she'll chew you up

The question surprised her though, giving her pause. Her mind immediately went to Edgar. The cadence in his voice, despite his gentleness and words. The way his hair curled at the ends, or the strength of his hands without having to touch them. Broad shoulders, tall. Kind, a brilliant smile. "I am...keeping my options open," she finally said, vague and admittedly untrue. "Do you?"

Glancing around, Genevieve said, "I typically find events in Mayfair dreadful. But this is more than I expected it to be. It does not compare to Versailles, but it has kept me more entertained than the balls there, no matter how grand. Are they usually this way?"

Katherine beamed at Genevieve's laugh, a giggle leaving her as well as she also twirled with a flair. "You are so fun, Genevieve! I am overjoyed you came to Mayfair!" At Genevieve's shift when asked if she fancied anyone, an excited gasp left her. "Oh you do!" She whisper-yelled and immediately shook her head. "Fine, keep your secrets, but I am certain that whoever caught your eye is very lucky indeed." She chuckled again and sipped at her own champagne. "Hmm.. Well, do not tell anyone, but I have been talking to a Lady Angelique for some time now via letters. She is at the ball tonight and wishes to finally meet me! I think she will propose!" She spoke softly to her friend with a clap of her hands. "If she does, you will have to come to the wedding."

She listened to her thoughts on the event and nodded along. "I admit, I am surprised by how nice this event has been. I think that the new Earl and Countess are merely showing off their new wealth, but... I cannot mind to much, even though such things usually bore me." Kitty shrugged as she thought. "It depends on who is hosting the event. Some of them are dreadful and leaves me in tears! Maybe one day I can join you in France to witness what a royal ball in Versailles is like." She was probably reaching, but she liked to think that she and Genevieve were getting along pretty well. No better way to get invited to the palace than by befriending the princess!

He looked at her. "Thorne?" He perked up because he had heard about her. "My brother, Tim, is friends with Tobias," he thinks he could call Tobias his friend as well. He only grew pinker in the cheeks. He slightly fiddled with the coat sleeve. "My sibling said it was because I'm compassionate," he wished he were more romantic, but he can't just admit to people that he doesn't know how to court or anything.... "More of a hopeless romantic," He said. He leans closer to her, and he has a gentle gaze. "I see...I think Jade suits you," he tells her with a smile. " Are you a romantic woman yourself, Miss Kitty?" He asked her it might have come across as flirting- but it was just Junho..being Junho.

Katherine kept the smile on her face despite the annoyance at Tobias being mentioned. "Oh yes! My dear brother, have you made his aquaintence yet? I am so pleased to hear that, I will surely need to meet your brother soon." Her eyelashes fluttered as Junho speak, gradually letting her hold on the lemonade loosen. She noticed his pink cheeks and giggled, putting on a demure debutante facade. "You must be compassionate but also so charming, Mr. Lytton."

She certainly assumed he was flirting, and Katherine planned to use it to her advantage. Her lips parted slightly as she looked up at him with a soft gaze in return. "You think so? See what I said, you really are charming." She nodded at his question and smiled coquettishly. "Oh yes, I love romance. I can tell you are a gentleman, Mr. Lytton. Please.. Will you dance with me?" Her voice came out as a coo, she stepped forward and... Her lemonade spilled all over his suit. She gasped sharply and feigned worry. "Oh, I am so sorry! I ruined your suit!"

"Five and older, yes," she replied, schooling her face into something completely unreadable. It wasn't a good sign when she usually let her face say everything. But now? There wasn't a thing to tell. "A four-year-old will not be a problem. What does she know, so far?" Ceara wasn't sure if she felt bad for icing Kitty out, but it was almost instinctive. She needed to protect herself and she would do so.

Katherine noticed everything. She saw the way that Ceara seemed to close up, she wasn't as happy as she usually was. Why was she trying to make her feel bad? It wasn't Katherine's fault. None of this was her fault. She pouted slightly and crossed her arms over her chest. Now she was just purposefully trying to ruin her evening! Ceara was so dramatic.

