Realistic or Modern Million Dollar American Princesses

[SandraDeelightful]

It is the guilty secret of the British aristocracy, how much American blood runs through it's veins. Between the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th, over 200 American heiresses marry English lords. This is the story of those American beauties and how their vitality and dollars break down the doors of the British establishment. Some find love, but for others, their marriages are hell on earth. They are the Million Dollar American Princesses.
-Elizabeth McGovern, Million Dollar American Princesses​

In the 1870's, the rulers of New York Society are known as the Knickerbockers, or old money. But with America in its Gilded Age, plenty of people are working their way up and earning fortunes. But the Knickerbockers look down on the Nouveau Riche, or the new money, and refuse to allow them into their world.

So, for the families of the Nouveau Riche to be accepted by the Knickerbockers, they go to England, and marry their daughters to the English nobility. In exchange, the noble families of Britain get a large dowry, as they are lacking in money, and would like to keep up the lives they've always known. The Knickerbockers cannot keep out the families of British nobles.

Many of these Anglo-American marriages were love matches. But, as more and more of these American rich girls bought their way into the British elite, the deal, dollars for a title, was exposed in all its cruelty.
-Elizabeth McGovern, Million Dollar American Princesses​

 

[SandraDeelightful]

Adelaide Findlay
​

Adelaide's maid had finished fixing her hair in an elaborate updo. She was dressed in a red dress made of shining satin material. It was one of the knew dresses, a Charles Worth dress, as most American Heiresses were wearing, her mother had bought for her, a dress that was sure to attract a husband. Adelaide knew that her parents were hoping she would end up with a titled husband.

It was something Adelaide had hoped for, too, ever since she was a little girl. The idea of being known as a duchess or a countess filled her with delight. She had not wanted anything more out of life. The day she had been presented at court was one of the happiest days of her life and she was hoping for many more such days.

She also knew that it would help her parents out. They would know longer have the doors of New York society be slammed in their face. With their daughter as an English noble, they would be able to be a part of the society they had always dreamed of, but had never been able to achieve, as they were classified as Nouveau Riche, and New York society shunned them. Everyone in her family would benefit from this, even her brother, Ambrose, who had recently wrote to her saying that he was in love with one of New York's elite.

Adelaide stood and went to the sitting room of the lavish hotel room her parents had rented. They were dressed in their evening best, as they had to accompany Adelaide to the ball. They left the apartment and went outside where the carriage was waiting. Adelaide's parents entered and she did after them, sitting across from her mother.

She was beaming with excitement as the carriage began moving, and turned her head to look out the window, watching London go by. Her parents couldn't help but laugh at that excitement. Her mother patted her leg, telling her to calm down with a laugh. Adelaide laughed in returned, and responde with,

"Ma, how can you expect me to stay calm?" said Adelaide as if her mother were oblivious. She was still beaming brightly.

Adelaide was hardly ever calm. She had been quite the rambunctious child. It must have come from having two older brothers and parents who encouraged Adelaide to debate with her brothers and have an opinion about almost everything, something most parents did not teach their daughters. It was something Adelaide was grateful for, and something she would never dream of taking for granted.

The carriage soon pulled to a stop in front of one of the grand London manors, where a ball was taking place. Adelaide knew that there were only so many titled noblemen, and there would be plenty of other American women and English who would want to call themselves a lady or a duchess.

Her father exited the carriage, followed by her mother, and Adelaide came last. She entered the manor standing behind her mother and father, her smile still beaming brightly, hoping tonight would bring her a husband.

( FireMaiden redroseknight Jess Buck Candlebell Pauly51 )

 

[redroseknight]

Josephine Coventry

​

"Oh, you look lovely, Lady Josephine," Evelyn complimented as she gave finishing touches to her attempt at taming those copper curls of her lady's. She was Josephine's maid that just joined the household since the previous maid had happily wed and needed to be home now that there was a baby on the way, and as such was still learning the woman's temperament and the temperament of her hair. Both of which, by the way, were barely restrained. "Though you would look even nicer if you seemed more excited. You'll be having a chance at finding your match."

"Evelyn, dear, there is something you shall need to recall. The best bachelors needn't attend events such as these; they can make matches even with Americans through their connections," she stated with a wry smile as she rose, vivid green dress shifting with her. It was a hue that complimented her hair and brought out the color of her green eyes, something she had picked out herself on the rare occasion that she did anything to facilitate her appearance.

"O-Oh, but your brother is attending," the girl stated, still trying her best to navigate the dance of not offending the woman that she was serving. Josie hadn't let her in on the secret that very, very little offended her; it was much more fun to watch the poor girl get flustered first. Perhaps it was a little cruel, but there were worse tricks she could pull.

"Precisely my point," she stated dryly with a smile curling on her lips. It wouldn't do to keep fighting the inevitable, so she gave a small departing wave then joined her family at the coach. The ride was silent except her brother admonishing her to stop fidgeting. If only that would be a way to ward off suitors she could and would gain a tick. What if she feigned having a limp? No, that probably would not assist matters either. Knowing her luck, some poor sap would find it 'endearing'. Her best course of action would be to stay in contact with the ladies of the court that she knew. Maybe if she was so entrenched in conversation then it wouldn't be so obvious that she was trying to avoid an uncomfortable and awkward situation for herself. She didn't want to be responsible for breaking a lord's heart, and that was all that would end up happening. Regardless of who she met, Josephine knew that she would never be able to love him. It would be unfair to them both, so she would rather take the ridicule and the frustration from both her father and brother than enter a marriage where both of them would be miserable.

Her demeanor shifted as the young woman entered the manor alongside her brother, a bright smile immediately lighting up her face. As much as she lamented the fact that she was doomed to a life of loneliness, her penance for finding the ladies of the court far more alluring than the lords, she would not allow her suffering to be known. It would bring shame on her family if anyone knew the truth of Josephine's attractions. So she adopted her courtly guise of a lively step and brilliant smile, her steps purposely leading her to have a conversation with Lady Constance and Lady Henrietta. She glanced around the room and internally cursed. It would have been easier for her to blend in if she was shorter rather than standing well above her peers.

