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Fandom The Season of Romance
- Thread starter Desert_Blossom
- Start date
Desert_Blossom
Nobody's Perfect...
Simon
Duke of Hastings
Duke of Hastings
Carriages lined the streets of London, all making their way towards a singular destination. While giggling girls were filled with excitement as they approached tonight's ball, the Duke of Hastings was filled with dread. If it were up to him, he would be spending the night alone with only a glass of brandy for company. Alas, Lady Danbury had accepted the invitation on his behalf, and he had no choice but to show face at the season’s opening ball.
One of the most eligible men in London, Simon knew all he had to look forward to tonight was hoards of debutantes trying to catch his eye. In other circumstances, one might think the duke would enjoy the attention of beautiful women, but these women were decidedly not his type. His type was the non-marrying kind and these women would all be looking for future husbands.
Simon hated this time of year, and regretted his untimely return to London society as his carriage rolled to a stop. The duke made no move to exit his transport though, and only after the footman cleared his throat a little did Simon even turn towards the open door. Beyond the attendant, a sea of feathered and sparkling young women flooded the entryway into the estate.
“I’m feeling a bit sea sick...” Simon uttered under his breath as he stepped out of his coach, his boots crunching on the gravel lane. He took a last breath of fresh air, relishing the absence of cacophony of perfume that would soon overpower him and the ballroom.
As the duke strode towards the estate, he could already feel heavily lashed eyes following his every move and excited whispers trailing in his wake. Simon’s own dark eyes searched the crowd, seeking out a familiar face whilst avoiding making any hard eye contact. Ascending the stairs, Simon’s hopes were answered when he spotted an old friend from his university days, Jonathan Allwood. Beelining towards Allwood, Simon ignored all attempts by the pampered young ladies to win his attention.
One of the most eligible men in London, Simon knew all he had to look forward to tonight was hoards of debutantes trying to catch his eye. In other circumstances, one might think the duke would enjoy the attention of beautiful women, but these women were decidedly not his type. His type was the non-marrying kind and these women would all be looking for future husbands.
Simon hated this time of year, and regretted his untimely return to London society as his carriage rolled to a stop. The duke made no move to exit his transport though, and only after the footman cleared his throat a little did Simon even turn towards the open door. Beyond the attendant, a sea of feathered and sparkling young women flooded the entryway into the estate.
“I’m feeling a bit sea sick...” Simon uttered under his breath as he stepped out of his coach, his boots crunching on the gravel lane. He took a last breath of fresh air, relishing the absence of cacophony of perfume that would soon overpower him and the ballroom.
As the duke strode towards the estate, he could already feel heavily lashed eyes following his every move and excited whispers trailing in his wake. Simon’s own dark eyes searched the crowd, seeking out a familiar face whilst avoiding making any hard eye contact. Ascending the stairs, Simon’s hopes were answered when he spotted an old friend from his university days, Jonathan Allwood. Beelining towards Allwood, Simon ignored all attempts by the pampered young ladies to win his attention.
nine lives
Poppy
St. Claire
St. Claire
Poppy St. Claire was conflicted. Part of her was disappointed in herself for contributing to society’s expectation for women to parade themselves around in the hopes of attracting a husband... And the other part of her was buzzing with excitement as she entered the ballroom, escorted by her older brother Percy. Tonight though, it was the latter part of Poppy that won out. After all, it wasn’t just everyday that one makes her debut into society. Rather than viewing tonight’s ball as the beginning of her hunt for a husband, Poppy viewed it as a celebration of hers and her fellow debutantes’ coming of age.
“Percy, we’ve made our first circle of the room, it would be so darling of you to go fetch us something to drink.” Poppy said, glancing up at her brother as they strolled amongst the people. “I think I’m going to need something stronger than punch though if mother expects me to be charming the entire night.” She added, slipping her arm from her brother’s as he departed.
Typically Poppy didn’t have the convenience of her brother tending to her needs, but Mrs. St. Claire had made it very clear that tonight was Poppy’s night. Thus, her brothers were obligated to do what they could to ensure it went well.
With a satisfied smile, Poppy turned towards the center of the ballroom, watching the dancers for a few moments as they twirled around the floor. The brunette loved dancing, but she was biding her time before joining the merriment, wanting to prolong her look of perfection. After a few dances, her hair was sure to start falling and her cheeks would be overly flushed. As a younger girl, Poppy wouldn’t think anything of a few loose strands of hair or a glistening forehead, but now she was a proper lady. Besides, she also wanted to find Sophia first.
