“The same thing that causes us to wear corsets from sunrise to set and continually parade about these lavish events. Society. Our mamas have been trained this way as shall we til the dawn of time. Men simply reek more benefits than we do.” Lifting the glass to her lips, she knew her mama would be giving her a good talking later for a lady surely did not and Lilith was now on her third. Nails taped against the glass softly as she watched couples form and join the dance in progress alongside Juliet, her head tilting softly in boredom as she turned to the lady. “Have you had a drink yet? Surely it helps to ease some of the intensity of such theatrics.” Lifting her brow, the lady smiled as she licked her lips clearing them of any reminisce of the liquor she had managed to sneak.
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Juliet scoffed, but not at Lilith, more to what her comments meant. “Well, my dear mama will have quite the challenge on her hands with me. Fortunately she is currently distracted by trying to marry my older brother off. If he survives the season without a wedding, then I am off the hook until the next one.” And with each passing year, her chances of a match became less and less, not that Juliet cared. If she could survive long enough without being married, perhaps her father would think it time to simply call her a spinster and allow her into the family business. She knew she would be far more use there than bearing children. “I confess, I have had more than one drink already. Too much more and I’ll be stumbling around like a fool.”
Edmund’s eyes widened, he feighned a look of shock on his face, but couldn’t stop himself from smiling at least a little bit. “Are you certain? How scandalous indeed, to have …relations, unmarried. I shall report that to Lady S straight away!” As much as he detested the scandal mongering of the ton, he couldn’t deny just how fun it was to engage with it, every once in a while. If he was in the particular mood, some evenings he simply wanted to retire from dancing and join the eager. gossiping mamas at the sidelines. Although no doubt the minute he woudl join them they’d surely try to marry him off to one of their children. “I wish I could say that I relate to your feelings somehow, but I cannot. As an only child, I have never had anyone to compete with, I’m afraid.” Edmund cleared his throat. The more he thought about it, it dawned on him that the only one he had ever had to compete with was his ex-fiancées now husband. And that hadn’t turned out in his favour, obviously - and thanks to the very Lady S they were joking about moments ago, he suspected the whole ton must know of it by now. “Do not put yourself in such a bad light, Miss Collier. I am most certain you are a diamond in a lot fo people’s eyes, you are a diamond of the first water in mine, anyway, for what it is worth.”
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“Now, now, it is only a rumour. Let us not ruin her plans even if it is true. If Lord Entwhistle falls into her trap then he’s out of the market and gets an heir, so we won’t have any more balls ruined by his warty countenance.” The scandal sheet was a source of amusement, but with no confirmation of the sources then Juliet could not say exactly what was true and what was not, and she liked to give the benefit of the doubt. She had heard the latest rumour about Edmund but did not give it much thought, thinking that even if it was true then his ex-fiancee had lost herself a good man for the sake of a title. “You are very kind to say so, Mr. Andrassy, but being the season’s diamond draws too much attention and too many suitors that must be turned away. One could not go anywhere without being mobbed by a gaggle of suitors like geese chasing breadcrumbs.”
He threw a quick look over his shoulder, across the dancefloor where Lord Enwhistle was stood, a safe distance away from the two - but rather close to a gaggle of young ladies, eagerly waiting to have someone escort them to the dancefloor. “Well, judging by the look on Miss Barbara’s face, I suppose she is already making plans to build some muscle, to avoid the last Lady Enwhistle’s fate.”, he commented and bit his lip, so as not to let a laugh slip out. It wasn’t at all like him, somewhat enjoying himself at a ball, or starting to. It had become quite unusal to him, but by no means unwelcome. Edmund spun her around. “Oh, I had actually thought about leaving the ball altogether before you approached me.”, he said, glad that he hadn’t, “I am not one for social events, you see. I feel watched everywhere I go, feel my every move judged, and I am not certain whether it is due to Lady S mentioning my name or because several young ladies have been advised by their mamas about my fortune. Either way, it is not a very nice feeling. Heavens, I can only imagine what it must be like for you, as a woman, taking part in the season. You must feel watched everywhere you go.”
