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Captain Lord Warrington
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Post by Thomas Tawney on Nov 21, 2022 3:17:00 GMT
He nodded approvingly as she brought the horse through the turn. Tristan was the kind of old schoolmaster every beginner student needed. He was forgiving to minor mistakes and had enough experience to know what he was supposed to do in most situations. He pricked his ears and lengthened his stride to a brisk trot, and his tail swished from side to side with each step. On the ground, he looked like a smart carriage horse with a bit of flashy knee action and a nicely arched neck and head.
"I don't mind at all. It's certainly more interesting than sitting at home sipping tea and hearing a list of the events one has been invited to and which invitations one ought to accept. That, and I've never cared much for what's proper. The only time I care about propriety is to avoid a scandal I can't recover from. So long as no one finds out, we won't get into any trouble." Ever since he was a boy, Thomas had been prone to disregarding the rules. And he'd already caused enough of a stir by being the well dressed gentleman without a driver and lying flat in the mud underneath a buggy fixing it like a servant.
"Keep him straight and then carry him through the next turn. If you need a reminder, I'm still here to help, but I want to see you go through the steps without being prompted." Thomas fell silent to give her the chance to focus on driving. Their relationship was built on not knowing much about each other. It was strange, freeing, and he didn't have to feel like she was existing in his presence solely because of his title. Everywhere else, it was Lord Warrington. The name felt strange to hear. That was his father's name. He was just Captain Tawney. He never wanted to be the heir. And for ten years, he'd run away from the life that society demanded.
As they passed a small street that formed a T-intersection with the road around the park, there was a sudden yowling of two stray cats. It almost sounded human like a baby wailing for attention. The stallion turned his head to look, but he remained calm and soon went back to looking ahead as the buggy passed the side street. "Horses look to their leader for direction when they're unsure about something. If he had startled, just keep contact with the bit, cluck at him or shake the reins to keep him moving and thinking. You're telling him that the strange things in the world aren't anything to be afraid of. If the horse isn't baulking in the traces, just keep his feet moving. Stopping just means that he can spend more time thinking about how to be afraid."
Tagged: @eloisebridgerton
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Captain Lord Warrington
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Post by Thomas Tawney on Nov 21, 2022 0:56:21 GMT
Unlike the rest of the art crowd, a good night for Thomas didn't include debauchery. He was an outlier in that regard, but it never bothered him. It wasn't even that he found it immoral or repulsive. Something about smoking cigars, drinking whiskey, and then disrobing to engage in carnal pleasures didn't appeal to him as much as it had five or six years ago. Though he could never say it, taking a mistress and then having a child with her made the reality of being too free a sharp slap in the face. When the time came where he could neither marry her nor remain a part of her and the infant's life, it was a jarring wake up call to the nature of his position in life.
"I don't mind at all. I feel far better knowing you're someplace safe for the night." He stepped over a small round table and rang the bell sitting on it. It didn't take long for a maid to appear carrying a candle. She curtsied in front of Thomas with a demur 'My lord' in greeting. "Lady Granville will be spending the night with us. Have the Skyros room prepared for her."
"As you wish, my lord." She left to do as she was told. Despite Thomas's tendencies to take matters into his own hands when it came to horses and wine, he was just as comfortable instructing servants and acting as everyone thought an earl should. "Would you like anything more to eat or drink? I know the evening wasn't as active as I've heard Sir Henry's parties are, but I hope the night wasn't too dull for you. Are you an artist yourself?"
There was another flash and boom. The rain was pounding at the windows with the force of pebbles, and the candle flames near the window flickered and swayed. Thomas poured himself another glass of whiskey and gestured the decanter towards her in silent inquiry. "Please, sit if you like. It won't take the maid long. I won't trouble you too long if you're tired."
| | Please save for me some gallantry that will echo when I'm gone |
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Captain Lord Warrington
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Post by Thomas Tawney on Nov 20, 2022 23:52:00 GMT
237 words • tagged @edith • credits
Thomas inched over to the edge of where he could feel the ice patch and get his one good leg under him. The name Bridgerton brought on a look of clear recognition. So, this was their house. Between the Royal Academy and White's, the subject of residence had never come up. He was acquainted with the elder Bridgertons, and the identity of Eloise still eluded him.
