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@ofgildedhearts
dependent multimuse blog penned by jen (she/her, gmt ) for @gildedfms
benedict whitmore - thirty, second son of the whitmores
tag ✧ intro ✧ interactions ✧ inspiration ✧ portraits
isla sinclair - twenty-eight, cousin to the arundels
tag ✧ intro ✧ interactions ✧ inspiration ✧ portraits
She emerges every time, anew
‘Darling, never doubt your fire,
(insp).
with cordelia whitmore @reviiraes
"I am sure that must have been hard for you." god knew it was difficult for her to hear without letting a sigh slip from her lips. for too long she had been trapped in a dirge of a conversation, any attempts to steer it into more interesting waters rebuffed by a man who seemed only content to talk about himself. she was not the only one who had found herself ensnared by how much he loved the sound of his own voice, gaze flicking to cordelia so that they might share a look of shared irritation. finally, she had enough. "if you'll forgive me I find myself in need of some air." she did not like to play the lightheaded damsel, only ever wanting to project an image of steadiness, but the conversation was getting dire and it called for desparate measures. with any luck she would not have to endure the man's excrutiating company again. she stood, smoothing her skirts and preparing to make her escape, offering her fellow brit a chance to flee with her. "miss whitmore, would you be so kind as to accompany me?"
rude, and without a doubt someone from the higher class who found Thaddeus to find them unapproachable, then again he wasn't one to back down from a challenge. "thank you." he replied with a smile, ignoring the fact that her lips seemed almost sewn together considering the look she gave him back. Seated next to this woman Thaddeus without a doubt felt uncomfortable, but then again he wasn't going to let that show - a funeral could be the perfect spot for scoping out targets after all the whole of New York's socialite was here in this very moment, not out of respect but simply because they had to.
"It is the land of the free-" he said without looking at the woman seated next to him. he could've sworn he heard a different sort of accent in her words and decided to make that his topic. "But something tells me this is not your origins?" he asked and turned his eyes to his newly found, not very kind companion.
lips pressed together further to supress a sigh, gaze facing forward an some sort of stubborn refusal to acknowledge him properly. she was aware her accent and those of her family could be seen as something of a novelty, their entire presence in new york something new, but she tired of being seen as a spectacle. and of no one being able to say anything interesting other than focusing on it. "no, it is not." perhaps she should have expanded upon it but she thought it obvious enough to anyone with half a mind.
after a heartbeat she does turn, pinning him with her gaze. "tell me, is it customary over here to talk so much at a funeral? I am aware the service has not started yet but I'm afraid american tradition are quite lost on me. is everyone so familiar with one another?" words would have been said innocently enough were it not for the cool edge to them and a glimmer of sharp intelligence in her eyes that suggested that she was no fool. her words were meant to challenge and perhaps even to shame somewhat, anything to establish some kind of boundary lest he attempt some more familiarity.
" you go do that, benedict . put your brain to good use , yes ? maybe you could invent something that will fly while you are at it . i am sure charlie would be ecstatic , " cordelia shot back with a hint of sarcasm in her sweet voice . as she predicted, everyone seemed to be at the park today . she could not blame them , the weather was lovely . " oh shush , benny . you're already here . your presence is a symbol of your consent . " she knew her older brother could never say no to her . she was the way she is because of them , they spoiled her and now they must suffer the consequences of their actions . " new york is . . . " the youngest whitmore could not find the words to truly express her thoughts about the city . " ⸻ i do not hate it but it is very different from the world we know of , benedict . the americans are a different breed . it's not a bad thing but it's not a good thing either . it's hilarious that they try to emulate british society . as for friends . . . " the sides of her lips momentarily turn up but quickly pursed them to conceal her smile . " i have made a few . and of you ? i am sure you've made some of your own . " for a brief second , cordelia was quiet , acting as if she was taking in the sight and sun , trying to act less suspicious . " i hear that hotel over there is owned by the astors and so is the one down the street . have you met any of them , benedict ? the senator's sister is a friend of mine . you have to join us for tea some time . one of their hotels , the astoria , is quite marvelous . "
"I am certain he would and then I will claim my rightful place as the favourite sibling. you, however, will like me much less when I patent it and give you no cut at all." words were said gravely but both knew he would never see cordelia go without. he nodded in vague acknowledgement of his sister's words, feeling some of them resonate somewhat. "I find a lot of it ugly." response was blunt and unimpressed, feeling no need to mask his feelings from one closest to him. "but it makes up for it with its potential. there's so much here for us, I can feel it. our accents alone seem open more doors for us than ever before." the potential was exhilarating, a whole new arena for him to conquer and raise his family upon a pedastal they deserved. while another might have thought his sister subtle in her machinations benedict knew her too well to be fooled by the little segue in their conversation. sigh was supressed, sensing that the youngest whitmore was likely to be meddling or match making again but he would never be able to begrudgingly humour her. "an astor? well done, cordy, you do work fast." there was a hint of pride in his dry tone, such connections would only further their family, and he was suddenly entirely more interested in what she proposed. "who am I to turn down an invitation from my sister let alone one that includes a senator's sister? simply name the date and I will see this jewel in the astor's crown for myself." whether he was talking about the woman or the famed building was yet to be seen.
