we are the music makers

[dcnhams]

closed starter for lord remington pembroke ( @starrycyed ) setting: the masquerade at halifax hall, the terrace

while nothing like the cold splash of water to his face that he had imagined, the night air did provide some momentary relief to his overheated skin. richard was anything but naive, he had not exited the carriage thinking this night, the opening ball, would be anything like the quaint country affairs he was used to, yet the sheer scale of things did prove to be a tad more overwhelming than he had expected. and no matter how brave the face he bore, no matter how well he attempted to integrate himself into this new reality, pressure had mounted inside and called for a moment of respite away from prying eyes and idle conversation. idle, he reminded himself, yet vital for their operations going forward. for every good impression he left and every friendly introduction he fostered could mean a new sponsor gained for the resort, not to mention an increase of their social standing - which, in turn, would mean better options for odette's future match.

a steady and drawn out exhale, richard attempted to calm his jangled nerves, put his ever-racing thoughts to rest. all of this could be thoroughly thought over tomorrow morning, he tried to reason with himself, once his mind was less clouded by the hustle and bustle of the ball. he ought to return inside, he had been gone long enough to arouse suspicion, and while he trusted odette to fend for herself, being seen without a chaperone for such a long stretch of time might reflect badly on her. and there were dances to be danced, conversations to be endured, introductions to be made - and a rustle of movement behind him, setting an ending to his musings after all.

"excuse me, i shall take my leave so you may have the terrace to yourself", richard offered apologetically as he straightened his back and turned, ready to acknowledge the other with a small bow and briskly rejoin the dancers. yet a face most familiar stopped him in his endeavours - wonderful. as if the night had not been emotionally complicated enough yet. "... lord pembroke." mask and elaborate disguise or not, he would recognize him anywhere. he could be a hudnred miles away and richard would easily make out his frame and build in the distance. "my apologies, i did not know it was you. as i said, i shall be out of your hair in no time. i was simply ... gathering myself."

[starrycyed]

it was the first event of the season, and remy was already exhausted. he had not been entirely confident in his attendance tonight, a flare-up of his illness and a recent bout of insomnia taking its toll on him, but he knew that his presence meant another set of eyes on his siblings. still, he found himself in need of respite eventually, and made his way toward the doors and the inviting coolness of the evening outside. he was so focused on the relief of the refreshing spring twilight that he did not notice his companion, and he froze when the familiar voice that had haunted his now-rare dreams spoke up.

back in dorset, remy had never dreamt that he would eventually wish for richard to speak to him as if he were a stranger, but the politeness in his initial tone was a sort of balm to his broken heart. it did not last long, of course, as the other man seemed to recognize him almost immediately. any relief was immediately forgotten, remy's stomach sinking once again. 'lord pembroke' - what he would give to hear his christian name fall from this man's lips just once more -

"please do not go," he protested, voice soft and vulnerable. his hand moved of its own accord as if to grasp richard's own, but thankfully it stopped in mid-air once remy remembered himself. he cleared his throat and retracted the appendage to smooth his waistcoat instead, though he knew dignity was not his to be recovered. "i implore you, do not leave on my account," he said, in a more proper tone. "you were here first, and i am the intruder. if anyone should leave, it is me. i apologize for the disturbance, mister denham." with a respectful nod, he turned to leave.

[sugartalkins]

remy had always been juliet’s favorite sibling, yet she’d never dare to utter a word about it.

he understood. he listened. he was kind and patient, determined to keep the family afloat and encourage his younger siblings to venture out into the world on their own. while juliet took it step by step, she knew remy would always be there to help her. show her the ropes. remind her that maybe, just maybe, there’s more to life than marriage. yes, they both adored their parents story but that seemed to be as far as it went these days. “i was looking to the sky.” she nodded toward the stars, ushering her brother to join her. “as you know, it is quite possibly one of the only ways to keep me calm on such hectic nights. it is…like a blanket of comfort. warmth. kindness. the stars cannot force me to dance, you know?”

