faintlyscandalous

[faintlyscandalous]

———————. faintlyscandalous. a private & dependent multi-muse blog for grosvenortales.

lovingly penned by whit & introducing….

miss meher ‘may’ malhotra | intro | wanted connections |

mister daniel stewart | intro | wanted connections |

[whatstohappenallhappenedbefore]

It was oddly comforting to know that despite everything else, somethings never did change. Gunter's still being here was proof of that, and she for one was relieved to see it. Sometimes it was just a nice reminder that the world was still the same old world. At the question she shook her head, "I do not believe it is that simple. Everyone has different tastes" and what she would prefer didn't necessarily align with what Meher would want. "Sometimes it is easier to just make a choice, and then you know for the future if it was the right one or not".

[faintlyscandalous]

meher’s gaze lingered on the board a moment longer before shifting, briefly, to anaya, a faint hint of consideration softening her otherwise composed expression. “perhaps,” she replied quietly, her tone thoughtful rather than dismissive, “though i find there is very little satisfaction in a choice made without understanding.” her eyes returned to the list, settling on one name that felt just familiar enough to hold her attention, even if she could not immediately place it. “this one,” she murmured, almost to herself, “it is… not entirely unfamiliar.” a slight pause followed, her fingers adjusting lightly against one another. “i would rather begin with something that suggests it may already suit me, than rely on chance alone.”

[dcnhams]

though initially against allowing her wards for the season to leave the house with only a maid to chaperone, even someone as headstrong as lady clifton had not been able to withstand the incessant pleading of the five young ladies in her care and had eventually given in. there was no time to lose and all of london to explore. a reviving stroll was to be taken around the serpentine later in the day, and there had been talk of paying a visit to the modiste, but the maid accompanying them had insisted they stop by gunter's first. as her companions scoped out every inch of the establishment to find an available table big enough to seat six, amelia strayed a little from the crowd, carefully observing what was on offer.

"well, i usually come here for the ices. the rosehip and lavender is just divine", amy offered with a light, jovial tone, her eyes dancing across the options on offer as if she'd taken them in a thousand times before. of course she'd never been to gunter's before, only able to repeat what their mad had gushed about on the way here, but she supposed a white lie was permitted in the pursuit of not sticking out like a sore thumb. at times it felt as if she and her relations were the only newcomers to the season. "though today's chill makes me lean more towards a scone... i suppose it is entirely down to what refreshment one takes with their treat. have you given that any thought?"

[faintlyscandalous]

meher inclined her head slightly at the young lady’s suggestion, her expression softening with polite interest as she followed the direction of her gaze across the offerings. “the ices hold a certain appeal in theory,” she said gently, a faint trace of amusement touching her tone, “though i suspect i should not appreciate them nearly so much in this weather.” her eyes drifted briefly toward the window, as if acknowledging the chill beyond it, before returning. “a scone, however, seems a far wiser indulgence.” there was a small pause as she considered the question more fully, her fingers resting lightly against one another. “as for the tea… i find i am still deciding,” she admitted, glancing once more at the unfamiliar names. “i should like something warm, certainly, buut also… something with character. it seems a pity to choose without the promise of remembering it afterward.

[sugartalkins]

how daniel seemed to have a response to everything made violet’s head spin. while the entirety of the ton viewed him as warm and inviting, violet had a different point of view. yes, they had grown up together, but the differences in their families created a wedge so painful, violet found it difficult to face daniel at times. occasionally, she recalled running through mountains high and valleys low with daniel, but the contentment was soon replaced with bitter thoughts and reputations to uphold. conflicting reminders as to why they were no longer friends, no long in one another lives. “perhaps, it is none of your business if i am here on my own.” she scoffed, turning away with a sigh.

violet would do anything to rid herself of this conversation. despite the unknown pang in the pit of her stomach, she holds her novel close to her chest. the soft pitter-patter of the nearby fountain calmed her momentarily, her feet shuffling toward a bench and brushing past daniel with ease. “it does not matter if i am avoiding my family.” her body stilled, feet twisted before she settled in an awkward stance. “not…not that i am avoiding them.” violet spun around, her chest heaved with frustration. daniel always seemed to know the right things to say to make her stumble over her words. if it were anyone else, she would’ve begun her rambles. alas, violet stared at daniel, eyes narrowed in irritation. “i believed it was a nice day for an evening read. i was attempting to locate a quiet space, but alas, i have found none. this area has been the noisiest of them all, in fact.” violet straightened herself, a smirk pulled at her lips.

