the recluse.

sir anthony fairfax ; thirty-three.

[fairfaxanthony]

Goodness, SIR ANTHONY FAIRFAX has arrived in London. HE is 33, of the CHARLECOTE FAIRFAXES. Though they are RETURNED to the Season, we can only describe them as QUICK-WITTED and ALTRUISTIC, dear reader. Accompanied by HIS YOUNGER COUSIN HARRIET, they have settled in and are accepting social calls. But be warned: they are known for their RECKLESSNESS.

current holder of the fairfax baronetcy and not too pleased about it, anthony has long used any excuse to avoid the social life of london. plainly, he’d rather spend his time amongst actual sheep ( though he is not so cruel as to actually think anyone who happens to enjoy or place emphasis upon the social activities a ‘sheep’ as such a term would be offensive to both person and animal. ) 

when dragged ( often quite literally ) into it, he does however make an active attempt to be the perfect gentleman his father tried to raise him to be in the absence of his mother. his return, if it can really be called that within the context of such a lengthy absence, is brought about only because of his younger cousin. a bright young lady, harriet has proven a persuasive and an insistent teacher. after all it is quite a feat to inform a man of all he simply must know to survive an entire london season. despite his misgivings and no-doubt constant and loud protestations of the whole thing, anthony is determined to provide whatever kind of figure his cousin needs him to be in order to succeed.  even if it means dancing. 

what she has not quite managed is to draw her reclusive cousin out of his shell and anthony is sure she, the dizzying lights of the season or its charming members never will. he is quite content to be alone and remain that way and is quite sure it will have the opposite effect. if it was up to him he would simply slip back to charlecote park without even being noticed -- and he’s quite sure that would be possible. she has found success in bringing his fashions a little more up to date, even if in a limited way.

[fairfaxanthony]

Which lady in the Ton has caught your eye so far?

“I have yet to come across an unnoticeable lady in the Ton. Every lady I have had the pleasure to meet so far has been more than agreeable.”

[fairfaxanthony]

What would you say if your cousin confesses to you that she does not desire to be married?

“I am not sure what I could say, or what it would matter. I feel she has probably heard enough about her duty or responsibility to marry from her father and I would certainly not wish to reiterate those sentiments myself... So. I suppose I would tell her that, while she is here in London with me, that she is under my care and I will make absolutely no effort to force her into an engagement she does not want. I would hope she could reconcile her decision with her own parents but... if it ever came to it -- and I dearly hope it would not -- I would reassure her that living with me at Charlecote would always be an option available to her.”

[fairfaxanthony]

💌 What do you think of Lady Westhorpe?

“Lady Westhorpe is quite lovely. We have spoken but a few times and each has been as enjoyable, if not more so, than the last. I can only hope our friendship will continue.”

[fairfaxanthony]

💌 - What's your favorite kind of weather?

“Spring is my favourite time of year, and it brings my favourite kind of weather. Typically milder, though sometimes with higher temperatures making the days pleasantly warm and cooler nights providing respite from the heat. And of course, the occasional rain shower -- or indeed periods of showers -- providing great relief for farmers. I do enjoy summer too, particularly as it makes being outside much easier than winter but... overall I prefer the variety of spring.”

[fairfaxanthony]

💌 what is something you find difficult?

“Socialising... If you had not already noticed. I enjoy the company of others wholeheartedly, but seem to find myself rather quickly out of my depth or at a loss. Especially in larger social situations, which I suppose is entirely my fault for not engaging in them often enough to retain the skill.”

[fairfaxanthony]

💌 If you had to dance, do you prefer fast or slow dances?

“Oh, fast without a doubt. That is not to say that I do not like slow dances -- I very much do and they undoubtedly have their place. It is really just that the majority of my dancing has taken place outside of... courtly or perhaps more formal settings. Back home there is much more folk dancing which tends towards the more... energetic side of things, that was my first introduction to dance and remains my favourite. I have been told it is a love I inherited from my mother, though I assumed as much myself as my father might well have been an elephant with two left feet and had absolutely no concept of rhythm.”

[fairfaxanthony]

💌 HONESTY HOUR - what's your favorite parlour game?

“Generally? Whist, I suppose. I am more familiar with card games than any other form of parlour game. I do have a distinct memory of playing move-all at a family friend’s house years ago, though. It turned out to be a particularly lively evening because of it... although the amount of sherry consumed likely also had a role.”

[theseasonhq]

Could do an optional honesty hour instead of meme day!

Love this idea! Let’s do it. 🌸

----

💌 HONESTY HOUR

Reblog this post to open your askbox for Honesty Hour. Ask my muse anything, and they have to answer with complete honesty.

Honesty Hour will run through tomorrow, February 13! Enjoy.

