- the altruist -

Dr. Peter Singh-Collins of Birmingham

[in-singh]

Goodness, MR. PETER SINGH-COLLINS has arrived in London. HE is 27, of the BIRMINGHAM COLLINS. Though they are RETURNED to the Season, we can only describe them as THOUGHTFUL and AMIABLE, dear reader. Accompanied by HIS GRANDMAMA and SISTER, they have settled in and are accepting social calls. But be warned: they are known for their RECLUSIVENESS.

about peter | family 

[in-singh]

majorjasperlovell​:

“Good, they can be… intense might be the kindest word. I assume they’ve already asked you to inform them of anything I might say. They’ve made similar requests in the past.” Jasper said bluntly, watching the doctor unpack his things. His last physician was his cellmate in France. Jasper couldn’t bare to have anyone else touch him at the time, so he had been a resident of Lovell’s for a time. Dr. Trueman’s loyalty was to his patient, never hid anything from Jasper. 

Jasper stared curiously at his doctor, allowing himself to be examined. “I have to be or this house will feel like a hospital.” It may have been a joke, but Jasper knew there was some truth in what he was saying. Home felt rigid. It was too perfect, and Jasper wished for a bit of chaos in his orderly home. “Let me guess, you are the mature. perfect child. I imagine your mother is proud.” If his tone was a bit bitter, it wasn’t intentional. 

His joking ceased as the doctor reached for his shirt collar to examine his shoulder. Jasper’s body tensed. He was silent as the doctor moved the fabric, his heart beating rapidly as the doctor glanced at the long scar across his neck. Jasper stared at the floor, not making eye contact. “That sounds terrible about your father. Life is cruel.” He mumbled, waiting for the inevitable question. “Today feels like a three. It’s a dull ache currently.” Sad, guarded eyes finally meet the doctor’s, daring him to ask.

----

My mama  hardly acknowledges my presence, never mind my career.” said Peter distractedly, Immediately he regretted his words, and hesitated. “I know she’s proud of me, but she worries. To the point of exhaustion.” He looked around the spacious quarters, "I suppose this would be a dank and arid place to recuperate.” said the doctor.  A little fresh air throughout would do wonders for the Major’s health, but perhaps that was would only make Peter’s job harder.

The young doctor feigned concern at Jasper’s rating of three. His wound was mostly healed, and healing quite nicely, but still had a small ways to go. This relieved Peter as it would at least buy him some time. He swallowed down his guilt and continued with his inspection. “A three is not bad. Three we can work with. My job is to get you to zero. Less than, if possible.” He says, lifting the injured arm sideways at the elbow, checking for points of tension. “Any pain when I do this?” Peter asks. “I can prescribe you Laudanum if you like. I imagine you’ve got plenty of experience taking it.”

The affable man in him wanted to ask Jasper if he had attempted anything social since arriving back to London. A little activity wouldn’t hurt, and it would put his professional heart at ease to know he’d suggested something helpful, but he remained silent.

[in-singh]

sovereiigna​:

She moved steadily and gracefully through the crowds, making sure to pause briefly and acknowledge the greetings and commentary of those gathered around her. The last thing she wanted to do was to seem too eager, untrained in the niceties their society deemed all important, and so she did her best to take her time.

All the same… it was impossible to mistake her intent. The princess wanted to dance.

Unlike the men in the room, she could not simply ask to be waltzed around the ballroom. Like the other young women, she would have to stand on the outskirts and wait – though Marina hardly thought that would be any sort of a problem. One or another of the eyes she felt following her about the space would, inevitably, work up the courage to be the first to approach her. Her gaze flicked to Peter, and for a moment, she met the doctor’s eyes. She couldn’t quite tell if that tensing in the pit of her stomach was anxiety, or something else. Certainly, a dance would afford them the opportunity to speak more privately, would give her a chance to apologize… if he would take her up on the silent invitation. She had maneuvered the pieces as best she could. Now all she could do was wait to see if he was willing to engage in the game.

---

Blanche Collins had never moved so quickly as this moment when she flung herself away from her grandson. After five long years of dragging him along to parties and balls just to see him flounder on the sidelines, he was being approached — and by the princess nonetheless!

Once he had gathered his wits and seen his grandmother safely into another gentleman’s arms, Peter mustered any confidence and bravado he could manage and put them into a steady stride to meet Princess Marina in the middle of the dance floor.

His next thought certainly would later haunt him and make him cringe, but the moment felt akin to the climax of one of the many fairytales his nanny had read to him and his sister as babies. Though the crowd did not exactly part like the Red Sea, all eyes did go to the two of them as the distance finally closed between them. And this time, Peter had control over his body.

