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multimuse blog for theton. leon murray king arthur godwin harriett barnett

[mcstardently]

"and i love... i love... i love you. most ardently."

KING ARTHUR GODWIN; jacob anderson

MISS HARRIETT BARNETT sofia wylie

DOCTOR LAURENCE BROMLEY jonathan bailey

[wonderxrings]

Oskar had done his best to keep an eye on the party as it progressed. Even though he wasn't working officially he couldn't help the need to count heads and watch the flow of traffic around the room and between everyone else and the Queen. It wasn't that he didn't want to relax but it had always found it hard to do so around strangers.

"As long as there isn't another murder, I don't mind any other predictions." Oskar said, eyes scanning the room. "As for the fortunes, time will tell won't it? We will have to see where the chips fall."

[mcstardently]

There was a buzz around the room, and he welcomed the familiar air of gossip. But he was not unaware of whispers that had the tendency to turn into greater gossip. Maybe his timing returning to London was not quite as perfect as he thought.

"Another?" Laurence asked, both brows shooting up curiously. There were a pair of ladies that walked past them, probably after their fortunes were revealed, or one had just learned something about the other.

[lorddominic]

Dominic would’ve admired the gall on Harriett; he would've, had she not looked so out of place. “They do,” he said with a smug smile. “I think the words 'dashing' and 'renowned' were used.” Her attempts at a witty retort fell flat on Dominic. First, she was involved in her own scandal, her reputation hanging on by a thread, and then there was this. There didn’t seem to be a new low from the Barnetts, but Dominic had underestimated this one. Harriett didn’t seem to care about society or their rules. “I was actually taking a break,” Dominic said politely but tauntingly at the same time. “Quite a few ladies want to dance with me, to the point where I’m exhausted.” His name was on many dance cards, while he looked at Harriett’s. He couldn’t see any names on hers, which wasn’t surprising. “Have you scared any suitors away?”

[mcstardently]

Harriett wrinkled her nose. She fought the deepening urge to say something less-than ladylike, then remembered that her sisters were somewhere nearby, as were her parents. So she decided against it. She had to look good, for the sake of looking like a young lady of society. Their name was still being whispered about around town, and she couldn't help but notice that some of those eyes were on her. She stood up straighter. "How pitiful," Harriett sighed. "You must need a week's rest after all the attention the lovely ladies of the ton have been giving you, and in just one evening!" she said, before pulling her hands behind her back, giving Dominic a slight scowl. "Are you going to tell my sisters?"

[lavieenton]

Ceara's shoulders dropped, finding herself more comfortable around him. Granted, she was unaware that she was speaking to the King, not having seen any portraits of him or things like that to know, so the likelihood of her comfort lasting was not strong. Her eyes visibly softened at the compliment, the corners of her mouth twitching upwards.

"It's a lullaby my Ma sang to me and my sister," she explained. "I keep it close to my heart when I need her but cannot reach her. Or...I sing it. Would you like to hear the rest? It's...a bit long, but it is meant to lull, not entertain, per se."

She would never have offered to sing anything, let alone something as personal as a suantraí. But this man's calmness and evident need for peace himself made her want to share her own comfort. Being kind was odd, but welcome.

[mcstardently]

Arthur smiled as she relaxed a bit more at his words. He never wanted to cause discomfort. And that made him relax as well. Knowing that it was one thing that he had under control. But he knew the feeling well, the feeling of calm when it came to something familiar. It was a welcome feeling.

"If you are most willing," Arthur said, gesturing for her to continue. Now that she had mentioned it, he was more than a little curious, and he would gently insist on her continuing because of his piqued curiosity. Maybe being king could make him that more persuasive.

[mcstardently]

who: laurence & open

where: barnett residence

when: gemstone ball

He took a seat, curious as to what was happening. He had heard bits of whispers about reading rubies or something of the sort, and seen some partygoers going outside as well towards the gardens. Laurence glanced over at the person sitting nearest to him.

