eliza-bates

[eliza-bates]

earlharcourt​:

-

She was right in some ways. Yes, Richard could never understand her position in the world, especially now given society knew her to have a child without a husband but Richard did find it increasingly hard as to not judge her decisions in keeping those she loved, or in his case had been intimate with, in the dark for such a huge secret. It wasn’t fair but that would be a never ending argument. “I will not try and judge it but I do not understand your reasoning behind it to hide it from everyone.” If the truth of Owen’s parentage came out, Richard would not be able to find a suitable wife and without one, how else was he supposed to add some leaves to his dying family tree?

While Eliza refused to look at him, Richard was torn. He wanted to look at Owen, at his son, but all he could do was look at Eliza. Finally, there were no games to be played, no cheap shots to take from either one of them and still, Richard did not feel any better for it. Finally, he looked at Owen who seemed so content in just playing with his toys while both Eliza’s and Richard’s worlds seemed to unravel. “Do you think me a monster?” Richard asked, sounding more hurt than he intended to show. “ That would rip a child from your arms for what?” Richard was many things, a rake, a shameless flirt but he was not a cruel man yet it seems that is how Eliza had seen him. No wonder she despised him so. 

“You should not be made to be a cautionary tale.” No one ever should but society had already made up their minds about Eliza and Owen. Yes, there was very little that Richard could do to help but if Eliza was to marry, then Owen would have some sort of father. He had a responsibility to ensure the man was not a toad at least. “I can’t give you a dowry but I can help find a suitable man, one that you find agreeable and that will look after Owen.” Even saying the boy’s name felt oddly heavy but what else could he reasonably do? Ideally, she would need a man that already had a son but that would be a difficult task. 

It was hard not to look at Owen and think of the other child Richard had. It had been so long, so many years had passed but Richard could not help but look at his youngest son and try to imagine what his other child looked like. The child would have been slightly older than Owen but even now, Richard could never admit to that, he and his father had sacrificed so much to ensure that the child’s parentage was never known. “Does he have a tutor already?” If he did, Richard could imagine that Eliza’s sister had covered the cost. He would have to find some way to pay her back, even if it was just through Eliza. Despite the gravity of this moment, Richard looked to Eliza with a proud smile on his face. “He does?” He could not hide his own joy and pride that the boy had some skill of languages, even at such a young age. “My mother and father always insisted that I be fluent in multiple languages, I would like the same for Owen, if that is agreeable with you?” Of course he would cover the cost of any tutor but it was a small price to pay for such a skill. 

*＊✿❀○❀✿＊*

“I think you a man,” Eliza said honestly. It was not in her nature to trust them, but rather toy with them. It was recompense, she had told herself, for how they often toyed with other women. But perhaps Richard did not deserve this unkindness when he had done nothing to prove himself a monster. “I have found, in my days, that many men are capable of unfathomable cruelty even if they do not appear that way on the surface. You’ll have to forgive me for my fear, but I have heard of other women losing their children in such a manner. It is not a reflection upon you, but instead the unendingly cruel world in which we live.”

She hummed gently and finally allowed herself a moment to gaze upon him. He was still handsome, though he always had been. “No one should be, and yet....here we are. As far as a man, you must get in line. I fear my sister has begun recruiting others for the task of finding myself and Owen a suitable man.” It was a half tease, a joke, but hopefully it would help lighten the impossibly tense air that was surrounding them.

“I myself tutor him in languages, I find there is no one better suited for it, in truth. However, yes, he does have a tutor arranged by my sister for the things that neither of us are adept in. Such as mathematics,” Eliza spoke the word with scorn. It was, without a doubt, her least favorite thing in the world. Neither her or Sophia had ever excelled in the area, but she hoped Owen would at least be competent. “But yes, of course I will do my best to ensure that he is as fluent in as many languages as possible. He takes to them quickly. I would take the credit for it, but I would not do that disservice to you.”

Eliza paused and took in a shaky breath. “You’ll have to forgive me for my cruel attacks earlier. I think living in constant fear has made me a bitter old bat.”

[eliza-bates]

tonyofledeclune​:

He mused on her words, picking up the grass between his fingers as he did so, twirling it absent mindedly. “You will not find any disagreement from me. I am a writer of non-fiction in a world of gothic authors - yet I have often thought that the things I see put all they imagine to shame. ‘Tis strange - but true, for truth is always strange; Stranger than fiction’“

“Perhaps if we both enjoy honesty we should make a game of it. You must tell me two truths about yourself, and one lie. I shall try and guess which one is the lie.” A grin spread across his face at his own suggestion. 

