#dreamspenned

[thorneheir]

CLOSED STARTER | for @dreamspenned LOCATION | thorne house

Tobias had always made a point to spend as little as he could in his family's house, rarely being in the mood to argue with his father or try and rebuff his step-mother trying to reconcile the hatred he and the lord had for one another. It meant a lot of sneaking in and out to avoid them and his responsibility. 

Sneaking in, it occurred to him that he didn’t know when the last time was that he had been in the home. He’d found plenty of places to stay from the occasional night at an inn or sharing the night with someone but it got to the point when he knew he would have to come back. Hearing his fathers voice when he snuck through the door, he retreated into an alcove hoping not to be spotted when he saw Tessa and pleaded silently with her to not give away his location. “Please,” he mouths and presses a finger to his lips.

[lorddominic]

who: dominic & mary @dreamspenned where: Barnett House

Dominic was plagued by Katherine’s words. Mary and Frederic are planning to elope, both clearly conversing despite Dominic’s rules. Frederic was to keep his distance from Mary or Dominic would ruin her. He didn’t take any enjoyment from it, but he wasn’t the type to fail on a threat. The house was transformed back into its simplistic form. There wasn’t any gemstone-decorated room; there weren't the opulent displays. It was stripped back to its mediocrity, which would’ve made Dominic laugh if he weren't here on pressing issues. It didn’t take long for Dominic to be received by the footman and escorted up to the drawing room. He didn’t sit. Dominic just stood in the doorway, waiting for Mary to be summoned. If Katherine were right and an elopement were the plan, it was useless talking to Frederic. Mary could be the only one to see sense.

When Mary walked in, Dominic said nothing. He refused the drinks offered by the footman, nor did he offer any polite greeting to her. “I apologise for the intrusion,” Dominic says with no sincerity, "but I have an urgent matter to discuss.” Dominic let his words hang in the air as he studied Mary and her potential reaction. “I’ve been informed that you and Frederic have been in contact, but you also plan to elope.” There was no question yet, just a man stating facts. It was like he was in the house of lords, gearing up to debate a bill that no one wanted. The Barnetts weren’t dim; they were clever enough to lie once. Dominic knew they’d all lie again. It was in their nature. “If you do this, or continue whatever this is with Frederic, I promise there’ll be consequences. " Dominic wasn’t threatening. He was stating facts as plain as day. He didn’t want any misunderstandings, and this was the best way.

[lavieenton]

|| closed starter || Mary Bennett || @dreamspenned

|| LOCATION || The Dempsey Cottage

Ceara knew little of the Barnetts. In fact, she knew just enough to know their names and appearances, but nothing more than that. So upon meeting Mary, she realized who she was right away and insisted upon inviting her to her home to speak privately. The girl was young but she knew she wasn’t helpless. She had simply set her heart on an O’Connor and that was a travesty itself. But one also had to be strong-willed to even catch the eye of one of the brothers.

“I have tea, water, and milk should you want a refreshment before we start speaking,” she said, back turned towards her as she opened the cabinet where she held the tea. She didn’t drink it but guests surely might. Looking over her shoulder, Ceara worried she may be getting ahead of herself. “Or we can just talk now, if you rather? I’m sure it’s been quite the time since Whistledown.”

[v1dua]

𝐰𝐡𝐨? leonora mercier & mary barnett ( @dreamspenned ). 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞? st. james' park, midday.

her engagement to lord dominic had changed her from the widow returned to england to the betrothed of one of societies bachelors - and to some, an unsufferable man. leonora knew little of dominic, but she held no negativity towards him and perhaps she was using him as much as he was using her: he needed a wife and she needed to escape the disappointment. a win-win.

so she walks slowly through st. james' park, the midday sun peeking beneath fluffy white clouds and creeping through the tree branches that stretched overhead. her garden was one solace, but the parks of london held fond memories for leonora. she brought herself to a stop to admire a blooming hydrangea bush before noticing the dropped item, collecting it into her hands and looking for anybody nearby. "excuse me, have you dropped this by chance?"

[lavieenton]

|| closed starter || @dreamspenned || Mary

|| LOCATION || The Dempsey Cottage

Ceara thought it'd be best to offer further distractions after another Whistledown paper had come out. Having had time to read it, it wasn't great. She had never been mentioned, but she knew she would never want to. And now that she had been, it was incredibly bothersome and she did not want to be perceived any longer. She imagined this was how Mary felt, but to several more degrees being the diamond of the season.

"I have some good news for you," she said as she sat at the kitchen table, politely stacking a few pieces of parchment to make space for the cup of tea she made for Mary. Ceara had been learning to make tea more effectively now that there was someone who enjoyed it. Folding her hands before her, she said, "I took heed to your wordsa and I am working with Frederic on becoming my second teacher's aide. He will be helping me tutor Amelia Thorne, while you and I will still be working with Thomas Dulcott. But, I am planning for the three of us to work together with Lord Smith's youngest daughter, Elisabeth. How do you feel about such an arrangement?"

[lavieenton]

|| closed starter || @dreamspenned || Ajana

|| LOCATION || Hyde Park

After discovering the potential feelings she had for Charlotte, Riya took it upon herself to receive fresh air and clear her thoughts. But walking the gardens of the Das residence did not garner enough relief. So, she took to leaving after Aera's departure, finding a strange solace walking through Hyde Park. She found no use in truly promenading now, for the notion took away the opportunity to spend more time with her. How was she meant to function in these conditions? Was this how it felt all the time? The all-consuming need to do what you could to be with another person?

As Riya continued her stroll, her thoughts were too jumbled and she ended up running into someone. "Oh, goodness. Forgive me, I--" Her words died on her lips as she stepped back to see who it was, recognizing the kind face immediately. Ajana Elmsworth. The poor girl her brother had slighted, and yet felt so...strangely about. She didn't understand his notions about it still.

"Miss Elmsworth, hello," she said, expression softening. "I did not see you at the Barnett's ball, but I heard you looked stunning. How are you fairing in this summer heat?"

[nverholdme]

CLOSED STARTER | for @dreamspenned LOCATION | HARRINGTON BOOKS

If there was one thing Marie was keeping an eye on, it was the noble families that were financially ruined given how secret her own families situation was close to being. One family she took extra interest in was the Barnett family and how they’d risen back up thanks to their sponsor. If she could get herself tied to them then she thought that would help her situation. If she could be confidant or friend then she thought there could be benefits to both of them. 

She knew of Mary Barnett and the engagement breaking that awfully public when she spotted her in the bookshop. “Oh!” She says trying to sound casual but beams at the book she thinks Mary was looking at. “My step-son has read that and simply loved it! I prefer more of a darker story but it’s still interesting. Don’t tell anyone but I can prefer book characters over some people here,” she grins, whispering as if it's a secret.