honey and wildfire are both the color of gold

Lady Margaret Harcourt. Countess of Harcourt, Heiress to the Duchy of Marlborough. The Ingenue. Twenty-Five.

[margaretmulgrave]

Goodness, MARGARET HARCOURT has arrived in London. SHE is 25, of the MARLBOROUGH MULGRAVES. Though they are RETURNED to the Season, we can only describe them as OBSERVANT and DEPENDABLE, dear reader. Accompanied by HER HUSBAND EARL HARCOURT, AND PET BEAGLE, BARNABY, they have settled in and are accepting social calls. But be warned: they are known for their INSECURITY.

Biography

Her parents would never come out and say it, but Margaret knows she is something of a disappointment. Not because of anything she could help, of course. But she’s not the son her parents wanted and seem to need so desperately. She still wants to make them happy though, to gain that ever so gentle smile of approval. And heaven knows, Margaret tries. She’s well-read, fits in with her peers, and keeps up with all of the fashions of the season- but every time she seems to take a step forward a sibling lost seems to push everything back.

She finds solace elsewhere. Her friends, and Great Aunt mostly.  Margaret wants to be everything, but she can feel the pressure mounting on her shoulders because as it stands, she is the sole daughter of a Duke. So, she is the only thing, and as much as she strives for perfection Margaret stumbles and slips. Her daydreaming and curiosity expands, so she scandalizes her family and wounds her own heart in the process.

Everything, including Margaret, is sent away and made clean like a stain removed from a frock. Then, just as soon as she returns Margaret is thrust into The Season, because it’s the one step she hasn’t taken. The one expectation not yet complete. If she could just find a suitor and get married as swiftly as possible, it would be like there was never a scandal with the Mulgrave’s at all.

Dark Past

She hadn’t intended to fall in love with a local farmer, but it happened nonetheless. The occasional market days she walked through Marlborough with her Great Aunt only got more frequent after she first met him. After Margaret’s gaze began to expand beyond the privileged walls of her upbringing she couldn’t help but wonder beyond the poise and decorum. She would have given it all away too, to be with him, in love; and build something of her own. However, once her parents found out, they shipped her away to the continent and made sure the farmer was promptly removed from Marlborough altogether.

Personality & Traits

Margaret is known for being outgoing, kind, and dependable. She enjoys games, parties, and company, though that isn’t to say she is a stranger to solitude either. As much as she tries to fit in and please people, she can just as easily retreat into herself. She has a critical and curious nature that can appear from time to time and she is often left feeling conflicted over the life that’s set out for her. In these moods she can also tend to daydream and fall into melancholy. It’s the mistakes that stick with her the longest.

Margaret’s Connection Page Here 

Margaret’s Bio Task Here 

[thetonhq]

Welcome to Meme Friday at The Ton! 🧣  Each Friday, we’ll post one or two memes for characters to reblog on their accounts. Reblogging the meme specifies that you are accepting asks from it, and that you’re also sending asks out to others. Feel free to reblog and answer memes until end of day Sunday. After that, save what’s left over in your inbox for the next Meme Friday. Enjoy!

Card Suits

The meaning behind each of the cards in a common deck of cards is not a commonly known thing. Send in a card and a suit for the corresponding headcannon related to each one’s meaning.

♥️ Hearts

Ace - How easy is it for any sort of relationship to develop with your muse? 

Two - How often do things go well for your muse in their relationships? 

Three - How cautious are they with newfound relationships of any kind? How about older ones? 

Four - How often does your muse travel? Where do they typically travel to? 

Five - How would your muse react to learning that someone close to them was jealous of what they had? 

Six - How does your muse handle blossoming feelings for another? 

Seven -   How does your muse react to having promises broken?   

Eight - How often does your muse accept invitations from others? How do they react to unexpected guests? 

Nine - What is the one wish your muse wants to come true more than anything else in the world? 

Ten - How does your muse act when their luck is at its absolute best? 

Jack - How does your muse view their friends, both old and new? 