What a boring place the world would be, he thought, without the misguided control of fathers. They were a common enemy for all the worlds high achievers. the great villain in most stories. “Aye, it was a fanciful dream - that is what makes it grand. There is nothing I respect more than a fanciful dream turned into reality. I am still determined not to give mine up, even as it seems harder and harder to stick to it.” 

*＊✿❀○❀✿＊*

Oh this was dangerous. The man was incredibly charming, too charming even for her. She was enthralled by the very idea of him. A handsome man who was well traveled? Owen would love to hear stories of it all.

“I’ll tell you something I very rarely tell others: I studied language so heavily so I could speak it fluently if I ever became an actress. I wished to be on stage making grand gestures in French to an enraptured audience.”

“A game then! How wonderful!” Eliza lit up, clapping gently. “Two truths and one lie then? Alright: my sister and I have been close since birth, I adore the color yellow, and I speak three languages.”

[eliza-bates]

lucyofedinburgh​:

Late June, 1800 Piccadilly Arcade @eliza-bates​

“Harcourt has always been a gentleman-rake,” Lucy mused, her fingers tracing over bolts of cloudy-white muslin. She lifted the edge of one, feeling it. A glance at her companion across the shop. “You must not take it to heart.”

Easier said than done, she knew. Lucy turned over her shoulder to the shop assistant. “Can you trim this in lace? With the deep blue ribbon.”

“Yes, my– Your Highness.” She had soft brown hair and a sweet expression. Lucy smiled.

“A gown, then. Baby-sized.”

“M– Your Highness? What is – how large is that?”

“Small.” She corrected. “It is small and delicate.”

“Yes, Your Highness. Of course. Do you have – erm – how small, specifically?”

Lucy turned to her companion, blue eyes wide in question. Her hands lifted in the air, trying to measure the right size for the baby in question. “Would you say it should be about–” her hands gestured. “This tall?”

*＊✿❀○❀✿＊*

“A bit larger,” Eliza made comment, laughing a little to herself. It was sweet to see someone else going through the joys of motherhood. Of course, Lucy’s circumstances were a bit different than hers. The father was not only in the picture, but a Prince of all things. The child would have a wonderful life.

In some ways, she was jealous. She wanted desperately to have that kind of wonderfulness for her little Owen. However, there was that happiness, that connection that all mothers had. 

“Babies are bigger than you think. As far as matters of Harcourt, well I am frankly uninterested in whatever else he has to say in the matter of our argument. I am sure once Whistledown hears it she’ll have a field day with speculation.”

She sighed gently. “I should have brought Owen here with us today. He has the most marvelous taste for a child. The boy has an eye for fashion. I assure you he would have been a great asset.”

[eliza-bates]

lcdyofcobham​:

-

☩   ⸻⸻   A small smile formed on her lips as her nephew spoke, only for it to falter some when he mentioned Eliza and the Earl getting into an argument. When had such a thing happened and how had she not heard of it? “Did she now?” Sophia replied, eyeing her sister curiously.

Eliza’s reaction only added to get curiousity. She was determined not to pry, but such a reaction to a man as kind as the Earl was not normal.

She sat up straighter, and tilted her head as she took in her sisters countenance. The woman has been through so much, and her devotion to Owen was both only warranted but admirable.

“I do hope I do not offend you when I say this, but Owen is my top priority in this whole situation. I want you happy, but he also needs to be happy.” she paused then, glancing between the little boy to his mother. “

“He needs a strong male figure in his life, as do you.” She sounded exactly like her mother. 

*＊✿❀○❀✿＊*

Eliza stiffened gently, waving off the comment as best as she could. “Don’t mind it. I promise it was nothing too noteworthy. I simply...was frustrated and took it out on the nearest individual. I really must write out an apology.”

Hopefully that would satisfy her sister, make her less curious about the whole affair. Though, knowing Sophia, it would do quite the opposite.

“What do you think about a baron as a father, my sweet?” Eliza asked gently, running a hand through his hair. He made a noncommittal sound but she took it as a positive regardless. “Wonderful. Owen agrees. However, I must make note of how much like our parents you sound in this moment,” she teased.