"Do you think they have any truth to them? The fortunes, I mean," he sat up a bit more with his drink and nodded towards the curtain--meant to be mysterious in purpose, was almost concerning. But it seemed to fit the theme. "I am quite enjoying the night, however. So tell me, do you have any predictions for the evening?"

[mcstardently]

(jonathan bailey) Goodness, [ LAURENCE BROMLEY] has arrived! [ HE ] is [ 35 ] , of the [ LONDON] [ BROMLEYS], and a [ DOCTOR] . They are [ RETURNED] to England and the season. This author has heard they are [ PERCEPTIVE ] but also [ SELFISH]. Accompanied by [ HIS MOTHER ] , there is much talk of their arrival and accepting calls but be warned: I have heard they [ ARE CLOSED-OFF ]!]!

Basics -

NAME: Laurence Edward Bromley

FAMILY: Mother, Anetta; Father, Marlon (deceased); wife, Elise (deceased); daughter, Lianna

ROLE IN SOCIETY:

Sexual Orientation: pansexual

Date of Birth:  February 16

Languages: English, French, Italian, Latin, Greek

Appearance-

Eye Color: brown

Hair Color: brunette

Tattoos/Scars: scar from a hunting accident

Positive Trait:

Negative Trait: 

About- 

warnings: death

Laurence never really intended to become a doctor. His father was a doctor, and that is where the money for the family came from. The family was very well-off while he was still practicing. As a child, the family grew up next to his father's colleague with children close in age to Laurence. He quickly befriended the oldest daughter, and the two courted and married. Laurence was already in his practice, following in his father's footsteps, and watching him work.

Life alongside Elise was blissful. The two had a picture perfect marriage, and a young daughter who was just the apple of her father’s eye. He fell into routine, much like his own father did. And who could fault him for wanting a near-perfect life?

Practicing in his own office was a challenge--most expected him to be exactly like his father. The man was strict and critical. But he’d spend his day talking to people, the back and forth a welcome change.

[therailroadheir]

who: Anyone in the Ton where: The Barnett House(for the gemstone Ball)

Junho could feel the tenseness of everything at the ball. It always surprised him how a simple ball could have tension. He thought balls weren't meant for fun, but no. English society always needed to cause trouble whenever they are. How pitiful. He's settled next to the rows of sweets.

He hadn't even realized he didn't really know anyone. He knew of people, but friendships weren't his strong suit. He can talk and treat people like friends, but that was different from having real friends. It didn't trouble him most days, but being in a social event showed the evidence of it.

He's chewing on a sweet as he looks at the crowd. He felt someone standing next to him, and he slightly perked up and looked over. He was eager to speak to whoever was nearby. "Enjoy yourself this evening?" he always speaks as if he knows the person next to him, whether he actually did or not.

[mcstardently]

After returning to London, there was an odd sense of weight on his shoulders. He hadn't been to a ball in a long while, and his mother insisted that he should. It was the quiet grief that was distracting him away from the social season; it was his work that kept him away long hours. He merely needed to move forward again.

Easier said than done.

There was also a quieter feeling in the middle of the day when the rooms at the family home were empty. A quiet tune played every so often, but it drifted off into the winds. This was the first time he had visited the Barnett residence, and he glanced around after walking in.

"It has been... a while since entering any social activities here," he admitted. "I am still trying to remember where everything is," he gave the man a small smile.

[lavieenton]

Genevieve's smile bloomed at the compliment, folding her hands behind her back. For all she hated about Mayfair, she was confident in knowing most of the people she had come across were kind and willing to interact with newcomers. Granted, newcomers were all the rage in London.

"Thank you," she cooed. "I wanted a soft color and pink diamonds are soft, especially for their rarity. Your father is correct on the matter, though. Citrine is glowing, but not blinding. Will you do me the honor of a dance? I am sure you will dazzle further on the dance floor."

[mcstardently]

Harriett smiled back, watching her carefully. There was something different (in a good way) that she couldn't quite figure out. That was something rare for her as she typically could clock things quite easily just from being observant.