Queen - Does your muse pay back kindness that is offered to them? If so, then how do they go about doing so? 

King - Does your muse often give out advice? How do they react to being given some?

♣️ Clubs

Ace - How frugal is your muse with their money? 

How often do they run out? 

Two - How does your muse react to being challenged? What about hearing gossip, be it about themself or someone they know? 

Three - How would your muse feel about their partner having more money than them? 

Four - How does your muse react to learning things are being hidden from them by those closest to them? 

Five -  How often does your muse rely upon new friends for support rather than old ones? Do they use this as a method to test how much they can trust them?   

Six -   How does your muse handle success when it comes to financial related matters? 

Seven -   How does your muse react when financial success causes issue with their relationships?   

Eight - How does your muse handle difficulties in multiple aspects of their lives at the same time? 

Nine - Does your muse ignore new opportunities that present themselves in their quest for what they desire, or do they take them? 

Ten - How does your muse react to unexpected things happening to them? 

Jack - How far could the one closest to them go before they decide to stand against them? 

Queen - What is the breaking point for a romantic relationship with your muse? 

King - How much trust does your muse place into those older than themselves?

♠️ Spades

Ace - How does your muse think their life will end? 

Two - How does your muse handle tough decisions in life? 

Three - How faithful is your muse in a relationship? 

Four - What is the worst promise your muse has ever broken? 

Five - Does your muse quit in the face of difficulty, or do they push through whatever obstacles come their way? 

Six - Does your muse take the small victories in life, or do they ignore them in focus of the large ones? 

Seven - How does your muse handle loss? 

Eight - How would your muse handle betrayal? 

Nine - When has your muse’s luck been at its absolute worst? 

Ten - What is the worst piece of news your muse has ever had to deal with? 

Jack - What is the rudest thing your muse has ever done? 

Queen - How would your muse react to losing their significant other? 

King - How far into their darker side would your muse go to achieve their goals?

♦️ Diamonds

Ace - Does your muse actively try to improve themselves, or do they knowingly allow themselves to remain in their same habits? 

Two - What does your muse do if they disapprove of another’s relationship? 

Three - How much legal trouble has your muse been in? What caused it? 

Four - How does your muse treat items left to them by another member of their family? 

Five - Does your muse work towards improving their skills in what they do for a living? Do they manage to maintain a happy home life while doing so? 

Six - How often do previous relationships cause problems for your muses newer ones? 

Seven - How does your muse react to road blocks in their career? 

Eight - Does your muse believe in “love at first sight” or do they believe that it only comes with time? 

Nine - Would your muse ever ditch an employer for another without notice? 

Ten - What does your muse define as being “well off” in life? 

Jack - Does your muse use unreliable methods for “high risk high reward” gains or do they go the safe route with things? 

Queen - How often does your muse find themselves being flirted with? 

King - What does your muse want to achieve before settling down to live the rest of their life doing things?

[margaretmulgrave]

ladywinsomes​:

♡♡♡♡

The parchment before Lydia was barren of anything aside from scribbles. In her early days as a Patroness, the new bride found taking detailed notes to be as helpful as anything to keep herself up to date on the happenings of London. As the years passed and it became clear that the ladies would say one thing and mean another, so her notes became fewer and far between. Yet she kept the habit for nothing else if not to appear invested.

Lady Selwyn spoke of the first ball and Lydia became a little less detached from the conversation. If she were honest, the ball had been in her thoughts more than it normally would. The last one, Lydia had attended with her late husband who, after their one opening dance, escaped to the men’s gaming room and proceeded to steadily lose a great deal of her inheritance. Now the thought of arriving with the Marquess and dancing the night away with him thrilled her to the bone.

The grunt emitted as a result of Margaret’s friendly jab was luckily not loud enough to draw attention to Lydia, and she covered it with a smile. “He has not formally asked to accompany me yet, but I would be lying if I said I haven’t planned my night around him already.” She replied.

