[Katharine Steele (Liz)]

Kate had not received any flowers that morning. Not that she was surprised, given that she had been relatively antisocial the night before. She would have used the word relatively because she had made an effort to smile and be friendly for Julianne's sake, chatting with people she didn't know as well as people she didn't particularly like. Just because she was willing to make such a sacrifice under the cover of darkness (or at least candlelight), however, didn't mean she was such a masochist as to have ventured over to Raulings House to watch men fawn over Julianne and watch her, in turn, lap up all that attention. Thus, she had successfully avoided her mother and sister all day, choosing instead to spend the morning in her nightgown and read in her library. The freedom to do just that, she supposed, was one of a select number of unexpected boons from becoming a social outcast.

By lunchtime, however, Kate had found herself growing restless. She had dressed, choosing a navy blue walking dress with gold trim around the bodice. She had forgone ribbons, deeming them too juvenile for a woman of her status (that status being disgraced widow, of course), despite her young age, and had instead chosen to curl her hair and pin it up unadorned. Not that her maid's efforts could be seen from beneath her large straw bonnet. She had changed the ribbons that tied beneath her neck from their usual white to a blue that matched her dress. Around her neck was the string of pearls Carrington had given to her for their first anniversary.

She'd waved off a maid, deciding that perhaps a peaceful walk in the park would drive away her doldrums, though now that she was actually in the park, she felt quite queer, wandering alone down the path. Perhaps she ought to get a dog, she thought to herself. At least then she'd have an excuse to walk without any sort of human companion without her current sense of idiocy. What sort of fool thought it was a good idea to walk by herself? She was just about to turn back to Steele House when she caught sight of a woman she was fairly certain she knew.

[Jane Middleton (Aida)]

((OOC: I'm so sorry Liz and Sara! I didn't even realize this thread existed! ))

Jane inhaled a deep breath as Claudia and her stepped into park. The decision to take a stroll after the tea party, she pondered, had been a most pleasant one. She had always liked the scent of greenery and the brisk wind was proving to be most refreshing, not to mention they would have an opportunity to exchange opinions about what they had heard in the last hour or so.

"What a brilliant suggestion, dear," she turned towards her friend with a cheerful smile, "I could really use a walk after sitting for a long time." As they walked on in a leisurely pace, Jane's tranquil gaze moved from one individual to another, sometimes exhibiting a polite smile and at times bowing her head lightly. "I wonder if Mrs. Clare truly has a prior engagement on Sunday evening," she turned to face her friend once again, "it would be a shame if she hasn't been invited. She is such a charming young woman... certainly not as handsome as you are, Claudia dear," smiling brightly, she gently stirred their direction towards a figure that appeared to be very familiar, "but it seems to me that she can make a noteworthy appearance this season, should she be given a chance, don't you think?"

However, before her friend could find a chance to answer, Jane's doubts regarding the identity of the mysterious figure were confirmed, and without delay she spoke: "oh! Isn't that Lady Carrington!? It is her, indeed! Unfortunate lady, widowed at such a young age, and in such circumstances! It is heartbreaking to think how much she has changed since the... we have spoken about her before, have we not?" pausing briefly, she lifted an eyebrow, "come, dear, you should definitely meet her!" Seeing as the lady had also caught sight of them, Jane advanced towards her.

"How do you do, Lady Carrington?" she smiled softly, "let me introduce Lady Worth..."

[Claudia Morton (Sara)]

((YES I'm sorry too Liz -- I knew this thread was here, but I wasn't sure if we were supposed to finish up in the tea thread or what was going on. Hope you are feeling better, btw. ))

After being party to so many delicious refreshments and equally delicious gossip at Lady Beaumont's, Claudia welcomed the wind tugging at her bonnet and the parade of the ton's fashions. The teatime gossip had been the best part (and, of course, being with Jane), but forcing herself to be a societal matron grew tedious. And at this hour in Hyde Park, there was no lack of eye candy, whether it be a lovely muslin in an unusual color ... or a handsome buck on a fine horse.

She tried to focus on Jane's conversation, tried to keep her head from whirling about like an owl's. "I must be frank, Jane. I thought it rather odd that Mrs. Clare would value a prior engagement over the Emerson Ball. If indeed no invitation had been delivered . . . well, what a shame. As you say, she should be given the chance at the very least."

Jane seemed to be steering them in a certain direction, towards a certain woman wearing a dark blue walking dress. Smiling faintly, Claudia thought the lady looked very much like she must have when she was at Hyde Park that morning -- walking all by her lonesome... at least until Foxford appeared.

At Jane's declaration that the lady was Lady Carrington, Claudia's brows shot up her forehead. One only had to blink at the Tattler last year, around this time, to catch thinly veiled references to the widowed countess and her deceased husband.

"An honor to meet you, my lady," Claudia said, unabashedly fascinated by the woman whom around swirled so much gossip.

[Katharine Steele (Liz)]

[[OOC: No worries - I was in no rush!]]

