#cordiallyhqs.event

[oferwood]

open starter at the sinclair estate, after Lady Whistledown's reveal

Finally, for the first time in recent weeks, William felt that things were back on track. He was one again professionally respected, his work admired by all in the trade, and his position in the Sinclair household was one he was proud of. All was well until a servant had pushed a copy of Lady Whistledown into his hands. William’s stomach churned as the words danced across the pages of Whistledown, each sentence cutting deeper than the last. There, written in the cold ink, lay the details of his heart, of his offer of marriage that had been a secret shared between the two. His heart sank with the weight of Cassandra’s name being dragged into the mess and whirlwind of gossip, speculation, and judgement. A knock on the stable door came, much to William’s frustration. “I need a moment,” William called out, his eyes never leaving the page, re-reading the passage that had his own name printed. He tried to rationalise this, to think of what he could say. Could he deny the proposal to others that asked to help Cassandra and protect her reputation? Would he be believed? The knock came again, and anger and irritation boiled up within him. “I said I need a minute.” He shouted back, his tone brisk, and he hastily walked to the door. “For God's sake, what is so urgent that you seem to be in a rush for my attention?” He asked the caller, forgetting all manners and politeness.

[thenextlordthorpe]

OPEN STARTER | All Characters LOCATION: BALLROOM EVENT: MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM HUNT & BALL

Two nights didn’t seem like much but time away from London and in a place with ways to escape and everyone’s attentions would be on the Sinclair’s attempt to heal their reputation. The woods and grand estate had already given him ample opportunity to sneak away with a new face for some fun but now it was time for the ball and as soon as he stepped into the ballroom, eager mamas swarmed him with the only escape to promise a dance to their daughter. Some part of him remembered some of the dances and he made them work but after two or three goes around, he was already done and tired.

Some people he had seen before, some he did not know but with more mamas coming towards him, Tobias makes a break for a drink but taking an extra to give to whoever he can find first to strike up a conversation and appear busy enough until they moved on to the neck bachelor. “Forgive me but you look like you are in need a refreshment,” but his eyes signal over to the women looking at him as he gives the person a pleading look to join him in the ruse.

[oforchestralsteel]

Who: Anyone & Everyone Where: The Sinclair Estate

Atticus needed air. Normally the crowding masses of people anywhere did not bother him. He couldn't blame alcohol, he avoided it most times like he owed it gambling debts. Maybe it was the age catching up to him. Maybe it was the pressures he was putting on himself. It was uncertain, but what was certain was that he needed out onto the balcony and to breathe deep the fresh air. The hunt had given him plenty of it before, the smells coming back to him the moment he was able to open up the side doors. Maybe that was left over and this wouldn't take too long. Many maybes, not many assured feelings.

Hands on the balustrade, he could feel his senses returning to him. Seconds wandered past. The tight breaths against his done-up collar were easier. Likely he could have unbuttoned a little (heaven's sake, one of the Thorpe family was almost bare-chested in there- heathen), but that wasn't Atticus. His dark clothing was neat, tidy- regal, but nothing that drew the eye anymore than normal.

It is only after his fifth or sixth breath did he realize he wasn't alone. As he looked out onto the shadows cast by the bright lights could he see that there was another out here. Atticus Sinclair turned to them, clearing his throat. "My apologies for trampling on your alone time. It was not my intention to do so."

[honeyedache]

‧₊˚❀༉‧₊˚. location: the thorpe manor, the thorpe gardens for the matinee ! ‧₊˚❀༉‧₊˚.

And presenting the lovely Miss Juliet Thorpe of House Thorpe, for the spring time matinee! Juliet had truly outdone herself - the mere hours spent putting every attention to detail was mind numbing, but Juliet was nothing but a perfectionist. She dearly loved her staff, but she was sure she had driven them all truly mad with her requests, the perfect butterflies, the floral drapings, the elegance and prestige that Juliet wanted for her guests. There was no better way to bring the Ton together - and of course, Juliet's gown was of the most beautifully made, a floral put together ensemble she had immediately needed to put together when coming up with this idea.

Juliet walked into the gardens, ever poised, bowing and greeting her guests with care, but even with a few things out of place, she found herself fiery with her staff. "Elizabeth, Elizabeth, please come here at once. Do the serving tea cups look aptly set in a proper row, or askew to you? I believe you know which - please fix that, my dear." The maid nodded at once, and Juliet nodded, smoothing her dress as she went on to greet everyone with a smile, letting out a stressed breath.

