“Lady Cavendish,” he greeted, a polite nod of his head and a slight bend at the waist. “I must admit I find myself mostly hiding from the over-eager mothers, all subtle as an elephant while trying to suggest second dances with their daughters. Fool me once…” He faded off, a sardonic smile on his face. While his words may have rung with sarcasm, they weren’t completely false. The rules in Russia weren’t as nearly as strict, and his first season in England had left him an easy mark for the aforementioned mamas, and he had barely been able to escape the season without being forced to make an honor-bound proposal, apparently having broken legions upon legions of the rules that apparently dictated ‘polite society’. — Speaking of, his eyes scanned the room, making sure that the two were not alone. Another rule he had learned the hard way.
“So perhaps the bigger mystery here is why you’re sneaking around and not on the dance floor when I’m sure the pool of eligible suitors is getting smaller by the moment.” His words were sarcastic, although their acidity wasn’t aimed at her, but more so at the ridiculous pressure placed on these few months.
He had noticed her eyeing the piano upon her entrance, though, and as his fingers ran over the sleek top, smudging the shine he knew it’s owner must’ve been oddly proud of, he couldn’t help but ask, “Do you play?”
“Mama will be so glad she did not come with me this season, if only to avoid being compared to an elephant herself,” Diana responded, as though she did not share his evaluation of all the meddling mothers in the other room, pushing their daughters onto men who would rather be hunting or gambling away their money in a hall far, far away from the ladies. It would not suit to seem as though she thought less of them for it - if her own mother were here, she would no doubt be doing the same. Thankfully, she was accompanied by her older brother, who only offered his opinion when a gentleman acted like less of one than he ought. He wanted what was best for her, she knew that, and he trusted her enough, for the most part, to make selections for herself. “Does that mean no one has captured your attention? Pity. I can think of at least three ladies who would be heartbroken to hear it.”
His statement about the pool of eligible suitors getting smaller was no doubt true, but Diana simply gave an elegant shrug of her shoulders, her smile widening just a touch. “The right suitor will wait. What need do I have of a man whose attention is diverted during the course of one dance? It is not only gentlemen who are selective.” Her response was more honest, perhaps, than it should have been, but it was how she felt, and Diana saw no reason to lie. Her hope was to find a love match, more so than a good one, however foolish.
“I do. Quite well, in fact.” Her eyes dropped back to the piano longingly before rising to meet his again. “Would you like to hear a song? I doubt anyone would be upset if you were the one to suggest I play.”
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so far, at least in sophie’s eyes, the evening was going smoothly- so smoothly, in fact, that she doubted the gossip columns would have much of anything to say for the next week; which meant that the ball would be forgotten about in a month’s time, and she had no wish to see of the first time her sister hosted as duchess. “now,” sophie said, sliding in next to someone standing on the sidelines, “are you not keen on a quadrille, or is it simply that no one has asked you to dance?”
Clad in a pale blue muslin dress of fine fit, Lady Diana had finally made her escape from the dance floor. Dancing left a flush of excitement in her cheeks, as did the attention she had received from a few gentlemen she hoped might come calling later in the week. It was not a bad first outing, to be sure. Her family would be pleased. “I’m afraid I had to take a break,” she laughed lightly, “Even a ballroom as fine as this can start to feel unbearably warm after a few turns.”
“How have you been?” Sophie was one she knew well, thanks to their shared interest in novels, and she offered her a true smile as she smoothed gloved hands down the front of her dress. “I’m looking forward to our next meeting. I’ve found the most marvelous book, written by a Mr. Samuel Richardson. Have you read him?”
Diana wore a massive confection the color of nena roses, indiscriminately garnished with fine lace flounces, garlands of velvet leaves and puffs of gauzy tulle. On anyone else, the gown would have been hideous. But with a face so innocent, she turned it to her advantage – of course a young lady as sweet as she should come to a ball in twenty yards of pink silk weighed down with every variety of trimming known to couture. After a few turns round the floor, she took herself to the music room for a little respite from the crowd. She did enjoy the excitement of a quadrille, but a lady needed to breathe, too, and there was nothing like a dozen dancers at the height of summer to make a ballroom as stuffy as any linen closet.