[starrycyed]

remy required no further invitation, joining his sister at the railing and following her gaze upward. "it is peaceful," he agreed in a murmur. he had always been partial to the stars himself, spending many a contented summer evening laying on a blanket and staring up at the heavens. on particularly treasured occasions, his siblings had joined him - none more often than the sister he currently stood beside. he nodded slightly as she spoke, a fond smile on his lips. a moment of silence ensued, a comfortable beat between two people who had known one another all their lives. "do you recall when you were about seven, and we saw a shooting star?" he began, voice soft as if he were afraid of breaking some sort of spell. "i told you it was customary to make a wish." his smile widened at the thought of his sister as a child, even as his heart twisted with the bittersweetness of nostalgia. he turned his head to look at her now, a clever and tenacious young woman on the precipice of what was sure to be a life as brilliant and colorful as she was. "i often wonder what it was you wished for - or if you were just humoring your ridiculous big brother."

[pathlessswoods]

Adam blinked once. Subtle, but unmistakable. It was not often that anything caught him off guard. But that did. The invitation lingered between them for a moment, unadorned, sincere in a way that felt unfamiliar. Not strategic, not polite obligation - simply offered. "For dinner?" he repeated, quieter now, as though testing the shape of it. There was the briefest hesitation; not reluctance, but consideration. He studied Remington for a moment longer than was strictly necessary, as if searching for the angle, the expectation behind it. He didn't find one. That, more than anything, seemed to settle it. A faint breath left him, something easing in his shoulders. "Well," Adam said, the hint of a smile returning. It wasn't sharp, or deflecting, but genuine in a way that sat differently on him, "I think I'd be a fool to refuse that, wouldn't I?"

A slight tilt of his head followed, something almost wry slipping back in. "Though I should warn you, you may find I make for a disappointing addition, Lord Remington. I've had years of practice at being an only child. I don't imagine I'll blend seamlessly into a crowd of six." But there was no real protest in it. Just honesty. "I'd like that," he added, more simply now.

At the question that followed, his expression shifted again; not guarded, but thoughtful. "Doted on is...not entirely inaccurate," he admitted, glancing briefly down at his glass before back up again. "Though I think it depends on what one considers doting. There's a certain expectation that comes with it. When all attention is directed in one place, it tends to come with a purpose." He didn't linger there. Didn't need to. "No one to argue with, though," he added, a touch lighter. "Which I suspect would have done me some good." His gaze flicked back to Remington, something warmer returning. "You've had the advantage there."

At the mention of London, he let out a soft breath of amusement. "I'm not a native, no," he said. "Though I'm beginning to think the city makes that quite obvious." A faint smirk followed. "It's...observant," he added. "In a way that feels less like welcome and more like assessment." His fingers tapped lightly against the side of his glass, thoughtful, but not weighed down by it. "I've found it interesting," he continued. "If nothing else. And I suspect it will only become more so." His gaze returned to Remington then, steadier. "Especially now that I've been promised dinner."

[starrycyed]

adam repeated the word as if it were a foreign concept - and perhaps it was, or at least the way the pembroke family did things - and remington smiled and nodded, patiently awaiting the man's response. "you do not seem like a fool to me," he agreed softly. he drained the last of his drink and then helped himself to the bottle on the table between them, splashing another healthy measure into the glass. a laugh escaped him, bright and uncharacteristically unrestrained. "trust me when i say that no one 'blends in' at halstead, so please do not concern yourself with even attempting it." he nodded at the other man's acceptance of the invitation. "details will be sent tomorrow."

he listened to mister hastings' account carefully, more curious than was polite to admit. having known precious few people who had been an only child to their respective parents, it was a fascinating insight into a different childhood, a different life. he nodded slightly at the word expectation - that, for certain, he could relate to. still, there was much being left unsaid where his new friend was concerned. "ahh, somehow the younger ones tended to get their way more often than not," he reported with another laugh. "i do not rightly know if i am particularly unskilled at debate or if the opposite is true for them. you will see soon enough, i am sure," he said, less of a threat and more a promise.

a knowing smile curled at remy's lips. "you speak as if london itself is a living entity," he observed, clearly holding the same opinion. "the walls have ears, and that is a truer statement in this city more than any other. have you read any of the pages yet? one expects a newcomer like yourself to make an appearance much sooner than you might think." he held up his glass in a silent toast to his new friend before taking a sip. "i have no ulterior motive for doing so, but i can hardly blame you if you do not believe me."

