unfortunate matchmaking

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caroline & thomas.

It wasn’t often that this sort of opportunity presented itself. Caroline was the daughter of a Duke, had connections and a lofty dowry, but she was obedient to a fault. She followed Cressida and Li Na around, doing exactly as they told her to, and she knew better than to approach any men they might have their eye on. Sometimes, her pushy mama would insist, but quite often, she allowed Cressida to swoon over each gentleman before she ever tried. As she entered her third season, it was clear it would only grow ever harder, but that didn’t worry her. Little worried Caroline, for she never actually allowed herself to stop and think about such things. An empty head, it would seem, lead to a far simpler life.

That said, a rare opportunity seemed to have presented itself, and foolish as she often was, she knew not to turn down the chance to speak with someone her mother was practically shoving her towards. The word ‘Earl’ had been hissed in her ear, and she found herself basically face to face with Thomas without even having any say in the matter. Head bowed (she was a fool, not certain as to whether she should curtsy, even after years of learning etiquette with her governess, and that was a compromise), she cleared her throat. “My lord. Caroline Wycliff.” A mere four words shouldn’t be nearly enough to prove to him what a horrible match she would truly be.

Thomas Tawney

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[Thomas Tawney]

Thomas spent most of the evening in the company of other gentlemen. He planned on spending the entire evening like that, and his social circle was slowly expanding. His older sister, Anna, was also in attendance in search of something to do for the evening other than sit at home with her young children. She introduced her brother to a few of the other married women with the hopes that some of them would have an eligible daughter or knew an eligible young woman who could become the next Countess of Warrington. The daughter of a duke was certainly more than suitable solely on account of pedigree.

He'd only just thought he'd escaped the introductions and felt sure that he wouldn't be able to remember even half of the names and titles thrown at him come morning. His other acquaintances were all standing in a group on the other side of the room sipping wine and watching the other couples dance in the center of the room. But, his reality of escape was that of a goldfish swimming desperately for an image of aquatic weeds on the other side of the glass and then realizing that there was a very solid barrier between the confines of the tank and freedom.

The young earl found himself staring down at Caroline and the hasty introduction took a solid two seconds to fully register amid the drone of a violin and a bigger violin held between the legs. The name of such an instrument escaped Thomas's memory. She was a pretty creature, that much was evident. Meek or shy, it was hard to tell which in his lack of experience with women. "Enchanted, Lady Caroline." His voice had a slight rasp to it from a career of shouting at the top of his lungs, but it wasn't an irritating sound. He held himself well with a pleasing enough countenance given that he knew nothing of her other than her mother was a duchess.

"May I have the next dance with you?" It was the only question he could ask with multiple pairs of eyes, the duchess and his sister included, watching them. Anything else would have immediately raised concerns that he found her hideous, and she was anything but. Part of him lamented being able to retreat back to the safety of his fellow gentlemen, but he was comforted in the fact that he was only obliged one dance if he found her ability too disagreeable.

The music was nearly at an end, and he forced himself to pay attention to the rhythm of the sound he heard. He'd learned to pick out a steady beat by sheer force of necessity. One-two-three-four was doable. And once he'd found the beat, it was just a matter of remembering it. One-two-three-four like the steady roll of a drum.

Tagged: @caroline

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caroline & thomas.

A dance! It shouldn't be that surprising, given that she'd been out in society for three seasons now, and yet...somehow, it did surprise her. She was so used to men being turned off after something she said, or something she did, or because Cressida came over and decided she'd much rather dance with them. But this time, neither of her friends seemed to present, and that meant this might actually work out! At least for one dance, anyway. For some strange reason, Anthony Bridgerton had never contacted her again after she expressed interest, and he wasn't the only man. It seemed to be a very funny habit they had. 

"Oh yes! A dance would be wonderful!" Caroline was treading so carefully, ensuring she said none of the many, many things she'd been warned not to. Her mother chastised her plenty, as did her friends, and she was trying to ensure none of those supposedly silly things came out of her mouth. It was far easier said than done, however, for she could hardly sort the stupid from the smart. Things she thought might be genius were considered utterly idiotic to most. 

A pause followed. When had a man last asked her to dance? When had she last been out on the dance floor, and not stood off to the side with her friends? It wasn't by choice, of course, but it was how it went almost every time there was a ball. She would have to try counting the steps...and that wasn't going to be very easy for her, whether it was out loud or in her head. "Do you know how to dance?" Stupid question, she should have known that such a thing was taught to all ladies and gentleman of a certain age. It wasn't as if they were the hired help. "Would you be able to count the steps for me?"