 

[Jess Buck]

Rosaline Miriam Adler
​

Rosie's step-mother, Lottie, was fussing with her hair. Making sure it was perfect for the ball they were about to attend. Since coming to England, Rosaline had attened almost 11 balls and other such events to find a suitor for her betrothal. It was become exsausting. If she had to talk to another nobleman about beer that she didn't even like drinking she'd rip her hair out. Lottie was going on and on about the different people who were going to be there and all of the potential there was to be had at this ball. Rosaline's poor translator was having a hard time keeping up. Rosie sighed and swatted her step-mother's hands away.
"My hair looks fine Lottie, thank you." She stood and smiled to Charlotte. Rosie's translator gave Rosie a silent thank you and Rosie just smiled in return. "We better get going before Papa and Ray get too antsy." Charlotte sighed and gave Rosaline a smile before giving her an encouraging hug.
"You're right. Let's get goin!" Lottie led Rosie out of the appartment they were staying in and down to the coach where Raymond and Ferdinand were waiting. Ferdinand gave Rosie a warm smile and pulled her into a tight hug.
"You look beautiful Liebling." He signed. Lottie pushed Ferdinand off of Rosie.
"Not so tight! You'll wrinkle the dress and mess up her hair!" Ferdinand and Rosaline chuckled. He bowed his head appologetically. Raymond groaned
"Can we go now?" He complained. Lottie nodded
"Yes we need to get goin! Come on now! In the carriage!" Ferdinand helped Charlotte and Rosaline into the carraige before letting Raymond get in, following after. And with that they were off to the ball.

Within the hour, they had arrived at the manor. Rosaline looked up in awe at the place. No matter how many of these she went to, she'd never get used to the grand buildings. She could faintly remember the buildings in Germany from her childhood but those were distant memories that only brought on more painful ones. Rosie was brought out of her thoughts by a tap on her shoulder. She turned her head and was met with a cheeky smile from her brother.
"You gonna meet your husband tonight so we can go home?" He signed to her. Rosie gave him a nudge and a chuckle.
"Stop pretending like to don't love it here in England. And besides, Papa is trying to get you into a university here. If you were able to go to Oxford there's no limit to the possibilities of your future." Raymond rolled his eyes.
"I don't care about all of that. I just want to live comfortably with my wife and seven children." Rosie laughed. She loved her brother, but if he thought he'd get a wife with that additude he'd have another thing coming. Ferdinand was the first out of the carriage so he could help his family climb out. Once all out they were escorted into the building and through a few hallways into the ballroom. Rosie was immedetly overwhelmed by all of the people. Charlotte hadn't been kidding. There were far more people here than there had been at any of the other parties she had been to previously. She instictivly reached for her father's hand and he gave her a reassuring squeeze.
"Don't worry Liebling." He signed to her. "Just be yourself. Margot will be there with you as well." Margot was her translator, and as much as Rosie was greatful for her, she was painfully dull. Rosie nodded to her father before breaking off with Margot.

redroseknight SandraDeelightful FireMaiden Pauly51 Candlebell

 

[Candlebell]

Barnaby 'Bingo' Harrington
​

Barnaby wandered around the manor aimlessly, clad in evening wear with an empty plate in one hand and a cold ham and pickle sandwich in the other. He’d arrived to the ball an hour too early in an attempt to track down the host’s son, Reginald, an old friend who owed Barnaby a fair whack of cash from a loan a few weeks ago. He was coming to the ends of his own ready funds and when he’d gone to mother to request an advance on his allowance she’d rather uncharitably told him to ‘go and boil his head’.

Still, it was somewhat understandable considering he was currently five months ahead on the allowance. But he didn’t see why his father had left the management of his inheritance in mother’s hands until he had found a wife. Barnaby was perfectly responsible and the old girl just didn’t understand the costs of leading a modern, fashionable lifestyle.

Reginald had prophetically decided to leave for the countryside earlier that afternoon so Barnaby was left skulking around, getting underfoot, until one of Reginald’s younger sisters had gotten rather annoyed and told him to buzz off. He’d retreated to the kitchens to hunt down their cook, Mrs Windermere. The woman was an artist with food and Barnaby had more than once tried to convince his mother to steal the woman away to no avail. A little (honest) flattery had earned Barnaby a plate of sandwiches and a corner of the kitchen table to sit at while he waited.

When a glaring footman had told him the rest of the guests were arriving he wandered back to the public rooms, taking along the last of his snack. Supposedly there would be some of the Americans at tonight’s do, so at least there would be some fresh faces. He’d been dragging his heels on his whole ‘Find a Wife’ plan and this could be a good opportunity to get the ball rolling on that again.

He glanced around the room which had gotten surprisingly full during his detour to the kitchens and spotted a trio of familiar faces, with one in particular catching his notice. He wolfed down the last of his sandwich and bounced up to them with a genuine enthusiasm.

“What ho, ladies!” he said, nodding to the three in turn, “Constance, Josie, Henri.”

In the past he’d suggested to both Constance and Henrietta that they might have wanted to marry him (on separate occasions, that is, he wasn’t that much of a cad). Both had turned him down, Constance politely and Henrietta with riotous laughter that had felt jolly-well hurtful after the first two minutes.

He’d also once suggested to Josephine’s brother that Barnaby and her might be a pretty good match and the fellow had gotten pretty shirty about the whole thing, even going so far as to threatening to box Barnaby’s nose in if he kept joking about marrying her. Barnaby had been pretty indignant about the suggestion he wasn’t good enough for her, but not indignant enough to risk a thrashing and had steered well clear of the topic since then.

“Josie, your brother isn’t here tonight, is he?” said Barnaby as he scanned the crowd for the sight of him, another debtor of Barnaby's that could help make him solvent again. He absentmindedly passed his empty plate to Henrietta who took it reflexively then, realising what she’d done, frowned at the few crumbs left on it and shoved it back into his chest with a glare as he struggled not to drop it.

“Is food all you ever think about, Bingo?” she huffed, as he shrugged weakly in response.

redroseknight SandraDeelightful FireMaiden Pauly51 Jess Buck

 

[Pauly51]

After returning from military service in India, Lord Alfred Granville had spent the first two weeks at his family’s estate at Halford. The manor was not the happy place of his youth. Since his brother’s passing over a year ago from pneumonia, things were headed on a downward spiral for his family. He remembered how Harry and he did everything together. He thought about when his older brother would chase him down the stairs despite the protests of Askew the butler, how they hunted deer in its forests, swam in its lake and rode horses on its pastures. It was if the great home was missing its heartbeat. With Harry gone, the place was a shell. The servants were ever so quiet and polite. But that is the thing about the English, none of the male nobility cannot talk their emotions. It all churns inside you until it eats you up.

The only person in the village had offered their condolences was the vicar’s daughter. The sweet girl had an angelic face and sung in the choir. He had thought to stay at Halford just to support his mother. However, his father, the Viscount of Halford, had ordered him to London. He would get straight to work on finding a marriage partner, which was no small task considering his family’s mountain of debt. For Granville did one thing, it was follow orders. If there was a way for his house to make it through these troubled times, it was up to him to make it happen. So, he resolved himself to do his utmost.

