Whitzz/544K-RP-Datasets huggingface dataset:
Thread: Secrets and Lies (Sync & Mali)

Her thoughts went a bit rampant. While she knew that it would not be easy to come back without the potential of some kind of scrutiny, she did not think that it would be this bad. Men assuming she was now a hooker or a lady of the night whose only ability was to pleasure men in ways that they could not ask of their wives or intended? Were men so depraved in marriage that they had to seek entertainment elsewhere because the very acts spoken of were far too scandalous and taboo to ask of their spouses? Apparently so if they could come right up to her and assume the worst. While she neither confirmed or denied the rumors of her means of returning back home after being half across the country, it was apparently believed that the only way a woman, with no money to her name after running away, could return back home on her own and without any help was by the form of prostitution. A soft mirthless laugh escaped her and her dainty hand came up to cover over her mouth, her head shaking in astonishment of the entire thing. It shouldnt be so shocking, just as she did not think shed be laughing at the hypocrisy of the entire situation right now. But she was. Though it wasnt very humorous. Bringing her hand down, she brought her other up and in the most unladylike fashion downed the rest of her champagne, the way a drunk or even a prostitute might. Perhaps the rumors werent entirely farfetched. If they only knewoh how they would love to but even so, they would never believe. No, once a persons mind was made up of the worst, it never strayed to anything better. Oh how ye little faith Setting the empty champagne flute down on the ledge, her hands splayed out over the space of it and she elongated her neck, arched her back and felt a tiny bit of relief, for the movement alone allowed her corset to loosen just enough for the brackets to lift off her lungs, allowing her to take in a deep breath and exhale slowly. The sudden voice she heard that came from nowhere startled her and she gasped, turning, her elbow knocking the champagne flute off the ledge and down below where the faint shatter sounded. She turned back to look over and made a face. Oops. She whispered. Turning back to the direction where the sound came from, she could make out the silhouette of a man sitting the sundown casting enough light to make out his form but his features werent distinctive. My apologies, you gave me a bit of a fright. She laughed slightly, her hands coming to clasp in front of her. I cannot say that I am. It has been a while, I suppose, and I must have forgotten the truly heinous pettiness of high society. The vultures. The wolves, if you would. Realizing she was saying too much, she shook her head. Again, I express my apologies in such a forward manner of speaking. One should not say such foul things of others. Even if others were saying such foul things of her. While part of her did not care, there was a part of her that wanted to shut them up once and for all. I see you are hiding here yourself. Are you enjoying the party or is the view far better out here than inside?
Thread: Secrets and Lies (Sync & Mali)

He hadn't expected to startle her enough that she'd knock her glass off the edge of the balcony railing. But then, he hadn't expected that she'd up-end and drain her glass as he might have and set the glass down, either. As his eyes adjusted to looking towards the lighted doorway she was standing near, he could see that she might be a comely woman, with a delicate figure but more than that, with the exception of her long and dark hair, he could not determine. Yellow-coloured dress, perhaps. In the end, he didn't expect she'd remain long if she didn't know who he was now, his identity would soon enough be revealed to her, and that would then signal the end of their conversation. My apologies, Miss, he replied sincerely, the timbre his voice soft and deep, as he stood and turned to face her. He was still in the shadows, and did not feel the urge to come out of them just yet. If he remained where he was, he'd be no threat to her, either physically or by reputation. I did not mean to startle you so. He sighed to himself and did as she had done he lifted his glass to his mouth, tilted his head back, and drained his glass. He was only drinking water, at least, so there was no danger of him doing anything untoward from downing his drink in such a manner. He set his glass on the railing and took a step away from the railing. The movement brought him a little closer to the lighted area, but he was still sufficiently in shadow that his features would be hidden - he hoped. You need not apologise to me, Miss, he continued quietly. The fault is mine for causing you to be startled, for such was surely not intended. I suppose our host might be aggrieved by the loss of a flute, but again, the fault for that can be mine for causing you fright enough to dislodge it. There was more she'd said, he was fully aware what was uncertain to him was how - or whether - to respond. I suppose hiding is as good a word as any to describe my presence here, he agreed finally. Society parties my be great social occasions, but they are surely no less dangerous than the ancient Roman circuses were to convicted criminals. It might have been a poor analogy, but there was no lack of truth to his words all that was missing from society parties was the violence. In truth, I suppose this is a form of escape - attending a party without having to be spoken to, or having to speak with others. He tilted his head curiously she'd be able to see the action, but likely not the accompanying expression on his face. From your words I take it you're enjoying your attendance at this party about as much as I am?
Thread: Secrets and Lies (Sync & Mali)