"And how are you enjoying yourself, is everything to your liking? I promise if it isn't, I will make sure it is personally." Juliet spoke, turning to a few of her guests, hoping - praying that one of them could be her beloved that was behind the scenes, but nevertheless - she had a job to do first.

[myvelvetvows]

open starter

location: queen anne’s lace and silk

The soft chime of the bell echoed through Queen Anne’s Lace and Silk, signaling the arrival of yet another patron. Alice looked up from where she had been adjusting a length of pale blue silk on a dress form, her keen eyes immediately assessing the newcomer. The Spring Matinee announcement had sent the Ton into a predictable flurry, and Alice fully intended to make the most of the opportunity.

With a warm, inviting smile, one that hinted at both charm and calculation, she stepped forward, hands neatly folded before her. “Welcome to Queen Anne’s Lace and Silk,” she said smoothly, her voice carrying the perfect balance of warmth and professionalism. “Might I assist you in selecting something extraordinary for the Spring Matinee? After all, an event hosted by House of Thorpe demands nothing less than perfection.” She tilted her head ever so slightly, waiting, the glint in her eye making it clear, Alice was prepared to turn anyone who stepped through her doors into the most enviable vision of the season. “Tell me, do you have a particular vision in mind, or shall I help you find one?”

[xofbenevolencex]

open to everyone

location: the diamond ball, royal ballroom, buckingham palace, london, england.

eleanor would be lying if she had said she expected to be one of the several women chosen amongst the ton. she knew that the queen had liked her, almost as one of her own, but not this much. making her way over to the dance floor, she quickly pulls out her dance card and smiles at her first suitor. "i assume you are here for a dance?" she asked, although she knew the answer already. "i must warn you, i have two left feet, i'm afraid." she admitted with a small chuckle.

[rosewcterdrunk]

open to: everyone ! location: the diamond ball, royal ballroom, buckingham palace, london, england.

"Are you looking for a profit, or a prophet?" Thayer asks, finding a place amongst the growing wall of those seeking something dazzling in order to set their interest a bloom. He swears it is hardly as lively as he thought it would be, colors beginning to grow dull compared to memories he's finally allowed into recollection. Some part of him swears it is grief, but he does long for return to this palace. More often than not this evening, Thayer looks to the fire of candlelight on each wall simply to make the saturation of the room burn to life when he turned away. "The way you look at these debutantes and suitors, some of them may think it a cure or a miracle to catch your eye," He says, the air too formal with titles and bland. "They mistake you for a prospect on the market."

[cordiallyhqs]

・.・𓂃۶ৎ ― HOUSE OF ALVARADO'S BARON'S CUP HORSE RACE WINNERS: good evening, the winners of the baron's cup are below! with a secretly played hand, the house of alvarado ensured their victory and the trophy made of gold and glamour remains theirs to keep. you didn't think they would give out their favor so easily, did you? all contestants, riders included, rode with vigor and confidence despite the clamor provided by onlookers and betting posts alike but only five won against the limitations of the hottest day of spring thus far and every trick thrown at them by the baron himself.

FIRST PLACE: Mister Javier Velasco sponsored by House of Alvarado & Glory's Edge, an Arabian horse

SECOND PLACE: Sir Domingo Alvarado sponsored by House of Alvarado & Laureado, a Turkoman horse

THIRD PLACE: Dame Honoria Wyndham sponsored by House of Mun & Storm Petal, a Thoroughbred horse

FOURTH PLACE: Mister Luis Mejia sponsored by House of Rosewood and Pie-O-My, a Thoroughbred horse

FIFTH PLACE: Mister Christian Talbot sponsored by House of Everley & Gallows, a Barb horse

[rulingladymun]

starter for @scaltra location: the diamond ball, buckingham palace

Seonghwa excelled at many things. Too many, if one were to ask her her. But if there was one skill in which she reigned undisputed, it was this—sniffing out those who did not belong. Which was why, between dances with tiresome, forgettable men, her attention drifted—lingered—on her.

Heavens above. She was exquisite. Perhaps one of the most beautiful women Seonghwa had ever seen. And that was no small feat, for she had seen many.

The final notes of the quadrille faded into the background. With practiced ease, she plucked two glasses of wine from a passing footman and made her way toward the beauty, a slow smile forming on her lips. "You are not of here, are you?" she remarked, skipping all pretense of pleasantries. Bluntness, after all, had always been her most trusted weapon.

She tilted her head, studying the woman before her, dark eyes glinting with intrigue. "And yet…" she mused, voice like velvet. "I feel as though I have seen you before. Curious, is it not?"

