it was easy for florence to become distracted. that was why she hadn't done well inside - looking at the paintings. she'd come outside in order to look at the topiary, to see if that would be a little more interest. but here she was, distracted again. this time - by a man. the back of a man that she was sure she knew. that crop of blonde hair... even the way the gentleman held his shoulders. it all seemed so familiar. her eyes widened as he turned. the recognition was instant and a smile sprung to her lips, " monty ! " she cried at the sight of one of her oldest friends. " when did you return? " she was sure that she hadn't seem him before now - could he have returned to london without word? perhaps. though he would get an earful about it if he had. she took a step back as the realisation of why he was home hit her. she remembered her mother mentioning about his father. " oh shoot, me and my mouth. " she shook her head a little. " how are you ? " and although she was incredibly sorry for putting her foot in it, there was no pity in her voice. that did not serve them.
someone had remarked his return had caused a stir and felix had found himself immediately doubtful of the notion. if the pity written plain as day across their face was anything to go by, he felt he was right not to believe. not that he minded. his aim for the season remained, as it had always been, to escape largely unnoticed. as such, as the gardens were less... crowded than the house, he'd taken to a slow walk around them; stopping every now and then to feign interest in the greenery. looking away from another shape he was unable to discern, gaze fell upon a familiar face and features split into a grin. "hello, flo," he laughed at her exuberance. "oh, some... five days ago, now." many of which had been spent trying to gauge how much of the season he could get out of. a wave of his hand intended to dispel her statement. "i am... fine," monty offered after a beat of consideration, his inflection indicating a question more than a resolute answer. "all the better for seeing you," he course-corrected, flashing her a small smile. "and yourself? how have you been?"
eleanor had just managed to slip away from a dreadfully dull conversation with a halitosis-afflicted gentleman when she spied a familiar figure lingering in front of a dramatic seascape. her spirits lifted at the sight of felix, already knowing that theirs would be a far more interesting encounter, and she eagerly moved to join him at the painting. she was silent a moment, gazing at the details she could now see up close. when she did speak, her voice was soft, as if to keep from breaking a spell: "do you miss it? being at sea?"
with all the fickleness of the ton, felix had been working off the assumption that the majority had forgotten who he was altogether. something he was absolutely fine with. he could at least guarantee his few friends remained aware of his existence and was very pleased to receive confirmation of that when eleanor appeared at his side. greeting her with a crooked half-smile, he tugged at the hem of his waistcoat with a sharp intake, then release, of breath. "i have only been here a week..." he paused. "but yes, more than anything." a rueful laugh accompanied the statement. "i am starting to feel like i am being teased by all the depictions of the sea in here."
—( ✦ [ MUSE 7. THOMAS BRODIE-SANGSTER. CIS MAN. HE/HIM. ] It is whispered that [ CAPTAIN FELIX MONTFORD ] has recently taken their place among the ranks of the Ton, and is entering the season at [ TWENTY-NINE ] years of age. Those who have encountered them speak of a temperament both [ DEPENDABLE ] and [ RESTLESS ], with a reputation that rests somewhere between the two. Their presence is most often associated with [ WIND-TANGLED HAIR, DAWN BREAKING THROUGH A WINDOW & LIVING OUT OF UNPACKED TRUNKS ]. One wonders what whispers shall follow them, and whether they shall emerge triumphant or tarnished by season’s end. ✦ ) —
full name: felix archibald montford.
nickname: monty. cap.
titles/styles: post-captain, rn.
age: twenty-nine.
distinguishing characteristics: thin, silver scar on the right side of his neck. splinter shrapnel scar in his left shoulder. barely visible scar in his right palm. mild hearing loss in his right ear.
gender & pronouns: cis man & he/him.
sexuality: bisexual.
birth order: only child.
muse: muse 7.
marital status: unattached.
season status: returning to society for the first time in years.
residences: newpoint house, fowey, cornwall. montford townhouse, mayfair, london.
head of household: himself.
