after checking left, right and behind him, then he realized the other was talking to him. rafael was trying to find a discreet place to piss outside not console a man with social anxiety. " do you... do you not go outside? " st. james park on saturday afternoon held the same crowd! " or did you run into a former lover? " otherwise, his behaviour did not make sense to him.
He could have so easily laughed at that. If he had tried it, he was sure his mother would have a minor screaming fit. A socially acceptable screaming fit though. "I do, though usually the people in parks are spread out throughout the day, not all at the same time" least that's what he assumed he meant, no one else seemed to recognise any other type of outside here. "I am not, though I imagine it would be easier to hide in a crowd if that were the case" not like it was possible for him, besides, his reputation was spotless. He had worked hard to ensure that.
the gardens, overlooking a game of pall mall between the most competitive of participants
feat. brandon beaumont ( @oftimeslostlongago )
the baroness clapped indulgently at the last valiant effort of a mister sharpe, throwing him a generous smile before turning at the man standing beside her. the youngest mister beaumont ( or the only mister beaumont, at this point — the fact of which had caused a strange pang on her chest ) had cut an imposing figure, much older than she remembered him, for it had been years upon years after all ! with a sad familiarity, wendy realised that brandon beaumont looks very much like his elder brothers. " did you also place a bet on mister sharpe, mister beaumont? i daresay that he will make quite a few members of the ton quite the fortune ! "
If there was one thing Brandon knew to avoid, it was anything that involved hand-eye coordination. He wasn't totally hopeless, but he knew he would be very outmatched if he tried it here. That and he had never really got along with pall mall. It was enjoyable to watch, though he was slightly taken by surprise by the conversation. "Alas I did not" he admitted. "I do believe you are right there. Although he may end up upsetting the other members of the ton because of it. Or at least those that he goes up against".
located in hampton court palace maze and garden, afternoon, when the sun is highest in the sky & fated for lord brandon beaumont , @oftimeslostlongago .
the tall hedges of the maze muffle the jovial sounds of partygoers fantastically. for the first time all day, matilda allows herself to feel at ease — to slouch, to sigh, to lean back into the plush greenery, allow the topiary to support her, and tilt her face up towards the sun. interrupted by the crunch of the fine gravel path, matilda opens only one of her brown eyes, expecting no more than a squirrel or other similarly sized critter. “ oh! ” she exclaims, hand flying upwards to cover her mouth with a quiet slap, an attempt at holding the noise of surprise in when it is already too late. “ i did not hear you approach, ” she straightens, dipping apologetically. what a fool she had made of herself at the queen's party thus far. “ you must be quite light on your feet, sir. like a cat. ”
It wasn't as if he intended to go into the maze, that usually wasn't something he ever found all that enjoyable. Usually just ending up far too dizzy, and annoyed by it. But this time there had been a rather persistent group of mamas about. It had been easier than just to slip into the maze then deal with that. He knew why he had been sent to London, but today... oh he really hoped that it wasn't going to be like this the entire time, he might actually just ride back home if it was.
Or at least that had been the plan until he managed to spook someone. "My apologies, that really was not my intent miss" actually he hoped it wouldn't be anyone's, it just felt a little cruel. "I confess, I just needed a moment away from the... festivities. It is a little overwhelming" better to say that, then the real reason.
emilio was not lost, precisely. he had simply taken two turns that did not lead where he expected, and was now standing at a dead end with the quiet dignity of a man who would not admit this to anyone. he retraced his steps with unhurried composure, as though he had meant to come this way, as though the hedge at his back is exactly where he intended to be. "i would not," he says, to the other person who had found themselves in this particular corner of the labyrinth, "take the left turn at the second junction."
A wonderful thing about a maze was that you tended to be left alone. She could drop the act for a blissful moment as she got her head together. Which only worked for so long when she turned the corner and found her cousin. Or at least the man who believed he was her cousin. It was a risky move, but right now no one seemed to have questioned it. "Oh goodness" she replied, almost wanting to walk that way so she could spend longer in the maze. "I fear I have become quite turned around, and incredibly lost".