A calculated pause. Then, with a practiced grace, she extended one of the glasses toward the woman before her. "Tell me, my lady—would you care for a drink?"

[deliictum]

closed starter for @secretgcrdens (kit <3) where: at the hunt

If he took the time to closely evaluate each and every decision he'd made in his life so far, he'd still have trouble piecing together the chain of events that had lead him here. No matter how many branches he pushed away and out of his face they seemed to return tenfold, like the mythical Hydra, and Edmund had just about enough time to wonder if a classical rendition of the story of Hercules might be a fitting addition to next season's schedule when he dodged another twig coming down with doubled visciousness. "Dear Lord." Edmund muttered to himself, stumbling out of the undergrowth. It was becoming increasingly obvious that he was no country man but, then again, how could he be? If he thought about it, he had rarely if ever spent more than a day or two outside of the city. And he prefered to keep it this way.

Edmund had accepted the gracious invitation to the Sinclair estate on the grounds of coming along to provide entertainment - so whose idea had it been to bring him along to the hunt? He briefly recalled there being a task of some sort, an animal they had all been told to look out for, but that had been an hour ago - perhaps two? - and an hour and a half since he had become seperated from the rest of his group. With distaste he glanced down at the rifle he had slung across his shoulder. The idea of actually having to use the blasted thing did not seem particularly appealing.

But - there! Movement in the thicket! Yet as he tried to grab hold of the weapon he stumbled backwards, his peripheral vision catching sight of another human-shaped being. "Oh dear - forgive me, I am not-" a killer? a nobleman? the huntsman? "-accustomed to this." He gestured at the rifle with a laugh, amused at his own antics. "There was no harm done, I hope? I did not get you, did I?" Yet as he turned around he wished he had never lifted the corners of his mouth, wished he had taken off like a frightened rabbit into the undergrowth.

[plcthorahq]

starter for: open location: the ballroom, buckingham palace

"you know," countess emmeline started to muse, "i simply am delighted that folks like myself can now finally enter into known, open relationships with the queen's latest declaration of marriage being open to all." they spoke and looked over at whoever had just walked up to her, or passed her. truly, she was just speaking and confident someone would indulge them in a conversation. "the only thing i had wished was that there was a clearer way to discerning which ladies in attendance are open to... people other than men. she should have had people take a questionnaire and publish it. i shan't want to waste time on those not interested. i've done that enough over the years." emmeline said as she mused over all those years she hid her inclinations, how she and gee suffered in silence - hidden away. it was quite a relief to finally be honest and open.

[oferwood]

open starter at Goodwood Racetrack

There was a warm scent of freshly cut grass as William brushed down the flanks of his own horse, Cledwyn. While Cledwyn wasn’t a thoroughbred like most in Goodwood Race track, William knew that the horse could hold it’s own. He had William tending to him, day and night, every night for ten years, training, riding daily. The Baron’s Cup would be a breeze for a horse like that, but he was no lord. He was just a groom, easily hidden in the background so he had no place in such a competition. No, this was a game for those with titles, money, and names that opened doors. Not for a groom with mud on his boots and no pedigree to speak of. “Who do you think will win?” William asked Cledwyn, patting the horse’s as he was unaware someone was watching them both. It wasn’t a surprise, William had made a name for himself amongst those in the racing circuit for his care of horses, and skill with training them. 

[thenextlordthorpe]

OPEN STARTER | OPEN TO ALL LOCATION | Baron's Cup

Typically, he wasn't one to show support to his house of any kind but he was in the best mood he'd been in for a long time and didn't want to hide away. Besides, he'd made a promise and intended to be act like his future title demanded if it meant he'd keep his love safe. No, not love. Husband. Tobias made a big show of placing a bet on Mister Belgrave who was riding Adromeda. How fitting the name, taken from Greek mythology about a princess rescued by her future husband. It seemed close to fate like but he was aware that could be a side of effect of his elation. "Are you betting?" he asked, grinning and unable to peel his eyes away from the gold band lovingly placed on the forth finger on his left hand. It was a thick gold band with larimar stone in the middle all the way around. Something personal about their journey and he couldn't take his eyes away from it. "I'm betting on my families horse but I have put some coin on Meadow and Sir Jonathan riding."

[oforchestralsteel]

He laughed along with her and then pulled away. There was a moment of hesitation of course, but it didn't last more than just that moment. One of wanting to say something else, to speak more into existence. But this time he had learned and that felt...rewarding to know. That he could do this. And maybe it was one step closer to releasing the binds that fettered him so greatly. Maybe the fight between them had been something rewarding after all. More than he even initially realized.

