Connexions (24)

Jul. 9th, 2025 08:40 am
the_comfortable_courtesan: image of a fan c. 1810 (Default)
[personal profile] the_comfortable_courtesan
An admirable capacity to grasp a situation

Rosamund, Dowager Countess of Trembourne, was finding life in Delft curiously agreeable. Had quite seen the necessity of going into exile, somewhere where she would be most unlike to meet any of her social circles either from England or the Continent, before her condition became too apparent to conceal, but had supposed that 'twould be quite immensely tedious.

For she had been used to the diversions of the spaws and the cities she and her late lord had been in the habit of frequenting, quite aside from the excitements of her secret endeavours for the interests of the nation. And dear Gillie….

Even when they had returned to England, while there were still those shunned 'em after the scandal over slandering Clorinda Bexbury and Lord Trembourne had been obliged to publish a public apology in the newspapers, they were still received in enough circles to have a bustling social life, as well as a deal of family matters in train with all this marrying and begetting.

So she had anticipated that it would be exceedingly dull to rest and wait upon lying-in, and then to be brought to bed, and fancied that at her time of life might take rather longer than had been wont in earlier years to recover from her travails once that was done. Entirely ennuyant.

But she had not imagined how much she would feel freed of a burden: like to float up like unto a balloon. Sure she and her late husband had not lived in one another’s pockets, had not shared a conjugal bed since before Lewis’s birth: but he had ever been there, moping about complaining of draughts or stuffiness and sitting down to table to discourse of the unwholesomeness of whatever fare had been set before 'em, and getting into a fret about some symptom he supposed he had. Boring everybody about his spaws and his quacks &C.

At least he did not recount aught about the ladies that provided for his particular pleasures – one felt a little sorry for the creatures, though supposed they were well-remunerated for their trouble.

Here she was, under the care of Mevrouw Peeters, that was kind, and competent, and not in the least encroaching, a very good sort of woman, one perceived that midwives were considerably esteemed in these parts. And the house so very clean and well-kept.

She might beguile the time by improving her understanding of Dutch, one never knew when that might come to be of use, whilst also polishing her abilities in cyphers and lock-picking. And dear good Grissie, sure she did not deserve that her daughter had turned out so well, had put into her trunks materials for embroidery and some several novels.

She entirely did not deserve that Clorinda Bexbury, that must have a deal of business upon hand, sent her the English newspapers accompanied by letters that contained gossip about the inwardness of various matters reported. La, Talshaw dead of some accident! though Saythingport had very properly ceased pursuing that suit to Nora as most improper while the family was in mourning.

But she had not imagined how much time she would pass in simply doating upon tiny Penelope. Had found it not only possible, but strangely pleasant, to feed her herself, although Mevrouw Peeters was quite able to find a wetnurse was one required. Look into those miniature features and endeavour to discern some resemblance to Gillie. Wonder whether the blue eyes of babyhood would darken to that warm brown…. Gaze upon the little hands and feet as if she had never seen a baby before.

Indeed, she had give little enough attention to her others. Had seemed to her an entire ordeal from the begetting to the birth – the months of the discomforts of increase – the time out of the pleasures of Society – And then once born, the infants handed over to wetnurses and nurserymaids.

How different things were, now.

Mevrouw Peeters strongly commended the practice of going promenade somewhat, now that Rosamund was growing stronger – though forbade her yet from carrying the babe herself, so she was followed by Geertje with the child well-bundled-up as she walked along beside the canals, or ventured as far as the Markt square with its bustle and fine buildings.

As they were about to re-enter, came out Mevrouw, saying that there was a gentleman come call for Her Ladyship, that she had put in the best parlour.

A gentleman? Rosamund put out a hand to steady herself against the door. She could only suppose it to be Undersedge, come with some news that should be delivered in person – she could not suppose that the matter of Talshaw was of any great urgency but oh dear, mayhap somewhat had come to Hermione?

She gulped, straightened her back, desired Geertje to take Penelope to her nursery and went towards the best parlour, that was very seldom used.

As she opened the door, she saw that that was too tall to be Greg Undersedge – took a second or so to realize, yes, that was Gillie, Gillie that had somehow found out her refuge. She shut the door behind her and leant against it, her legs trembling.