[eliza-bates]

earlharcourt​:

-

The laughter that came from Eliza irked Richard more than he would ever admit. He understood that things were different for her, of course it was. Half of the gentlemen in England had their own illegitimate children and they weren’t regarded as anything. The mothers of those said children, well, they were branded as a whore. Richard never did agree with the disparities between the different sexes. “I don’t pretend to know but I can not change the world. You can not be angry at me for that.” He took a breath and looked around the park. No one was really around. To the common observer, they were just talking. Richard looked down at the boy and all he could see was Eliza in his face, minus the darker hair. Richard looked to Eliza, still a little angry but he was trying his best to let the anger subside. “Is he mine?” He asked, looking right in her eyes. “You did not answer.” It was almost as if he was pleading for the truth. There was nothing to gain from either one of them by delivering cruel blows, not truly. It benefited no one. 

Yes, Richard should have been thankful but how could he claim what he did not know existed? “You did not tell the truth either.” Richard scoffed out loud. It was petulant and Richard was very much aware of that but he could not do anything about that during this moment. “If you announce that I am his father then I will be branded as a man who abandoned his child when I had no knowledge of him.” And that would damage his reputation beyond repair. Well, almost. “I am not going to thank you for keeping this from me.” 

Richard did not need to think too long on this matter. He would do what his father had done for him years ago in France. It was a solution that had worked extremely well but Eliza did not need to know the reasonings behind his solutions. “Truly, I would have said that he was an orphan by a distant cousin and then a ward of mine.” It would have saved the circumstances of his birth and perhaps in time, Owen would learn the truth but not until he was married into a decent family of his own. “It would have made paying for his education all the more plausible and society would have been kind to him.” Well, kinder. The ton still only liked people of their own kind. “He’s five is he not?” He asked, already knowing the answer. Schools should have already been arranged. Richard pondered for a moment but it seemed as if all of his ideas were coming up short. “He should be starting school soon, I have connections with Eton and can set up some sort of fund via the school. It should cover him until university.” And then Richard would cross that bridge once the time came for it. What else could he do? The boy was here not hidden away from another family or using another circumstance to explain his birth. It really was a mess of a situation.

*＊✿❀○❀✿＊*

“I am not expecting you to change the face of our nation, I’m expecting you to understand the position I’m in. And be aware that you will never understand it. So you cannot judge me for my decisions.” Eliza was calming down herself. Perhaps she was wrong to keep it hidden from him, but she had been afraid, so desperately afraid of losing her little boy. He was the greatest thing that had ever happened to her, even if it was met with all the people in the world’s criticism for what she had done. There was nothing she would change, except, perhaps, the unkind attitude she had immediately taken with Richard. 

Not that she had any intention of apologizing. He had still impregnated her.

“Yes, he is yours.” Eliza all but whispered the words, swallowing hard and looking down at her shoes to keep from making eye contact with him. Tears welled in her eyes and she wondered, for a minute, if there was any point in confirming it to him now. Would it get rid of the hurt? It couldn’t possibly. “But I....I take this moment to beg that you do not take him away from me. He is practically my entire world.”

“I am tired, so impossibly tired, of women having to hide their mistakes in this world. So perhaps I have made my own situation more difficult, but that doesn’t mean I regret what I’ve done. Perhaps it will encourage others to think more before they cast out others from their social circles. And if a man will never have me for it, well then, I suppose that is my fate.”

Schooling. Yes schooling. Little Owen would be starting soon and in truth she had thought of very little in terms of arrangements. She had been so focused on seeing him happy that she hadn’t even begun to think of his education. Eliza sighed. Perhaps it would be alright to allow Richard some part in his child’s life.

“I would be grateful for such an arrangement. He is a good boy, a wonderful son, and impossibly smart and observant even at such a young age. He deserves to be educated. He already has taken to the French language.”

[eliza-bates]

margaretmulgrave​:

༻✦༺༻✧༺༻✦༺

Margaret was relieved Miss. Bates did not take offence at her notice when it came to the finances drawn up in the letter, or more so question Margaret about her interest and knowledge in transactions in the general sense. Of course, every lady should keep an eye on their own reticule unless they wish to be destitute, but Lord Mulgrave had instilled upon his daughter a deeper understanding of sales, supplies, and shrewdness she was sometimes thankful for, and other times burdened with.

“I would not wish to overstep your sister’s desire and spending habits.” She clarified with a gentle, nervous chuckle, “Spoiling can be taken where it is given. But I have nowhere else to be, and since you are curious-“ Margaret settled a bit more into her seat, folding her hands into her lap as she tried to recall the numbers from the paper. “Your son’s shoes for example were listed as eleven shillings each? I can get a fine pair of walking shoes for that price. If one considers the size and intended wear…for a child. It seems severe.” She paused a moment and then added, “Of course, if your sister wants your son to have the finest shoes in all of London, they may very well cost that much. The more exotic the fabric or leather…where it was acquired-“ Margaret stopped, letting out a short breath, “Well, I’m sure you understand?”