"Lord Warrington, Miss. I've had the pleasure of being introduced to Lord Bridgerton and Mr. Bridgerton." Which Mr. Bridgerton was still up for question. But, it was surely enough to ease any concerns about inviting a total stranger into the house. He took her offered hand to help balance as he stood and shifted over to less slippery ground. For a few moments, he stood like a flamingo with his right leg bent and held fully off the ground. "I confess, I'm not often in this part of Mayfair and didn't recognize the house."
He let her lead him into the house, and he could just manage a second of bearing weight on his bad foot, though it caused him considerable pain. Each hopping step felt like stepping on sharp rocks, and he could feel his boot getting tighter from swelling. "Is Lord Bridgerton at home presently?" Or any of them, really. It made the whole affair less awkward if he wasn't coming into their house while they were all out.
| | Please save for me some gallantry that will echo when I'm gone |
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Captain Lord Warrington
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Post by Thomas Tawney on Nov 20, 2022 22:27:49 GMT
346 words • tagged @kitty • credits
"Thank you, Mrs. Langham. I've known horses all my life. My father used to tell me that man is the only one keeping them from finding new ways to injure themselves." He gave her a soft grateful smile not that it was easily seen in the dark. "Your offer is most kind. He has a hard mouth and likes to look around. Working the bit in his mouth keeps him focused well enough." He was working on softening the horse's mouth with a snaffle bit rather than a bit and bridoon, but there was still a way's to go.
There was a sadness to the dark house that sat mostly alone. It was only a few blocks beyond the opposite side of Hyde Park from Mayfair, and yet, at night it seemed to be as far away as the other side of the Thames. The windows were dark, and the earl knew how to care for his horse well enough to be able to brush him down without the help of a groom. Now, he lived alone in the house with just the servants and the occasional visit from his sisters or cousin. His family was old, and the late earl was the type to expect respect because of his title's age. He never felt it necessary to constantly chase families. After all, with a lineage that dated back to the 1300s and a title that was created at the end of the English Civil War, it wasn't like the family had anyone to impress.
"Would you like to come inside for a cup of tea or coffee?" The door to the carriage opened, though Thomas hesitated at stepping out. He doubted the general's wife would accept his offer, but from the way he lingered just a moment too long, he also hoped she'd agree. Not that he planned anything untoward, but company was nice. Pleasant company was better. And if her husband truly wasn't going to be back in the morning, then he didn't need to know if she was out later than strictly necessary.
| | Please save for me some gallantry that will echo when I'm gone |
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Captain Lord Warrington
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Post by Thomas Tawney on Nov 20, 2022 20:43:16 GMT
Clear skies and warm weather brought nearly anyone who was anyone out to Hyde Park. The Tawneys were no exception, and Thomas enjoyed getting to spend some time in the company of his cousin Arthur without worrying about the affairs of the estate. They rode together chatting idly while the servants set up a spot for them to return to and relax when they were ready to sample some snacks and drinks before supper late in the evening.
"I miss the smells and sounds the most. Don't misunderstand, there's nothing that compares to fresh English air, but just imagine walking down the street with the scent of spices and oil and cooked meat all around you. And the noise is so human. Vendors calling out with prices for their goods. Walking down the street, you could do all your shopping in one place. Woven baskets, fresh tea leaves, curry spices, incense sticks, flowers, wooden toys, rugs. I even found a leather worker who fashioned the most exquisite headpieces for elephants. I was nearly tempted to purchase one to hang on a wall. The colors and craftsmanship! You wouldn't be able to find anything like it here. And maybe a few hours north you're out of the city proper. You can see the ocean on one side, the bay on the other, and lush green hills dotted with tall branchless trees. And the bay is always busy with ships coming and going. The harbour smells so strongly of salt and fish, you would think it would sit in your clothes forever. There are of course fishmongers all along the harbor. Fresh or dried. There was this baked fish I had. The whole fish on a bed of rice and coated in masala. Lemon juice squeezed over it, and there was this sauce as well--the name escapes me at present."