"You are welcome," Harriet gave a bow of her head with a smile. "It represents a softer side of the sun," she said with a bit more warmth in her words. The warmth reached into her cheeks and settled on her skin. "I would love to," she said, giving a slightly clumsy curtsy.

[edgaroconnor]

The gambling room greeted them with warmth, noise, and the sharp snap of cards against felt. Edgar breathed it in like fresh air. It felt good to be back. He led them toward a table where a game was already underway, all low voices and watchful eyes. Edgar dropped easily into an empty chair and nodded to the seat beside him. "Come on, then. Sit before you remember you're meant to be sensible." One of the men stiffened slightly at the sight of Arthur. Edgar only smiled, reaching into his coat and laying down enough coins for them both.

"For myself and my friend," he said lightly, as though that friend did not wear a crown. "And try not to look so frightened. He bites less than I do." A few uncertain laughs stirred around the table. Edgar leaned back, loose and pleased, as the dealer gathered the cards. "There we are," he murmured to Arthur. "No treasury, no court, no whispering little vultures. Just cards, bad judgment, and the chance to make the night worth remembering." His grin softened, familiar and bright. "God, I missed this. And you, before you became so terribly important."

[mcstardently]

Arthur eyed the table carefully. One game would not hurt. The evening was still young, there was still lowlight outside. He did his best not to show his hesitation. The expectation was a friendly game. His eyes glanced at the empty seat that was open for invitation. He chuckled deeply, with a slight shake of his head before taking the offer. His head lifted and he glanced at Edgar expectantly.

He took a deep breath before placing his hands on the edge of the table. Edgar knew the cards well, just like himself. Arthur had learned at a young age, and he let the other man take the lead before he could place his own hand in. Eyes glanced over again towards his left, and he held a hand up to indicate that he was here simply for a friendly game, pay him no mind, to enlighten and amuse his good friend. "You made much use of my free time back in the day,"

[lavieenton]

Opening her eyes, Ceara couldn't help the way she softened hearing the genuine kindness in Arthur's tone. She wouldn't deny co-existing together when he was more understanding than she felt she deserved. "A reprieve," she said. "It...has been quite a long day, which has turned into a longer evening."

She sighed and continued, "I am sorry for the way I spoke. I did not intend to project my distress onto you. Are you enjoying the ball or also seeking reprieve?"

Clearly, this was quite the popular hall for such a thing. Despite her stress from the week's events, she realized she didn't mind it. It was better than being alone with her thoughts.

[mcstardently]

"Indeed," Arthur agreed about the evening being long. He had been observing for most of the while, and now speaking to Ceara, he could see she had something on her mind. "No matter," he said. He understood. There had been plenty of excitement throughout the evening.

"That was a lovely poem," he said, intrigue in his voice. If he was being honest with himself as well, he was also looking for a bit of reprieve. Not that he was not already enjoying the ball and the company of the ton, even the king needed a breather during parties.

[v1dua]

there was a slither of hope that she may recognise old friends among the crowd, people she had wrote letters to over her course in france - to no avail, unfortunately - and she had not wanted to bother rosalind at such an event. her father may be her cousin and the family was close, but to be trailed by your older second cousin wasn't the best look for a young lady.

with her being in france until recently, faces have long changed and nobility too, but her cousin was quick to catch her up on news that may have flown by whilst trapped in her husband's estate. the king was speaking to her. releasing the ring, leonora offers a practiced courtesy to the king, features sheepish as she speaks. "i am fine, your majesty. simply observing."

[mcstardently]

Arthur nodded his head in acknowledgement. It probably was still a surprise to most that he had been so eager to engage in any kind of small talk. But so far, the ball was quite lively and seeing it so lighthearted meant that it would be a success, and a win for the Barnett family. He glanced around. "Are you enjoying the ball?" he asked. He had been observant of the crowd, the music, the dancing.