To say that the first three social events were fiascoes was probably understating things. But, he had fared only slightly better than how the Spanish Army did against Napoleon’s forces. What is worse was that he found new ways to alienate the ladies every single evening. On the night of the debutantes ball, he managed step on Lady Susan Phelps dainty feet with cavalry boots. At a dinner for General Robertson, he managed to bore Lady Helen Fitzgeorge to death by monopolizing the conversation for nearly an hour on the merits of the Enfield Rifle versus Martini Henry Carbine. At Covent Garden Royal Opera House, he fell asleep during Wagner’s Der Meistersinger Von Nurnberg. Normally, this would have been forgivable lapse, but to Granville’s detriment he snoring could be heard by nearly everyone over the orchestra and singers.

To save money years ago, his family had sold their London townhouse. So, Lord Alfred Granville joined and lodged at the Military and Naval Club aka as the In and Out club. He arrived at to the social event by coach. In ten years of service in Her Majesty’s Army, he had never ridden in a coach once. He missed riding Hector his Irish stallion that he brought back from India with him. He was dressed in his Hussars dress uniform with a substantial amount of golden braid and polished boots. He arrived at the event and got in the queue to be announced. At other receptions, the most honored men would announce their noble titles, military ranks, medals, awards and honors won. It could on. This struck Granville as pretentious. Best to keep it short and sweet. He gave the groomsman his sword and shako hat. The herald announced his as “Captain Alfred Granville, 10th Hussars Regiment.” He strode into the room and looked around.

 

[Elekta Kount]

Douglas Ferguson Sutherland(-Leveson-Gower)
"I cann't believe ye dragged us all here to some fancy Englishmen and Yank tea party."
Douglas snorted
The young Scot was currently with a group of other gentlmen, most of whom had on their smart looking red jacket on, and were standing a bit out of the way of the main party. Specifically, there were two other Scots, one dressed in full dress not to dissimilar to what Douglas was currently wearing, and the other, more older gentlmen, was dressed in a fine suit, holding a cane. The third gentlmen was also uniformed, but was dressed in what looked like the full dress of the Royal horse artillery. He was an Irishmen.
"Cann't believe I traded a pint of whiskey for this horse piss."
"Get ova it, will ye?" The eldest of the four grunted, glaring at the young man. The man was one of the Scottish noblemen who was a friend of Douglas's step-mother, on account of them both being part of the Scottish Peerage. "One dey ye lot are gunna be representing the all of Scots or Irishmen to the world...and when that day comes, ye will be throwin' in wiv them bloody English, weather ye like it or not, so ye better get used to it now!"
"Well, I don't see why we had to come to this mess..." The young Irishmen sighed. "...what's wiv all the yankie lassies here tonight?"
"Didn't ye 'ear? They out huntin' Englishmen ta be their husbands."
"Oh? Englishmen? Why would they want an English? What do they've got that we Irish and Scots don't got?"
"Exactly! If anything, we Scots and Irish are twice the men then them English."
"An' ye be twice the Walloper if ye keep thinkin' like that! Don't be so daft!...Yanks are nuthin' but trouble, you'd be better off takin' a French wife..." The elder Scot said. "... besides, they're lookin' fer Englishmen, not Scots or Irish..."
"Dunna means we should give up so easily..."Douglas's Scottish peer elbowed both him and the Irishmen, before gesturing his head at a passing American Women. "...maybe we oughta be doin' some huntin' ourselves."
"What are yo-"
It was too late, the two were already
"Bleedin' fools..." It was then he noticed the young Douglas hadn't followed his two friends, "Keep ye nose out of trouble, Douglass, dunna be like those senseless friends of yours. Ye got a title to live up to, so don't be goin' a'bout sullyin' it."
Douglas nodded, as he had raised an eyebrow first to his friends, then had looked at the elderly scot. Douglas watching as the older Scot sauntered into the crowed, no doubt looking for members of parliament to mingle with.
Douglas gulped down the rest of his drink, before placing his glass half haphazardly on a nearby table.
In all truth, Douglas wasn't much intreasted in the women tonight, although he had to admit they were quite attractive. No, he was just bored with these types of events in general, didn't really feel like this event was going to be any differnt...other then, again, the attractive Americans.
Douglas turned his head to look around the crowed, looking for another glass of horse piss these people called alcohol.​

 

[redroseknight]

Josephine Coventry


​

The moment that her eyes focused on Barnaby, the young woman practically lit up. Yes! Here was her favorite bundle of entertainment, a gift that never quit giving. The only friend of Geoffrey's that she could actually stand and didn't feign that smile of hers for. She usually didn't have to field requests for her hand from friends of Geoffrey; that over-protective brother of hers usually set the cads straight that they were not of great enough virtue, either socially or financially, to be worthy of his younger, head-strong sister. This included Bingo; she never heard a peep about any proposals of marriage between them. It made the affable man even more of a rich prospect to stick near this evening.

She had to hide just how she wanted to laugh at the clear look of disdain in Henrietta's eyes as she berated Bingo. Oh the poor lad, he really didn't strike a good impression from the get go with her friend. Henrietta was imperious in nature, having no qualms talking down to those who deserved it and over stepped their social boundaries. Constance was the premier English lady, graceful, demure, soft-spoken with a gentle smile. If it hadn't been for her family's dire financial situation, why, she would have undoubtedly been wed some time before. Josephine fit neatly between the two, a rapier wit that was hidden behind a brilliant smile. She was a mischievous sprite, often needling Henrietta into little tangents or teasing Constance to make the woman blush so prettily. She instigated much mayhem, but she did it with no true malice at heart. It just provided endless entertainment and distracted her from the approaching inevitability of having to accept a suitor and that her life was going to be a cold, loveless one.

"Henri, dear, it is quite obvious that Bingo here thinks highly enough of Constance here for her to be the first lady he has spoken to since he entered the room," she teased with a playful lilt to her voice. The redheaded lady looked about the room for her shorter, blonde haired brother. "Of course Geoffrey is present. He wouldn't allow his dear sister to be unaccompanied around so many potential suitors he couldn't measure then treat accordingly. But let me guess, Geoff has once more had to borrow money from you because of that race he lost against me. I do wish he wouldn't wager more than he can afford." It had been more than she could afford as well, but she wouldn't lose so it wouldn't matter. When it came to her skills on her horse, she had no end to confidence. "If you would like, I can accompany you in search for him," she offered with a charming smile. It was perfect. If she was seen with Bingo for a length of time then surely that would dissuade suitors who thought she had made a match. It was fool-proof! Never would Barnaby hear this from anyone, but he was truly Josie's hero.