Reggie did smile faintly, in fact, as she made her counter-claim for fault of knocking the flute over the edge of the railing. She wouldnt see the smile, however, given his current preference for remaining in the half-light of his present location. There was a certain charm to her declaration that was amusing, in a flighty way. We could debate for some time, Ill wager, over the minutiae of who should bear fault for the demise of the flute, he offered warmly. You claim that it was your elbow that knocked said flute yonder I could counter that had I not startled you so, you would not have moved in such a manner that your elbow would have knocked the flute. He waved his hand dismissively. In the end, Im sure it is of no importance. Our host could find fault with either of us, or both of us, should he choose to not be magnanimous. At least there was no debate from her on the inherent danger at parties such as the one they were currently at she knew, as he did, that society would break them if it felt the need or the urge to do so. He was already contemplating stepping forwards, out of the shadow, when her request reached his ears. It was not unreasonable for her to want to look upon the visage of the person with whom she was conversing, even if their conversation was steeped in the apparent mutual-dislike of the party they were attending. It was true, hed already been able to determine her features enough that she presented as a rather handsome young woman not necessarily stunningly beautiful, but shed certainly catch the eye of men if she desired. Shed already caught his eye, he could not deny it. He made sure his glass was settled carefully on the railing and stepped away from the comfort of the shadows into the half-light that bathed the balcony area. My apologies, my lady, he offered sincerely, as he determined that shed be able to see his features sufficiently to know the appearance of the man she was holding conversation with. I should not have remained hidden so as we talked. He paused, then bobbed his head slightly in courteous greeting. Allow me to introduce myself Reginald Hawthorne, of the New England Hawthornes, at your service. There was no need for him to elaborate on his identity further, he felt indeed, merely the mention of his name would probably give her pause. Surely she knew enough of the rumours surrounding him that shed be more careful of her conversation, if she indeed chose to remain and converse. He suspected hed be safely disowned by the end of the year.
Thread: Secrets and Lies (Sync & Mali)

It may have been a flicker of a glance from her, but his eyes did not miss it, he was certain she had cast her gaze over him quickly, and the smile that quickly appeared on her face suggested she was not at all turned away by his appearance. Indeed, the smile lit her features a little more for him there was a certain severity to her when she was relaxed, and while he was quite certain that she could become an angry woman, such that her severity became a hard edge, if scorned, the smile he just saw took away from that severity and revealed something of her inner beauty. It wasmaybe not enchanting, but most definitely appealing even if that smile would soon be forgotten by her. Or would it? Reggie could not help a slight flush, his gaze dipping slightly, as she admitted shed heard his name cast about in an unflattering light at various society gatherings shed attended, and he could only imagine what shed heard while he doubted that everything she may have heard would be true, there was likely only some small degree of exaggeration as his exploits were recanted. And yetshe was now just admitting that she did not find much stock in the spurious tales spread at gatherings such as this one. He could only wonder what had caused this young woman to take such a position, when High Society thrived on Ohher name. Hed overheard a thing or two about her, though nothing of what had occurred. He overheard his mother talking about that Strathmore girl in such a manner as to leave no doubt that his mother viewed the woman before him with scant more than disgust. There was something about running away and also about returning penniless and alone, although he doubted that was entirely accurate. Still, best to not pry. He had a number of years of dark behaviour over her, such that anything she might have done would pale next to what he had done, of that he had no doubt. He took a step towards her, reached out and carefully teased one of her hands her right hand, in fact from the clasp shed placed them in, and dipped his head slightly as he brought her hand to his lips to place a light kiss on the back of her hand before gently releasing it to return to her clasp. He then took a small step back from her to keep a civilised and socially-appropriate distance between them. A pleasure, Miss Strathmore, he offered softly as her hand returned to its place before her. I must confess that I, too, have heard your name mentioned in the short time Ive been back, but, as yourself, I place little value in the talk of others so far as gossip is bandied like coin. It would be ungentlemanly of me to speak further on the matter let it be simply said that I believe I fare worse than you in the gossip stakes, and as such I am in no position to judge. He paused for a moment, then swept his arm out in a gesture towards the railing and the dark landscape beyond. Come, Miss Strathmore if we are to be both maligned by the idle tongues of society, we may at least speak between ourselves and take some pleasure in the company of the other, may we not?
Thread: Secrets and Lies (Sync & Mali)

