#annelise & thinya.

[ofemeraldstars]

@awynter asked: "you look like you've seen a ghost."

Her green hues spotted the only living soul she would marry for love, and on her will. Thinya Somerville was attending the Pleinsworth ball and was lost in her thoughts. The simple sight of that man made her whole body react: goosebumps, cheeks turning slightly pinker, sparkles in her eyes. Thinya had been loving secretly a certain man, one she thought was impossible to be with. One who probably saw her as a good friend instead of a potential love interest.

Her thoughts were soon interrupted by the voice of another woman. Turning her head, Thinya blushed and looked at the young woman standing before her. "A ghost? Oh..." She chuckled lightly before shaking her head. "If we are talking about a ghost of the past, perhaps?" Her smile was warmer now as she looked at her. "I am Thinya Somerville." She figured it was better to introduce herself, while sipping on her glass of champagne.

[awynter]

“Yes, I believe I would be, too.” She suppressed a cheeky grin at her friend’s words. Anne’s own mother hadn’t given her any sort of warning of what happened between a man and a woman. Perhaps Margaret Shawcross had intended to educate her daughters once they became engaged, but Annelise had fallen under unique circumstances. George hadn't followed the normal courtship rules; he knew he was immune to most laws and Annelise had been too naive to realize it at the time. He had shown her what he thought was important between them, but Anne now knew that he was merely being selfish. There was more to lovemaking than what he’d wanted, but she had no doubt that Thinya would be skilled at it.

“There is nothing to fear, I assure you. Not in fulfillment, at least. Men, I’ve found, are rather easy to impress and exceedingly difficult to disappoint when it comes to the bedroom.” Her lips curved into a playful smile. George never seemed entirely pleased with Anne’s performance, but he kept coming back, so it could’ve have been that bad. He'd even tried to bribe her silence to continue their charades, so Anne had a feeling even the great Lord Chervil could fall victim to a womanly touch.

Lord Bridgerton, however, would certainly be different. He was kind and generous in day-to-day life. Without trying to imagine too much of what her dear friend might get up to after their wedding, Anne had little concern that either of them would end the night disappointed. Love had a way of making the most mundane thing seem magical, and so the truly magical things, like a wedding night, could only get better with the addition of love.

“It depends on the midwife, I suppose." She thought for a moment, trying her best to remember the families that she had served in the past. Only one or two of them had welcomed new children into the family while she was employed, but she'd heard enough talk about such things to get a good idea on how the process went.

"I know most physicians don’t like the husbands to be in the room while a woman is giving birth. Usually it's limited to female family members. But I will make sure everything is to your liking when the time comes. I will even have a harsh word with the doctor if he tries to bar Lord Bridgerton from attending your needs. But, of course, that is a problem for the future. For now, all you must do is enjoy your new life with your husband. And fill me in on all the romantic things that happen." Shrugging, Anne let out a soft chuckle. "That last part is less important, but always appreciated."

She couldn't help but chuckle at her friend's comment. Lady Whistledown was a coward, that was certain. Thinya always debated with the idea whether that author was genius or simply foolish. Deep inside, the brunette thought that Lady Whistledown was probably a very lonely woman, who desperately lived for gossip. This thought made her almost feel empathy for her. She must have an empty and miserable life to bring chaos.

As Anne mentioned the wedding night, Thinya's cheeks started burning. She knew she would have to face an awkward conversation. "I believe that with you, perhaps I will be less mortified than with my mother." She laughed nervously, knowing that this wouldn't be a pleasant talk. Who wants to talk about such intimate act? This should be between a husband and a wife. Yet, Thinya couldn't imagine Anthony facing an inexperienced wife. What would he think of this? He would perhaps think he married an ignorant woman.

Taking a deep breath, her green hues watched her friend as she just asked in a shaky voice. "Should I fear this? I am terrified of not fulfilling this rightfully. What if my husband ends disappointed?" She sighed and looked down, already imagining the next title of Lady Whistledown's papers. "The new Viscountess, a disappointing disaster." She chuckled nervously before taking a deep breath.

The mention of kids warmed her heart and she recovered her smile and calm. "I know that my children will be the luckiest to have such wonderful woman in their life." It was true, Thinya truly valued her friend dearly. "Do you think my husband will be in the birthing room? I doubt I'd be able to do this alone.."