[honeyedarsenic]

odette loved nothing more than she loved her brother. not her books, her pens, her perfumes, not even her boots. her parents, specifically her mother, only came second because richard did not intend to marry her off. if her father had his way, she would already have 3 children. she nearly gagged at the thought.

and it was because of this, because of the way she loved her brother, that she could not control the look that crossed her face upon seeing lord pembroke. sadness, with hints of suspicion, and not at all lacking in scorn. she had always liked him, but unfortunately, now, she no longer could. odette crossed her arms behind her back, tilting her chin up proudly. "its quite alright, lord pembroke, i suppose we all get confused now and again. some more often than others," she smiles politely. she is being passive-aggressive, of course, but her tone is disguised as polite and well-meaning. at least, she intends for it to be. "yes, i have found it all to be rather... enlightening," she answers, only partially referring to the play. "and you? what have you thought of it?"

[starrycyed]

a flash of fondness coursed through remington at odette's straightening up, recalling when he thought of this woman as another of his sisters. as intense as a bolt of lightning, it was gone just as quickly before the shame of it all set in. he cleared his throat and nodded down at the program before his arms slowly fell back down to his sides. "right," he said softly. "i - well, i was rather enjoying it. i saw it as a teenager, so i already know how it will end," he quipped with a weak, forced laugh. clearing his throat, he fidgeted nervously with the program in his hands. "how have you and your - er - how have you been settling in?"

[sugartalkins]

closed starter with @starrycyed

location: the masquerade at halifax hall, an empty terrace

juliet leaned against the railing, her fingers dancing dangerously across the metal. she allowed her fingertips to curl through the intricate designs as she stared up at the sky, making out every constellation she could possibly see. even during the season and among all of the events, juliet always made sure to find time to look at the sky. a blanket of comfort during the hard times, juliet wished she was home. away from the crowds, away from the dances, away from eager bachelors that rarely crossed her mind. everything about tonight was perfect, yet all she could care for was the stars. her music. a perfectly refreshing glass of lemonade.

she heard the faint sound of footsteps behind her. juliet felt her shoulders tense, the fabric of her fairy wings brushing against the curve of her shoulder. she exhaled slowly, glancing over her shoulder at the individual before her. “seems you have the same idea as i do?” she asked, eyeing the individual with a subtle grin. the disguise did not do much; juliet knew exaclty who she was speaking with, but wanted to play along regardless. “a break from all the chaos.”

[starrycyed]

as the eldest of six, the phrase 'like herding cats' had always resonated with remington. it was difficult enough to keep track of his siblings during typical events, but adding costumes and masks to the mix upped the challenge considerably. he wanted to extend them their freedom, of course, but at the same time his concern for their well-being meant that he could not relax even slightly unless they were in his line of sight. catching sight of a familiar pair of gossamer wings, he slipped through the crowd until he was out on the balcony with her. he took a moment to breathe a nearly silent sigh of relief to be out of the crowd, and when his sister turned to see him he smiled slightly back. "yes, but i doubt i will get a break from anything out here with you, let alone chaos," he teased. "how do you fare this evening, jules? you seemed rather lost in thought a moment ago."

[caedmilfolie]

Grace had been studying herself as though the image in the mirror were something separate. As if her face was an instrument to be tuned, an expression to be shaped rather than felt. Before the mirror she turned her face this way and that, testing smiles that did not reach her eyes to then soften her eyes without the mouth to match. The fabric of her costume gathered between her fingers. They smoothed, adjusted and then gathered again. There was always something to perfect, something just beyond reach. It was in the midst of such quiet obsession that the knock came, followed by a contrasting soft whisper she could not quite hear. Her head turned at once, the practiced expression falling from her face like a dropped mask.

She crossed the room quickly, instinct guiding her steps before thought could catch up. Her hand had already reached for the door when she paused as awareness settled in. “One moment,” she called quitly, as she turned to snatch up a robe and pull it around herself. Only then did she open the door cautiously, just enough to allow a sliver of light to fall across her face. Bright blue eyes peered through first, sharp despite the dimness beyond. It wouldn't be the first time a reporter tried to get a sneak peak at the performance ahead. “You’re not with the opera…” she said, her voice low, edged with both curiosity and suspicion, as though she were still deciding what role to play in this unexpected scene. The door remained only half-open, her hand firm upon it. “What are you doing here?”