*＊✿❀○❀✿＊*

“This, I think, is where I admit to you that both my sister and I are absolutely dreadful when it comes to mathematics. I fear it was an area that neither of us were destined to excel in. So I must thank you for your time and kindness in this matter,” Eliza replied with a genuine smile.

She looked over what Margaret was telling her and contemplated it for a moment. “I will have to ask my sister about all this then. She can spoil him too much sometimes, though I think she rather enjoys it. I would hate to see her being taken advantage of in some manner just because of her wealth and lack of husband.”

“Your time is valuable and you have done so much for me today. Could I interest you in some tea as a thank you?”

[eliza-bates]

I daresay, Eliza Bates is absolutely divine at fencing, fashion, playing cards, French, Spanish, and pianoforte. And an accomplished at badminton, dancing, reading, literature, Italian, German, Greek, Latin, and needlework, too. Though – did you know – she is dreadfully poor at horse riding, carriage driving, penmanship, natural science, math, religion, violin, harp, and embroidery? We do hope that won’t harm their prospects.

Matters of Sport

Horse Riding: -2

Carriage Driving: -2

Croquet: 0

Badminton: 2

Fencing: 3

Unfortunately for Eliza, she has a crippling fear of horses after one concussed her during her first ride as a child. Ever since then she’s been terrified of them and even had difficulty getting into carriages because of this. Anything to do with horses she’s terrible at. She is, however, rather skilled at fencing and is unafraid to shame even men at the sport.

Matters of Socialization

Dancing: 2

Etiquette: 1

Fashion: 3

Penmanship: -1

Playing Cards: 3

Grammar: 0

Witticisms: 1

Unless you’re eager to part with you money, I would not challenge Eliza in a game of cards. She’s seems rather unassuming and is, well, a card shark to put it kindly. She is also well versed in areas of fashion, reading up on the latest trends that come from across the globe. Her penmanship, despite her governesses best attempts, is dreadful.

Matters of Education

Math: -1

Natural Sciences: -1

History: 0

Reading: 2

Politics: 0

Geography: 0

Literature: 2

Philosophy: 0

Religion: -1

Is that a rock? Eliza doesn’t know, but it sure does look like one. All joking aside, she focused most of her studies on language and literature. She is especially well versed in plays and other acted art forms. While she hasn’t the time to read as much anymore, raising a little one, it’s still a frequent past time for her.

Matters of Language:

French: 3

Italian: 2

German: 2

Greek: 2

Latin: 2

Spanish: 3

Every since she was young, Eliza has been quick to pick up any and all languages. She was reading in French by the time she was eight and Spanish came soon after. While she’s not as skilled in other languages, she still has a passing knowledge and can hold conversation in them.

Matters of Art:

Pianoforte: 3

Violin: -2

Harp: -2

Singing: 3

Painting: 0

Drawing: 2

Eliza picked up the pianoforte rather quickly, singing along as she played. It was an easy way to attract attention to her. However, she is not so skilled in other areas of music. Both the harp and violin elude her. Whenever she plays it sounds a bit like a dying cat.

Women’s Matters:

Needlework: 2

Embroidery: -1

In truth, Eliza has never cared much about these simple tasks. She’s good enough at needlework to not embarrass herself but she finds embroidery to be incredibly tedious and boring.

[eliza-bates]

lcdyofcobham​:

☩   ⸻⸻   Sophia looked at her nephew as he handed her a toy soldier, feeling rather out of place with the toy, but she pressed a small and quick kiss to his forehead. “Am I to man a mission, Lieutenant?” She mused, chuckling slightly. 

Owen was a blessing and she loved every second of his presence. It did dawn on her that things could have been so very different had Matthew married Eliza instead of her, but it was not something she liked to dwell on too much. 

“You sound as if I go to parlor parties with them, when I have merely danced with a few!” She exclaimed at her sister, a hint of mischief in her eyes. 

She wanted to joke again, but the reaction that Eliza had to her mentioning the earl had Sophia’s brow shoot up. She had never asked, never dared to. Naturally, she had her own suspicions about who Owens father was, but she never felt the need to ask. Owen was a part of her family, and that was all she needed to know. 

“Not the earl.” She repeated slowly, stealing a glance at Owen. “We shall try and please Mummy, shall we not?” 

