Beware the Frozen Heart

[whatstohappenallhappenedbefore]

Dependent multi-muse blog for @grosvenortales

Dowager Lady Anaya Seymour tag / intro

Count Anthony Nobley tag / intro

Lord Edwin Beaumont tag / intro

[pathlessswoods]

Adam's footsteps slowed the moment he realized the nook was already occupied, though he didn't turn back. Instead, he stepped fully into the shadowed alcove as if it had always been his intention, the faint glow of candlelight catching along the sharp edge of his mask and the polished buttons of his coat. At Edwin's voice, a soft, low chuckle left him, quiet, but genuine. "Your hiding spot?" he repeated, a note of easy amusement threading through his tone. "That is rather bold of you to claim, considering I discovered it not ten minutes ago. Though-" he lifted his glass slightly, the amber liquid inside catching the light as he gave a small, conceding tilt of his head, "-I will admit, I abandoned it briefly. A fatal mistake, it seems."

He settled beside the wall, close enough to share the space but not so near as to crowd it, one shoulder resting back as though he meant to stay a while. From here, the ballroom felt distant and muted. The music dulled to a soft hum, laughter reduced to something almost dreamlike, as though it belonged to another world entirely. "It is beautiful,"he agreed after a pause, his voice quieter now, more thoughtful. "Almost too much so. Like something designed to dazzle just long enough that no one thinks too closely about what comes after."

There was a brief silence, not uncomfortable, but weighted, like the quiet between waves. Adam studied him a moment longer than politeness strictly allowed, something almost searching in the look, as though he were trying to see past the mask, past the costume, to something more familiar hiding beneath. "I am assuming that you're hiding over here, for the same reasons that I am," the corner of his mouth curved, not unkindly, but knowingly. "the impatient mothers are busy looking at the dancefloor for suitors, it seems. Or am I wrong?"

[whatstohappenallhappenedbefore]

Well it wasn't someone he recognised at a glance, but he supposed that was rather the point. Perhaps a little frustrating, but then if he couldn't recognise others, then they hopefully wouldn't recognise him either. "A turn of phrase, nothing more" he clarified with a soft laugh. "I doubt our hostess would be thrilled if she were to discover people claiming areas of their home as their own" or perhaps not. It had been a while since he had spoken to the lady in question, it was impossible to know what it was she may or may not believe in. "Though I will abandon any claim when I do come of out hiding" least to this, though how deeply the hiding went, he wasn't sure.

He wasn't too surprised that the man choose to stay. He knew too well what being out there felt like, even if he had liked the solitary. It was unlikely to happen tonight, and he could switch the charm back on easily enough. Even with the mask, he'd wear his own society based one. "That would not work. Those who are worried about what comes after would not be dazzled enough, and those who are dazzled are not worried" it was a simple enough statement, it didn't express an opinion on where he was with it.

And there lay the problem. Even with masks, and trying to make a quiet return into society, it was still evident he was a young man with no wedding band. Only so much a disguise could do, he would need to remember that. "A little. They have a danger tonight" he mused, looking back over to where a small group of the aforementioned mothers stood. "For what if they get a young man to dance with their son or daughter, and then when the masks are removed, it turns out to not be someone of high enough rank for their tastes?"

[sugartalkins]

closed starter with @whatstohappenallhappenedbefore

location: the masquerade at halifax hall, main ballroom

violet had lost her brothers at some point during the night.

they had walked her in, exchanged a few jests before they slipped from her view. she wished she had a few more moments to sink her teeth into them, give them a piece of her mind, perhaps actually engage in conversations with them that revolved around anything but parliament. alas, she spent the first hour glued to the wall, nursing a glass of champagne and giving a few individuals soft smiles. she listened and swayed, adjusted her holster and forced herself off the wall at the sight of her father in the distance.

violet grinned as she snuck up onto him, her hands stretching behind her back. “mister nobley, it seems you have lost your children.” she spoke, arching a brow as she tried not to laugh. “edmund has returned to his travels, nicholas is always missing and violet…oh, the sweetest angel on earth…she’s been lost to the crowds. does that sadden you?” violet giggled, her jest slipping through her fingers.