Arthur listened with feigned attention and seemed more focused on keeping his horse straight. As much as he enjoyed letting Thomas talk about his time abroad, it was hard not to grow tired of it. Bombay was far away, and not many people had the chance to visit. They continued riding with Thomas doing most of the talking until they returned to a clear spot with a table and umbrella to block out the sun. There was a covered silver platter on the table and a couple chairs for reclining and relaxing. Servants held the horses while the two men dismounted and settled down to enjoy their snack.
There were small bowls of rice pudding with chopped nuts and dried fruit mixed in. The relief Arthur felt came from the fact that the bowl of kheer was enough to get Thomas to stop talking. Ladies and gentlemen rode and walked past their little spot, and the two horses grazed nearby. There were no ladies in their party of two, and outside of a few polite nods and acknowledgements, they were largely left alone just off the main path.
Tagged: @edwina
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Captain Lord Warrington
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Post by Thomas Tawney on Nov 20, 2022 19:41:10 GMT
290 words • tagged @edith • credits
Thomas noticed the young woman come out of the house all bundled up for the weather. Other than the sorry and sypathetic looks, this was the first person to actually try to offer to help. The earl wasn't know for a bad temper, but the pain in his ankle that grew worse the more he thought about it created all kinds of unpleasant thoughts. It was only a matter of self control that he kept them to himself. Of course he wasn't alright. If he was, he wouldn't be sitting on the ground unable to stand on his own two feet. For a few seconds, he looked worried about her coming any closer. There was no telling how big the ice patch was, and two people on the ground was worse than one.
"I regret to say that I seem to have done something to my ankle or leg. it's not broken, I don't think. But I can't stand on it. Does the master of the house have a cane I might borrow? Forgive me, Miss, but I wouldn't want to cause you to fall either." He winced sharply from the pain and reached down in an effort to massage his ankle through his boot. It did nothing, but the action of pretending to do something helped occupy his mind.
From the way he spoke, it was evident that he didn't recognize the house. That in itself was unusual as was his unfamiliarity with Mayfair despite looking like a respectable gentleman. "Your kindness does you credit, Miss." He guessed she was a servant by her dress, and the facade of the house was well kept. The family had money, but they lived in Mayfair. That alone was evidence of wealth.
| | Please save for me some gallantry that will echo when I'm gone |
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Captain Lord Warrington
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Post by Thomas Tawney on Nov 20, 2022 18:08:07 GMT
"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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Captain Lord Warrington
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Post by Thomas Tawney on Nov 20, 2022 16:56:09 GMT
Thomas couldn't decide in the moment whether he was feeling excitement or apprehension at her affirmative answer to wanting more lessons. There really was no going back now. To withdraw an offer after he'd already made because he got cold feet was dishonorable. And she lived in London. There was still the chance they'd run into each other under other circumstances, and then they both had to pretend to not know the other. It wasn't proper by any means, but one did what one must to avoid intentionally starting a scandal.
"At least through the end of the season. My estate is only a day's travel from here, so I'm frequently in London year round. How about here at the same time tomorrow? Same buggy, same horse, so it'll all be familiar. And tomorrow, there shouldn't be any reason to be blocking the road." He smiled and shifted his attention back to the road. The grey stallion was doing his work honestly, and the slightly shorter left rein kept him trotting straight.
"When the next turn comes up, collect his stride, tap his side, and then guide him through the turn." He gave her enough direction to be a reminder of the different steps while still leaving it to her to remember exactly how to do them. Not that she was working completely on her own yet, and he was ready to step in with any help that she might need. Tristan's ear flicked back at the sound of his master's voice. The horse was listening and ready as the next turn came upon them.
@eloisebridgerton
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Captain Lord Warrington
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Post by Thomas Tawney on Nov 20, 2022 15:09:23 GMT
Lucy Granville and Thomas Tawney get caught up in a storm and must stay sheltered together until it passes.
As a bachelor living mostly alone, Thomas was never expected to host any parties. That was usually reserved for the lady of the house, and his mother preferred to stay in the country estate still mourning her husband's death. While she had technically come out of mourning some months prior, the loss still weighed heavily on her heart, and she avoided social engagements that only reminded her of what she could have had. His elder sister was often busy entertaining her own parties and taking care of her own children.