“Ah,” Margaret nodded slowly, once again surprised by the courting pattern of her fellow friend. Then, it was the very first event of the season, how eager could one appear? “Well, I should hope he does not disappoint you.” Luckily, the attention would not be on the likes of the Patronesses.

“It will be strange…to witness all of this as an observer and nothing else.” Margaret admitted, still finding her belated arrival last season and subsequent absence from formal introductions completely unorthodox. It was a miracle she was sitting where she currently was, her inheritance no doubt making a majority of difference.

“Of course, it is up to the Queen.” Margaret started, leaning in conspiratorially, “But have you noticed any impressive debutants this season so far?”

[margaretmulgrave]

latetobloom​:

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 　 ❀ 　 *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧  

Mingxia smiled a bit as Margaret exhaled in relief before putting sugar in the tea that she had prepared for them. She was used to the tea with no additive sugar, milk, or honey but she knew that the English would not. 

“I am so glad to hear that, Lady Margaret. I’m afraid I do not know many people in England beyond my own family, so any time spent with others such as yourself is highly welcomed.” Mingxia took another sip of her tea as the other had asked her about what she desires in England. “Well, I am to be put on the marriage market as soon as the season starts. I will be very new to that, what is it like?”

What was it like? Margaret’s mouth pursed thoughtfully. She could be truthful, or instead talk up the season with all its parties and examinations like every other lady and patroness. Some women delighted in the feathers in frills, Margaret couldn’t deny them – but she couldn’t tell if Magnolia fell in that same category.

“Oh, it’s very busy.” She answered truthfully, laughing through her breath as the delicate tea cup was held carefully just brushes away from her mouth. “Beautiful, and dizzying in a way but…it really does stand as a chance to show society who we are, or…” Margaret trailed off, “Who we intend to be, once wedded. I imagine it is entirely different for gentlemen, but everyone does participate for the same reason. Perhaps you will find someone delightfully agreeable to you.” She offered a reassuring smile, before finishing her tea.

[margaretmulgrave]

ladywinsomes​:

“Ah,” Lydia half smiled and sat back in the chair, hands folded in her lap. As she politely took her tea, the feeling of every pair of eyes staring her down was nothing short of embarrassing, but what could she do? She was late to the first Patroness meeting of the season, and if there was ever a time when her position was compromised, it was now. Lydia had all but renounced her membership in the group when she failed to attend nearly every meeting the previous season. It was a miracle that the queen had allowed her to keep her seat at the prestigious table. It was even more of a relief that she now had Lady Harcourt to keep her company during the gossip sessions they called “meetings.” 

Lydia liked Margaret. There seemed to be a sort of kindredness between the two of them. Their correspondence during the winter felt light and natural. “I find it surprising that I am not included in this news, though I suppose that since the Marquess is now courting me, nothing we do can be too suspicious.” 

At the mention of her name, Lydia sat upright and looked to Lady Kedley. “I am afraid my tardiness is due to a novice driver and an overturned milk cart and not something more scandalous. She regretted bringing up the new driver, as he did not deserve any true blame. The elders at the table nodded understandingly. 

Lady Selwyn cleared her throat, commanding the other ladies’ attention. “I do believe it is time we begin.” Her mature face glanced around the table. “What is on the schedule for today, Celestia?”

Her brows raised slightly in delight. It was true in there correspondence over the winter they had spoken around Lydia and Lord Ridel’s interest in one another, but this was stark confirmation. Margaret opened her mouth, wanting to inquire further about what made the courting crystal clear, how all was going.

Instead she had to listen to a trite joke about spilled milk from one of the many ladies at the table, and turned when schedule was announced so seriously.

“The Queen’s Ball, of course. Early arrival is crucial.” Celestia’s gaze lingered on Lydia for an extra moment before Lady Kedley continued on for her.