[whatstohappenallhappenedbefore]

Anthony had definitely too many of these events as someone trying to sort matches. He didn't remember it all being this complicated all those years ago, but then he supposed he'd had it very easy. That and he had very decisive in-laws, and once they had decided on something, nothing would change their minds. Worked out very well for him, but he hadn't wanted to do the same thing with his own children. Though perhaps that was more to do with the other factors involved in that. Ones he wasn't going to trouble them with.

Though whatever his thoughts were, they were quickly eradicated when a pirate approached him. Not that it took him long to realise it was his daughter. It might fool most, but he knew his children. "So it would seem" he replied, deciding to play along, even if they both knew he knew exactly who she was. "Lost is not the word I would use though".

[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?"

[whatstohappenallhappenedbefore]

Edwin nodded, glad that someone else was feeling the same way. At a guess, he imagined that most people were feeling like that. Or perhaps he hoped that most people felt like that, he would feel less guilty if others were struggling. He had been fine with it before, when none of the focus had really been on him It had been fun, now it felt like a different life. And that was his emotions when he was disguised and no one knew that he was here. So far he had got away with avoiding it, but it seemed as if that had slipped away.

"There is no need to apologise" he replied, least not in disguises. Not that he really saw any need for it, but he knew what society was like if you did anything out of the norm. "You did not disturb me. The first event of the season is always a little overwhelming" or that had been his experience. Perhaps he was overthinking it, perhaps no one would even notice their return. "It does, and perhaps that is almost too much of a comfort" he mused, "after all, some people are far smarter then I am, they may be able to realise who is underneath the masks" least he had no one realising he was here, though perhaps that is what she was doing. "After all, I currently do not know who you are, and you may be an expert at identifying people".

[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".

[whatstohappenallhappenedbefore]

Dearest gentle reader! This author has, at long last, been made aware of the arrival of one LORD EDWIN BEAUMONT in London! HE, accompanied by HIS YOUNGER SIBLINGS, is RETURNED to the season - yet their reputation preceeds them. While known by many to be CHARASMATIC & GENTLE , this author has also heard the be described as GUARDED & STUBBORN. As they arrive in London they evoke images of FAINT LAUGHTER LINES ADJOURNING TIRED EYES, CHASED BY GHOSTS, THIRD BORN BUT OLDEST LIVING, WALKING WITH A CANE. They may think their secrets safe for now, but this author is intent to unearth what lingers underneath the surface!

When the Duke first entered society, it was of no surprise that he married quickly. A handsome man with an old title, no one was truly that surprised. It was always going to be a happy life, and no one was surprised when their first child came along, and than another, and another. On and on that went until they had been blessed with five children.

Edwin was the third born son. Loved, but he was never going to inherit. Growing up knowing that, it never really worried him. He didn't want to be the heir, he didn't want the attention it gave his older brothers, even the so-called spare. The pressure they were under wasn't something that he ever wanted. He knew eventually he would have to marry, but whilst his older brothers remained unmarried, it wasn't something he was overly worried about.

A Duke's son was always going to catch the attention of society, but as he was the third son, for now the attention was fleeting. He'd be polite to people, whenever he could and no one could fault his manners or how he reacted to anyone, but it was clearly all surface level.

It was a trip that all went wrong. He and his older brothers had gone abroad, visiting other countries. Then there was an accident. The carriage had been moving quickly, too quickly. The wreckage was found the following morning, Edwin was close to death, and his brothers were gone. He was rushed home, to eventually awaken to the news of what had happened. Not only were his brothers gone, but he was now the oldest child, he was due to inherit a title that had never interested him, and with a leg injury leaving him having to use a cane.

A couple of years passed with the family in mourning, when the Duke realised that currently there was no real linage. With the season starting, they have quietly made their way back to London. It might not have been Edwin's first time in society, but it was his first time as the heir.

[fan-a-tink]

Prince Eric | The Little Mermaid (2023)

[winedcrk]

The social season in London thus far has felt, as Alasdair had expected it would, rather like being hunted for sport. The sensation has taken root in the pit of his stomach, unshakeable and only intensifying as he realises that two of the people that had cornered him at a dinner the week previous have not only spotted him, but actually seem to be discreetly racing each other to catch up with him first. It won't do.

"Both," Alasdair answers tightly, promptly turning his back on the simpering Widow Alcott and boorish Mister Dhillon in favour of the gentleman in front of him, making it abundantly clear that he has no intention of entertaining further conversation with either of them. Even speaking with an utter stranger is preferable, in this case. "I will not detain you overlong, sir. I only need a moment, until they lose interest." Some other bachelor will doubtless come along eventually, and spare Alasdair any further unwanted attention.