The slight flushing of Elsas cheeks told Reggie that she was at least a little receptive to manners. That was good to know it was also good for him to know that his hadnt forgotten how to behave properly with and around a lady. He might have disbelieved it himself, had someone else simply suggested that he still have good manners his general behaviour over the last ten years, at least at social gatherings, did not give much weight to such a statement or concept. His father might almost be happy if hed witnessed this moment between himself and Elsabut his father was not here, instead talking with other gentlemen while preferring to ignore his wayward son. He smiled faintly at her suggestion of a toast, and he bobbed his head briefly in agreement. Indeed, he replied warmly. A toast toto what? A pair of souls who have only the recourse of redemption available to them? I dare not speak for yourself, of course, but I thus far suspect that you and I may find ourselves in similar positions. He flicked a hand slightly in a dismissive gesture. No matter it is of no consequence. Whatever is in the past is best left there, Ill warrant. He stopped at the railing, leaned on it lightly, then turned a little so that he was slightly angled towards her. He found himself looking at her features again, but he was mindful to not stare or scrutinise such would be unseemly and improper. He found his previous assessment was rather correct she was no stunning beauty, made of pale porcelain that was to be only dusted off for important occasions, but there was a very attractive quality about her appearance that made her at the least a handsome woman. The dress she wore was almost typical of womens fashion her upper chest was exposed, but in a classy way that hinted at charms beneath the waist was narrow, as if shed been forced into it, and accentuated her hips the gown was flowing and barely dragging on the ground. She wore it well. He also figured that there was likely little chance hed see her again after this evening was over. Such a glance had taken only a couple of seconds, but he was certain she hadnt missed his attention. I may have some advantage over you in terms ofwhat society might and might not permit me, he acknowledged softly, as he cast his gaze out over the near-unseen landscape before them. But I suspect that years will take that advantage from me, at least so far as your own adventures may be concerned. However, I have said that any stories you may have are yours to tell, if you desire to they are not for me to pursue, in spite of whatever curiosity I may have. The companionship of a charming young lady is more important to me on this night than any tale-telling. His gaze fell to the railing as he gave a brief, rueful smirk. Then he lifted his head and returned his gaze to her face, his expression warm and inquisitive. When he spoke, his voice was deep and soft, and carried a tone of gentle enquiry. So tell me, Miss Strathmore what brings you to this party, this gathering of societys sharks and piranhas?
Thread: Secrets and Lies (Sync & Mali)

She gave a humorless of a laugh, not very ladylike but being away from the scrutiny of high society, certain qualities traditionally deemed ladylike were amiss of her. And it wasnt like she was looking to go back down that road again. No. She may only be twenty-two but four years away without the shelter or comfort of her familys influence, left to fend for herself in the most grueling of circumstances, seeing things she never knew existed that not even reliable literature could have prepared her for, certainly changed her. She went from a doe-eyed innocent girl just of age on her coming out day to a woman who saw more than she likely should have, given the way of life she had led beforehand. She was no longer a typical lady of high society. Neither was Elsa a lady of the night, but she was a different type of woman. The kind that was scrutinized for more than just the question of her virtue. I wouldnt say redemption, per se. She smiled slowly, her eyes bright and twinkling. Rather...two souls so ruined they cannot possibly ruin themselves even further among the company of each other. There were no hidden innuendos in that toast but one could take it as such. But that was not what Elsa was suggesting. She did not want to fuel more rumors. But she wouldnt mind a new scandal, one to take the heat off of her current ones, where she was caught with a man like Reginald Hawthorne, who was as much of a black sheep as she was now. Not that she would take much satisfaction in using him for her own gain. No. Perhaps though, they could willingly use each other for their own gains. That is, he had something she needed and if he was likely in the same boat as she, she had something he needed. As he turned toward her, Elsas gaze lifted to him just as his gaze landed on her. She caught it. For an instant, it was like he was judging her, as if trying to see through her. But only for an instant and then it retreated, leaving her with the hope that his mind truly was not like everyone elses but far more open, accepting, broadened, willing even. Smiling gently, she tilted her head a little and exhaled softly. Unfortunately for you Mr. Hawthorne, tonight is not a night that I should display my cards so eagerly in front of you. I prefer to see out the game, but I must confess some of my own intentions of coming tonight. Yes, I did not need the insistence of my mother, despite how tightly my corset may be tied, likely an overshare but it was clear she did not quite posses the ladylike grace of most of societys women. And I came here to this pool of societys sharks and piranhas, as you so colorfully described, she even laughed softly, finding that analogy to be almost too much for her to bare, how it tickled her pink. Of my own volition. I seek something. Her head tilted again, her gaze on him a little stronger, more intent, seeking and searching. Would you care to venture a guess Mr. Hawthorne?
Thread: Secrets and Lies (Sync & Mali)

