Welcome to Charming, where swirling petticoats, the language of flowers, and old-fashioned duels are only the beginning of what is lying underneath…
After a magical attempt on her life in 1877, Queen Victoria launched a crusade against magic that, while tidied up by the Ministry of Magic, saw the Wizarding community exiled to Hogsmeade, previously little more than a crossroad near the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. In the years that have passed since, Hogsmeade has suffered plagues, fires, and Victorian hypocrisy but is still standing firm.
Thethe year is now 1894. It’s time to join us and immerse yourself in scandal and drama interlaced with magic both light and dark.
November 1, 1888 - Blackwood Estate; Halloween Celebration
Having a nice night this evening, Regina was glad to have more freedom. Parties were wonderful. What was to complain about them? As long as no one acted silly, everything was lovely. No masks. Regina made it a point to avoid participating in masked events. At least when she had to wear a mask that was not her own. It was likely that she would never forgive Mrs. Ophelia Devine for that. Now it would be nice if she could get up the courage to talk to someone.
Had the world answered her hopes? Spotting a familiar face, she smiled lightly. Walking over, she gave a friendly nod to the gentleman in question. "Hello Mr. Gladstone." It wasn't much of a greeting, but it was the start of one. Along with a kind smile, she did hope that her demeanor was a welcoming one.
It had been only a few weeks since the whole debacle with Bella. Apparently what he had to offer wasn't good enough for her and he knew he had been in the right when it came to calling her out on toying with him. That didn't mean he had to like what came after, though and he did hope she would be happy. Whatever form it took, even if it wasn't with him. But why couldn't it have been with him?
His sisters had allowed him some time for his moping but he could see that they were happy that Bella Scrimgeour becoming family to them was no longer a worry. So he had been made to attend this Blackwoods thing and he had actually been enjoying himself. After all, it wouldn't do to put his bad mood on innocent fellow attendees.
Richard had partaken in a game of cards where he had lost a galleon or two before kicking back with a drink. Looking up as a young woman greeted him, a smile graced his lips as he recognized her. "Miss Lacey, what a pleasure to see you again. Are you enjoying your evening?"
Bella and Regina had not made contact since the former had been quite ill. Distance seemed best. And Regina wanted to move on with her life. While her guardian was the main person holding her back, perhaps the mixed emotions with Bella was doing the same. So not a word of the Scrimgeour had left her lips, nor did she write to or about the brunette. Time healed wounds, she had heard and hoped to be true.
Regina was certainly making an effort to be more social. Taking part in events, parties, talking to other friends. It was all nicer than hiding away in her room and pouting. Mourning over broken friendships. Parties were great fun, when masks were not involved. Regina could not even look at a mask now. It was utterly humiliating.
Receiving a smile upon being looked at felt as good a sign as any for the blonde. He was a rather handsome gentleman, if she was being honest. "I am doing rather well, thank you. It is a pleasure to see you as well. How is your evening?"
Richard was almost immediately unsure how to progress the conversation. From across the room, he felt like he could feel one of his sisters eyes borrowing into him. Her husband too, come to think of it. Ugh. Wanker. Thankfully, Miss Lacey didn't seem to notice anything amiss.
"Well, I lost a couple of Galleons but I am optimistic that it can only improve from there," he said with a slight chuckle. "Do you play cards, Miss Lacey?" Was that even a ladylike thing to do, come to think of it? Heck if he could remember at this point. His mind was too scattered.
Regina did not notice the eyes looking upon them. Though she did have the familair feeling that eyes were upon her, she mentaly shrugged it off as her mind overthibking things.
Card games were not something that Regina was familiar with, but it did look interesting. "I do not. Perhaps you can show me how to play?" It was unlikely that she would participate in the game. Although it might be fun to watch.
"I could, I suppose," Richard said when she asked if he could teach her how to play. Looking over at one of the footman, he procured an extra deck of cards that wasn't being used by the others. "Why don't you sit and I can teach you the basics, at the very least." Richard wasn't actually keen for female companionship, not after the whole Bella Scrimgeour shitshow but he did not have it in him to turn her away. It wasn't like it had been her fault, after all.
Regina wasn't sure if it was the late hour, or him not really wishing to teach her the game that gave the slight hint of lacking interest in his voice. But Regina reminded herself that she was just being unreasonable. It was hard to let others in... after everything that has happened. The betrayals, the fights, but that wasn't his fault. Sitting next to him, she gave a grateful smile. "Thank you." Parties were nice and everything, but it was far nicer to simply talk to a nice person.
"You're quite welcome," Richard said genuinely as he dealt the cards. He then explained the game to the young woman. "Ready to give it a try?" He asked once he was sure that she had a grasp on the basic rules of the card game.
Well, she seemed welcome in the situation. So she went with it. Learning as best as she could, it was easy to admit that she was having a nice time. It certainly helped that he was patient with her. "I’m ready." Was she confident? As confident as a Gryffindor could be towards something new.
The card game commenced and Richard found that he was actually enjoying himself a bit. At the very least, he was able to forget about his sisters watchful gaze. He was sure that he would eventually be hearing what she had to say about everything later. "You're a very quick study, Miss Lacey," he complimented with a chuckle when she bested him in the first round.
While she wasn't the most familiar with the game, she was pleasantly surprised when she had won in her first round. Smiling proudly, she didn't even noticed the blush on her cheeks as he complimented her. "Why thank you Mr. Gladstone. You are an excellent teacher."
Richard chuckled as the young woman complimented him in return. He played a few more games with her, enjoying her company before deciding that they should part ways. Society did tend to talk if one was seen in the company of any particular person for entirely too long. "I thank you for the pleasure of your company," he stated with a genuine smile. It had probably been the most oddly relaxed he had been in a long while.
Regina was enjoying her time with the young man. With each game it became more and more comfortable to interact with him. He was nice, genuinely nice. Something she dearly appreciated. It wasn’t something she was used to. Though it was sad for things to end, she was glad that it was on a good note, and hoped dearly that it would not be the true end of their time together. "Thank you for yours." She responded with a smile of her own.