With the help of his younger sister, he managed to arrange a small gathering of other artists. It wasn't anything fancy, and mostly it was a chance to socialize, draw, paint, and get drunks. The wives were also included at Sophia's request so that she could have people to talk to for the night. And at the suggest of his friend George Strickland, Thomas sent an invitation to Henry and Lucy Granville. Things weren't off to an incredible start, though. While the few friends Thomas had knew he was a skilled artist, most of the ton didn't. And a house in the less fashionable area of Kensington earned his a slew of replies claiming to be already otherwise engaged. It was also rather forgettable that Thomas' grandfather who died nearly twenty years ago was a great art collector and that the family possessed quite a few rare pieces of art.
Darkness fell over London, and heavy clouds came laden with rain. The house was illuminated with the soft glow of candles, and the night turned into one with more drinking than drawing. George managed to coax Thomas to show off one of his old sketchbooks from Africa, and the pages were filled with drawings of animals, landscapes, buildings, and women in beaded dresses wearing elaborate head dresses. Other women were garbed in bright colors that made even a dress from the modiste look drab, and they exposed far more skin that anyone would dare think respectable. The men were dressed in fur capes made from cheetah and leopards. They carried almond shaped shields with spears, and to an uneducated eye, it looked like they wore skirts made from animal tails.
As the night wore on, conversation quickly turned to gossip and opinions on the latest edition of Lady Whistledown. There was only a thinly veiled attempt at keeping the conversation appropriate for ladies' delicate ears, though anyone who wasn't more drunk than not would easily be able to pick up on the suggestive comments and disparaging remarks.
Nearing midnight, there was a flash of lightning followed by the deep booming roll of thunder. For the men, they were quick to make their excuses and send for their carriages to be home before the worst of the storm came. "Mrs. Granville, will you require an escort home tonight? I shan't put you out in the storm alone. Your company tonight has been most welcome." Wind and rain battered the windows, and it was impossible to see the ground from the first floor drawing room. More lightning and thunder shook the house, and the there was hardly any delay. "If you'd rather wait until morning, I can have the maid set up a room for you. It's no trouble at all. It's hard to tell how long this storm will last."
| | Please save for me some gallantry that will echo when I'm gone |
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Captain Lord Warrington
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Post by Thomas Tawney on Nov 20, 2022 3:41:36 GMT
468 words • tagged @giles • credits
The hard jolt of the carriage that carried enough force to nearly throw Thomas into the opposite seat along with the high pitched grating of metal on stone told the earl all he needed to know. "Deuce. Lord have mercy just one time!" He swore under his breath annoyed by the inconvenience. For once, he wasn't sitting in the driver's seat and had acquiesced to letting a servant take the reins. The carriage came to a swaying stop and tilted dangerously to one side. He peered out the window to a smoke filled scene of factories, tanneries, and bricklayers. They were in the East End of London far from the fashionable parts of Mayfair and Westminster.
After his first dance with Lady Caroline, he hoped to impress her with something exotic. However, he still knew very little about her, and he wanted to gift to be a surprise. Not even her mother could know about it. One name that came up that night stuck with him. Cowper. And his sister filled him in on the rest. There was a Cowper girl still unmarried who had been often seen with Lady Caroline. She knew where the Cowpers lived and given him the address. And with some difficulty, ended up now in the company of their butler. He couldn't bring a lady's maid because that would be too improper. But if anyone was going to know enough about Lady Caroline and wasn't part of the household, one of the Cowper staff had to be sufficient.
From his time abroad, a gift of Indian flowers in Lady Caroline's favorite colors seemed like a unique enough present. The local florist didn't have any of the right kinds of flowers available but did recommend another florist located in Whitechapel. It was an unusual part of London for find an exotic florist, but Thomas had it on good authority that this person would have the flowers he needed and was knowledgeable about Indian botany.