[starrycyed]

alex panicked when he heard a woman's voice behind the door, but there was no time to make a hasty departure before it was opening and he was met with someone who was decidedly not henry. "oh - um, that's true," he agreed, mind working overtime to come up with a way out of this. "i was just looking for mister henry thompson; he's a friend of mine," he added, putting on his most charming smile. friend, acquaintance, partner in less-than-legal activities some might define as crime - it was all the same, was it not? "i've seen you perform before, you know!" he lied, with the air of an excited fan. "you were transcendent. i bet you're as kind and helpful as you are talented."

[whatstohappenallhappenedbefore]

It had not been Edwin's intent to return to London this season, frankly he'd be happy if he never had to return. But his father had decided now was the time. The only positive he'd had was he had at least managed to convince him not to make a fuss about it. A quiet return, or as quiet as possible anyway.

The first ball being a masquerade made it even more useful. With no one even knowing his family was back in London, it meant that he could at least attend tonight completely anonymously. The rest of the season he was going to be seen, the heir to a Dukedom, worse the unmarried heir to a dukedom. This was never what he wanted.

The pirate costume had been an easy choice. Least dressed as a pirate it meant that he could pretend the cane was part of it, and not because of his leg injury. A constant reminder.

Now was not the time to live in the past though, instead to admire the beauty of this place. The hostess had definitely done her best to make this a night to remember. What would happen the next morning when all this was gone, the question no one would really talk about. Not the done thing.

Pausing for a moment in a slightly obstructed nook, it at least gave him a chance to look around properly. How London never changed. Even after two years, it was all just... the same. How could the world be so different and yet never changing. As was always the way when he heard footsteps. "Ah I see you have found my hiding spot" he said with a smile, anything else he was feeling he could hide, he had become good at that after all. "It is a beautiful night, though it does not give much time to breathe".

[starrycyed]

hero felt as if she had done enough demure smiling for a lifetime. it would all be worth it when laila was happily installed in a loving marriage, of course, but for the moment she felt as if she could hardly breathe through the suffocating airs clouding the ballroom air like so much perfume. how did all the rest of them stand it? perhaps it was different when one had moved through london society one's whole life, she mused. in any event, she rather hoped that her own stint here would be brief.

excusing herself from a gentleman who would likely not even register her absence, she slipped through the crowds and finally sighed in relief when she found a less sparsely populated location. a voice nearby startled her, and she turned to find a young man she had not initially noticed. a bright laugh bubbled out of her mouth, but she just as soon touched gloved fingertips to her mouth to stop the sound, hearing her mother's voice in her head about how it was not ladylike. "my apologies," she murmured. "i did not mean to disturb you. in fact, my intentions were the same as yours - to breathe." she pressed her lips together, hoping she had not been too forthright, as was her usual habit - though she was merely echoing the gentleman's words, was she not? and besides - they were both masked. "you are right, it is a beautiful night. and the anonymity presents a wonderful sort of freedom. if i utterly humiliate myself in your presence, odds are that you will never know who i am - a comforting thought, is it not?"

[pathlessswoods]

Adam's smile came easier this time. Quieter, but more genuine, as though something in Remington's words had settled into him rather than simply passed by. "Six," he repeated, softer, the number sitting with him for a moment longer than it needed to. His gaze dipped briefly to his glass, thumb tracing the rim in an absent, thoughtful motion. "That must have been..."he exhaled faintly, a hint of something almost wistful flickering there before it smoothed over again, "a life of very little silence." It was the only thing he could think of, regarding his own childhood. And tere was no criticism in it. If anything, the opposite.

He glanced back up, meeting Remington's eye with a warmth that hadn't quite been there before. "I think I'd have liked to see that," he admitted, the words slipping out more honestly than he might usually allow. "Even just once. A full table. Too many voices. Someone always speaking over the other." A small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, quieter now, more personal. "I imagine you never had the chance to disappear for long," he added, almost thoughtfully. "There's always someone who notices." His grip shifted slightly on the glass, not tense, just grounding. "And yet you'd not trade it," he went on, a faint nod accompanying the words, as though he respected that more than he meant to say outright. "That tells me enough."

At the mention of stress, Adam let out a soft breath, something amused slipping back in, though gentler than before. "I suppose that's the cost of it," he said. "Caring about that many people tends to complicate things." His gaze flicked toward Remington again, steadier now. "But I think most would take the trouble, given the choice. Even if they'd never admit it - correct me if I'm wrong. Did you grow up here?"