[faintlyscandalous]

daniel’s smile did not falter, though it softened at the edges, as if her irritation were something he had long since learned to accommodate rather than challenge. he stepped aside just enough to allow her passage, the movement instinctive, but his attention never quite left her. “none of my business?” he echoed lightly, a quiet hum of amusement beneath his tone. “i fear i cannot entirely agree. a young lady, unaccompanied… even one as capable as yourself does invite a degree of concern.” his gaze flicked briefly to the path behind her, then back again, measured, attentive. “and i should think it a great shame if anything untoward were to befall the… noble nobley family.” the faintest emphasis lingered there, deliberate, a touch of dry humor beneath otherwise impeccable politeness. he let the remark settle before continuing, slower now, as though considering her more carefully than his earlier ease suggested. “though if it is quiet you seek, i cannot imagine you will find it by insisting you are not avoiding something while standing quite apart from it.” his head tilted slightly, eyes warm despite the observation. “still, i shall not press you. far be it from me to intrude upon a lady’s… afternoon read.” a brief pause followed, his expression gentling, though the knowing look remained. “but should the noise persist, you may find it less troublesome with conversation than without. i have been told i can be tolerably quiet when required.”

[faintlyscandalous]

open starter | gunter's tea shop

meher stood just beneath the painted board, her gaze steady as it moved line by line across the offerings, though none of the names held quite the familiarity they seemed to promise. the hum of conversation and the soft clink of porcelain carried on around her, but she paid it little mind, fingers loosely clasped before her as she considered each option with quiet deliberation. there was something almost studied in her stillness as though she refused to choose simply for the sake of choosing. after a moment, she tilted her head slightly, reading once more, before asking in a low, composed voice to no one in particular, “which of these is taken for its flavor, and not merely its reputation?”

[sugartalkins]

closed starter with @faintlyscandalous

location: hyde park

violet believed the gods were punishing her for simply wanting to take a moment to herself. hyde park hosted several alcoves and enclaves, perfect for a woman like herself to hide away. the nobley house had become far too rambunctious, something she never imagined she’d ever say. usually, when violet found herself overwhelmed, she’d sneak off to her chambers or the library. however, it seemed every member of parliament decided to pay a visit and occupy each room. she had no choice but to escape off to hyde park and find a quiet location. the solace lasted only a few moments before infiltration occurred. young debutantes and babbling mamas came forth and whispered nearby, loud enough for violet to become annoyed.

she had no choice but to find another safe haven. somewhere tucked between trees or high up on a boulder. anywhere to rid herself of the extra noise and laughter that led her to hyde park in the first place. though, as she searched far and wide, violet came up short, leading herself toward the outskirts of rotten row. surely, some sort of quiet belonged here. then again, nothing prepared her for the scene before her as she located a nook amongst the wildflowers and nearby fountains. violet felt herself relax then tense, her eyes diverted to the soul that stood before her: daniel stewart, former childhood friend turned rival.

“what are you doing here?” violet barked, arms tempted to cross over her chest but she knew that was unladylike. “don’t you have…coins to count or something?”

[faintlyscandalous]

daniel did not pause at her tone. if anything, it seemed to amuse him, the corner of his mouth lifting just enough to betray it. he inclined his head in greeting as though they had met under the most ordinary of circumstances. “miss nobley,” he returned warmly, brushing an imaginary speck from his glove before settling his gaze upon her with quiet ease. “i might ask you the very same, though I suspect my answer will prove far less inventive. i am merely out for a stroll as is the natural order of things in hyde park.” His eyes flickered briefly to the wildflowers and the fountain beyond, taking in the scene before returning to her. “you will be relieved to know my coins have already been counted, and quite meticulously so. i find it best not to leave such matters to chance.” he regarded her more closely, something thoughtful settling behind the warmth. “though I must confess,” he continued, softer now, “i had not expected to find you quite so far removed from the usual company. one might almost think you were avoiding it.” his tone carried the faintest thread of teasing, but it was softened, never sharp. “have I stumbled upon a private moment, or have you simply chosen a rather unconventional vantage from which to observe the rest of us?”

[faintlyscandalous]

Wanted Connections for Daniel Stewart

The Perfect Pair - The Ton thinks Daniel and your muse would be the perfect couple. Everyone expects the match to happen, except perhaps them. Essentially a lot of outside influences want this match. Plotting needed for further specifics.

Almost... Something - Someone Daniel shared a connection with in the past but it was never fully explored for whatever plotting reasons we discuss.

Slow Burn - Someone Daniel wouldn't think to pursue but keeps gravitating towards.

"I Shouldn’t Want This" - Someone who doesn't fit what he should be looking for.

The Moral Challenge - This person pushes him to act from emotion instead of logic, and challenges any decisions he may make.