 

[FireMaiden]

Sophia Wilson
"Hurry up Sophia darling, everyone else is waiting for you." Her mothers stern voice called up out to Sophia's room, where the young woman was putting together the final touches of her outfit for that night's party.

"Just a moment Mother, I'm almost done!" She called back with her cheery tone, that slight Irish twinge hanging onto her words. Looking into the mirror, Sophia smiled. She may not look as extravagant as so other may, but she certainly would catch an eye or two. Her dress was an off white, with gold and red accents, one color for each side of her family. Though, most wouldn't know that unless they were either told or smart enough to figure it out on their own. Anyway, the dress was paired with a small cloak or shawl like price of clothing, one that she would undoubtedly remove once arriving, revealing a dress with a sweetheart neckline and bell sleeves. The bodice was fit snugly without the help of a corset (which she was not wearing), her mother's doing no doubt to show off Sophia's nature womanly assests.

Sophia's hair was down as usual, but some was pulled and held back by a golden rose hair pin, creating the illusion of an updo, but still letting Sophia be comfortably. The young woman chose not to wear a necklace, but did have simple earnings in. With one more spin, and a dash of faint lilac perfume, Sophia hurried to join her parents and Uncle Casper.

Her mother smiled as Sophia entered the carriage, "Why, you look absolutely lovely darling, a rose among dandelions."

Sophia chuckled softly, "Please mother, keep those comments to yourself tonight, we don't need to go around making any sour relationships with the other families." Sophia's mother gave her daughter a soft smile, taking hold of her hand.

"My love, I only speak the truth. But, for you're benefit, I'll hold me tounge. As long as your father and that brother of his keep that in mind too," She said, glancing at her husband and brother-in-law, and Irish man and a Scott, who were not paying attention. Reguardless, Sophia smiled as the carriage set off through the streets of london.

The ride was passed quickly as Sophia listened to her Uncle telling tales of his many exploits, and adventures. This was commonplace whenever the two of them were together, as Jackson was an adventurous man by nature, and Sophia was a curious girl. The tales of monsters and curious people he faced on his travels were always riveting, even of they were perhaps a little far fetched at times. That didn't matter much though, as it was more than enough to keep her entertained, only stopped by the carriage's halt outside of a large manor. They had arrived at the party.

The Wilson's were somewhat known for being fashionably late, so arriving after most others was not a surprise, nor did it put a damper on the mood. What did, was her uncle's kilt. He...was a firm believer in not wearing pants. Regardless of this, he offered his arm to his neice, to which she gladly took it with a smile. "Now, don't be nervous lass. I know you'd much rather be somewhere else, but try and enjoy yourself," He whispered. She nodded, thankful he was there. The only reason for that being he was her father's business partner. And if you met her father, you'd have to meet the one sailing his best ship. Once inside, her uncle gave a bow, as he went to join her parents, leaving her alone to either wander or mingle.

She found herself wandering. Parties made her a bit uncomfortable, but perhaps...a man with a drink tray walked bay, offering her a glass of some sort of alcohol. Taking it with a smile, she held with with both hands as she stopped walking around near a few others who were by themselves, taking a sip. She recoiled slightly, the taste not what she expected.

"Tastes like horse piss..."
Elekta Kount (maybe?)

 

[Elekta Kount]

Douglas Ferguson Sutherland(-Leveson-Gower)
Douglas had turned around and spotted an attendant pass by with the drink trey. Soon Douglas began trailing the attendant holding up the only thing that could make this night possibly interesting.
The attendant halted, offering a drink to a young yankie lady.
As the attendant lifted his tray arm back into the air, Douglas swooped in from behind him, lifting his hand into the air to pluck a drink off of the tray, before he kept on moving before the attendant could really react.
Of course, his maneuvering caused him to bump into a fellow English heir, whom Douglas muttered a half-hearted apology to, before he continue to move through the crowed followed by a curse or two.
Somehow he found himself back where he and his mates were standing just a few minutes ago.
Well...what now?
"Tastes like horse piss..."
Someone said suddenly, causing Douglas to snort a little as he raised his glass to take another gulp of said horse piss, but he suddenly felt his elbow bump against somthing.
Looking over, he realized he had accidentally bumped into some yank girl.
"Pardon me, hen..." Douglas said, backing up a bit and even bowing a little, as he looked up "...didn't mean ta strike ya...was raisin' me glass is all."
Douglas lifted the arm with the glass of....alcohol, before taking a gulp out of it and then looking back at the girl currently in front of him.
"Hmm...Arn't ye one of them yank lassies?...Lookin' fer an Englishmen, eh?..." Douglas, grinning mischievously, gave a quick glance around the room, as if he was looking for someone, before looking back at the girl in front of him with a raised eyebrow. "See anyone ye that catches ye fancy?"
FireMaiden (Sure)​

 

[FireMaiden]

Sophia Wilson
Raising the glass to take another sip, she felt someone bump her. It wasn't hard or anything, but it caused the young woman to hit her teeth a little on the glass, chasing a small 'ting' sound. Her hand shot up to cover her mouth as it surprised her, but that slight shock wore off quickly allowing her turn and face the man who had hit her.

Sophia was taken aback. A Scottish man, obvious by his voice and dress, a handsome one at that. She felt a slight twinge of heat at her ears, glad that her hair was covering them as they were most likely pink. Reguardless, she quickly recovered with a smile. "Oh it's alright, it's not the first time." She told him with a chuckle. He'd probably be able to hear her slight Irish accent as she spoke.

It wasn't really a secret that her family was an odd mix of a few different nationalities, Irish, Scottish, American, and British blood flowed through her veins. It may not be very common knowledge, but she'd share if he asked. If their conversation went on that was. Anyway, her eyebrow raised with his question. "Yes, I am. Though I wouldn't call myself a yank, most of my family isn't from America originally." She paused, her eyes wandering as she caught a glimpse of her parents and Uncle mingling with some nobles not far off. "And, if you're truely curious, no, I haven't, but who knows? The night is still young." Elekta Kount

 

[Elekta Kount]

Douglas Ferguson Sutherland(-Leveson-Gower)
"I'z pretty sure most yanks in America weren't "originally" from America, but it didn't take 'em long ta call themselves "Americans", now did it?" Douglas said with a shrug, before taking another sip from his glass. "Weren't ye born in America? Well if ye ares, then that's enough ta be a yank in my book...least more yank then the rest of this lot..."
Douglas paused for a secound, looking back from where he was standing, not exactly spotting who she was looking at.
"So...wot kinda Englishmen catches yez fancy? A wee bit tall? A wee bit short? Military? Business?..." Douglas said, as he looked back to the girl in front of him, looking her in the eyes while he kept his eyebrows raised. "...lookin' ta marry inta da royal family? Or ye just wanna move ta London?"
FireMaiden
​

 

[sprouhtt]

Ellanora was still in bed, even though the maids, butler, and her father told her to wake up. She was not going to wake up cause last night she fell asleep very late at night. She knew her father told her that she should sleep early, but how can she when her father has a whole library in the house filled with books she's never read before. In the morning she is always busy and the afternoon, so the only suggestion is to read up until the sun comes up. Ellanora bolted out of bed at the sound of her fathers voice outside of the door, "I am up, I am up," she repeated two times as she made her way to the bathroom to freshen up. Ellanora spent the whole morning preparing for this afternoon, this wasn't he first ball, but it was the first ball where she will see others who are close to her age. Ellanora only has two good friends in the household that she is in. Outside of the house, she knows nobody that is as young as her who is willing to mingle with her given the fact that she is mixed.