But now, with a stuck carriage and a driver who hadn't informed them of the delay, the only thing Thomas was certain of was that they weren't at the florist. "Have you any idea where we are? I can't see anything close to a landmark from here other than we're still north of the Thames. And what's taking the driver so long? By the sound, it's worse than a loose hub. I've never been northeast of the Tower. Can you see a street sign on your end? Anything that might help?" He was nervous, though he hid it from his voice. He was the highest ranked person in this little group, and as such, he needed to be the one to remain calm. Thomas knocked sharply on the front window to get the driver's attention, but there was no response.
| | Please save for me some gallantry that will echo when I'm gone |
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Captain Lord Warrington
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Post by Thomas Tawney on Nov 20, 2022 3:08:16 GMT
541 words • tagged @edith • credits
12 - with a twisted ankle
Ever since Thomas met the young lady who wished to learn how to drive a carriage, it was hard to get off his mind. At one point, he even found himself sketching a portrait of her, though that sketch was safely stowed away where no one was going to find it. He didn't have feelings for her in the slightest, and even if he did, he knew nothing about her. It was inappropriate to even think about her in any way other than a wildcat and a good student. He wasn't even sure where she lived, and a wealthy part of London didn't narrow the search down by much. He knew Kensington well, and he certainly hadn't seen her or her carriage there before. Westminster was another guess. The few times he'd ridden around that area, he hadn't seen her, but that meant very little. The only other option where it seemed like most of the ton resided was Mayfair. An irrational fear set in about what would happen if he did chance upon her, and he avoided the area entirely for a couple days.
Once he finally worked up the courage to walk around the streets, there was a light dusting of snow and thin patches of ice on the ground. It was unseasonably early for snow, and he was rudely reminded why he liked the warmer weather further south. No snow. The streets of Mayfair were less crowded than they might have been otherwise, but it certainly drew out a younger and active crowd who delighted in the first snow.
He was dressed in a new winter coat with a double cape and fell down to his mid thighs. Even compared to his military uniform, it felt bulky, and the thick wool made his movements feel stiff. Part of him knew that this was only a matter of breaking it in, and the heavy garment was welcome to stave off the cold. He walked down the long avenue that passed in front of the Bridgerton house when he stepped onto a thin and nearly invisible patch of black ice. His riding boots didn't offer much grip, and the world turned before his eyes.
The next thing Thomas knew, he was staring at the pastel blue and cloudless sky. His senses were dazed, and it took several moments before he fully realized what just happened. The few other people on the street kept walking and left him be, though he couldn't really blame them. No one else wanted to land on the ground as hard as he had. The earl managed to sit up and blink through a blooming headache at the back of his skull. But when he tried to stand, his leg refused to bear weight. He fell again as his leg buckled underneath him, and a sharp pain in his ankle quickly told him why. He swore under his breath and stared around searching for some way to get back to his feet and maybe limp to a cab. But in the wide avenue, there were no such convenient hand holds, and he wasn't about to disgrace himself crawling across the street. The gate to the Bridgerton house was closest, but only if he could reach it.
| | Please save for me some gallantry that will echo when I'm gone |
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Captain Lord Warrington
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Post by Thomas Tawney on Nov 20, 2022 2:22:10 GMT
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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Captain Lord Warrington
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Post by Thomas Tawney on Nov 20, 2022 1:31:59 GMT
He had to admire his young student for her seriousness in learning. He could see it on her face that she was listening and concentrating, and unlike some officers he knew, actually cared enough to pay attention. The way he spoke made it clear he knew what he was talking about when it came to driving and horses, and he cared about doing more than hauling the poor beast around by its head. There were times he'd been tempted to call out a London cab driver for the poor treatment of the horse, and he'd stopped more than one carriage in the country for trying to send a team of horses through a bad road when the horses didn't want to go.
"I'm certain I won't mind hearing what you have to say. You strike me as an intelligent young lady and not at all a wearisome conversation partner. I appreciate directness over vexing innuendos and half-truths. And I can only agree that too many men are arrogant and infatuated with themselves. If you'll keep this to yourself, I dare say Parliament is where you'll find a great many insufferable gentlemen." The only reason he felt qualified to speak on the character of members of Parliament was because he was related through marriage to one. And he did indeed fit the description of someone who talked about himself too much and almost never with any prompting.