Keeping to the outer edge of the room, Poppy offered coy smiles and polite greetings to those she passed as she sought her friend. A few gentlemen derailed Poppy’s search for a moment or two, but the brunette skillfully escaped their nets of conversation. Finally, Poppy’s chestnut eyes lit up as she spotted the ruddy curls of her friend amongst the crowd.
“Sophia, dearest!” Poppy greeted, weaving her way through the warm bodies to Miss Rosebridge. “You look absolutely beautiful tonight! Have you been here long?”
“Percy, we’ve made our first circle of the room, it would be so darling of you to go fetch us something to drink.” Poppy said, glancing up at her brother as they strolled amongst the people. “I think I’m going to need something stronger than punch though if mother expects me to be charming the entire night.” She added, slipping her arm from her brother’s as he departed.
Typically Poppy didn’t have the convenience of her brother tending to her needs, but Mrs. St. Claire had made it very clear that tonight was Poppy’s night. Thus, her brothers were obligated to do what they could to ensure it went well.
With a satisfied smile, Poppy turned towards the center of the ballroom, watching the dancers for a few moments as they twirled around the floor. The brunette loved dancing, but she was biding her time before joining the merriment, wanting to prolong her look of perfection. After a few dances, her hair was sure to start falling and her cheeks would be overly flushed. As a younger girl, Poppy wouldn’t think anything of a few loose strands of hair or a glistening forehead, but now she was a proper lady. Besides, she also wanted to find Sophia first.
Keeping to the outer edge of the room, Poppy offered coy smiles and polite greetings to those she passed as she sought her friend. A few gentlemen derailed Poppy’s search for a moment or two, but the brunette skillfully escaped their nets of conversation. Finally, Poppy’s chestnut eyes lit up as she spotted the ruddy curls of her friend amongst the crowd.
“Sophia, dearest!” Poppy greeted, weaving her way through the warm bodies to Miss Rosebridge. “You look absolutely beautiful tonight! Have you been here long?”
nine lives
myers.
New Member
Jonathan Allwood.
Jonathan wasn't the only Allwood child that was attending the ball that evening. His younger brother, Oliver, was also there, both searching for a wife. If Jonathan was looking forward to anything this evening, it wasn't searching for his future wife. It was dancing with the number of beautiful woman who were also attending the ball. He wanted a night of fun with no strings attached, and not a single care in the world. Perhaps the man missed that, being a child without a care in the world. He didn't want to commit to his duty of finding a wife or having a family. Not yet, at least.
Drinking in his hand, Jonathan was standing to the side, watching all the debutants trying to catch the eyes of potential suitors. Few woman had come over to him, entertaining them for a brief moment. Jonathan was no fool, he was well aware of their timed smile and batting eyelashes, subtle ways to catch his attention. He'd seen it all before, it seemed no woman really stuck out to him. Perhaps that was another reason why he had no interest in finding a wife. They all seemed exactly the same, and he wanted something different.
His thoughts were interrupted when he caught a glance of a man coming for him, his lips curling up into a smile. "Excuse me, ladies." Jonathan spoke, moving away from the small group of women. They seemed disappointed, but scattered to go talk to someone else. It was a competition between the young woman and their mothers. The young woman wanted the best, and their mothers wanted even better than that. Watching them mingle could be quite amusing.
"Simon Basset!" He said, walking over to his old friend. "I heard a rumor you were back in town, I didn't think the first place I'd see you would be a ball." He teased his friend. He hadn't seen him since their school days, something that seemed so long ago now. "How are you doing?" He asked, bringing his drink it his lips, taking a sip. He didn't need to look around to see that hungry eyes were on them both. Well, they were on Simon, and Jonathan just happened to be talking to him. Even he knew everyone would try to capture his attention, but Jonathan knew it wouldn't be an easy task. Impossible, even.
nine lives
Sophia Rosebrige
It was known in the Rosebridge household that if Sophia couldn't marry for love, she didn't want to marry at all. It didn't please her parents to say this, of course, but she stood her ground. The young woman didn't like the competition. From the moment she stepped into the ballroom with her brothers, she saw a done up debutants forcing their way in front of any many who seemed interested, hardly giving other woman a chance. The idea of shoving herself at a man, hoping he'd think her interesting enough to spend the time to get to know her didn't sit right with her, which is why she wasn't as thrilled to be at the ball. It was beautiful, and she was thoroughly enjoying the decorations. Admittedly, watching the woman and mothers pool around the eligible men was amusing to her, deciding to watch from the sidelines.
