister-in-law. “Lady Vaughan.” He smiled in greeting, bowing slightly. “Oh, yes, positively thrilling.” His eyes rolled, moving to sit down in a chair to her left. “Nothing worth repeating? I had hoped that you might have been told something amusing at the very least.” His gaze cast over the attendees in their immediate vicinity. “Although, current company is less than inspiring, even I can admit that.”

Another glance to the clock. Perhaps an hour and then he could make his escape. “How have you been finding things now that you’ve returned? I know that you’re sister is happy to have you back.”

[devcnshires]

lady evelyn harley

“Not quite, no. As much as it once attracted me, I can no longer see myself perform in front of so many people. I do not enjoy it when too much attention is directed to me.” She replied with an honest smile, finding it easy to speak with the lord. “Perhaps, but I doubt the people will ever learn to let go of a grudge. They seem to like the animosity between the fractions.” 

“Indeed, they certainly lack depth. That is why I much prefer novels. They are rarely set for the stage, and characters are more saturated. Morally grey characters are perhaps my favourite sort. It rather shows how easy it is to tip the scales either way; to black, or to white.” Evelyn added with a light hum. With a soft chuckle, Evie’s smile widened. “I hope he will, then. I shall be thoroughly amused if he guesses.” The chuckle ebbed to a smile akin to sympathy, and she added; “Gossips never last for too long, Lord Cavendish. Soon, someone else will make a tragic mistake of wearing their clothes twice on soirees, and any deed you might have committed will be forgotten. It is both a benefit, and a curse, I presume.”

“I’m sure in that case that it is everyone’s loss, Lady Harley.” Should the Oxfords ever end up at Chatsworth William was sure that Evelyn would rather remain in the audience than take part in a theatrical at the grand stately home’s theatre. “Yes, people do so look to the smallest slights to cling on to...”

“Have you read Evelina? I haven’t personally, but my mother spoke highly of it. Although the reveal of the author in that satirical poem was quite something. George Huddesford’s the dastardly poet, I believe. An Oxford man, so I suppose one can’t be terribly surprised.” William nodded in agreement. These things always passed, and often meant little in hindsight, but they were still an unpleasant thing to be in the midst of. “Oh yes, that would be quite the scandal. Or perhaps a lady will dance with a gentleman one too many times than is proper of an evening. That will certainly stir things.” He shrugged. “Depends. There are those who do not approve, which causes problems, but it is what it is.”

[devcnshires]

lady esther cavendish

“A new dress would be lovely, if only you promise to find yourself something appropriate to wear for the wedding as well. All of London will be watching, after all.” Especially after the scandal. Esther clenched her jaw, thinking of the vile words she had in store for whoever spoke poorly of her eldest brother, scandal or no scandal. Her mood relaxed as William spoke of Matilda, his eyes wandering off into the distance as if seeing an angel on the horizon. “I haven’t ever seen you so smitten with a lady before, William,” she said with a smirk. “She truly seems like someone special to you, and if so, she will be special to me as well. If I may ask, how did a scrappy thing like you manage to capture her heart?”

“Don’t you worry about that. I have ordered a fine new suit. I should so hate to disappoint everyone.” Not that William was ever anything less than finely dressed, but the very last thing he wanted whilst under such scrutiny to incur further talk by wearing something old. “Let me know when you would like to go, my day is mostly free. And mother will be pleased when she comes down in December, I don’t want her to think that I’m not looking after you properly.” Relations with the Dowager Duchess were still somewhat strained, not even the negotiation of Richard’s betrothal to Lucretia Godwin could quite assuage his mother’s ire. “Scrappy? I resent that!” He sniffed haughtily before laughing. “My title? No, Matilda is not as shallow as that. Truly I do not know but I don’t wish to question it. Is it so unbelievable that women find me charming and handsome?”

[devcnshires]

lady sophia cavendish

closed for @devcnshires

location: the parlour of the Cavendish townhouse, London

More than once since their arrival in London, Sophia had found herself questioning her decision to follow them to the city. It would have been far easier to remained in the family home, or even to take a tour of the country. Cornwall, she had been told, was beautiful in the autumn. And yet she had ignored all those instincts and now found herself in a place not quite home and not quite unknown. A strange dichotomy of lands, of which she had spent much of her days hiding away in her apartments. They had not disturbed her, and for that she was grateful. It had meant that when she woke at all hours of the day, the only visitors she had were the ghosts of her past, not of the very living Cavendish children. For they all still were children. They might have been playing adults, but they were still children at heart, and it was all the more obvious the more time they spent playing pretend in the city. 

So when she had heard of Richards betrothal to the Godwin girl, it had been a surprise to say the least. After the family’s history she almost admired William for being so brazen as to try and make the match. He after all, was the reason why the bond had not been formed sooner. No sooner had she tried to discuss it with him but he had disappeared off to the gentleman’s clubs and the soirees, never to be seen for more than a few moments. Finally though, there was peace and as she pushed the door of the parlour open she saw her elder brother sitting in the corner of the room, a book open next to him. “You are home” she commented wryly, shutting the door behind her gently. “And there I was thinking I would have to make an appointment to see my busy, busy brother”

It was one of those rare days that William devoted to the business of the Devonshire estates. The Dowager Duchess, having chosen to remain at Hardwick Hall until the wedding, had written to William with a list of improvements that needed to be made to the dower seat to keep it in line with the standards at Chatsworth. Arranging the work from over one hundred miles away was proving to be more of a challenge than William would have liked, but it was preferable to the constant nagging of his mother. A break was sorely needed, and the ledger was exchanged for a copy of James Cook’s A Voyage Toward the South Pole. William had never been a man who possessed a thirst for travel, his Grand Tour upon completing his studies at Cambridge had been more than enough for him, but nevertheless he had been finding the book fascinating.

His head snapped up at the sound of his sister’s voice, a small smile on his face. “A rare occasion indeed.” He commented. “I had business that I wished to attend to today. Won’t you sit? I’ve taken a break - I couldn’t bear staring at the accounts for much longer.” His attention shifted to the clock on the wall. He had worked through lunch. Oh well. “I’ll ring for some tea to be brought up.” Rising from his chair, he crossed the short distance to the mantle and pulled the bell pull before return to his chair, his gait lumbering without the aid of his cane. “To what do I owe the pleasure, sister?”