The Understanding One - Someone who recognizes that Daniel's sunshine and charming behavior is not what it seems. Another socially aware character who also sees through the ton and recognizes Daniel's intelligence.

An Easy Friendship - Someone Daniel gets along with effortlessly. They share humor and lightness with one another. A genuine friendship that is relaxing.

A Friendly Rival - These two are always in bickering or comparing themselves, turning anything and everything into a competition.

The Person He Takes Care Of - Daniel has a natural kindness to him. He's known to smooth over awkward moments for others. Your muse is one he's saved a time or two.

The Gossip - Being that his family's money comes from banking, Daniel has a natural insight into who's family is doing well and who isn't. Daniel and your muse often exchange observations with each other, and playful, observant banter. (Rebecca Wharton)

A Family He Wronged - The Stewart family's money comes from banking and investments. The exact nature of how Daniel wronged your muse, or their family, can be discussed but will be traced back to money problems.

The Disliker - This person is polite… but clearly doesn’t like him.

The Personal Irritant - Your muse just bothers him for some reason and gets under his skin.

The Rival - Daniel is a catch this season. He may not be the star gentleman, but he is appealing to any woman seeking matrimony this season. Your muse is intimated by him and is competing him with subtly. I see this dynamic as being polite hostility and power plays beneath etiquette.

[faintlyscandalous]

Wanted Connections for Meher 'May' Malhotra

The Unknown Gentleman - For the past couples year (three years or less), May has been having a private correspondence with a gentleman that is unknown to her. How that came about is up to us when it comes to plotting, but May does not know who this man is (your muse can be ignorant too or be aware of her identity). During this time, May has become infatuated with this man, and suggest them meeting at the season this year. Your muse never responded for whatever reason so she wishes to find out who this pen pal of hers has been. Whether this develops into anything romantic can be discussed but there will be feelings on her side initially.

The Surprising Suitor - This is someone May thinks would be a good match for her young sister. However something has been miscommunicated and your character is under the impression that May wishes for them to court her instead OR your character wishes to court May rather than her sister but May doesn't realize it. Basically a miscommunication trope.

The Mirror - Someone who reflects her back to herself. They too are controlled, observant, intentional, and it both attracts and unsettles her.

The Unexpected Protector - Someone who steps in on her behalf without being asked whether it is socially or reputationally, and earns her quiet regard.

Her Space Place - Someone she can sit beside without expectation or performance. Their friendship is not one of performance as they simply can exist beside each other without competition.

Her Social Anchor - Someone who is familar with High Society in London and has more experience with it as this is May's first season, even though she's not participating.

The One Who Brings Out Her Humor - a very rare connection. this is someone who makes her laugh easily and often.

Opposite Attract Friendship - Someone more expressive, impulsive, or open. They challenge her restraint, and are one of the few that can get a reaction from her. (Rebecca Wharton)

Another Outsider - Another person in Ton who does not fully belong, or feels they don't, and they create a bond from that. (Alasdair Macdonnel, one open slot)

A Spurned Love - Someone she reject in the past and was perhaps overly blunt and honest why she was rejecting them. May hurt some feelings.

The Gatekeeper - Someone who thinks May doesn't belong in high society and seeks to undermine her.

The Social Strategist Rival - Someone who sees her as competition for influence, not romance (or maybe they do) and actively works against her.

The Family Threat - Someone who interferes with her plans for her sister, either intentionally or carelessly.

The Miscommunication - Someone who twists May's actions into something more scandalous or improper than they are. Likely due to some misunderstanding.

[faintlyscandalous]

Dearest gentle reader! This author has, at long last,  been made aware of the arrival of one MISS MEHER ‘MAY’ MALHOTRA in London! SHE, accompanied by SPONSOR & YOUNGER SISTER, is NEW to the season - yet their reputation precedes them. While known by many to be ARTICULATE & PERCEPTIVE, this author has also heard the be described as DISTANT & PROUD. As they arrive in London they evoke images of THE SOUND OF SILK MOVING WHEN SHE WALKS, HOLDING EYE CONTACT JUST LONG ENOUGH, MARGINS FILLED WITH NOTES IN BOOKS, & JEWELRY PASSED THROUGH GENERATIONS. They may think their secrets safe for now, but this author is intent to unearth what lingers underneath the surface!