She watched her carefully as she spoke, a tightness in her stomach at the way she acted so emotionless. "She can recite her alphabet, count to ten in English and Cantonese. She's a very smart girl." Katherine bragged as her nose stuck up in the air. "She reads children's books as well. I do hope you will act more alive when you are teaching her." Two could play at this game, acting cold to one another. Kitty didn't want to think why it bothered her so much that Ceara was upset with her.

He nodded, pulling Katherine to the side. Prying ears wouldn’t serve any of them well, nor would being alone and unchaperoned. “What’s concerning you?” He asks, trying to make sure no one could hear. He imagined that Edgar was passed out somewhere, with a drink in hand. Frederic’s worry was anything that involved Mary, but Dominic was only one person. Tonight felt like everything was working against him. 

"It is Frederic, My Lord." She spoke softly, following him over to a quieter area. Her eyebrows furrowed as she mastered her worried expression. "I know it is not my place to say, but I feel I owe it to you after you so kindly arranged for us to meet." She sighed and shook her head. "Frederic and Miss Mary Barnett... They snuck away, they were together. Alone." Her voice moved lower, at least trying to appear as if she were trying to keep his family's reputation in tact.

"Frederic was not pleased with our meeting and I saw him looking at Mary! Perhaps I should have said something sooner, but I had no idea he would do something so... Disrespectful." Her hand went to her chest as if trying to comfort herself. "I am sorry that I had to tell you. I hope did not ruin your evening, my Lord."

"I suppose tea can do," she agreed. "And should our time together be a success, ice cream and other things may be in the cards." She did not explain exactly what that entailed, but Ceara wouldn't treat this conversation as innocuous in any way.

Kitty felt a distant fluttering in her chest at the way Ceara tilted her head just so as she caressed her face. It was not hard to fawn over Ceara, but something inside her felt strangely about the attraction. Her friend was beautiful and nice, so why did that make her angry? Despite her thoughts she smiled at the other and took her hand in hers.

"Why would our time together not be a success?" She raised an eyebrow playfully and leaned in a little. "We are friends, Ceara. I treat my friends very well." Her voice came out low, almost purring her words as she batted her eyelashes. "I cannot wait to have ice cream and other things with you." Kitty smirked at her now and gently began leading her away. "Now, let us get you all dressed for the event!"

Then came her admission. She didn't like being told no. For a moment, Edgar simply looked at her. It explained everything - the gambling room, the tavern, the pipe, and every challenge she'd thrown at him throughout the evening. A slow smile appeared. "Yes," he said softly. "I've noticed." His gaze lingered on her a moment longer than necessary before she launched her latest challenge. Guess my name. Edgar stared at her over the rim of his whiskey glass as though genuinely considering it. Beside her, Lucien immediately looked delighted by the prospect of watching this unfold. "Hm." Edgar narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. "You seem like a Charlotte." Edgar glanced toward Lucien just in time to see the poet silently mouth something. Kitty. Unfortunately, Edgar only caught half of it. "Ah," he said confidently, turning back to her. "Of course. Lizzie." Lucien quickly shook his head, and mouthed again. Kitty. "Missie." Lucien doubled over laughing. Edgar frowned. "That was not the reaction of a man witnessing genius."Edgar sighed dramaticallly and lifted his whiskey. "It absolutely was not," Lucien managed between laughs. "Well, Lady Mystery, it appears your identity remains safe for another evening." His grin returned. "Though I feel I deserve partial credit for effort."

