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Oh he knew her name, this was likely bad. This meant that he either knew her brother, or either of her parents, or she'd already inadvertently made herself a fool in front of him. The implications were endless as she attempted to keep a somewhat relaxed composure. After all it wouldn't be beneficial for either of them if she suddenly became hysterical, and she'd likely get the brunt of the negative attention. "I wasn't attempting to hide from gossip, I was merely attempting to hide from disdainful glances, there is a difference, you know" she countered easily as she looked over at him. She doubted that he would ever see someone openly hiding in the bushes, then again she wondered if maybe this was a more common activity given how competitive the marriage market seemed to be now. "Well it's good to know I've made an impression on you, Mister??" he knew her name, but she wasn't sure if she remembered his.

She didn't dare move from her particular spot to not invite any unneeded glances. As he seemed to survey the park, she wondered if maybe she should have attempted to hide in the opposite direction, being found seconds after managing to slip away had not been in her plans, she was usually much better at it. "I take it you aren't fond of Lady Whistledown, then?" she was just relieved to not be mentioned, it helped her in her quest to remain in the shadows sometimes.

Lysander nodded, lacing his fingers behind his back and regarding her with vague interest. "Give you away? I wouldn't dream of it, Miss Park. It is far too entertaining watching you duck behind plants in the hopes it will hide you long enough to avoid gossip." He teased, grinning at the young woman with immense mirth. "It's not something I see every day, after all." He glanced out at the rest of the park again, surveying the area and observing just how many people there were out and about today. "Yes, well, such is the nature of Mayfair, I'm afraid. The people do so enjoy judging, particularly with a certain Lady whispering nonsense onto a page and calling it the truth."

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Tobias Thorne, the last name definitely rang a bell but she couldn't easily remember who his family was. There had been so many names, so many faces that they'd met the year before, but she was certain that she hadn't met him yet. She was confident in that thought. "I believe that people would judge me for interrupting, likely label me as rude" another label to add to the growing list about her and her family. "My family is new to the Ton, this is only our second season" she told him as she shifted slightly when she saw movement in her peripheral vision, she hadn't been spotted yet, but she was not going to invite being found in foliage especially with a man. "It seems everyone had the same idea, and therefore it would have been smarter to attempt to walk in a different location" this is said barely above a whisper, and mostly to herself as she belatedly realized she hadn't introduced herself, "Oh, I'm Miss Ara Park" she have her practiced curtsy.

Immediately, he saw that he startled her and silently scolded himself. It was not the proper way to meet someone knew and the years away had rid him of remembering any of that by default. “My name is Tobias Thorne,” he says offering a friendly smile and if I’m ever doing something that looks like a society activity, please, I beg, interrupt me,” it’s a joke accompanied by a light chuckle but part of means it seriously. “I don’t think we have met but its as you say, there’s so many people here that maybe we’ve crossed paths before. There are a lot of people, more than normal I’m told which can be quite…stifling.”

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It seemed that everyone was aware that she had spoken to Mister Drake at the ball, of course Lady Whistledown had informed everyone of that. But she was also aware that she had no desire to attempt to compete for a match, yes she wanted to be married, but she also wanted it to come about as naturally as possible. She was tired of doing things merely because she had to, she wanted some sense of a normal traditional life, or as close as she could get to it. Being locked away in the countryside for so long had left her wanting for so many experiences. "I spoke with him yes, and it was a lovely conversation, I'm not sure how much I genuinely impressed anyone" she admitted with a sigh as she looked down at her tea for a moment.

When he explained how balls happened where his home, she idly wondered if maybe that's how they occurred in the village that was near their country estate. She'd tried to sneak away one evening to see what types of events the people of the village participated in, but her mother quickly found her and she had been returned to her room for the evening, and for the next three days. "That sounds very exciting, and nothing like the balls they seem to have here" she admitted, "Definitely sounds like it was be a more enjoyable evening" when he assured her that his clothes weren't ruined, she offered him a smile, "It's quite kind of you to say that, I would have offered to replace the clothes if they were indeed ruined, I hope you know that" after all he hadn't completely gotten cross at her because she'd spilled a drink on him, some would have most definitely gotten angrier, "And how did you judge our conversation, from those you have with servants?"