[awynter]

Anne rolled her eyes playfully at the mention of Cressida. If Anne were still a debutante, she could imagine despising the likes of Cressida Cowper. Pieces of her reminded Anne of some of the most intolerable ladies that she'd had to share the marriage mart with for those few months before her life fell apart. In retrospect, she was grateful for the excuse to slip away. A lifetime surrounded by girls so high in the instep wasn't likely to benefit her in anyway. And the thought that Annelise might've become someone like Cressida if she'd spent enough time in the throes of high society felt like cold water to the face.

"I will make sure that no lady undeserving gets their paws on your bouquet. Perhaps I might try to persuade the Bridgerton girls to take a chance at catching it. Miss Hyacinth might be spry enough to outdo the others." She smiled as the idea blossomed in her mind. The youngest of the Bridgerton daughters would be looking for a husband soon enough and Anne couldn't think of a better person to catch Thinya's bouquet.

"Marrying your best friend is a rare luxury, but I could think of no one else to deserve it more than you, Lady Bridgerton." Anne preened at the new title her friend adorned, planning wholeheartedly to use it as much as she could. Once upon a time, being friends with a viscountess would've been an incomparable benefit to her, but now she was merely glad to know that Thinya would be taken care of. And if she wasn't, Anne would waste no time talking some sense into the viscount himself, reputation be damned.

As Thinya suggested a getaway from the crowd, Anne nodded, eager to get a taste of the fresh air. She wasn't accustomed to being in the throng of activities. Whenever Lady Pleinsworth had asked Anne to attend functions, she made sure to linger around the perimeter of the dancefloor, far from the activity and close to the wall. Annelise Shawcross would've never dreamed of finding comfort on the wall, but Anne Wynter much preferred the security of being a wallflower.

"The evening is going swimmingly, I believe." She looped her arm through Thinya's and gentle patted her friend. "Do not concern yourself over my wellbeing on this night, Thinya. This is your day, you are the shining star tonight."

Thinya bursted out laughing at Anne's words. She loved her friend so dearly and would be quite happy to see a few of those ladies on the floor. She would make sure for her to catch the bouquet. "Oh I won't mind at all. Make sure to keep Cressida away from that bouquet. I will aim it correctly for you." She winked at her friend, hoping that Anne will be the next one to marry. She wanted to see her friend happy, living the life she always deserved.

As Anne spoke those words, Thinya blushed. She was a lucky woman to marry the Viscount, her best friend and love of her life. It was rare, but sometimes, marriages of love happened. "Well, what can I say? I just... Chose my best friend." She admitted. Anne's words made her chuckle: "Oh please, my kids will need their aunty around them." She laughed, imagining her kids: the perfect mix of Anthony and her, running around in Aubrey Hall. Her thoughts were soon interrupted as it was not time to go. "Come, let's go and celebrate." She whispered to her friend before gracefully standing up and walking out.

The wedding ceremony was wonderful: Thinya couldn't be happier than ever. Once they were pronounced husband and wife, the Viscount immediately kissed his bride, sealing the union. Thinya felt her heart melt with love. The rest of the evening was spent greeting guests, sharing the first dance together. Finally having time, Thinya approached Anne and smiled at her. "Let's go to the gardens and grab a glass of champagne. How is the evening treating you, my friend? Do you need anything?" She asked, caring deeply about Anne.

[awynter]

"Male interests are like stars, they bright for a time but quickly fizzle out when the morning comes." She can't help but think of George and the way he had seem interested. Anne had been all but certain she would receive a marriage proposal from him. After a month-long courtship, it only made sense. But his interest in her was superficial and once the light had burned out, she wasn't worth anything to him any longer.

“Men often do not know what they want until they have it. They’re much like children in that way. They never know how much they want that wooden horse, or toy soldier until they hold it in their hands. Or until they see someone else with it.” Anne shot Thinya a knowing look and smiled. “Lord Bridgerton appears to be an intelligent man, but he is still just that: a man. Foolish and in need of a woman of substance.”

Thinya seemed dejected, like a woman who had long since accepted defeat in a battle she hadn't begun to wage. Anne sympathized with her. Her past circumstances hadn't been quite the same as Thinya's, but heartbreak was heartbreak in whatever form it was found. Some people, like Annelise, liked to cling to hope that something wonderful could happen. But smarter people, like Anne and Thinya, knew that it was better to surrender than lose the war.

“As you should.” Anne agreed with a curt nod. No woman deserved a husband with a wandering eye. She didn't know much about the Bridgerton family, but she had heard enough of the reputations the older sons held. Anthony was positively rakish in the eyes of nearly every woman in London. Benedict was on his way to becoming a full-blown Libertine. And, from the rumors she'd heard, Colin Bridgerton would flirt with the very Queen of England if given the chance. Even so, that didn't mean they weren't coachable, or teachable.