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As they spun around the dancefloor and Juliet had the chance to look at the woman in question, she sniggered. “She is welcome to him. I heard she’s trying to secure a marriage as quickly as possible this season. I wonder if it has anything to do with that kitchen boy that she’s been seen with.” An accidental pregnancy would said any young woman into a panic and she would marry anyone to claim he was the father and avoid her reputation being ruined. “She had better secure a proposal before Lady S catches wind of that story.” It was a shame to hear that Edmund had been considering leaving the ball early, as he was one of the few young men she felt she could have a decent conversation with. Most of them were either puffed up and self-important or firmly pressed under their mother’s thumb, and she liked to converse with people who had a sense of humour. “I have grown used to the watchful eyes. When you grow up in constant competition with your older brother, the competition in the marriage market seems trivial by comparison. But I am not spied upon as much any more.” She sighed dramatically but the mischievous glint still twinkled in her eyes. “I am afraid I will never be the diamond of the season.”
People walked about enjoying the food and drinks her family supplied as the lady found herself nibbling on her bottom lip. Surely this many people couldn’t live in their town, she had sworn that at least twenty of the faces were new yet approaching her was one she had grown accustomed to. A small smile graced her lips as she bowed her head softly to Juliet, “Ah yes my boastful mamas way of surely snagging me an engagement I do not want, and how are you this evening Juliet?” She questioned her eyes drifting to the parade of men and women all about.
@julietcollier
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Juliet smiled wistfully, knowing exactly how she felt. Thankfully her own mother’s attentions were currently focused on finding her brother a wife, so she could avoid a marriage herself at least until he was married off. “Dodging the attentions of men old enough to be my grandfather,” Fortunately Lord Entwhistle seemed currently distracted by the vast spread of food. “I don’t know what it is about these older men who assume any woman unmarried at my age would be so desperate that she would chain herself to some disgusting warthog.”
Lord have mercy upon his soul, Edmund had been entertaining the idea of leaving the ball the minute he had arrived. From the moment he had strode into Wickford’s, the young heir had felt the weight of at least a dozen pairs of eyes weighing heavy and uneasy on him, like the young Atlas carrying the globe on his shoulders. Everywhere he went he felt watched, like he was the sole center of attention. Though this may well be how everyone present this evening, whose name had been mentioned in the last edition fo Lady S’ society paper, felt. A waiter walked by with a tray of champagne glasses and, without hesitation really, he took a glass and downed it - locking eyes with Miss Collier at the exact moment. “ Miss Collier, I would be honored to save you and escort you to the dancefloor.”, he said with a charming smile and a small bow, taking her hand in his to lead her away. His eyes glanced towards Lord Enwhistle for a brief moment, Edmund had to stop himself from gagging. “While I am in no way surprised that someone as lovely as you has caught the attention of Lord Entwhistle, I am sorry, though. I suppose there is much better company to be kept than this cretin of a man. Do be careful or you might find yourself the target of his pursuit to find the next Lady Enwhistle.” He leaned in, voice dropping slightly.” I do believe it is the fourth now. - But aside from that, how have you been enjoying your evening so far.”
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A look of relief graced her features as Edmund escorted her onto the dancefloor. A brief glance over her shoulder confirmed that it had been just in the nick of time as Lord Entwhistle now stood scowling by a server holding a tray of champagne. He really did manage to look like the love child of a pig and dog’s rear end. “We can only hope some other poor soul captures his attention. I do not want to spend the entire season trying to escape his advances.” She doubted her brother would allow such a match but she was definitely fearful that her father might accept a proposal from Lord Entwhistle. Juliet suppressed a giggle at Edmund’s whispering in her ear, knowing just how quite right he was. “Rumour has it the last one was crushed underneath him on the wedding night.” She shuddered, praying she would be able to avoid the same fate if that bit of gossip was true. “The drink is flowing, so that should be enough to keep me entertained for a while. Yourself?”