"You cannot fault a woman for being curious! Look at him, he is smiling so big isn't he?" She reached back to nudge Lucien to tease Edgar as well, but he was now ignoring her, far too amused by her pushing. In reality, she knew that if he did something that was truly scandalous that it would most likely appear in Lady Whistledown. But it didn't hurt to at least try and pry it out of him. Speaking of Lady Whistledown, when he hypothesized Katherine being her she laughed. "That wench is making money off of everyone in Mayfair! In a way I am a little jealous..." She mused out loud and tapped her fingers against her cup. "Ah, but you have not appeared in the columns yet. That just proves you are her!" Lucien finally spoke up, making Kitty shoot him a warning look as he once again laughed at her. "Insufferable man." She rolled her eyes and sipped at her whiskey as well, staring at Edgar challengingly until he leaned in to whisper against her ear. She gasped in delight and swatted at his arm. "You are a cad!" She teased lightheartedly with a laugh. Katherine really didn't expect to enjoy his company so much.

Kitty was delighted to see if he could guess her name. It was not unique in anyway, not even her nickname was entirely unique. But the concept was still exciting, and she hoped he would not get it so she could keep teasing him about it. "Nope, not Charlotte." She sang out, her glass of whiskey now done and the stolen pipe forgotten about as she focused on him. She did not notice the traitor behind trying to cheat and laughed at his next guess. "Lizzie? Interesting. One more try." At his last guess, Lucien laughed way too hard, making her suspicious. She furrowed her eyebrows at him and shook her head, dismissing it before she looked at Edgar again with a smug smile. "Not Missie. Looks like I still have this power over you, Mr. O'Connor." She grinned and grabbed Lucien's hand as she stood up. "I think... My friend and I are going to have a poetry lesson now." She tugged Lucien up and forced his arms around her waist. "I will see you another time, perhaps then you will have better luck." She waggled her fingers at him in a farewell, similar to how she parted from him at the ball. But now it was less petty and actually, perhaps, a little friendly.

"That scoundrel doesn't care. If I told him something. I don't see him telling the world." he could see Kitty telling the world on it. He couldn't help it when he hadn't seen anything else from her.

He listened to her and nodded along to her timing so far. "That's good," he agreed. He's glad that she's getting along with people. He always worried that she'd get in trouble. He hummed as he heard that. " I did hear about that from Ceara herself. We are friends,"  unlike what Kitty thought- he was clearly not going to agree with her. " That wasn't kind at all. You offered to help her dress, and you decided to try to ruin it for her." He frowns- he looked disappointed about it. He didn't enjoy the expression on Ceara's face at all when she spoke of it. "I knew you'd do it, and I'm still disappointed that you did it.”

"Well then maybe don't tell me to do stupid things and I won't lie!" She snapped out, sounding angrier than she meant as oppposed to her light-hearted complaining she did. "For god's sake, you are getting on my last nerve!" She rubbed her forehead and looked around, starting to feel anxious and antsy. What was happening? "Maybe you should go talk to Tobias then!"

Oh. This did not go as planned. Her heart was racing now and she felt a tightness in her chest and stomach. She laughed uneasily and shook her head. "Friends? With her?" Katherine really enjoyed Ceara, but Bertie was hers. He wasn't allowed to be friends with anyone else. "Who's side are you on, Albert?" Kitty almost never used his real name, always preferring Bertie. I'm still disappointed in you. Those words hit her like a ton of bricks and she felt her eyes begin to sting. Suddenly her mind was starting to piece things together. Katherine thought of Bertie as a friend. Bertie was her friend. And now he was mad at her. She blinked her tears back and instead leaned into her anger. "You will be out of the Thorne house by sunrise, Albert Dawson." She hissed before quickly turning away to find a room to hide in.

"And you don't? I pray I do not find you holding the latest copy of whatever Lady Whistledown plans to write. It would make you quite the hypocrite." When he was asked about the couple across from them, and what they could be talking about, Elliot paused a moment, reading their body language watching their lips.

"She's nervous, and wants out of the conversation. You would think from the giggles and the twirling of her hair she enjoys it, but really she is trying to flatter him to get him to go away. He wants to see more of her this season, and is requesting her presence at a....at something his mother has planned, she is trying to talk herself out of attendance. At least that's what I've picked up, from trying to read their lips. Would you like to propose something different as to what they are discussing?"