“Her Majesty does enjoy an established posse. Do remember we are only there to observe and support unless the Queen asks otherwise. And husbands or companions are strictly…”

Margaret pursed her lips, daring a poke into Lydia’s ribs, “So, Lord Ridel will be seeing you to the Queen Introductions then?” Even if they weren’t being presented, they clearly had their own parts to play here.

[margaretmulgrave]

themarquessofislay​:

Kenneth took a seat across from Margaret, pulling Malcolm to his side. The boy moved closer to Margaret, sitting on the end of her skirt. “St. James is best fur ‘at. Ah admit 'at much fin can happen at hyde park, but peace is mair enjoyable.” Malcolm continues to play with his toy, making loud noises coming from him. 

“Mah aunt is doin’ weel, expectin’ 'er second bairn suin,” Kenneth shared. “They hope it will be a boy.” His cousin could inherit the title, become the Viscountess, but family tradition demands a male heir for the title and property. It was the way of the world. 

“Miss Willa is jealoos ay havin’ 'er attention taken awa’, but Ah believe she is secretly delighted by havin’ a siblin’. Mah uncle has become mah aunt’s shadaw until th’ bairn is born.” Kenneth went on about his extended family: their personalities, their lives, and their visit to him in Scotland. After the loss of his parents, family has been important to Kenneth. His brother left to travel after the funeral, hardly writing and visiting less so. His aunt and uncle were the only ones to keep in touch. Kenneth cherished their relationship, despite their intrusiveness.

“Oh, give your aunt my congratulations.” Margaret responded, smiling kindly at the news. The corner of her mouth twitched endearingly as she watched Malcolm out of the corner of her eye, and secondhandedly heard the overwhelming shared hope by what seemed like every expectant parent, that a boy was on the way.

“You’ll have to give her some extra attention or gifts, when you happen to see her.” Margaret chuckled, imagining the young child’s behavior easily. She had been in the same position, however brief. “From what I’ve heard,” Margaret sat up slightly, “The best husbands usually are – absurdly attentive during such a time.” It was something she could easily imagine in Kenneth, and highly (if somewhat anxiously) anticipated in Richard, but Margaret still gave no hint to her own condition.

“I imagine arriving promptly this season, you intend to see it successfully through?”

[margaretmulgrave]

earlharcourt​:

-

Richard had given plenty of thought of having children of his own, well legitimate children. He knew with his title came the expectation and responsibility of fathering children and he had always wondered what type of father he would be. Even with all of that, Richard had never given much thought to when it would happen. “Will you be able to rest with all you have arranged for this season?” Becoming a patroness and a countess while possibly managing two estates seemed like a lot and Richard didn’t want to over exert Margaret. 

It all made sense now. The servant’s concern, Richard’s valet uncharastically becoming more involved in Richad’s personal life but none of that mattered. “You have nothing to be sorry for mon amour, I only wish you and our paquet de joie to be well.” Of course all of the worry around Margaret’s distance now amplified to worry of her and their child, though Richard knew better than to let her know any of this.

“I only ask one thing, keep me informed and if there is a need for a doctor, even just a check up, I would like to be involved if you would allow it.” Richard kissed Margaret and then placed his hand gently on her belly. It may have been too early for any bump but their future was truly starting. “It may be too early but have you thought of names?” Richard had a few ideas but he wanted to hear Margaret’s first.

It was something Margaret had also been wondering about since the additional confirmation that she was in fact, going to be a mother come some months’ time. She nodded slowly, not ready to give up or shirk responsibility so early on. “I think so. If it gets overwhelming I’ll…change something.”

She smiled at the French that seemed to flow so naturally and she gave another nod of acknowledgement.  “The doctor I saw earlier, Dr. Singh-Collins? I think we both happen to know him, but he’s agreed to come to the house for any future calls. With your blessing.” Which Margaret seemed to have. She didn’t think it was common for husband’s to be very involved with this sort of thing, but Margaret wouldn’t deny him either.

