#presenting... juliet thorpe

[edward-st-george]

closed starter @honeyedache // outside the Thorpe manor

The morning air had that crisp edge to it, just enough to make Edward's coat feel more like a second skin than a mere garment. He leaned against the stone wall outside the grand Thorpe manor, one boot perched casually on the edge of the fountain, waiting. His eyes flickered toward the entrance, watching as servants hurried about, no doubt working to clean up the messes only wealth and privilege could afford. The whole estate reeked of money and propriety, but Edward wasn’t fooled by the polished facade. He had come here for one reason, and one reason only—payment, waiting for the servant who’d promised to deliver it.

It wasn’t long before his attention shifted to a more interesting sight. The lady of the hour, Miss Juliet Thorpe, emerged from the manor’s grand doors, walking with a grace that screamed nobility, even if her reputation whispered scandal. Edward’s gaze flicked toward her, sharp and calculating, as she stepped out of the grand doors. There was nothing remarkable about her appearance at first glance—save for the slight shift in her figure that caught his attention. She moved with practiced grace, her head held high as she carried herself like a woman accustomed to the weight of society’s judgment. But there was something in the way she walked, a subtle change in the way she held herself, that hinted at a secret she’d rather not share.

Without missing a beat, Edward straightened and tipped his hat to her, his eyes glinting with that familiar roguish charm. "Miss Thorpe," he greeted, his voice smooth, as though they were old acquaintances—though, truth be told, they'd hardly exchanged any pleasantness. "I trust your day is as full of intrigue as the rest of your life?” He didn't wait for an answer, his smirk widening, as though to savor the moment. "Shame to see such an exquisite lady tangled in all this... scandal. But then again, what else could we expect from such a tempting figure?” His words, lightly tinged with sarcasm, were delivered with a casual air that suggested he was more interested in the opportunity to needle her than in any sympathy.

[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.

[cordiallyhqs]

・.・𓂃۶ৎ ― BUCKINGHAM PALACE PRESENTS... THE DIAMOND OF THE SEASON

Upon the debut ceremony, the most exquisite of women reintroduce themselves formally to high society to win the honor of the queen's promise to guide them to eternal happiness. Every debutante presented with grace, promise, and hope. Queen Anne II remains certain that this season will be the most prosperous, ringing in for a new generation of Great Britain's nobility. The following debutantes of the ton made quiet the impression after a hundred ceremonious introductions...

Miss Cassandra Lockridge, sponsored by Lord Callum Sinclair

Miss Lilith Claremont, sponsored by her brother Sir Thayer Claremont

Lady Lydia Rosewood, sponsored by her mother the Dowager Viscountess Rosewood

Lady Juliet Thorpe, sponsored by her mother Lady Thorpe

Miss Eleanor Winthrop, sponsored by her mother

Lady Isadora Hermance, sponsored by her mother the Dowager Countess Hermance

Every debutante sparkled, but one stood out as the most precious of all her crystalized subjects— Lady Maude Whitlock, daughter to the Duke of Whitlock. Her tantalizing nature drew an eye from every corner of the room, curiosity rippling through the throne room as if looking for her next move to dare them how to act. She commands the room and her presence is one that you cannot ignore. The lady's demeanor is one that comes from her soul. She is the face of a new generation, the most genuine of all her gems, and worthy of a red lipped love match blessed by the queen.

Read below for more in-character details.

Hello, members! The queen has announced her diamond, Lady Maude Whitlock, and named all of the debutantes in play as some of the most alluring of her precious subjects. All of these debutantes have been given the blessing of the queen to find a love match this season, meaning they have been given an honor to be eyed by suitors as the perfect catch. The diamond is the highest honor, placing the debutante not only at the forefront of the marriage market but under every form of praise and scrutiny. This will be formally announced at the beginning of the diamond ball in part two of hour event that goes live 2/12 at 12 PM EST. This is simply a formal canon post for what is leading up to part two in the event. The queen will be announcing other precious diamonds as the season progresses dependent on their behaviors, or failures. Other recognitions will be handed out through the scandal column and through Buckingham Palace. You may not be a diamond, but maybe you're a Rake (with a a capital R). Remember, Lady Whistledown will make or break you.

[bxtterwaters]

It seemed that Juliet was ignoring the stares and whispers the best she could, and while Lysander would’ve much preferred if she didn't have to suffer it at all, he supposed he could overlook them too if only for her sake. Thus, he allowed her to pull him along like a dog on a leash, fighting the genuine smile that always threatened to settle on his face when Juliet Thorpe was present. It always amused him when she referred to him as a childhood friend when truthfully, he was long out of his teenage years by the time she hit ten - a fact which honestly only made him all the more fond of her, and all the more protective.  “How could I not?” He nodded in agreement, following along dutifully as she fawned over one dress in particular. This was how she was supposed to look - happy, excited, all smiles and sparkling eyes. This was how he remembered her best. “It is rather beautiful, I agree - even I can see that. And beauty compliments beauty, darling Juliet, so I believe you should get it if it pleases you so.” She deserved something nice, after everything she had gone through, and indeed everything she was about to.

The sweet moment was short lived. Lysander looked to the woman who insisted Juliet shouldn’t touch, eyes narrowing in suspicion. Had he realised where this was going, he would’ve spoken up sooner, but he had wrongfully assumed no one would be stupid enough to say something so cruel to nobility, nor to deny business when it was available. But he watched as this witch all but mocked his darling friend, and in a rare moment, just as Juliet, he was stunned into silence. It was when the snooty woman addressed him directly that his temper reared. How dare this woman look down on Juliet? How dare they all smirk and laugh behind their hands, whispering like old maids with nothing better to do?  He had watched Juliet grow up as a Bennett, he had watched over her since she was a young child. A spoiled little lady with all the charm and wit needed to command a room, a young girl who knew what she wanted and that she would absolutely get it - not too unlike himself, he supposed, but from very different circumstances. She had been given everything, and he had always taken, and although to most that should turn him against them… Juliet Bennett was an exception. He was there when she lost her father, and again when she became a Thorpe. He was always there. As the youngest of his own siblings, and not particularly well liked by them, he never truly knew what it was like to feel loved and to love someone in such a way. This scrappy slip of a girl who yelled at him in the streets one day for accidentally dirtying her dress? Well, she had firmly worked her way into the position of a sister, even if not by blood. And someone had dared to upset her? Well, that just would not do.  Several stages of anger washed over him - shock, irritation, pure rage… and then a quiet calm. Shouting and lashing out would do no good, it would only tarnish his own reputation, and perhaps even harm Juliet’s further - besides, he didn't want her to see him like that. No, he needed to be calm and poignant about this. He ignored Juliet’s plea’s to leave, now focused on the much bigger picture.   “I do find it interesting, ma’am,” he spoke calmly, but his sharp gaze burned into the seamstress as he addressed her, “that you would look down upon someone for the sinful act of, what? Falling in love? When it is in fact, your husband, who gambles away any money you do make within this shop down at the docks during his work hours.” Never mind that Lysander himself took part in the very same gambling when he found himself bored, as the docks were easy pickings - a minor detail. “And, in fact, I believe he has been spotted multiple times near the Town’s brothels. So perhaps Miss Juliet is better off not giving you her coin, and in fact, you should thank her for preventing your husband from continuing his nasty habits? Perhaps it is your hands people should question the touch of - after all, we do not know where your husband has been, if you indeed touch him at all. though, if you did, he would have no need for a brothel, would he?”