[whatstohappenallhappenedbefore]

"Then it will not a moment" that much he did know. Mister Dhillon likely would get bored quickly, that much was true. "The seasons are hard enough to manage when you are first entering. However returning after a marriage is even harder" and if he had made the mistake of showing her any interest, then he doubted it would actually end all that well. Least if he was widowed now, his position would be completely secure, or secure enough that he didn't need to worry.

"Neither exactly seem to be acting out of turn. Is it them in particular, or just the season itself that is proving the problem here" likely the latter, which would mean he was going to have a very difficult few months ahead of him. Why the youth of today were so against it, he truly didn't understand. If they were a part of this life, it meant they had all lived very comfortable lives afterall.

[pathlessswoods]

Adam did not often abandon subtlety. But today, he made an exception.

He slipped into step beside him with the ease of a man who very much intended it, as though their meeting had been prearranged and long overdue. "There you are," he said, with just enough familiarity to make it convincing to anyone watching. "I was beginning to think you’d left me to my fate." Only then did he allow himself a glance over his shoulder. The sight confirmed it: feathers, determination, and a daughter being steered with all the delicacy of a military operation. Adam exhaled, slow and deliberate. "You see that woman in blue?" he murmured. "If you value not talking about feathers, I suggest you do not make eye contact."

A beat.

"She has spent the last quarter hour attempting to introduce me to her daughter as though I were a horse she meant to inspect for purchase." The faintest smirk tugged at his mouth, though there was something undeniably relieved beneath it now that he had successfully diverted course. "I admire efficiency," he added. "But I prefer it applied to matters where I've at least agreed to participate." His gaze lingered a moment longer - just long enough to ensure they had not yet been reclaimed - before he turned back fully, something in his posture loosening now that he stood in safer company. "I was considering drastic measures," he went on, tone dryly amused. "A sudden limp, perhaps. Or a deeply convincing interest in the nearest shrubbery."

A brief pause.

"But then I saw you," he added, as though that alone had resolved the matter. "And thought: here is a man who looks as though he understands the value of a well-timed escape."

[whatstohappenallhappenedbefore]

Ah there it was, the familiar entitlement that most members of the ton seemed to have. It was an annoyance really, especially when it dragged him into situations he had no desire to be involved in. "Who said that I was not going to leave you to that fate?" he asked. Afterall, he had no reason to go along with any of this, and right now he had been given no reason to go with it.

Still, he glanced over at the woman, "that would be Lady Duncan. It would not matter if I made eye contact or not, she would not come over here" society pressures or otherwise, she didn't like him. That worked out rather well for him, as he frankly found her a pain. He actually pitied her daughter, she seemed like a sweet enough girl, but it was going to be a struggle for her to ever meet anyone with a mother like that. He was sure her father had also lost some friends with his choice in a wife, but he did at least seem happy enough.

"You seem to be under the illusion that right now you are not a horse for inspection. That is what the season is, with a little more glamour involved in it" that he was thankful for at least, although he had half been expecting someone to check his teeth the year he had been involved. Small mercies for a quick marriage, not that it was that surprising... least for him. "You either have to accept that, or there is no reason to currently be in London" something he wished his own children would actually understand. How quickly it could all crumble down, and they didn't seem to want to give themselves any protection.

"I do" though usually he preferred it when he wasn't involved in the escape. "Though you would have to give me more then that to help you".

[winedcrk]

where: hyde park when: morning with: open

In a city such as London, a moment's peace is a rare commodity, but Alasdair Makwana has already discovered its closest substitute in the weak morning sunlight that paints Hyde Park in muted gold. Absent the promenading debutantes and open-topped carriages that will later clamour for space and attention, it is actually possible to hear one's thoughts, with one in particular pushing its way to its usual place at the forefront of Alasdair's mind - why did I agree to come here?

He is pulled from his ruminations by the sight of a dog careering down the path towards him, trailing its lead in the mud behind it. It deposits itself at his feet, looking up at him with expectant brown eyes, and Alasdair hesitates for only a moment before bending down to offer the creature his hand to sniff. "Hello," he says softly, the ghost of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth, "Where have you come from?" He glances upwards, half-expecting the dog's master or, at the very least, some beleaguered servant to reveal themselves forthwith.