Sophia glanced back at her sister, head cocked. “Do you know of the Baron then? As you had no objection to him.” 

*＊✿❀○❀✿＊*

“Mummy is difficult to please,” Owen muttered gently, playing with his toys. “Mummy is very particular about boys. She says I am the only good one there is.”

He wore that like a badge of honor, of pride. “Mummy had an argument with the Earl and I think that’s why she does not lie him.”

Eliza’s eyes went wide, “Oh my sweet little boy are you making up stories again?” She half laughed, hoping that her sister would not think too deeply about the little boys words. “You are such an imaginative sort.”

In truth, the conversation she had with the Earl was not something she had any interest in revisiting, especially with her sister. The whole thing was rather difficult to speak about. Despite how hardened she had become she still found it hard to divulge all the details of what had happened between her and Owen’s father.

Mostly, she was ashamed. Ashamed at having been taken for granted. Ashamed at allowing herself to make these mistakes. But shame would get her nowhere and so she held her head up high and continued on.

“A baron would be a fine match. All I care about is someone willing to aid me in taking care of my son.”

[eliza-bates]

earlharcourt​:

-

If this was merely a game, it was sickening. To use a child to needlessly torture a person was a low that Richard had not seen in quite some time and something he did not think Eliza capable of. “So I am not?” He said through gritted teeth. Richard tried to keep his anger and irritation under control but if she deliberately misled him for a petty payback, it was unforgivable. “Or is this a sick game you’ve decided to play for some absurd reason?” For the boy’s sake, even if he wasn’t his, Richard tried his very best to keep his tone neutral. No child needed to be a witness to any sort of disagreement like this. 

Richard tried to read her but in truth, she was practically a stranger. Yes, they had spent some intimate time together but he did not recall this side of her. This twisted, cunning side. Maybe it was there during their time together, maybe Richard was too distracted to notice but he could not be blamed for something he didn’t know he was responsible for.

Partly, Eliza was right. Richard would not have married her there was no doubt in his mind with that nor would his father condone any of it. The old earl had already been witness to one of his biggest mistakes, he would not allow Richard to sit idly by a second time. “If I were in your position I would have claimed him to be a distant relative, orphaned by some tragic circumstance. At least then he wouldn’t be disregarded by society.” Richard almost regretted his words the instant they came out. Almost, not completely. “If the boy is mine it’s too late to claim him, you’ve sought to do that.I can ensure he has the best education. Eton and Cambridge obviously.” If the boy was his, that is. A Harcourt, well any English gentleman always attended those schools. He tried to keep his voice low to not let the poor child hear him. “You’ve lied to me and everyone you hold dear if he’s mine.” Richard snapped back. “You can not claim to have the moral high ground in this matter when you’ve hidden away a big part of him from all of those you apparently love and trust.” He couldn’t help himself but Richard actually scoffed on the last word. Maybe he would come to regret it sooner rather than later but he wasn’t quite in control as he would like. 

*＊✿❀○❀✿＊*

“If you were in my position?” Eliza laughed and laughed loudly. “But you will never be in my position. You never could be. You’re not a woman, you don’t get called a whore for having illegitimate children. You don’t get shunned by society. You don’t get treated like a worthless nothing because of something that was never on purpose. You will never understand. You could never. And for that I don’t blame you. I blame the world we live in.”

She leveled him with a gaze, unaffected by his words. She was toying with him, yes, but he was being cruel as well. Perhaps she had prompted it but now that she had lashed out, well, the fun was over really. Eliza didn’t have anything more to feel. To say.

“I have not lied at all, Richard. You never asked, so I never told. As far as my family, I’ve done it in part to ensure that you are never forced to deal with the consequences of your own actions. I could go around and tell everyone, if that’s what you’d prefer. But instead, I took the burden onto myself. So, for that you are welcome.”

“I ask you again, since you seem to be dodging the question: what would you have done? If I had told you, what decision would you have made? Because I can assure you it would not have been for the benefit of me or my son.”

[eliza-bates]

Welcome to Meme Friday at The Season! 🧣 Each Friday, we’ll post one or two memes for characters to reblog on their accounts. Reblogging the meme indicates that you are accepting asks from it, and that you’re also sending asks out to others. Feel free to reblog and answer memes until end of day Sunday. After that, save what’s left over in your inbox for the next Meme Friday. Enjoy!

