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Post by Elizabeth Davenport on Sept 13, 2021 0:48:13 GMT
 Elizabeth took note of the book Caroline clutched tightly to her chest and she felt her own stomach drop at the thought of what might be inside of it. Caroline had always been prepared, likely due to the pressure from her mother, and Elizabeth knew it was likely not a book filled with stories. She raised her eyebrows in surprise at the revelation that Caroline could not visit many people without her mother. Elizabeth understood the need for a chaperone when one went somewhere but was unaware that Caroline's mother always assisted on accompanying her daughter. "You can't be earnest?" She asked, although Elizabeth already knew the answer. "Well your mother must be quite certain that you would not meet any eligible bachelors at our estate then, right?" She teased lightly, a grin on her face. Her older brother, William, was an eligible bachelor but she'd warned Caroline away from him long ago.
"You will make a lovely debut, I just know it," Elizabeth assured her friend. She understood the pressures just like any other girl debuting her first season and knew it was a lot to live up to, but Elizabeth also had a semblance of an inkling that Caroline faced far more pressure than Elizabeth ever had.
If she could, Elizabeth would have delayed herself another season. But she had not been married to Arthur and it would not be appropriate to claim she was still in mourning. Elizabeth realized that the more she delayed the more it would reflect badly on her family and she could put her pride aside for that. She made a little noise of displeasure and took a sip of her tea. "Yes but please don't remind me. I'm not the least bit interested in parading around and having conversations with people I wish to not converse with," she said. "You know I quite enjoy my time to myself in the country."
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Post by Elizabeth Davenport on Sept 13, 2021 0:28:46 GMT
 Elizabeth chuckled and nodded. "Perhaps not usually," she said. She had never considered herself a clumsy person and now that she thought about it, always had quite good balance. She'd been able to walk across logs over ponds as a child and do other activities growing up that would prove her little theory. Still, she was unsure why she had claimed such a thing when she knew it to be false. Perhaps it had to do with the desire to assure him that it had been all her fault, which she was certain it had been.
He noted her unique predicament and she nodded once more. "Indeed," she agreed. "I suppose most girls grow up looking forward to getting married and having a family but I'm quite fond of the family I already have." She offered him a smile and reminded herself she could not be showing all of her cards to a stranger. She didn't know him or what he was likely to tell others. The idea of rumors beginning that Elizabeth Davenport had no desire to get married were sure to disappoint her father, despite it being the truth.
It seemed they were both after a moment of peace and quiet and Elizabeth found herself able to appreciate the notion. It was usually Benedict that she would steal away with in order to get a break from the buzzing people around her but given that he was nowhere in sight, she found herself quite content to enjoy a quiet moment with Lord Slade. Although she supposed if they were conversing then she had completely ruined his moment of quiet after all. "Well then I do apologize for ruining your moment of peace and quiet," she said.
His question caught her a little off guard and Elizabeth toyed with how she should answer it. Honestly was usually how she went but given that she did not know this man, she had to keep her wits about her. Revealing too much could be damaging to both herself and her family, but something within Elizabeth made her feel like she could trust him. Or at least, trust him to not tell her secrets to the likes of Lady Whistledown. "Perhaps," she said. "I suppose my preference would always be to remain in the country side with my family than attend ball after ball in order to impress and entertain. I know that it is expected of me and everyone else but it can be quite exhausting, don't you think?" She asked, turning to look at him.
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Post by Elizabeth Davenport on Sept 13, 2021 0:15:29 GMT
 It should have come as no surprise that the question of whether or not someone would come after her would arise. It wasn't a question Elizabeth had asked, only furthering the thought that she was ill prepared for the situation she had placed herself in. She felt like her naive nature with the situation only made her seem like the privileged lady Elijah believed her to be, and she hated it. For this question, Elizabeth turned to Maryanne. "They will sometimes search the streets but will not put in effort beyond that," Maryanne explained. They would have likely already noticed that Maryanne was missing by now but she'd insisted it would be another day or two before they wanted to know where she'd run off to.