Ellanora walked downstairs to where her father and the other maids and the butler were, waiting for her. She began to blush wildly as she saw her father smile at her. Ellanora was wearing a beautiful homemade gown that captured her very existence. Ellanora hugged her father, "Thank you all for helping me." Ellanora said as she looked at the staff and smiled. Society always said never to thank 'the help' but Ellanora and her father did so anyways. They treated everyone with respect, care and as equals. Once a month, Ellanora's father would allow the staff to take the day off to go and see their family or friends or just relax. The staff never took advantage of the two of them, this was a good and well balanced household.

Ellanora and her father made their way to the carriage and as soon as they made their way into the carriage it took them about thirty minutes to get to where the ball was being held. Ellanora's father, William tagged along to keep an eye on her and to discuss a few things with the owner of that house. Ellanora looked around as the doors to the ballroom opened before her, she was a bit nervous and she could already feel the stares of others on her skin. She kept a positive mind and attitude, smiling is what she did and carried her head high.

Spoiler: DRESS

 

[FireMaiden]

Sophia Wilson
"My parents are first generation immigrants from Ireland and Britian. I was born in America, yes, but my family takes pride in their heritage," Sophia stated proudly, giving the man a sideways glare, before her gaze returned to normal. "We aren't very liked, but most people hold their tounges so they can still use our goods." However, his questions about her taste in men caught her off guard. Why was he so interested? Was he...was he one of the lords? Sophia turned a bit to look at him. He certainly had the air of a noble man, but, she chuckled, taking a sip of her drink before setting it down on the table.

"Why are you so interested?" She asked with a small smirk, "Are you jealous the women here aren't trying to catch your eye?" Sophia knew there was still time before a man chose her, if she was chosen at all, so why not have fun with the nobility? Teasing them may not be the best idea, but..."How about this, tell me who you are, and I'll answer your questions." Elekta Kount

 

[Elekta Kount]

Douglas Ferguson Sutherland(-Leveson-Gower)
"Give it some time an' the idea'll set in...Iz told I had some of me kin move over ta the states a generation or two ago...now they won't be called anythin' else but yanks..."Douglas said, swiveling the glass in his hand a bit as he listened to what the girl said. "Oh, so ye a Irishmen an' a Englishmen...cann't say it's unheard of, especially fer a yank."
Douglas had to keep his eyebrow raised at the goods part. There was now no doubt to him that this lassie was one of them yankie lassies, the way she spoke of her family
"Me? Jealous? Of what? Englishmen?" Douglas snorted, before taking another sip from his glass. "Sooner be jealous of a shitein' cattle then jealous of any Englishmen..."
Then the girl asked for his name, to which Douglas realized: They hadn't even introduced themselves!
"Alrighty, hen, but you gotte tell me who ye are too....that sounds fair?" Douglas said, with a bit of a huff, but the smile on his face betrayed his real thoughts.
Douglas took a step back, and bowed rather dramatically, yet holding his alcohol glass upright.
"I, madame, the only heir of Isabel Sutherland-Leverson-Gower, Countess of Sutherland, an' Captain James Ferguson of her majesty's 93rd Regiment of Foot, am Douglas Ferguson Sutherland Leveson Gower of Clan Sutherland and Clan Gordon, heir to the Sutherland title...but ye..." Douglas lifted his head with a grin on his face. "...cann just call me Douglas."
After announcing himself in the most dramatic way possible, Douglas stood back up and took another sip out of his glass.
"That answers ye question? Hen?"
FireMaiden ​

 

[Candlebell]

Barnaby 'Bingo' Harrington
​

As Barnaby wilted under Henrietta’s keen glare he immediately perked up at Josephine’s suggestion. He bowed lowly over his plate as if it was a cap in his hand, “Lady Josephine, it would be my unmitigated pleasure.” As he rose, he handed his empty plate to a passing footman, who received it with the same reflexive confusion Henrietta had (along with the same glare for Barnaby, though less obvious than the Lady’s). Barnaby extended an elbow for Josephine and whisked her away as soon as he could, before Henrietta could really start listing the usual litany of faults she thought he should correct.

He trembled with relief as he fled with all the speed he could muster while escorting a young lady, which wasn’t as fast as he would have liked. “My word, Henri is a force of nature, isn’t she?” A hurricane, he thought. “I envy and pity the man she ends up marrying, he’ll do great things if only because he has her prodding him along all the way.” He patted Josephine’s hand on his arm with his other hand lightly, “Thank you for your kind rescue, Josie. Let’s go see and be seen.”

Barnaby led the way through the grand halls of the manor, scanning the crowds for Geoffrey and also for the supposed new faces that were supposed to be here tonight, talking as they meandered through the crowd.

“You know, I’d never have lent Geoffrey that money if I knew it was to cover a bet against you, Josie. There’s a difference between a risky bet and throwing your money away. A very poor decision on his part, I must say.” This statement came from a man that was a walking monument to Poor Decisions, yet he seemed utterly sincere in his haughty disdain for Geoffrey’s unwise bet. “I shall have to have a word with him about moderation, what if he were to bet away your dowry or some other foolishness?” He tilted his head slightly in thought, “Though… I suppose if he loses it to you then there should be no harm done…”

“Speaking of dowries, have you heard I’m marrying an American? Though I've yet to find her yet. Yes, the poor local girls were just a tad too slow on snapping up this catch so I’ve decided to seek out my matrimony with a modern woman. Someone experienced. Someone worldly. Someone with…. with… with a really good grasp on how to run an estate.” Barnaby nodded his head earnestly to himself, as if all he wanted in a romantic partner is someone that could be a business partner. His head snapped round to face Josephine as if he’d just realised something.