Front and center in the music room was a beautiful piano, one her fingers itched automatically to play. It was too fine an instrument to sit unused and yet she held herself back – another piano, a much more ordinary one, sat in the drawing room for guests who wished to have a song or two. Distraction came, thankfully, before she gave into the urge. “Count,” she curtseyed, eyes appropriately downcast until she straightened, an amused smile playing on her lips. Nikolai, for all she knew of him, was not one for such formality, but needs must. “Sneaking away already? I should think your dance card full.” Which, again, for all she knew of him, was likely the reason for his hiding. Never had she known one so eligible or so disinclined.
where: the argyll ball
who: thomas hyde parker + open
It may have been a few years since Thomas had attended the season with eyes set on finding a suitable marriage, but even so, he knew the first event of the season was indelibly important. Few would dare to miss it, thus it was a chance to survey all the possibilities. And whereas in previous seasons, he was a young man carefree, unburdened, and nonchalant about finding a wife, this season was not so. Despite the fact that Thomas has somehow miraculously been able to keep his family’s financial ruin out of the Ton’s rumor mill, he still found himself in the utmost state of paranoia, and tried not to let the vultures smell the air of desperation he felt he must have about him.
“How many poorhouses do you think could be funded by the cost of all these flower arrangements alone?” He asked jokingly to the person lingering nearby. Even before, when his family were the ones with outrageous floral budgets, his father had always made sure to give a fair share to those less fortunate, but now that the Hyde Parkers could be considered less than fortunate, Thomas couldn’t help but wonder about these types of things
The first event of the season was so far a tremendous success, not that it was ever intended to be anything else. Ladies in elegant gowns, dainty yet delicious treats, and greenery that filled the interior of the ballroom – each aspect of the occasion was sumptuous yet tasteful. Everything a premier ball ought to be. It was the return to society Diana had dreamed of these last two years, perfect even down to the dance partners who sought her hand. She was careful to dance with each of them only once, lest anyone get the wrong idea about her attentions, and was only now taking her first break from the floor. A faint smile curved her mouth as she watched the others spin round and round, a colorful array of finery that in itself was entertainment. Already she was thinking of ways to incorporate new fashions into her own wardrobe.
Which was not, of course, to say she hadn’t thought carefully about her own dress for this evening: a stylish, yet understated piece in soft blue – a garment that did not draw attention to itself unnecessarily, yet upon close examination, proved to be of flawless construction and exemplary fit. “Oh, at least five,” was her amused response when Thomas’ voice interrupted her observation, one hand shifting to straighten her sleeve as she turned to him. “Would it be a ball otherwise?” It would be considered rude for her to comment on how much money had been thrown at orchestrating tonight’s festivities but he was a family friend and provided her the rare opportunity to be herself without any thought to necessary politeness. “How have you been, Thomas? I’m afraid my brother has been monopolizing all your time.”
(tamzin merchant | female | she/her | 22) Introducing LADY DIANA CAVENDISH, gossips whisper behind their hands that the SISTER TO THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE can be IMMATURE, SWEET-NATURED, and ALTRUISTIC. But others speak more openly about how SHE brings to mind a rose without thorns, the sound of music and laughter in a grand ballroom, extravagant finery and fashions of the highest quality, and newly-commissioned paintings.
A gilded childhood. Born to a family of wealth and privilege, Diana was blessed with tutors of all kinds, granting her an education fitting of her position. She is an excellent dancer, a formidable pianist and her domestic skills are excellent, particularly sewing and needlework. Her French is equally wonderful, though her Italian is woefully lacking. She does not have knowledge of arithmetic, as this was not considered important for her edification, and was not permitted to attend the sort of grammar school her brother might have attended. Nevertheless, she can hold her own in most rooms.