—

HOW DOES YOUR MUSE FEEL WHEN…

😇- They are given praise 😰- They get scolded 🙇- They meet someone new and make a good first impression 👺- They meet someone new and make a bad first impression 🙌- They see their best friend 👿- They see their worst enemy 💅- They see a rival ❣️- They see their crush 💐- They get asked out on a date 💔- They get rejected 🎁- They are given a gift they like 💣- They are given a gift they dislike 🎎- They find a long lost possession of theirs 📍- They narrowly escape a perilous situation 🚪- They hear someone knock on their door

[eliza-bates]

earlharcourt​:

It took Richard a few moments to truly grasp what Eliza was hinting at. Surely not. Richard opened his mouth to speak but his words were unable to come out. He looked to the little boy in his mothers arms, trying to see if there was a likeness but it was hard to tell. Five years… he barely remembered anything from that time. Richard’s mother hadn’t long passed away, from a fever of all things, and it had shaken his very world. He had only just begun to learn how to live with the pain of losing his brother a year previous when his mother passed. He had tried to bury the suffocating pain with drink and women but it never truly worked. “You are saying that I’m his,” his voice was so low but even so, Richard could not get the last words out.

Had she been angry with him for what? For not knowing she has his son without so much of a word from her over the years? “Why didn’t you tell me?” If it were true, Richard knew better than to utter those four words out loud. Of course marriage was out of the question, even now. She could have lied about the boy, saying he was her ward but instead she chose ruin and blamed Richard for it when it was something he was not aware of.

Richard took a breath in an attempt to gather his thoughts. “Why tell me now when nothing can be done of it?” And to tell him in this way, so casually and in front of the poor boy. Richard was not angry, not yet anyway. This situation was entirely out of his control and Eliza had already determined the course of the boy’s life. 

*＊✿❀○❀✿＊*

“Oh you mistake me, I haven’t said anything.” Eliza looked at him pointedly, letting a little hum escape her lips. “I have merely implied. Though a man who can’t even say the world is hardly meant to be one.”

She tutted gently, the expression she leveled him with cold and calculated. She didn’t hate him, not anymore, but there was resentment there. For thinking of her as nothing more than a simple moment of reprieve. Perhaps it was cruel, petty. Maybe even reprehensible, but she wanted him to know that feeling. The pain that came with a gnawing flesh wound of loneliness.

“What would I have told you, hm? I dare to ask what you would have done? Married me? Surely not, when I was nothing more than a bit of fun to you. Ask yourself, and be honest as it is what is owed, what would you have done?” Her expression softened slightly. “And what would you do now? When there is nothing to be done. I would rather die a whore than live a liar.”

[eliza-bates]

tonyofledeclune​:

@eliza-bates​

“I dare say they do. England is a strange island - bigger than it has any right to be based on it’s geography alone, but it is an island none-the-less. I think we all feel it instinctually, the needs to escape its borders, to find freedom where we can.” 

He could feel his heartrate pick up slightly as she scooted closer, although he tried to keep that face off his face, wanting to appear completely unaffected. 

Smirking at her words he spoke again “It is a funny trick I have picked up on, that often candour is all that is needed to bring a blush to a woman’s cheek. I feel we are so used to the half truths of the Ton that honesty - about our observations, our nature, our desires - can be surprisingly refreshing.” 

He could not help but smirk at the familiar words “And all the men and women merely players?” He asked her, the quote rolling off his tongue with comfort. “I have often thought it is the most interesting people who caused the most trouble in their school years. Tell me, Miss Bates, what stopped you from taking to the stage as an adult? You certainly have the presence for it!” 

*＊✿❀○❀✿＊*

Very rarely did Eliza find what men had to say interesting, but there was something about Anthony that she was rather intrigued by. Perhaps it was the need to escape, the want for freedom. She could feel it singing in her bones some days. To escape dreary little England and live a life without all the fear would be lovely.

Unfortunately that was not the life she was living. So instead she must turn her gaze to getting his attention, making sure his mind lingered on her for enough time that he might call upon her again.

That was something she could do.

“You enjoy honesty then as well?” She smiled gently. Well that was good news. Maybe he didn’t care much about the propriety of the Ton, which would be a good sign for her and little Owen. “As do I. I feel as though we are so often forced to look upon each other and make up bold faced lies. Why, I have to ask, are we not more honest with one another? The whole thing is terrible boring.”

Eliza fanned herself again. “What stopped me? My father thought it was a fanciful dream. He was worried it would make me ineligible as well.”

