isabellachvrchill:
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There was a chill in the London morning air, but Isabella paid it no mind at all. She had come out to the park, in part to enjoy the fresh hair. But of course, she enjoyed being seen, too, taking her turn around the gardens atop her horse in a fine riding habit - new, of course, silvery fabric shining in the sun, hat balanced just so over her dark curls . She eagerly soaked in the attention of onlookers, even as she dismounted from the horse, dabbing at her face delicately with a handkerchief.
“It’s so invigorating, isn’t it?” Isabella asserted in the direction of the person nearest her arm. “To be back in the city, with friends close at hand. Tell me, are you here to ride, or only to spectate?”
––– FOR REASONS UNBEKNOWNST to henrietta, she had never consummately endeared herself to the duchess of marlborough. not for any particular reason that he ton might choose to speculate on, but perhaps simply a lack of familiarity between the two women. nevertheless, the countess had heard, and mayhap even have started, numerous rumours on the duchess’ behalf –– particularly as it concerned the anguish she must have felt at losing her husband to amelia cavendish.
so, when spoken to by isabella churchill ––– the countess of jersey plasters nothing less than a spectacular grin upon her face, nodding ever so slightly in greeting. her hand still gripping the reins of her much beloved mare, she quipped, ❝ can one not achieve a healthy dose of both, your grace? ❞ momentarily admiring the woman’s smart riding habit, which no doubt reflected the newest fashions in london, henrietta smoothed the bodice of her own coat as she looked on, the sun warming her skin as the light breeze toyed with her hair. ❝ one rather feels that they are in a fish bowl while in london –– though to me, the feeling has never been unpleasant. and for yourself, duchess? do you prefer to be watched or to watch? ❞