[starrycyed]

remington watched mister hastings a moment before looking back to his own glass, giving the other man the space to ponder his own thoughts. it was no business of his, of course, but he thought he might have detected a bit of longing for the idea of a large family. remy simply could not fathom life without any of his five siblings, and could not help but wonder how different - how lonely - his life might have been without them. silently sympathizing with the man, he was wondering what he could say in order to move past the melancholy moment when hastings spoke up. he laughed, grateful to latch onto the moment of levity. "truly, the most succinct and yet accurate description i have ever heard," he affirmed with a nod and another sip of his drink.

his expression softened as the other man became thoughtful once again, actually vocalizing his pensiveness this time. nodding slightly, remington felt his words tugging at his heartstrings. "you simply must come to dinner at halstead," he whole-heartedly insisted. "trust me when i say that, though we are all grown, there is still much of what you describe to be experienced - and then afterward you can tell me if you would have preferred a lifetime, or if just the once was enough." remington gave the man a once-over, now curious about his story. "what was it like to be an only child? surely your parents must have doted on you."

"it does, but i would," he murmured, agreeing with both statements at once. he stood by his earlier statement, that he would not trade any of his brothers and sisters for anything. "mmm, i did. mad place, london," he observed, the spirits beginning to loosen his tongue. "no place like it on earth, for better or for worse. i take it by your question that you yourself are not a native - how have you found it?"

[sugartalkins]

juliet’s arms came across her body, folding against her chest. she brushed the few curls from her face, tilting her head to look at alexander with a grin. “you must keep quiet if you are going to…charm me, alexander. in fact, you have been doing this for years, but it does not phase me. in fact, i know i am merely practice for your other conquests? lovers? persons of interest?” she shoved his side with her elbow, careful not to nudge him too hard. “apologies. i cannot damage precious things such as yourself.”

the quiet of the night simmered around them, soft buzzing and hums floating nearby. juliet exhaled, her eyes tracing up and down alexander’s form before speaking. “we shall not kiss. i ask of the nobleys due to remy’s connection with vi, as well as your employment with them. they are also one of the only families i can tolerate. mostly. say, will they bringing you along to the masquerade?”

[starrycyed]

"yes, but none of them ever meant anything," alexander replied with a frown. he hated being alone, how agonizing memories and torturous insecurities would torment him the instant he was on his own. he had chased after company like a drowning man seeking air, warming the bed of anyone who would have him so as to silence the demons for one more night. but he had held off on his exploits for a few months now, mostly because he could no longer convince himself that any of them could ever even hold a candle to juliet. sure, it meant more time in the ring, beating and getting beaten until he could finally stumble home and collapse in bed - but that simply meant he was making more money. "i will do anything you ask of me, good lady," he said, voice soft but earnest. one curl remained behind, and his hand moved of its own volition to tuck it back with the others. "i'm precious to you?" he asked, a grin playing at his lips even as his heart twisted delightfully in his chest. he wasn't at all used to that, someone wanting to be gentle with him - or at least, careful. he couldn't understand why she did not believe in her love for him, when she continued to be so thoughtful and lovely to him.

"'bringing me along'? what am i, a pomeranian?" he remarked with a laugh that was practically a snort. he wasn't offended, exactly, more dismayed to be reminded of his place, and so early in the conversation. "ah, i expect not. us poor servants will have to have our own party while the masters attend. i do hope you won't miss me too much."

[sugartalkins]

the question hung in the air like the large paintings upon the walls. violet felt herself soften, nearly slipping her hand from remy’s. being a hopeless romantic came with pros and cons at the end off the day, and remy’s question forced those thoughts to come to the surface. she wished that the conversation would have remained on him, his love matches. not the possibility of them finding someone just for it to crumble in their laps. “oh, remy, i…” she exhaled, giving his had another careful squeeze before slipping her palm away. “i suppose i should believe that we are only given one chance at love. the whole…hopeless romantic title seems to be tied to that, hm?”

violet looked up at the nearest painting, a depiction of two lovers engulfed in one another. bright colors of pinks, yellows and greens danced across the canvas, which nearly forced a few tears out from her eyes. “but, i like to think i am the product of a second chance. not that i ruined my first love, it was my parents…” she sighed, eyes shifting back to remy with a grin. “but my fathers took me in. showed me what true love is. even if i am not able to find romantic love, i believe the universe gave me a second chance at familial love. that seems to be enough at the moment.” she nodded, attempting to believe her own words. “how come? is there something from your past that you have neglected to inform me about?”