For three years, Rhys had to listen to those around him fussing over Lady Whistledown. For the first year, he did get some enjoyment out of them, but quickly he lost interest in them. This year, it looked as if no one was off limits. “You’ve impressed Mr Drake, and isn’t he the queen’s favourite, or is Whistledown wrong?” Peter Drake was a formidable man and one that had lofty ambitions. Everyone had said he was not a man to be crossed, but the man had mentioned Catherine by name with his enquiries. 

Rhys had wondered what these grand balls were like, and it was a little disappointing. The conformity, the rules and expectations made it impossible for anyone to enjoy themselves. The ones back home were completely different. Everything had always started out as a little awkward, but once the music and dancing began, it was always an enjoyable night. “On hot evenings, we’d have gatherings outdoors, decorated with ribbons while someone played the fiddle as others danced. There’s nothing like it here, but it’s always a good night.” Most people attending the queen’s festivities probably would have fainted at the sight. “I promise you, my clothes weren’t ruined, and it was a chance to talk to someone other than a servant.” That night, Rhys and others of his social standing were all but ignored by the upper classes. When Caroline spilt her drink, as odd as it sounded, it was a funny icebreaker. 

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Oh she hadn't expected to actually run into anyone in the foliage, a miscalculation on her part. She recognized the woman almost immediately, she was one of the modiste's in town. Her mother had taken her to see her quite a few times, although they hadn't been this particular season as she and her mother had worked on some of her wardrobe for this social season. "I was hiding" she admitted as she shifted farther away from the regular path in an effort to ensure that she wasn't found out. "It's been somewhat overwhelming to be around so many people attempting to promenade and impress each other" she realized that she likely had interrupted her alone time, "I do apologize if I interrupted your alone time, I can attempt to find a better hiding spot" she hoped that she didn't really remember her from the season before, she'd been overtly chatty with her and gave far too much input on her dress designs which was why her mother had suggested they attempt to make her own at home this particular season. Obviously the material wasn't as beautiful as the modiste, but it was still nice.

a walk in the park was all kate was longing for. it had been such a busy period for her and she had very little time to give to herself. lately, her mind was going all over the place: between the bank letters, the new dress requests, the legacy of her own father and the struggle to take a new artistic direction, kate was quite burdened and needed to take some fresh air. that's what she did, by setting the "closed" sigh on her door and locking it before walking from the back door in the direction of the st james park. as soon as she stepped a foot outside, kate smiled as she felt the warmth caressing her face, bringing her back some energy and hope. nature was her best ally, she knew it. it often made her miss her sister, miss the times both would play in the gardens and smell all the flowers together.

her steps led her down her favorite path, knowing exactly where she would go. there was a small hidden space where she often hid from the rest of the ton. it was quiet and allowed her to recenter her thoughts. she needed a plan, needed to think of her next creative ideas. concurrence was tough and she wanted to be the most original modiste of the town. slowly walking behind the leaves, kate took a deep breath and closed her eyes. the sounds of bees buzzing around soothed her, they made her think of herself: a busy bee as well. it was when she heard steps and opened her eyes that kate noticed the other woman, wondering how did she know this spot? as she clearly didn't see kate, the woman just cleared her throat. she heard her words and nodded. "it's alright. can i help you perhaps?"

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"Well that way of thinking alone could definitely contribute to why the queen believes you to be rare" she told him, "From my limited experience, most men in the Ton do not wish to be overtly involved in any type of work, it's far more interesting to indulge in other pursuits" she knew that much at least, because it had been the same in the countryside, her mother had sometimes had special friends whom she claimed were her father's old business partners but she could see otherwise. And she was certain not a single one of them had even attempted to work a minute of their life. When he mentioned that he could not give her quiet, she nodded, after all he was now the most sought after gentleman because he'd caught the queen's favor, he likely had many mama's and fathers ready to present their daughters to him. "I enjoy quiet, it's been my constant companion for the last ten years, but I also am very aware that if I wish to find a match, I may have to be more flexible in my wants" she admitted, "It may just take some time for me to get out of old habits" habits she had formed from the way she'd lived. Observing was another learned habit, but she found that this particular one was beneficial given her position in the Ton. People were curious about her, yes, about her title, but they also saw her as a potential scandal, her prolonged absence invited that type of speculation and she knew it. "Considering that I spent a lot of time with the people who worked in our home, it would be terrible of me to treat people horribly" yes they'd shown the most loyalty to her mother, but that didn't mean she didn't care about them all, they had been her constant companions for ten years. When he offered clarification on what he wanted, she nodded, "Are you certain you wouldn't prefer someone with a higher position? I'm sure you likely have many young ladies at your disposal now?"