There was a slight rounding to her abdomen, still easily hidable by a well picked dress but a little more visible (if one knew what to look for) in her nightgown. Her gaze dropped to Richard’s hand lightly resting there feeling…comforted. “It is early.” Margaret chuckled, “There’s no way of knowing what to expect. But I had thoughts over Matthew or Melinda, perhaps. But it sounds like you have more ideas.”

[margaretmulgrave]

sovereiigna​:

“I wonder if she would ever consider moving on to novels,” the princess speculated. “Not about this,” she added, with a slight laugh. “Or at least, one could only hope it would be a touch more veiled… But a talent like that is not one to be set aside once the Season is done. Perhaps she is already signing her name to other published pages, without London’s even realizing it…”

She tilted her head slightly to the side as she studied Margaret curiously. “Have you any hidden talents?” she asked suddenly, “Or… rather… Talents you have yet to showcase?” Again, her eyes swept the room. “I find my imagination likes to runaway with me. Everyone here must have something, no? There are so many sides to a person, one can never hope to really see them all…”

Margaret’s brows rose, taking into account the Princess’s own speculation. “There’s nothing to prove she holds another penname…but there’s nothing to disprove it either. If she was clever she would write like an entirely other being and considering she’s gone several seasons without being found out I do not think Lady Whistledown lacks whit.”

She chuckled when Marina understandably asked about hidden talents, “I do hope, your Highness, you aren’t keen to pin me as Lady Gossip.” Margaret was far too busy for that, nor did it truly hold her attention for so long. “But I will admit I am fond of, and quite divine at needlework. Cards as well, if your Highness was hoping for something more thrilling.” She smiled slightly, “Do you play anything regularly?”

[margaretmulgrave]

🍉

🍉  :    which of the four seasons suits my muse best,  and why?

Spring! Ironically, Margaret was born in Winter, but she prefers Spring the best as its when everything is blooming with life and color. It's also the most temperate weather wise.

She also gives off Spring vibes~

[margaretmulgrave]

🍐  :    how intelligent is my muse overall?  are they smarter than the average person,  or less than?  are they primarily self-taught,  or did they acquire most of their knowledge in school?  are they more street smart or book smart?   

Margaret is quite intelligent, and well learned, even for a woman of her station and status. Her father made sure she had access to a variety of lessons including those usually frowned upon for ladies; including math, geography, polictics etc so that she could easily find her way when becoming Duchess some day.

She took a liking to learning and lessons early on and is definetly more book smart having been educated through private governesses and tutors. Margaret continues to learn on her own when possible, currently finding an interest in German and the books at Hatchard's.

also asked by @viscountessxia

[margaretmulgrave]

👍

👍 = Does your muse think they’re a good child and/or sibling?

Margaret is somewhat of a perfectionist, and when it comes to her parents - a people pleaser. She's tried her very best to be the daughter they need and someone they can be proud of. With varying results. If you ask Margaret, she's a good daughter.

[thetonhq]

Welcome to Meme Friday at The Ton! 🧣  Each Friday, we’ll post one or two memes for characters to reblog on their accounts. Reblogging the meme specifies that you are accepting asks from it, and that you’re also sending asks out to others. Feel free to reblog and answer memes until end of day Sunday. After that, save what’s left over in your inbox for the next Meme Friday. Enjoy!

👩 = What’s your muse’s relationship with their mother, what made it that way?

👨 = What’s your muse’s relationship with their father, what made it that way?

👩‍👧‍👧  = Does your muse have any siblings? Do they wish they had more/any?

🌟 = Who is your muse’s favorite family member, why?

👎 = Is there anyone in your muse’s family they dislike, why?

👍 = Does your muse think they’re a good child and/or sibling?

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

💜 = What children does your muse have, do they want anymore/any at all?

😤 = How would/does your muse handle unruly, difficult or dangerous behavior from their children?

👌 = Does your muse thing they are/would be a good parent?

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

😫 = How does your muse handle a family member being stressed out? What about sick?

⚰️ = How would the loss of a family member affect them? Does it vary based on type of family member?

🍳 = What kind of family gatherings does your muse prefer and why?