"I do not talk too much." Katherine grumbled. What an insufferable man! "Perhaps you talk too much, you should learn how to control yourself Mr. Carlisle."

He caught her in her hypocracy, but she had to stay on her point or else he would think he won. "I despise Lady Whistledown. She is a snake who leeches off of the... The poor misfortunes of people." Her chin lifted in the air, showing off her false superiority before she listened to what Elliot thought the couple were discussing.

"You can read lips?" She hummed, hiding her being impressed at the skill. She studied the couple further before replying. "In a way you are right that she is flattering him. I think that she is trying to get something out of him. I recognize that look in her eyes. She is planning something."

"Yeah, any shade of green is ugly," He scoffed at her. He wasn't going to lie to her. He lets a small laugh out. "Everyone? I forgot the people in the Ton are liars," He shook his head as if disappointed. " I won't take advice from a woman who uses a fake high-pitched voice-" He said, she fueled his annoyance... " that's just my face. I'm always like this," He said that even as his eyes easily fluttered over to Mary because, of course, it does.

"How dare you call me boring!" Her hands balled up into fists and she felt the urge to push him right into the punch bowl to ruin his stupid outfit. But she was in public and she had to hold restraint. "It does work for me! The beauty of this color is that it is in season and is flattering, you absolute idiotic man!" Her voice was rising in pitch, her anger with this conversation getting the best of her.

"You-" Katherine was flabbergasted, she couldn't even finish her thought. How on earth did he manage to continue throwing such hideous words at her? She was on the verge of a tantrum, of screaming and making a dramatic exit. But then she saw his eyes dart over and she quickly followed his gaze. She laughed softly as a smug smile appeared on her face. "Oh I see! You are pining for your lover!"

A plan began forming in her head. She had to be smart about it. Kitty let her smile soften and she let out a sigh. "I understand your frustration. Not being able to be with your loved one is a great challenge indeed! Perhaps..." She looked around as if conspiring with him and leaned in a little. "I could help you see her. If you wish." Her voice low as she spoke. "I could distract your brooding brother so he does not notice."

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In the darkness the ridiculous grin Kavika sported on her face succeeded Katherine’s arrival. While her expression may read as jovial, her thoughts were anything but. A sweeping gaze regards the other’s attire; hating to admit the stunning visage, as per usual. The play of rose quartz and jade throughout her outfit certainly befitting of the theme, and tactfully done, unlike some others she’s seen who shall remain nameless. 

With every fibre of her being she tried her best to hold it together. The temptation to pop out from her hiding place and start cackling was strong, but she had to wait a bit. Giving Katherine time to marinate before she makes her grand entrance is key. Hopefully, it’ll be soul crushing and embarrassing enough to teach Katherine not to mess with her. Kavika’s time in London has truly brought out a new level of petty, or is it simply Katherine Thorne that triggers a disputatious spirit.

Minutes ticked by while the Das heiress kept to her hiding place. Choosing the moment wisely, Kavika emerges once Katherine’s back is turned. Close enough, both arms reach out to cover Katherine’s eyes from behind. The anonymity must last for a while longer. Living up to her fake identity Kavika addresses her in French along with the accent she practiced; it’ll be fleeting but oh so worth it. That year she spent in France has been the gift that keeps on giving. 

Katherine was getting annoyed and admittedly anxious the longer Angelique made her wait. She had said she wanted to meet her in the gardens promptly at this time, so where was she? The girl huffed and crossed her arms over her chest, turning around to see if she could spot someone tall and beautiful (just as she imagined her secret admirer.) Suddenly she felt warm, soft hands covering her eyes and the most angelic voice she had ever heard. Her breath caught in her throat and a grin overcame her face. It was finally happening!