As the pair came into view, Kate realized that it was Lady Jane Middleton, a lady that had seen many a Season through without any hint of scandal touching her name, though her brother, Captain Sterne, was perhaps another story. Regardless, Lady Jane was one of the few ladies in Society who still greeted her and stopped for a chat in public, making her a rare companion indeed, especially when one considered that she had a friend with her and thus a witness to her consortion with the scandal-tainted Kate.

Smiling softly, Kate inclined her head. "Lady Jane, how good to see you again. Lady Worth, I am charmed to make your acquaintance. Are you ladies enjoying the afternoon's fine weather? I daresay it is a welcome change from this morning's clouds and wind." She could tell that Lady Worth was intrigued by her; she recognized the stare. She did not, however, recognize the lady behind it. Probably a newcomer, Kate decided. She looked a few years older than Kate, meaning she could have been married for upwards of seven years, well before Kate's own debut and marriage. Perhaps she had one of those husbands who liked to sweep his wife away to the country where they were able to enjoy each other's company without distractions. The lady was fair of face; perhaps her husband was equally as handsome.

[Jane Middleton (Aida)]

"It is a pleasant weather, indeed," Jane agreed, "this morning who could have guessed the park would be so crowded in the afternoon?" Deciding to leave mentioning the tea party, she smiled amiably and continued: "Lady Worth and I have just begun our little promenade, perhaps you could join us, Lady Carrington?" Thankfully Claudia was not the kind to snub a lady because of the rumour of a scandal that happened a year ago and was not even remotely the lady's fault, or so Jane believed.

"Lady Julianne has become an incomparable young lady," she spoke with a joyous smile, then explaining to Claudia: "Lady Carrington's sister made her debute at Almack's last night." And addressed the countess again: "I suppose she must have greatly enjoyed her first official evening in the society." Jane had seen the young lady commencing the dance with Lord Selwyn and it had seemed to her that they would make a wonderful couple, but now there was no time for that. "I trust you enjoyed Almack's as well, Lady Carrington?" she added, hoping sincerely that it had been so.

[Claudia Morton (Sara)]

"Do join us, Lady Carrington," Claudia insisted with a smile. "Today's weather is much too lovely to be enjoyed alone." The thought of leaving the countess to wander Hyde Park by herself was too sad to let that come to pass.

Claudia was fortunate. She flirted with infamy, like her oldest brother passing his pinky through the candle flame. Gossip simmered, but the flames a serious scandal never fully caught. Surely Lady Carrington was the victim of horrid circumstances. Besides, if Jane of all people could approach the countess, she couldn't be that terrible.

"Congratulations on your sister's debut," she added after Jane explained that Lady Julianne was related to Lady Carrington. Since her booby of a husband expected her to sit out the dances, much of Claudia's night at Almack's was spent observing others, and Lady Julianne stood out amongst most of the other debs in her opinion.

"Your sister did well at her first night at Almack's, despite --" the scandal? the circumstances? Claudia had enough wits about her to catch herself without missing a heartbeat. "-- the immensity of that crowd! My goodness, but I would have fainted the moment I set foot inside. Though I suppose there's no want for dance partners, then." She laughed brightly, privately wondering if indeed Lady Carrington's issues had hindered her sister's coming out.

[Katharine Steele (Liz)]

Nodding at the ladies' offer, Kate fell into step with them. A vaguely familiar emotion was creeping into her consciousness, though she struggled to recognize it. It was warm and pleasant, and abruptly, she realized it was relief flowing through her. Of course, she still held herself back, but it felt as though she had passed the first test. In some ways, Kate felt as though she was a debutante all over again, learning friends from foes and constantly walking on eggshells. Then again, she thought with a twinge of irony, no debutante had ever experienced the type of humiliation that she had suffered.

She listened as Lady Jane and Lady Worth both talked of Almack's, and she was once more grateful that she had remained at Steele House that morning. She was certain that had she not, she would have been, by this afternoon, exhausted by the topic. Now, however, she was able to smile politely. "Indeed, Lady Jane. I do so love to dance, as does my sister." She paused as Lady Worth complimented Julianne, though at the word 'despite', Kate thought she might have heard a bit of hesitation in Lady Worth's voice, as though she almost misspoke or changed her mind just before the words flew from her mouth. Of course, it could have been, and in all likelihood was, her imagination. She had grown far too suspicious for her own liking, though she acknowledged it was unlikely that she would be able to revert to her naivety of years past.

"I agree, Lady Worth. The heat was oppressive, and I believe The Tatler even commented on how many ladies were seen escaping to the terraces." As she thought back on that morning's issue, she remembered a brief mention of a blonde Lady W and wondered if that lady was the same as the Lady W before her now. "Are you recently arrived in London, my lady? I wonder that we have not met before now."

[Jane Middleton (Aida)]

Jane smiled calmly as the three of them resumed their stroll, delighted by Lady Carrington's decision to join them. She had always admired the young lady, and when the tragedy had struck, Jane had felt deeply sorry, not only for the countess, but also for the rest of the ladies of the ton who seemed to have forgotten the value of support one's own sex could provide in the time of trouble. Moving her gaze towards Lady Carrington, she thought how wonderful it would be should the lady decide to forgive the society and make her come back, because if she wanted to Jane was certain that she could. Perhaps Claudia could help with her kind and vibrant nature, if only they could be friends...

Her smile almost faded, however, as Lady Carrington mentioned The Tatler and the escapades in Almack's terrace. The mentioning of a Captain S. retiring to the balcony with a Miss P. had not escaped Jane's criticizing gaze. Thank the Lord no one knew about her brother's almost scandalous engagement!

"The heat was rather unbearable," she commented in a light-hearted tone, "though I believe The Tatler might have exaggerated the number of visits to the terrace..." Jane intuitively checked their whereabouts to see if her wayward brother could be seen anywhere near, while awaiting Claudia's reply to Lady Carrington's enquiry.

[Phillip Vaudrey (Amy)]

It had been an arduous journey from Shropshire, with inclement weather and broken axels hampering the coach’s progress; a different inn every night, each hard bed failing to relax the fresh kinks and aches that were the natural offspring of the day’s rutted roads. Sir Phillip Vaudrey arrived in London at last, two days behind schedule, and could think of nowhere he would rather be than at home again. Still, even as he grumbled to himself, he recognized the necessity of leaving his country estate, of forming new acquaintances, forging new memories not to replace, but perhaps to dim, the old. The next morning, after a bath and a shave, he felt—if not quite a baronet—at least human, and was desperate to be out of doors, unconfined and taking exercise. To Hyde Park, then, he went, like everybody else. The pleasant society and refreshing greenery it offered were a perfect balm.

He strode along at a brisk pace, almost tempted to twirl his walking stick, or whistle, or effect a release of his energy in some other manner. Had he only been at home…. But not here, where the eyes of the ton would soon cast him into the pages of the Tatler—like the fiery furnace—for exuberance in promenading unbecoming in a man of his age.

For some time, he had been rapidly advancing on a trio of women, and now he found himself just behind them on the path. He slowed his pace, awaiting an opportune moment to pass them by without interfering with oncoming pedestrians. Only then did he truly take notice of them and feel a smile leap unbidden to his face. Could it be Lady Jane Middleton? That dark, radiant hair, the porcelain skin, the fashionable dress…yes! There was no mistaking the voice; he remembered it well. He had not often visited London, but there had been a time, two years or so past, when unwelcome business summoned him to town. Resolving the provisions of his wife’s will had proven a painful and tedious task, and he had been in the lowest of spirits. Society could not relax its relentless demands on a baronet, however—apparently not even one in mourning. Thus, at an obligatory dinner party, he had first encountered Lady Jane.

He had no inclination to talk with anybody, he thought, and passed the first two courses in the politest possible silence. She must have seen in his eyes that it was a sham. He had been placed beside Lady Jane at the far end of a long table, where low conversations did not carry. By the end of the evening, as his whipped syllabub gradually deflated, his sad history emerged. She had been so warm, so understanding when he mentioned his dear boy, and it relieved some of the weight on his heart to know that his secret was now a shared one. He treasured the friendship of a truly good woman, though their association since had been but slight, and hoped wistfully that her husband recognized her worth.

By this time, the path had cleared sufficiently to allow him to pass. “I beg your pardon, ladies,” he said, to alert them to his presence. It was not for him to claim Lady Jane as an acquaintance—a gentleman would never presume—but as he stepped around them he gave a chivalrous nod and bestowed a slight smile on her, in case she might see fit to acknowledge him despite her ongoing conversation.

[Claudia Morton (Sara)]

((Phillip is so cute. ))

"I think the Tatler may have exaggerated quite a bit." That had a bit more bite to it than intended, so Claudia pursed her lips. Someone had thought to pen remarks about her early exit from the ball, and (in Claudia's eyes) wound up painting her as a devoted puppy-dog following the heels of her master as he left Almack's at a ghastly, early hour. (Thankfully George stayed farther away from the Tatler than the Prince Regent did from the Princess; as much as Claudia disliked Lord Worth, she did not want him to see the old and rotund comment.)

"Not too recently, Lady Carrington," Claudia replied as they continued their walk. "We arrived in London a fortnight ago. But we are no strangers to the Season. Perhaps you and I have simply crossed paths in the past, and on this occurrence our paths met, thanks to the attentive guidance of Jane. She is a true helmsman of society." She grinned at their mutual friend. "Certainly we should have met, at least, at a rout, or a card party...?"

At that moment, an older man on the same path was overtaking the three, and as he did, Claudia dipped her head in acknowledgment. In that quick glance she spotted his rather - how to put it? - significant look to Jane. She looked over at Jane and raised a brow. Just who was this, now?