[whatstohappenallhappenedbefore]

It was strange, in most things in London it appeared it's own thing. Unique and unashamed to be London. Yet the parks, they almost felt like some sort of strange reflection of the country, one that didn't quite make sense. She didn't mind it, but it was a stark reminder that she wasn't at home, she was somewhere... too different for words.

Hearing her cousin call out, she turned just in time to see the prized dog run off. Well that was definitely a unique way to start the morning. Least she was able to go after it. It might cause a little chatter, but better it was about her, than her cousin. It hadn't seemed to take long before it had found someone to approach. Good hands she hoped, although this was more awkward.

"My apologies sir" she said, hoping the dog didn't cause too much fuss. "My cousin was not holding on as tightly as she should have, and this place is far too exciting for a pup so young to expect to behave perfectly".

[pathlessswoods]

Adam knew that voice.

It stilled his hand where it rested against the saddle, the leather shifting softly beneath his grip before he let it fall away. He did not turn immediately - only after a brief pause, as though steadying something unseen. When he did, his gaze found her without effort. "Anaya," he said, her name low and certain, carrying none of the performative warmth London so often demanded; only recognition. For a moment, he said nothing more. His eyes moved over her briefly, not in scrutiny, but in quiet assurance. That she was well. That she was here. "Friendly conversation," he repeated, a faint edge of dry amusement returning. "I think I can manage that without disapointing you."

At her remark, his gaze drifted toward the open stable doors, where the noise of London lingered just beyond reach. "It has a way of making even the simplest things exhausting," he said. "Particularly when one is expected to endure them politely."

A pause.

Then, more quietly - "Some of us learn not to."

It was nothing more than that. No explanation. Just a statement that carried its own weight. The horse shifted beside him, impatient, and this time Adam reached for the reins with intention, only to release them a moment later as he turned slightly. "You’ll forgive me," he said, lifting a hand to catch the attention of a nearby stable boy. The boy hurried over, and Adam passed him the reins with a quiet instruction, his tone low but assured, the kind that expected to be followed without question. Only once the horse was led away did his attention return fully to her.

"You didn’t come here for the stables," he said, not as a question, but a simple observation. Then, after a brief pause, his tone shifted; lighter, but no less deliberate. "Come," he added, gesturing slightly toward the quieter path just beyond. "Before London remembers we’ve escaped it." There was the faintest suggestion of something warmer now; subtle, but present. "A short walk, at least. I imagine we can find a place where conversation is less...supervised."

[whatstohappenallhappenedbefore]

It was only for a moment, but she was sure that he had let his mask drop. A move that could practically be fatal in London. Still, she could guess why. It was easy enough for people who didn't know her to know how to talk to her, what to say, and what to do. However it was a very different story when it came to the people who did know her. Or at least had known her husband. At least the emotion would be more sincere, alas her usual answers wouldn't work.

"My, it is only the beginning of the season, surely you are not already tired of London?" she asked, even if she knew many seemed to be. It was almost a culture shock coming here, the way you were expected to behave, or how others behaved around you. She could smile her way through it, but then she supposed she was not there to take part in it. No one would be interested, and frankly right now that suited her perfectly.

Though at that she tilted her head, an interesting choice of words, ones that felt as if it had multiple meanings. "Learn not to endure, or learn not to be polite about it?" whatever helped anyone survive it she supposed. She had always just gone with the flow, it was the path of least resistance, and it had worked out pretty well for her.

"I came for..." there was the problem, she had no idea really. A chance to feel slightly more at home, but even here it didn't feel that way. She just had to survive the season, and then she could return back to her home, back to a sense of normality. Not that anything felt normal these days. "The fresh air" she finally finished. Though obviously that made little sense, she just wasn't sure what else to say.

At the gesture she nodded, although she laughed softly at his words, "you do not escape London, whatever you may try" not until the city was far behind you. It was unique in a sense, and she had to remember to try and embrace it, instead of running from it. "That is your risk to take, not mind. A widow, with children no less, no one is to worried what I may be doing".