IT DID MAKE SENSE THAT THE QUEEN WAS DRAWN TO WHAT SHE PERCEIVED AS RARE. However, the problem was that Piet did not see himself as rare as Peter Drake. A rich man not a gentleman was not rare, yet it was the rest of the story unknown to the royal that made him unique. “I am not someone who can sit idly by while the world goes on around me and the men under my employ could even say I am too much involved in the work, but I have expectations, and I want them to be met.” Security as important but so was his greed that could never be quenched. Rarely did Piet make a sacrifice since he thought he could have everything he wanted and more. “It seems attention will follow anyone in society regardless of how quiet or hidden someone is. If it is the quiet you want, I worry that I cannot give it with her majesty’s favour following me around and giving me more attention that I would want.” Wanting the protection of a title attached to him by a marriage and child was all well and good but he didn’t want his actions to bring Catherine distress. There was a genuine like he held for her, harm was not something he wanted to bring to her life.

 “We are of the same mind. I spent so much of my time working up the ranks of my past employments by doing just that. You can see people for who they are instead of what they show.” Looking at Catherine, Piet sees her grace and believes it. Kind people weren’t rare in the world but often they were overlooked. “I didn’t mean to be so forward, I was more making you aware that if you are considering matches that I hope to be a contender. If you wish for a short courting or a long one, I’ll oblige and I hope you’ll consider me.”

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She had been far too young to really remember how the Ton actually was, to her it had been all sparkly parties that she couldn't attend, but she remembered how her mother would dress herself spectacularly and then discuss with her friends over tea the next morning. "I do wonder how they managed with only word of mouth before Lady Whistledown came into existence" she mused quietly, they were all just so fixated on just what the author would say, it made her wonder how her hold had gotten so firm. "I am simply here to hopefully find a suitable match, maybe if I'm lucky with someone who isn't particularly awful" love she wasn't sure if she'd be able to have that, especially not in her position, but maybe affection. "Which is very strange considering that I've been away from the Ton for a decade, and they know nothing about me" she mused when he mentioned people wanting her to be the diamond, something she did not wish for herself at all.

He answered her question easily which made her smile, hopefully the change in topic would allow for them to be finished with Lady Whistledown and maybe he could tell her more of his travel stories. "Red beaches? Were all the places you travelled to so different?" it sounded appealing but also very unnatural considering then again the closest she'd been to a beach had been the lake near the estate back in the country. "No my mother didn't really allow for us to leave the country estate, and as much as I wish I could travel now, I do believe that I will have to be homebound at least for a short while longer" most of her finances were tied up with the renovation of what would be her London home, and she had no desire to become engrossed in debt merely because she had a wish to travel, "Will you continue to travel once the season is over?"

“I don’t think any of us wanted to be whispered about but you know how this place is. I think people here love it and it’s the favourite pastime of the ton, including the servants and merchants. Now, we have someone selling a serialized version of it for everyone to use as a prop.” Even though he didn’t want to admit it, he knew that when the paper first came to him that he took it fast and scoured the pages for his name or for anyone with the Thorne name. It was slightly narcissistic, he knew, but he wanted to know what was said about him and then make some effort after it. After that, he read the rest a few times over. “There’s people from further out who still clamour for the Queen’s favour and crossed oceans for months for the chance of it. I admire that about you,” he says earnestly. “It’s better to be yourself and not try and fit into someone else’s favour. Even with that, I think people still wanted you as the diamond.” Or Whistledown did and that writer was proving more and more that they held influence.

He didn’t even have to think about his answer, the words fell from his mind and out of his mouth in seconds. “Piraeus.” Then, he shakes his head bashfully. “No, wait. That’s a city,” a chuckle accompanies the words. “I loved when we docked in Nassau but it could get busy. I would say it has to be Hormuz. The island has the most unusual red beaches, the sand looks like grains of fine rubies. Even the sea looks red on the beach and when you lay your eyes on it for the first time, you don’t believe them. I touched the sand, swam in the sea and I was still in disbelief at what I saw. You’ve never travelled? You could now! I think its something everyone should do if they want it.”