with caroline astor @sacrifiched
hushed silence had fallen over the room and he had looked on with keen interest. but it was not only the gossiper herself whom he had studied but all those who listened to her. keen gaze flickering across features for any sense of guilt or overt interest in them. he saw nothing of real note but he did spot someone who he liked to think was a new ally in new york. smooth sure steps were taken as people slowly began to speak again, appearing at the shoulder of the senator's wife. "after that outburst you simply must tell me all about this mrs buchanan." emphasis was put on the woman in question's name, derision barely hidden in his tone. while he might have had a flair of the dramatic he would never presume to make such a scene. while prided himself on being in the know ( secrets always were a valuable currency ) he preferred to whisper them when it suited him, rather than announce to a whole room. aces were better held to your chest than brandished for all to see. voice lowered when although he was confident that his new acquiantance might appreciate them, there were others who might not. "if even your funerals are this exciting I might find I actually like it here."
im immune to gaslighting bc i know im right
im a grown woman i dont feel the childish need for acceptance that i craved in my youth anymore. shaking and gripping the sink
with evangeline astor @aurectes
oportunistic gaze raked the room in the search for someone worthy of his time, flicking from attendee to attendee with growing disappointment before a glimpse of golden hair pulled at his attention. their first meeting had been brief but the impression a lasting one when he had made note of her surname. he took a moment to study the scene before making his move, finding no traces of boredom resting on her features. but his own vanity led him to believe that whomever she was engaged with was a poor substite for his own company. decision made he smoothly entered the conversation, niceties given before he chose his moment. head titled as he looked at the blonde, feigning as though he had seen something to cause worry to kindle within him. "are you quite well, miss astor? you look parched, let us see what we can find you." arm was offered along with concern, backhanded as it was. the whole thing was a sham - she looked nothing short of perfect and he was certain both she and everyone else in the room would know that. a few steps away were taken, confidence ever unshaking, and a hand raised to summon a lingering waiter. "a drink for miss astor." gaze focused back on her intently, indicating that the help should await her instruction.
it felt like a lifetime had passed since kit and isla had spent every moment they could manage within each others company or embrace. when he received word that she would be coming to new york he had thought, or perhaps hoped, that they would pick things up where they left off. but it seemed that their secret would be harder to keep than overseas. each time kit thought he had found the chance to catch her alone, there was some interruption made; their only exchanges polite and short.
because of this, when he spotted her slipping away from the rest, he didn't hesitate to follow after her, ducking into the room a few minutes after she had. he kept distance between them, though it felt closer than they had been in ages, the air in the room feeling heavier as he gazed down at her features. as impassive as her words. his brows furrowed slightly, a instant questioning of her change in tone. but he pushed that thought away, sure that she simply wanted to insure their facade remained intact.
" such formalities. " he gave a joking tisk, stepping closer to her. " surely we are better friends than that. "
clinging to logic and her resolve to distance herself was much easier in theory than in practise when his very presence was enough to make her heart beat loudly enough to drown out her mind. feet might have gotten cold once reality had dawned on her but even though she had attempted to remover her rose tinted glasses she could not deny the fondness that she still felt. resolve wavered, wanting to pull him closer instead of push him away the way she had decided was for the best, but it holds firm enough for her to level an unimpressed glance his way.
his attempt to close the distance between them was countered by smooths steps back, glance spared towards the door as though she was worried they might be seen rather than worried just how quickly her will would crumble. frown briefly creased her brow at his words before it arched up in challenge. "friends now, is it?" the choice of words should not have needled her so much, not when it was the outcome she was trying to obtain, but the tightening of her chest reminded her that head and heart were not aligned in this.
glance was cast towards the door, voice kept low lest there was someone lurking. "if I had known I would fall in your affections so quickly perhaps I would have written to you more ardently."
𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑 ⸻ with benedict whitmore ( @ofgildedhearts ) at central park
" how very generous of you to grace your dearest darlingest sister with your presence. " cordelia teased at the sight of her older brother . " i had sent out word for you hours ago ! " she was exaggerating , of course . it was only 30 minutes ago , maybe even less . the whitmore's place of residence in new york wasn't even too far from here either but cordelia had a flair for dramatics , something benedict was used to by now . " now that you are here , join me on my stroll so we might take in the sight of central park together . " as cordelia spoke she looped her arm around her brother's , parasol rested on her shoulder . " i still prefer hyde park but this one is not too bad . there's a fountain here we simply must see . "
eyes rolled as he approached. "you know I came as quickly as I could - everyone should know better than to keep you waiting. but if it's truly not fast enough perhaps I will have to invent something that will make me appear instantly." lightness lingers in his tone, fond shake of his head aimed at his sister. brow raised at her assessment and he did not disagree entirely. america held many exciting prospects but he was still biased to his homeland. "must we?" the question is asked with a reluctance he does not feel, a familiar dance they needlessly do when both know him caving to his sister's desires is an inevitability. arm is adjusted to make them both comfortable before he started to amble in the direction she wanted. "tell me, how are you finding it here? how many new friends have you claimed?"
closed starter : alastair & isla @ofgildedhearts location : arundel home in new york
the taxes had been rolling in as they always did from Scotland and even without supervision from Alastair himself, his man in Scotland could report good crops, good lodgings for the people on his land and everything thriving. seated in his office he was looking through the reports from his men, doing the works of it all. there had always been a limit as to who would get a glimpse into the Arundel business and considering Alastair enjoyed this aspect of his life (making it an escape from the ton) he poured his heart and soul into it all.
with papers all across his desk he emerged into what his siblings called his "business face", he didn't exactly like the term but when had Rene ever let him escape the sibling banter. With a small sigh, he took forth the folder where he had all his plans for New York, the possibilities and properties he'd scouted along side Isla. they'd taken a two days trip a few weeks ago to scout and both of them had been both impressed and unimpressed. At the mention of his cousin there was a knock on his office door and as it opened there she stood. "isla." he greeted, not smiling of course, he rarely did. "have you seen the map of the southern region we scouted? it seems I've lost it in the papers." he mumbled with his eyes back on his documents.
seeking out her eldest cousin was always something of an inevitability when their temperaments had always mirrored each other's. his company was one she found easy to be in, though it was no lost on her that many others would not feel the same way. finding herself at a loose end that evening ( restless enough that reading held no appeal for once ) and way had been made to the study in the hope that she could be of some use. or at the very least there would be enough to capture her attention that she did not feel so restless. knock was given instead of a greeting, faint smile ghosting over her lips as she entered.
the exact location of the map was unknown to her but her knew her cousin well enough that she could suspect where it might have gotten lost. light fingers ruffle through the papers gently, careful not to upset anything else, before plucking it out and handing it to him. "here." gaze drifted over the papers as she refreshed her memory. "have you given it anymore thought?" perhaps the answer was obvious ( of course he had ) but she wanted to hear his thoughts. "I am not unconvinced by the second one we saw but I think we could do better on the price. I wonder if they are trying to take advantage of us with what they are asking." the latter sentence is said with distaste, loathing that they might be attempting to take them for fools.
with edith saint alban @sacrifiched
brown eyes took in the view from the window, gaze lingering over the unfamiliar buildings as though she could commit them all to memory. new york had already surprised her ( a death at the opera had not been something that she might have predicted ) and so she wished to get to know its streets, people and buildings as quickly as she possibly could. head tilted in quiet contemplation, trying to decide if she truly found it lacking in beauty or it was simply her bias talking. undecided but tiring of debating it quiet was broken somewhat abruptly, unable to let the unspoken linger between the. edith was one of the handful of whom's opinion she genuinely cared to hear and if there was anyone she would discuss somewhat delicate subject matters with it would be her. "what do you make of all this then?"
with another she might have veiled her words more or attempted to find some more delicate way of hinting at her meaning. but friendship was something she held dear enough to believe that it demanded honesty from her ( the fact that she was keeping one secret from edith already weighed heavily enough on her, she had no desire to cloak any other part of herself ) and so that was what she spoke with. "it is not quite how I thought our entrance would go, though I suppose it means few are talking about us. for better for worse." the words are not intended to be callous, she is aware enough that a man has died and would show the sympathy she felt when it was necessary, and she trusts edie to know this. but for now she sought her friend's opinion, gaze shifting from the view to rest on the brunette.
with atticus astor @rvnxnt
mere months ago she would have done almost anything to be alone with atticus astor but since arriving in new york she had done nothing but attempt to make that impossible. from entangling them in conversations where they could not grasp at a moment alone, to simply avoiding him all together and disappearing into crowds, or excusing herself just as someone had entrapped him. it had worked for the most part, the pair of them barely exchanging more than a handful of exchanges in the weeks she had been in the city. but she grows complacent, too keen to rid herself of a particularly tedious conversation she retreats to a too quiet part of the house only to find she is not alone for long.