ꗃ 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 : archery range, queen's garden party , hampton court palace
⤷ 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝘂𝘀 : closed starter with lord brandon devenport
never in seoyeon's life has she held a weapon — it terrified her — but in the spirit of trying something new , seoyeon picked up the nearest bow . her fingers trembled as they closed around the smooth wood, heart hammering with a mix of fear and exhilaration . there was an instructor that had shown her how to use the bow just moments ago but nerves were starting to get the best of her . with a deep breath , she pulled the bowstring — maybe a little too far . in her absolute focus , she didn’t notice how far back her arm had gone … until it thwacked someone. “ oh my goodness , ” instantly spinning around, eyes wide. Her cheeks burned as she saw the target of her accidental swing . “ m — my apologies ! ” dropping the bow instantly to tend to the male . her heart dropped in her chest and wished the ground would swallow her whole . “ i didn’t mean — I wasn’t aiming — did i hit anything … important ? ”
It had always been to the horror of his father just how bad Brandon was with a range weapon. Sure if he fired an arrow it would hit the target, but it would be the base of the target. It had never been much of a mystery to him why his father had never let him near a rifle. He hadn't even really meant to go near it, but it had made for a refreshing change of pace from some of the other events. Least he could watch it, and promise anyone he wasn't intending in taking part least he hurt anyone. Though what he hadn't expected was instead to receive an elbow into his kidneys. Least he assumed that's where, as well as being terrible at range weapons, science had never been it either. "No that's..." he started, fully prepared to do the gentleman thing of brushing it off. That would be a lot easier if he didn't sound so winded. It was actually impressive, he'd remember that later when he had caught his breath. "Maybe a seat is wise" he relented. Though he did know it was an accident, least he didn't believe he had upset anyone that much yet.
It had been expected to go to the Garden Party. To start with it had seemed nice enough, but after a while it felt like the shadows were behind him. Jokes his older brothers would make to entertain them when they were younger, conversations they'd had after. Even just watching some of the people, he kept thinking he saw them there. Brandon had always known returning to society was going to be hard, he just hadn't realised how hard it was going to be.
He had managed to slip away, find a quiet spot to just take a moment. Least he could breathe. Although it didn't seem to take very long before he heard footsteps. Well least he had managed to regain his composure. "You seem to have found my hiding place" he said, quickly turning on the charm that he knew his mother would berate him for if he didn't use. "The party is wonderful, however I confess, I am not so used to being around so many people".
ꗃ 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 : the queen's garden party — by the lawn bowls area
⤷ 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝘂𝘀 : open starter
“ a gentle hand will serve you better than a bold one . " turning to the other with a small encouraging smile plastered on the alderidge's features . benedict glanced over the position of the bowls , one hand resting at his hip as he studied the arrangement with quiet focus , as he always did . “ well , it seems i have won this round , ” he said with a brief chuckle, adjusting his rolled sleeves . “ shall we go again , or take a short break ? ” he added breathlessly . " i would not object to some refreshment . ”
Perhaps there was her mistake. She wasn't raised to be gentle like most of the ladies here, and this game might expose that. "Oh dear, it is likely now far too apparent that this is not my forte" she replied with a blush. She was meant to be being careful. Though at the mention of refreshment she knew there was a bit of an out. "A refreshment sounds idyllic, it is surprisingly warm today. Though I must offer congratulations, you know the game well".
eager brown eyes watch the archers readying themselves for the start of the competition as the pall mall players steer clear of the targets. it felt unbecoming of a lady to show such a rapt interest in the events of the day — especially when her attentions laid thickly within the athletes — but sevda kept her reaction close to herself, tight as the deck of cards she’d held beneath gloved palms in the tent.
she sniffs lightly, the portrait of a cold veneer. it was not so difficult to channel it when her displeasure of being named by the lady whistledown rose to the top of mind like the collar of a cheap beer. “it is far more admirable, i think,” sevda announces, “to admire the skills of those who choose to bear their talents proudly under their own smile.”
The archery at least was a blessed change of pace from the rest of the events. A skill that was actually useful, unlike some of the other things she had seen. When she was younger her father had shown her a little, however it was not something a young lady was meant to do, instead she was ushered into the card tent, definitely not where she would choose to go, but what choice was there now.
Least she could make up excuses why her skills were lacking. She knew enough of the game, but no real experience. The comment slightly caught her off-guard, though she had to try and assume it wasn't about her. "Do many do that?" she asked, thinking of all the things she had already witnessed. "Many are taught that modesty is most becoming after all".