✨ = How important is family to your muse?

[thetonhq]

Welcome to Meme Friday at The Ton! 🧣  Each Friday, we’ll post one or two memes for characters to reblog on their accounts. Reblogging the meme specifies that you are accepting asks from it, and that you’re also sending asks out to others. Feel free to reblog and answer memes until end of day Sunday. After that, save what’s left over in your inbox for the next Meme Friday. Enjoy!

Send the corresponding symbol(s) for headcanons surrounding the given topic(s)!

🍍  :    how comfortable is my muse in their body?  how do they feel about their height,  weight,  strength,  and body type?  how important is being attractive to them?   

🍅  :    how does my muse feel about plastic  /  cosmetic surgeries   &   procedures?  is it something they have done or would do?  do they mind if others do it?    

🍏  :    how stable is my muse’s physical health?  do they go for regular or semi-regular checkups by a physician?  do they have any diagnosed illnesses and / or take any medication?  how often do they get sick? 

🍎  :    how stable is my muse’s mental health?  have they been diagnosed with any mental illnesses and  /  or conditions?  do they have any undiagnosed mental illnesses and  /  or conditions?  do they or should they attend therapy?   

🍑  :    how meticulously does my muse look after their physical appearance?  do they spend a lot of time on their hair,  makeup,  grooming,  and clothing?  is there a particular reason why they do or don’t?   

🍒  :    how much does my muse value companionship?  do they constantly keep people around them,  or do they prefer to be alone often?  do they have or desire to have many friends?  do they see every meeting as an opportunity to make a new friend?

🍇  :    how would my muse describe their childhood?  how much has it impacted the person they are now,  or will become as an adult?  around what age did they or will they start to mature,  and why?  do they wish to go back to their days as a child,  or have they embraced adulthood?   

🍐  :    how intelligent is my muse overall?  are they smarter than the average person,  or less than?  are they primarily self-taught,  or did they acquire most of their knowledge in school?  are they more street smart or book smart?   

🍉  :    which of the four seasons suits my muse best,  and why?   

🍌  :    is my muse inclined to help others,  or will they only do it when it benefits them,  if at all?  what makes them this way?  has it ever gotten them into trouble,  or inconvenienced them? 

🍊  :    does my muse desire romance?  is it something they would actively seek out,  or prefer to happen more  ‘  naturally?  ’  what is their love life like?  do they have any exes or past flings,  or crushes?   

🍓  :    how is my muse typically seen by others?  does it ring true to who they really are?  does their reputation matter to them?   

🥝  :    does my muse have any  ‘  unusual  ’  habits, interests,  and  /  or talents?  do they hide it,  or are they proud of it?   

🍋  :    what kind of diet does my muse have?  do they eat regularly,  or the standard 2-3 meals a day?  do they have to be reminded to eat,  or are they likely to remind others?  do they cook,  or have others cook for them?  do they eat healthily,  or not so much?   

🥭  :    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?

[margaretmulgrave]

themarquessofislay​:

“You, and your husband, ur welcome onie time.” Kenneth said it honestly. While he appreciates all of his friends at home and in London, it would be nice to have a switch.

Kenneth watched his son for a moment. The boy flashed a big smile at his father, eyes bright and happy. “Mhm. he certainly wants tae be thooght ay as precioos. A trickster in th’ makin’ .” Malcolm continued to play innocent, his entire face scrunching as he tried to smile at Margaret. Kenneth grins. “He’s worth the trouble though.”

“May we sit with ye?” Kenneth asked sheepishly. He glanced at Malcolm, who had already sat down, still playing with his toy. “Ah dinnae hink he is ready tae return home yit.”

༻✦༺༻✧༺༻✦༺

“I can only offer the same of Nuneham.” Margaret nodded, “And Blenheim but…it does tend to be more overwhelming there. Unless you are fond of hunting. Then there is no place better.” She chuckled at herself, realizing it was a rather bias point of view.