[eliza-bates]

margaretmulgrave​:

༻✦༺༻✧༺༻✦༺

The corner of Margaret’s mouth upturned in amusement at Miss. Bates comment. There was a frankness and honesty to the woman in the mere moments she’d been in her presence that Margaret greatly appreciated. She was not high born, or high married then, like Lady Cobham.

“I hardly called appropriately.” She waved away the apology, peeking another glance at the toy she had almost tripped over minutes before. Margaret blinked, disappointed with herself then when the other woman pointed out she had no way of knowing her. “Forgive me, Lady Margaret Mulgrave. There is nothing you need to do for me, I simply wanted to make sure you receive what was yours. Or your son’s for that matter.”

She paused, debating saying anything for a few moments but then carefully ventured forward, since it nagged to insistently at her. “I hope I am not overstepping here but the charges listed in your letter…” Margaret bit her lower lip, “They are too high Miss. Bates. For children’s items. I don’t pretend to know your situation or benefactor, but it caught me off guard. And I felt like I must say something.”

*＊✿❀○❀✿＊*

If there was one thing Eliza was, it was frank; often times to a fault. She was called too much for most of her life. Too honest, too flirtatious, too meddlesome. But at least the other women in the world understood her. All the men could rot as far as she cared, as long as one agreed to marry her.

“I would introduce myself but I suppose the letter has already done that.” She blinked in curious surprise at the words that Margaret had to say about the prices. With her sister as her side it hardly mattered, but Eliza didn’t enjoy the thought that she might be getting played the fool.

A fool, no, that she was not.

“I suppose I am a bit naïve when it comes to finances. My sister spoils Owen, you see.” A laugh, gentle and good natured, came out of her lips. “Might I ask some advice on the matter? Unless you have other things to be doing. I would never want to take your time away from important matters.”

[eliza-bates]

earlharcourt​:

-

Had his brother lived, Richard knew that he would have been a wonderful uncle. When distant relatives or even friends of the family came, Richard was always the one playing with the children or feeding them too many sweets, not that there ever was such a thing as too many sweets when it came to children. “Well, it is a pleasure to meet you, Mister Owen.” Richard held out his hand for the little boy to shake. “My name is Richard.”

Richard shot Eliza a confused look when she emphasized his surname. As far as he was aware, Bates was her maiden name. It was more than odd to have a child take on the female member’s family name. “Bates?” He did nothing to hide his confusion. “That’s your maiden name is it not?” Richard should have known better to ask, given the temperament Eliza had with him but Richard couldn’t help himself. 

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Eliza thought for a moment. Would she bet honest? How might she play this? In truth he would have to be a fool to not know her maiden name. And already she was sure the wheels were turning.

“He’s five, if you require the math to do,” she huffed and turned to kiss Owens’ little head. 

If he tried to tell anyone Eliza would simply deny it. Deny, deny, deny. Make up a lie about another man. But her anger had gotten the better of it, as it often times did, and in this moment she could think of nothing but making him feel something akin to the hurt she had.

[eliza-bates]

ixnay-on-the-ipshay​:

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Good. “Good,” he said – at least the lady was-was under no – no rose-tinted illusions about her state, even if, “I-I say, your choice to-to claim the – circumstances – the child – openly is – is –” 

Unwise. Disadvantageous. Social death. All words he was certain the lady had already heard, and more – so with effort he refrained.

“– bold, to say the least. But that, that is precisely why I was doing what I was.” He sat back, regarding the blonde with no small measure of accomplishment. “I was, hrm, selecting only the gentlemen whom I knew would – would be more accepting of-of such, hrm, circumstances.”

A pause. “Well – that-that is to say, no gentleman would be entirely comfortable with such and-and still call himself a-a gentleman, but at the very least – would be less likely to-to react poorly?

“And as to Whistledown –”

Something flashed across his face – a series of emotions flickering on the heels of each other in moments – before he wrestled it back into genteel calm.

“It is clear we are of the same mind on that particular front. I have nothing but the greatest of respect for your sister – and-and yourself – and guard all such confidences in accordance with such; I speak only to warn of what that-that rag has already published – the effects of which your sister has already been bearing – and to caution against any additional, hrm, fodder for the flame.”

His jaw worked; he looked away – then back. 

“If it is your preference that I – I stop all such efforts, only speak the word and I shall. I am your servant in these matters, madam.”

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“Fortune favors the bold, does she not?” Eliza asked, reaching forward and taking a drink of the tea she had ordered. Two sugars and some honey, just the way she liked it. Perhaps a bit too sweet for some people but all the better for her that way.