Why Delft, asked Gillie, though I quite apprehend that it is entirely out of any society that you are to know, a retreat quite like unto a convent perchance.

You are unacquainted with Mevrouw’s profession?

Gillie frowned. Profession?

Rosamund took a breath, stood up straight, leant over to take his hand. Come, she said, opening the door, and leading him upstairs to the nursery, where Penelope was already sleeping peacefully in her crib.

Mevrouw is a very skilled midwife.

Gillie looked down into the cradle, and then up to Rosamund. Ours?

Sir Vernon had initially commended Lord Gilbert to her as a young man that had an admirable capacity to grasp a situation with exemplary rapidity. She nodded. Her name is Penelope.

He picked her up quite surprizing confident for a young bachelor, then Rosamund collected that he had several nephews and nieces, so perchance had some practice in the art. She watched him thoughtfully scrutinizing her.

A pretty babe, he remarked at length. What are you intending to do with her?

She caught his uneasy tone.

Fie, I am not going to leave her outside some foundling institution! She took Penelope, that was still peaceably slumbering, in her own arms. No, 'tis my intention to take her to Yeomans –

Yeomans!

My dear, you must have had the thoughts I have had that perchance the orphans are not quite as bereft of parents as 'tis give out? Even did those parents mayhap not go to church with one another.

Indeed I have supposed 'em mostly by-blows rather than true orphans! Doubtless of friends of Miss Ferraby that found subscribing to her views cost 'em rather too dearly.

Well, 'twould be unmannerly to interrogate upon the matter, but Clorinda Bexbury assured me that Miss Ferraby and Miss Roberts would be entirely agreeable to taking Penelope –

Gillie grinned and said, and she would be in the hands of that peerless mistress of nurseries, Betty Higgins! One could not have the least objection. Those very healthful surroundings – Essie entirely commends the characters of the existing family – for of course visits quite often, still doats on the fiery Flora, to the great distress of all aspirants to his hand – there is an excellent governess – indeed, a prime solution to any difficulty. For Sir Vernon, I must reveal, is most anxious to call you back into the game – has been worrying at me and any other who might know to discover where you are.

She kissed Penelope and placed her back in the crib. The dear thing. But one saw that it would not do to keep her with her, no, she must put her in that very excellent situation among good kind people.

She took Gillie’s hand. I am gratified to hear that Sir V thinks so well of my services! I daresay for the next several months I must be about lingering at spaws, repairing my nerves from the shock of my husband’s death. But I daresay there may be work to be at there.

Indeed, she thought, she was still somewhat knocked up from bearing Penelope, at her age 'twas no light business, recruiting was only sensible.

But let us go and take coffee so that you may tell me what you have been about.

So they went to sit in the parlour, and Gillie recounted his adventures on Rozovsky’s estate, and how the Imbremeres did, and then how things had gone in St Petersburg, and then throughout the Baltic –

Very cold, he remarked. But now, after this short holiday at home in the bosom of my family, I am bound for Paris.

Paris, sighed Rosamund. Alas, that is not a destination for a grieving widow I fear – mayhap when I am out of black – but I might try one or other of the French spaws – Vichy? one hears well of it. Or Spa would not be any very great distance, would it?

Gillie sighed. I fear Sir V may have opinions in the matter and desire you to go to Carlsbad

Rosamund groaned.

– or Baden-Baden, now that would not be an entire impossibility

They sighed. Duty to the nation’s interests, it had to be considered, and here she had been, resting up very comfortable these several months.

A silence fell.

I suppose, Gillie began, stammered, began again, I have been in some thought – now that you are free – that now there is no obstacle

O, Gillie! He had never looked so young.

Rosamund took a deep breath. My dear, she said, do not go further towards where I think you tend. 'Twould be entirely unanswerable –

And one day, she surmized, there would be a younger woman that would ensnare his heart, she could not imagine that this could endure – however much it had become more than a flirtation or a brief indulgence – however little could she deny that 'twas love

No, she would not tie him in formal bonds. And while they might keep the matter clandestine, was it ever revealed, she shrank from the spiteful gossip there would be. Had circulated too much of the like herself.

Now, she said, I fear you should depart. I may tell Mevrouw that you have been bringing me news and messages from family and friends, but I do not think it wise to make it look any more than that you were passing through and did that civil task.