( tws ; war, parental death )
the only child of a pair, each from the landed gentry, who were lucky enough to marry for love and live in moderate wealth. felix wanted for nothing as a child.
the story goes he took his first successful steps on his father's ship and from that moment on was destined to live on the seas. he's not sure how much of that is romanticised nonsense, but there is an undeniable element of truth to it. he's always felt more at home abroad a ship than on land.
it was little surprise, then, when after a comprehensive education, felix joined the navy at thirteen as a midshipman (officer-in- training).
his aptitude was also to very few people's surprise. he's levelheaded, well-composed under pressure and developed a knack for tactics quickly. he rose steadily through the ranks, respected but by no means legendary.
three successful engagements, one captures enemy vessel and his reputation for fairness and refusal to waste lives or resources in search of glory earned him loyal crew. by his late twenties it also earned him the rank of captain.
for the past two years, he's been post-captain, in charge of a 38-gun frigate, hms aureline.
since joining the navy, felix has made a point of spending as little time as possible in society. he'd prefer to spend any time off exploring another country, or at the family estate in cornwall.
this was exacerbated when his mother died seven years ago. he and his father always had a good relationship, but he was a real mama's boy and couldn't bear to be in the house for a good while after her passing.
the more recent loss of his father, however, has made coming ashore a necessity. there is much to sort out at home and as the only representative of his household, felix has been strongly advised to show his face in society. so slightly begrudgingly, that's what he's doing.
headcanons.
felix was never really one for society anyway, but possibly even less so at present because it's out of necessity and he feels he really doesn't have a choice. he'd much rather be back in the countryside... or better yet, with his crew, on his ship.
he's generally more of a listener than a talker. a little shy, slightly socially awkward. a real contrast to his confident, commanding (but fair) captain 'persona'.
content to act the perfect gentleman and entertain any conversation with anyone, though he might struggle to contribute much. does a lot better in one-on-one situations rather than groups where he tends to try and fade into the background... maybe even slip away unnoticed.
has so far managed to escape the confines of marriage. he's not really sure how, but grateful his parents weren't especially pushy. he's not... opposed to the idea, but in absolutely no rush to involve himself.
keeps a private journal. it's essentially a recount of everything he's ever done at sea and he keeps a record of the names of all those he's served alongside.
wakes up at 4 like clockwork every morning, mostly because he likes to join the morning watch on board and it's hard to get rid of habits like that. it's not ideal, because he's not a great sleeper on land, but it is what it is.
generally a sweetheart and fantastic friend to have (when he's around). his loyalty is easily won and nigh impossible to shake off.
despite the stereotype, not a big drinker. felix likes to have full control of his faculties, thank you very much.
wanted connections.
best friend: perhaps a long-term friendship, but the person felix is closest to in london.
sibling-like relationships: as an only child, he's always longed for siblings.
a society anchor: someone very well versed in society, helps remind felix how to behave/guide him into making the right choices when the months/years away at sea have left him less sure and feeling out of place.
an almost courtship: a potential good match that sparked, but never came to fruition. maybe because felix simply had to leave again before they had a chance, or (as is incredibly likely) he hesitated and withdrew.
mentor: maybe a pseudo-parental figure, now he's parentless. or just someone offering a guiding hand and advice.
a positive influence: someone who's tasked themselves with bringing the naval captain out of his societal shell, encouraging him towards more active involvement instead of hoping he can blend into any nearby wall.
cousins: or other distant family relations! any dynamic.
the misinterpreter: someone who (mis)understands felix's shyness/reservation as arrogance.
fellow nature/outdoor lover: maybe they escape the confines of the city and venture into the countryside together for some respite. it could be as simple as walks in the parks together.
disdainer: perhaps they think the montford's aren't wealthy enough to grace the season, being untitled and only relatively well-off in comparison, especially with higher nobility. or it's personal to felix and they think he would be better off sticking with what he knows -- vulgar sailors, not gentle and noble folk.
a proposed courtship/betrothal: a theoretical proposal, maybe organised behind their backs, maybe they were in on it (begrudgingly or otherwise) but since the montford patriarch's passing it has fallen apart.
flings: brief 'relationships', probably casual (but there could have been feelings involved one way or another). over the years, felix has probably had a small handful of these dalliances punctuating his brief periods back in england.
fellow insomniac/early riser: someone likely to be awake at the same times as felix, for whatever reason. they might've crossed paths a couple of times and decided the time might be well spent together, instead of alone.
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