Thomas Tawney

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[Thomas Tawney]

Thomas found it impossible not to feel a bit heartened at her youthful enthusiasm. He struggled to imagine why she didn't have more suitors. She had the beauty of faerie and the enthusiasm of a Golden Retriever. Neither were bad qualities to have. In the brief lull between pieces, the earl offered out her arm to her and led her to the dance floor. If there were any new dances, he was hopeless at knowing the steps. But from what he'd seen thus far in his observations and commentaries with the other men, there was nothing he didn't already have a decent grasp of. He stood in front of the young woman as they waited for the orchestra to start. "Certainly. I'm not nearly so far removed from Society that I've forgotten how to dance in my years abroad." He lightly touched her arm as the music started, and for a few moments, he had to focus on picking out the beat. To any observer, it looked no different than anyone else taking a moment to just enjoy the music and feel it. For Thomas, there was considerably more work to sift through the different lines to find what he thought was the melody.

"I wouldn't mind at all." Thomas lowered his voice so that she'd be the only to hear him whisper the beats. "One-two-three. One-two-three." The steps on the downbeat in time with the music gave the illusion that he had a better sense for the whole thing than he did. And while Thomas wasn't someone who'd be taking home blue ribbons in a dancing competition, he was coordinate enough to be able to lead Caroline and avoid stepping on any toes. "One-two-three. One-two-three."

"I see I've been missing out on the charms of London Society, Lady Caroline. Or I never would have met such a fair creature as yourself. It would seem your mother is acquaintances with my sister, so perhaps we'll see each other on other days, too." He failed to notice a few eyes watching them. Some were attached to looks of displeasure and pity. Thomas remained blissfully ignorant and enjoyed his time dancing and leading Caroline. It was fun, and so long as wasn't prone to theatrics on the dance floor, he was enjoying himself. The music largely faded into the background as he continued to count the steps under his breath. And in the moments when he couldn't speak, he kept the beat by lightly tapping her palm when they were close enough to touch.

Tagged: @caroline

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caroline & thomas.

Ever the obedient sort, Caroline allowed herself to be led onto the dance floor, awaiting the start of the music before she attempted to follow his count. It did not seem as if any toes were trodden on, though she was concentrating very hard to ensure she didn't make a complete fool of herself for once. Dancing was not her forte, and neither was counting, but she was a follower above all else. He may not have been Cressida Cowper (she'd hardly be dancing with him, if he was), but she fell into the role of following him without a second thought.

Her mother would be most thrilled, especially seeing as the dance seemed to actually be going well, and she was certain her name might grace the pages of Lady Whistledown, once the next column was published. It would be thrilling indeed, to be mentioned for something other than being one of Cressida's 'sycophants' or 'partisans'. She didn't even know what those words meant. As much as Caroline enjoyed gossip, it could be very confusing.

At the mention of seeing her again, the blonde's eyes widened, and she very nearly tripped over his foot. Needless to say, that was a surprise. Keeping as quiet as she had must have been doing her many, many favours. She'd have to try and remember that moving forward. "You want to see me on other days? To...court me? And this isn't to get closer to Miss Cowper?"

Thomas Tawney

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[Thomas Tawney]

Thomas stuck to the easy steps and continued counting out the beats. He wasn't trying to be condescending or mock her lack of experience dancing. Quite the opposite. Familiar steps could make her look good as his partner and for anyone not staring directly at their feet, they were keeping up with the dance. He kept the spins to a minimum, and frankly, neither of them needed to show off to the ton that they were dancers worthy of going on stage. He thought she was good at following and looked happy in that role. Some women had their opinions in how to dance, and two leaders was just as bad as two followers.

For better or for worse, Thomas didn't know about the rest of the competition amongst women. He name Miss Cowper meant nothing to him. "And why should I want to do that? I have a beautiful dove in front of me here. But that is only if you don't find my company too unpleasant." He paused only to continue counting the steps and enjoying the dance. The other partners mostly left them alone, though there were still some surprised looks of the two of them being on the dance floor.

The beat remained easy to follow which Thomas was grateful for. It made him look better at picking up a tune than he was. "What do you enjoy, Lady Caroline? I should like to find something you find pleasing for the next time I call on you."

Tagged: @caroline

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caroline & thomas.

For once, she was managing to keep up with the dancing perfectly well. Caroline had never been too good at all of this, but she wasn't the worst dancer either. She was much worse at pianoforte, and at singing as well – this certainly wasn't her worst thing, she wasn't as bad as the likes of Eloise Bridgerton, who always looked to step on the toes of everything...though there was a good chance she meant to do that. Cressida seldom had a nice word to say about her or her friend Penelope.