[prinxesssophia]

To lose one brother to marriage and the other to a kingdom was an odd feeling that Sophia knew she was not allowed to feel, the dowager queen had said it was how things simply were, and that should Sophia be lucky enough, she would have her own kingdom to run. And yet such a thing never came and the princess of England was all but on the shelf, and not of her own doing. Had she not been a princess, Sophia knew that others would have long discarded her in terms of society but that was not the case, at least not yet. “And yet a flawed jewel lacks the same value as one so pristine, take Miss Murray for example, she is beyond reproach or even the princess of France, both will easily take the little prospects I have and I am to simply endure it?” No one had witnessed the princess fall apart yet because she could not, with Nic running away, Arthur’s gambling it was as if the Godwin family was fractured, with poor little Solomon being born into this life, and for what? To maintain the facade that they all had a handle on things when each one of them was crumbling in their own way. “I am all but a spinster, dear brother. You have Alisa and Soloman, Nic has his own principality now and what do I have? I am truly asking because I can not see beyond my own spinster hood!”

[mcstardently]

Arthur had his own feelings about their mother, whom he knew had never changed, and never would change. They had different ideas about how things should be run. While his father had a different understanding, Arthur had adopted some of his methods, inherited part of his personality. It had been months but he still felt like the grip was loose on something he had been learning his whole life.

"I have seen such a gem, unique in its cut, where most people seek perfection, sometimes that can be boring to people and they look for more. Patience, sister," Arthur nodded. He had no doubts that Sophia could handle herself, but as princess she had plenty ahead of her to seek out. "You would be surprised what prospects come your way." She was impatient, much like he was. He smiled to himself at the thought.

He sighed and rubbed his chin. He could not see Sophia as a spinster for far too long. "You have your independence, a chance to speak to the people in a way that is different than our mother. They see the confidence in the princess and perhaps their perspectives may change."

[edgaroconnor]

Edgar listened as they walked, the ballroom music fading into the softer hush of the corridor. Arthur’s words lingered between them, careful in the way they always were now. "You say that like it's not still on your mind," Edgar said mildly. A small shrug followed. "But I get it. Everyone here likes to pretend the walls are listening. Half of them are just hoping someone else believes it first."

They passed a wider stretch of hallway, and with it came a faint shift in atmosphere; laughter, the clink of something sharper than glass, the unmistakable pull of a room where risk felt more honest. Edgar slowed slightly. "It was never just about money for you," he added. "And I don't think that part's gone anywhere." A glance toward Arthur, brief and easy. "The gambling room's still open," Edgar said simply. "We can talk there instead. Fewer pretences, fewer witnesses."

There was a silence between them for a moment, Edgar thinking about it. Arthur had so much pressure on him; he could use a break. "And if you're going to carry the weight of a crown all evening," he added, "you might as well take a break where you're allowed to forget it exists for a while." His expression softened into something familiar - easy, inviting, unchanged by titles or circumstance. "Walk in with me?"

[mcstardently]

"How could it not? Nearly driving my family into financial ruin? You seem to know more about the situation than I do," Arthur hummed, watching him carefully. "I am certain half of them are hoping that it remains true and I make more mistakes in the future,"

So maybe he was right. Gambling was his meager mode of escapism from most responsibilities. Lately, he couldn't find himself at the tables. It was rare he would want to spend time away from his son. But that did not mean he wouldn't be tempted. And he felt like Alisa looked at him differently ever since the news broke. "You risk a lot of talk," he stated, and sighed deeply.

He was still a bit wary about the offer. The eyes were still burning through his back, waiting for him to make another mistake. And this one, getting his hands even more dirty, ready to complicate things again. Arthur hesitated for a moment before following Edgar.

[thornykitty]

Katherine recognized Harriett, of course she did. One of the Barnett girls, and from what she had heard she had a strong personality. She had to chuckle a little at the image of Harriett smashing the pianoforte keys while trying to play. "Were you not given lessons before? That is a shame. But I do like your idea, you seem to be the only one who agrees with me!" Without second thought, Katherine marched up to the orchestra with a charming smile and spoke quietly for a moment. With a proud smile she walked back over to Harriett and they started to play Vivaldi's Concerto number 6.