The doctor bowed low to the princess and offered an arm, whispering, “I do so hope you were coming to me and not some other, more dashing gent. For that would mean I am a fool.”

[in-singh]

majorjasperlovell​:

The Lord and Lady both smiled as Peter took their bribe. Joshua Lovell stood up, frantically shaking Peter’s hand. “You are saving our son. I know the circumstances are not the best, but morally this is the right choice.” He assured the doctor.

“We expect confidentially, doctor. Anything you see, learn, or our son tells you needs to be kept a secret. And if he tells you anything that could put him in danger, we want to be informed. ” Lady Lovell said sternly. “If you have questions, do ask later. It’s time for you to meet our son.”

~

Jasper was engrossed in the Vicar of Wakefield when he heard a knock at the door. He hollered for whomever to come in, staying reclined on his bed. It was not unusual for his mother and father to enter together, but a third, unfamiliar person followed them. He placed his book on his nightstand, sitting up on his bed. His room was messy, with books open on the floor and clothes in a pile in the corner of the room. The maids saved his room for last.

“You must be the doctor, or this is a strange present from my mama.” Both parents frowned at Jasper’s reply. His mother gestured for him to stand. Jasper chuckled, standing and bowing to the doctor.

“Jasper Lovell, future Baron Lovell.” He says respectfully, glancing at his mother, who nods in approval. Jasper side eyes the doctor, shrugging.

“We will leave you both alone.” Lord Lovell says, smiling, laying a hand on Jasper’s shoulder. He flinches at the contact, and his father looks aghast, frantically apologizing. Jasper winks at his father, “Got you. I’m fine.”

His father shakes his head, hands covering his face, and leaves the room without a word. Constance Lovell gives her son a frown before following her husband out. With the door shut, Jasper lets out a loud breath. He flops back on his bed, turning his head to look at the doctor.

“My mother is quite intimating, so if she did any scaring, I’m sorry. She is protective and what not.” The words feel rehearsed. The number of times he had to apologize, worried that she may have been inadvertently rude again, was too many to count. Yet, the doctor hadn’t left, so he may be over-analyzing something that wasn’t there.

Jasper took a moment to observe the doctor. He was younger than most of the physicians he met. His clothing fit him correctly and seemed to be in good condition, a bit worn maybe. If Jasper were to stand, he would be taller than the doctor. The man seemed like a good sort, by appearance at least. Jasper sat up, giving the doctor his full attention. “You’re younger than most doctors I know. Did you come out of the womb practicing medicine? Or, are you a genius?” He asked, jokingly.

-

As Lord Lovell shook his hand, the weight of Peter’s sudden decision settled on his shoulders and he immediately wished he could take back his words. Not only was it completely immoral to act behind a patient’s back, but what happens if Peter fails to keep their son home bound? What would this gentleman think of him if he were to find out that his parents were pulling the strings behind his back? His career could be at stake.

The looks on the couple’s faces quelled Peter’s worries a bit, for he knew what it was to miss someone. He knows how it feels to be so desperate to keep a loved one safe and away from further harm. So he mindlessly nodded, managed a half smile and followed the pair down the hall.

The room he was lead into was fairly dark, but not drearily so like many sick rooms he had encountered. It was very obviously the patient’s private sleeping quarters, and the energy was much lighter than Peter had expected. He watched closely as the gentleman, or Jasper, stood to greet him. Peter chuckled at his opening quip, feeling a little more relaxed than before. He returned the bow and clasped his hands behind his back, surveying the room further.

The flinch Jasper expresses does not go unnoticed, but even if it is a joke on his part, the worry on Lord and Lady Lovell’s faces increases tenfold and it becomes abundantly clear what their mission is. Peter follows Jasper back to his bed and begins to unpack his medical kit. “You mother cares deeply for you, that is clear.” He replies. “Your father as well. They were perfectly cordial.”

The contents now placed at the table next to the bed, Peter took this time to begin a basic examination of Jasper. “I take it you are the jester of your family.” He checked both of his eyes for any signs of shrapnel or burn damage and then double checked his pulse before moving on to the main attraction: the injured shoulder. He cleared his throat as he pulled back the fabric and inspected the wound. “I decided to leave university when my pa died. He was a physician as well and I strive to carry on his legacy.” He gently prodded the scar to check for any signs of internal injury or and tenderness. “On a scale from one to ten, ten being searing pain, how does this feel?”

[in-singh]

💕 = What are your muse’s thoughts on parenting and being a parent even if they aren’t one?

