#kit:threads

where: beaumont tea room

Kit was sat at the table with a piece of paper in front of her. On it was the list of suitors she was attempting to draft. Right now it had only three names.

A foreign prince a more handsome, younger brother of a foreign prince who won't mind moving

Lady Anne Miller if she were still alive, and unwed

Anyone but old Lord Cunningham

She let out a long sigh as she stared at her list. It had taken her the better part of an hour, and she was certain a group of merchants had just been walking past to gossip about her and her appearance in Whistledown.

Coming out today today was supposed to be her way of showing the Ton she was unaffected by the latest round of gossip, instead it had made her feel like a public exhibit, on show to be ogled.

She pushed the list away with a dramatic sigh, speaking to the nearest person without bothering to look and see who it was, "somehow I do not think this was what Lord Thorne had in mind when he instructed me to come up with a list of suitable matches."

Anonymity had not been one of Kit's aims when she crafted her costume. The half mask may have given her some freedom, but anyone who paid attention would be able to guess who she was. She had not seen the point of attending an event like this without being known. Or at least, she hadn't until an old, persistent suitor had approached her asking for a dance.

where: hyde park

Kit was not used to feeling watched when riding. She had been planning to get some exercise, some fresh air after such a long journey trapped within their coach. When she asked, the housekeeper had told her Hyde park was the best place in London to ride. The housekeeper had not mentioned that in Hyde park riding was less about speed and power, and more about being seen looking attractive whilst moving at a slow trot.

Kit was considering turning around and heading home when her mount suddenly reared away from a person she had not noticed. She pulled quickly on the reins, nearly being thrown as she tried to bring it back under control.

where: Lord Austen's Archery Competition

Very few people knew the truth about James's identity - to most he was simply a cousin by marriage of a gentry family. Not worth noticing or questioning. Kit had designed the story for exactly that reason. Ara was one of the few exceptions, the few Kit had trusted with the truth.

There was something in Ara's outlook Kit could relate to. Both of them had a drive to carve a place for themselves beyond what was expected. Today they shared even more in common - both were still recovering from the latest Lady Whistledown publication.

"Miss Park," James said with a flourishing bow, one they had carefully practiced in their mirror so many times the night before. "You look lovely today!"

They were deliberate with their movements, aware what effect the rumours would have had on Ara's prospects in the eyes of the Ton. The bow was for the eyes around them, but they lowered their voice to whisper words only meant for Ara "The clothes look better than I could have hoped, you have done extremely well!"

Kit was making the morning rounds. Her reticule was filled with calling cards along with a list of how to structure her morning. It was a careful art, ensuring she could make it to every house on the list without risking calling on anyone too early or too late. She had carefully planned it to ensure the most respectable families were called upon at the most respectable hours.

The Das family had been a hard one to place. Personally invited by the queen, and with a large fortune, they may not have a noble title, but they were far more important in society that many who did. Now that Kavika had been named a baroness their social position had only been complicated more.

She was pleasantly surprised to see Nalan as she walked up the street towards the Das family home. They had danced together briefly at the masquerade, and had found herself begrudgingly respecting his rather blatant greed and ambition.

"Mr Das," She called out, steps elongating in a way that caused her maid to have to rush to keep up, "I was just coming by to congratulate your sister. It must be rather exciting, to now have a baroness in the family!"

Kit could not stop jiggling her leg. It was a nervous habit; one she could not help but rely on when she was feeling uncomfortable. A sure sign she was in an unfamiliar or unsafe environment. After all, what could be more unsafe than the home of her family's nemesis? The Murray drawing room was a place she had been only once before, when her and her mother had first joined the Ton and made calls to all the major families. She had promised herself it would be the first and last time she would set foot in there.

But now Virigina was living here. Living here and engaged. She could not stay away.

"I just heard the news!" She called out, jumping to her feet as soon as she saw Virigina enter. "I am a little offended I had to hear about it from the marriage bans, but I suppose it is not so simple to tell me in person, now that our rooms are no longer next to each other." There is a slight bitterness in her voice, and even Kit is not sure whether it is directed at Virigina, or Lord Thorne. She knows he is the real reason Virigina is now with a different family while Kit feels as if she is stepping on eggshells, but her emotions are not always logical.

Samhain had been a pretty terrible disappointment for Kit. Her competitiveness had gotten the best of her, she'd managed to walk so far off track a kind farmer had been required to escort her home. She'd managed to interact with no one, win nothing, and made a complete fool of herself. As a result, Kit was now quite eager to at least attempt to redeem her honour.

The easiest way to do this was to make calls. To be seen rubbing elbows with the right people. Who better, in that case, than the new baroness?

"Lady Das!" Kit called, standing from the seat the family butler had led her to. "It must be strange to suddenly have your title claimed. I wanted to come and offer my congratulations in person." Her smile was genuine, but she could not help but add, "Is it terrible to admit that I am awfully jealous of you."

where: the festival of samhain, at kensington palace

Kit wanted that turnip. Wanted it more than she had ever wanted a root vegetable before in her life. The prize that could come with it would be life changing. A way out of her current predicament, a way to prove to her step-father she was more than a prize to be traded.

Perhaps the smarter thing to do would have been to pair up, find someone else willing to work with her to turnip hunt. But Kit was arrogant and unwilling to let anyone see how desperate she was. Kit was determined to turnip hunt alone.

As the sun set, and she found herself in darkness, she began to realize what a mistake she'd made. She had lost sight of the festivities and had no idea where she'd wandered off to.

"Hello?" She called out, excited at the sight of another in the shadows. " Could you tell me how to get back to the festival?"

A stranger turned to greet her, a stranger who did not seem to be dressed for Samhain. " The festival? I'm sorry ma'am, I think you might be a bit lost..."