✧ BASICS ✧

Full Name: Meher 'May" Arundhati Malhotra Honorific/Formal Address: Miss Meher Malhotra Age: Eighty and Twenty Date of Birth: May 3rd Gender/Pronouns: Female (She/Her) Marital Status: Unmarried Sexuality: Bisexual (tbd) Residence(s): Lady Radclyffe’s townhouse in Grosvenor Square (for the season) & Family estate abroad (India)

✧ APPEARANCE ✧

Face Claim: Janhvi Kapoor Height: 5’6” Build/Stature: Soft, feminine, elegant rather than fragile Complexion: Warm, golden undertone; luminous skin Hair: Black, thick, softly wavy; often styled in elegant updos with braided elements Eyes: Large, dark brown Distinguishing Features: Soft, full lips & a beauty mark near her collarbone Typical Silhouettes: Regency empire waist gowns, but with slightly heavier drape and structure with sleeves often feature delicate embroidery or sheer layering Signature Accessories: Gold jewelry exclusively& Thin bangles concealed beneath gloves

✧ TEMPERAMENT & PERSONALITY ✧

MBTI: INFJ Enneagram: 1w2 - The Activist Zodiac: Taurus Sun, Scorpio Moon, Virgo Rising Core Traits: Perceptive Disciplined Romantic Strategic Protective Positive Traits: Insightful, Loyal, Measured, Composed, & Selective Negative Traits: Emotionally distant, Possessive, Impractical romantic, Guarded, Obstinate

✧ FAMILY, WEALTH & LEGACY ✧

House/Family Name: Malhotra Peerage Rank: Untitled Gentry Family Motto: “Endurance Over Ornament.” Primary Estate: A family estate in Northern India. Secondary Properties: Temporary residence in London under Lady Radclyffe’s guidance & a refined but understated English residence for the Malhotra family Source of Wealth: Colonial administration, land revenues, and strategic political investments Wealth Status: Established Wealth Family Reputation: Respected, Cultured, Yet Unfamiliar

✧ BACKSTORY ✧

Meher Malhotra was raised in a world where words mattered as much as actions. Her childhood in India was shaped by long evenings listening rather than speaking. She watched her parents host discussions with officials, scholars, and land stewards. She learned early how to sit still, how to read tone, how to understand what was being said and what was being avoided. Once, when she was no older than ten, a disagreement arose between two visiting men over land use. Voices sharpened, tempers rose, and the room grew tense. Meher quietly brought in tea and redirected the conversation with a simple question she had heard her mother use before. The shift was subtle, but it worked. That moment stayed with her. She understood then that influence did not always come from authority. It could come from timing, restraint, and knowing where to place a word.

When Meher was sent to England for her education at thirteen, that awareness deepened into discipline. Living under Lady Radclyffe’s care, Meher adapted quickly, but never completely. She learned how to move through English society with ease, but she always felt the difference in how she was perceived. At school and in social settings, she noticed how easily others spoke without thinking, while she measured every response. There was a moment, early on, when another young lady made an unkind remark about her background. Meher did not respond with anger. Instead, she corrected her. Her tone was calm, precise, and in a way that left no room for further comment. It was not cruelty. It was control. From then on, she became known as someone who could not be easily unsettled.

Her life settled into a quiet rhythm after that. She read widely, often beyond what was expected of her, and spent more time forming opinions than expressing them. While others were preparing for the season, Meher delayed. Not out of fear, but out of certainty. She had watched enough to understand what the season demanded: performance, charm, and a willingness to be chosen. Meher did not resist these things outright; she simply did not prioritize them. There were proposals over the years, all suitable, all respectable. She declined them without drama. Her parents did not press her. They trusted her judgment, even if they did not fully understand it.

Now, entering London society for the first time at twenty-eight, Meher carries all of that with her. Her days are filled with calls, invitations, and the careful work of ensuring her sister is seen. She listens more than she speaks, but when she does speak, people notice. She has a way of smoothing over tension, of guiding conversations without seeming to lead them. It is not something she was taught directly... it is something she became. And yet, beneath that composure, there is a quiet shift. For the first time, she is not only observing society. She is moving within it, with purpose, with awareness, and with a sense that something in her life is no longer settled, but waiting.

[faintlyscandalous]

Dearest gentle reader! This author has, at long last,  been made aware of the arrival of one MISTER DANIEL STEWART in London! HE, accompanied by SISTER & OLD FRIEND, has RETURNED to the season - yet their reputation precedes them. While known by many to be WARM & PERSONABLE, this author has also heard the be described as CALCULATED & PEOPLE PLEASING. As they arrive in London they evoke images of LAUGHTER THAT CARRIES JUST ENOUGH TO BE INVITING, STEPPING IN TO SMOOTH OVER AWKWARD MOMENTS, NEATLY STACKED COINS THAT ARE COUNTED TWICE, A GLASS OF WHISKEY AT THE END OF THE NIGHT. They may think their secrets safe for now, but this author is intent to unearth what lingers underneath the surface!