As a young man, Peter always imagined he would be a young father, much like his own. When his marriage arrangement was dissolved, the idea slipped away. As he approaches his thirties, he is somewhat indifferent to the idea. Sure, he would love nothing more than to carry his father's legacy on, but until he finds the right woman to share his life with, he is not worried about it.

[in-singh]

🥭 : how important to my muse is their hometown, or where they’re from? are they proud of it, or considered a hometown hero? did they move away, or do they wish to?

Peter enjoyed being raised in Birmingham. However when he began attending the season, he came to realize just how different London was. While he is always going to be grateful for his time in Birmingham, Peter is not attached to it. Since his father's death, the town and his home there holds the dark memories of mourning Alfred.

[in-singh]

😞 = Finding an orphaned child would your muse opt to take them in, find someone more qualified, or just leave them?

Peter would absolutely take the child in and care for them, but his job keeps him away from home for much of the day and would worry about leaving them. Unless he had a wife to share the responsibilities, he would find it better for the child to live in a more stable home.

[majorjasperlovell]

January 27th | Lovell Park | @in-singh

Jasper reclined on his bed, book in hand, as his mother continued on with one of her speeches. The Vicar of Wakefield provides a welcome distraction from listening to her plans for him. If it were possible, Constance Lovell would plan out his entire life, not that she hasn’t made any attempts. 

“Your new physician will be coming today.” She finished. Jasper finally looks up from his book. He sets the book on his chest.

Keep reading

[in-singh]

It was not at all uncommon for a member of London society to request a house call. Aside from his charitable work on the rougher side of town, Peter was also committed to treating the wealthy. It was how he made most of his earnings, as wealthier patients were free with their funds. A simple check up could earn him enough to survive on for a month, if the family was grateful enough. One family in particular was so pleased with his treatment of an feverish child that they gifted him gold cuff links and a ruby brooch. The latter of course was given to his sister on her birthday.

What was uncommon however, was being summoned to a home to treat a patient who did not actually ask for his services themselves. Peter would never be ignorant as to turn down such a request, which is how he found himself sitting across from the Constance and Joshua Lovell. There was a thick cloud of tension throughout the sitting room, which never provided a good environment as far as Peter’s work was concerned. He listened to the Baroness animatedly, taking sips in between nods of his head. “I guess my reputation precedes me.” said Peter awkwardly. “While I have not worked on the battlefront, I have treated many a bullet wound.”

He rested the teacup on his knee as the maid refilled it and politely declined her offer of scones. The second Peter heard the sound of the sack being slid across the table, his heart sunk. So this was why their son did not request him personally. “I see.” He spoke solemnly. “My lord, I should warn you that I do not take kindly to being bribed.” Peter felt stuck. It went against everything he stood for to exaggerate a diagnosis. Yet, the money would help. He would not need to rely on his grandmother to take care of his sister’s new wardrobe. He could fix his carriage, hell he could purchase a new one! The more Peter thought of it, the ends did somewhat justify the means. He supposed there was no harm in trying to help this gentleman.

The doctor sat up and set his cup on it’s saucer. “However, I can understand the seriousness of you and your wife’s concern, so while I do not approve of working behind a patient’s back, I don’t see the harm in having a look at his injury for purely medical reasons.”

[in-singh]

misterdowding​:

Thomas laughed under his breath and shook his head, blue eyes twinkling with a sort of amusement. “I’ve never tried to butter you up, Peter.” On the contrary, as fickle as his interests were, Thomas was always quite genuine about the compliments he shared. His affections were short lived but the thing about Thomas was that he believed in each one of them wholeheartedly, up until the day that he no longer did. When that day arrived, he cut them off like a split end, not caring what it turned into without him.

Peter had caused some resentment by his sudden disappearance and lack of attempts at maintaining their friendship, but Thomas would not flatter him falsely. 

He listened, leaned back comfortably in his seat with his legs crossed. Brows rose at Peter’s question, unsure where it came from. “Not at all,” he assured with a shake of his head, “I was listening. Do you enjoy your line of work, then?”

 Thomas wanted to ask why he never wrote after he left Oxford, why he didn’t care enough about their friendship to keep in touch but such questions scared him. He was not for confrontation, even if it might offer closure. He would rather pretend he was not wounded. 

“The medical field has always seemed such a ghastly thing to me,” he admitted, “I am sure you’ve seen many horrible things in your work, things which would not be polite to speak of. Though … You know, many of the best poems do? Poems about death and decay, it is not a matter I can write well about due to my lack of experience but I do enjoy reading them.”

