#ofregence

        she supposes she cannot fault him for seeking her out; aoife did all but run away from him last week, claiming a pressing need to get back to work, and she definitely ran from clyvedon after realising he disappeared to get away from her. she’s spent her life living where she's not wanted; aoife can recognise it well enough, and perhaps it’s cowardice, but she doesn’t have to take that misery on the chin. just all the rest. and simon --- the duke, the duke, it feels like familiarity has been trampled beneath hooves --- well, aoife doesn’t understand. she doesn’t know what happened, what she did, why he changed. but he had reasons, she’s sure, and she’s a life to live. aoife is used to the ache in her chest. she’s used to the missing.

        she misses the country. she misses being happy. she misses...him.

        and here he is now; simon’s presence is too large in the now-empty morning room, and aoife is trying very hard to focus on the tasks she has in here, but though a housemaid is invisible, he has always made her feel seen. a couple of months ago, that would have been a good thing. but does he see that her hands shake as she dusts, or how hard she is working not to cry? aoife’s mouth fills with questions, but she asks none of them.

        perhaps it’s better not to know. perhaps it’s better to be strangers. if she’d wanted answers, she could have stayed at clyvedon.

@ofregence​ liked for a starter

@ofregence​ asked: “  don’t look at me like that.  ” for august!! // FROM HERE

There’s a fleeting smirk that creeps upon chapped lips as he tips his head forward, eyebrow lifting in curiosity perhaps - or was that knowing - as he takes an idle step closer. Narrows the space between them. There’s something assured about his gait as fingers trace over the wooden surface of the table - noting the quality, the construction absently - before he settles once more.

“Like what? I’m afraid you’ll have to elaborate...” he answers, tone lilting in amusement, eyes sparking with an insistence to begin this tale, to chase this path and find out how this story - the story of meeting someone new in a town where many fail to recall their truths - plays out. He finds the anticipation of it all is almost like a drug, encouraging him to chase it.

Leather clad arms lift then, folding over his chest till the fabric grows taut at the elbows, weight settling on his heels as he leans back, at ease. The smirk appears again, less pronounced, more a soft upturn at the edge of his mouth and he waits.

CAROLINE  ELIZABETH  FORBES + INCORRECT QUOTES

           He placed two glasses upon his desk, though only one he filled with a drink. The other, the man sitting in the chair before him had not yet earned it, thought perhaps he might. He brought the glass to his lips. Silence stretched out before them as he thought of the right words to say. “I met your father, twice if I’m not mistaken, Your Grace. Cold man really.” A prideful man, one Edmund would not want to consider a friend. “I had been well assured you were nothing like him.” Though Edmund could not say for himself as of yet.

           “So one must wonder why it is I was just in time to stop a duel?” Of course he had known something was the matter, he knew his children well and in that moment decided to not let it slide as he had so many other things. It was the only reason why he had left his wife alone at the party, ordering Colin to stay with her and made sure she had made it home safe and sound. At least one of his sons had some sense not counting his youngest. He looked to the younger man. His tone was not one of malice, firmly stern, however it lacked the normal sense of care his sons were so used. But not unkind. He was frustrated with the whole situation, more disappointed than he was angry. He took another sip before asking.

          “My eldest son and daughter say you cannot marry her, explain that to me.”

@ofregence​​ said:  “ you look tired. “ the viscount who loved me starters.   accepting!

sophie truly was not meant for high society.  everything made her uncomfortable, and no matter how many times she might have asked daphne to help her prepare for her first ball as a bridgerton, it didn’t help to calm her nerves. she does her best not to move from benedict’s side for the evening, but she finds herself quietly pacing the floor as he’s dragged off by his brother’s.