Nov 1, 1894 —Bartonburg, Hogsmeade

CW

solicitation; sexual content is at least alluded to given the fact that she's with a client; references to brothel work

Avery's appearance

Nights like these were ones Avery usually didn't try too hard to remember the day after, regardless of the nature of her clients and how they acted. It had become such a habit for her back in California, that it was a tough mindset to get out of. You did the work, collected payment and moved on. There were rare times - when one of them had taken a particularly rough client and needed comforting - that the girls had dared to dream about what they might do with their lives if someone were to come in and sweep them off their feet. In all those talks, Avery hadn't even thought she might be someone who would get to experience that kind of relief, especially after she had Marigold.

Even once that bastard of a husband had died and she moved to England, Avery figured that was her lot in life and she had to adjust. But then, not only had Henry Berkwood came crashing into her life but he had made it clear he wanted to be involved in financing Marigold's future. It was more than any of them could have dreamed and not a day went by that Avery didn’t wonder when her luck would run out. So when she had the opportunity to continue working at night, she took it. There hadn’t been a question. Too many men had slighted her or her friends in the past for her to take Harry’s word to heart. But lately…she saw how Marigold’s uncle was with her, how much he cared and she was starting to think that perhaps there might come a day when there she wouldn’t have a need for —

A voice interrupted her train of thought just then. Lying in bed with her client, Avery toyed with the edge of the sheets, and she turned her attention to them, reminding herself to switch her accent to something more British before she spoke. “Hmm? I’m sorry love, I was miles away just now. Repeat that for me again?” She shifted her body more so she faced them and gave a sweet smile.

---

Open to ONE other person who might have hired Avery

  

---

avery speaks with a mixed south appalachian drawl

The season had been long and active, many dances, many women parading themselves as the catch of the season to the men who might gaze on with vacant eyes and open mouths. It was fun, but the strict and quite proper, look but dont touch would frustrate even the most virtous man. To this end, he had hired the beautiful young woman who lay next to him right now. A moment of transactional romance to help iron out the kinks and help him focus on being the gentleman and not the cad.

As much as the last thirty minutes would make him a liar, he was a gentleman, he would always remain respectful of those that worked these halls. He was a generous lover and he even usually tried leaving at least a little extra coin; women never did this because their pockets were buldging and he at least hoped his appointments were never the worst of the evening. He had a small apartment above his company office in bartonburg which was perfect for keeping his little liasons away from the more discerning eyes in wellingtonshire.

Harrison grinned as they idly chatted like proper lovers laying mostly bare after enjoying their embrace, she was pretty, and her accent was adorable. She was the sort of girl that, in the post-coital haze, it would be easy to fall in love with if, of course, you were the sort of client who was blind to the fact that it was all an act and that she would likely be taking a bath soon just to get your scent off of her.

"I said knut for your thoughts?" he quipped back as she returned from whatever was distracting her. "I also asked if you had any plans for the winter?" he smiled as she turned in the bed towards him; He gave her a smile, he had often been complemented for his charming smile and hope she found it to her tastes. He admired her soft skin, and he reached over affectionately, running his hand up and down in a path from her waist to the groove at the top of her thighs.

"Will you have family to be around? I had hoped to be wintering in India with my season's match, but here we are." he laughed, he would still be heading India, but might have been hoping for a send off from a woman who did not expect to paid.

---

Avery Davenport

  

Avery's appearance

When clients asked for her thoughts, sometimes it was to make the atmosphere less awkward; to distract themselves from the fact that they’d just paid for the company of a woman. Other times it was because they genuinely were curious - a little too curious for their own good. Avery thought herself a good judge of character, and he seemed to genuinely want to know the answer; whether it was to turn her attention back to him, or because he was curious, she had yet to figure out.

Of course, she would cut off one of her own fingers before she ever told him the real truth, but regardless she had an answer for him. With a light sigh, she gave a soft laugh. “India!” Figures that a rich man would be wanting to get away from the gloom of the country for somewhere they’d label more exotic. “Well, I suppose I should be happy that I have you to myself then.” Avery leaned her head towards him, fluttering her lashes before answering his question. “I’m spending time with my family, I suppose. Mama -” She made sure to shorten the first syllable and draw out the second one like she’d been taught, pronouncing it as ‘ma-mahh’. “Is planning something special for next weekend, she says, though I haven’t the foggiest what it could be. Perhaps she perfected a new recipe for her pudding. I know my father would be happy about that.”

Idly she let her hand drift to his bare chest, drawing small circles with her pointer finger. “I don’t suppose your cook would be willing to share any tips and tricks, would she?” She giggled.

---

  

---

avery speaks with a mixed south appalachian drawl

The sweetness she showed towards him as they spoke was wonderful. He only hoped that one day a woman might show this to him without needing money to change hands, but the world was as it was, and Harrison was enjoying her company, which, of course, was the point of this. As she responded, he grinned, wondering how much, if any, of what she said was real; he very much doubted he even knew her real name.

He continued to stroke her skin and allowed the tips of his fingers to run onto her upper thigh. He shifted slightly for more comfort as she played with the hairs on his chest. "That sounds lovely; it's so important to spend time with family when you get the opportunity. My mother doesn't get on with the weather abroad, so I will remain home, but my father will be joining me; one last trip around the empire, he says." he let out a little sigh, thinking about his old man and the ever-shortening time he might have. But then he thought about her last comment, learning new tricks from his own chef.

"Perhaps I might need to make that introduction to my house staff if you wanted to learn, they are very capable and Merlin knows Mother would be pleased to see me bring a lady back home.... and a young businesswoman no less." he laughed, being playful with the woman.

---

Avery Davenport