“ so , tell me : what are your goals this season ? if you are here to find a husband , i could try to help you . ”although she wasn't sure how much of her help the other would accept , seeing that amélia's own finger had yet to see a ring . “ i may have been away for a bit , but it is not hard to figure out who is spoken for already or not and , well , i know some of these gentlemen . ”
That was far blunter than she was used to around here. Honestly it made for a nice change of pace. No one here seemed to ever want to admit what they were after, even if it was painfully obvious they all wanted the same thing. "I doubt my father would like my answer... however yes, I did agree to come to find a husband" she had no choice in the matter, she had to try anything. Even if she was aware that Amelia didn't wear a ring. Still, people had their reasons. "You would know better than I. It has been years since I last came here" or never.
his hands were clasped behind his back, his attentive gaze following the few carriages that dared cross the street. it was almost amusing how, even in such a quiet park, london still seemed full of movement. “forgive me,” he began, in english touched by a prussian accent, after a polite inclination of his head. “i was told this is one of society’s preferred places for a morning walk. i suspect i was given incomplete information… or perhaps i arrived too early?” his expression, so often serious, now carried the faintest hint of a sideways smile. it was, in its own way, friedrich’s attempt at friendliness. “is it usually more crowded? or do londoners simply prefer to begin their day a little later?”
It felt like a bit of an escape coming to the park and it being so empty. It felt more like home than anywhere else. A thought she knew she needed to loose, afterall London would hopefully be in her future. She simply had to find a way to achieve that. Even just walking here, it didn't seem to take long before someone interrupted her thoughts. Definitely not something she was used to, though did seem to be the case in the city. "Forgive me sir, I do not know" she replied, deciding she could be honest, or least honest adjacent in the answer. "I have not been in London since I was a little girl, I do not know what the park is usually like" though she did enjoy it like this admittedly. "Perhaps we are the late ones, and they are here at first light?"
All of this was definitely feeling like an adjustment, one Rosalina wasn't really sure how to make. Smile sweetly, appear shy, but not too shy because she was still meant to be participating in society. It was hardly fair, most had years to prepare, not days. At least the fresh air of Vauxhall was refreshing, and she had managed to get a few moments of peace admiring the atmosphere. Least there was enough to distract. Until she heard someone walk up beside her. It almost took everything not to bow. "It is a beautiful spectacle here is it not?" she asked, keeping her gaze on the gardens.
" oh, no no no. i cannot blame you. no no no... no. " she anxiously tapped her fingers against the back of her other hand before giving the gentleman a stupidly wide smile in order to make up for the awkwardness her multiple noes had caused already. at least, yes, at the very least he was laughing. whether that made him an extraordinarily easy-going gentleman or a complete lunatic was to be figured out. gingerly, she sat down across from the man. " i do not think i have ever seen this cafe so full. it really is the beginning of a season. even the less shinier shops get customers. i truly adore this place though. have you tried their hot chocolate ? apparently they only use cocoa beans that are from the other side of the atlantic ocean. that is incredible, is it not ? "
It was odd, once no one had been that bothered by him, and now he seemed to be able to make people nervous. It didn't even appear that she knew who he was, and yet still she seemed to be nervous. It wasn't a reputation he thought he would enjoy having. "Is that so? It seems a nice place, it would be a pity for it not to do well" though he also imagined there were places like this a plenty. "I have not tried it. I have been away from London for a little while" perhaps an understatement, but it felt easier to word it that way. "It is incredible though. I take it that it is one of your favourites?"
ꗃ 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 : whites gentlemens club
⤷ 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝘂𝘀 : closed starter for lord brandon beaumont !
" lord devonport , " youngest alderidge lord tore his gaze away from the book in hand . " to what do i owe the pleasure ? " benedict smiled , standing up to offer his hand . " do you frequent white's ? " he gestured lightly toward the chair opposite him , the murmur of conversation and the occasional rustle of newspapers filling the club’s familiar quiet . " would you like a drink ? the whiskey here is rather excellent — one of the few reasons why i tolerate lingering here for longer than an hour , truthfully . " // @oftimeslostlongago
Whites had never been a place he had spent much time in before. His brothers perhaps, but he hadn't felt a need for it back then. He supposed there was a lot back then he hadn't felt much of a need to do. It was definitely easier seeing a familiar face, even if that was a loose term, but he least seemed to recognise him. "A whiskey does sound ideal right now" he agreed, relieved to have found somewhere to sit with company he got along with. "I normally have not in the past, admittedly right now I am trying to avoid the gaze of ambitious mamas" which felt terrible to say aloud, as if it could get him into trouble. Definitely not worth it really.