"I am quite enjoying your company, my lord," she assured. In truth, she'd enjoy the company of any gentleman who looked her way, especially one who had a title – but that was not the point. He was truly showing an interest in her, not dancing with her to get closer to one of her friends. It was perfect.

At the question of what she enjoyed, she paused, trying to think. Usually, she chose to enjoy what she was told to; what her friends suggested she should like. "I quite enjoy pianoforte! I'm very good –" no, she was not. "– and tea parties. Do you drink tea?"

Thomas Tawney

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[Thomas Tawney]

The music continued not that Thomas paid it much mind. The steps of the dance pulled him away briefly, and then in the next measure he was back at her side turning gracefully with one gloved hand raised to just barely touch hers. It seemed to capture the essence of what courtship was like. Touching, but not quite. Close, but always with the reminder that they couldn't be too close for too long. Simple turns showed off elegance and poise more than flashy flourishes. After all, just like with a Bach piece, it was impossible to hide imperfection in plain simplicity.

"And I yours. I must assure you, my interests in your has nothing to do with Miss Cowper nor anyone else." He had no complaints about her dancing thus far, and it seemed that she'd been raised well as a proper young lady ought. Her status was a mere bonus on top of a suitable personality and appearance. While he usually preferred women with more wit and intelligence, so far, he had no way of knowing otherwise.

"Indeed I do. And I would enjoy hearing you play. If it pleases you, my lady, I should like very much to call on you. Unfortunately, I am engaged tomorrow to look at a racehorse, but the day after certainly. Had I known I'd meet such a fine young lady as yourself, I would not have made those plans. But alas." He said nothing of his time in India to avoid sounding like a braggart. And the comment about the horse gave him some kind of personality. It was the truth, all of it. And his friend had specifically requested his company in judging whether a yearling was worth buying. "Do you sew or draw as well?" Secretly, he hoped it was the latter so that they'd have more to talk about, and he felt certain that she had to do at least one of those options as a refined lady. In his expression and tone, it was clear that he was interested in her for her. It was almost a shame that he wasn't planning on asking for a second dance. But opinions could change, and the glances from his sister were only encouraging.

Tagged: @caroline

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caroline & thomas.

All seemed to be going well. Perhaps too well. Caroline wasn't particularly suspicious, didn't have enough thoughts in her head to ever be that. Cressida could have been closely watching, having planned this entire thing, and she still wouldn't have been suspicious. She was too trusting by far. Of course, that wasn't the case, but the point still stood: Caroline didn't understand much, but she knew when it seemed that things were going well. Her mother looked pleased, and Thomas seemed rather pleased too. 

Attempting to focus on the dancing had taken a lot out of her. Another step, and she stumbled slightly, treading on his toes. How embarrassing. She certainly wasn't the type who would do that on purpose to put him off, she wanted a husband more than just about anything. It was, after all, an expectation, especially as she was the only girl in her family, surrounded by brothers. 

Wincing, she attempted to get back into the swing of dancing, though it was proving trickier now. Caroline had lost the swing, though she would pretend that all was well, at least until the end of the dance. "Did you say racehorse? You have racehorses?" Oh, she'd try and keep up, try to at least act interested, even as her feet seemed to have completely betrayed her. It certainly wasn't the first time her brain seemed to have trouble controlling her body. "Of course, I do...all of the things expected of a young lady. My mother would not have it any other way. Do you, err...what is it that gentleman do?" She had brothers, and yet she hardly knew what that was.

Thomas Tawney

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[Thomas Tawney]

A grazing shot hurt worse than having toes stepped on, and Thomas didn't so much as wince when she stumbled. Rather, he took it in stride and shifted his own step to help her find her footing again. As much as it could help, he kept counting the steps for her so that they could at least finish the dance without too great of an embarrassment. He knew some men would have retired the dance floor then and there, but that was hardly gentlemanly behavior. Unfortunately, he sensed that the misstep had damaged her confidence and regaining it was going to be difficult. He prayed that the piece wouldn't go on for much longer and she could get a chance to collect her nerves. Not that he faulted her for nerves when dancing. It was an extremely public display, and most people weren't gifted with an ability to bounce back as though nothing had happened.