[sugartalkins]

violet expected a individual of her height to be standing before her, but alas, she had to look down at someone for once. a light laughter surrounded violet, finding it amusing how the little girl seemed to be running around the market. it reminded violet of her younger years, slipping through stalls and laughing to herself whenever she accidentally bumped into a stranger. the streets seemed to continue to call to violet, and it looked to be no different for the girl. alas, her guardian appeared, and violet could not contain her brightened smile. "oh, miss, please do not apologize!"

violet was eager to bend down and provide the younger girl with more attention. let her know that it was okay to run around the market, as violet had done years and years ago. but, she refrained, giving the child's guardian a gentle smile. "no injuries here. she is an angel on earth, i assure it. might i say, running around the market is a moment that i believe every child here should experience. not everyone is as nice as i, but...alas, it is always a fun time for them."

[whatstohappenallhappenedbefore]

It was a simple thing, something she doubted the other woman had even noticed she had done. But addressing her without title, perhaps it was someone who didn't know who. Then they wouldn't offer false pity, or condolences for a man they had never known. It would honestly be a relief at this point. A normal conversation about normal things, she wasn't sure when the last time she'd had a conversation like that. Least since she had returned to London. It was only the start of the season, and already she just wanted to leave.

"It is, and in the country it is one that comes with a lot less danger for them" that she had known. No one had minded too much when Arabella had done that, although usually with a little less casualties. "Here it is so busy, I forgot how it can get" she always did, then she returned and was surprised every single time. "That is rather the problem, people can get so cruel about things, even as harmless as a excited child".

[rxgclity]

She was still getting used to the hustle and bustle of the city, not used to so many higher ranked nobles in one city. A part of her felt nervous, as if she made one wrong move that would be the end of her socially but at the same time she didn't exactly care what others would think of what she did.

But, today was one of her days where she wanted to avoid everyone and anyone, and she found herself standing near a tree, away from the prying eyes of people. And it seemed she wasn't alone in her need to get away from people, another stranger seemingly joining her to lament in their misery.

"Is both a sufficient answer?" she asked as she looked over at him, a slight smirk on her features as she wondered if she had crossed the line. "I was hoping for peace and quiet coming to the park but it seems everyone else did as well"

[whatstohappenallhappenedbefore]

She wasn't someone he recognised at first glance. That in itself was unusual as he had tried to keep up with who was who within society. Something he had hoped by now wouldn't be of such importance, but someone had to at least try and do something about his children and their inability to make sensible choices.

"You came to the park at the beginning of the season, for peace and quiet?" worded as a question, but he was mostly wondering how anyone thought that would ever be a good idea. Right now people were trying to scout ahead, see what the Ton would hold for them this year. And it was only going to get worse.

"If you want peace and quiet in London, you stay home" that was the only way he had known it. Even then, it was unlikely, people coming from all over, and staying with relatives after all. He wasn't sure if he had known peace and quiet since before they'd had children.

[honeyedarsenic]

theodore inclined his head slightly at that, conceding the point without resistance.

“yes,” he said, simply. “it is. you are correct, as usual, lady seymour.”

his gaze lingered a moment on the retreating figure of the girl, thoughtful, before returning to the path ahead. he found his wife easily as he adjusted his grip on the flowers, letting them drop down by his side.

"i am pleased to know the shilling was well spent, and perhaps next time i shall spare a few more," he conceded before dipping his head in her direction, his expression sofenting.

it'd been years since oxford, since he and her husband had become close friends, where they bonded over their shared studies and preferred whiskies. it had been far less since he'd passed, and sometimes theodore still could not quite believe it.

"and how are you, lady seymour?" he asked after a moment. "in truth?"

[whatstohappenallhappenedbefore]

At that Anaya laughed softly, "as usual is far too high a compliment" it felt recently she was incorrect more and more often now. She wasn't sure what to do with it, other than to just keep trying to keep going. Not something she'd admit to.

"Perhaps it is simply motherhood, I see a child and picture my own in that situation" something she knew she needed to be careful with. Her children would come first always, but she couldn't completely lose herself. Though these days, she wasn't really sure that she was anything more than a shadow. It was her husband who had died, and yet she had never felt more like a ghost.

There it was, the question she never knew how to answer. So many had asked, and yet she knew they didn't really care. They asked because it was the done thing. But they hadn't known her husband, they hadn't known how kind he was, how loving, only that he had been a viscount who was slightly quieter than others.

The problem was that Theodore had known him, and she doubted an of her usual responses would really do anything here. "We are in London Lord Montfort, who answers anything with truths?"