[fairfaxanthony]

isabella-aldwyn·:

Bella’s smile turned comforting, especially as she caught Anthony trying to fend off his own smile. “If it is any consolation to your mediocre concealment, I find your longer curls quite exquisite so you must keep them, even if they are disadvantageous in your escapades. I am of the opinion not every gentleman can wear hair longer but I think it quite suitable on you.” There were ladies who were demure, reserved, and kept their true opinions to themselves. Bella was not one such lady. Compliments aside, Bella continued to speak her mind, her brain now having moved onto curious and more curious questions. “My Lord, if you really must find an escape – of course, I do not speak of merely this Ball – but an escape for the entire Season, why do you not simply find a Match as quickly as possible?” Was this not the quickest way to end the misery? 

The young girl straightened suddenly, her entire demeanor suddenly alight with the fanciful idea striking her. “My Lord, what if I help you find a match? As a debutante myself, I am acquaintances of many of the ladies who are seeking matches.” 

Who was he to turn down a compliment? A painfully awkward man, for one. Though, even as socially unpracticed as he was, Anthony thought it perhaps more gracious to accept the kindly offered compliment with a smile and nervous laughter. “Well, ah, thank you. I will certainly repeat your good opinion to those who think it unsuitable, I have no doubt anyone would consider themselves beaten in the matter.” He would have much preferred to spend the evening alone, watching Harriet and stepping in when she beckoned but this... This conversation seemed mostly to require the Baronet’s listening rather than oratory skills -- and those he was generally happy to offer. It was certainly made easier when one’s companion was as animated and talkative as the present. “So suitable that it makes up for my otherwise blatant mediocrity?” He dared to jest.

He had just opened his mouth to speak when she ( somehow ) seemed to come to life further and met her offer with a vigorous shake of his head. “No, no... Miss Aldwyn I could not possibly--,” fingers combed through dark curls. “I am sure you are more than qualified -- much more so than I, I daresay -- to take on such a demanding task, but my purpose here is not to find a match for myself.” At least not openly. “But rather for my cousin, Miss Every... I do not know if you are familiar with one another.”

[fairfaxanthony]

lucy-needham·:

Late April, 1799 Hertford House, the home of the Marquess of Hertford 10:25pm

The art was the only reason that she came, for the Marquess was rumored to have a tantalizing collection of romantic oil paintings and Lucy was, admittedly, bored to tears. 

London moved both fast and slow, teasing her throughout the Season. Up at ten, bathed and gowned by eleven, quickly ushered out for a promenade before she returned home to tidy the sweat from her brow and neck. Then to tea, and make haste, Lucy!, you’re quite late and the countess will notice, back again to dinner, where she scarcely made it in the front door before the guests did, and there was scarcely a minute to breathe before she was loaded into the carriage and pushed out into the London night. Holding a glass of something bubbly, she stood at the top of the staircase and remembered to breathe.

Her head hurt. Her heart hurt, though she would not admit that for some time, for Lucy’s heart was guarded even to her, and she was fast to drown her sorrows in a happy cup or a teasing conversation. It was far too early in the Season to feel so maligned, and she knew that she just needed one good dance, one clever conversation, one – something – to set her rights.

Lucy exhaled. She was only tired, that was all. 

Glancing sideways, she caught sight of a man on the same level, his own countenance indecipherable. A smile teased the edge of her mouth, and though she looked quickly back to the revelers on the lower level, spying not one, but two trysts in the making, her gaze slid back to him after a moment.

“You’ll have a better view here,” Lucy offered, motioning to the space next to her. “Unless you’re hiding.”

@fairfaxanthony·

There was at least one comfort to be found in being sent to London to accompany his cousin -- and that was that such a responsibility left one with a long list of things that needed to be done at all times. Anthony was never one to lay idle. He was a naturally early riser and appreciated having something to do to fill the day. 

Maybe there were two upsides ( the latter much less of a comfort than the former ) but only because, as it turned out, the cousins were not as unalike as they’d first thought. They’d quickly built a rapport and found ways to make good of an otherwise less favourable situation. 

An unquestionable disadvantage to the linking of recluse and social butterfly was the latter’s tendency to accept invitations on the other’s behalf. The invite to Hertford House was one such example and one Harriet had cleverly decided to dip out of, citing such exhaustion that she could not possibly consider attending. Oh, but of course Anthony must still go! 

However begrudgingly, he did... and not for the first time since the start of the Season, instantly regretted it. Anthony sought consolation in a glass of deep red wine and in a wall to the side of the stairs. He considered the offer with a deep inhale when it came, sensing that ( as was always the case ) he had little choice in the matter. 

“A better view of precisely what I have been trying to avoid?” he questioned, though with a slight smile. Peering down into the crowd until he reached the young lady’s side, the Baronet met her gaze fleetingly and he bowed his head in greeting. “No, not hiding.” A pause. “Not yet, at least. Might I ask why you have not yet joined everyone?”

[fairfaxanthony]

Late Morning, Mayfair ; @stedfastasthou​

“See, this one compliments my complexion...”

