(Simone Ashley) Goodness, Kaira Thanvi has arrived! She is 26 , of an unknown family, and a modiste. They are new to England and the season. This author has heard they are loyal but also reserved. Accompanied by nobody , there is much talk of their arrival and accepting calls but be warned: I have heard they hear all secrets!
Bio and info under the cut...
Name: Kaira Thanvi
(Ky-rah, Th-A-han-vie)
Role in society: Modiste, owner of Thanvi Silks.
Sexual Orientation: Not decided.
Appearance-Eye Color: Brown
Hair Color: Black
Tattoos/Scars: Scar on hand from past incident.
Kaira Thanvi was born to modiste owner Elilan Thanvi who had no other children. There was no mother around which many people thought odd when Elilan appeared suddenly to have a new daughter. Not wanting people to talk, he shut down his popular modiste (Thanvi Silks) in London and moved away from the city to raise Kaira.
Growing up, she knew not to ask about her mother and on the rare occasion that she did there would be no point because her after would clam up, become angry and never give an answer.
As a young woman, she quickly knew that many people admired her beauty and would often seek her out to court or befriend but she remained humble, never using her beauty to get anything and more often than not, rejected it.
At 21, Kaira met a gentleman and was besotted with him and with the life she thought they could have together when the family visited her fathers shop (a different name) and wanted to be with him but her father detested the nobleman and refused it. It turned out Kaira was the only one who thought the gentleman wanted to marry her and after spending the night together, she wasn’t offered a marriage but instead the role of mistress.
Five years later. Kaira is left alone in the world when her father dies and with little money she has no other choice but to sell the country shop her father owned and move everything (and herself) to London. She may not know many people but there’s a curiosity in her to see the society world.
Frederic kept the scowl on his face. He even seems to cross his arms further. His nose was slightly scrunched up. He didn't like how she was talking to him. It reminded him too much of his fight with Dominic. "I'm sorry," he said, clearly mocking, just trying to be a brat about it. "Is that what you wanted to hear?" It was filled with attitude.
"Well, when someone only gets yelled at all evening, that certainly would do it," He tells her as he points at her. "All evening. scolded, yelled at. It's rather hard to be nice, right?" He asked her. He was rather tired of it all. He just wanted to get away, and it just turned into being scolded by a stranger.
She rolls her eyes at the apology, giving an exasperated huff at the brat behaviour that only came from the gentleman class. “Only if you meant which you clearly didn’t. There’s no point in it and you’re insulting us both even more.” She was trying hard to keep her head away from being spoiled with a foul mood but it was hard.
“If you’re getting yelled at by more than one person all evening then it must have been something you’ve done,” she sighed. “I think it’s harder and more effort to be such a..” she pauses and tries to collect herself. “What have you done that makes everyone yell at you? Besides myself.”
Genevieve giggled along with her. She knew how to have fun, and she adored that quality in a person. She laughed properly this time, agreeing, "I should like that. Perhaps, it represents the...glow of sunrise and the makings of a new day," she quipped, waving a hand about in thought. "Quelque chose de poétique comme ça."
Seeing her pride about her work prompted the princess to stand taller as well, her curiosity always getting the best of her. "I still have not seen everything here. Would it be too much to ask to visit your modiste in the morning? Maybe even commission a gown almost as beautiful as the one you wear now?"
“You are very good!” Kaira giggles and can’t believe that she is actually having fun and not thinking about work at all, just enjoying it and without worrying about anything. The last time she had been to a ball there had been quite a scandal but she was younger then, thought that nothing could bother her until it did. But she pushed that thought aside and didn't think about it. Her night was good and she was having fun for once! “I have no idea what you just said but I will pretend it is a compliment!”
She gives a grateful nod, flushed a little from the dancing. “Of course you can. My shop is always open and I can show you all of my work and some I’m still working on. That's more of some personal experiments. I don’t like to have free time,” she blushes, “I can’t sit still but my work is only improved from it.”
Frederic wasn't expecting to get a stern look, and he felt scolded.. How- How dare she! She has no idea how much of a terrible night he's having!
His face scrunched, and he looked at her. "Well, I can greet you however I like," he didn't know her at all- why does he have to be kind? He's sure it was written all over his face how much of a bad mood he really is in. he slightly lifted his nose. “Is that how you talk to people you don’t know? scolding them as if you have the right to.”
“You can but I thought that a gentleman would have better manners then whatever has soured you so much!” She can’t believe the way of him, how he couldn't even apologize for an accident of bumping into her and then glaring as if she was at fault! “Had you just said a simple apology then we could both just go on and enjoy our evening.”