"Of course. It is a tradition of ours and there are very few reasons for me to break them," He also left that one to linger. To be filled in with an unspoken realization. It was not meant to twist or be misconstrued, he hoped it was said with blessing. The eldest Sinclair bowed his head and then stepped away more. "You enjoy the rest of your evening. Let me know if you need anything."

Like him, Josephine was struggling to ignore the history that she and Atticus had. It was so palpable. There was nothing that Josephine wanted more than to want the same thing that Atticus wanted. She thought that it would have made things so much easier. To have the feelings she had for him and to know that they wanted different things was something which Josephine didn't know if she would ever properly wrap her head around. But as long as the two of them had each other, then Josephine was more than content with that. She needed to be. His friendship was too important to her for it to be any other way.

As the song ended, Josephine smiled up at Atticus. If they could have stolen moments like this going forward, then she would absolutely take it. "Well, that is good to know. Because I think i'm crazy enough as it is." She laughed. "I will not keep you too much longer, robin. But I am glad that we could have this dance."

[honeyedache]

location: the gala balcony opened to: everyone, come at me pls, even if we got a thread going 🤣

Who was this insipid Lady Whistledown and what was her motivation? Miss Juliet Thorpe was not a lady to be trifled with and many knew of that. A demanding, enchanting, warm and yet fiery nature was what she was - a nobility that she no doubt led with, but her words could cut to the core of many others. Her soft nature, ever so hidden, could be felt in the moment she read over her name several times, next to the insipid Mister William Erwood and her - her Oliver Heywood. His name even sent a chill down her spine, goosebumps and in that moment she felt utterly livid and exposed. Her love for Oliver, her Oliver, was the most kept secret she had ever had - and so who had told, who had seen? Juliet felt her thoughts going away with her, as she went to the balcony outside to catch some air.

No. This would not defeat her.

Juliet would not fall a victim of such viciousness, and so when she heard a few footsteps, she turned, tossing the wretched paper aside, over the balcony and smiled. "A paper full of treacherous, spiteful lies. Are we surprised at such a pristine event that there is always someone distasteful enough to try and ruin it? Well, then. I will not allow it, certainly not, not when I am have been waiting for this moment my entire life. No, no. No more of it, I won't hear of it. You must tell me - have you disturbed my peace for a good reason, I hope?"

[cordiallyhqs]

CORDIALLYHQS PRESENTS... HOUSE OF ALVARADO'S BARON CUP

when luck runs out, do the coffers stay full? play your hand or family's fortune against the strongest species in nature. all of mayfair is out in the open with no hallway or garden to hide in. who will you be keeping an eye on when the pistol signals the beginning of a race— are you running to or from something?

・.・𓂃۶ৎ OFF TO THE RACES! This is a mini event and participation is not required, but highly encouraged! Various mini events will be hosted by the families to provide opportunities with canon events to fully emerge into the social scene, inspire new threads and connections, and entice the ton.

EVENT SUMMARY

With spring creating the perfect weather for the races, House of Alvarado rings in the season by inviting all of Mayfair to their infamous Baron's Cup Race. With stands for all to see the horses racing, sponsored by illustrious houses of the ton, many travel far from London to watch and place their bets. However, not everything is as it seems. There are those who would like to take the horses for themselves, bet against winners under the table, and get patrons drunk enough to entice them to place their bets poorly. Others are focused on catching the eye of a contestant who has finally made their presence known in London, or others taking the crowd and using it to their advantage to avoid a courtship, family members, or make their way to a clandestine meeting. Will you be fortunate in your gambling, or is it more than your at stake?

GUIDELINES

The event officially begins Wednesday, 4/30 at 12 pm EST.

The event will end on Wednesday, 5/7 at 12 pm EST.

You can continue non-event threads but please prioritize event threads!

The first two open starters do not need to follow the starter rule, but all open starters after must respond to two open starters before being posted. There is no start rule for closed starters.

IN-CHARACTER PARTICIPATION & TASK

Participation in the event is voluntary. Mini events serve as canon in-character social events happening throughout the social season involving noble houses and extend invitation to citizens of Mayfair.

If your character is going to be racing, please message the main so they can be added as a contestant to be betted on!

The event will be one day in-character starting from morning to the late afternoon.

Business owners are encouraged to have stands at the event to sell goods!