for a moment she thinks to pretend she did not see him, pretend that she had not been acutely aware of his presence throughout the whole day. but feigning ignorance was not a solution to her problem, continually ignoring him would surely only draw whispers and gossip. so her eyes meet his, a brief fleeting glance despite the way her heart begs her eyes to linger. "mister astor." the curt greeting felt heavy on her tongue, so used to a nickname falling from her lips fondly instead the entirety of his name felt as though she was greeting a stranger. but that was the effect she had convinced herself she desired, distance carved between them to force him away as she ignored the part of her that only wished to pull him close.
with @gciltcd
there had been a part of her that had almost expected the funeral to be a far less solemn affair, americans’ penchant for holding back winning out over propriety. but the whole thing had felt underwhelmingly familiar. the brunch was much the same and she supposed that she should have found the familiarity a comfort, knowing that she would not have to adjust her behaviour to fit into new york's society. but instead she almost found it lacking. granted, funerals were hardly supposed to be a joyous or even entertaining affair but she had hoped for some kind of intrigue if nothing else.
finally freeing herself from a conversation she had a moment to find some tea and as she settled herself into a nearby chair she felt someone lingering nearby. gaze does not lift from the teacup in front of her, stirring until she is satisfied that it is as good as it will get. "there is a seat here if wish to take the weight off your feet." words are too matter of fact to be considered truly welcoming, lacking a warmth that others might choose to imbue their words with but still genuine enough. delicate sip is taken from her teacup before disinterested gaze flickered up to land on whomever she had addressed.
𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑 ⸻ the drawing room at the dupont's residence after george dupont's memorial service
his morning was filled with chatter that for a moment , montgomery had forgotten that he was at a memorial service ( apologies to george ) . in truth , the service felt more like a social function more than it did a memorial . of course , new york's upper crust would not let a moment like this slip with all the new people in town . the astors did not need to prove anything , being one of the oldest families however with montgomery knew the importance of appearances especially with his new position . he had to show he cared for the community and if it meant that he had to stick around a function where he couldnt stand half the people in attendance, then so be it . would it be considered a faux pas if he had a drink in the middle of brunch? because monty needed one to get through the day's event . the staff moving about the rooms seem to have been lost in the crown so he had to find his way the dining room where he had found george's drink cart . monty said a silent prayer for george before pouring himself a drink . " where are my manners , " he turned to the person approaching , " would you like a drink as well ? george , im afraid , has horrible taste in alcohol . "
after a decade of navigating her way through society a funeral was hardly something she felt out of her depth in. though her words might have always carried something of a permanent chill, pleasantries were not something she struggled with. it had been easy to meet the curiosity of others despite how inane questions prickled her and expressing sympathy for those grieving had been done sincerely enough. but the ease of it all meant that she was almost acting on instinct, mind idling and tiring of having the same conversation several times over. she had sought some kind of refuge, choosing a room with few mourners only to find herself addressed and pulled into another interaction.
it did not do well to speak ill of the dead, least of all one she had no real knowledge of, and she was not tempted to now. but the remark piqued her interest nonetheless and so she finds a dry response falling from her lips. "lacking a good scotch, is he?" brow raised slightly as she spoke, the ghost of a smile flickering over her lips before it disappeared. sombre expression rests once more on her features as she took smooth steps further into the room. "but yes, thank you, a drink would be lovely. I'll take whatever you think is the best of a bad bunch."
starter for : anyone location : incide the memorial, before it begins
walking into the chappel Thaddeus looked around, not seeing any of his so-called family members yet and recognizing some of the faces his mentor had told him about. He could see where the Astors were seated, the prim and proper saint Albans and the rest of them. truth was Thaddeus hated these rich people and their coin, how they flaunted it in front of everyone else wanting to be looked upon and adored as if they were better than the rest of them.
with a clenched fist, he took a deep breath before approaching one of the benches. he was supposed to be one of them so he without a doubt was dressed as one as well. with his intuition he walked up to someone, and smiled kindly yet not too much. "excuse me, is there any chance I could take this spot next to you?" with a pretend of worry he looked around a little. "it seems I got separated from my family and it is about to begin soon - I do not wish to be a bother." he chuckled with venom behind every word but a charming front.
disinterested gaze flickered around the room, making vague note of who had chosen to sit with whom. the dynamics of new york society were still new enough that she wanted to ensure if a foot was being put wrong it was not hers. boredom was not the right term when she held enough respect for the dead and tradition that she did not begrudge a funeral. but she had always found the waiting somewhat tedious - doing nothing would always be considered a waste of her time.
quiet contemplation was broken by the sound of an unfamiliar voice, disinterested gaze finding itself a new home on the speaker's features. "this is the land of the free, is it not?" arch words hung between them and she toyed with some barb about how careless he was to lose a whole family. but the words remained caged behind pursed lips and a curt nod is given instead, granting him the permission he had asked for. "by all means." dismissive hand waves to the spot before she tidies her skirt to make more room. she was supposed to be making some friends, after all.