“Just know that my offer still stands, should you change your mind.” Offering a warm smile, Anne clasped her hands in front of her. “In the meantime, I suggest you enjoy your time as an unshackled woman and, if nothing else, make everyone jealous with your sheer presence. Its a rare thing, indeed, to have wit, beauty, and strength."

Thinya smiled at Anne's words and remained silent for a moment. How would this world be if women were more free? A part of her wished that she could create her own jewellery, not depend on a husband. Alas, society wanted women to reduce to the simple fact that they were here to assure providing heirs. Thinya knew that her destiny wouldn't be different. Time was ticking and her father made it clear to her that he would not accept his daughter to become a spinster.

Anne's words snapped her back to reality. Her cheeks turned slightly pinker as she just looked down. "Perhaps, none of them are like me. But they certainly spark a certain interest in his eyes." She looked at Anne before simply adding. "I am not Sienna Rosso after all." There she was. The weakness of Thinya, comparing herself to the beautiful Italian singer who stole Anthony's heart. Her green hues showed pain as she gulped and shook her head. "Believe me, he just sees me as a good friend. Perhaps another sister."

However, Anne's words brought hope to Thinya's heart. She was true: Anthony would certainly need a woman fulfilling those qualities. But for that, the Viscount would have to make a few sacrifice. "I certainly refuse to marry a man who will long for another woman. I deserve better than this." She voiced, looking back at her friend. "Believe me, I cherish this friendship already. You've been nothing but a wonderful woman to talk to." Her words were genuine as she offered her friend a kind smile.

As she offered again assistance, Thinya nodded. "I will. I thank you for your kindness, Anne." She looked back at Anthony and sighed. All Thinya wished was for the Viscount to realise that she was here, the perfect match for him. She wanted him to see that she had much more to offer than Sienna Rosso.

[awynter]

"You are a rare breed, Thinya. If the ton had more ladies of your caliber, I doubt Lady Whistledown would have even a fraction of the authority she currently possesses. In a world where kindness is but a mere bargaining chip, you certainly know how to make one feel wealthy." She smiled and gently squeezed Thinya's hands.

In her heart, Anne wanted to believe that the two of them might've befriended one another even if her life hadn't gone the way it had. If she hadn't married George, if she had maintained her composure and stomped out of the room that day instead of fighting back, perhaps she might've met Thinya as Annelise instead of Anne. But, if she had not thrashed out at George that night, she doubted her life would be any easier. He would guilt her and blackmail her into warming his bed and she doubted he would ever allow her to go to London for a proper social season, when it would mean allowing his bed to remain empty.

"I do hope you're right. I always dreamed about getting married and having a large family." Her smile was rueful as she let out a sigh. "But governesses do not make the most compelling of wives. And if I wish to remain in London, to remain close to my dear friends," Gently, Anne squeezed Thinya's hand again. "Then my only hope is to remain employed, or to find a man of the gentry foolish enough to settle for a woman of my position."

Normally, Anne would've refrained from speaking about her past in any capacity. She rarely spoke of her sister to anyone, let alone regaling the facts of her relations with George. But she trusted Thinya. She had faith that her friend wasn't the type to gossip and spill her secrets for a momentary thrill. Not like some ladies of the ton, who would eagerly betray their closest relative for a chance at popularity. And it felt nice to share her past with someone, even if it wasn't the most exciting.

"And you have me. Forever. Even if we are seas apart, I will never cease to offer you my friendship and support. I hope that we can remain friends even when you are properly busied with a dozen little Bridgertons."

The woman looked at her friend as she told her not to apologize. "I still do. You deserve happiness, Anne. Don't ever let anyone else tell you the opposite." Thinya said in a firm tone. Her friend was a very beautiful woman, kindhearted and with a certain sensitivity that was rare nowadays. She wanted her to be happy, to find a man who would truly value her like the most beautiful treasure in this world. Thinya knew how men could break a woman's heart in the blink of an eye. Although, and so far, she never experienced such pain, she had witnessed it several times.