Slowly he nodded. Wisest, he conceded. Lifted her hand to his lips. Until Vichy, then.


I have a kitchen!

Jul. 9th, 2025 08:44 am
feuervogel: photo of the statue of Victory and her chariot on the Brandenburg Gate (Default)
[personal profile] feuervogel
I haven't updated since before I left for the US (which I should also write up soon). I got my kitchen installed! It took the nice Ukrainian man 2 evenings (about 7.5 hours) and only cost me 450 Euros. He also installed my ceiling lights, which required drilling.

Honestly, it seems like it would be so much easier on the structural integrity of buildings if Germany would just ... provide kitchen cabinets and ceiling fixtures. But that's just me.

Today I'm gathering my kitchen stuff and clothes and toiletries and packing them into a rental car with my computer & cat, and we'll be sleeping at the new place starting tonight! Then Friday the moving company is coming (at 9 am).

There are still a bunch of things that need to go into boxes, but I've run out of space to put boxes (and I'm too short to stack them more than 2 high). So after I get my daily use stuff out, I can move things around a bit and make more space. That'll be tomorrow's project.

Focusmate

Jul. 9th, 2025 07:27 am
hunningham: Beautiful colourful pears (Default)
[personal profile] hunningham

Using focusmate is good for me, not just at the getting started but having 50min sessions with a begin and an end means that I have little breaks, I stretch and I drink water. Also I work better, and I'm less likely to disappear down that rabbit hole and emerge later into daylight, blinking and going "what do you mean 100 years have passed?"

Nice things on focusmate

  • Seeing the same people pop up again & again and realising that they have added me as a favourite.
  • Someone told me that my room looked like a prose. English was not their first language, and I was delighted with the compliment. Someone else asked me if my room was a fake background. I said 'no, real' and they looked very suspicious.
  • Yesterday I spent half-an-hour watching a guy mediate on screen. He draped a towel over his head.

Which Ecto to get?

Jul. 9th, 2025 05:56 am
[syndicated profile] ghostbustersreddit_feed

Posted by /u/Drifter271

Which Ecto to get?

So I don't own an Ecto-1 collectible in any scale and I think it's time to change that. I can pick up the 3.75" scale Hasbro Plasma Series 1984 Ecto-1 for around AUD$100, or try to pick up an old 1:18 Hot Wheels for around AUD$300. Are the Hot Wheels worth an extra $200? I occasionally see the odd Playmobil pop up for around AUD$100 also, but that's obviously a little smaller and stylised. Thoughts and opinions welcome - thanks!

submitted by /u/Drifter271
[link] [comments]

(no subject)

Jul. 8th, 2025 08:26 pm
twistedchick: watercolor painting of coffee cup on wood table (Default)
[personal profile] twistedchick
In the category of continuing COVID side effects, add the inability to taste strawberries properly.

I realize the berries available locally or in the non-chain market where we shop aren't going to be the ones I used to eat up north, but the ones this year were so acidic and unsweet that I couldn't eat an entire bowl. They were making my stomach turn over. They weren't that way last year, so I can only assume it's another COVID side effect.

I used to eat a quart a day when I grew my own, up north.

This is just disappointing.

Ghostbusters Jacket

Jul. 8th, 2025 11:58 pm
[syndicated profile] ghostbustersreddit_feed

Posted by /u/therest_theend

Ghostbusters Jacket

Looking at selling my Ghostbusters jacket I got while working at the movie theater during the 2016 Ghostbusters size large open to offers it's still in really good condition probably only worn like twice

submitted by /u/therest_theend
[link] [comments]
[syndicated profile] ghostbustersreddit_feed

Posted by /u/The_Dinky_Digest

Ghostbusters Vs. Godzilla in 1/64 Scale

Hey fellow Ghostbusters fans!

I’m a fan of the original movies & The Real Ghostbusters cartoon. While I haven’t followed the newer expanded universe closely, I’ve always collected Ecto-mobiles.

These days, my main hobby is building a 1/64 scale diecast world, and along the way, I found what I think is the best Ecto variant I’ve ever seen.

Here it is in a fictional Ghostbusters vs. Godzilla scene I created. Hope you enjoy!