No one wants to kiss a lady in black. Though she was first introduced at the age of 20, a late but still appropriate age for a young lady, Diana has been away from London for the last two years. A period of mourning was required after the death of her brother’s wife Mary, one she fell into easily as the two of them were close prior to her death. She had been one of the few women with whom Diana had regularly close contact throughout the days of her youth and despite their age difference, their friendship was one Diana relied upon during her first season. How to dress, how to behave, what etiquette to follow in actual practice – she learned it all thanks to her instruction. Mary's loss was deeply felt and even more so due to the young children she left behind. Diana dotes upon the girls and intends to one day teach them all of the lessons she learned from their mother, who was her dearest friend.
During her first season, Diana drew many eyes and much attention. With her good looks, bubbly personality and fondness for dancing and finery, she seemed the perfect lady. She knew just the right ways to flirt and flounce without seeming untoward and ardently followed the rules in books like Fordyce’s Sermons to Young Women – respectfully observing others, submitting to others’ opinions in matters of indifference, giving soft answers to hasty comments, complaining as little as possible. Her dancing abilities were unmatched, having learned and practiced (and practiced and practiced) so that when she was seen, she was seen well. She still understands the importance of these things and has not allowed her etiquette or knowledge to flounder in the time she has been away.
Returning to London is nevertheless intimidating. Diana is aware that now, at age 22, she is considered old and unmarried by many and that even those who do not see her as such will be interested to see if she can make a splash once again. Aware that she will be watched, she has spent months arranging her fashions, corresponding with friends she hopes to meet once again and preparing for the endless parties and balls she must attend. She knows that The Ton and its traditions are exhausting but is prepared to meet it all with the necessary grace and endurance.
Perfect though she may attempt to seem, Diana is not without her faults. In addition to the etiquette books she pours over, she also reads ones far more scandalous. She loves the idea of love, or of being loved, at least. As with many young women, romance is a thing she craves and often this desire for affection has made her appear foolishly immature. A dance does not a marriage make and yet each time she is twirled around the dance floor, she finds herself wondering if she has made a match, if the gentleman spinning her in circles is also the one who will make her heart his. She is hurt each time it turns out not to be so and though she hides it fairly well, she does harbor harsh feelings about it – a sign of her age, more than anything, or at least that’s what she tells herself. She is colder when she encounters them later, after they are wed or otherwise engaged, and this is not likely to have been missed by those who are on the receiving end of her cold shoulder.
Fashion is of the utmost importance to her. Being seen is the entire point of the season and if she has dedicated her time to etiquette, Diana has dedicated her life to fashion. She loves finery and soft, pretty things and having been born into wealth, she spends a pretty penny to look the part. She wears clothing made by the best dressmakers and is a darling of the beau monde. Her hope in returning to London is to be a lady who sets the fashions, whether with three foot high ostrich feathers and tall towers of hair with elaborate decorations or free-flowing muslin dresses tied simply with ribbon round the waist. She is likewise interested in opera, the theatre and fine art. She plans to become known as a patron of such things and will be seeking out opportunities to establish herself this season.
Eccentricity excites her. Though she will pretend to disapprove for the sake of appearances, Diana is deeply interested in those who break or toe the line of society’s rules. If you have an eccentric character who needs a friend who will lovingly disapprove of their actions (and still want to hear all about them), please hit me up. I think this would be so much fun to play out! Give me all the 'bad influences' please!
All in all. Diana is a sweet-natured and sociable girl with a tendency to fall in love at first sight, a thing she thinks she should want because of the books she reads and the life she has led. If the point of the season is to be seen and wanted and matched, is love not the ultimate goal? She understands her soft heart is a weakness – she has been hurt before, however unintentionally – but has trouble building up the walls to protect herself that others seem to construct so easily. She loves fashion and fine things, and is easily won over with them. She is kind unless she has been wounded, at which point she remembers a quote from Lord Chesterfield’s book on education: An insult is never fully forgiven or forgotten.
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