“Hold on a minute, Josie. YOU’RE a woman,” he said, as if it was some great revelation. He suddenly seemed to realise how inadvertently insulting he had just been. “I mean, of course you are, a most beautiful and talented woman, too, if I may say so. But I’ve just had a pretty terrific idea, you could help me point out some potential lady-loves for me. I’m sure you’ve heard of my poor luck in this field and as the old saying goes, ‘Set a thief to catch a thief,’ eh?”

Let's not risk another Henrietta, he thought to himself privately.

 

[Jess Buck]

Rosaline Miriam Adler​

Rosaline was ever so bored as she and Margot made rounds around the ballroom. All of the lords here were terribly dull and none of them had any looks to save them. Rosie finally decided to take a break and decided to find a footman for a drink. She grabbed a glass of whatever it was they were serving and took a heafty swigg. She recoiled at the taste and forced the liquid down.
"That tastes awful..." She thought to herself. But alchoal was alchoal and so she took another swigg. As she looked back up from her glass, a flash of red caught her eye and she turned in it's direction. Her eyes widened as she saw a Lady with gorgeous red hair walk past. She wore a forrest green dress and complimented her figure nicely and Rosaline couldn't help but stare. After a moment Margot realized her Lady was off in space and snapped her back to reality.
"Are you alright miss?" She asked. Rosie gave a half smile and Margot, not really paying attention to her.
"Yes, yes I'm fine..." She signed back, still following the redhead with her eyes. Rosie pointed to her. "Do you know who that is?" Rosaline asked Margot. Margot shook her head
"No Miss. But I can ask around and come back. May I ask why?"
"No you may not. Go ask around please." Margot signed at Rosie's response. She wasn't surprised but she was still curious. As Margot went off Rosie took another swigg and set her glass down on a nearby table. "Who is that woman?..." Rosie thought to herself, ever so curious about the redhead.

redroseknight Candlebell

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Lyle James Montagu
​

Lyle's family had been invited to a ball by some family friends. Lyle couldn't remember the family but none the less he and his were going. And they were late, as per usual. His step-mother and half-sister took their time getting ready. They said "We'll be fashionably late. We don't want to be there too early." Well now they were way past fashionably late and were just late. Lyle's father Arthur was in a huff about the situation and Lyle found amusement between the argument his father and step-mother were in. Margaret and Henry sat quietly in the carriage, just staring out the window. Lyle on the other hand was preparing himself to find an American Lady to woo. They soon arrived and Lyle was the first to step out and help his family. Once everyone was out of the carriage, he quickly made his way ahead of is family to get to the party. He couldn't lie, he loved a good party.

As he walked into the ballroom a footman annouced his presence and he gave a cocky smile at the people who stared as he made his way around. He heard faint whispers about himself from gossipy lords and ladies. It didn't bother him much. He liked the attention. He found a footman and grabbed a drink from his tray. He took a quick sip and surveyed the room. He could see quite a few fimilar faces, Lady Josephine of Coventry, she was an interesting character. She was on the arm of Bingo Harrigton. Lyle chuckled at the sight. That would be an interesting match. They seemed to enjoy each other's company enough. "I guess it couldn't be too bad..." He thought to himself. His gaze stopped on a head of dark brown curls. He blinked a few times. The carmel skinned girl was wearing a ballgown so she obviously wasn't the help, but he had never seen a mixed lady at one of these balls. She must be American. Lyle downed the rest of his drink before fixing his blazer. He checked his apperance before approaching the Lady with a smile. He clearned his throat to get her attention.
"Good evening Milady. May I introduce myself, I am Lyle James Montagu, Duke of Manchester. Please call me Lyle." He took her hand gently and gave her a polite bow as he kissed her hand. "And you are Miss?"

sprouhtt

 

[sprouhtt]

Ellanora looked at the servers as they looked at her with a shock expression, Ellanora only looked away from them as she carried on. She hoped that they didn't mistaken her for someone who works here. Her father was very hopeful of her finding a man that will accept her for who she is. Ellanora looked around before looking down at the floor, she tried to walk in the heels that her father got for her, but its hard to do so with a dress that keeps on trying to trip you. Ellanora herd footsteps behind her and when she turned around she gasped softly, "Oh, hello." Ellanora said to him as she followed him up with her eyes, until they met his. Her piercing blue eyes never left his, she cleared her voice quietly as she listened to him introduce himself. This is the first that a man has ever approached her, "It is a please to meet you Duke Montagu." Ellanora said to him as she gave him a genuine smile, but quickly blushed when he told her to call him by his first name. "We are already on formalities Sir Montagu? I- I mean Lyle." Ellanora knew that she shouldn't have said any 'snide' comments, but she couldn't resist.

Ellanora bit the corner of her lip, before she completely stopped. It was a bad habit of hers to bite the corner of her lip, but she did so whenever she was nervous. "My name is Ellanora Cordelia-Rose Vanderbilt. My name is quite a handful," Ellanora let out a soft chuckle as she looked down before meeting his eyes again. "How are you this evening?" She asked him. Lyle looked like he was a well sophisticated man of his society, she knew that she shouldn't have been staring at him so much, but he was quite lovely and he seemed like a nice person. But Ellanora composed herself, she didn't want to let her guard down like she usually did all those times. Which resulted in her getting hurt when they played her. She didn't want to fall for a guy so easily just because they flash a smile at her. But who could blame her, she was in love with the idea of being in love. Jess Buck

 

[redroseknight]

Josephine Coventry
​

Josephine slipped her hand to accept the proffered elbow, giggling at the look of indignation still upon Henrietta's face. When next she spoke with her friend, she did not doubt that the young woman would be extolling all of the virtues that Barnaby lacked with Josephine naturally prodding the woman into a most glorious diatribe. Bingo was a jewel she never ceased to be thankful for. He managed to make events that she would have loathed into something far more tolerable. "Oh, she is indeed such a driven lady that I am often in awe of her. You are most welcome, dear. It is my great charge as a good Christian lady to help those in need," she teased with a smile.

It did fill Josie with a bit of pride that her skills were so well known that even Bingo acknowledged the folly of making a wager against her. Oh, but his mention of her brother losing her dowry to her did tickle her so! "Oh gracious, could you imagine his face if I suggested that amount and he lost! Father would be absolutely livid if he was told that a match could not be made for me because Geoff lost my dowry to me," she laughed, able to picture it in her mind. This was exactly what she would do at their next bi-weekly race; it would be beautiful even if her brother refused such a grand wager.