Elijah made another good point and Elizabeth merely nodded. She understood the repercussions of if someone were to see her entering or leaving this establishment but she cared not. How this all affected her was the least of her concerns but she found she would be worried if it were to come back on her family. Family was the most important thing to Elizabeth and since she considered Joanna family, Maryanne was just as important. "Some things are more important than marriage proposals, at least to me," Elizabeth found herself explaining. "Look, I've taken care to make sure I have not been seen. My carriage is not sitting out front of your establishment and I was sure to take the one without my family's crest on the side." She wasn't a total idiot all of the time. "I just wanted to make sure she would be safe." Elizabeth's absence could easily be explained but Joanna's would have been noticed, which was why Elizabeth had taken it upon herself to make sure Maryanne arrived safely.
As if she felt he was not yet convinced, Elizabeth decided to do the stupid thing and reveal who she was. Of course, it would do no harm for him to know she was there and likely spreading a rumor that she'd been seen there could easily be squashed if she got to it on time. But Elizabeth wanted to ensure Maryanne's place here. "My name is Elizabeth Davenport and that favor I have promised could prove to be quite fruitful for you," she pointed out.
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Post by Elizabeth Davenport on Sept 12, 2021 23:15:56 GMT
He introduced himself and she nodded, giving a small curtsy out of respect. He made small conversation about how she was apart of the hosting family and she nodded in agreement, but he was quick to notice that she seemed to be running away from the middle of the crowd instead of flourishing under the attention the hosts usually got. Especially with the host family had two eligible children for marriage. "Ah, is it that obvious?" Elizabeth asked.
Elizabeth looked around the room before turning her attention back towards Lord Slade. Once she heard the name she remembered hearing bits and pieces about him over the years but she'd never been able to figure out what was truth and what was just rumor. Elizabeth had always been quite skilled with figuring out what was true and wasn't but Lord Slade had always been an exception. "I suppose I am less than eager to begin the continuous musings of courting and marriage proposals," Elizabeth confessed. "And what, might I ask, has you lurking in the shadows instead of socializing with the rest of our prestigious Ton?" Her tone was slightly sarcastic towards the end which was out of character for her in front of a stranger, but somehow she'd managed to let it slip.
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Post by Elizabeth Davenport on Sept 12, 2021 22:39:58 GMT
He was very handsome, she would give him that much. There was something about his eyes that she couldn't quite place. But Elizabeth knew that this was not someone she should take her eyes off for a moment. This was a serious place she was in and she needed to keep that at the top of her mind. She supposed she should not have been surprised by his immediate denial. Elizabeth realized that her complete naive nature when it came to these dealings would put her in a vulnerable position but she had no other choice. This was what she needed to do in order to help Joana's sister. "And you would have preferred if I show up here with an escort?" She asked, raising an eyebrow. An escort meant another high class person in his establishment that knew Elizabeth was even there. She couldn't exactly blame Mr. Hamilton for wanting to be careful. He didn't know Elizabeth and she was certain he didn't get to where he was by trusting strangers off the streets.
Elizabeth looked over at Maryanne, Joana's sister, and gave her an encouraging nod. They were here to protect her and give her a better future. Elizabeth could only do so much with getting her here and giving her support in Joana's absence. She saw the way Maryanne flinched when Mr. Hamilton removed her hood. From what Joana had told her, Maryanne had experienced a high level of abuse from her current employer. She mumbled her name to his question and then Elizabeth turned her attention back to Elijah. "As I said, we're looking for someplace safe for her."
She waited a moment and realized that her being here was not something he was going to be able to overlook. "I can offer coin for taking her in," Elizabeth offered. Maryanne went wide-eyed and looked at her. "My Lady that is too much. You don't need to!" Elizabeth shook her head and looked back at Elijah. "And a future favor within reason." It was all she could offer to make sure Maryanne was safe and that Joana's worries were quelled. "I just want her safe." Her eyes were sincere and she just hoped one of the things she offered was enough for him.
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Post by Elizabeth Davenport on Sept 12, 2021 22:04:20 GMT
It had been a while since the Davenports had put on an event for the season. Elizabeth's mother had always enjoyed getting to see everyone but since her death, things had just kept happening which had prevented the family from hosting. No doubt Lady Whistledown would have a field day with the fact that the Davenports were finally getting their act together and joining the social seasons as they should be, given Charles Davenport was after all, a Marquess. With his second born son, William, still without a wife and now Elizabeth was back on the market, the Davenports were a high standing name. The eager mamas would have their daughters flock to the side of William if given the chance and there was no doubt the eligible bachelors would take the opportunity to become apart of the Davenport family through Elizabeth. Unfortunately, both children were less than eager at the idea of marriage.
Elizabeth had already done her best to keep walking around the room, participating in polite conversations to show that she knew her manners and knew how to act. Usually she could be found with one of her brothers at her side, and if they were unavailable then she usually got a Bridgerton brother to step in and scare away unwanted suitors. For the moment, she was unable to spot Benedict to fill this role tonight and she tired not to frown. Elizabeth was not one of the girls that flourished under the unwanted attention but still knew how to handle it if need be. Instead she looked towards the wallflowers tonight, seeing if she could spot anyone that she might be able to have a pleasant conversation with that did not revolve around condolences or what Lady Whistledown had recently wrote about.
She moved around the outside of the room, letting the shadows keep her from lingering eyes. She still searched for Benedict, wondering where he could have possibly gone off to. Elizabeth was far too busy looking for her favorite Bridgerton brother that she did not pay attention to where she was going, tripping slightly over something. Her hand reached out and touched the wall to regain her balance, making sure she did not go flying across the floor. Looking down she spotted a cane and looked to see who it might belong to. "I am so terribly sorry," Elizabeth apologized. Even though it might have not be considered proper, she quickly reached down and grabbed the cane, holding it out for the gentleman to take. "I was not looking where I was going one bit it appears," she said. She offered him a smile and tried to place his name. Elizabeth felt she was quite good at names but could not place his and for that, she felt incredibly embarrassed. "Please forgive my clumsiness and rudeness. I do not believe we have been formally introduced. I'm Lady Elizabeth Davenport, but please, call me Elizabeth."
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Post by Elizabeth Davenport on Sept 12, 2021 21:06:30 GMT
Elizabeth had been dreading entering back into society. Fate had kept her from doing so for several years and while most looked at her age as something to frown upon, she usually got a pass given her circumstances. First, her mother's death had put a pause on her debut and then she'd wrangled a match but he'd gone off to help the war efforts and had been killed in the cross-fire. Elizabeth's deepest guilt and secret was that she had accepted Arthur's proposal upon the knowledge that he'd be going away for at least a year. It would have given Elizabeth more time to be with her family and enjoy her life before she had to begin her duties as a wife. Then Arthur had died, allowing Elizabeth to enter into another year of mourning despite the two not having been married. But now that year was gone and it was expected that she enter back into society to find a husband.
Her Lady's Maid, Joana, walked in and told her that Miss Caroline Seymour was here for a visit. Elizabeth grinned and made her way towards the drawing room where the two would catch up and have tea. Elizabeth had not seen anyone outside of her own family or the Bridgerton family for the past year. She treasured her friendship with Caroline even if the two girls could be quite different. She saw Caroline and her party waiting in the hallway and Elizabeth ushered them in. "It's so lovely to see you," Elizabeth greeted with a smile. "Come, we can go to the drawing room for some tea." At least there, only their ladies maids would join them. Once the girls were left alone she turned to her friend. "Tell me, how have you been?" She asked. "I'm sure you are quite excited for your first season." Even though the girls were apart in age, they still got along quite well.
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Post by Elizabeth Davenport on Sept 12, 2021 20:42:28 GMT
Elizabeth had wasted no time in agreeing to help her Lady's Maid. The woman had been with them since before her mother had died and now that she hated her step-mother, the woman was the closest thing she had to a mother figure. Joanna had told Elizabeth about her sister and how she was in trouble. She worked for a lower establishment but had been trying to get out of there. Elizabeth didn't know much about how that side of the city worked and she didn't pretend to, but she knew she wanted to do whatever she could to help. Joanna had told her there were rumors of an establishment run by a man who took these types of women in. He helped them and gave them a good place to stay and that's where Joanna wanted her sister to try to go. But she would need help and Elizabeth had volunteered to go and try to talk to the man to facilitate the assistance. Elizabeth prepared for the worst but wasn't naive enough to believe she was completely prepared. She'd be over her head on this one.
With a cloak over her head and clothes that didn't announce she was the daughter of a Marquess, Elizabeth made her way through the streets of London. She had her carriage drop her off a bit away so it wouldn't announce her status either. Elizabeth made her way into the establishment and looked around. She'd never been in a place like this before but she bet her brothers had. Elizabeth kept her wits about her but waited until someone passed her. "Excuse me, do you know where I might find an Elijah Hamilton?" She asked. Her nodded and led her through a few rooms before he knocked on a door, waited and then opened it. Elizabeth walked in and spotted the man she was looking for.
"Hello," she greeted. She'd never done something like this before. But Elizabeth Davenport did not back down easily and she reminded herself why she was doing this. "I've heard you help women who are looking for a safe place. I'm looking for some assistance for a mutual friend."
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Post by Elizabeth Davenport on Sept 12, 2021 20:03:04 GMT
 She couldn't believe it. The audacity of that man! Elizabeth supposed it shouldn't have surprised her too much. Anthony was known to be caught in his own little world and to not care about those around him, at least not those without the Bridgerton name. After the conversation with Anthony, Elizabeth had all but dragged Benedict off into the music study for a cup of tea. With her maid to chaperone of course, Elizabeth waited until the tea had been served before she picked up her cup and started pacing. "Did you know what Anthony planned to discuss with me?" She asked. Elizabeth took a sip of her tea, not caring that it had not cooled enough to be sipped. But it made no difference for her. Her emotions were all over the place and she knew the only one who could talk her through it was Benedict.
"You should have heard the way he said it. He said that we should get married so that our families could remain united." She scoffed and shook her head. "Can you believe the audacity of your brother?" Elizabeth asked.
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Post by Elizabeth Davenport on Sept 12, 2021 18:37:05 GMT
 She had to keep from making an amusing comment about how she had no idea their fathers had been dear friends. Comical quips were meant for Benedict or perhaps another Bridgerton sibling, but not Anthony. Instead, she kept silent and listened to what he had to say. The more he spoke the more she became acutely aware of where this might be going. She told herself it was silly and that he would not suggest such a thing to her like this. Surely even Anthony Bridgerton knew how to properly court a woman, right?
The word marriage left his mouth and Elizabeth was unable to keep herself composed. A muffled sound escaped her lips and she attempted to cover it up with a slight cough and a hand touching her lips. "Pardon me," Elizabeth said. "My Lord, am I to assume you hold affections towards me?" She asked. "Or at the very least, do you consider me a friend given our history?" Elizabeth did not wait for an answer to either question before she continued. "And yet here you stand, doing me the dishonor of not properly attempting to court me by suggesting a marriage that might make our fathers proud." Elizabeth couldn't decide if she was angry or just outright amused by Anthony's proposition. "I cannot begin to understand where this is coming from other than you believe it to be an efficient match. Our families are close and you'd like to find someone within your station that perhaps you can stand to see from time to time. Someone that is accomplished and well-educated. But a marriage without affection? I'd think as my friend, even you'd want that for me." She looked at him with soft features and tried to get a read on what his reaction might be to her small rant.
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Post by Elizabeth Davenport on Aug 23, 2021 22:51:41 GMT
Before she could even begin conversation with Benedict, it appeared his older brother, Anthony, intended to steal Elizabeth away for conversation. It was quite odd and she found herself exchanging a glance with Benedict. It was one that said they would be discussing this later, no doubt about it. Elizabeth kept nothing from Benedict and this conversation with his brother would fall under those same rules. "Yes, of course, Viscount Bridgerton," Elizabeth agreed. Her mind searched for a reason as to why Anthony would want to speak with her. The two had always gotten along fair enough but since the death of his father she'd found him less agreeable to conversation and childish antics that they had previously indulged themselves in while away from the eyes of the Ton.
She looked behind her to where some of the house maids were standing on the stairs to also greet the Bridgerton family. She nodded towards Maggie and the older woman climbed from the stairs to chaperone their time together. "Shall we talk a walk through the garden? It's quite lovely," Elizabeth suggested. The house workers had done their very best to keep it going after the death of Elizabeth's mother and they'd done an excellent job. It had taken a while before she'd been able to walk through it without crying at the loss of her mother but now it brought her a sense of calmness.
Elizabeth began walking towards the garden and looked over at Anthony, curiosity evident on her features.
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Post by Elizabeth Davenport on Aug 23, 2021 22:02:29 GMT
 By some strange magic, her saving grace appeared in that moment. She heard his voice before she processed his appearance. His deep tone sent a wave of relief over her body and Elizabeth smiled at her dearest friend. No doubt he could see that she was struggling. Benedict had always been able to see through Elizabeth in every way possible. He sought permission to escort her around the room and her father easily obliged. Anyone else and he might have looked to Elizabeth for confirmation but there was no one more he trusted with his daughter than someone of the Bridgerton family.
Elizabeth looped her arm through Benedict's, placing her gloved hand on him in proper form as the two walked away from her father and brother. "You have impeccable timing," Elizabeth noted, her tone low. No doubt everyone would be looking at the girl whose mother had died and stalled her entrance into society. Elizabeth was less inclined to share her conversation with Benedict with the rest of the room, so they usually spoke in hushed tones. "I wish to be anywhere but here, but I'm sure you've become aware of that." A soft sigh escaped her lips as she offered polite smiles to those she made eye contact with. "Tell me, how have you been?"
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Post by Elizabeth Davenport on Aug 23, 2021 1:49:58 GMT
It was strange to think about how much a person could change in a year. Elizabeth wasn't sure she had ever been excited to enter into her first season. Going before the Queen and letting her judge Elizabeth based on the perfect curtsey or making sure that a hair wasn't out of place. Marriage had always been something Elizabeth dreaded, far too close to her family to want to leave them. Then her mother had died and she'd been able to skip her first season to enter into the year of mourning with her family. Elizabeth wasn't sure she had ever cried that much before or locked herself in her room like that. The only saving grace was being able to retreat to the countryside to their Estate; Elizabeth's favorite place.
The letters from Benedict were eventually answered, once she was able to pull herself from her room. Elizabeth wasn't the best at writing letters but for certain people she always made an exception. She'd been looking forward to seeing the Bridgerton family for a while, a little sad that their annual week of activities in the countryside had been cancelled to allow the family to finish the mourning.
Everything else had been a blur. Being presented to the Queen. Getting ready and walking inside for her first event. Everyone was there and everyone stared wanting to see who was showing up and who was approaching the right people. Elizabeth stood with William at her side and her father at the other. She tried to put on a smile but she felt it falter as she looked around. She didn't want to be here. She didn't want to do this. Elizabeth felt a little bit of panic begin to rise in her chest. Her white dress felt incredibly tight and all she wanted to do was get out of there.
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Post by Elizabeth Davenport on Aug 23, 2021 0:24:53 GMT
Adam
| | The Earl - First Born Son
| The first born son and child of Charles and Margaret Davenport. With the title of Earl bestowed upon him because of his father's title, Adam was tasked with duty and responsibility from a young age. He wanted to spend his life traveling and seeing the world but his duty to his family outweighed that. He does not get along with his brother Noah, but his other familial relationships are up to the writer. He is currently married with a newborn son. His age suggestion is 29-32.
FC suggestion is open to discussion.
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Noah | | The resented - second son | | The second son and child of Charles and Margaret Davenport. He has a head for business and has always enjoyed the responsibilities of the family name. He feels resented because he does so much for the family and believes he should be the one to carry on the title, not Adam. He does not get along with his brother, Adam, but other familial relationships are up to the writer. His age suggestion is 26-28.
FC suggestion is Finn Jones but it's open to discussion.
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Emily
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| The Romantic - Second Daughter
| The fourth child and second daughter of Charles and Margaret Davenport. Emily is about to enter her first season and is quite excited. She yearns for a love match and wants to have a strong marriage like the one she witnessed her parents have. She might be a little naive but she's not stupid. Her age is 18.
FC suggestion is Bella Heathcote or Florence Pugh.
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Post by Elizabeth Davenport on Aug 22, 2021 3:35:52 GMT
There were seldom few things that excited Elizabeth these days. She was often caught up in her own thoughts or trying to avoid the incessant nagging from her new step-mother. But at the news that the Davenport and Bridgerton family would resume their annual get together before the start of the next season, Elizabeth found herself feeling elated. The families had always been incredibly close due to Elizabeth's father, Charles and the Bridgerton monarch, Edmund, being old friends. Elizabeth enjoyed spending time with nearly all of the Bridgertons but always felt herself closest with Benedict. The youngest of the Bridgerton clan were less known to Elizabeth, especially given all that had happened over the past years but it wasn't as if she had never met them. Still, with not seeing the family in a year, she found herself eager to see and catch up with every single one of them.
She sat in the window that faced Aubrey Hall, peering and squinting her eyes for any indication that the Bridgerton family had left their home for the Davenport Estate. She wondered who would be coming, as she had not heard anything about certain family members going elsewhere. The only person she knew was unlikely to attend was Daphne, as she was off being a Duchess and enjoying her marriage to the Duke. She thought there might be a chance Anthony did not come, as he was busy being a Viscount and according to Whistledown, busy doing quite a many other things. It had been a while since Elizabeth had thought of Anthony Bridgerton, though she used to do it often. Her childhood affections for the eldest Bridgerton had been quite strong but nothing had ever come of them. It had been a pointless endeavor and knowing that he was quite the Rake made her all the more glad for avoiding that future.
Her maid fetched her, saying that the family was going to await the Bridgerton's on the front steps before moving into the drawing room. Her father was already outside, with Helen standing next to him. Hannah must have been down for a nap, as she was not in her mother's arms. Then stood her second eldest brother, William. Elizabeth took her place next to him with her younger sister, Emily, at her other side. Thomas, who was a year older than dear Gregory Bridgerton, scurried along at the last moment. Her eldest brother, Alexander, was busy tending to his duties as an Earl and tending to his own growing family. He'd wanted to join them for their annual get together but had been unable to make it due to some issues.
Elizabeth was barely able to contain her excitement, unable to stand still as she watched the carriages approach the Estate. Helen shot her a stare, causing Elizabeth to tuck herself slightly behind William so Helen couldn't see her. "You are a child," William pointed out, clearly unimpressed with the way she was acting. Elizabeth sent him a glare before turning her attention back to the carriage as it prepared to come to a stop. "And you are a miserable old man," Elizabeth quipped. She heard Emily giggle next to her and William pursed his lips in anger. The lot of them could still be children at hearts.
The carriage doors were opened and Elizabeth watched as the Bridgerton clan climbed out and they all begun their greetings. She took note of anyone that might be missing and could really only spot Daphne not in attendance, which had been expected. She was quite surprised to see Anthony among the bunch, although not entirely disappointed. He was still handsome as ever but no doubt, he was quite aware of it. Elizabeth turned her attention away from the Viscount and towards his favorable brother, Benedict. Elizabeth grinned at him and wanted nothing more than to give him an improper hug and ask him all about his artwork.
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