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Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton — BRIDGERTON costume design by John Glaser

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She had to chant in her mind that she could not bite back as she wanted to because she was royalty. Although the tone that the princess was employing definitely made it difficult. This seemed a test from above, or maybe a punishment for being a little too free with her words with that one young lady who had insulted her dress the night of the ball. As much as she wished to give her the same treatment, it would only end badly for her family who, despite it all, did not deserve it. She counted backwards, reminding herself that she didn't have to remain in conversation with the princess if she did not wish to. She could walk away as soon as it became socially acceptable to do so. "I'm sure everyone in your circle appreciates being given a second chance to right wrongs" her tone didn't indicate the irritation she felt, for which she was proud. "I would think no one is immune from scandal, at least that's how Lady Whistledown makes it out to be" Yes the gossip sheet could care less about what title you held in society, if there was some morsel of information about you that she could share, she would do it. She didn't respond to the comment about her newness, considering that she wasn't wrong, she was new. But that didn't mean she was stupid, or unobservant, if anything the fact she was relatively ignored made it so much simpler to observe others, to take note of what would happen if you thought no one was looking. She'd tuck away the information until she needed it, after all she'd learned in this place information was just as powerful as a title. "Maybe the kind that would explain why your mother kept you away for so long?"

“It seems you have made quite a grievous one at that but fear not, I have been known to be merciful up to the second offence.” The Park’s were part of a living example of why inheritance should be at the forefront of the noble family's issues where years were spent cultivating a lineage that one could be proud of, in an instant it could be left to the merchant class who truly knew little of what it took to maintain and cultivate a title and lands. As a royal, Sophia knew her lineage was safe no matter what she would do, or so she had hoped but Arthur had yet to produce an heir. If he failed at the task then the responsibility would fall to Sophia and her twin brother but that was not something to worry about just yet. “I do not hide from any scandal Miss Park, if you were not so new to our ways then you would surely know that.” Sophia was smug, self-righteous about it all and with no real reason as she had wanted the lower classes to take part, but the Park’s were not in her majesty’s bad graces as of yet, but that could all change with her mood. It was always a welcomed change when someone unexpectedly appeared ready to go toe-to-toe with a princess and if Miss Park had that, Sophia knew this would be an interesting season. “Pray tell, Miss Park, what scandal do you think a princess would hide from?” 

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She smiled at her, mostly to ensure that she didn't feel pressured or as if she was ambushing her. When she finally responded to her question, she nodded, it made sense for it to feel like it was a lot of pressure. All eyes would be on her to ensure that she made the most ideal of matches, and of course the queen would likely throw her own contenders in the mix, at least that's what Catherine had been told by the Murray's when they'd told her about what the title of diamond meant within the Ton. "I do believe as long as you make a good match, her majesty will think of you as a success" again something else that the Murray's had told her, "Titles aren't always important, sometimes it's more about ensuring that you make the right match, and I do believe that it will happen for you. You seem lovely" and she did, she was beautiful, and obviously polite, those were already two traits that were positive in Catherine's mind.

"it's a pleasure, my lady." she offers another small curtsy, because practice makes perfect and hari knows that her curtsy is certainly not the best. a lady, a proper one at that, and hari wonders if she'd read her name in that gossipy paper that morning, though none of the information had really remained in her mind. she isn't the kind to care for idle gossip that doesn't relate to her or the people she loves. the bit about herself and dovey, the bit about aera, it had stuck. everything else? just noise.

a breath releases from hari before she can stop it, a heavy one. "it's a lot of pressure." she admits, though she tries to keep her tone light and neutral. "i'm not sure what i could have done to gain her majesty's favor like i did, but i suppose it's nice to have happened. i simply hope i don't embarrass her, as i'm not exactly the most graceful. nor am i titled or very aware of all of the customs."

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She remembered seeing her at the ball, but couldn't remember her name. It was likely her own fault as she'd made no real attempt to get to know the other young ladies, as she had been trying to figure out how it all worked. They all seemed so nice and cordial to each other, but she could also sense the air of competition, which was slightly off putting to her considering she did want to make friends this season. "Of course, please sit" she motioned towards the seat in front of her, her lady's maid had gone to purchase some finger foods for the tea, a fact that relieved her as she was feeling slightly peckish. "I don't think I was able to catch your name at the ball, I do apologize for that" She hoped that she didn't feel offended at being asked her name, there was just so many young ladies a part of the marriage mart currently, that it was hard to remember every person who had been named at the presentation in the first place.