I’m also on Facebook and Instagram @the_dinky_digest

submitted by /u/The_Dinky_Digest
[link] [comments]

Prompt 2538: Love

Jul. 9th, 2025 12:09 am
immortalje: Typwriter with hands typing (Default)
[personal profile] immortalje posting in [community profile] dailyicons

Today's prompt is: love



• You have 2 days time to submit an icon for this prompt (in other words, until prompt 2540 gets posted)!
• Prompt 2536 has been closed.
• If you have any questions regarding the prompt, feel free to ask in a comment.
• To submit an icon you simply reply to this post with the following information:
Icon:
Claim: (only necessary if it's a specific claim)
Status: (e.g. #1/10 - number of icon completed/table size)

Pre-formatted

Profile

beren_writes: Manga portraits of Harry and Draco (Default)
beren_writes

My Books

  • The Chronicles of Charlie Waterman

  • Cat's Call by Natasha Duncan-Drake

  • Cat's Creation by Natasha Duncan-Drake

  • Cat's Confidence by Natasha Duncan-Drake

  • The Haward Mysteries

  • Sacrifice of an Angel by Tasha & Sophie Duncan

  • Stockings by Tasha and Sophie Duncan

  • Vampires: The New Age

  • The Beginning by Natasha Duncan-Drake

  • Advent by Natasha Duncan-Drake

  • The Soul Reader Series

  • Forgotten Soul by Tasha D-Drake

  • Forbidden Soul by Tasha D-Drake

  • Fortunate Soul by Tasha D-Drake

  • The Dark Reflections Series

  • Me, Myself and I (Dark Relfections #1) by Tasha D-Drake


  • Dreams and Reality (Dark Reflections #2) by Tasha D-Drake

  • My Stand Alone Short Stories/ Novelettes/ Novellas

  • Face of the Dead by Tasha D-Drake

  • Chip Off the Old Block? by Tasha D-Drake

  • Three Bullets by Tasha D-Drake

  • When Darkness Beckons by Natasha Duncan-Drake and Sophie Duncan

  • Out of the Frying Pan by Natasha Duncan-Drake

  • The Trade by Natasha Duncan-Drake

  • TParting the Veil by Sophie Duncan and Natasha Duncan-Drake

  • My Anthologies

  • Myriad Imaginings by Natasha Duncan-Drake and Sophie Duncan

  • Half of Everything by Natasha Duncan-Drake

  • Book of Darkness by Natasha Duncan-Drake and Sophie Duncan

  • Beyond Our Horizon by Natasha Duncan-Drake and Sophie Duncan

  • Supernature by Natasha Duncan-Drake and Sophie Duncan

  • Romantica by Natasha Duncan-Drake and Sophie Duncan

  • Bright Young Things by Natasha Duncan-Drake and Sophie Duncan

  • Free to Newsletter Subscribers

  • Assassin's Blood by Natasha Duncan-Drake

November 2023

S M T W T F S
   1234
5678 91011
12131415161718
19202122232425
2627282930  

Most Popular Tags

Style Credit

  • Style: (No Theme) for Transmogrified - edited by Beren by Yvonne

Expand Cut Tags

No cut tags
The Chronicles of Charlie Waterman The Haward Mysteries Vampires: The New Age The Soul Reader Series
Cat's Call by Natasha Duncan-Drake Cat's Creation by Natasha Duncan-Drake Cat's Confidence by Natasha Duncan-Drake Sacrifice of an Angel by Tasha & Sophie Duncan Stockings by Tasha and Sophie Duncan The Beginning by Natasha Duncan-Drake Advent by Natasha Duncan-Drake Forgotten Soul by Tasha D-Drake Forbidden Soul by Tasha D-Drake Fortunate Soul by Tasha D-Drake
Dark Reflections My Stand Alone Short Stories/ Novelettes/ Novellas My Anthologies
Me, Myself and I (Dark Relfections #1) by Tasha D-Drake Dreams and Reality (Dark Reflections #2) by Tasha D-Drake Face of the Dead by Tasha D-Drake Chip Off the Old Block? by Tasha D-Drake Parting the Veil by Natasha Duncan-Drake and Sophie Duncan Out of the Frying Pan by Natasha Duncan-Drake The Trade by Natasha Duncan-Drake Myriad Imaginings by Natasha Duncan-Drake and Sophie Duncan Half of Everything by Natasha Duncan-Drake Assassin's Blood by Natasha Duncan-Drake