#viscountessxia

One of the most tiresome things about returning to London for a brand new season is always visiting the modiste to design one’s wardrobe for the upcoming events. As much as Lydia enjoys getting out of the house and spending time with her mama, she forgot how arduous it could be to spend over two hours feeling out fabric swatches and shrewdly inspecting dress sketches. No longer was she a young debutante on the brink of her come out. Naturally, the first thing Lydia wishes for after spending three hours in her underthings at Madam LeBrun’s is a piping hot cup of tea and a biscuit from Gunter’s across the way.

After all but shoving her mother into their carriage, she and her ladies maid hurried towards the tea shop. When they approached the window, Rachel gasped and nodded inside. “My lady, is that not -”

“Xia!” came Lydia’s shocked reply. She studied her old friend intently, careful not to be spotted.

 Lady Xiomara Grosvenor-Rivera was one of her oldest friends. Their fathers had met and gotten on well in parliament and the families had connected through many a house visit and party. Xiomara, or Xia, and Lydia were joined at the hip for most of their childhoods, being only two years apart. They debuted together and were never without one another at any event. However when Lydia married Heathcliff, her and Xia came to have less in common and therefore drifted apart. Nothing had made the elder feel more guilty than seeing her friend go by the wayside. Yet, there was nothing to be done. The Grosvenor-Riveras stopped visiting Arundel and Lydia’s brothers spoke of Xia less and less, especially for the younger of the two. 

 The pair hurried inside the warm shop and split up as Rachel found an empty table. Lydia continued over to the primly sat young lady just to the left of the counter, stirring her spoon idly. Taking in a deep breath, she asked, “May I sit with you?”

The Season began unlike any other, with an invitation penned in Queen Charlotte's unique brand of parchment waiting for her in her London residence.  It is the sort of invitation one cannot decline, despite Xiomara's desire to remain out of the spotlight until after the introductions and after the Queen's choice of Diamond had made itself known. As a Viscountess, it is her duty to answer her Queen's invitation, and truly, it is a pleasure. Festivities thrown by the Crown always were the type to impress, and there is nothing more delightful to start a long Season full of tension than to witness the splendor that are the decorative choices of the Queen.

As she always did on the first few balls, Xiomara soon found herself in one of the less crowded corners of the room, keen eyes observing her surroundings with curiosity. The Queen had truly outshone herself, she admits, as she eyes the different decorations and the drinks displayed on the refreshment table. A truly beautiful ball, for a truly beautiful princess. It's heartwarming to see the display of mother's love shining through the careful choices of the display.

"Her Majesty, Queen Charlotte, and Her Royal Highness, Marina Georgiana Charlotte, Princess of Wales."

The introduction breaks her from her musings, and she turns to pay proper respects to her Queen. As the usual proceedings continue, she approaches the refreshment tables with a sudden desire for lemonade, only to slow down as she hears a new voice address her. Turning curiously, she blinks in surprise at Princess presence, but before long the well trained social niceties kick in.

"It is but an understandable reaction, Your Royal Highness," she assures softly, a kind smile on her lips and a spark on her eyes. "It is always a wonder to witness a ballroom so exquisitely decorated," she continues, a courtesy soon following before she reaches out to shake her hand firmly. "It's an honor to make your acquaintance, ma'am. I am Viscountess Xiomara Grosvenor-Rivera."

Marina smiled as she accepted the woman’s hand, a little surprised by the firmness of her grip. Soft words, strong hands. Something about that felt amusing, noteworthy, and she took the viscountess in with a touch more scrutiny.

“And an honor to make yours, viscountess. Forgive me, but I thought I’d been introduced, or at least seen most of the members of the nobility at some time or another at court. But I can’t seem to recall having met you before... Which seems a shame.”

Her green eyes flicked around the ballroom, as she moved to help herself to a glass of lemonade as well, taking it all in. It was breathtaking. Small wonder she had been dazzled. Everywhere was music, dancing, glittering lights, flowers... like stumbling into a fairy’s dream. Her mother had been very careful in selecting her guests. Here, laid out in all their finery, were all the very best, the pinnacle of what London had to offer. Marina felt her stomach twist with anxiety, and her smile thinned a little as she pressed her lips together, trying to push down the feeling.

{also asked by @viscountessxia }

One of the ways to belay scandal is to be seen, to pretend as if nothing had happened. Such a plan only works if the scandal is minor, if it does not include the level of inflammation and outrage that accompanies actions such as elopements and deflowerings. If the person acting is strong enough to withstand society’s pressure and their mockery without a flinch. Poor Mister Dowding would likely need to avoid crowds for a time lest he be openly dismissed, and Mingxia’s decision to remain at home is wise, as she is too young to be forced to face the Ton’s mockery.

Xiomara’s case is slightly different. She cannot hide, as it would only serve to prove that she does indeed tend for the dramatics. She cannot hide, or the world will believe that Mr. Alhbourn’s scorn was well deserved. She cannot hide, lest she wants for everything she is building to come crashing down around her.

That reason is why she makes it to Coven Garden in one of her best gowns, head held high and face placid.  They will not see her flinch at the stares, no matter how hard they try.

The presence of the Princess comes a surprise, but she manages to hide the slight widening of her eyes well enough. Still, she supposes the two of them are comrades in arms, both attempting to hide their reactions from the Ton. Xiomara had heard of the disastrous party that had followed the column, and that knowledge moves her towards the Royal box in hopes of making sure the kind woman she had met at the ball was alright.

“Your Royal Highness,” she greets with a courtesy, eyes sparkling in delight at her comment as she raises, a small grin on her lips. “Rest assured, I do not seek to court you. However, I shall say this, if I was here for such a task, I would be much more creative than to bring the most common courtesy gifts. Truly, if they meant to make a match with Royalty they should at least try a bit harder than that, wouldn’t you say?”

“Viscountess Grosvenor-Rivera!” The relief in Marina’s expression was almost palpable and she reached out to take Xiomara by the hands, squeezing them warmly in greeting, before gesturing for the other woman to join her. “Goodness,” she laughed, teasing, “I do believe you and I must become very fast friends, viscountess. Between the two of us, I fear our full titles may be too much of a mouthful for every greeting. Will you do me the very great honor of sitting with me? Your company would much enhance my evening.”

Her green eyes swept Xiomara’s face searchingly, her expression warming and softening. “I am so very glad to see you again,” Marina told her earnestly. “And all the more glad you at least have the good sense not to be so mundane. I do love chocolates and roses, but I quite agree, we deserve at least a touch more creativity! Something unique, like... croquet bats and a very small crocodile! Something that’s certain to grab a woman’s attention!” she giggled. She sobered slightly, a flicker of emotion passing behind her eyes and disappearing almost as quickly. A selfish thing to want. “Though I suppose that may be too much to ask.”

1. I have a raspberry allergy

2. My mama is the youngest child in her family

Does your character anger easily? Why or why not? No. Peter prides himself on his ability to stay calm under pressure, as that is an important quality to have as a physician.

Describe a point where your muse was the maddest they’ve ever been. The first time he lost a patient due to a senior physician's ignorance, or when his paternal grandfather made a callous remark about his mother.

Is your muse easy to disappoint? How so? Peter is a cautious optimist, so he never truly lets himself care too muc.

Is your muse physically strong? He may be lanky, but he is mighty.

How does your muse act toward anger from others? This is when Peter’s protective side jumps out, especially in the presence of those he loves.