---

“Well then I thank you and must admit that it is quite the relief that you have remained kind and honest in your years since university.” It had been almost eight years since Peter had attended Oxford. His father passed away a week before final exams for the term, forcing Peter to leave for home. Grief and the overwhelming obligation to keep his family afloat outweighed any desire to finish school. He’d planned to attend medical college anyway, but instead went for an apprenticeship. Leaving his friends back in Oxford was not a regret until he began attending social events in London, and found that knowing absolutely no one was not beneficial.

It came as a relief that Thomas was actually following his responses. It was never uncommon for friends to lose interest when listening to Peter speak of his work. Not everyone had passion for such a subject as medicine. Beyond this, he also thought that perhaps his friend had been wondering why the doctor had never thought to write. If true, he would kindly remind him that the door swings both ways.

He smiled at the question, crossing and uncrossing his arms. “Yes, I enjoy it immensely. It has take hard work to get where I am, but I do feel that I am doing what I was always meant to.”

So much time had passed since Peter’s exit from university and he truly had not thought about his time there ever if at all. Obviously he carried fond memories of late nights at the card tables and snowball fights in front of the dormitories, but nothing beyond that. “What about you? Certainly you are doing quite well for yourself. What brought you to London?”

[in-singh]

🤔 - What’s something they’ll never understand?

How his father, who was kind and open-minded, was the son of such a gruff, severely ignorant gentleman.

[in-singh]

🤡 - What’s something dumb they’re embarrassed about? 

Peter is still a bit ashamed of his sudden begging off from Oxford.

[in-singh]

🎲 - Pick a random question to answer from this list.

🐒 - What’s their favorite animal? 

Peter grew up near a horse farm and as a child he would go and watch the horses run. He’s not the best equestrian, but he would love to become more acquainted with the sport.

[in-singh]

😒 Envy

Is your muse the jealous type? Why? Peter isn’t the jealous type, no. Though he cannot help a ping of the feeling when a lady he admires passes him over for a twit of a gentleman.

Does your muse have a rival? Not at the moment, or that he is aware of. Though he does have somewhat of a competition with the more traditional physicians of London.

Is your muse very petty? How so? Not usually. He tends to stay out of conflict.

Has your muse ever sought revenge? Not since childhood when he tried to set a box of toads free into his grandfather’s washroom. He was thwarted by miss Margaret Mulgrave.

For what reasons does your muse usually envy others? If he envies anyone, it is usually because they have gained something simply by being wealthy and prolifically born.

Does your muse want to be envied? Why or why not? No. However he often wonders what it would be like to have the most beautiful woman on his arm. That envy would be worth it.

[in-singh]

🍔 Gluttony

🍔 Gluttony

Is your muse a good cook? Peter is a decent cook, yes.

Does your muse have a sweet tooth? It depends on the time of day. He enjoys a nice tea cake in the afternoon before returning to his rounds.

What is your muse’s favorite food? Curried Mutton stew

Do they eat healthy, or tend to eat a lot of junk food? Peter pretends that he eats well, but sometimes his schedule does not allow for it.

Are they in the habit of judging the diet of others? Why? Generally, yes, because he is a doctor who has to tell men when to put down the bottle or to cut back on the pies.

Do they have any metaphorical hungering? Yes… Peter hungers for acceptance in society and for the affection of a woman.

[in-singh]

😡 Wrath

Does your character anger easily? Why or why not? No. Peter prides himself on his ability to stay calm under pressure, as that is an important quality to have as a physician.

Describe a point where your muse was the maddest they’ve ever been. The first time he lost a patient due to a senior physician's ignorance, or when his paternal grandfather made a callous remark about his mother.

Is your muse easy to disappoint? How so? Peter is a cautious optimist, so he never truly lets himself care too muc.

Is your muse physically strong? He may be lanky, but he is mighty.

How does your muse act toward anger from others? This is when Peter’s protective side jumps out, especially in the presence of those he loves.

Does your muse see intimidation as a good tactic to gain respect? Absolutely not. Intimidation is a sign of ignorance and disrespect, two things Peter abhors.

[in-singh]

🍷- How do they feel about alcohol? 

Peter enjoys imbibing just as much as the average gentleman, but he doesn't like drinking to excess. He doesn't have any issue with his anyone else doing so, but when Peter does, he becomes forlorn.

[in-singh]

🍳 - How well can they cook? 

Peter is not a bad cook. Though he grew up with a housekeeper and cook, his mother was involved in the kitchen and taught him the basics. He took to it rather easily, unlike his sister.