Where: Buckingham House’s Terrace When: Mid-evening May 17th, 1800 Who: @earlharcourt Jacqueline had found a friend of hers who had already been in society to introduce her to others. She beamed, primmed, and worked her damndest to delight everyone she met. She was Baron Mallory’s last daughter, after all, and she refused to be dimmed in comparison to her sisters.
Luckily she genuinely and truly loved people and speaking with them. Getting to know others, making jokes, and generally being charming were not skills Jacqueline lacked. She only wished she had them as more genuine aspects rather than parts of herself used to advance herself in society, but, well, it’s eat or be eaten by the ton and she refused to be part of the later.
Maria, this friend of Jacqueline’s, blushed at seeing a young man on the terrace. Having some sympathy, Jacqueline said, “Introduce me to the other man then take a moment to go see him while I chat with the other gentleman.”
Not that it was a chore. He was handsome, with a nice physique and dark hair that she liked. But he wasn’t Will and who could ever compare? But she beamed when the two of them were introduced.
“Earl Harcourt, this is the Honorable Miss Jacqueline Mallory. Jacqueline, this is Earl Richard Harcourt.”
Oh. Oh no. Will had warned her of this man. He may have also implied if she developed even the most cursory acquaintanceship with him he might not speak with her again.
She pasted on her smile but she knew it was cracking at the edges. And shit, just as Jacqueline had promised, her friend quietly excused herself to go speak to the man she was clearly besotted with for a few moments and Jacqueline wouldn't ruin that for her.
“Earl Harcourt,” said Jacqueline as her friend stepped away. “I would say it’s a pleasure but your reputation precedes you, I’m afraid.”