Feigning interest as he glanced between cloth and cousin, Anthony hummed his understanding.

“... So as much as I appreciate your input, dear cousin, there are a few things you might need to learn first. I suppose at least now you know that certain colours go together and others decidedly do not.”

His response was a mute nod, accompanied by a silent prayer for escape, peace or... something ( anything ) along those lines.

Just as soon as he’d reconciled himself to his fate, Harriet had apparently had her fill of this particular dressmaker’s and Anthony found himself whirled back onto the street and settled in front of yet another ( quite appealing, actually ) store window. At least being outside offered a little more than ribbons and samples of fabric to look at.

As naive as it perhaps was, he had not expected to come across anyone he knew though the real surprise came with the lack of an urge to run away from the whole thing. Instead, Anthony found himself actively seeking out the familiar face.

“Lady Westhorpe!” he greeted with an uncharacteristically bright smile, “this is a fine morning. I hope it finds you well?”

Harriet leaned away from the storefront and edged closer, the picture of confusion as she spotted her famously quiet and unsociable cousin in conversation with another.

[fkaidanturner]

Poldarks and Recreation (x)

[oetravia]

1x03//4x06

[isabella-aldwyn]

🚪

“Hello, are you deliberately imitating this gaudy decoration?” Bella stopped short as she walked past a recess in the ballroom. In fact, she had floated past, halted as she reconsidered what she saw, and then stepped backwards to reconfirm. “You are not doing a very convincing one, I must tell you.” She said earnestly.

[fairfaxanthony]

isabella-aldwyn·:

Bella couldn’t help but chuckle along with the man. It had not been the first time that she had spotted Anthony since the beginning of the Season hiding behind a stray curtain or fern, and she doubted it would be the last if history was any indicator. “Hmm, perhaps you would have had better fortune if you stood by the floral arrangements. Though then your dark curls may expose you.” She shook her head dramatically. “No, I think it best if you simply hide in your carriage, perhaps home, just to avoid the festivities altogether, my Lord. You look utterly sullen. Is the Ball not your liking?”

He could already hear Harriet’s voice echoing -- demanding that he get a haircut. Anthony hadn’t the heart to tell her that he’d actually already had one, though evidently his curls had not maintained the shape they’d been forced into at the time. Still, not even the idea of becoming invisible to society would entice him into a further hairstyle change. “Perhaps... Though I think you are right in suggesting my hair let me down in that instance. It seems I cannot win, not even with the venture into a separate room entirely.” A brow arched, he turned to look incredulously at Isabella’s suggestion, fighting to keep a smile at bay to feign offence. “Oh, believe me when I say that if avoiding the festivities altogether was an option, I would very much be taking it.” Anthony gave a shrug, tilting his head slightly to look back into the ballroom. “... It is not so much that I am not fond of this ball in particular... Not that it matters, hm? I have very little choice, and so here I am -- and here I shall stay until my cousin decrees it is time to leave.”

[fairfaxanthony]

stedfastasthou·:

“Indeed it is, sir,” Sophia agreed, privately smiling at his neat skewering of the worst of society’s habits. “And your insight proves you all together better served by your absence from these places —and how much poorer the rest of us are for it.”

A final turn around each other before the music finished with a flourish and Sophia dipped into another curtsy to the man before rising up to join the polite round of clapping for the musicians. “Success to both of us then, Sir Anthony.”

Anthony bowed, half relieved and half disappointed that the most palatable chapter of the ball was coming to an end. Nevertheless, he was determined to consider it a victory -- and not just because he’d managed to survive. “Yes, success.” He agreed, tacking on one final statement before departing the floor. “I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening, Lady Westhorpe.”

---- fin. 

[fairfaxanthony]

stedfastasthou·:

“Their kind could find flaws with a saint,” she assured him. “Jesus Christ himself would be deemed too poor for their blessed daughters.” Perhaps that was blasphemy, but there was something blasphemous about the whole of high society, as seen from the depths of Sophia’s low class soul. After all, at these lofty heights, it was not murder or adultery which were mortal since: more passing inconveniences. No, the arch sin among the glitter and gilt was poverty.

As their hands touched in the crossing of the dance, Sophia smiled at him. “Regardless, sir, you have my best wishes for safe passage. Even if you think it unnecessary.”

He regarded the group once more before averting his gaze, acutely aware that paying them too much attention might bring theirs on to him. Quite frankly, that was the last thing he wanted ; particularly as Lady Westhorpe’s observations rang true. “Some would call that a special skill.” Though Anthony was decidedly not among them. “And yet pride is a sin, is it not? ... I think it is the hypocrisy that drives me from these places -- and people. Even if I know it is not a trait of all.” A hasty addition to an utterance that really should have remained a thought, as it was intended to be. 

Anthony returned the smile without hesitation, accepting the wish with a nod. “And I wish you the best in whatever it is you hope to achieve this season, my lady.”