All Juliet could do was merely pretend the stares, the whispers and show of it all was not there - it was all she could do. She had quite thought about fighting back, as she usually would, with her fierce, fiery nature, but what would that dearly do besides further disgrace her and then her family? Sweet Beatrice, sweet Alistair, George and Hunter - not to mention her own brother, sweet little Emily and of course - her Oliver. She held herself always together, with poise, with elegance, and she was quite known for that, but her armor had grown quite worn by now, the endless insults and whispered ridicule relentless, which was why she had stayed home, hidden, as her mother had wanted her to do. You have disgraced yourself and this family enough - you are to stay home and do not dare to venture out. Lord Thorpe had been kinder perhaps, of course he had - but at this point in time, had not spoken to him yet.

Shooting her beloved friend a playful smile, Juliet took his hand, dragging him inside the unnamed, yet favored pristine dress shop. "You will dearly forget about your horses for one day, Mister Lysander, and indulge me. How could you not? There will be horse races tomorrow and other every day, but a day with your beloved childhood friend buying a new, beautiful dress, a dress such as this?" Juliet gasped, touching the fabric with such care and adoring eyes.

"Could you not imagine such a sight with me in this dress? I've had my eye on it for so long now." She crooned, dreaming of wearing it for her beloved Oliver, the dreams of it in her head no doubt keeping her from her sad realities for a while.

A few whispers and alarm, a judgmental silence fell over the dress shop as Juliet touched the dress, entered the dress shop and one of the women seamstresses came over. Miss Thorpe. We would much oblige for you to keep your hands to yourself and not on such precious fabric. We do not know where your hands have no doubt been. Juliet had been taken aback by the words, as she looked upon the modiste with disbelief.

"I - I realize perhaps one should not touch without the intention of buying, of course, however I was here to purchase such a lovely dress." Juliet tried to smile, but the woman had haughtily smirked, reaching forward to take the dress from her. That will simply not do, Miss Thorpe. You can imagine that we only sell to the nobles of Mayfair, of the most pristine and beautiful women. You have - how do we say this now, Miss Thorpe? You have indeed dropped from that category, have you not? Therefore, we are not able to allow you to purchase the dress, or any other dress in this shop. In fact, we would like you to leave.

Juliet felt as if someone had scarcely punched her in the gut - as then judgmental stares and now giggles from other noble women filled the store. It was her humiliation - they had lived for it, wanted it, and had waited for her to touch such a dress to give it to her, to humiliate her in front of everyone, in front of Lysander as well. Hot, burning tears filled her eyes as she had, uncharacteristically, been at a loss for words. A few tears slipped from her eye as she had never, in her entire life, even dreamed of having being kicked out from a place.

Besides, Miss Thorpe, soon enough you will not even able to fit into one of our beautiful dresses, isn't that true? We would not want the ruin of some servant man's child to be shown off in one of our dresses. Another blow, another insult and Juliet had swallowed hard, breathing quite heavily at the rage, embarrassment and horror she felt. The woman had turned to Lysander, a smile on her face.

If you could take Miss Thorpe and remove her from our shop, we would most appreciate it. Thank you, sir. Juliet had begged for words to come out from her mouth, just as they always had, but she could not form any. The seamstresses walked away, and her chance was ruined, as the other women in the shop still giggled and whispered. Juliet looked to her dear friend, unable to meet his eyes in shame and embarrassment as she swallowed hard.

"Le-Let us - Let us go, shall we?"

[hollyoaksloversx]

Goodbye, Myra...

Rounding up a week in Hollyoaks (25th-29th March 2019)

Hold the front page, for this week, a Mercedes McQueen wedding actually went off without a hitch! Unfortunately, the same couldn’t be said for her Mother, Myra, so sadly we’re still no closer to seeing a successful McQueen double wedding. At the start of the week, Liam was still causing trouble for Mercedes, but she finally stood up to him and told him she wouldn’t be threatened. Myra, on the other hand, had a serious case of pre-marital guilt, having shared a snog with Stevie Scaramouche a few weeks back. As everyone gathered at The Dog for the ceremony, Myra was having a meltdown in the toilets over the situation, but Nana and Scott convinced her to keep shutm, reasoning that what Sally didn’t know couldn’t hurt her. Unfortunately, once the trio had left, a heartbroken Sally emerged from one of the cubicles...

Mercedes and Sylver got married first, giving Sally plenty of time to question whether or not she was doing the right thing. When Sally and Myra’s turn came, a video message from John Paul was played, and it looked like Sally might just go through with it. However, Sally confronted Myra over her kiss and told her she couldn’t marry her. The following day, Sally made plans to leave the village, however, Myra shocked everyone by announcing that she would leave instead, pointing out that she was the reason that the wedding hadn’t gone ahead. Myra departed the village in spectacular fashion; riding off in a giant pumpkin to join Jacqui and Michaela in Alicante. One would hope that Myra wasn’t planning on travelling all the way to the airport in the pumpkin. That thing on the motorway is an accident waiting to happen. Future Hollyoaks stunt, maybe?