━━ ⊰ [ marina moschen , 29 , cis woman , she + her ] the ton is buzzing ! have you heard ? miss rosalina de oliveira , has arrived in mayfair ! i have been told that she are adaptable & determined but also calculating & defiant but we shall know more about them as the season progresses. there have been whispers around the ton stating that she is not the real miss rosalina, but a maid who was forced to take the place to save the family embarrassment . among the ton , they are known to be wanting better for your lot if life, giving up on fairytales, reling on yourself after everyone else has let you down ! how they truly are behind closed doors ? we cannot be too sure . guest of the castelo of carroway
The Lady Rosalina de Oliveira is a rare sight to see in society. A sickly girl who has spent her life in the country for her health. Though there were many rumours if it was a different reason that she was kept away. It was a great surprise to everyone when her father contacted a relative, asking for them to allow her to come and stay with them. None of them had seen her since she was a small child after all.
Elza Henriques was born to loving parents, but parents of the lower class. From a young age, she knew that her life would involve working for a living. She was raised to be hardworking, but even as a little girl, it never seemed fair to her. Anything that happened was dictated by people who had just been lucky to be born into whatever family, and from her experience, none seemed to like it.
Getting a job in the de Oliveira house was a good change for her. She was a good worker, and she rose through the ranks. Eventually she became the lady's maid for Miss Rosalina. They were of similar age, though she found Rosalina to be entitled and cruel to others. There were so many times she did whatever it took to be happy, not caring if it hurt others. Elza could close her eyes to it, afterall she was used to being a pawn.
Then it happened, she was alone in a room with Rosalina's brother. Nothing happened, he hadn't even realised he was there, but her father claimed it was compromised. A trap as it turned out. Miss Rosalina was expected in London, and for reasons they wouldn't tell Elza, that wasn't possible. The Baron wanted Elza to go in her place. If she did, they'd forget about the scandal, and pay her family enough to never work again. By that logic, with the real Rosalina famed for being ill, no one would expect her to have the usual accomplishments.
Elza agreed, but she was no fool. She knew this wouldn't end well for her. Even if she did play the role perfectly, at any point the real Rosalina could make a return to society, with some excuse why she hadn't before. So Elza knew she had to make a plan. She at least had a season in which to somehow find and marry someone. Perhaps as a maid she had no power, but she married titled and or rich, perhaps she could protect herself. Besides, half of the reason she accepted was for a chance to pull herself out of her situation.
It was a glittering fireworks display that claimed his attentions, soaring up and up and up, arcing into the inky blue of night. With fire and loud acclaim it exploded into a profusion of dazzling color, glittering diamonds and rubies and emeralds which, bursting, fell, hurtling downward again in icarian despondency. Charles let out a long breath. For a moment, he'd been caught up in the wonder of it, the fantastic stars bursting to brilliant life overhead -- now, watching them plummet as they burned themselves out, they felt a great deal more fatalistic.
Drolly, he thought that perhaps he could relate. His own hopes had, ever, burned too bright. They'd been dashed to the ground quickly enough, as well.
Another gasp of shouting and clapping pulled him from his reverie, and, surprised, Charles started forward before realizing a new burst of firecrackers had broken into the sky. Suddenly, he found himself colliding with another form.
"Forgive me my stupidity," he said quickly. "You are not hurt, I trust?"
Brandon hadn't really realised how late it was until he head the sound of fireworks. Perhaps he did need to get better at that, but walking outside, he found he had become lost in his own thoughts. Terrible improper he imagined, but that would be an issue for a later date. At least for now he could watch the fireworks. Then he would have to head back to where he was staying, with some sort of explanation. He was sure he could feel a headache already.
Least that was his plan until someone bumped into him. Irritating perhaps, but not altogether surprising in itself. Realising that it was the crown prince... that was surprising. "Your royal highness" he greeted, knowing right now he needed to focus on the present. "No, I am quite alright" even if not the case, he knew better than to ever imply anything about royalty. "Are you?" well he had seemed to move out of nowhere.
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