[starrycyed]

remy smiled weakly, but the expression did not last long, and he nodded slightly as he looked down at the floor instead of violet. he had been expecting such a response, yet it still smarted. "that does often seem to be the consensus of all the great love stories," he replied hoarsely. he followed her gaze to the painting, finding comfort in it and her gesture. his attention shifted to his friend, the corners of his lips twitching ever so slightly at her tale. "that is....truly, a beautiful way of thinking of it. your fathers adore you, as do your brothers. it would be a challenge to your future husband to love you more, but i believe he will be up to the task." he took in a deep breath and slowly let it out, resigning himself to telling her about richard. "i - i went away a little while ago, i am not sure if you remember, but - in any event, i stayed in a resort in dorset. i - " remy cleared his throat, rolled his neck. "i fell in love with one of the proprietors. i adored him," he continued, voice barely above a whisper. "he was beautiful and clever and far too good for me. it - it scared me, how much i loved him, and i - i broke things off. i had to return to london, and i told him that it would not be proper to continue a relationship considering our respective stations." a solitary tear rolled down his face. "i crushed his heart in my hand, vi. i could have been happy, and i tossed it all aside and treated the man i love as if he were nothing. you know, even if i did find love again, i would hardly deserve it."

[starrycyed]

closed starter with @whatstohappenallhappenedbefore

location: the entrance of cadogan hall, in the wee hours of the night

alexander had mastered the art of sneaking in and out of the manor long ago, knowing exactly which floorboards to avoid for fear of creaks and precisely how long it took to get from the front hall back to his room. it had been a productive evening, coins clinking softly in his pocket, but hell's teeth if he wasn't sore. grimacing as he prodded at his ribs, he caught movement out of the corner of his eye and instinctively straightened, heart pounding. "my lord," he greeted with a respectful nod and slight bow, praying he didn't look quite as suspicious as he felt. "what has you awake at the witching hour? anything i can help with?"

[starrycyed]

closed starter for @honeyedarsenic location: the theatre royal

remington had always harbored a predilection for the theater. if he were to explore this fondness he might come to find that he often felt like an actor performing a role himself, disappearing behind the mask of a man who did not truly exist - but he did not care to, and instead focused on the appeal of thrilling narratives and complex characters. this particular evening found him poring over the program in the lobby at intermission, still caught up in the world he had left behind and to which he would be eagerly returning soon enough. the younger pembroke accompanying him mentioned something about going to speak with a friend, and remy nodded his acknowledgement without looking up from his reading. a few moments later he caught movement out of his peripheral and, assuming the younger pembroke had returned, began to enthuse, "midsummer will be truly fantastic -" his words caught in his throat as he was met with a different - and yet still familiar - face. "miss - miss denham." he cleared his throat and pasted on a smile. "my apologies, i thought you were my sister. have you - er - been enjoying the performance?"

[caedmilfolie]

“Ah, perhaps you mistook me, my lord. I was merely jesting,” Ava’s lips curved, her tone light though measured as ever. “If I were inclined to think of anyone as competition, I should reserve the notion for a lady.” There was no sharpness in it, as though the matter had long since been decided by history. She allowed a brief pause to settle between them before continuing, her gaze drifting ever so slightly. “And in truth, the more years one spends in society, the less one sees the competition at all.” Her eyes returned to him, dark eyes steady “Would you not agree?”

His mention of pastries lingered, if only for a moment. It had been early, too early for breakfast when she had left her family's town house. The thought of a delicacy carried with it a quiet temptation. Ava dismissed it as swiftly as it came. “I fear I may come across as overbearing where attire is concerned at times,” she admitted, though there was little in her manner to suggest regret. “I find it reflects a person more than most care to acknowledge. Though perhaps I have been influenced by the ladies of Almack’s to grant it such weight.” There was the faintest shift in her expression then, something almost resembling amusement. “It may be my flaw that I undervalue the simplicity of wearing the same cut each day, in the name of comfort and ease.”

Her gaze moved once more toward the interior of the shop, where hands worked tirelessly to shape fabric into something finer. “Still, we are fortunate to have access to the finest craftsmanship London can offer. -- Has your personal modiste already recommended the latest shoe of the season?”