"You learn quickly, and I'm glad you find this fascinating--Give him his head an inch and let him pick his own pace. There's still a ways before you'll have to turn again--and a good student such as yourself is always a pleasure to teach." The praise was genuine, and he hoped it didn't come across as pandering. There was something refreshing about teaching someone who truly wanted to learn, though he couldn't deny the thrill of how scandalous this would all be if they were sighted. A young lady and a man completely unchaperoned sitting close as they were in the small buggy and with her holding the reins no less. "Will you be in London for long? If it suits you, we could make a regular appointment of this. One horse is enough for a buggy or chaise, but more often you'll find carriages pulled by pairs. It's similar in theory, but it takes practice managing two horses. And, if you're not opposed to some work, I can teach you how to harness horses so that you won't be reliant on a groom every time you wish to drive. The shafts, pole, and collar weigh the most, but if you can carry your own saddle, the weight is not greatly different."
It was a dangerous offer and he knew it. Especially teaching her how to harness a horse would require them finding someplace very quiet and alone where she could practice a few times. And each outing increased the risk of being spotted. But there was a part of him that wanted her company and wanted her to agree. He wasn't ready to say it, but he was curious about her life as a fellow human with no other motivation. She was fearless in a way many other women weren't.
Tagged: @eloisebridgerton
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Captain Lord Warrington
5th Earl of Warrington
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Post by Thomas Tawney on Nov 20, 2022 0:18:19 GMT
615 words • tagged @kitty • credits
Thomas's return to England had been anything but unnoticed. He was required to report to the Horse Guards both to debrief from his time in India and to sort out the matter of his commission. Since he was returning as an earl with family affairs to attend to, it wasn't reasonable to ship him off to Spain where they needed veteran officers the most. Unfortunately, there weren't an openings for battalions stationed near London. The army was loathe to lose a captain who'd seen action in Africa and India at the rate captains were dying in Spain, so resigning his commission was quickly shot down. The only solution anyone could agree to was putting Thomas on half pay. Until another position opened up, but there was no estimate for how long that would be.
As word of his return to the ton reached the ears of other officers stationed in London both permanently and temporarily, so too did the invitations to dine and socialize and talk about some place other than the Peninsula for a change. Talk of tigers and sepoys was fresh news, and hardly any officer could complain about a slightly embellished skirmish set deep in the Indian jungles of Punjab (never mind that Punjab was mostly mountainous territory and the jungles everyone imagined were located in central India many kilometers to the southeast).
One such invitation brought him to the home of General Langham and his wife, Kitty. He'd met the general once. Briefly. And then rather quickly forgot about him. After all, there was half a world and six months travel between them. Thomas put on the appearance of remembering the man as any respectable gentleman would in his position and spent the rest of the evening chatting with officers closer to his rank. The sea of red uniforms and gold braid with no other women marked the evening as one for the officers.
Late into the night, the evening finally came to a close, and Thomas summoned for his horse. Even in the dark, he could see something was amiss with the creature bobbing its head every step. "Hold him, there." He told the servant and went to check each of the horse's hooves. One shoe had come loose and was twisted slightly on a nail. The creature was lucky that the broken off nail only barely avoided puncturing the softer sole of the foot. "His shoe is loose, and it's too dark to call a blacksmith. Keep him here for the night and make sure he doesn't lie down. With how that nail's bent, I don't want to see him cut his belly." He let out a sharp breath. Mayfair to Kensington was too far to walk at this hour. "Send for Mrs. Langham. I'll require the use of one of her carriages to get home."
And so, he found himself sitting opposite of her late in the night. He said very little to keep a handle on his own irritation at the horse's condition. The horse was fine when he'd arrived and now it needed a shoe replaced. Part of him was irritated at the grooms for not catching it sooner. If he could see a lame horse from a distance in the dead of night, then surely they would have been able to see it up close. Finally, the carriage turned off the main road to a much more suburban part of London. A neat brick house with a stone stairway and iron banisters stood out as a shadow in the darkness. It was neither extremely fashionable or as expensive looking as one would expect from an earl of considerable wealth. "Well, this is where I live."
| | Please save for me some gallantry that will echo when I'm gone |
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Captain Lord Warrington
5th Earl of Warrington
Rank
Army Captain
Occupation
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Alishahr
Offline
Tag me @thomastawney
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Post by Thomas Tawney on Nov 19, 2022 18:51:56 GMT
Accepting!
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