OFFICIAL NPC RACERS & CONTESTANTS

Sir Jonathan Moore sponsored by House of Hermance & Meadow, Thoroughbred horse

Mister Christian Talbot sponsored by House of Everley & Gallows, a Barb horse

Mister Luis Mejia sponsored by House of Rosewood and Pie-O-My, a Thoroughbred horse

Mister Augustus Fletcher sponsored by House of Whitlock & Lady Comet, a Thoroughbred horse

Miss Edith Cooke sponsored by House of Whitlock & Cinnamon, a Barb horse

Sir Rupert Worthing sponsored by House of Grant & Belladonna, a Thoroughbred horse

Mister Julian Halbridge sponsored by House of Locke & Nightshade, an Hunter horse

Mister Amos Locke, sponsored by House of Locke & Dash, a Thoroughbred horse

Dame Honoria Wyndham sponsored by House of Mun & Storm Petal, a Thoroughbred horse

Sir Shayan Moradi sponsored by House of Claremont & Ashkar, a Turkoman horse

Mister Aslan Demir sponsored by House of Kara & Altinay the Untamed, an Arabian horse

Mister Javier Velasco sponsored by House of Alvarado & Glory's Edge, an Arabian horse

Sir Domingo Alvarado sponsored by House of Alvarado & Laureado, a Turkoman horse

Mister Leigh Merriweather sponsored by House of Sinclair & Ravenshire, a Thoroughbred horse

Lord Callum Sinclair sponsored by House of Sinclair & Dusty, a Thoroughbred horse

Mister William Erwood sponsored by House of Sinclair & Cledwyn, a Welsh Stallion

Mister Reginald Belgrave sponsored by House of Thorpe & Andromeda, a Hunter horse

Some ideas for muse participation are...

betting on the horse races, being dragged by a family member to support them and keep them from betting too much money, gambling on the race, sneaking to flirt with a horse rider, a courtship invitation to the races, sneak away behind the tents for a clandestine meeting, accidentally cheering for the wrong horse, investigating behind the stables, a rival throwing off the race, racing in the race yourself!, stealing a horse, accidentally becoming a contestant to either avoid meeting with a suitor/courtship or a family member pestering them, giving a special token or glove to a rider and causing a jealous scandal or an evident favor for all of the ton and mayfair to see (is it political or romantic?), sabotaging gear to help with a bet or being blackmailed to do so, falling into haystacks, a horse refuses to race and someone becomes an impromptu horse whisperer, finding something trampled in the dirt like a jewel or love letter or secret document not meant for their eyes, spilling lemonade on someone because of the excitement or on purpose, hiding an gambling addiction, wagering a family heirloom, two enemies who have to work together to fix the odds against their bet, a painter capturing the scene on canvas and getting distracted by a gossip, a message delivered to the wrong person during the race, a respectable tea tent turned into card games, a debutante disguising themselves to place bets under the table with other nobles, a pair of gloves found from the day before the event speculate scandal in the haystack, a drunk family member bringing the wrong kind of attention, someone stumbling on to the track, escaping into the crowd to avoid someone whether its courting/blackmail/confrontation, distracting a chaperone, a chaperone losing who they are suppose to be watching, a scandalous miniature circulating the viewers of the race, fainting from the heat or a corset or seeing someone else, a bet to charm someone instead of focusing on the horses, looking for lady whistledown, starting rumors that circulate the race in one open starter that ripple into other threads!

DETAILS TO KEEP IN MIND

The Baron's Cup is a prestigious horse race where the winner receives a trophy cup and honor. The House of Alvarado has been hosting this event for decades, making this trophy highly sought after by horse racers and patrons of the sport.

Many noble house may support certain riders and provide horses they have bred and trained under their name.

Horse races are notorious to immerse oneself into the ton, giving the perfect chance to see everyone in broad daylight and out in the open as oppose to the quarters offered by a ball or soiree.

There is heavy gambling at these events! Settle your debts, get into debt, throw out accusations of fixing the race, bet openly or in secret for higher stakes!

Wear your best outfit because this is just another display of power, taste, and prestige!

Horses that are racing are typically "Thoroughbred" horses that are crossed from English horses and Arabian, Barb, and Turkoman horses. They are known for their speed and stamina on flat tracks and call also be called "blood horses." Other horse types are Hunters that are bred for field sport but also raced in cross country races with longer tracks and can jump, though they are typically not seen at formal races. Arabian horses are known for their endurance and are rare, and are also known to be smaller than Thoroughbreds and Hunters. A Barb is a North African breed or hose and is typically known for their agility. Turkoman horses are tall and slim but has immense speed and endurance, originating from Central Asia. A Hackney is typically the breed of horse used to haul carriages, but perhaps someone has tried to train their horse for the race!