[starrycyed]

"ah, of course," remington said with a smile. "as i said, i prefer to spend as little time here as possible - all the more for sartorially-inclined members of the ton such as yourself to do what they do best." he considered her next words a moment, turning them over in his mind and doing his best not to show that they unsettled him slightly. "it seems a bit early in the day for such philosophical expounding," he said mildly. "but yes, i suppose. although i have just about given up when it comes to predicting, in any way, how a season might transpire."

he shrugged slightly. "if it is of import to you, then it is significant." why begrudge someone their interests, if it hurt no one? besides, she had a point about fashion reflecting on one's character. "i shudder to think what my lack of an eye for fashion says about me," he said with a laugh. "ah, but the patronesses of almack's are tastemakers; it is your very duty to ensure that beauty ensconses all who walk through your doors."

remington nodded in affirmation. "indeed we are," he agreed. "one must certainly pause every so often to admire their dedication and skill. surely if i attempted to cut a garment, it would be a hideous crime against fashion. and you, have you ever attempted to create clothes, yourself?" he cast his mind back to his previous session with the modiste, and at last gave a slow now. "he did, yes. they looked comfortable, at the very least."

[pathlessswoods]

Adam watched him over the rim of his own glass, catching the slight stiffness beneath the laughter, the way the man held himself together even now - as though dignity might slip if he loosened his grip for even a moment. He didn’t press it. Not yet. "Lord Pembroke," he returned with an easy incline of his head, as though the introduction confirmed something he had already suspected. "A pleasure, under somewhat compromised circumstances."

A faint flicker of amusement touched his mouth as Remington dismissed himself so quickly. "Not interesting?" Adam echoed, unconvinced. "You looked like a man being pursued by something far more persistent than trivial anxieties." He let the comment hang just long enough to suggest he didn't entirely believe him - but not long enough to demand the truth. Instead, he took a slow sip of his drink, easing back slightly into his chair.

"Siblings?" he repeated, shifting the subject with deliberate smoothness. "No, my parents were content with me." The corner of his mouth lifted again, something a touch more relaxed settling into his posture now that the worst of the moment had passed. "And you?" he asked, turning the question back with quiet curiosity. "Based off of your question, I can only assume that it could be the cause of your nightly anxiety."

[starrycyed]

"do i? they say that looks can be deceiving," remington observed, smiling mildly. "i assure you, mister hastings, i am no more fascinating than any other person in london - in fact, i would argue i am less interesting than any given gentleman in the club at this very moment, yourself included." he did not harbor high hopes that the compliment would divert the other man's attention, but he rather thought it was worth the effort.

he let out another laugh, this one slightly more genuine. "i am the eldest of six, but i shall take no offense. i would not trade any of my siblings for the world." sure, they were a motley bunch, but the pembrokes were a loving and close-knit family, and he had always been grateful to be part of it. "even though, yes, they cause me no end of stress. statistically speaking it is too much to hope for a quick and uneventful season, but a man can dream nonetheless."

[dcnhams]

in the blink of an eye his previous bitterness had dissolved into worry, the sort you felt for someone whose affection you had once held, and who still held your own. richard began to feel queasy at the sheer speed with which his emotions changed througout their brief interaction, yet he managed to swallow it down, slowly approaching remington as if cautiously seeking the trust of a wounded animal. surely they must have made quite a sight to any curious passerbys - and by what richard had come to know of the city, there seemed nary a passerby who was not, indeed, curious - thus he made sure to remain a respectable distance from remington as he sat down next to him on the bench.

"if it is this that troubles you then you may calm your mind. i ... i appreciat your, uh, apology. i bear you no ill will. what is past may ... remain there." though there was little conviction behind his words he willed them into his tone, willed a small smile onto his lips. "i suppose we will be seeing a lot of each other this season, so perhaps it is for the best we put old resentments to rest, hm?" even less conviction there, yet there was no alternative. what had been done was done. what had been said was said. and even with richard's improved social standing, the heir to the marquessate should surely desire a match more befitting of his station.

"how are your siblings? have they settled in well?"

[starrycyed]

the world finally began to correct its course as remy seated himself on the bench, at least enough so as not to be completely overwhelming. he knew he could not let himself fall apart, certainly not in public, and so he dug his nails into his palms and sucked in a shuddering breath, willing away the panic that would tax his already depleted lungs. richard sat beside him, and though the gesture was small it meant the world to remy, a mercy on the other man's part not to leave him on his own.