Aera needed some fresh air and some time to just wander about. She decided to give the shops a look and ended up buying some small things for her room, including some art supplies. She walked past the tea room and looked inside the window for a moment. Aera had been craving some green tea-- she would settle for anything other than the normal English tea. So she stepped inside and immediately saw Catherine Braye sitting there.

"Hello, it is lovely to see you as well." Aera offered her a kind smile and gestured toward a chair near her. "May I join you? I was just thinking about getting some tea as well." Catherine was very beautiful, and Lady Whistledown commented that she thought it was she who should have been named the diamond. Perhaps that should have turned Aera away from her, as she was competition. But she was more interested than anything. She had seen the way she held herself, and the young Baroness seemed rather nice. Aera could use more niceness in her life.

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She was very aware that she was doing something she wasn't meant to do, running away from the maid and her brother, well it wasn't proper. But she had no desire to attempt to make nice with the other young ladies, especially when she wasn't one to deal with their judging glances. She'd heard at least one of them remark how unfashionable her dresses were, which she could readily argue against as she'd spent an extensive amount of time working with the modiste on her wardrobe, to ensure it was flattering and beautiful. "I would appreciate if you didn't give me away, I don't think I'll hear the end of it if my brother tells my parents I ran off" not that he ever would, not with the secrets she knew about him, but obviously this stranger didn't know that, "The judging glances of the other young ladies of course, I think I've heard too many backhanded compliments on my wardrobe" after all she wasn't going to readily admit that she was also running away from the gentlemen, because the whole point of being out in society was to find a husband, was it not?

"No apologies necessary." Lysander remarked with an amused grin, raising an eyebrow at the way the young woman practically buried herself behind the plants to... avoid being seen, he assumed, though for what reason, he was unsure. "Though, I must remark that it's highly uncommon for a lady to flee from her companions so boldly." Admittedly, he might have seen Ara practically run away from her company, and it had sparked his interest. He knew very little about the Park family, and that irritated him somewhat, as a man who prided himself on being in the know. So, perhaps this was an opportunity to learn something about them. "Humour me? What exactly were you hoping to achieve by hiding behind the shrubbery?"

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"That is very sweet of you to say, especially when you take into consideration that I was somewhat rusty in my dancing" she hadn't had any lessons in so long, she had been surprised that she remembered any of the steps. When he responded, she smiled, "Please I welcome the company" she assured him as she finally settled in the seat. She could see her lady's maid doing what she had asked and precuring as many sweet treats as she could, the sweets being one of Catherine's main indulgences. When he caught sight of the latest issue of Lady Whistledown, she took a sip of her tea, she'd read what was said, but she didn't take too much of it to heart. After all it was all gossip, and even the few facts that she could have written there, well there was no way to be able to prove they were truths. At his question, she nodded, "Yes I perused it before we settled here, does she always write in the manner?" it had been her first issue she'd ever read, so there wasn't any prior knowledge about how the author wrote.

“The pleasure was—is, all mine,” Edward smiled at her. The night of the presentation had been a blur. There had been so much happening that he himself had to keep up with the goings on around town. Whistledown had made it clear that many things had also happened that night. So most of the evening had been spent dancing, chatting the night away and finding out whom the chosen two were for the season. “If you really don’t mind,” he said, taking the seat that was offered with a polite nod of his head. He looked over at the passersby, some of them holding the latest edition of Lady Whistledown. “Speak of the devil…” his gaze followed after the headline for a moment before looking back at Catherine. He cleared his throat and adjusted his jacket a bit. “Pardon me,” he said, moving his chair into a more comfortable spot away from the rest of the sidewalk. “They’re more than likely speculating what other things behind the scenes beyond what Whistledown has been reporting. Have you read the latest edition?”

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She tried her best to not recoil when she didn't immediately recognize the voice, she was never sure of how the other members of the Ton would treat her, some acted as if she didn't exist, while others were actually nice. She couldn't put a name to this particular face, which meant she had no idea how he'd treat her. "I don't think I've ever been told to forego an apology for interrupting them" she mused, although she still was unsure of who he was. "I don't believe we've met" which meant he was new this season, or maybe she'd just missed him in her initial observation the year before. "I just needed a moment, there's so many people around, it seems that everyone had a similar idea today" it made sense of course, this was the perfect place to encounter possible matches without making it obvious to everyone else of who you were interested in.

