#out of the shadows (francesca v2.)

[realmyths]

you’re shivering again. (Michaela to Francesca)

The rooms in Scotland are chilly. A bit drafty. More so than even their home in the country, Aubrey Hall. Francesca lets out a little chuckle and says: "Sorry. I suppose the temperature is more chilly than I expected." She had expected coldness, of course. But not to the degree that she's experiencing it.

"No matter what I do, I can't get warm." The fire is going. And Francesca is wearing a dress with long sleeves. And has a blanket wrapped around her. It's still not enough to keep the shivering at bay.

[realmythsmoved]

❛ you're stuck with me. ❜ (Michaela for Francesca)

Francesca is still a bit frazzled around Michaela. Though she'll do her best not to let it show. Her words, though, make Francesca open her mouth and widen her eyes in surprise. "Not at all."

She doesn't feel stuck with Michaela, quite the opposite. She can't quite put her finger on where the feeling is coming from, though. If she didn't know any better, she would put it down to what her mother had described when she had met Fran's father. Perhaps it could be love. But that's not possible, is it? And anyway, Francesca loves John, Michaela's cousin. Just because their love isn't flashy and intense, does not make it any less valid.

"I am rather afraid it is the other way around." Michaela seems to be vibrant, full of life. And Francesca is rather shy and introverted. So she is worried she'll bore Michaela. And she doesn't want that. She should entertain her husband's cousin, after all. Right?

[realmyths]

Francesca can't quite figure Michaela out. Though they are friends now, and she feels comfortable around her, she still remains something of an enigma to Francesca. Of course, she had tried to ask John. But he seems to be keeping something of a secret for his cousin, and hadn't said much. So Francesca had been left to draw her own conclusions.

"Indeed it is." Francesca says with a soft smile. "I've witnessed so much love in my family and well, I know sometimes it's not without its trials. But it is worth it in the end."

A pause, Francesca thinks of how best to continue. "I just...wonder why some people never seek out marriage." She looks up at Michaela, playing with her hands in a nervous habit. "That was the one thing I liked about the whole spectacle. Meeting John." She hadn't wanted to make a fool of herself, but it had turned out alright in the end. "I've tried asking him, of course, but he didn't really say much about it." Of course, perhaps Michaela is like Francesca's sister, Eloise, and is perfectly happy without marriage. "Of course, my sister Eloise would probably say that you do not need to be married to be happy. But...I myself imagine it would get lonely, eventually. A life without love." Francesca had wondered, if Michaela, like her brother Anthony had for a time, viewed love as a weakness. But that does not appear to be the case. So she does wonder why Michaela has not married yet. Of course, that does not necessarily mean that she lives without love. Francesca is not entirely naive. But are such things not frowned upon for young ladies in the ton? Especially if they are....intimate with a man outside of marriage. Has Michaela been? Francesca does wonder. But she doesn't know if she should ask or not.

@realmyths asked: “Love is a not a weakness.” ~Francesca for Michaela

Michaela took a final sip from her tea before setting the cup down softly. The elegance and poise of her movements were in sheer opposition to how she was dressed. To how the two women had spoken just moments before. Michaela had spent most of her day outside in the Scottish countryside, riding and hawking, thus she was still dressed in her riding gear. Just a few weeks ago, she would've wondered if Francesca was offended by the trousers, high boots, and loose shirt she wore on such occasions. But they had struck up a friendship, and with it, they had grown comfortable around each other.

An eyebrow raised. The words made Michaela wonder if her cousin had finally told his wife about her inclinations. No doubt, Francesca must've wondered about her unmarried status and why she lived with John. "Love is beautiful," Michaela replied, dark eyes glued to the other. "Is there something on your mind to motivate such a comment?"

[realmyths]

@hopeturned liked here for a starter for Sophie and got Francesca !

Francesca isn't one to speak much, unless she has something to say. But she can't help but be curious when she spots the other woman, as she doesn't look familiar. She thought she knew all of the people in the ton. But apparently not. Unless, the other woman is new here. "Hello," She says with a smile and a curtsy. "Francesca Bridgerton. It's a pleasure to meet you..."

[realmythsmoved]

i feel i should say… something. - cressida @ kate or francesca

Francesca knows exactly how Cressida had treated her older sister, Daphne. And a good friend of the family, Penelope. Francesca herself doesn't expect to fare much better. However, she does know Cressida and Eloise are now friends, so perhaps Miss Cowper had mellowed a bit. Francesca hopes so, anyway.

She manages a small smile, saying, "What do you feel you need to say, Miss Cowper?"