Her eldest brother, George, was by her side, a drink in his own hand. "What about him?" He asked her, motioning with his head to one of the men. They were dancing with another woman, yet his eyes were on Sophia, who scoffed. "Please, he hasn't focused on the woman he's dancing with once. He's searching for something better, and whose to say he won't do that in his marriage as well."
George chuckled at that, shaking his head a little bit. "You're impossible, Phia." Though, there was an amused smile on his lips. His sister never failed to amuse him.
When she heard her name being called, she looked away from her brother, eyes searching for the familiar voice. "Poppy!" She smiled widely, glad to see another familiar face that wasn't her brother. She met the woman half way, quickly looking her over. "Oh, Poppy. You look absolutely stunning. I'm sure these men can't stay away from you." She complimented, her words genuine. "Well, long enough to know I don't wish to be here anymore." Sophia said with a soft chuckle, only half-joking. "Have you been here long?"
Her eldest brother, George, was by her side, a drink in his own hand. "What about him?" He asked her, motioning with his head to one of the men. They were dancing with another woman, yet his eyes were on Sophia, who scoffed. "Please, he hasn't focused on the woman he's dancing with once. He's searching for something better, and whose to say he won't do that in his marriage as well."
George chuckled at that, shaking his head a little bit. "You're impossible, Phia." Though, there was an amused smile on his lips. His sister never failed to amuse him.
When she heard her name being called, she looked away from her brother, eyes searching for the familiar voice. "Poppy!" She smiled widely, glad to see another familiar face that wasn't her brother. She met the woman half way, quickly looking her over. "Oh, Poppy. You look absolutely stunning. I'm sure these men can't stay away from you." She complimented, her words genuine. "Well, long enough to know I don't wish to be here anymore." Sophia said with a soft chuckle, only half-joking. "Have you been here long?"
nine lives
Desert_Blossom
Nobody's Perfect...
Simon
Duke of Hastings
Duke of Hastings
Simon cracked his first smile of the evening as he and Jonathan approached on another. "Allwood, it is good to see you." The duke said, appreciating that his friend knew him in the days of being merely Simon Basset, and not the Duke of Hastings. "Rumors no doubt started intentionally by Lady Danbury." Simon replied with a shake of his head. "I had hoped to at least have the element of surprise, but I've been noticing that these women looked like they were tipped off that I'd be here."
It was annoying, to say the least, to be dogged by pushy mothers and naiive daughters, but at least Simon could find some refuge in the company of Jonathan. For the moment. "Yes, I regret that I was not able to call upon you earlier, but I had business matters to attend to that consumed my time the past couple days. We should get a drink at the club and catch up when it's not so..." The duke looked around at the hoards of people filling the ballroom to the brim. "Not so loud." Simon finished, having a multitude of reasons he disliked this setting for catching up, but deciding to blame to volume level. Not so filled with desperate women just didn't have the right ring to it.
"But I'm doing well. Better actually, now that I am no longer a constant disappointment to the late Duke." Simon replied stoically, unsentimental about the passing of his father. If anything, he should be celebrating the horrid man's death, but that was a matter for another time. "And you? Still enjoying your days of being a bachelor? Or has society convinced you as well that your future wife lies somewhere within this room?" Simon asked with a smirk, raising an eyebrow as he glanced over at his friend.
The giggling of ladies could be heard surrounding the Duke and Jonathan, but Simon paid no mind to it. He had shown face, silently announcing to all of London that he was indeed in town, and planned to leave shortly after speaking with Jonathan. Simon had done his part to assuage Lady Danbury, but he needn't stay long beyond that.
“Perhaps it would be better if we were moving targets as we spoke.” Simon suggested, noticing a determined looking mother beelining straight for him. “I’m going to get a drink. Need a top off Allwood?” The Duke asked, beginning to make his escape from the approaching mother and her frumpy looking daughter.
It was annoying, to say the least, to be dogged by pushy mothers and naiive daughters, but at least Simon could find some refuge in the company of Jonathan. For the moment. "Yes, I regret that I was not able to call upon you earlier, but I had business matters to attend to that consumed my time the past couple days. We should get a drink at the club and catch up when it's not so..." The duke looked around at the hoards of people filling the ballroom to the brim. "Not so loud." Simon finished, having a multitude of reasons he disliked this setting for catching up, but deciding to blame to volume level. Not so filled with desperate women just didn't have the right ring to it.