One thing that Tobias hated about society was how still it was. He was too impatient and full of energy to be sat in a drawing room or in a café, listening to same conversations over and over again that never got any more interesting. Even though walking took away some of the insanity by sitting still for so long, seeing the parks and everywhere with the main draw being to court irritated him. All he wanted was to get rid of some of the energy and be away from the courting people or the families far too interested in his own, but they were everywhere.

“If you’re looking for an escape, I won’t take an apology. It’s a shared goal we have so I can’t exactly begrudge someone for having the same mind as I do. That would make me a hypocrite,” he scoffed but its full of humour.

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"But in London society, it is a rarity which brings us back to why you were likely appealing to the queen" she had no doubt that there were many types of people out in the world, people she couldn't even begin to imagine, and she did her best to dispel the thoughts from her mind as he remarked that his rare quality was he was still involved in his business. Which would make sense, considering that you would want to be involved in something that brought you great wealth. "That is a rather unfortunate fact, my host family did assure me that as long as I did not bring too much attention to myself, I would ensure she didn't set her sights on me" which is what she was hoping would happen.

"I find that observing is the best way to learn about the dynamics about a place, when I was younger I found myself merely observing others, it helped quite a lot" it helped her figure out who would be kind to her, and who only tolerated her because of her title and then there were the people who treated her as her mother did, with indifference. "It's rather unfortunate to hope for scandal to ensure people do not want information from me that I am not willing to share" but she wondered if that was just a requirement of being a member of the Ton. When he asked if someone did want to make a match with her, and brought himself forward, she looked at him, "I would be flattered, but this is our first outing after meeting one another, even that seems a tad quick for a marriage match"

WHEN THE BACHELOR TITLE BECAME AVAILABLE, it was an intriguing thing that could have furthered his ambitions but once acquired it proved to be more of nuisance than anything helpful. “I would like to think that is something true given that I am a man of pragmatism and reason, but I have met many men wealthier than I without a title across the known world, and it is not as rare as you think. Some live with their riches more on show than I, full of opulence ready for everyone to behold but the only difference I can think is that I still work in the businesses I own. Many just hire someone to run it for them. I can’t do that; I am a man who likes to know everything and ensure it is done correctly.” Speaking so candidly, Piet was aware how boring and serious he sounded. “I do not consider you as a servant to this writer, either, but we are her sources or her fodder for a story to sell.” Being in London meant they all would be no matter how the protested and kept to the shadows.

“It was not that alone. Everyone else was performing and doing all they could to entice but you, even with your beauty, chose to be at the side it looked like. I found that most curious and a refreshing change from the ones prancing around in an effort to garner attention.” Questions about her predicament and situation would come up regardless of an author intent on documenting every rumour. “You can either answer or given them another question to ask. Distract them. Or hope that there’s a big scandal to take peoples attention,” Piet says with a wicked grin. “And if someone wanted to make a match with you?” Humility feigns on his face as if an awkward boy sheepishly seeking out intentions. “Such as myself.”

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It was just her luck to bump into a royal. She'd spent much of her first season out observing how people acted, and had learned enough to know that most of the Ton were snobs who looked down upon anyone who didn't come from generational wealth. Her father had inherited his title fairly, yet they were treated as less because they had spent a good part of their lives living as normal people. There's an air to the princess that Ara can already tell she won't like, and it takes all of her practiced politeness to not snap at her. "I wasn't attempting to get in your way, I merely picked the wrong set of foliage it seems" she tried to keep her tone polite, almost afraid hoping that would get the princess to calm down some. When she was told that they didn't hide in bushes, she tried her best to suppress the eyeroll that wanted to overcome her body. "Then I would assume that you're attempting to hide from scandal, by your own explanation?" after all if she had interrupted her attempting to get away from people, she couldn't very well judge Ara for attempting to do the same. After all she had no desire to talk about what the perfect man would be for her, she had a feeling she'd end up being a spinster at this rate.

The morning had been filled with her majesty’s complaints regarding Sophia’s involvement with the season and her general attitude during the presentation was disappointing or so her majesty’s advisor had relayed such information and as a result, Sophia’s mood this morning had soured. The Park’s were a new addition but their attendance had not yet warranted any sort of writings in Lady Whistledown, perhaps the gossip writer had assumed they were just as relevant as they were during their previous occupation. “Are you apologizing for getting in my way or disrupting my time I was allotted to finally be alone, out of the way of those eager for a dull conversation?” Sophia gave the former daughter of seamstress a look over and she was not disappointed with her ensemble, but it was formerly the family trade to know the fashions surely. “You may be new to your title, Miss Park, but let me assure you that the gentry of the ton are not known for hiding in bushes unless they are fleeing a scandal.” 

