Graceful Surrender

Whilst she was more than content and settled into her new life, there would always be a part of her that missed living under the same roof as her siblings. The time spent apart from them only confirmed and increased her love for them all and she was reminded of how lucky she had been to not only have been surrounded by them but that they were tied to her forever. All the Howards had an open invitation to visit her both at Ragley Hall and their London address. The season tended to make seeing one another all the easier, even if responsibilities pulled them apart at public gatherings, so she was pleased when James’ name was announced. Bright smile lit up her features as she welcomed him, crossing the room to greet him. “I am so glad you could find the time to come.” 

The tea was ordered but once it arrived the staff were dismissed, after all she was more than capable of pouring the drinks for the both of them. “If I did not know you better I should accuse you of hiding from me the other night.” Words were given purely in jest when she knew that the both of them had more than likely been in high demand. Duty tended to require that they place politeness over their own desires and for the most part she had always borne it with grace. “As it is I’m quite certain you been otherwise engaged. Anything - or perhaps anyone - of interest?” Brow raised slightly as she posed her question, lips pressing together to stifle the smile that always came with teasing between siblings.

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

-

It might have been easy to drift aimlessly during balls, floating from one group to the next, but Marianne had always glided through them with a purpose. Whilst she had always done her best to be cordial to all there was no denying that there were some that she wanted to see more than others. With a new refreshment in hand she had set off in search of one such person when her attention was caught by someone she was less familiar with. Of course she was well enough aware of who he was, it did not do to be ignorant at such events. Small frown of confusion creased her brow before gaze shifted to the flower arrangements in question, one quick glance confirming that no expense had been spared. “Ah.” Head titled for a moment before a perfectly diplomatic answer fell from her lips. “Well I would imagine at least a couple given the pressure that would come with hosting the premiere ball.” 

Gaze slid back to her new companion, flickering over his features as she tried to understand him more. After a small pause as she took a sip from her glass, airy tones were gave a light suggestion. “If it is charitable pursuits that interest you, Sir Thomas, then I would be happy to tell you of some causes that would be grateful for your support.” She spent a fair amount of her time and money at such endeavours and was never shy in seizing a moment to advocate on their behalf to others that might help.

There was no shortage of admirable men in her social circles, and she knew that there were countless among that number that women would think themselves fortunate to be the wives of. Yet despite knowing that her husband was not the only decent man, she could not help but feel as though she was perhaps the luckiest. Naturally the more pragmatic side of her could acknowledge that it was a thought that a multitude of women before her had thought about their husband but her own bias meant that her emotions had her convince that no one had ever meant it quite like she did. At least not as deeply nor sincerely. 

Even before she had found herself in love with him she had counted herself as fortunate, his kind nature making it impossible to feel otherwise. And now with her arm linked through his as they entered her smile was effortless, simply content in the anticipation of an evening in his company as well as their peers. Such events had never been all that daunting to her but she was certain that if they ever were his presence alone would soothe her enough that she could bear it. “It seems the whole Ton has shown up in force, I feel it could be a busy evening.” Both knew what would be expected of them, conversation a plenty, and she for one was looking forward to reuniting with friends. “Perhaps we might even be able to steal a dance.” 

who: marchioness marianne seymour ( @marchioncss​ ) where: argyll ball

Malcolm had done his duty, danced with too many young eligible ladies to count, knowing that if he couldn’t offer his own attentions, he could at least lend a hand in showing them off to men who might.  Never more than one dance, though, not that he had even been tempted, but a few of the conversations he had held had been lively enough time could have slipped away him if it wasn’t for his paranoia about such things.  

He mingled, laughing with friendly faces, and introducing himself with a smooth smile and pleasant words to those few who were new to him.  But there was a face he searched for in particular, a bit surprised that with her habit of pestering (in all fondness) he hadn’t seen her yet, as she escorted a lady to his side in hopes of finally taming the Cary beast.  

Spotting her, he made his way over, stopping a few times for quick hellos, not wanting any sort of rumor on his eagerness to be in her company, when the words that would be written in between the lines anything but true.  “My Lady,” he greeted her with a courteous nod of his head, “I have to say, I’m quite surprised you haven’t badgered me with yet another one of your many friends in want of a husband.  Have your coffers of eligible ladies finally runneth dry?”

_

If there was one thing that her very first season had taught her, it was that being able to conceal one’s true feelings was an advantage that a price could not be put on. The Ton was rarely a place where true honesty was favoured and so she had learnt to dress up her opinions to match those around her and hide any flickers of emotions that might suggest she felt otherwise. As with everything she put her mind to she had succeeded, excelled even, and so now she could spend a whole evening with her expression schooled into one of polite neutrality, only breaking into smiles and laughter when it was warranted.

There were some that she was too fond of, however, for her to remain so practised and poised. Her family were undeniably in that number but as she was approached by a certain viscount’s son. “Mr Cary.” Even her best efforts to keep her features neutral tended to fail within moments of their exchanges and this time was no exception. Brow was raised in undeniable anticipation at his words, knowing that his ways never ceased to both infuriate her and endear him to her. A small shake of her head was given, equal parts exasperated and disapproving, but there was a smile tugging at the edge of her lips that she knew she would struggle to hide. 

Lips pursed slightly as she composed herself, light, dry words leaving her lips. “And I suppose if I were to say that I had exhausted all options and had no choice but to declare you a truly lost cause you would breath a sigh of relief?” The question was mostly rhetorical but she did leave just enough time for him to squeeze in an answer before she continued. “Unfortunately, in your eyes at least, you will have to wait a little longer for that day as I do not give up quite so easily. Besides, you seem to have made quite the valiant effort tonight all by yourself.” 

When she had long since made it her mission to secure her standing in society, and her siblings’ along with it, she rarely found herself short of company. Her dancing days were somewhat behind her but she had always preferred her conversations without movement, finding that a group dynamic tended to be all the more interesting than being confined to a pair. But as her current companions made their excuses to find some refreshments, she found her gaze turning to whoever else might be near in search of a new interaction. Warm eyes flickered over those closest, soft smile on her lips as she turned. Expression brightened when she saw that a more familiar face was so close, greeting the other woman warmly. “Lady Isabel.” What little distance remained between them was closed with swift, elegant steps. “It has been far too long. Still, what a night for a reunion when our hosts have done such a wonderful job.” 

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