She can’t help but scoff at him. “You bumped into me. I’d have ignored it if it weren’t for your attitude. I can’t even think what would put someone in such a mood. What was it?”
“It must feel extraordinary to see your creations among the glittering lights.” The theme of the night’s ball has been woven through everything with thoughtful touches here and there. Everyone has donned their finest and under the shimmering lights they seem to be having a splendid time. “I have taken a turn or two already,” he comments with a smile. He’s looking forward to dancing some more with his wife, and others. “Is the next song to your liking?” The band has been playing quite a repertoire of dances. Aiming to tailor to everyone is a task, but perhaps the song and dance style scheduled next is familiar to them both. “Perhaps we shall dance?”
“I’ve never seen so many in one place or how much people enjoy wearing them!” Embarrassed, she quickly corrects herself. “That makes me sound awful about my own work! I mean that normally this much detail isn’t put into it from the buyer but I’ve been working a lot harder on the staunch specifics people wanted reflected in their attire and to see them looking so happy and themselves when wearing it just fills me with joy!” A red blush creeps up on her when she remembers who she was talking to and her past slams into her mind. “Oh no, you’re married and I couldn’t possibly but we could watch others dance?”
"It certainly does," Genevieve agreed. "Dare I say, I think you would be exceptional as an orange diamond, as well. I hear they are just as rare as the pink kind." She did not make friends--proper ones--with just anyone. She saw most interactions as networking, planning alliances. But with Kaira, she could see a possible friendship blooming for the time she was there.
Kaira was glowing in orange, as glittering and perfectly done as the citrine was. It was a lovely fit. "Did you make this yourself? I heard you are a modiste, and if you did, your talent knows no bounds, Miss Kaira."
“Maybe I’ll tell people I’m an orange diamond,” she giggles with a little shake of her head, being playful for the first time in so long. “I don’t know what it means and I don’t want to be vain and tell people I have no idea and picked it because it looked agreeable to me. Let us make something up!”
Proudly, she beams and stands a little taller. “I did! I inherited my fathers modiste and he taught me all I know. I think I knew how to handle a needle before I ever did a pen!”
It was quite scandalous, a princess of England dancing with a modiste but there was nothing but friendship in Sophia’s gesture. Others would see Kaira dancing with a member of the royal family and either flock to her for business or of a more personal nature. Whatever the outcome would be, Sophia had some happiness knowing that she would have a small hand in another’s rise, another one that was outside the norms of high society.
“I thought an amethyst was agreeable for me, it is supposed to bring wisdom and unity and I thought my family and my country could do with that. What about you, the colouring of your dress compliments you so effortlessly, I am sure most in London are beside themselves with envy.”
Kaira may just be a modiste, but there was something that seemed too effortless with her choice of gown, and if she had a hand in making or designing it, then all of London would be knocking down her door for one of her designs.
“Amethyst is the most perfect choice for you! Before this party I didn’t know much about gems apart from what went best with certain colours or occasions. Nothing about the meanings! I’ve consulted with the jewelers so much I fear they may ask for a commission,” he chuckles light and sweet. “Aside from the meaning, I think it is a colour that looks perfect for you. It brings out your eyes and adds a nice glow to you.”
Kaira had tried her best not to stand out after her past, opting for simple colours that would balance between suiting her and not standing out. It was hard to do as business owner whose entire reputation would fracture if she wore something terrible or that made her looked bad. It was finding that balance between the two.
“The orange is much bolder than I normally pick and I was going to pick a simpler one but seeing everyone excited for theirs and the rich colours, I couldn’t miss out! Envy? Oh no! I don’t want that! Although if it takes them to my shop I wouldn’t mind too much!”
as though memory took them to the dancing floor, they pause. his drink half-finished and a shrewd sweep of the happenstances around him, searching for those who stumble their secrets from their mouths with too much eagerness. he needs to anticipate who will be chosen, needs to overhear before it is announced, as was promised — father, why do you stress yourself out so much? his son could not be aware, nor could the others. and las would make good use of this special invitation under god. a gruff hum when the music stopped, in the middle of sipping his drink — he is addressed. but by accident, for the person which kaira spoke to moved away from her directly after.
a roll of the elder modiste's eyes. he steps in. “peridot, miss thanvi. to display as many greens as are possible in light of summer.” a lift of the cup to toast to her. that quizzical look now falling upon her. ah, to have rivals — ones that push you to your greatest limits, and yet neither of them expecting to be here. “and yours … citrine. i've not danced in many years, but if you are without an ask?” las often feels slighted by the smallest inconvenience, but not this here; it would be understandable if she declined, and yet the compassion in his heart stirs.