Meanwhile, Damon and Brody were busy preparing the Loveboat for the launch of whatever their latest business idea is and wannabe journalist, Yasmine, was on hand to interview the pair for her vlog. Of course, we know that it is Brody and Damon’s dream to open their own bar in New York, but this was news to Maxine and she was left devastated when Liberty showed her Yasmine’s vlog, in which the pair spoke about their future plans. Damon was soon distracted from his renovations when Maxine was rushed to hospital, once again experiencing some strange symptoms. At the hospital, Misbah was left baffled by Maxine’s symptoms, and arranged for a lumbar puncture to take place. However, Maxine did a runner before this could take place but told Damon this was going to be carried out at a later date. Back at the boat, Damon was in a right state over Maxine’s condition and worried that he wouldn’t be able to support her, pointing out that Maggie had kept her cancer a secret due to his inability to cope. Luckily, Brody was able to convince Damon otherwise, and Damon ended the week by inviting himself to move in with Maxine and Minnie...

Elsewhere, Romeo found himself in a tight spot as he faced questioning over Mac’s death. Luckily, the police were unable to find any concrete evidence of his involvement and he was released whilst investigations continued. Meanwhile, over at the school, Juliet was having a tough time coming to terms with her Father’s murder and Brother’s arrest, and barricaded herself in a classroom and threatened to burn the school down. Whilst Laurie, Sienna and Nancy flapped about trying and failing to deal with the situation, Brooke had a brainwave and knew just the person who could help; Darren. Luckily, Brooke’s instincts were correct and Hollyoaks High was saved from another fiery disaster. Juliet was delighted to find that Romeo had been released, however, she was left frustrated by the fact that no one wanted to talk about Mac. However, Juliet found an ally in Marnie, who shared some stories about Mac in his youth and told Juliet that she could always come to her if she wanted to remember her Father.

Also this week, Liam’s downward spiral continued and almost cost him his life when Joel found him having a drug induced seizure at The Loft. Joel rushed the wannabe gangster to hospital but was left alarmed when he heard Liam calling out for Eva in his sleep. With the support of Jesse, Liam acknowledged that he wasn’t over Eva and began to re-evaluate his life choices...

Finally, Sinead was seething with jealousy when she discovered that Laurie and Sienna were going on a school camping trip together. This information also came as news to Sienna, who had not yet been approached about the excursion, and was less than keen knowing that she would be going with Laurie. Sally also wasn’t impressed with the idea, given the history between the pair, but Laurie was quick to reassure her that they had put the kiss behind them and would be sleeping in separate tents anyway. However, Laurie was later seen ripping up one of the tents...

5 Things we Learned This Week:

1. Sun is more important than family. We’ve heard all manner of excuses over the years as to why absent family members can’t make weddings and other such events but this has to be one of the worst, given by Jacqui and Michaela McQueen this week. What happened to a good old fashioned tummy bug preventing a character from boarding the plane?! At least pretend you want to come, guys!

2. Moving to Hollyoaks sucks, and Juliet’s just realised it. Juliet’s only lived in the village for a couple of months but has already had to endure more trauma than most people do in a lifetime. She met her long lost Father, then discovered he was a bit of a bastard, had to deal with her Brother being arrested for her Father’s murder and now she’s sharing a house with Cindy and Marnie. Poor kid, especially when you consider that her life prior to Hollyoaks was nothing to write home about...

3. Myra McQueen exists purely to be given bizarre exits. Remember her first goodbye back in 2013? She was seemingly shot dead by Doctor Browning into a body of water only to turn up alive and well at the airport a couple of days later. This time, she’s heading off for a new life in a horse drawn pumpkin.  I fully expect her to be abducted by aliens next time she departs the village!

4. Grief is a funny old thing. Liam had only known Eva for a few months when she died, yet he’s spent the last two years in a deep depression over her death. He’s actually been grieving for her for far longer that he knew her. On the other hand, other characters move on from the death of a loved one at break-neck speed. Remember Carmel kissing Sonny in the cemetery when poor Jim’s grave hadn’t yet been filled in?

5. Breda’s the gift that keeps on giving. What does every son want from his Mother as a wedding present? That’s right, for her to move in with him and his new wife! Oh, Breda, why would you think this was a good idea? And it’s surely just going to give Mercedes even more reason to ignore poor Max and Bobby!

Doreen Watch:

It was nice and unexpected to get a little update on how Doreen’s doing since the death of the legendary DS Thorpe. She’s got herself a nice little job on the switch board at Minnie Cabs and her biscuits are far more tempting than Damon’s knickerbocker glory. 

Characters Featured:

Bobby, Breda, Brody, Brooke, Carmina, Cindy, Cleo, Courtney, Damon, Darren, DS Yates, Goldie, Grace, Jack, James, Jesse, Joel, John Paul, Juliet, Laurie, Liam, Liberty, Marnie, Max, Maxine, Mercedes, Minnie, Misbah, Mitchell, Myra, Nana McQueen, Nancy, Prince, Sally, Sami, Scott, Sienna, Sinead, Sylver, Tony and Yasmine.

Past Characters Mentioned:

Dr Paul Browning, Pete Buchanan, Riley Costello, Adam Donovan, Glenn Donovan, Eva Falco, Maggie Kinsella, Jacqui McQueen, Matthew McQueen, Michaela McQueen, Reenie McQueen, Mac Nightingale, Russ Owen, Joe Roscoe.

[montrealroleplay2]

BEST DRESSED COMPETITION—

Hello, wonderful members of Montreal RP! I present you with a three poll polling system that was promised at the beginning of the event. The admins have compiled the list of outfits in the tag and added them to both the lists below and three different polls separated by gender and non gender. This poll will be updated as more outfits come in, though you have until the 10th to post your outfit. From now until the 14th, the polls will then be opened to you all, as you decide on who is best dressed. A few things first. There is repeat voting, yes. However, I am notified when someone votes for a certain character, or even their own, multiple times. Though we are cool with poppin’ a few votes onto the same person or your character, we will disqualify anyone who simply goes in and repeatedly votes for a particular character because you want them to win that badly. Be fair, be chill and don’t get so worked up over a fake competition please! It’s no fun if one person gives themselves like 20 votes. Now, let’s get this going, right!?

Female Attendees —

Alessia Harrington

Annabelle Lockwood

Arabella Locksley

Asher Prescott

Bambi Davis

Cataleya Escobar

Constance Lavalle

Edmee Fischer Adams

Eleanor Holm

Gabriela Casillas

Hattie Thorpe

Holly Berne

Morgan James

Jamie Mizrahi

Juliet Fairmont

Layne Harrington

Liana Hunt

Lux Barnes

Phoebe Matthews

Roisin Dubois

Sienna Bauer

Sophia Milestone

Vera Nixon

Yennifer Aguilar

Vote Here!

Male Attendees —

Adam Bauer

Arslan Karahan

Daniel Gauthier

Gannon O’Ahearn

Jacob Bennett

James Spencer

Lucas Grey

Malachi Croft

Maverick Braeden

Micah Lacroix

Seth Casillas

Trent Reed

Vincent Nixon

Vote Here!

Non Binary Attendees —

Isabel Meadows

Victoria Nixon

Vote Here!

Note: If your name isn’t on this list but you are in the tag currently, let me know and I’ll add it! Also, I will be reblogging this and updating it as more outfits come into the tag. You have until the 14th to vote! Have fun!

[honeyedache]

location: thorpe dining room closed starter for @luvished (this was in my drafts foreverrrr and i literally could not find it)

There was nothing more than Juliet loved to do than to put on a high tea, even if it were just for two people, like today. She adored having it, the presentation, the grandness of it all - it was a tradition she took a lot of pride in. Her governesses had always complimented her on her attention to detail and when it came to detail - no one was more poised than Miss Juliet Thorpe. Having Miss Cecilia over, a Sinclair to say the least - it was all part of a careful detail plan to gather as much intel as she could on scandals. Why not? The Sinclairs were the center of such fraught scandal and Juliet wanted to know more - as she always wanted to. When her maids had told her Miss Cecilia had arrived, Juliet smiled, her warm, engaging smile as the lady entered.

"Miss Cecilia Sinclair. Aren't you just the sight for sore eyes, my lady? Please, come in, and welcome to the Thorpe household. We have all of the fixings for tea - whatever you fancy. Please, do be seated." Juliet smiled, bowing kindly to her before being seated herself. "How are you faring, Miss Cecilia?"

[pridefullthorpe]

Miss Beatrice Bennett, the distant cousin from his wife, using his name and legacy to further her own advancements. Lord Matthew Thorpe could not begrudge the tactic it was almost compendable but to saddle herself to a family he deemed beneath them in everything but titles. “I have not spoken to no one nor do I deem it pressing currently. I would much rather speak of you and your comings and goings.” The Lord’s words were measured, calm almost. The young lady before him had done little damage compared to the others. “Miss Beatrice Bennett has a peculiar penchant for collecting broken things—and the Marquess’s own son, Lord Callum Sinclair, is no exception. The two, so effortlessly captivating, glide through society with a harmony that is nothing short of exquisite. Is there to be an offer presented shortly?”

The Lord paused his words shifting his gaze from the paper to Beatrice Bennett and the mention of Juliet had him wondering was this woman more suited to the Thorpe name? "What would kindness achieve? More scandals, more whispers in society?” Love sometimes demanded firmness and the unmarried Thorpes and Bennetts were in dire need. “Kindness is an impossible task, but I can be fair.” Fairness means everyone gets what they need and the Lord would ensure that his house was in order before the seasons end. 

The Thorpe house was one of the last places that Beatrice wanted to be. After everything that had been revealed, she was sure that the household would be in complete disarray. She was sure that it would not be the best place to be. But then she thought about Juliet, who didn't have a choice about being there and she knew that she needed to at least show her face. She needed her cousin to know that she'd be there for her through thick and thin. There had been a part of her that wanted to avoid Lord Thorpe. She was sure that he, of all people, would be the most furious about everything that had happened. She knew that she couldn't avoid him forever though, so she made her way to his office.

Beatrice took a deep breath before she knocked and quickly entered. She cringed a little as he cast the paper aside. She should have known that would be what he wanted to talk about. "It - it did not look too favourably on the Thorpes." She nodded, sighing a little. "Have you spoke to George? I think he needs your support right now." She knew she had no right to demand anything from him and yet that wasn't even the biggest ask she had for him. "Lord Thorpe, I beg you show Juliet kindness. And not only Juliet but Mister Haywood, too." She thought for a moment before she spoke again, "I understand how this makes the family look but she needs her family. Now more than ever."

[cordiallyhqs]

+ 6 DEBUTANTES BEING PRESENTED TO QUEEN ANNE II...

if you would like your muse to be presented at the debut ceremony or to sponsor another muse/npc, please send an ask (not direct message) to the main. all debutantes must have a sponsor, typically a mother/family member/head of household. this can be an npc. please submit this before 2/7.

Miss Lilith Claremont, sponsored by Sir Thayer Claremont

Miss Cassandra Lockridge, sponsored by Lord Callum Sinclair

Lady Juliet Thorpe, sponsored by Lady Thorpe

Lady Maude Whitlock, sponsored by the Duke of Whitlock

Lady Caroline Rosewood, sponsored by Viscountess Rosewood

Lady Lydia Rosewood, sponsored by the Dowager Viscountess Rosewood

[cordiallyhqs]

+ 4 DEBUTANTES BEING PRESENTED TO QUEEN ANNE II...

if you would like your muse to be presented at the debut ceremony or to sponsor another muse/npc, please send an ask (not direct message) to the main. all debutantes must have a sponsor, typically a mother/family member/head of household. this can be an npc.

Miss Lilith Claremont, sponsored by her brother Sir Thayer Claremont

Miss Cassandra Lockridge, sponsored by Lord Callum Sinclair

Lady Juliet Thorpe, sponsored by her mother Lady Thorpe (npc)

Lady Maude Whitlock, sponsored by the Duke of Whitlock (npc)

Lady Caroline Rosewood, sponsored by Viscountess Rosewood (npc)

[rosewcterdrunk]

"I told you I had one last commitment, and you agreed," Thayer insisted. "You did not ask where we were going."

He knew would have protested, and so he feigned innocence as needed. The day would remain calm, almost too slow that any change in pace was welcomed with ease. His invitation to the matinee came by surprise as he was certain Miss Juliet would have thrown it into the fireplace if her mother insisted, but the invitation was brought to his bedchamber that morning pending acceptance.

"Enjoy yourself, just for the first round of presentations. After, I will bribe a servant to let you slip out their quarters if it is positively torturous, yes? You can take the carriage back yourself."

As the door is pulled open, Thayer replaces the footman and holds out his hand for her.

"Amuse me, and we can settle the score another time," He said. As she takes his hand, they enter the Thorpe Manor— to be determined if they were making an alliance, or entering enemy territory.

END.

The carriage began to slow its pace sooner than expected. Cassandra pulled aside the curtain as her eyes narrowed on the home that was was starkly different then the Sinclair manor. Immediately, her head turned towards Thayer whose eyes looked away from hers.

"You lied," she interjected. Thayer had offered her the promise of an afternoon out to forget about the troubles that seemed to follow the Sinclair's. Her anger with him had not dissipated and she was sure he was trying mend the broken parts of their relationship. Except seeing the Thorpe manor outside of their carriage only angered her more.

"I told you that I would not be going," she spat at him, "their rudeness knows no bounds. The way they believe some scandal sheet as if it is the law," she scoffed. Cassandra knew the difference between right and wrong and this was wrong, "I bet any mama at the ton would have done what the Marchioness would have done," she reasoned, "yet we cast them aside."

Cassandra knew that she would not be able to get herself out of this one, but she would voice her displeasure.

[edward-st-george]

Edward, to his credit, looked entirely unbothered. If anything, her outburst seemed to amuse him, the corners of his mouth twitching in barely concealed delight. He wiped down the bar with a slow, deliberate motion, as if considering her words, before exhaling in a long, dramatic sigh. "Oh, Miss Thorpe," he mused, shaking his head with the kind of indulgence one might afford a particularly willful child. "You wound me. And here I thought we were getting along so well."

He leaned forward, resting his forearms on the bar, his dark eyes gleaming with a mixture of mischief and challenge. "Now, you see, you claim not to look down upon people, yet here I sit—a knight, mind you, whether you choose to acknowledge it or not—reduced in your eyes to nothing more than a common rat." His smirk deepened. "Curious, don’t you think? You call me Mister St. George, despite my title, and yet, if I were some poor farmer’s boy who had miraculously found himself in knighthood, I’d wager you’d be singing quite a different tune." He tsked, shaking his head. "No, I must not be one of those lower-born souls you hold so dear. A shame, really. I do so love an underdog."

He plucked up a bottle, refilled her glass without asking, and lifted his own in an ironic toast. "As for Whistledown… now that is an interesting reaction. A lady who claims to pay no mind to gossip, yet speaks of it with such passion. The lady protests too much, methinks." He chuckled, taking a slow sip. "But of course, you wouldn’t know anything about the whispers that surround your own name, would you? No, of course not. You rise above it all—how noble." Edward sighed, tilting his head as though contemplating some great mystery. "But tell me, Miss Thorpe, if Lady Whistledown’s words mean nothing, if they hold no power over you, then why waste your breath defending yourself against them? Why the dramatics? Why the fire in your words?" He clicked his tongue. "It is not the gossip that holds power, my dear. It is the reaction to it."

He took another sip, watching her over the rim of his glass. "And as for my own reputation—well, I do not pretend to be anything I am not. I am no paragon of virtue, nor do I wish to be. Unlike you, I do not waste my time railing against the existence of the game while still playing it." He set his glass down with a decisive clink. "The difference between us, Miss Thorpe, is that I acknowledge the world for what it is. You, on the other hand, still seem to think you can fight it." His smile was slow, lazy, deliberately provoking. "But do carry on. Your outrage is truly the most entertainment I’ve had all evening."

Juliet had had enough of men and their mischievous, all knowing smiles - and he had had enough of them and others speculating and speaking to her as if she were a little girl being scolded. It entirely reminded her of what her mother would say and do and as the man spoke to her, she rolled her eyes, most dramatically, and looked away, disgusted with his words. "I am not the sort of noble woman that would ever look down anyone, Mister St George. Merely I am the sort of woman that rather thinks a man speaking to any woman, noble or not, in such regard is rather poor taste in manners and perhaps needs a lesson or two in how to gracefully greet and speak to them. I apologize - you must have not gotten such etiquette lessons from wherever the depths of where you came from. I can only imagine." She mumbled the last part under her breath with another dramatic sigh.

"You needn't apologize for anything, Mister St George - I only mean to say that if you participate and agree with such gossip that you are no better than the fear monger that she is. My, would you really like to be aligned with such a debaucherous article?" Juliet arched her eyebrows and narrowed her eyes at him. "If I were you, Mister St George, I would much rather pay more attention in your business than the sordid tales of Lady Whistledown. Her words mean nothing - and the mere fact that you know so much tells me you must hold a few secrets of your own. Mister Heywood is a most trusted butler of mine, and Mister Erwood is - " She had to scoff at his name even, shaking her head. "A most poor soul that I have only encountered against my own will. There is no story, only that depressing souls like yourself use for money and your own coin. How very sad, to make coin off of the very lies of this column that can destroy lives and reputation. Should I expect nothing less from a man that keeps it so close though?" Juliet sniped back, letting out a breath.

"I suppose like rats, trash keeps them entertained, so perhaps there is a common thread there, Mister St George. Perhaps you should find your own entertainment elsewhere - or a more honorable way to spend your time as you are, after all, a knight. How sad."

[thenextlordthorpe]

“You don’t know anything about it,” be snaps right back at her, angry searing through him the more he thought about what she had done, and the assumptions made about him. “If he favoured you and your brother so much then he could have made one of you his heir instead of having me back here. If I were such a disappointment as you said, then why didn’t he leave me out there? He could have. I’d have wanted it. Instead, he wanted his so-called disappointment back. Maybe the opposite is true. He thought he could use his new family, but the disappointment lies with you and that’s why I’m back.” That wasn’t true and he knew it, but it felt like something he wanted to throw out at her. “He’s tried to talk to me as your mother knows but it is I who gives him nothing but silence. You tell that to Emily? You who’s on offspring will be no heir to anything but the Butlers overalls?” He laughs and its cruel, mocking. “And what would she learn from you? How to pay the servants in something other than coin?”

The satisfaction was all over his face seeing that his words about her father had cut her so deep. How different it had changed from earlier in the conversation, but he couldn’t answer that claim with the appearance of Juliet’s mother taking over.

“I’m lying?!” he calls out over her pleas to her mother. “The evidence is on the floor, smashed by your very shoe and I need only speak to the jeweller you took these from to have a witness to my claim. “Theft is serious crime, and I could easily have you arrested for what you’ve done and trust me, you would not like the inside of a cell especially knowing your servant is in one close by but separate to you. I do wonder if the butler had a part to play in this and I’m sure it would be easy to convince others of that opinion.”

Warmth from a parent had been so foreign for him for so long. Distance away from his mother had caused that but there was always some of it felt in her letters. He watched the furious Lady Thorpe talk to Juliet but stopped, startled, when he saw the slap. It was unexpected and part of him felt bad for Juliet. He knew parental cruelty in that way but never directly and couldn’t imagine his own mother doing such a thing. Seeing her cower in such a way softened him but that anger bit at him, always present but even with it, he thought she didn’t deserve that from her own mother. Seeing her rage filled eyes as her mother stroked his hair was an odd, confusing moment. How different she was in mere seconds confused him. Part of him wanted to reach out and console Juliet but he was as stubborn as he was angry, and she had hurt him. “Leave her with her butler,” he says coldly. “If he’s still employed.”

The searing pain of Juliet's struck cheek still burned, and her entire body felt electric, felt like vibrations going through her of anger, rage and hurt. She bit back another dry sob and shook her head. "Oh, I know his opinion of you boils you alive, deep down - how could it not? You are of every disappointment, every horror that a father has - and you may say that it does not affect you, dear brother, but I see it in your eyes. How he favors even me, once a mere stranger and buys my affections along with my brother's. What has he even spoken to you about upon your arrival - how he wishes you were more like my brother and myself? You care, how could you not? Your father wishes I was his daughter - rather than you be his son and I do not blame him. You are a hideous excuse for a son and a lord - and you can say how it merely tickles you, but what would your dear mother think? I tell our darling Emily all the time - how she is the only hope for the true Thorpe heir. That darling girl, thank heavens that my brother and I are here for her. What ever would she learn from you?" Juliet spit at him, pushing back slightly.

"Don't you utter a word about my father! He would make you shiver in your little boy britches - he would love me even more for what I did because he taught me how to be a strong, courageous woman. What did your mother teach you? How to hit other women? You disgrace her, I am sure of it!" Juliet snarled back, chest heaving at the emotion of her dear father being brought up. Before she could speak back, the appearance of Lady Thorpe had dearly taken the wind out of Juliet's chest - her mother was someone she most feared and her dreadful stepbrother knew that and took advantage.

The lies spilled out of his mother and Juliet was ever so speechless, a gasp filling the air as it left her lips. "Mama, I did - I did not! He is lying!" She choked out, her voice much smaller in the presence of her mother and all Lady Thorpe could do was hold the young man, stroking back his hair, lovingly, as she would for Juliet's brother. Such warmth she had for them and none for her.

How dare you! How dare you - you steal and take from your brother? Have you no shame? Clearly you do not - you stupid, insolent girl! Have you lost your mind? The woman was appalled at her daughter and Juliet moved back, subconsciously as the woman moved forward, her arms still around Tobias.

"Mother, pl-please. I - I wouldn't do such a thing. He is lying, he is! He threatened me and - and my beloved and - " Before Juliet could say anymore, her mother, in a flash of rage in her eyes when mentioning Oliver - and in the privacy of the family's own chambers, moved her hand thoroughly across Juliet's other cheek, hard enough for the young girl to cry out.

You dare to speak about your horror, your dishonor? You dare to do such when you have brought such humiliation, such shame into our family? Lord Thorpe and Lord Tobias have given you elevated status and look what you've done, at every turn! You are every bit deserving of whatever rage Lord Thorpe and Lord Tobias make of you - and if they do not, I will be certain to give you mine, you ungrateful, spoiled, disgusting girl.

Juliet whimpered out, her hands shaking as she now held the other cheek, soft, broken whimpers emitting from her lips. She cowered against the wall, another side of Juliet Thorpe that many did not see, for only her mother could emit such fear and sadness in her, such hurt. Still, quivering, shaking, Juliet looked up at her mother with determination in her eyes. "It is not dishonor to be in love with Oliver Heywood. He honors me everyday, and he honors me with love, understanding now with a child that we will love and never harm. Unlike you." Juliet looked to Tobias as Lady Thorpe went to hold him, stroking his hair again.

Oh, no, my love, my sweet boy. She will not be allowed to see our sweet Emily. I think that would not be a prudent idea, would it? Juliet looked to Tobias, her lip trembling, eyes filled with rage for his response.

[honeyedache]

Had there ever been a better feeling in this world, a better feeling of pure ecstasy more than when Oliver Heywood and Juliet Thorpe kissed one another? Surely the heavens had crafted Oliver special, and Juliet could not truly tear herself away from each kiss, each glance, each smile, each facet of him - his arms, his smile, the way he held her in such a way that made her very being ablaze with fire, with love. All of the riches, all of the gowns, all of the trivial little things surely do not matter in this world, as long as Oliver Heywood was ever present in Juliet's - as long as his lips touched hers and his arms held her. There was nothing but him, nothing but them - and her entire world swam with her love, over and over again and she drowned in him.

"She is no force - for I am a greater force, don't you agree, my darling?" Juliet giggled, her breath quickening more and more as Oliver spoke, his lips on hers in the most delightful, enticing way that only made her insides run hot with lust, with desire for him that was unkempt, and she didn't want to hold back anymore. "I demand that you allow me to worship you, my darling, my Oliver. I demand that you allow me to kiss every bit of skin on you - my d-darling." She breathlessly spoke, wanting to please and send her Oliver into ecstasy just as he did for her. Her sweet lips nipped and ached for his skin, his warm chest, as she bit into the bare skin near his neck to leave a mark, to tell him, tell the world that Oliver Heywood was hers. No one would deny her what she dearly wanted, what she craved every moment - and that was her Oliver.

At his question, she breathlessly looked at him, dark, sweet eyes resting on his face as she stroked back his hair. "My darling Oliver ... I demand that we have that life. I want a small little cottage, small to the brim, where the only space is for you, for me and for our children, where we can all smother together in bed, our children telling each other stories under the night sky, giggling in happiness, in delight, for they know true fairy tales because their mother and father are living in one." She giggled, tracing his lips with her finger, teasing him, agonizingly so and she could feel the hot heat between her legs that only he could bring to her.

Juliet stroked back his red curls, those curls she loved ever so much and sighed. "My mother will - will have an episode, I am sure and as for my stepfather? I rather don't speak much to him - but my sweet Oliver," She paused, leaning her forehead against his. "I do not care. Let them have their opinions, let them have them all - I will not allow an ill word to be spoken about you or to you. I will be your shield of love and care. You are more than enough for me - and what you have to offer me? These two hands?" She took them in hers, kissing them the way she always did, lovingly, passionately.

"These two hands in mine are all I dearly need."

She continued with her kisses to his chest, carefully crafted to send him tipping over the edge, just as she wanted him and just as he did to her. "Mmm, Mrs. Juliet Heywood. What a beautiful thing to be." She giggled, and gasped softly when he flipped her over, kissing at her neck, her skin a canvas for his love.

"Ol-Oliver ... oh, my Oliver." She hummed, whimpering at his touch, her knees and legs shaking in anticipation and desire. "I want you. N-Now, please." She whimpered, completely and utterly undone for him, squirming for him underneath in such pleasure. To tease him, her hand floated down to his length, giggling at the hardness though, as she stroked and felt her cheeks flush.

"Ol-Oliver ... please! I wa-want my Oliver. Tell me I am yours - your Juliet."

The moment they met, Oliver had already decided that he would devote his every breath to Juliet. Back then, however, he was only her family’s butler. Now? While his station remained the same, he was also the man she’d told him she loved. And he would never love another — he’d have Juliet or he’d have nothing at all. He would endure anything for her. He would take on the weight of the world if it meant he could come home at night and kiss her lips, hold her close. She had brought life into his life — love into his life. She’d hung the stars in his sky and painted him a colorful, beautiful world to live in. All for the two of them.

He’d been sleeping in a dark night for most of his life — but now, Juliet’s bright, beautiful stars lit up his every night.

Her happiness was what made Oliver’s world go round. As her lips kissed his bare chest, he felt goosebumps pop up across his skin — he could never get tired of those lips. Those perfectly plump, soft, kissable lips. The lips of an angel. As she nipped and sucked at his neck, he let out a low groan, his hands finding her waist, gripping onto her for dear life. She had all of him — forever.

“I will live to see the day,” he laughed, “Your mother is a force to be reckoned with.” Shivers were sent down his spine as she whispered a seductive phrase in his ears, his body growing tense underneath her. “My love, demand me to do anything. I will bend at your every desire,” he leaned up to kiss her and whisper against her lips, “I will bend in front of your knees and give your thighs and everything else whatever you demand of me.”

He loved when she was undone for him — her hair down, messy in the most beautiful way, the way her nightgown teased him with glimpses of her body and silhouette. “Do you think we could have a life like that, Juliet? What will your family say?” he asked, his gaze falling — he knew she deserved much better than a butler with barely any savings. He couldn’t provide her with a big home — merely a quaint four walls. The giddiest smile spread across his lips as she mentioned babies and he gently touched her stomach, “I will give you as many babies as you want. I want to lay in a garden with you while our kids play — I’ll feed you fruit and chase the children around,” he smiled blissfully, just thinking about it. “I want you to be Mrs. Juliet Heywood.”

“Not patient at all, my dear,” he chuckled. More kisses to his neck — the tighter his pants grew. “Juliet,” he whined, tilting his head so she could have more access to his neck. “But you will be my wife,” he muttered through shaky breaths, “As long as you desire it.” As his shirt fell on the floor, his eyes begged for her — filled with lust.

His hands taunted her as he lifted her nightgown slowly over her head, fingers trailing slowly across the most sensitive parts of her beautiful body. When she was bare before him, he gaped at her, “‘My darling, you’re a goddess.” He began kissing at her neck before expertly flipping her onto her back so that he hovered over her, keeping his lips pressed to her skin.

[honeyedache]

It was a cruel, cruel world that they both lived in, divided by class and status. It was quite ironic that Juliet, in all of her wild dramatics and arrogance, would fall rather ardently in love with a man she knew to be her butler, but there was simply no going back for her. Oliver's smile, his arms provided such protection, warmth that she craved and in a house where her mother proved to be more of a enemy, a jealous bully with a neglectful stepfather - Juliet craved more and more of him. He saw her, and loved her despite her many faults, her many broken pieces, beyond her arrogance, envy and temper. His soft, gentle and yet strong, loyal nature brought her such peace, such love and it only grew by the moment day by day. He was risking every bit of expulsion of society, as was she, and it only proved how much they dearly loved one another - how much she loved him beyond any reason of a doubt.

And Juliet would never love anyone else like him.

She giggled at his words, tugging at his shirt and dress robes, bringing him closer. "On your chamber floor? Mmm, I quite like that idea, although I much prefer here in my chambers, in my large bed where I can do with you what I want. We both know, Mister Heywood, that I always seem to get my own way." She laughed, and reached up to brush her lips against his, hands lacing his. Oh, his hands - one of her favorite things about him. They were warm, and always ready for her to take in her hands. Juliet was an affectionate, physical seeking love - and Oliver, her Oliver brought her back from her own insanity with just a simple touch, a simple brush against her.

"They might have money, land, but are they you, My Oliver? Do they have these hands that I adore?" She kissed his palms, giggling softly. "Or are your soft curls - your smile and your chest that I can hide in for shelter? No. No, my love - they are nothing and you are everything." She told him, reaching up to kiss him again on her tiptoes, her knees weak at his touch, at everything about him.

Juliet laughed and pulled away, pulling him closer by his hand over to her bed as she sat down upon it. She pulled his hand so he towered over her and she reached up, touching his chest. "Anything I ask for? Mm, my darling. My Oliver. I want you." She told him, laying back on the back for him to tower over her.

She cupped his face, kissing his nose, then lips, leaning her forehead against his. "Tell me why - why a good, honest, decent, lovely and amazing man, noble and loyal to his bones fell in love with a spoiled, ungrateful little wench like me. Tell me." Juliet whispered, her eyes closed softly. "Tell me why you love her - this horrible Juliet Thorpe you love." Her doe eyes opened to look at him, the softness that only she could show in front of him presenting itself, the sadness and insecurity in her eyes that only Oliver could help comfort her from.

"I want more than to dance with you forever - I want everything with you forever. Everything, my darling." She whispered, nodding, lips inches from his. "And no one will take you from me."

Oliver had never been so entranced in his life — not until he met Juliet. Before their meeting, Oliver had always joked that he was married to his profession. He loved what he did, and he worked hard for it. He’d never been in the position to fantasize about a happily married life and presumed he’d spend the rest of his days as a working bachelor. Not because he didn’t believe in love, but he was a mere servant — he didn’t deserve the type of love that fairytales were written about. But Juliet, the woman of all of his desires, had turned that all upside down. He had to be realistic, though. He was her butler and she was to be married off to a wealthy, eligible man with title and land. That was far more than what Oliver could offer her. A pairing like theirs would never be accepted. She owned his heart — but he would never be able to publicly proclaim his love for her and that caused his heart to ache. She was woven into his heart and soul — and he hoped someday soon their bodies would be interwoven, too, though he feared taking her innocence if it meant it would ruin her future. His desires grew each day, though, and with her body so close to his, the temptation drove him wild. “The impolite side of me might get me into hot water with you, Lady Juliet,” he hummed, reaching forward to tuck some of her hair behind her ear before inching closer to her. “Dare I say that this beautiful gown would look nice on the floor of my chambers?” he whispered, his voice quiet yet gruff as lust lit up his eyes. “And dare I also say that I quite enjoy being bossed around by you? I would do anything for you, my Lady,” he mused, giving her a sultry smirk.

He couldn’t help but grow weak in the knees when she referred to him as ‘mine’ because all he wanted was to be entirely hers. He shook his head slightly, “The eligible bachelors of the ton have much more to offer than I do.” He hoped, he prayed that no man would capture her heart and take away the only romantic love he’d ever known — and would ever know — for Juliet was his one true love, his soulmate and as far as Oliver was concerned, if he couldn’t have her, he didn’t want to have anyone. “I have you?” he raised a brow, smiling proudly, “That is music to my ears, Lady Juliet.”

He placed a hand on her waist, while the other interlaced with hers, and began to slowly sway with her. His eyes got lost in Juliet’s and he knew he could exist in this moment forever if time would only be so kind to them.

“Say that you’ll miss me and I’ll give you anything you ask for,” he replied, his voice pleading. She knew just how well her smirks worked on him. Oliver would be on his hands and knees begging for her if she asked. He looked down at her, admiring her lips as he dared to move his hand that was once on her waist a little lower. He placed his other hand on the small of her back and pulled her close — their bodies flush together. He was certain she could feel just how fast his heart was pounding in his chest. And he was also certain that they were playing a very dangerous game.

A playful grin swept across his lips, “Oh, how I love when you get jealous.” His bit down on his lower lip whilst shaking his head. He had found friendship with the maids he worked alongside, but nothing more — and he certainly never noticed any of them giving him flirtatious glances.

“Lady Juliet, I will only dance with you for the rest of my life.”

[whispercd]

It will all be okay.

Freddie knew how to recognise an effort to placate when it was presented to him. It had, after all, been his modus operandi, his bread and butter, the thing he defaulted to in times of conflict. And, what's more, he knew this all to well: when placation was involved, it was always an attempt to roll the truth in powdered sugar. Something sweet to mask the bitter notes. Juliet could insist it would all be fine all she wanted, but to him, it rang hollow. It might be fine. It might not. But he had no choice but to hope she was right.

To be here, in her room, reminds him of when they were little. A number of things had been different, back then: The room, for one. This, to him, could never be Juliet's room. Her room was elsewhere, along with the ghost of childhoods gone and the sound of their father's voice, and to Freddie, the rooms they had been given with the Thorpes were but gilded cages. They were not theirs. Nothing seemed to belong to them, not properly. Not in a way where he felt like he could slump back against the headboard with her, letting the facade crack. Being here, in this house, was a perpetual performance. Like being a guest, well past their welcome.

There had been certainty, too, in the times of old. Time had stretched before them like a meadow, a seemingly endless expanse of green, possibilities springing from the ground like weeds. Boundless. Never, when they'd laid on either of their beds, eyes flitting between the ceiling and each other, had he considered that he might one day lose her. And yet, here they are - her hunched over, retching, insisting all would end well. Him, at the very edge of her bed, hand on her knee, wanting to ask 'what if it does not', but biting the word down before it can escape him. The world was not terribly kind to women, Freddie knew, and that was without the extra complications that came with being with child, unwed, and shunned. "Will you write, if you cannot see me?" He'd always thought the news of becoming an uncle would be a thing of elation, not such unbridled sorrow. It wasn't supposed to go like this.

The mention of his mother (for he had never really thought of her as a mother to Juliet, not in any poetic sense of the word), brings him back from the brink of tears. "Mama will be fine." It would be cruel, he thought, to relay the messages she had wanted him to pass on. This had been Freddie's lot in life. To censor and rewrite and twist words, in the hopes that they could forge a foundation strong enough to build a bridge off. "You need to preserve your strength. Do not worry about her. Do not worry about me."

special delivery for @whispercd (frederic)

The nausea split like none other, and Juliet knew she had to leave soon. She knew that word had spread around the Thorpe manor that she had chosen to leave with her beloved Oliver, and it broke her heart entirely to leave her family behind - to leave Hunter, George, sweet little Emily, her beloved maids, - it broke her, but what hurt most of all was leaving her beloved Freddie behind. He was her everything, her little brother who she loved so passionately, so protective of - and it killed her to go. She knew she must stand on her own two feet though - she was to be a mother, she was to be a wife, and yet she trembled now as she savored her bed for the last time perhaps, feeling the wretching of her own body as she vomited into the chamber pot by her bed. It was almost morning and she would leave then - quietly, into the soft morning glow, to her love, to her Oliver. She could not wait to see him, but Juliet felt an aching blow to leave behind her most beloved Freddie, and she heard the soft door open and knew his footsteps by heart.

Tears spilled down her pale cheeks as she cleared away her mouth with the cloth, without turning around. "I am fine, I am just fine, love." She had reassured him, her voice breaking - unconvincing, but she had to protect him, her sweet baby brother. So utterly perfect. "It will all be okay, Freddie. I swear it - it is just the nausea of - of the morning and I swear to you, I will be fine. Oliver is meeting me in the gardens and - and we will be just fine." She could not admit her own frightened thoughts, her own fear - never to him.

Finally looking over at him, she forced a small, tired smile. "Is - Is Mama all right?"