“As far as the truth of it, I know I have done something others may call me foolish for. That others may look upon me and think me an idiot. However, I love my son with my entire heart, my very being, and if a man is ever going to have me, he will have to accept my Owen.”

Of that, she was resolute in. No man would separate her and her won. Not now and not ever. Someone had to be worthy enough of her affections and attention.

Eliza hummed gently, “In truth I have no preference as to if you stop or not, only if you give me the truth of the matter. Is my sister involved with your tampering as well?”

[eliza-bates]

lcdyofcobham​:

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☩   ⸻⸻   The more she got to know people in London society, and the dealings of Whistledown and her scandal sheets, Sophia was prime to thinking that everyone had something delicate going on. The only reason that perhaps Eliza’s was in fact so delicate was due to her sex. Women were looked to down upon, despite the fact that there were surely many men looking for a wife who had a brood of their own bastards running around. 

Though, Sophia would never deign to call Owen that vile word. Owen, despite the circumstances of his entrance into the world was a blessing. She loved him as if he were her own, and she was glad that despite it all, Eliza was an agreeable mother and had decided to live with her. 

“We will get you a dress made of the finest silk, perhaps a bright green, or blue to match your complexion.” Sophia began, tiling her head as she attempted to envision it. She was no good with colours, but the Modiste would be. 

Despite her focus being on her dear sister and a new fashionable dress, the question that had been posed to her changed her thought process entirely, and a wicked smirk formed on her features. “Perhaps I should not tell you and throw you at them as mama did with me. It would be rather entertaining to see you vexed.” 

A chuckle sounded from her as she stepped into the room, heading towards a bright window that overlooked the street. “The Baron Hastings is rather lovely, despite being a someone prudish man he is sweet.” Sophia paused then, going through the list of eligible men in her head. “Earl Harcourt is hardly unpleasant to look at and a rather helpful gentleman. Though, I would need to ask my sources on their opinions of the men before I do any proverbial catapulting.” 

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Eliza watched as Owen played. He had reached that phase in his life that he was convinced he was going to be a great general in the military. Of course that was something that many boys enjoyed especially at his age. He giggled happily before going over and giving his aunt one of his little toy soldiers. Owen was generous like that; always wanting everyone to play and laugh.

It nearly broke her heart to think what pain he would face in his future. At least he was a boy. Thank God he was a boy. Eliza could not imagine what struggles he would face if he was of the fairer sex.

“Oh sister do not be so cruel to me,” she laughed gently. “You know I have been well acquainted with many of the men already.” If she could not laugh about her own promiscuous behavior than the entire lot of them could call her a hypocrite.

When the topic of the Earl was broached, however, Eliza stiffened. She had done her best to dance around the subject of Owen’s father with Sophia. It was easier that way, no fear of the man himself attempting to sweep her little one away. She wasn’t even sure how likely that was but it was a terrifying enough prospect that she would rather not even begin to think of it.

“I would prefer not him.”

[eliza-bates]

earlharcourt​:

-

Something about the boy reminded Richard of something but he couldn’t quite place his finger on it. Maybe he had just been in London too long. Yes, that must have been  it. “You’re most welcome but I did not get your name, Lieutenant General?” Richard’s smile did not let up, despite the boy’s obvious nervousness. “See, all is well now that you have your soldiers back in formation.” 

When he finished talking to the boy, Richard looked up and caught Eliza’s gaze. It was rather odd but she had made it clear to him that his company was not needed nor were his questions in all likelihood. Still, Richard was never one to listen to reason on most occasions, why should now be any different. “Are you sure you’re alright, you look as if you’ve seen a ghost?” He took a step away from the boy, his focus on Eliza. It was a hot day, perhaps she just needed something to drink. 

“I was not the only person in London to enjoy a small dose of impropriety,” He teased back, holding out a bit of water he had poured. If she didn’t take it, well, he wouldn’t blame her. “Those who don’t, well, I find they live very dull lives.” And Richard did not want that for himself. If he could not travel any more, he would have to find some way of making England exciting. 

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The little boy smiled brightly. He was proud to be talked to like such a grown up. So he answered, “Owen.”

“Owen Bates,” Eliza clarified, emphasizing the last name. No one would have any question as to who her little boy belonged to. Especially not the man who had left her with him. She thought back to how alone she had been during Owen’s birth. It was painful even now to think back to that moment, when only her sister was sitting there holding her hand as the hardest thing she had ever had to do was experienced.

Whatever mirth there may have been, whatever happiness and affection she still had for him, was gone in that moment. The past would forever haunt her.