"Not presently, though I hope to purchase a few in the future. If they turn out to be good racers, all the better. Otherwise, I can train them to go under harness or be hunters." It was no money wasted to him either way. Ex racehorses made for excellent hunters and had no trouble keeping up with hounds. He was also heartened to hear that she knew other ladylike activities. He hoped that meant she was an artist, though it was far too soon to request to see any sketches.

"Your mother has raised you well. She is a credit to her station. I consider myself a sporting man. I enjoy my time out of doors with a gun, astride, or on the cricket field. I can also draw and row and have taken up an interest in viticulture. My time in the army took me as far as South Africa and India. I have two sisters, and the elder is the one who arranged our meeting." To Thomas's great relief, the piece slowed and at last came to an end. He bowed politely before her and led her off the dance floor to recover a moment and find her footing. "Would you like any refreshments, Lady Caroline?" There had to be something other than wine available, though it was possible she wanted something stronger than lemonade to steady her nerves.

Tagged: @caroline

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caroline & thomas.

It was interesting to hear of the things he did, for she hadn't spent much time around gentlemen who weren't her brothers before. She'd met up with Anthony Bridgerton once early in the season, but he hadn't seemed interested. That was okay, though, for she was thinking this might be a much better match. If she'd married Anthony, she would have Eloise as a sister-in-law, and Cressida wouldn't approve of that. Thomas seemed like someone who all her friends and family would approve of, and that was the most important thing. She didn't really have her own opinions, her own thoughts on what she wanted. She didn't have many thoughts on anything, really, unless she was told what to think. Perhaps he could help with that.

"Wow! It sounds like you've been...far." Caroline wasn't quite sure where those places even were. She knew Mayfair well, and that was about it. Sometimes she and her family travelled, but she didn't really pay attention to where those places were. She didn't know how far anything was, her geography was not brilliant. As a matter of fact, nothing she'd learnt with her governesses ever went well. It didn't often matter, though, as her parents were of the opinion that reading would fill her head with too many unsavoury thoughts. It had never been an issue thus far.

As the dance came to an end, Caroline allowed him to lead her from the dance floor, throwing a smile in her mama's direction. This all seemed to be going well thus far, there was nothing to worry about. She hadn't said anything to put her foot in her mouth, as of yet, and he didn't seem to be running away. How refreshing and new this was! "Lemonade would be quite wonderful. You don't wish to go and dance with another young lady?"

Thomas Tawney

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[Thomas Tawney]

"Quite far indeed. They're further away than America, and you might even think it's a different world entirely." He showed some restraint about not launching into a glowing description of lands on the far reaches of the British Empire. Though, it was impossible to hold memories of herds of African elephants and rhinos with anything but amazement.

Anna smiled and nodded happy that the dance had gone about as well as anyone could expect. From afar, it looked like they were getting along, and there was every reason to hope that they might make a pretty match. The dance floor was particularly active as couples moved off it and others stepped forward. The orchestra took a brief moment to drink and retune their instruments. The air was hot, and it felt good to get a breath of slightly fresher air. The dances weren't too strenuous of an activity, but so many bodies moving in a relatively confined space could only keep the immediate area feeling rather warm.

"I believe I'll sit out the next dance. Nor would I wish to leave you parched. A moment, Lady Caroline. I shall be back shortly." He bowed politely and stepped away to fetch her a glass of lemonade. Thomas crossed to the other side of the room as the next piece began. He vageuly recognized the melody but couldn't name it. Most likely it was a popular piece and he'd heard it before at some other function in the season. One of his new acquaintances came up behind him grinning and immediately launching into the kind of interrogation about Lady Caroline which mamas and siblings were want to do.

"I don't see what you find so objectionable about her, Mr. Williamson. She's very pretty, and you can hardly fault her dancing for being anything other than nerves." He sighed and waved the man off for calling into question why she hadn't found a husband yet over the course of two seasons. "If there's anything greatly objectionable about her, then I truly doubt my sister would have been the one to approve of the introduction. She strikes me as sheltered, but the beagle is never to blame for inexperience in the hunt. Perhaps she'll enjoy the opportunity to expand her small world."

The earl stepped away quickly in pursuit of a footman carrying a tray of lemonade. It was fresh if the direction he was coming from was any indicator, and Thomas relieved him of two glasses with a polite smile. His acquaintance had slipped back into the crowd of people, and Thomas was silently grateful for it. He was going to call on Caroline no matter what anyone else thought. It was with genuine intent and no intention of leading her on. After all, that was how they found out about each other and if they were really suitable as a couple.

