31 December 1891 — Prewitt NYE Gala
Poppy knew very well that a young lady had no business attending a society event until she had formally made her debut. She knew it, she respected it, she generally adhered to it - but this particular little shindig had refused to leave her mind and every temptation since she’d first discovered its existence almost a month prior. After much thought and finally swallowing the very pill that it could arouse scandal by her attendance, she’d hatched a scheme. As far as any of the Dashwoods knew, her mama in particular, Poppy was spending the evening at the Edevane home with her dear friend Juniper. Her chaperone, a very irritated governess who had one hell of a time trying to convince her out of it, was livid. The only reason she’d yet to rat Poppy out to her family was because she knew that her young charge would hold grudges that very well would make her life more miserable than if she just went along with it and did her best to keep the young miss out of trouble as best she could. She would have inevitably had to have done so anyway; Poppy did not generally take ‘no’ for an answer and was not beyond sneaking her way out. (Lighting fire to one’s dress may or may not have been threatened as well.)
In such a fashion, Poppy Dashwood now found herself on a floor of the Destiny Hotel with a strange but enjoyable cocktail in her hand and a very cranky governess by her side. Her dress was demure enough tonight, not particularly wanting to attract attention even if it was New Years Eve, and very much not Poppy’s usual style. It pinched a little around the waist, not unlike some of her other dresses, and Poppy realized she’d failed to eat anything as yet. Her appetite hadn’t been for much prior to the little escapade, and now - with alcohol in hand - she wasn’t likely to contribute much else. (Even if it did go to her head rather faster that way.) Still, she turned to her governess and requested a morsel. The woman gave her a withering look and Poppy promised to stay put silently until the woman returned. After a short discussion, her governess turned to retrieve a small bite.
Hazel green eyes swept the room taking in a number of fashionable games and attendees. Poppy couldn’t help but grin as she watched people bustle here and there. It was beautiful, synchronized in its own way, and thrilled her for the day she too could partake as a full member of society. She ignored the promise to her governess and deliberately began to meander about, hoping it would take an extra moment or two for the woman to find her. It was awfully difficult to have any pleasant interactions with that breathing down her throat. Suddenly, Poppy spotted a familiar face. Drat, her cousin Atticus was here!
Turning away from him quickly, Poppy didn’t notice there was a gentleman behind her. She twirled and made to move much too abrasively. In a jarring misstep, she went from expedient escape to tumbling straight into the gentleman’s arms - drink and all.
© Fox