✧ BASICS ✧

Full Name: Daniel Arthur Stewart Honorific/Formal Address: Mr. Daniel Stewart, of Grosvenor Square Age: Nine and Twenty Date of Birth: April 12th Gender/Pronouns: Male (He/Him) Marital Status: Eligible Bachelor Sexuality: Heterosexual (tbd) Occupation: Gentleman Investor & Financial Advisor Residence(s): A London Townhouse & Modest Country Estate

✧ APPEARANCE ✧

Face Claim: Danny Griffin Height: 6’0” Build/Stature: Lean, athletic build; refined but not imposing Complexion: Lightly sun-touched Hair: Golden blonde, softly tousled; styled neatly but never overly stiff Eyes: Blue Distinguishing Features: subtle dimples when he smiles & well-kept hands with faint ink stains Typical Silhouettes: Structured, impeccably tailored coats; clean lines, understated elegance Signature Accessories: gold pocket watch & understated signet ring

✧ TEMPERAMENT & PERSONALITY ✧

MBTI: ENFJ Enneagram: 3w2 Zodiac: Libra Sun, Virgo Moon, Capricorn Rising Core Traits: Socially intelligent Intentional Observant Warm, but controlled Ambitious Positive Traits: Exceptionally perceptive, charismatic without arrogance, reliable and composed, thoughtful and attentive, diplomatic and tactful Negative Traits: Calculated in decision-making, image conscious, emotionally guarded, quietly prideful, and control oriented

✧ FAMILY, WEALTH & LEGACY ✧

House/Family Name: Stewart Peerage Rank: Untitled Gentry Family Motto: “Fortune favors the prepared.” Primary Estate: Hertfordshire Estate Secondary Properties: Grosvenor Square Townhouse Source of Wealth: Private banking, investment partnerships, & financing noble estates and ventures Wealth Status: New Money Family Reputation: Respected, slightly envied, quietly scrutinized

✧ BACKSTORY ✧

Daniel Stewart was not born into power, but he was born into motion. His childhood was spent between polished drawing rooms and quietly busy offices, where conversations about investments and partnerships floated just beneath the surface of everyday life. His parents ensured he was well-mannered, well-dressed, and well-received, but more importantly, they ensured he understood why those things mattered. He was taught early that society was not simply a place to belong, but a system to be understood. And yet, for all that structure, Daniel grew into a boy who was naturally warm. He was quick to smile, eager to engage, and genuinely delighted by people. He learned to read a room not out of suspicion, but curiosity, finding enjoyment in conversation and connection as much as in observation.

As he grew older, that balance between charm and awareness sharpened. His education extended beyond tutors and books into lived experience. He accompanied his father on visits, listening more than speaking, absorbing how men conducted themselves when reputation and livelihood were intertwined. Daniel developed a mind for patterns: who spoke with confidence, who hesitated, who deferred, who commanded. But rather than becoming hardened by this knowledge, he refined it into something more approachable. He realized that warmth disarmed where authority could not, and that people revealed far more when they felt at ease. It became second nature to him to ask the right questions, to remember the smallest details, to make others feel as though they were the most interesting person in the room.

By his mid twenties, Daniel had stepped more fully into his role within the family, not as a figurehead but as a participant. He was trusted with responsibility, included in decisions, and expected to contribute thoughtfully. He approached this not with arrogance, but with a steady sense of purpose. There was a quiet discipline to him. He prepared before speaking, listened before acting, and rarely allowed himself to be caught off guard. And yet, socially, he remained the same easy presence: the gentleman who could smooth a tense conversation, who knew how to host without overshadowing, who carried himself with a confidence that never tipped into arrogance. To many, he seemed effortlessly suited to society. Only those paying closer attention might notice how deliberate that ease truly was.

Now, as he moves through the London season, Daniel occupies a space that is both comfortable and carefully maintained. He is well-liked, frequently sought after, and considered a sensible, even desirable match. He laughs easily, engages sincerely, and navigates the expectations of the ton with apparent grace. But beneath that charm lies a mind that is always attentive. He does not approach the season with recklessness or blind romance, but with a thoughtful awareness of what it represents. Still, there is something genuine in the way he connects with others, something unforced in his warmth. He is not performing kindness. Daniel is choosing it, again and again, even as he ensures that every step he takes is a steady one forward.

[supfag]

Danny Griffin as Jolyon Forsyte The Forsytes (1x01)

[k-wame]

[gvzel]

JANHVI KAPOOR / mr & mrs. mahi (2024)