As Anne started opening up, Thinya looked at her and listened carefully to her story. A part of her couldn't help but feel thankful for her friend to trust her enough to share her own story. Her green hues showed a hint of anger and sadness as she realized how despicable this man was. "Sometimes, I hate being part of this world. Being an aristocrat. I condone this attitude." She said in a firm tone. "I always considered everybody on the same level, there is no reason to feel superior to another person." The way George acted was the typical attitude of men of her world. The ones she avoided at all costs. As Anne assured her that she got him back for it, Thinya nodded. "Good, the man deserved it for breaking my friend's heart. And hey, at least now new opportunities will open up to you and I am certain that you will find a genuine man to love you."

Her comment about being great friends as children made her smile. "I am sure of it. I would've loved knowing you earlier." Her smile grew fonder as she heard about her sister. "That would've sounded a beautiful childhood all together." She noticed that something may have happened as despite her smile, Thinya could see that her eyes told another story. Slowly taking her hand and squeezing it, the woman smiled tenderly. "Hey.. You don't have to tell me everything. But know that if you need to relieve your heart, I am here. I will listen and bring you my support. You are not alone anymore, Anne. You have me." Her words were genuine as her green hues showed her warmth.

[awynter]

"One of my students." Anne clarified with a gentle smile. "She is always convinced that houses are haunted. Especially ones that are older than she is. Which happens to be most of them-- in London, at any rate." One of the first things Frances had asked Anne on her first day was if she believed in ghosts. If she hadn't been so grateful for a new position in a new house, Anne might've seen it as a bad omen. No good news could come from a child speaking of ghosts. But it had all made sense once she learned about Frances and her affinity for imaginative circumstances. "Personally, I've never witnessed any phantoms, but that's not to say they don't exist."

Thinya's words took Anne by surprise. It wasn't as though Thinya had looked mean, but Anne had found that most women of the ton were less than kind to servants. And it seemed that governesses toed the line between servant and scum in most people's eyes. But Thinya had offered an olive branch of kindness and Anne was more than eager for the change of pace.

"Oh, thank you, but, honestly, I hope I do not. I'm not a debutante, you see, I'm only here because my employer encouraged me to participate. Drawing male attention to myself would not be ideal. I don't wish to start rivalries with any ladies of the ton." Her cheeks flushed. Once upon a time, Anne would've cherished such a compliment. Annelise had thrived under the spotlight, eager to turn heads whenever possible. But Anne Wynter knew it was safer to stay hidden.

"A ghost and a flower. What an odd pairing." She smiled, but hesitated at Thinya's question. "I shouldn't. I'm technically not on the job, but I should be alert, just in case." It was in her contract to watch over the girls at any waking moment, unless directed otherwise. It had seemed strange at first, but Anne realized why such a thing was put into place once she met the girls' less-than-capable nanny. "You never know when an emergency math session is in order." Not wanting to seem like a bore, however, Anne added to her sentiment. "But you are more than welcome to have another. You might enjoy a glass for the both of us."

Thinya smiled at the woman and cocked an eyebrow. "Frances?" She chuckled and remained quiet for a few seconds. Ghosts weren't scaring the young woman, in fact, she appreciated their presence. "Is there a ghost in this house? I wasn't aware. Have you ever experienced funny situations?" Her question was genuine, Thinya was fascinated by ghosts.

Her smile grew fonder as the woman introduced herself. "Pleasure to meet you, Miss Wynter." Thinya wasn't the kind of ladies who would snob a governess. In fact, she figured they made wonderful friends as her own governess was now a dear friend of hers. The brunette was known for being a very kindhearted woman, one who cared about every single living soul. Whether should they be nobles or commoners. Sometimes, Thinya found herself more comfortable with women like Anne instead of the women of the same rank than hers.

"Oh please, do not be too tough on yourself." Thinya smiled. "You are certainly not a ghost haunting these halls. In fact, if you allow me to say: you are particularly glowing and your smile could catch the heart of any man around." Her words were genuine. Thinya loved encouraging women and showing them support.

Her green hues scanned the environment to spot again the man she was looking at. A certain Bridgerton, dear old friend of hers. They had known each other all their lives due to their parents being close friends. However, due to the introduction of Thinya in this season, the brunette felt anxious to be betrothed to a man that she wouldn't love. A man that wouldn't be him. Longing for him, the woman preferred remaining quiet and becoming a wallflower to avoid any other man in this room.

"If you say that you are a ghost, I am a wallflower." She chuckled and looked at Anne. "Would you like to have a drink? I might ask for another glass of wine."

[awynter]

"You are kind, Thinya. Not stupid." Desperately, Anne squeezed her friend's hands. She knew all too well what it was like to be betrayed, especially by someone you trusted. Annelise had never truly had any friends in her youth. There had been acquaintances and fellow ladies she interacted with on occasion, but her only true friend was her sister. Thankfully, it wasn't her sister who had betrayed her, but instead someone she had given her everything to.