Another woman might have taken offense to him speaking of the local women in such a way since she was one of these local girls missing out on such a fine gentleman. As it was, she did not take genuine offense but tilted her head slightly as he rambled the virtues that he wished to find in a wife. It sounded like he was looking for more of a good steward, not a life partner. Then again, from what she knew of the poor man, that was probably for the best. An amused smile curled on her lips as he made the grand statement regarding her gender, a red tinted brow arching upward. She wasn't truly insulted by the man's words, and her smile only grew as he hastily complimented her talents and beauty. Wonderful save, that. "So a thief am I?" she teased, though she placed her hand on his with a soft pat. "Of course, dear Bingo, I would be most honored to assist you with this endeavor. If only my brother had half your wit." She was on a roll with the insults to her brother, but luckily the lad didn't hear that brutal one made so off the cuff and with an upbeat tone.

"I say, that young woman has looked to us on three occasions now when speaking to those lads there. I do recall seeing her walk in with one of the Americans earlier. No doubt she is trying to find out from your peers about you. Come, let's give the poor girl a reprieve and jump to the chase." She didn't foresee a reason why Margot would have been asking after her, she was not one of the bachelors that the woman would have been seeking out. Josie was of the mistaken idea that she was the only one with predilections like hers so naturally this woman would only be interested in the men, much to her dismay. She boldly led Bingo to Margot and gave the woman a bright smile. Josie was not going to be letting go of her 'get out of marriage free' card just yet, so she intended to accompany him to see this American. "I noticed you were motioning to my friend here a moment ago. Perhaps your lady would like to just speak with us, to hear of us from the horse's mouth, as it were?" she teased, having no idea what she was setting into motion.

Candlebell , Jess Buck

 

[Jess Buck]

Rosaline Miriam Adler
​

Margot was taken aback when the redheaded women came up to her and asked to meet with Rosaline. Well more accurately asked to introduce her male friend to Rosaline. Margot nodded her head. "Y-Yes ma'am. But...Lady Rosaline was inquiring about you Milady..." Margot seemed hesitant as she told the redhead about Rosie's interest in her. But she led the two of them over to Rosie anyway. Rosaline saw the three coming towards she and she quickly straightened her skirts and made sure her hair was in place. She smiled as they approached and signed to the two of them. "Hello there. I am Rosaline Miriam Adler. I hope you do not mind speaking through my translator for I am deaf." Margot translated for her Lady and introduced herself as well. With the redhead up close, Rosie's breath was taken away. Her red hair brought out her vivid green eyes and the dress she was wearing was stunning on her. She was much taller than Rosaline had expected but she didn't mind. In fact she liked it very much. Rosie could feel her ears reddening as she continued to survey the woman in front of her. She knew the thoughts going through her head right now were sinful but boy could she not care less. This woman was stunning.

redroseknight Candlebell

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Lyle James Dubois​

"Ellanora...what a beautiful name..." Lyle smiled and looked around the ballroom. "My evening has been uneventful so far. Well that was until I saw you Milady." He looked back to her. "I don't mean to bring up the obvious but you certainly don't look like the other ladies here at this party. May I ask where your family comes from?" Lyle was wasting no time getting to know this girl. He had to know if she was actually interesting or not, for if she wasn't he would not waste his time on her. He'd move on so he could find the right woman for him to marry. And he had to do so quickly. His father was becoming impatient with him. And Henry was a far more complacent son, Arthur could get Henry to marry whomever he wanted and get him next in line much faster than Lyle could even find a perfect match. It was actually quite frustrating how many times Arthur reminded his eldest son of that.

sprouhtt

 

[sprouhtt]

Ellanora looked around when he did as well. She wandered what he was looking at, but from the corner of her eyes she saw that he looked back at her. Ellanora's yes widened just a bit when he asked her where her family came from. Ellanora smiled when she heard him say that just by seeing or talking to her that his evening had turned around. "I am glad to hear that I made part of your evening."This ball was turning out to being better than she had expected. She blushed at his words, and as soon as he opened his mouth, there was the question that she was dreading all along.

"If I were to tell you where my family comes from, I am afraid that you will not talk to me anymore." Ellanora said to him as she let out a soft sigh and fiddled with her hands behind her back. Every man she met, always asked her why she looked different. When she told that her mother was brown and her father is a white man, they immediately stopped talking to her. They never wanted anything to do with her, especially with a 'complicated' past such as hers. Ellanora fancied this young gentleman, and she didn't want to ruin it by telling him that she was mix, but she also didn't want to lie to him either. She was a women that always thought on the positive side, Ellanora was going to tell him that she was mixed, and if he is the one then he will accept her for her she is instead of looking at her from her appearance. "I am the daughter of Lord William Vanderbilt of Sussex, and to Katherine Jenkins who was a....house slave." Ellanora told him as she cleared her throat for the last part of the sentence in order not to stutter.

Ellanora waited for his response, she took in a deep breath to calm her racing heart down. Preparing herself for the worst to come, instead of the positive. Ellanora hoped that he would give her the benefit of the doubt and not judge her so. Jess Buck

 

[Pauly51]

Captain Granville walked over to the master of ceremonies and whispered in his ear. The MC taken aback said “Are you serious??” Granville replied “I am.” The MC answered “But what if I don’t comply?” Granville again whispered in his ear. The MC looked shocked and replied, “I see. Are you sure?” Granville then said. “I am. Absolutely.” Then, Granville then show him a “W” sign with both index fingers and thumbs fully extended as well as a P sign with his left hand straight and his right hand curved. He then said, “I can only do two types of dances: the waltz and the polka.” The MC was hesitant. So, Granville told him “In ten years of service to the queen, I learned three little word can come in hand to resolve a problem or two….. Make it work.” The master of ceremonies knew the hand he was dealt was not a very strong one. He folded his cards and said. “Of course, my lord.” Granville smiled to himself and walked away. He grabbed a goblet of red wine that a footman was offering him. It tasted like a Bordeaux vintage from 1875. Not bad, he thought. I guess it is an acquired taste.

Next Granville walked over to fireplace and introduced himself to Ferdinand and Raymond Adler. He said, “Gutten tag, Herr Adler. Ich heisse Kapitan Alfred Granville.” Then, he switched back to English. “I am the son of the Viscount of Halford. I understand that you are in the brewery business. I have some questions that I would like to ask you.” He went on “While stationed in India, I found that the average soldier was spending far too much of his pay on beer that must be transported half way around the world. The consequences can be more serious than one might suspect if you consider a soldier purchasing poorly made distilled spirits could get alcohol poisoning just to save a few coppers. As result, my regiment brewed its own beer. “He went on to ask multiple questions about the brewing process, the bottleneck in the fermentation phase, and sourcing barley and hops. The senior Adler appeared flattered and impressed last an English lord would talk to him at length about his business and trade. Then Granville concluded, “It was a pleasure meeting with you two. Could you possibly introduce me to your daughter, Rosalind? You know the quiet one.”
Jess Buck

 

[Candlebell]

Barnaby 'Bingo' Harrington
​

Barnaby was still a little stunned at how Josephine had seemingly plucked a potential fiancée out of thin air. The woman was a marvel. She’d done more in a short walk across the room than he’d managed in months of… well, not ‘effort’ exactly, that sounded exhausting; but at least months of a vague desire to try and find a wife.