"Well, that is certainly more lively! Vivaldi is an excellent choice indeed." She took a moment to look Harriett over, examine her gem of choice. A beautiful citrine with a fitting sun pendant on her necklace. "You seem to be enjoying your family's new found wealth."

[mcstardently]

"The minimum," Harriett said, holding back her sigh. But she smiled a bit. "That is because I spent the morning watching the band come in and practice. They were quite off key until I mentioned it. How difficult was it to play something correctly, especially when trying to read? One would think seasoned musicians would have the thought..." she pursed her lips together, before watching Kitty walk right up to the band and request the new song. They seemed to be just as surprised and quickly the tone of the music changed.

She nodded. It was one of her favorite pieces, and probably worth more than she knew. But she was going to let herself worry about that part more later. "It was a piece that was in the collection. I am hoping it stays like that."

[youngoconner]

Frederic hadn't expected to bump into any of the Barnetts, even though he was in their home. He, of course, had run into one of them sooner or later. He makes a small noise when he meets Harriett's gaze. "Hm, oh, it's right," He deadpans when he realizes who he had run into. fantastic.

He stiffens when she asks him that. He refused to think of what he had planned for later that evening. "I don't know why you think I would seek your sister out," He scoffed. "What gave you that idea?"

[mcstardently]

Harriett huffed and watched him carefully. "Right," she said and took a look over what he was wearing. "Just because you seem to be in the right color scheme at the moment. But you know, you could also just be doing it for the attention," she raised a brow. "So you were not? You are just standing here brooding because you don't have much else to do?"

[therailroadheir]

Junho looked at him, and his eyes had a bit of a twinkle in them. He looked excited, and in that moment, he started to talk about books and poems. He even slightly grabbed at the king's arm to show him some of his favorite books. He hadn't even thought that he was royal. He simply doesn't stop talking, but he does pause when he looks over, and he steps closer to the king. "Tell me," He said, eager to know all about the poems that Arthur liked. He set his hands behind and tilted his head slightly at him.

[mcstardently]

Arthur watched the other man with a chuckle, nodding at the other to show him what he was referring to. He liked listening to others talking about books they enjoyed. Now as a father, he was very much more attentive to conversations. "The epics," he said. "My tutors made sure I was well verse in the epics,"

[rosalindmurray]

Rosalind considered her for a moment, noting the anxious scratch of her arm. The woman before her seemed to be caught between frustration and resignation. "As for conclusions, I try not to dray them from rumor. They tend to be shaped by people who enjoy the story more than the truth. The truth is rarely so simple as society prefers it to be." She exhaled a breath that she didn't realize had been stuck inside of her. "There is nothing wrong with preferring books to dancing. I myself would agree. Book are honest about the sort of story then intend to tell." She noted. "No, I don't think you should simply go with what everyone wants. That would be a rather miserable way to live." Her tone was calm but firm. However, she did find amusement in the hypocrisy of her own words. Exactly what she was saying not to do, was what Rosalind had allowed this season to be about. "When it comes to the marriage market, the trick is to not become what everyone expect. It's about learning enough of the rules that you know which ones may be bent without breaking yourself."

[mcstardently]

Harriett watched her, listening for a moment. Rumors spread quickly, and they tended to have a life of their own. If one did not catch them ahead, then they'd spread like wildfire or disease. With Whistledown lurking around every other corner, it was hard to ignore. "Books also have less to live up to and fewer expectations," she said. If she had to just live with every expectation, which she actively avoided doing in the first place, Harriett felt like she'd just lose a part of herself. She didn't so mind the dancing. Maybe it made her a little nervous, but still, she enjoyed music. It was the finding a dance partner that scared the living daylights out of her. "So what you are telling me is to keep breaking the rules and let them change around me, instead of waiting for them to change?" she asked, looking at Rosalind again.