[argvendo]

there were… aspects of the season that nicholas disliked ( despised, even ) and fewer that he… liked was perhaps too strong a word. tolerated might be a better description. alas, there was no avoiding any of it. not with his seat in parliament and the presence of his family. it was the distinctly social side he found himself liking less and less each year. if he hadn’t been such a passionate politician he might have spent the entire year, separate, at his own country estate and neglecting all duties in favour of the company of his sheep and tenants.

dislike for the primping and preening of society was far outweighed, however, by his utter distaste for the prospect of marriage. it hadn’t always been this way , but nicholas was far too much of a realist ( or a pessimist ) to think he could ever be so lucky as to find a match like his parents’. he hadn’t become so vehemently against the idea of marriage full stop until the past… decade, or so. but his feelings on the matter had remained steadfast in those years and he had become expert at dodging the topic in a number of ways. defenestration had been the choice once, though he wasn’t rushing to repeat that incident.

wanting to avoid the topic of marriage and promenading in the park — or simply walking through it, as nicholas would describe it — didn’t make much sense in the way of choice activities, but he was determined to make it through the place without stopping for conversation. until two familiar figures emerged and seemed to hone in on him like some sort of twin prey animals. he glanced around, desperate and wasn’t at all displeased to find his father nearby.

he plastered an innocent smile upon his face as he greeted the other. eyebrows rising slightly in response to his father’s more than astute question, nicholas clamped his mouth shut a moment and twisted to glance back at each of his would-be assailants. “both, frankly.” announced after a moment. “the gentleman… if you can call him that… is a conservative back-bencher. i think i almost duelled him once.” a sharp intake of breath.

“and the lady,” he paused, hesitant to bring up her apparent romantic interest in him lest it lead to the dreaded other topic. “is simply very, very annoying. pretty, but…” he made a vague gesture and a brave attempt at the pleading look he'd mastered as a child but he was sure had now lost significant potency. “if you save me, i will be seriously indebted to you.”

[whatstohappenallhappenedbefore]

At his son's explanation he glanced back at the man, realising exactly who he was. "Indeed. I believe I have had the pleasure of his company before" though it might sound polite, anyone who truly knew him, knew that tone meant it had been anything but a pleasure. Frankly some of the people in parliament had no business being there, and he would put that particular man into that list.

"Though I would suggest, if you wanted a duel, you would find someone a little more worthy as an opponent" or ideally not do anything illegal in the first place, frankly that would be the far more useful position. They had done everything to build up the family reputation, as had generations before them, but all of it could come down with one wrong move. They had avoided one many years ago, now they just had to prevent their children from doing the same thing. Don't be like their father... perhaps that was asking too much.

The woman though, he didn't recognise her immediately. Perhaps he did need to spend a little more time looking at the miniatures. The hat though... there were very few mothers in the ton who would let their children parade around in a hat with that much... personality. He had been exposed to her in his first season, and she hadn't got better with age. If he was right, and she was her daughter, well then Nicholas was right to run a mile. Although he wasn't going to admit that.

Perhaps he was actually going soft as he got older. Far better would be to let his son handle his own problems without rescuing him all the time. The man was far past the age of marriage after all. "Alright, come on. I was about to depart here anyway" although just because he had his suspicions, didn't mean he had to confess them just yet. "Although indulge me, is it the lady in question herself, or just any threat of marriage?"

[drwndoracles]

Ava noticed the other woman before she spoke. It was not difficult. There was a certain gravity to a person dressed in mourning that did not invite attention, and yet inevitably drew it all the same. Black, when worn long enough, ceased to be a statement and became something quiet yet stronger. Her gaze settled with a familiarity not born of acquaintance but of knowledge gathered from whispers behind closed doors. The Viscountess had not been forgotten, nor did Ava think she could ever be.

The lady inclined her head in greeting, a movement measured and composed, though there was something softer in it than she might offer most. “It seems we were all mistaken in believing ourselves ahead of the day,” she replied, her tone even yet friendly. Her dark eyes lingered only briefly before drifting. -- “With the season so near, many appear intent on ensuring they are not seen in last year’s fashions,” she continued, her gaze lifting toward the overcast sky beyond the narrow street. There was the slightest exhale, almost a sigh, at the idea that one could leave their mark only by dressing in finery. “As though it is fabric that secures a match, rather than character… or the manner in which one holds themselves.”