"Oh, my love!" Katherine cooed breathlessly, reaching up to touch the hands covering her eyes. She breathed in deeply, the smell of her perfume was intoxicating and left her pulse racing. Everything about her was perfect, and she hadn't even seen her face! "Yes my love, yes! I will be yours, I will marry you-" Katherine said gleefully and quickly turned around once the hands fell. Then suddenly, everything went in slow motion.

As Katherine turned around to greet her secret lover, the smile on her face disappeared and her stomach dropped. Standing before her was Kavika Das, the woman she had many spats with the previous season. It all ended, she assumed, when she successfully stole the attention of someone they both were pining over away from Kavika. She thought she was so smart, smarter than the Das girl at least. And now here she was, looking like a complete idiot.

Katherine burst out laughing, almost hysterical in the way she laughed although it was completely humorless. "Oh my god! Kavika Das, you vile little snake!" Her words came out sounding completely joyful, but her smile was strained and her eyes practically had flames in them. "You are disgusting, you know that?"

Still, his gaze lingered on her - the whiskey, the stolen pipe, the way she leaned into chaos instead of away from it. Hours ago she had been trying to sneak into a gambling room; now she looked perfectly at home among scandal. "You know," he said thoughtfully, "I think I misjudged you earlier." His eyes dropped briefly to the pipe. "I thought you were curious. Now I think you simply enjoy seeing what you can get away with." A grin tugged at his mouth. "And apparently the answer is quite a lot." Then came her question. Are you planning on telling anyone? Edgar held her gaze over the rim of his glass. "If I wanted to ruin you, Lady Mystery," he said quietly, "I would've started at the ball. I could've let that gentleman see you behind the column. Could mention this little tavern arrangement to the wrong people tomorrow." His tone stayed easy, almost playful. "But I haven't. And I won't." He leaned slightly closer then, curiosity sharpening beneath the charm. "What interests me more," he said softly, "is that you still haven't decided whether you trust me enough to tell me your name."

Kitty didn't know if it was the alcohol in her system making her get closer to a state of being drunk, or the fact that she enjoyed being a little shit and causing chaos, but she laughed again. Her giggles had her covering her mouth so she did not spit out her whiskey and she shook her head at the antics of the men. "Oh God, he really does! Do you remember when we first met? I would have slapped him if he dramatically recited one more sonnet!" Lucian gasped dramatically and clutched at his chest. "You diabolical little thing! You aren't supposed to agree with him!" Katherine rolled her eyes and snatched the pipe back from him but not before pecking a brief kiss to the poet's lips. She turned back to Edgar and sighed. "You are right, he is very dramatic indeed." When Edgar admitted something happened, her interest was only further engaged and she leaned a little closer. "You must tell me. If it is indeed scandalous what hurt will it do to admit to it? It may even relieve some... Stress you might be holding onto!" Lucien leaned forward around Katherine so he could talk to Edgar. "Ignore her, she is a beast- sniffing out gossip and ruin wherever it may be."

She chose to ignore Lucien this time, focusing on Edgar as he assessed her. Katherine chuckled softly and tilted her head. "I suppose you are right, Mr. O'Connor. I am a lady, a smart one at that. There is so much I can do, but not all of it is within society's acceptance. The thing is... I don't like being told no." It was perhaps the most honest she had been all night, and she wasn't completely sure why she was deciding to be as such. Perhaps Edgar O'Connor wasn't too bad. Kitty's eyes held his as he spoke, slight tension in her as he teased about how he could tell people tomorrow. He said he wouldn't, but she wasn't sure if she could believe him or trust him. Her eyes narrowed playfully when he mentioned she had not shared her name yet. "I haven't? Hmm, odd." She looked back at Lucien again and put on a faux pout. "What do you think, Lu? Should I tell him my name?" Lucien scoffed and raised his hands in surrender. "Do not involve me, darling." She put on a sweet smile and looked at Edgar again, enjoying the little game. "I don't know, I rather like being Lady Mystery... I will say, I do not think you caught when Lucien said my name earlier." Another quick puff off the pipe. "If you can guess it, I will tell you."