It must have looked strange or unnerving to anyone looking at her, seeing her so focused on the fabrics, the colours and the movement of every garment and admiring the work in awe and fascination. Even the people who did not use her work looked exceptional and she thought all looked the best they had all season, every single person reveling in the theme and using it to express some part of themselves that they saw or that they wanted to see. It made her proud to see it even though she wasn’t involved in it. Her father would say this is exactly why he did the work he did and loved their trade, allowing people to express themselves in their clothes.
“Your work is exquisite and I truly do mean it. I can see the different greens and how it changes in the light. I think you have dressed yourself to be the best of the evening.” It wasn’t a shallow compliment or false words, she meant it and thought such good work should be praised. “I would be honored to dance with you.”
Although Genevieve did not like balls, she adored dancing and all it entailed. The movement, the semblance of some sort of freedom with her body. It made her happy, made her feel good. While she was looking for Edgar, she quite kindly asked Kaira for a dance, finding she looked to be dipped in gold more than citrine. She admired a fashionable woman when she saw one.
Dancing with her felt effortless, she laughed with glee and spun in tune with the fanciful music. Kaira made for a wonderful dancing partner. “You dance beautifully yourself,” she complimented with a graceful curtsy, smiling before laughing. “Well, none that I care yet for beside yours. Oh, a pink diamond!”
She gave a slight twirl to emphasize the way her dress skirt shaped under the movement. “It is not conventional, but I adore it. You are the citrine, yes?”
There was such a beautiful elegance when Genevieve moved that Kaira knew it helped herself not look a fool when she danced with her. She was always worried about keeping up with dances and trying to look as composed as she could be that she worried too much to enjoy it properly but not during that dance. She did actually have fun!
“A pink diamond suits you! It’s better to break away from convention when you’re at a beautiful ball like this. Why shouldn’t diamonds be pink? I think they should be every colour! Yes, I’m citrine today. I adore the colour and think it suits me as a stone.”
who: Anyone in the Ton
where: The Barnett House(for the gemstone Ball)
Frederic took a few steps into the ball alongside his brothers. His clothes made him stand out- red and a bit flashy. He thought he looked rather good in the ruby-colored suit. What he hadn't expected was seeing a glimpse of Mary, and she was also wearing red, and because of that. It felt like his brother had him on a tight leash.
He was not going to have a good time if this kept up
He only barely managed to slip away from him while he was stuck talking to some women about their daughter being a match for him. He could finally breathe now that he was alone. His eyes weren't forward, and he had glanced behind, making sure Dominic was far enough away. He bumped right into someone. He made a noise, and he glared at the other- He actually managed to bite his tongue and not say anything rude. He’s sure his glare spoke for him. “Hello to you too,” He said as he crossed his arms. He took this as a chance to speak with someone- maybe if his brother saw, he’d leave him be....maybe he could act a little less cross...
Everyones head turned to the O’Connor brothers and she could practically feel all the eligible ladies and eager mothers thinking of how to beat the others for an introduction. For Kaira, she found them a bit too intimidating but had to admit they were some of the best dressed of the evening and appreciated the quality of their clothing.
Later on, that thought quickly changed when she felt one of them bump into her. “Excuse me?” she says in shock, giving him a stern look. “If that is how you say hello, even at an event then you should find a different way!”
"i figured that modistes must stick together on a night like this. tomorrow, we can return to our competition." the younger bessette breathed deep, calming a running heart from the high-energy dance. truthfully, he wished to learn more of the newcomer, and whether she would pose a risk to his father --- or be a tremendous asset.
he takes a step back, releasing her to hold the end of the sash around his waist. "a different hue, but . . . " raising it closer to her dress, ramón offers a small smile. "it seems we were of the same mind tonight."
“I didn’t think I had any competition,” she teases with a playful smile that’s only a little taunting. “Everyone has been telling me how happy they are to have a Thanvi back in London and dressing society. Is anyone here wearing your work?”
She can’t help the smile that pulls up on her face seeing they wore the same gemstone for their inspiration. “You do look excellent in the citrine, I can’t fault your choice or the work on your clothing. You might competition afterall.”
Bertie hummed. "I always did want to be noticed...." he should say he preferred it, but he's not that used to it yet. He laughed slightly, and he nodded. "he knows what he wants. He does not do well when it goes against plan," which is what Tobias does and keeps doing. He goes against the grain that his father has set out. "Well, it's clearly seen- I only know how to fix tears. " It's good work," He tells her, and he really means it.