She scrunched her nose playfully back at Malcolm, “Well, at least you know he’s spirited enough.”

She motioned to the space under the willow tree, smiling out of the corner of her mouth as the young boy seemed to quickly accept the invitation. “Of course. It’s not the grandest spot in the park, but it does tend to be the most peaceful.” Margaret carefully sat back down nearby Malcom, mindful not to disturb him as he played.

“Is your Aunt with you again this Season?” She asked Kenneth, “She made such an impression at the Soiree I can’t help but wonder.”

[margaretmulgrave]

ladywinsomes​:

“Drat!” 

The contents of her blue velvet reticule spilled onto the floor of the carriage. Lydia recited a few more choice words in her head and bent down to retrieve the loose items. As she did so, the carriage halted to a sudden stop, causing her to be ejected forward from the seat. Another string of ugly words came from her mouth and she blew a rogue strand of hair from her brow. Despite the snow on the ground, she still found herself perspiring.  

The carriage door opened to reveal Joseph, her new driver. He was fresh off his eighteenth birthday and all her father could find when hiring her new staff. He blinked, “My lady…” Before the poor young man could utter an apology, Lydia pressed her lips into a thin smile and shook her head. She took his offered hand and hobbled down the steps, reticule secured under her arm. After passing through the doors, a quick glance at the clock in the hallway told her she was precisely six and a half minutes late. Not the best impression to make at the first meeting of the season. 

Lydia smiled kindly at the butler as he slowly pushed open the dining room doors. Not two steps inside and she was already being summoned. To her immense relief, the voice was that of Lady Harcourt’s, loud and direct. Lydia had not seen Margaret since the last season. She looked simply radiant. Yes, marriage had been treating her very well. 

A seat was soon pulled out next to her newest friend and Lydia took it gratefully, sitting straight and nodding her hellos to the circle of Patronesses. She gently knocked her shoulder against Margarets and whispered “What have I missed?”

༻✦༺༻✧༺༻✦༺

Margaret made room for Lydia, much to Lady Selwyn’s annoyance of being pushed further away from the most recently wed patroness into the new season. Celestia had already nearly misspoke once, Margaret was not keen to continue listening.

“Not much of anything, truth be told.” Margaret muttered. “Just a recount of the news from our riveting Lady Gossip.” She would assume that Lady Mowbray already perused the paper herself, and smirked to herself. “It is a relief not to see either of our names appear, of course. Either we’ve been on good behavior, or Lady Whistledown is simply bored by those who return.”

Her attention drifted for a moment to play her hand, gaze flicking to Celestia only when she heard the slight hitch of breath that was a clear giveaway to the other woman swiftly losing coming her turn.

“What kept you Lady Mowbray?” Lady Kedley interrupted curiously.

[margaretmulgrave]

latetobloom​:

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 　 ❀ 　 *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

“Yes, we are indeed lucky to be able to be reunited as a family again after we left France. Especially after all of the turmoil that the country has been through in the past couple of years.” Mingxia said before she took a sip of the warm tea, making a low and pleasant hum as it entered her system. It always brought her so much joy to have this tea.

Looking at Margaret as she saw her expression after tasting the pure tea, she realized that this tea was more natural and different than the English were used to. A small smile appeared on her face as she realized what the other was asking. “No, it is not customer to sweeten this tea. But I surely wouldn’t blame you for sweetening it if you desire so.”

༻✦༺༻✧༺༻✦༺

“Oh good,” Margaret sighed softly, waving down an attendant for sugar and promptly dropping in two cubes when the dish was acquired. She stirred it so it dissolved, watching Magnolia all the while.

“Since you are new to London if you ever feel lost or want companionship beyond a maid, I would be happy to accompany you.” It was a patronly thing to do, and while Lady Selwyn might shirk some unspoken duties Margaret did not plan to. “I know you said you came here due to your father’s assignment as ambassador but is there anything you’re…hoping or looking for?”

[jodiesource]

Jodie Comer for Noble Panacea, 2020 ─