"Not by a friend, necessarily, but by a lover, yes." It felt strange to refer to George as a lover, even though he had been once. At one point in time, he had been Anne's world. For that one month-long courtship, she had thought of little else but George and his devilishly handsome features. She dreamt of marrying him, of giving him a brood of children and living happily ever after in a castle by the sea. She'd been so confident that he would marry her that she'd given him more than just her heart, she'd given him her body and soul. And it had all been for naught.

"When I was younger, I was foolish and naïve in my own right. I, too, offered my trust to the wrong people and paid dearly for it. But it will not be the same for you, my friend. Back then, I did not have anyone but my sister to rely on. But, you are not alone, I am here for you. I will not betray you, I would never wish to do such a thing. I would exact vengeance for you, if you so desired." Anne shot Thinya a weak albeit playful smile as she clutched her hands. "You aren't overreacting. Betrayal is a death of sorts. You are free to mourn however you see fit."

@awynter asked: "You're allowed to feel these things."

Hearing those words made Thinya look down. She felt angry, disappointed, betrayed. The image of that childhood friend sharing a dance with Anthony, being openly flirting with him while she knew about Thinya's feelings disgusted her. The brunette was a fair believer in friendship. She was loyal and certainly respecting codes of friendship: if a friend of hers fancied a man, Thinya would make sure to help them and would surely stay away and make sure not to be matched with him.

"I just... I can't believe how naive I was." She spoke before looking at Anne. "I am too naive, I guess. I..." She gulped and swallowed back the lump in her throat. "I can't believe a friend would do this to me. I tend to protect my friends, to make sure they are happy and find their love match." She shrugged and shook her head. "I guess this makes me stupid, right?" She looked at Anne in the eyes. "I must restrain my circle of friends, remove all those who play with me." She sighed and asked: "Have you ever felt this way? Or am I overreacting?"

Thinya valued Anne's opinion, she always had great advice. "Have you ever been betrayed by a friend before?"

[awynter]

Normally, Anne would've taken such a night to hide away in her room and catch up on rest. With a house filled to the brim with people, she hardly needed to keep an eye on the girls, much less their education. But when Charlotte Pleinsworth had suggested that Anne join them for the night, she didn't know how she could possibly say no.

It wasn't as though she wanted to be there, even if there were days when Anne desperately missed her old life of balls and dresses. But she was a governess now, long gone from Annelise and firmly seated in the life of Anne. To be seen mingling with members of the ton could be considered scandalous, and the last thing she needed was her name to be mentioned in a Lady Whistledown issue. Against her better judgement, however, Anne had agreed and had spent the last hour or so on the sidelines, watching the exhibit of dancers and lovers.

"Good," Anne smiled, nodding in agreement, eager for a crumb of conversation. "For a minute I was worried Frances might've been right about the house being haunted." She turned her attention to the room, eyes scanning the faces for the aforementioned little lady. After a moment of searching, her eyes landed upon a small form in the doorway, hands and mouth filled with biscuits. At least some one here was taking advantage of the amenities.

"Pleasure to meet you, Miss Somerville." Her instinct told her to bow, but Anne simply smiled in return. She didn't know anything about Thinya, other than the fact that her attention seemed to be drawn towards the Bridgerton family--a fact she only noted due to Lady Sarah's comments on the family's inevitable presence-- but she didn't find the woman to be the type to enforce formalities. At least not right away.

"I'm Anne Wynter. I work as governess here for the Pleinsworth girls. Though, to be honest, it feels as though I may be the ghost haunting these halls tonight."

@awynter asked: "you look like you've seen a ghost."

Her green hues spotted the only living soul she would marry for love, and on her will. Thinya Somerville was attending the Pleinsworth ball and was lost in her thoughts. The simple sight of that man made her whole body react: goosebumps, cheeks turning slightly pinker, sparkles in her eyes. Thinya had been loving secretly a certain man, one she thought was impossible to be with. One who probably saw her as a good friend instead of a potential love interest.

Her thoughts were soon interrupted by the voice of another woman. Turning her head, Thinya blushed and looked at the young woman standing before her. "A ghost? Oh..." She chuckled lightly before shaking her head. "If we are talking about a ghost of the past, perhaps?" Her smile was warmer now as she looked at her. "I am Thinya Somerville." She figured it was better to introduce herself, while sipping on her glass of champagne.