Wherefore Weep I Then?

Content Warnings: Click here for warnings

"But though I am a daughter to his blood, I am not to his manners."

February 17th

Wake up. 

A gray, cloudy day. What time is it? Not late enough, I know that. I could go back to sleep - no. I can't hide from this.

Get up. Feet on the floor. Now, wash up, brush out my hair, put on a dress. Three things, Cecily. Just three more things.

Someone's been in to light the fire. Should I call the maid? No. I don't want her. I don't want help.

What color do I wear today? Gray? Or black? Black. They expect black. Black is respectful, appropriate. I'll wear black for Mother. Mother never surrendered her dignity to what he was.

I Desire Some Confidence With You: Part One

"So is my love still telling what is told."

May 22nd

Juliette was enjoying a great sense of relief. Today, it felt like the sun was truly shining on her and her family again. The last few weeks had been trying, certainly the worst of her married life. Lady Anne's pregnancy had turned the house on its head. Fitzwilliam and Georgiana were both still reeling, despite what they insisted when asked. An ill-timed visit from Lady Catherine had nearly cost them the entire secret. Lady Anne was now set up in a house on the western coast with her mother, but her shadow was guiding her children's behavior.

Juliette herself wasn't suffering from it - she had no complaints against her husband wanting to be within arm's reach at all hours. Her sister-in-law would never complain about her own treatment, but Juliette would have if Georgiana's lot was her own. Today was the first day that Juliette had seen Fitzwilliam relaxed with Georgiana out of his sight away from home. Very much enjoying it, she decided to try to keep the mood light and pleasant. "Will you explain the tournament to me, dearest? I think I've picked up the rules of the regular matches by now, but I've never been here."

Serious Vanity

"We are advertised by our loving friends."

November 3rd

A minute after stepping up to examine the target, Desdemona was still nervous. Bottom Summerdream could hardly be made to stop talking at times, but she was now suspiciously quiet. Finally, she had to ask, "Well, what do you think?"

"I think I'm glad I'm not the target."

A Visor for a Visor

“Reputation is an idle and most false imposition."

April 26th

The library was unusually empty for such a late date in the term. Several days of rain had finally let up, and most of the students were anxious to get out of the dormitories, exams be damned. Tybalt had as much pent-up energy as the rest, but he was determined to swallow it. He had just over a week left in his studies, and he had been excruciatingly well-behaved for too many months to risk a night out.