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Whistledown, oh she had a feeling she would be hearing all about the author constantly until the next issue was released. Hopefully she'd manage to keep herself in the shadows enough that she wouldn't end up being mentioned and everyone would stop wanting to chat about her. But it did make sense, after all it was the guaranteed topic of conversation that likely everyone knew about, something that connected everyone in the Ton from the members of staff, to even royalty. "I don't believe I've impressed anyone enough to be a fitting diamond" she admitted easily as she took another sip of her tea.

When he mentioned that she might have saved his evening by spilling his drink, she gave him a confused look. How could her spilling something on him be a good thing? Certainly it would have caused some form of an inconvenience. "We never had balls where I grew up either" her mother used to throw lavish parties when her father was alive, but she had stopped allowing too many people to visit them after his passing because she didn't want anyone to see her controlling nature, "Although I don't think you can say I made your evening better by ruining your clothes, certainly that had to put a damper on your mood"

As Rhys sat, he noticed the whispers and the stern looks being cast his way. Still, he shrugged them off with a smile as he joined the baroness. His attire wasn’t exactly the season’s high fashion with its sturdy material and the odd patchwork on his jacket, but that never bothered Rhys. “Everyone at the stables has been talking about Whistledown; some agree that you should’ve been chosen for that diamond.” Despite being in London for three years, Rhys still didn’t get the appeal of being named the queen’s favourite. It didn’t seem to bring any value other than a quick marriage without any thought.

Taking a sip, Rhys thought on how best to answer. He didn’t want to offend anyone nearby, but it was a different experience from the gatherings he had back home. “No, I think you might’ve saved it.” He chuckled lightly to himself at the thought. “Back home, we don’t have balls. They’re gatherings at the local village hall, and if you aren’t red in the face from dancing, you haven’t done the night justice.” The memories of his two youngest sisters fretting about and dancing till their faces were red while the brothers tried to avoid it always brought a smile to Rhys’s face.

[flosprati]

Catherine was unsure if she liked that implication, that because some person in their society who enjoyed spreading apparent gossip about everyone, thinking anything about her. The last thing she needed was for any of the whispers that had lingered back in her country estate to follow her here, she was only meant to find a match and hopefully live a happy life. Yet it seemed that she had inadvertently brought herself into a situation where she would not have full control and that bothered her slightly. "I don't wish to be whispered about, I've had enough whispers in my life" she had a feeling Tobias wouldn't prod, at least she hoped he wouldn't as she tried to push the thoughts away. At his comment about the queen, she smiled, "I think the only reason I am not looking for the queen's favor is that I grew up away from all of this, I wouldn't even begin to know how to impress her" and she didn't want to, she wanted to remain as close to the shadows as she possibly could.

The conversation about travel seemed to spark his interest, which meant he had enjoyed traveling. She was honestly curious about what he had seen, she hadn't even been outside of the country, let alone anywhere else. "Would you mind sharing what your favorite island was? I've never had the opportunity to travel, and I would love to be able to at least imagine it all" she said with a smile.

“You don’t consider yourself but the writer of this paper does and they record whispers and share their thoughts on them. That makes me think there’s other people whispering it about you and I can see why.” Catherine was the very description of a diamond. Graceful, beautiful with a title her own but no family yet connected enough to be with the Murray’s, another house of good reputation. She would’ve been a great diamond and one people would expect but maybe that’s why the Queen didn’t pick her. “It’s rare to find someone not crawling on bended knee to get even a morsel of the Queen’s favour but to find another person like myself who doesn’t want the Queen’s social-titles makes me relieved. I’m thought as strange, I suspect, because I didn’t want the bachelor title and actively went against getting it in any way I could.” He laughs a little, only a small chuckle but his words are true. “Oh, I travelled everywhere!” His face lit up, became excited at the question and he was happy to share it. There was a foolish notion he had that his father would ask but that never happened and the more that time went on, the more he didn’t want to sully his memories with having them fall on the ears of that man. “We’d go to islands in the Bahamas, Egypt, Italy, Greece, India and other Far East countries. I became so familiar with the sea and the storms that they’re happy memories for me even in their worst moments.”