Barnaby was well and truly flattered by Miss Adler’s obvious affections for him. If he knew how fascinating American girls would find him he would have gone for a tour of their country long ago. The coasts at any rate… Well, New York at the very least! He’d heard it was almost as good as London in parts... After all, he’d barely been amongst the crowd a few minutes and already this charming young thing had fallen for him.

She was terribly shy, however. Poor thing needed a go-between to go through a go-between just to get his attention and now she was so nervous she could barely look at him without blushing, throwing glances of support towards Josephine over and over almost as if Josie was the object of her affections! It was a pity Barnaby wasn’t one for the shy and retiring type, but this still boded well for the evening.

Still, he would do what he could for her. The girl might not come out of this encounter with a husband, but she could do a lot worse than getting Josephine as a friend. Some might even argue she’d do a lot better gaining Josephine as a friend than Barnaby as a husband.

‘Good evening my dear,” he said in a voice that was just a bit too loud, as if it would somehow help her hear him. “An absolute pleasure to meet you. Barnaby Harrington at your service, friends call me Bingo. I have the great honour to be escorting the Earl of Coventry’s favourite offspring, and mine, Lady Josephine.” He gestured to Josephine beside him.

“Er, that is, she’s my favourite of his offspring. She’s not mine and the Earl of Coventry’s offspring, heavens no.” He looked somewhat pale at the thought of what the Earl might do to him if he heard that suggestion. He also tried to ignore the increasingly strange look Margot was giving him as her hands flashed through the interpretation of what he had said. He found his eyes were drawn increasingly to Margot’s moving hands.

“I must say that’s pretty impressive,” he said as he nodded towards the silent speech and looking back at Rosaline. “I can barely trust my own mouth to accurately convey what I want it to say, never mind getting a whole other person to do it for me. Is it hard?”

redroseknight Jess Buck

 

[redroseknight]

Josephine Coventry

​

She was awfully surprised when it was made known that the woman was actually asking around about her. Gracious, she didn't already strike anyone as a threat to their abilities to find a husband? If so, she would need to ease that poor girl's mind both for her anxiety and to keep herself out of any social machinations. Being friends with Henrietta, she was quite aware of the lengths some women would go to in order to destroy a potential rival in court. The lady was truly a work of art, and Josie was grateful that she could count her as a friend rather than as a rival!

All of her plans on how to interact with this girl in order to ease any possible tension went straight out the window when Margot led the pair to the American. The first thing she noted were her eyes; they were the most gorgeous of blue she had ever seen. Even the diamond owned by the Hope family didn't have the same luster or brilliant hue. Her dark hair was a striking contrast to her fair skin and brilliant eyes, and it looked so soft that the redhead was tempted toward the strands. They were like smooth silk, so straight and fine in comparison to her own wild curls. Her heart beat quickened in her chest, and her stomach dropped. This woman was so alluring, and she would have to watch her possibly reach a proposal with one of these lords. Possibly even the man that she was with right now. The thought made her want to wretch. Then Rosaline's hands began moving rather than speech reaching her ears, and she turned her attention to Margot. Oh, the dear was deaf.

Bless Barnaby's heart. All of the frustration Josephine felt faded in the face of his bumbling introduction, Josephine electing to not save him and instead let the poor fellow continue to try fixing his faux-pas on his own. This was usually how she handled Barnaby, she gave him smiles and let him dig his own hole a lot more efficiently than any hound. Her green eyes lit up with mirth as she shared a wicked grin with Rosaline and Margot. She dipped into a fluid curtsy, the woman was not completely unladylike and could hold her own when it came to courtly graces. "As my esteemed friend has so graciously stated, my name is Josephine though you may call me Josie. I do apologize in advance to Margot here and her hands; I fear my friend and I are most loquacious. If ever you are tired, dear, don't fear that you shall offend our sensibilities should you need a break," she teased with a playful wink. She couldn't help the stirring of playfulness that was brought to the fore; she would have done anything and endured any mockery to earn a smile and a laugh from the beautiful woman. And fortunately, she could hide that desire under the guise of trying to merely be a welcoming lady of the court.

She looked toward Barnaby, remembering what he had said about his desires for a bride. The girl had been shrewd enough to send someone out to ferret out potential rivals, though she was understandably mistaken on that front for thinking Josephine would in any way stand between her and the lord of her choice....at least out of desire for the lord's attention. She wanted this girl's attention for her own, as selfish as that was. There would be other events, and plenty of men so....it wouldn't truly hurt if she interfered to dissuade Bingo of any interest in this sweet faced angel. It wouldn't be difficult to guide Bingo away toward another prospect, there had been a woman in red that was quite striking she had seen holding her own in a conversation with a baroness. Other suitors, well. That was going to be a much more difficult task. Josie was not one to worry about things, however, and didn't balk at a challenge. She could handle this situation with no trouble.

Candlebell , Jess Buck

 

[Pauly51]

Alfred Granville

Granville paused for a second. He wasn’t sure if he could tell but it looked like Lady Josephine was aiding his rival: Barnaby Harrington. In short, Harrington aka Bingo was a likable fellow. He had some of the better qualities of a good gentlemen. He was magnanimous, generous, and gracious. He was the kind of guy that you knew in public school. He made jokes that every laughed at and was integral to playing practical jokes on the professors. Basically, he was the type of guy that you wanted to like and invite to the club for drinks. But alas, Bingo was not a serious person and sooner or later the girls or their fathers would figure that out. However, being supported by Lady Josephine was disconcerting. It was if France was aligned with Prussia against the United Kingdom. Lady Josephine was charming and had this bewitching quality about her. If the rumors were to be believed, she was an exquisite equestrian as well. The real question was she cunning or was she more mischievous like a cat playing with mice? Granville did not know the answer.

He was on his own and would have to figure out what to do. Perplexed, the look to some of the paintings on the wall. He saw this portrait of the former Colonel of his regiment. Then, the words came back to him from his Lt. Colonel’s speech the night before they rode into Kabul. “You never alone, as long as there are brother officers and troopers who ride with you, you are never alone. From the men who came before you to the men who will come after you, for as long as these colours encharged to us by her majesty the Queen flies, this regiment will be as one!!” Then Granville, remembered the noise of four hundred men cheering at the top of their lungs. He smiled to himself.
There would be others to help. But, he would have to find them.

Portrait on the wall of the manor house below: