thornsxcrowns

[thornsxcrowns]

"Perhaps that is the genius of it?" Nicholas mused, his eyes blazing as he watched the note disintegrate in the fire, "We turn on each other as a result of her words, and it makes us hungrier to see each other fall. I was so cocky when I arrived in town, I didn't think I would ever be the type of person who cared what she wrote about me. Only a few weeks later and it taking up most of my brain space." Because it wasn't just anonymous notes. If it was only strangers engaging with her words, Nicholas wouldn't have cared. The rumours spread across the whole Ton, however, infecting the people he cared about, people whose respect he craved.

"They can write whatever they want about me." Nicholas said, "Words from some stranger I don't respect who only knows the half-truths and shallow stories Whistledown writes won't scare me. If I see a note like that one go anywhere near my brother or sister however..." He broke off, as if only just realising that was a possibility. "Is that a skill of yours then? Vengeance acted in a discreet way?"

PERHAPS IT WAS HYPOCRITICAL TO THINK BUT AN ANONYMOUS LETTER WAS A COWARD'S WAY OF LETTING SOMEONE ELSE KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS ON THEM. Piet believed in saying it with full accountability even though the very existence he was currently living was under a falsehood. Anything he said, he said it with a true heart and would do it directly to whoever was the intended of the words. 

“Whoever penned that letter will likely end up in the publication themselves. I have been in this city for not even a year yet in that short time I have come to know that it is full of secrets that everyone clings to and whispers about. Sooner or later, they will come out. Do you have suspicions on who sent the letter that’s now burned? If it were me, I’d want to know and I would have them own what they say. Turn the shame from your indiscretion to their cowardice. If you need vengeance acted in a discreet way, come to me if you find their identity."  

[thornsxcrowns]

"See," he joked, unable to hide his pleased smile at the thought of the two brothers sounding so alike even when they were separated, "He is always copying me. As the oldest brother I am of course the original." He paused for a moment, tone turning more genuine, "You know, you may be the first person who is not family to actually be capable of telling us apart." He was impressed, and a little intimidated. Was it only Dovey who could see them as individuals, or would this season be more difficult than he had thought.

"Dovey then, if you will agree to call me Nicholas." It felt intimate, requesting this of her, even if he was not ready to trust her with everything. "We remember our meeting very differently; I was simply out for a stroll when I encountered a woman capable of scolding princes, who was not willing to allow a stranger to flippantly announce himself as her fiancé, whilst already processing far more than anyone should have to in a day. How could I be anything but impressed!"

It took him a moment to recognize the handkerchief. The one he had given her had been high quality but plain, the type of everyday item which one used when they were travelling. The one she returned had been decorated, hand embroidered - he realised - with laurels.

His thumb traced the patterns carefully, as if afraid they may vanish if handled too harshly. The smile that spread across his face at the sight of them was beyond his control, a completely genuine reaction to something which made his belly tighten with an unfamiliar feeling.

He was ready to laugh off her apology with a smile and light flirtation, the words were on the tip of his tongue, you lasted far longer than many would have in the face of that gossip rag. I cannot blame you for listening to your gut - I would be more suspicious if it hadn't told you to flee from the strange man who approached you in the street and announced himself to be your fiancé.

The words, and his smile, died upon his lips when he unwrapped the handkerchief to find the earrings inside. "These are not, I take it, something you left in here by mistake?" His tone was ice-cold, a distinct fear he was being pitied settling over him. "If you wish to end this engagement, Miss St. George, you do not need to bribe me. Money may be one of my motivations for marrying, but I am perfectly capable of funding myself in the meantime."

D O V E Y ST GEORGE

"wow, that is remarkably uncanny. he said nearly the exact same thing. did you grow up together too?" dovey laughed, frankly delighted by this new surprising twist. both brothers spoke about each other in a way that made their expressions light up. "to my credit, I think I realized fairly quickly for someone who was wildly unaware that there was a twin involved in this scenario." the distinct fluttering that started somewhere in her stomach certainly distinguished the difference she felt between the two.

in a dramatic act, she leaned in as if to share in a secret and whispered. "but you wear flippant well." then winked. dovey had always been something of a flirt- a puckish sprite who dearly loved to tease and play and laugh. she shook her head. "dovey, and truly, you attempted to console what must have looked like an absolutely lunatic wailing woman in a strange alleyway which was, in all likelihood, far more patience than I should ever be owed. then, if you recall, I, quite embarrassingly, ran away. so please, I beg you for my own hubris, let me say how sorry I am." her mouth hung open for a moment like the next words could not be pulled from the aether. "sometimes I just... do what my gut says." she giggled.

"the issue with that being, of course, that my gut is prone to flight and with what whistledown wrote jumping into all the- sorry, that paper is a nightmare. really, it was just a bit much at the moment. I forgot how to breathe." the admission was tinged with chagrin, but swiftly replaced by a sharp intake of air. "oh! right. this is for you." still clasped in her hand was the handkerchief that nicholas offered, though now it had been laundered and embroidered with laurels around the edges. wrapped safely and hidden inside were a rather garish, but heinously expensive, pair of earrings.

[thornsxcrowns]

Kit accepted the stranger's arm, having to force herself not to literally run away from the situation. "Thank you - I owe you a favor in the future. Next time you need a quick escape I think I will be duty bound to come to your rescue!"

She was unable to resist the temptation to examine the person, as if this might help her identify them. "It is a genius idea." She mused, allowing her thoughts to spill out unprompted. "At a normal masquerade people may speculate, but there is little game in it. By asking us all to dress in a reflection of ourselves, inspired by a deity... it adds a sort of substance to the guessing game! First to guess who they are dressed as, then to guess how that might reflect the person in the costume, to finally identify who they are..."

Arthur had been used to these events. These were always timed impeccably, and the taste of the host determined the heme. There was never a wrong time for a masquerade. He had incorporated gold and a wig into his attire, but it wasn't too much that would give his identity away.

He and Caroline had parted in that hour, and he had promised his mother he'd make rounds on the dance floor. Someone's voice had caught his attention, then it was the meeting of eyes. "Yes sir," Arthur said in his steady, practiced voice. "I was just coming to take this young lady over for a refreshment," he gave her a smile and offered his hand. "Shall we?"

[thornsxcrowns]

Kit could feel her blood beginning to boil when she realised that the arrival of another gentleman was all it took to send her overzealous, would-be-suitor scurrying away. Her scheme may have been successful, but it did not bring her joy to have needed to resort to it. "Perhaps Whistledown can use her powers for good," She mused under her breath, "and warn everyone about that vile man."

Breathing a sigh of relief, she turned to face the person she had so unceremoniously used in her escape attempt - "I am sorry, I should not have grabbed you in such a way, but I panicked. I am Miss Thorne, Miss Kit Thorne." She gave the proper curtsy, as if this were simply a normal introduction, "Will you tell me your identity? Or are you planning to surprise us all at the end of the evening?"

Nivaan was walking around the ballroom, his eyes taking in everything and everyone around him. The mask was starting to bother him, but he knew there was no fun in taking it off, so for the moment he would have to keep it. A hand grabbed him before he could even notice who it was, and he was nearly dragged along by the person. “Ah, it seems I have been summoned,” he whispered to himself, accepting his fate as part of something he hadn’t asked for. “Allow me, Miss…?” He honestly had no idea who was behind the mask. “I’m so happy I can finally take my turn with you.” A lie? Well, yes, but he had noticed the silent cry for help from the other side.

[thornsxcrowns]

Kit let out a sigh of relief when she turned to see Peter standing behind her. It was a comfort, to see a familiar face (even if hidden behind a mask) in a situation which had become so uncomfortable. "We must be careful - If I am seen rejecting another to dance with you it may fuel the rumors already circulating. Do you think Whistledown will still report on the going ons from tonight's event, or will the masks be enough to fool her and ward off any gossip?"

Kit breathed a sigh of relief once she saw her persistent suitor scurry off to annoy another - "Thank you for that. Give people a mask and they are suddenly on their worst behavior."

It was a strange event, people both in disguise, and heavily watched, as if everyone was putting on a performance of being anonymous. "Isn't that the appeal of tonight? We all get to be more mysterious than we are in reality. Indulge in the fantasy of misbehaving?"

RUMOURS HAD BEEN FALSELY WRITTEN OF THE TWO OF THEM IN THAT DAMNED GOSSIP RAG THAT PEOPLE TOOK AS TRUTH. Nothing was spoken from Piet yet he understands the look in Kit’s face that made it clear she was not wanting to dance with whoever the man was or that he may not take her rejection and insist on a dance. Never in the life that he led was Piet a gentleman or a hero but one who looked to his own interests and thought about how one action would ripple on other things. 

That had changed slightly in the new life. 

“The lady is correct and has already promised me the next dance before we take a walk around the room. Unfortunately I do not think that means she will be free for a dance but there are so many people around that you will be able to take a turn on the dancefloor without her company.” The voice was friendly but the glare given to the unnamed man was a subtle warning that was understood with ease, it seemed, since he walked away without protest. “A masked stranger makes me sound more mysterious than I am. Fitting for the night, I believe.”

[thornsxcrowns]

Even in her heels, Kit was a short person. This meant that, as she spun to face the poor soul she had roped into her escape attempt, the first thing she was confronted with was their bare chest. It was a bold choice, and Kit instantly wanted to ask whether it was the result of vanity or necessity - thankfully she had enough wits about her to realise she needed to first concentrate on getting away from the current problem.

So she let her eyes roam higher, to take in stag mask and the curly hair which sat atop it. "Apologies Sir," Kit called out and they walked to the dancefloor together, "Maybe next time." as soon as they were out of earshot, Kit whispered, "Thank you - I really didn't think he was going to leave me alone."

She simply laughed off his first request to make him look good, but when they are on the dancefloor, and he mentions stepping on her foot, Kit realised this person was serious about their lack of dance experience. "It is a Quadrille," Kit said after a quick glance around them - "we should be able to copy the head couple." She paused a moment before admitting "I have always loved dancing, but I have no had nearly as much formal training as many others in society. I promise not to flinch if you step on my feed, if you can promise the same in return?"

"I know - perhaps it is my curiosity getting the better of me, but I want to know more about everyone's costumes. Somehow, I doubt the letter writing station is meant to be used to send notes to my own nominations for best dressed requesting they give us a combined fashion and history lesson on how they pulled their outfits and inspiration together, but I am so tempted to use it as such!"

At every event, Rhys had felt out of place. He was a step above a servant, belonging to the working class with his calloused hands and tired expressions from a long day's work. At least now, he was hidden behind his mask. Still, everyone had intricate costumes. They were expertly sewn and put together while he wore a mask with a bare chest, with only the green cloak covering his arms. Rhys was too busy looking for another when he felt someone else grab him. He was about to pull away, but even in a mask Rhys recognised the silent plea of another, and so he smiled. “I was wondering when our turn was,” he said, trying to recognise the face underneath the tobacco-brown-coloured mask. “Promise to help me look good?” He asked, teasing a little as he walked towards the dance floor.

While he waited for the music to start, the nerves suddenly washed over him. Rhys didn’t have the formal training that the gentleman had, but he wasn’t going to leave someone to the wolves. “If I step on your foot, I swear it’s not intentional.” The whole room was lit by candles, but it was all a perfect backdrop to everyone’s costumes. Everyone bought their best, and the hosting family probably had the best event of the season so far. “I know this is supposed to be our divine reflections,” Rhys spoke as the music began, his feet trying to find the same movements as the other men. “But I’ve not got a single clue as to who so many of these reflections are!” He laughed, trying to use the humour as a way to distract from what could be the worst dancing of the night.

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At the sight of who she had unwittingly grabbed, Kit had to stifle a laugh. She had never been one to do things by halves, so it made perfect sense that in trying to rebuff an unwanted suitor she would accidentally snub him in favor of the prince. Part of her was mortified, but her relief that the man would have no choice but to back off was more than strong enough to ward off any lingering embarrassment.

"If your sister asks me who it was that sent that horrid man her way, I hope you know I will be forced to dob you in!" Kit told him once they were out of easrshot, accepting his hand with a grateful grin. "I hope I have not usurped another's spot? If I am accused of tricking my way into a dance with a prince I will never be invited to one of these balls again!" But she cannot hide the longing in her gaze as she looks out on the dancefloor. She may have been looking for a way to escape the previous gentleman, but Kit had always loved dancing.

It was all too common for ladies to be asked for a dance with a suitor they didn’t like. He listened to the interaction with a slight smile, impressed at how Kit Thorne was handling the situation but it sounded like the man was not getting the hint. Surprised when he felt her hand reach out to him, he quickly hides that with a nod and seeing the other man back away now that a prince had supposedly taken a space on her dance card. 

“My apologies! I had already claimed the last space on this dance card but I know my sister, the princess, has some left or there are other ladies and gentlemen looking for someone to dance with!” When the man had left, he turns to face Kit holding his hand out. “You can’t make me a liar and he will be watching to see if you do dance. What do you say, a dance with a masked prince?”

[thornsxcrowns]

"I've missed you too - " It is a simple and honest statement. Nicholas was not normally a vulnerable person. He had his secrets, needed to keep a portion of his life private in order to feel comfortable in society. With his brother, however, he could not imagine being anything but open. There wasn't a single part of his life Nathanial had not seen, had not been there for. He suspected his brother would know instantly if he were lying or trying to hide something, but he could not imagine a situation in which that theory would need to be tested.

"London won't know what hit it," Nicholas said with a laugh, "All three Bruce children in town at once? Aye, I think there's plenty of fun to be had for all of us!" For Nicholas, at least, this was the moment where his season could really begin.

Nicholas's gaze followed Nate's hand, settling on the current bane of his existence. The financial mess their father had left behind. It was a reason the heir needed a quick, wealthy marriage.

It is quick to snap back at the word engaged. "How, exactly, does one become accidentally engaged?" His tone is teasing, not cruel, but there is a strained undercurrent to it. The tone of a man trying to figure out how to solve another problem in front of them. There is little use getting to upset over the whole thing. If marriage to Zehra is what his brother wants, then there is nothing Nicholas wouldn't do to help him get it.

He can feel himself starting to fidget, his left hand tapping at the desk in a nervous tick. "How much does she know?" Nicholas asked, a lot wrapped up in that question - their family history, their current financial situation, their messy personal situation.

"Of course, The Ton waits for no one,” he could imagine the flurry of events for the Season that he's missed already. “I hope they are having fun! They deserve it.” Reuniting with the other members of his family would be delayed for now. He can’t wait to see them, especially Nora; he brought her presents. He’d always find a way to spoil her regardless of their financial circumstances. She should be happy and enjoying her youth, not burdened with their challenges. 

”I’ve missed you so much, brother!” Whenever something happened he wanted to tell Nick right away. This is probably the longest they’ve been apart, not that they can’t exist separately, but they are accustomed to being in each other’s orbit. Besides, he misses the lighthearted moments; it’s not as funny when someone calls either of their names and they both turn. Without their counterpart present it’s not as effective. 

In a matter of minutes Nate believes his brother will come to regret asking that question. Well, there’s no need prolonging the inevitable. Nate respects his twin so much that secrets between them are not commonplace. 

”France was sensational!” He missed it there generally, it’s been a while since they managed to visit. Travelling with his brother in tow is always a grand adventure, but this time the purpose was different. ”We must visit again once we’ve squared away this nasty business,” his hand waved towards where their father’s financial books were stacked. “However, er, there is something of note that you must know,” Nate moved to plop down into an arm chair. 

“I may have accidentally gotten engaged to Zehra.” That’s a lie, it wasn't an accident but rather purely spontaneous in nature. Nate’s hands go up preemptively in his defense. “I know, I know, I fucked up. That wasn’t the plan, but before you say anything, I  just…” there was no way that apologising would help. “It just happened,” he huffed. “I tried, but I couldn’t bear to lose her.”

[thornsxcrowns]

It was the first event of the season which Kit would be attending under her own name. A late arrival meant she had missed the diamond ball, and Tobias had ensured their invitations to the archery competition had been stripped away. A masquerade was all well and good, but Kit was eager to be seen, to be known in society. This was her first opportunity to do so.

"It is a hard choice!" Kit smiled, taking a moment to consider the offer - "reveal myself now, and I loose the right to anonymity later in the night. Imagine if I am caught up in some scandal and you are given great power to reveal who the person dressed up as Ba was! Of course if I maintain the mystery it may simply attract more eyes - any misstep or mis-deed will have so many more eyes watching!" With her gold half-mask, it would not be particularly hard to guess who she was if anything did go wrong.

So she did as she had intended all along, raising her mask to reveal her full face - "I think I shall put all arguments aside and instead simply take the opportunity to make a new acquaintance. Miss Kit Thorne. It is lovely to meet you, ambassador! Is this your first event of the season?"

Open starter for all // Lytton House, The Masked Ball

Arriving late was not in Nalan Das’s plans but if his father insisted on giving him the bare minimum in terms of an allowance then he would make sure that his father would suffer for it in some way. Not having his son and heir with the family would surely bring questions to the old man’s door that Nalan relished in thinking about, but he could not delay much longer when both of his sisters were to take part in the social season and a masquerade was the perfect setting for a grand entrance. Despite his budget Nalan ensured that his costume was a true reflection of his truest form and showcasing such a thing at the Lytton Masquerade was a perfect backdrop to his black cloak that was adorned with a rich golden trim, with the golden lining offering Nalan the dramatic flair he wanted but nothing was as striking as his sinister mask. With the sharp features of the twisting horns dripped in gold, Nalan Das was truly a sight to behold. Amid all of the grandeur of this American splendor Nalan watched everyone carefully trying to pick out potential matches for his sister when his eyes landed on another. He drifted through the ballroom effortlessly with every step being calculated both figuratively and literally when he finally approached the person and when he spoke, his voice was smooth but laced with a hint of a challenge. “Good evening, I do not suppose you will tell me who your costume is or am I to guess or would you prefer our divine reflections make their formal introductions? I am Mammon, the devilish ambassador to England. Would you tell me who you are or would you prefer we remain strangers for a while longer?”

[thornsxcrowns]

He hated himself for the way his heart raced at receiving the letter. There were so many more ways it could go wrong than right. Even without the masks, it was as likely to be for his brother as it was for him. A love letter making its way into the right hands seemed unlikely.

If only - what he opened it to find was far worse. "It seems others are learning from Whistledown's example. Hide behind an anonymous mask and spew the vitriol you are not brave enough to say to someone's face." He balled up the letter, tossing it into the Lytton's well decorated fireplace. "This person is eager to shame me both for my appearance in the gossip sheets, and for my disheveled look tonight. I hope you have received an actual note from an admirer?"

closed starter. @thornsxcrowns. Nicholas. event.

HAVING SOMEONE AT THE EVENT TO DISTRIBUTE ANONYMOUS LETTERS WAS A BOLD MOVE THAT PIET THOUGHT QUITE CLEVER. Whistledowns only power was the anonymous name they hid behind and now it was here for people to use directly for one night to correspond with each other. The reactions varied but Piet could not help but look at them all as the delicately folded paper came to its intended. One stood near bearing a face he had encountered but since it was one shared with another, he did not want to presume the Bruce twin was one already met before. “It looks as if you have received a letter. There’s some here who have thrown away their mask in anger or elation at receiving one. I hope yours is the latter and maybe from an admirer.”

[thornsxcrowns]

who: open where: lytton house ~ the divine masquerade

Anonymity had not been one of Kit's aims when she crafted her costume. The half mask may have given her some freedom, but anyone who paid attention would be able to guess who she was. She had not seen the point of attending an event like this without being known. Or at least, she hadn't until an old, persistent suitor had approached her asking for a dance.

"I apologize, sir, but my dance card is full for the next few dances." She reached out without really looking, latching onto the first person she saw, "This masked stranger is next!" Kits eyes were entreating as she turned to face the person closest to her, praying they could hear the thoughts projected their way - play along, pretend you know what I'm talking about, get me away from this man.

[thornsxcrowns]

Kit Thorne ~ Divine Reflections Costume ~ Ba

Kit's costume began when she came across the grey material at the modiste's. It wasn't what she had come in for, but Kit knew she needed a gown in the colour. She saw something in it that others had overlooked, a vibrancy to a shade which normally looked so plain. When the theme of the Ball was announced, Kit had found her opportunity. To Kit, Ba (魃) represents resistance and dedication. Kit worked with the modiste to use patterns and applicate to create a sense of movement. It is in this movement that she feels Ba is best represented. The flowing of a goddess descending to earth to fight for her family.

[thornsxcrowns]

Nathanial Bruce ~ Divine Masquerade Costume ~ Hermes

Thankfully, Nicholas had ordered his mask before Whistledown was released. If he hadn't, the vendor may have refused to create it without an up front payment. The mask is detailed and elegant. A ram - one of Hermes sacred animals. The rest of Nicholas's costume is a different story. Orders he had made with designers were quickly cancelled, and he needed to pull together an outfit using his existing wardrobe. This has been made worse by the loss of his Valet. The stableboy Nicholas has roped in to replace his previous expert made an admirable attempt to help him dress, but he is visibly less put together than normal. The cravat is not tied in a fashionable knot, his sleeves hang loose and have been mis-tied and his beard has grown out far more than is usual. Overall, he bares the appearance of a man half dressed.

[thornsxcrowns]

Nicholas wasn't sure what to expect after Dovey had run from him in the streets of London. A terse note informing him that the engagement was well and truly off and would he please kindly refrain from mentioning it had ever happened seemed most likely. Particularly after recent developments. He was shocked, therefore, when she stopped by his house. Even more shocked to see her smiling and joking as she entered. He could not suppress the shot of guilt which went through him at the mention of his twin, however. Normally he was good at rolling with the punches - he could shrug off even the most chaotic of schemes as a problem future Nicholas would have to deal with. Now, however, their lies were starting to feel like a large house of cards constantly looming over him.

"You met Nathanial then?" He said with a grin, "People have told me we look similar, but I don't see it. I think it's mostly because he's too unoriginal to get his own sense of style." Even as he joked about his brother, he beamed. A warmth which always came through when he talked about anyone in his family.

"Miss St. George, please, you have nothing to apologize for. I may not have realised who you were, but I was far too flippant..." He raised his hand to rub at the spot between his eyes, a motion he had made many times over the past few weeks as he'd dwelt on their disastrous meeting. "I am the one who should be apologising."

D O V E Y ST GEORGE location: bruce family townhouse status: closed with @thornsxcrowns

"did you know there's a gentleman who looks near identical to you answering the door?" dovey asked as she finally entered the room where her fiance was meant to be waiting. the greeting by nicholas's twin remained as much a surprise as the engagement originally had been. that letter from her father indeed contained a terse explanation of the situation which both aera and timothy read to her at least a baker's dozen times. dovey still didn't quite understand the nuance of it all, but the gist was marriage to lord nicholas bruce. whistledown revealing secrets about both families seemed to have hurried matters along. "my lord." dovey curtsied with the natural poise of a graceful, yet unpolished, dancer. "please let me apologize for my reaction the other day. oh, and thank you, of course."

[thornsxcrowns]

{ ◐ } —- send this to get a pantone edit for any character. [nate & nick]

[thornsxcrowns]

Nichoas hated how much Howell had seen. The other man appeared to have a talent for appearing at all of his lowest moments. A night in debtor's prison for his fathers debts - Rhys was there to see it. Arrive in a pub because you couldn't get entry to Brooks - there was Rhys. Throw in a dishevelled look and a bartender who was unlikely to trust his credit and Nicholas was able to feel well and truly shamed.

Who could blame him for disliking the other?

"This town has given that writer far to much power." Nicholas grumbled, helping himself to a long, deep, drink. It wasn't exactly fair of him. In his case she had done nothing except print the truth. When an image of the crying Dovey he had found after her past issue flashed in his mind, however, he could not find it in him to treat the gossip columnist fairly. "A couple of pages tells this Ton who to trust, and who to hate, with more authority than their own eyes and ears."

Budgeting. Oh how he hated the word. Hated that he was always thinking about money. Always thinking about it and never meant to talk about it. Perhaps the drink was stronger than he was used to, or perhaps he was simply too tired and too annoyed to hold his tongue, but Nick began opening up to the last person he had expected. "If budgeting was all I needed, this problem would have been fixed years ago. Generations of taxes and punishments have been enough to drown us in debts." And his father had done everything possible to make it worse. "The rest of society may be too polite to mention it, but the crown has not forgotten we were Jacobites."

The problem with paid help is when the money ran out, the servants were the first to go. Rhys never wanted to be in that position, dependent on another’s wealth. The stables wasn’t easy work, but it was honest and consistent. Work for a grand family could go in an instant, proven by the Bruce's and their sudden vacancies. Rhys felt a little bad for them, but they still had their house, and wealth could be returned. Their servants probably wouldn’t. 

“We’ve all known tough times here,” Rhys said, joining the man in his drinks and without any hint of sympathy for the man. Yes, the drink was a cost to Rhys, but it wouldn’t break him, and it didn’t cost much to show a little kindness. “It doesn’t matter what the truth is. If Lady Whistledown posts it, it’s gospel.” Rhys scoffed. He’d been mentioned a few times, painted as a lady’s man when he was anything but. “If there’s any truth to yours, don’t worry. There’s always a way to get more money. Either that or you’ll need a hand with budgeting, but it’s not the end of the world.” When he first left home, Rhys was left all alone. Well, aside from his horse. But they came at their own expense. He’d gone days without food to ensure his horse was taken care of; it was all a matter of priority. 

[thornsxcrowns]

Kit's eyes scanned to Ara's brother, well aware how stifling a constant chaperone could be. "A lot has improved in my life since we joined the Ton, but the loss of freedom... sometimes I miss just being the inconsequential child of an inconsequential member of society." Kit could not shake the guilty conscious that she was, at least in part, responsible for Ara's family being so strict. "If it would help to tell your mother who I really was..." She flinched at the thought of being revealed, but did not want the Park family assuming Ara was sneaking off with an unknown man.

There were very few people whose interest Kit would elevate above her own. Ara was one of them.

"It hasn't been too bad - I try not to ever be in a room with both Tobias and our father at the same time, but that was the case before Whistledown as well. Otherwise everyone has been managing surprisingly well." She very deliberately did not mention Virgina. It did not feel right somehow. Kit could not help but feel extremely protective over the Thorne's ward - despite not being related by blood or marriage, she was the closest thing to a sibling Kit had in Thorne manor.

She sighed as she tried not to dwell on it too much, first Whistledown had all but mocked her condition and then the insinuation that she'd been improper lingered in the air. "Unfortunately I am not to be anywhere alone without my brother, or mother" she admitted. It was so strange, not that long ago her family would not have thought twice about her walking around with no chaperone, but now they lived under different rules, and therefore Ara had to take that into account. Even if it didn't seem particularly fair. "I take it that your home has not been pleasant since the issue, either?" after all Kit's family had also been mentioned inadvertently and likely had to be dealing with other consequences.