"do you - do you think there is any way that we could ever -" start again. bloody hell, he wanted it so much that he could hardly breathe for the idea of richard touching him, kissing him, loving him once again. and yet the other side of the coin, the very real possibility of rejection, was just as overwhelming. "no," he said, shaking his head slightly. "please, forget i said anything. it is ludicrously unfair of me to ask for a second chance, i know that. you are right, we must - we must press on." he swallowed hard, gaze focused intently on the hands in his lap. "oh, uh - yes. yes, they seem happy to be back in london. is your sister here, too?" he asked carefully. remy had never known what odette was privy to in terms of their affair, and if she did know all of the details he certainly could not fathom what she thought of him now.

[sugartalkins]

juliet eyed alexander the entire walk over, a wicked smirk spread across her lips. she watched as he sat beside her, the space between them forcing an eye roll from juliet. “you are absolutely ridiculous when it comes to your compliments. you must be stopped.” she pointed at him with narrowed eyes, fighting the urge to laugh. juliet often enjoyed teasing alexander, especially when he gave her compliments that just came with his personality. she truly believed it didn’t mean anything; it was just alexander’s way of talking.

she slid over, meeting him in the middle of the bench. juliet urged him over, waving her hand with a slight snort. “come on, do not go shy on me now. you are my friend and we shall sit and stargaze together, yeah?” she asked, arching a brow. “tell me, how are the nobleys? are the preparing for the start of the season as i am being forced to do?” juliet looked back at the sky, gaze fixated on the dazzling stars as she waited for his response.

[starrycyed]

"ah, must i?" alexander replied, a grin brightening his features. he tended to feel more than a little out of place here in english high society despite his desperate attempts to fit in, particularly the way his american drawl contrasted so jarringly with everyone else's elegant accents. yet he never felt so different around juliet, finding her a kindred spirit - and a lovely one, at that. "what if i can't help myself? your beauty simply evokes it in me, you know. i never thought myself much of a poet, but you, dear lady, inspire something that makes me want to put a pen to paper."

alexander followed her instruction without hesitation, as he would have if she had beckoned him to follow her to the very ends of the earth. "yes, we are friends," he agreed with a nod, quashing the protestations of his heart as it cried out for more. "good friends - perhaps even best friends." eyebrows quirked toward his hairline. "are you really going to have me talk about my employers? there are so many other things we could be doing on this fine evening - kissing passionately, for one."

[sugartalkins]

"where did you learn your charming ways of speaking, remy?" violet giggled, absorbing every word that slipped from his lips. she merely believed that he was saying all these things just because he had to. they were once a failed match, but now they were friends. friends were honest, yes, but when it came to herself, violet had a hard time believing anything that came from those closest to her. a fault of hers, indeed, as she wished to overcome such a struggle. "if you can find me this rare creature, then i owe you my entire life, rem. however, do not make it a priority. in fact, i prefer to put all of my potential matchmaking efforts into you." violet arched a brow, encouraging her friend to indulge in the idea of a potential love match. "you can find someone kind who you also share a deep love and infatutation for. i know you seem to believe that you will not have a love like your parents, as juliet has seemed to jam into your brain, but it is possible for you. there is so much to love about you." violet gave remy a bright smile, slipping her hand into his palm, giving a quick squeeze. "and yes, i would name them all right now if you asked."

[starrycyed]

"ah, it simply comes naturally," remy reported with a smile, delighting in his friend's laughter. the moment of warmth, however, was almost immediately extinguished as she once more brought up the idea of securing him a match. warmth suffused his cheeks, and he averted his gaze from her determined expression. lord help him, for when violet nobley had made up her mind there was absolutely no stopping her. "i - i do not believe that," he protested weakly, the words wholly unconvincing even to his own ears. "believe me when i say that i have learned, by this point, to decide which of juliet's comments to take to heart, and which to discard." well, he had tried to do the latter with the aforementioned sentiment, but it was decidedly reinforced by his own insecurities. violet took his hand, and the fond gesture was enough to dispel his unease for a moment. "oh, please do not," he said with a laugh. "i will turn a hideous shade of red that has no place amongst such beautiful art." his expression softened, and before he lost his nerve he spoke up again. "vi, do you believe that each of us are only allowed one opportunity for love in our lives? and that if we ruin it, there are no second chances?"