He returned without further delay and offered out one of the crystal glasses to Caroline. "My lady." He stood beside her to watch the dancing and the mix of graceful and not so graceful couples. "I hope you've found the evening agreeable so far. I rather enjoy your company. Truth be told, I did not expect to dance with anyone tonight. This...surprised turned out to be a welcome one. Do you enjoy flowers? Perhaps I can find a way to bring a piece of Africa or India to you."

Tagged: @caroline

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caroline & thomas.

As he dismissed himself temporarily to get her a glass of lemonade, Caroline's mother was quick to approach her briefly, muttering something about ensuring she didn't put him off. Of course she knew that, though in truth, she wasn't sure what she usually did to scare gentleman away. She was only ever herself, and she had heard it said that nobody liked a lady with brains. She should, technically, have been the perfect match! Somehow, however, it seemed to be off putting. How bizarre indeed.

Her mouth opened to respond to her mother, but she was quick to head back to the sidelines, as it seemed Thomas was approaching her once more. The last thing her mama wanted was to put off another gentleman, she'd already gotten through her fair share of them, and almost every one else among the ton knew what she was like already. He might well be her last hope this season.

With a gracious smile, she took the glass of lemonade from him, taking a sip once it was in her hand, if only to be polite. She wasn't all too thirsty to begin with, but agreeing to a refreshment meant more time spent with him, and she knew that was a good thing, even if she didn't know much else. "Thank you, my lord. I have enjoyed this evening too! It is not often I get to dance with...anyone. I have appreciated it. I appreciate flowers too!" Caroline took a moment, and paused. "A piece of Africa or India? How would you bring me a piece? Would it be inside the flower?" Oh, now he might finally see how dim she could be.

Thomas Tawney

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[Thomas Tawney]

The earl looked surprised when she admitted to not dancing with anyone. Though, based on Mr. Williamson's assessment, it dawned on him that he shouldn't have been surprised. Even if no one was saying it, there was something other people found so distasteful about either her or her family that they didn't want to dance with or court her. It made him question why his sister had agreed to the introduction if she was truly as unsuitable as other people seemed to think. She understood reputation as well as anyone in the ton and had the most to lose or gain by the match her little brother made. To his credit, Thomas preferred to form his own opinions about people rather than rely on rumors and hearsay.

"Why, the flower is the piece. A great many blooms aren't native to English shores. It may take some time to find ones in bloom, but surely not an impossible task. And it would certainly be something others are unlikely to have." He took her stupidity in stride. Perhaps it was an act or a moment of thoughtlessness. Likewise, he sipped at his glass of lemonade and ignored anyone who looked in their direction.

He was careful not to engage her in a second dance lest anyone think they were courting. It was one thing to be interested, quite another to leap from just returning to England and falling for the first lady he met. Especially if her reputation was questionable. While he didn't personally care one way or another, pretending to care to keep up appearances was a grim necessity of his position.

If either of them planned a lengthy conversation for the rest of the night, then those plans were quickly dashed by Mr. Williamson. He was a plain looking man with mutton chops, an emerald green waistcoat, and a rather genteel figure. "Warrington!" He worked his way past several other people to approach Thomas and Caroline. "Warrington!" He dipped his head politely to Caroline. "My lady. I hate to interrupt, but there's someone Lord Warrington simply must meet." He looked ready to carry Thomas off regardless of the answer.

Tagged: @caroline

[Deleted]

caroline & thomas.

For the most part, her reputation was merely borne of her stupidity. She and her brothers, aside from the youngest, all possessed that same trait, and it seemed to turn much of the ton off from them. There were those, like her friend Cressida, who were happy to know her anyway, because her father had a title, and her name therefore held power...but that was the main thing that drew people in. While most men simply wanted a wife who was easy on the eyes and would offer a decent dowry, it seemed her lack of smarts was off putting to most. Perhaps one day she'd find someone who viewed it differently...maybe he'd be that someone. Only time would tell.

There was no chance that particular evening to speak any further with him and find out, for she could only nod politely when Williamson approached. She hardly knew the man, but he must have known Thomas, and she could hardly give any reason for him to stay. They'd danced together once, after all — they'd have to hold off doing so again until another dance, though she was hoping he would see his choice to see her again through.

That evening passed without anything further happening, and it was a few days later when she knew any gentleman callers would be turning up at the house. She could only hope he would be one of them, as she was certain things had gone well! Even her last comment, the one about the flowers, hadn't seemed to make much of a difference. She hoped that would remain the case. Caroline sat up a little straighter, as the butler headed to open the front door, bowing his greeting. "Am I to assume you are here to visit the young Miss Wycliff?"

Thomas Tawney

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