"But I'm doing well. Better actually, now that I am no longer a constant disappointment to the late Duke." Simon replied stoically, unsentimental about the passing of his father. If anything, he should be celebrating the horrid man's death, but that was a matter for another time. "And you? Still enjoying your days of being a bachelor? Or has society convinced you as well that your future wife lies somewhere within this room?" Simon asked with a smirk, raising an eyebrow as he glanced over at his friend.
The giggling of ladies could be heard surrounding the Duke and Jonathan, but Simon paid no mind to it. He had shown face, silently announcing to all of London that he was indeed in town, and planned to leave shortly after speaking with Jonathan. Simon had done his part to assuage Lady Danbury, but he needn't stay long beyond that.
“Perhaps it would be better if we were moving targets as we spoke.” Simon suggested, noticing a determined looking mother beelining straight for him. “I’m going to get a drink. Need a top off Allwood?” The Duke asked, beginning to make his escape from the approaching mother and her frumpy looking daughter.
nine lives
Poppy St. Claire
Finding Sophia made Poppy feel infinitely more relaxed, pleased to have someone to commiserate with while the other young ladies threw themselves at any man who could breathe and had most of his teeth. "You're too kind." Poppy smiled before laughing lightly. "Well, if the men were trying to make my acquaintance, I wouldn't know. I've been doing my best to stay away from them." She grinned a little. "Besides, the gentlemen are hardly at a loss for willing candidates. I don't believe any of them would be up for a challenge tonight when they could so easily win with the other young ladies."
Poppy looked a little disappointed that Sophia already wanted to leave, but she wasn't terribly surprised by her friend's sentiment. She had known Sophia long enough to know that the redhead was not one for parading about either. "Oh but Soph, we've only just run into each other. Don't leave quite yet. We can keep each other company and watch our fellow ladies make fools of themselves for sport. My brother and I have running bets on how many ladies will end up in tears tonight and how many will already think they have found the one." Poppy grinned a little impishly. The mention of her brother reminded Poppy of his absence.
"I've not been here long, Percy and I just did a turn about the room so he can tell mother that he properly showed me off. I've sent him off for beverages, but I'm not sure if he'll be able to find me again, since I've since moved from the spot I left him." Shrugging, Poppy scanned the room for a moment for any sight of Percy, but turned back to Sophia shortly after.
"Has George been trying to find you a match? Or has he been keeping all the men at bay?" She asked teasingly, glancing behind Sophia at her chaperone. "I warned Percy that if he tried to match me with anyone I didn't approve of that I'd immediately start talking about women's rights and..."
"And scare away all the men of London in a single night." Percy interrupted, finishing his sister's sentence as he approached the two young ladies. "Mother would shoot me with my own pistol if I allowed that to happen." The eldest St. Claire added, handing a glass to Poppy before glancing at Sophia. "Lady Rosebridge, you look lovely this evening." He said bowing his head. "Would you care for a beverage? I can always go fetch myself another." Percy said, offering the second glass in his hand to Sophia.
Poppy looked a little disappointed that Sophia already wanted to leave, but she wasn't terribly surprised by her friend's sentiment. She had known Sophia long enough to know that the redhead was not one for parading about either. "Oh but Soph, we've only just run into each other. Don't leave quite yet. We can keep each other company and watch our fellow ladies make fools of themselves for sport. My brother and I have running bets on how many ladies will end up in tears tonight and how many will already think they have found the one." Poppy grinned a little impishly. The mention of her brother reminded Poppy of his absence.
"I've not been here long, Percy and I just did a turn about the room so he can tell mother that he properly showed me off. I've sent him off for beverages, but I'm not sure if he'll be able to find me again, since I've since moved from the spot I left him." Shrugging, Poppy scanned the room for a moment for any sight of Percy, but turned back to Sophia shortly after.
"Has George been trying to find you a match? Or has he been keeping all the men at bay?" She asked teasingly, glancing behind Sophia at her chaperone. "I warned Percy that if he tried to match me with anyone I didn't approve of that I'd immediately start talking about women's rights and..."
"And scare away all the men of London in a single night." Percy interrupted, finishing his sister's sentence as he approached the two young ladies. "Mother would shoot me with my own pistol if I allowed that to happen." The eldest St. Claire added, handing a glass to Poppy before glancing at Sophia. "Lady Rosebridge, you look lovely this evening." He said bowing his head. "Would you care for a beverage? I can always go fetch myself another." Percy said, offering the second glass in his hand to Sophia.
nine lives
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