Juliet was a few glasses into the delicious wine that the De’Boux’s were serving and was feeling much more relaxed in the space than she usually would, but she was growing tired of standing on the sidelines when the dancefloor looked so much more fun. “Lord Dominic,” She said by way of greeting to the other guest. “Would you care to dance?”
If there was one thing Juliet loved about a ball, it was good food and drink and the De’Boux family had evidently not spared any expense. She was strolling around the perimeter of the room, avoiding the dance floor when she came upon one of the gracious hosts. “Lady Lilith,” She raised her wine glass to her, already a little bit tipsy. “This is divine, congratulations on what promises to be a very successful first ball of the season.”
A ball was always good fun, but there were definite pitfalls when they occurred during the season. It could be so competitive and the tactics that people used against each other if they thought someone else was trying to charm the person they had their eye on were drastic at times. Not to mention the leering stares. She could see one aimed in her direction right now and as she silently prayed for Lord Entwhistle to stay on the other side of the room, he began heading in her direction. Juliet desperately sought out a familiar face and made a beeline for Edmund once she spotted him. “Mr Andrássy, please save me.” She spoke in hushed tones, casting a glance over her shoulder. “Lord Entwhistle seems intent upon pursuing me again and I cannot bear the thought of dancing with him.”
With a frown, he looked up to her, studying her face for a moment. Rummaging about in his brain, despreately trying to find where he had stored the name that fit the face. It came to him after a second. “ I mean if you are certain that you would like to spend your afternoon with me then please, take a seat. “, he said, offering her as kind a smile as he could manage. “ Miss Collier, is it? I believe we reside on the same street. Do excuse me for not recalling your name a moment ago, as you may know I have been away with the navy for a couple years before this season. How are you doing?”
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She took no offence to his forgetfulness, it was a welcome break during the season to know at least one person wasn’t gossiping about you. “Yes, Juliet Collier.” She smiled as she took the seat across from him and waved away his apologies with a flick of her hand. “Don’t worry, I take no offence.” A server came to the table to take her request and she ordered a pot of tea and a scone for herself. “Would you like anything? Consider it my treat for your kind gesture.”
it had been a foolish idea, to say the least. if edmund wished for some peace andf quiet, the tearoom during the beginning of the bustling social season was definitely not the place to go. alas, he found himself sat at a small table, a cup of tea and a piece of cake in front of him, and the eyes of amitious mamas, curious spectators and looming chaperones burned into his back. he ought to leave, he really ought -
edmunds’ strain of thought was interrupted by a figure moving into his field of vision. “ oh - would you like me to move to have the table ? i am just about to leave, anyways.”
The tearoom was far more crowded than it usually was at this time and Juliet considered just walking straight back out the door when a voice piqued her interest. “Are you sure? I’d hate for you to feel pushed off of your own table simply because I did not think ahead to how busy it would be.” She eyed the rest of the tearoom, noting that no other table seemed close to paying their bill and departing anytime soon. “We could always share it?”
the raucous noise of the gambling den which has oft been maisie’s evening haunt of late, washes over her like waves on the shore. she stands a few paces from the faro table — and a few paces from her looming chaperone — watching on with an amused expression playing on her features. noticing that she is not the lone spectator, she turns her chin toward the other, “ are you going to join a game at all this evening? ”, her voice carries lazily above the hubbub, “ personally i prefer to spectate, you know you can learn a lot about a person by how they act in a game of chance. ”
Juliet much preferred Wickford’s in the evening. Most of the simpering young ladies had given up on their day’s coquettish attempts at attracting a suitor, the drink flowed more heavily and a lot of people were able to drop the prim and proper façade. It felt honest, and despite the rowdiness of the environment, somehow it was relaxing. She was spectating a game when a voice reached her ear and she looked over to its source. “A lady should never gamble.” She made the effort of raising her voice and sounding as scandalised as possible for the benefit of her chaperone, and a quick glance informed her that he was focused on a game of his own and not paying her the attention he should have been. Not that it bothered her. “Then again...” She looked back to her fellow spectator with a wicked smirk. “There’s nothing like a game of chance to rush the blood.”
“ i wouldn’t know — ” she retorts with a shrug, “ i haven’t seen the man in years. ” and despite that, despite time and distance between them, she does believe she knows sebastian collier quite well … more than she should be proud to admit ( so she doesn’t, keeps her silence ). “ oh ? your mother wishes him to wed ? how interesting. i’m sure he won’t take too kindly to that. ”
“I am sure our mother’s matchmaking determination is what made him stay away for so long in the first place. At least her attentions are on him now rather than me.” A little selfish of her perhaps, but she couldn’t help but feel bitter. If Sebastian was to be prized as the heir and favourite, then let him deal with all that entailed - including finding a suitable match to continue the family legacy with. Marriage was an area in which she was happy to be overlooked. “It will be a battle of wills for certain, but mother might just be able to secure a win if she can find a face pretty enough to hold his attention.”
“ men are careless, ” she responds, with a wave of her hand and a laugh, “ leave it to them to not treasure their well made things. for example, my father’s coats are always missing buttons and he never notices. a right shame, but it’s what keeps dear madame lacroix in business — that and the exquisite gowns she makes. ” she thinks for a moment, unsure if she wants to let on how pleased she is that sebastian collier has made his return to thistle gardens. “ your brother is back in london, then ? does he plan to stay for long ? ”
“My brother more so than most.” Juliet sighed, but it was all in jest. Anyone who knew of the Collier family knew that despite their bickering, Juliet and Sebastian would always take care of one another. “Yes, recently returned after eight years on his travels. I have missed him dearly, although I haven’t missed his laundry.” She patted the top of the box fondly. “I am not sure how long. Perhaps he will flee as soon as possible since mother is already determined to get him on the marriage market this season.”
apology is greeted with warmth radiating from her smile, quite relieved that juliet didn’t make a fuss out of her misstep. she too crouches down to help her retrieve the remaining boxes, placing the packages back in her awaiting arms. “ good — good. i’m glad. lots of tailoring to do, yes ? ” she questions, gesturing to the stack of packages. “ madame delacroix is the best, so i’m not surprised you have her busy. ”
“Yes, mostly my brother’s shirts.” Juliet laughed as she rearranged the boxes into a more manageable stack. “How he has managed to tear so many in such a short space of time I do not know.” She tutted. “Much less do I know why I am running his errands for him.” Another business meeting with father, and since she was not privy to their discussions she thought it prudent to get out of the house rather than traipse around the place wondering what they were talking about.
If there was one thing about the season that Juliet enjoyed, it was the gossip. And there was no better place to overhear the juiciest tidbits thanIsabelle’s Tea Room. At least under Lady Scarlet’s newsletter came out. The Colliers had been mentioned in the sheet previously, but they had not been involved in anything worthy of Lady Scarlet’s attention as of late, for which Juliet could only be thankful.
As her ears practically twitched to catch anything interesting, Juliet felt rather like a rabbit with pricked ears and inquisitive little nose in the air. So far, nothing good. Just a rumour about Lady Barbara’s choice of gown for the next ball, and that was hardly newsworthy as she always chose salmon pink. Rather disappointed, Juliet took a sip of her tea and hoped that at least someone interesting would enter the tea shop to save her from overhearing such vapid conversation.
status : open
location : just outside madame lacroix’s dress shop
@scandalrp-starters
she leaves the shop in a whirlwind, turned out before the next set of customers is pulled right in. she has plenty of gowns at home, as does her sister, but the latest and best is required of them ( of both of them ) for the season. “ someone will be by at the end of the week to pick those up, ” she shouts over her shoulder, as the door shuts behind her. gaze is still focused backward as she takes a step forward, clearly not looking where she’s going as she slams into another. “ pardon me, ” she gasps, finding her footing again, “ how clumsy of me. ”
Juliet was so concerned with her delicate balancing act of boxes that she was quite oblivious to her direction. That is, until a sudden, although perhaps not unexpected collision sent them crashing to the floor. “Oh think nothing of it. The fault was mine for not paying better attention.” She stooped down to retrieve the boxes, relieved that there was nothing of particular value in them - just a nightdress of hers and a handful of her brother’s shirts that needed mending. “See, it is all quite alright.”
* ˖・ﾟ⧓ :: heida reed, cis woman, she/her — Lady S has her eye on MISS JULIET COLLIER and they should be flattered and terrified. The TWENTY SEVEN year old is a HEIRESS and has chosen to place their loyalty with CARNATION ROW, a very intriguing move on their part. SHE is STRONG-WILLED and INTELLIGENT, yet Lady S believes them to be SPOILED and ARROGANT. Do not fret loyal readers, their secrets will be in print very soon. ( em, 25, gmt, she/her )
BACKGROUND: (credit to @colliheir)
Juliet is the secondborn child of clementine and Augustus collier. her maternal grandfather was a jeweler in his prime, best known for crafting engagement rings for all of thistle gardens’ wealthy and prominent, while Augustus came from generations of coal miners. it was a thankless job with few benefits short of the meagre pay that was barely enough to scrape by, but instead of settling into complacency, Augustus always sought more.
One autumn evening, after the rest of the crew went home for the night, he finally got his wish. anyone could have stumbled across what would become known as the collier diamond, but augustus swore it was his destiny. instead of alerting his superior, he gathered his findings and fled, leaving his old life behind without so much as goodbye.
London was a great place to lay low and plan his next move. it would have been easy to simply cash in on the diamonds and live out the rest of his days comfortably, but augustus had always been a forward thinker. he made contact with down-on-his-luck jeweler wilson wright, and the two forged an alliance both professional and personal. augustus and wilson’s daughter clementine married the following spring, and thus the collier empire was born.
JULIET:
Growing up on carnation row, the Collier children wanted for nothing. the Collier home was three floors of ostentatious luxury, the family’s claim to status evident in every inch of their jewel - encrusted surroundings. while their father and grandfather were often away wooing clients or overseeing the collier mines, the children were raised by their mother and a small army of staff.
As the secondborn child, and a daughter as well, Juliet always felt in constant competition with her older brother. She knew that she could never equal him in their parents eyes - after all, a firstborn son is the ultimate goal for every family with a fortune, so that the family empire continues in the correct name.
Despite knowing the futile nature of her efforts, Juliet persisted in trying to prove that she was worth as much as her older brother. She was a dedicated student, and pursued every avenue of education that was available to her, especially in areas that could be beneficial to the family legacy. She became quite the expert in jewels and their worth, and could spot a fake gem a mile away. Certainly a skill that would be advantageous to a family that made their money from such jewels, and yet Juliet was awarded an endearing pat on the head and an amused chuckle that implied her skill was nothing more than a privileged young lady’s interest in pretty sparkly things.
Even though she has competed against her brother every day of her life, Juliet would not be without Sebastian for the world. They might bicker and taunt each other relentlessly, but heaven forbid someone else make a derogatory comment about either of them - they would soon find themselves under attack from a loyal and protective sibling!
When their grandfather died and Sebastian was even closer to ruling their family empire, Juliet hoped that her brother might take her on board and listen to her ideas for the business as no one else had, but instead he was whisked away on a worldwide tour by their father, who was keen to induct his son into the family legacy.
Unfortunately for Juliet, her mother had been intensely focused on making a match for her son, and with him gone, that attention turned to her. In her brother’s absence, Juliet has been desperately trying to avoid her mother’s scheming and matchmaking. So far she has managed to evade multiple suitors and proposals keen to connect themselves to the Collier family, but her mother grows more devious in her matchmaking by the day and Juliet knows she cannot avoid the manipulations forever. Her only hope is Sebastian’s return from his travels, as she is certain their mother will quickly switch her matchmaking determination back to him and perhaps leave her in peace.