"I think...I felt better with that thinking. with hope, I get carried away," He hummed. He snorted. "Well, just know that I didn't care that much-" he paused. "though I did tell him I had other lords I could bed," He admitted. which was true- he's rather good at getting into a lord's bed...maybe not so much their hearts sadly.
"No?" He had never worn clothes like this before, and did make him feel good. "Well, luckily for you, I only wear dark clothes…." He rather liked how it looked on him. It was bold, but he could see himself wearing it on his days off. " Well, you certainly did make it," He tells her.
"Oh, thank you." He should be used to complaints, but it does make him give a small smile. "Thank you," He snorted.” Well, he did think I was desirable. He bedded me many times," He pointed to her with a slight, sly smile on his face. “Maybe, I’d find someone else,” He hummed at the thought. He didn’t want to be hopeful, but he really can’t help it….
“I’m sure if you wanted to learn how to do more I’m sure you could. It’s technical work and is only difficult depending on the pattern and your tools. If you can do simple repairs like tears then you’ll be able to do some more with practice.”
She looks over the suit and gives a nod almost like she’s assessing if he does suit the darker colours and finds that he is correct. “People think darker colours can’t be bold but I disagree! It depends on who wears them and how they’re made. You don’t have to use it for the ball but I hope you wear it at least once. And in view of someone you want to make jealous,” she adds a little wickedly but hoping it could be something he might use to show whoever his past flame was that he was missing out.
“Do it! Maybe some high status lord or rich man so he can see you’re someone who has the attentions of important people and that would have him seething with jealousy.”
Oskar had only come to see Regina. Not that he had any idea what he would do if he did see her here, or what on earth he would say, but they were parents together. Johann deserved parents that did not hate each other, that did not bicker and throw cruel words across small spaces. He had a son now. He had to better than he was.
At least he had always loved dancing.
"If I look presentable it is your doing." He told the modiste, resisting the urge to smooth his soldier's uniform (still the nicest thing he owned) and its new pocket square. Her repairs had made him look presentable again. "It is agate, I think. Or something similar."
“Your pick is meant to be something about yourself. It’s all I’ve heard in the weeks leading up to this, all the young ladies and the men talking about their choices and I’ve heard some of the meanings. Agate,” she hums trying to remember something about it. “Is it strength? I think all of the colours and meanings have blended into one but I don’t remember many people picking agate. I like that you’ve picked something unique.”
“Miss Thanvi, it’s a pleasure to see you in attendance.” He greets her with a warm smile. Their paths had crossed weeks prior when he shopped at Thanvi Silks. The modiste’s shop was smaller than others but he found no qualms with the quality of the items. He believed that in time to come, she would certainly make her mark upon the Ton, and possibly grow to rival the other modistes. “Are you happy here in wallflower land, or do you plan on getting a dance card?” He teased.
Before coming back to London, she’d been the opposite of a wallflower and had too much attention. She’d enjoyed it too. Reveled in it. It led to a much more complicated life though. “Mr Bruce,” she says with a slight dip as she’d seen many of the young ladies do. “It would be a shame to miss out on the dancing especially in my own work. Have you danced yet?”
OPEN EVENT STARTER | to thetonhq
LOCATION | Gemstone Ball at Barnett House
Being just a modiste, Kaira always thought that she would be standing on the sidelines and watching everyone take to the dancefloor but she didn’t mind it. It was a treat to see all the beautiful clothing move and seeing everyone's choices. It was a surprise that she was asked at all and feeling like her old self in her beautiful citrine dress, she accepted and moved easily with the dancing partner until the music ended. “You move most beautifully,” her face red from the moving but a wide smile on her face. “Thank you for asking me to dance. I’m sure you have had many offers already. And your clothes! What gemstone are you tonight?"
Also called the "Merchant's Stone". It is a stone that attracts wealth, prosperity and encourages generosity. The gem brings enthusiasm and self confidence and is a lucky stone with colours of warm sunshine. It is ideal for any merchant or creative person to have for its qualities and symbolism.
Regina did her best to give a sheepish smile of apology. Verbal apologies weren't really her thing but given how kind the woman was being she felt the need to do something. The fact she hadn't seen Johann concerned her further and she started looking around once more.
"He likes to watch the birds, there's some nests nearby I think."
“Then let’s look for the birds,” she says, trying to be there for Regina and thinking how worried she must be for the child. “Does he do this often or is this something new? I don’t have children in my life, relatives or my own, but I know they can be affected by anything and have big emotions with what they experience.”