Her eyes returned then, steady and thoughtful, “Surely they will find room to dress for a returning viscountess,” she added after a moment, the words gentle, though not without quiet certainty. “It would be a curious oversight, otherwise.”

[whatstohappenallhappenedbefore]

"It is true for many I suppose, what may be early for us is not for others" and even with the life she had now, she still remembered being a little girl, watching her father get up incredibly early every morning to go and work. They were safely in the gentry now, but only from his hard work. She owed everything she had gained in her life to his hard work, something she tried to remember at all times, even if sometimes the luxury felt like normality.

Anaya nodded, put like that it really did sound all so simple. "It should not be that way really" but she was no naive enough to believe it could change. "I suppose it is not really the fabric, but it is what it represents. Someone who shows up wearing last years fashions, the conversation starts as to why. Is their family struggling, or are they trying to prove some sort of point" and all of it was exhausting in itself. So many hours she had spent before her own season trying to learn all of this, and she still felt it was all so tiring. "It is all like a game of chess" or worse, at least chess had strict known rules, not hidden ones.

She laughed softly at that, not out of cruelty. "A viscountess would be near the top of their list I imagine. However a dowager viscountess... well that is akin to being invisible" that she could handle, it was the empty condolences, those felt like they were driving her to insanity.

[pathlessswoods]

open starter location: stables

The stables were quieter than the streets, but not by much. Even here, London found its way in. Voices carried from the yard, grooms moved with brisk efficiency, and the occasional well-dressed gentleman lingered longer than necessary, as though proximity to a horse might lend him some credibility he had not yet earned. Adam paid none of it any mind. He stood beside his horse, sleeves pushed back just enough to free his hands, one gloved, the other not. The animal shifted under his touch, restless but responsive, its ears flicking as he adjusted the bridle with steady precision. There was nothing hurried in his movements; each buckle fastened, each strap checked as though the rest of the world did not exist beyond this narrow space. This, at least, made sense. He ran a hand along the horse’s neck, firm, familiar, before reaching for the reins, before pausing. Someone was watching. Adam did not turn immediately. Instead, he continued what he was doing, tightening one last strap before finally glancing over his shoulder, his gaze landing easily on the figure nearby. Not startled. Not curious in any obvious way. Just...aware. "They’ve been telling me," he said, almost conversationally, as though picking up a thought already in motion, "that London horses are trained to behave." A faint pull at the corner of his mouth suggested he did not think much of that. His hand rested briefly against the horse's neck again, feeling the quiet tension beneath its skin. "I’m beginning to suspect it’s the riders who are expected to do most of the work." Only then did he turn a little more fully, his attention settling on them properly. A pause. "If you’re waiting for something more impressive," he added, tone light but edged just enough, "I should warn you, you'll be disappointed. I've no intention of putting on a performance this morning." The horse shifted again, impatient, and Adam’s grip on the reins tightened just slightly; not to restrain, but to steady. His gaze didn’t waver. "Unless, of course," he went on, almost as an afterthought, "you were planning to do so instead."

[whatstohappenallhappenedbefore]

With having lived in the country for so long, there were times that Anaya just found London to be completely overwhelming, or tiring, she wasn't entirely sure which was more accurate. Much as she might enjoy being around people, she wasn't used to it being on such a consistent basis. All saying similar things, it was exhausting.

She hadn't really gone to the stables with the expectation of riding. She had no horse here after all, but at least it was a little quieter here. And a reminder of home where her actual horse still was. It would have been cruel to bring him after all, she was here to help her cousins, she wasn't expecting a lot of free time. Still, as she had come here today, she couldn't but feel a little regret at not bringing him.

It hadn't taken long before she had seen Adam. At least with it being the season, there were a lot of people around who she knew. The problem was they all instantly came at it with pity. Her heart might be broken, but she was trying to carry on. Having people offer empty condolences... it was more exhausting.

She smiled softly to herself, realising that he hadn't realised who was standing there. "Of course. There are more dangers in London after all. Intelligent creatures they may be, however that does not mean they know of all that could trouble them" a strange reality really. One she did not wish to think too much on.

As he turned, she smiled, "ah but you are very good at tricks" she joked, though that time had been so long ago. Another life it felt like. "No tricks, though perhaps some friendly conversation? Unless you were just leaving" she didn't want to interrupt any plans, she just wanted to feel normal for a moment.