He chuckled softly he couldnt help it at her counter-toast. The chuckle was low, soft, understanding of her import. She knew her situation well, as he well-knew his own predicament she also at least had divined some of his situation, just as he had divined some of her own. Their own respective families were watching them closely, and the consequences of not meeting specific objectives were perhaps for her as they were for himself. I find that suggestion agreeable, he noted quietly, once the chuckle had faded. That we cannot possibly do ourselves any further damage in each others presence. Others may disagree, of course, but that would be their perceptions doing the judging, rather than judgment coming of any actions we might make. He turned from her, just enough that he returned to being side-on to her, and focussed his faze on some invisible point in the darkness beyond the railing. His hands were planted firmly on the railing as he leaned into them, his shoulders now working to take some of his weight. He remained silent for a moment, considering her words she was seeking something. Was she seeking what he was? Was the condition of her family similar to that of his own? It would be quite the coincidence if it was how could two single people meet by chance, each of them desiring a union to avoid the wrath of family? Yet her words hinted at such. He dare not be so bold as to suggest it, however. He took a slow, deep breath, held it for a second, then let it out just as slowly as he relaxed his arms and pushed back into a standing position. Of course you should not reveal your cards so freely to a man youve only just met, especially not to one with a reputation such as I have not unreasonably, I must confess acquired, he conceded quietly. That would be somewhat unseemly of you, and may even serve to fuel the rumours that slight you. Of course, I must also keep my own cards close, lest I return to an ungentlemanly manner in front of you. However, I may say that your words even so have hinted at something, and it may be that our goals are not so disparate as one might initially be given to thinking. I was invited here this evening, as Im sure you were. However, where you have said you came at your own undertaking, I must again confess that my presence here is due to some small compulsion, such that I may not be entirely selfless or without motive. He was saying too much, he felt, but the words were being drawn from him. He forced himself to stop, and he took another deep breath, as if to steady himself, before he turned his head to regard her curiously, a small, weak smile forming on his lips. I would not be so forward as to attempt to guess your intent this evening, although I believe I suspect what it may be. However, if you were to enlighten me, I would be quite willing to hear you.
Thread: Secrets and Lies (Sync & Mali)

The desire to run again never felt so strong until this very moment. To be stuck in a loveless marriage, required to likely give an heir to a man whom she was not even slightly tempted to smile at, let alone copulate with, even if it meant having all the security in this cruel world and money at her beck and call, it made her sick to her stomach. In that moment, she felt the restraints and tight confines of the corset cinch deeper into her, the brackets feeling like they were crushing her bones and pressing into her lungs, more like stabbing them actually. Bile rose up her throat and her eyes became clear on the exit. Elsa could do it. She could just run away again. So she would be a ruined woman in all of New England, in all of the east of this country but at least she could live how she wanted. No binding contract based on blood relations, high status and the requirement to marry into a society she was truly beginning to despise. Hell, even being a lady of the night seemed like a better option. At least there she might be bestowed upon the honor of having a regular who fancied her so much, hed do more than just rough and tumble with her. Hed spoil her. Shed be a whore for a life but she could be a very comfortable whore with the patronage of a man too rich, too bored, too lonely in his loveless marriage and too lustful to care of the ramifications, or even the slandering of his reputation. With that much money and power, why would a man care? All thoughts of such a despicable act faded as she heard a voice that brought her back down into herself. Turning, her gaze landed upon Mr. Hawthorne and she managed a weak little smile. Thats a rather bold approach to inquire of my current misfortune, more so than before, if I do say so myself. But her smile grew though still a bit meek. It is nothing I cannot handle, but I appreciate your concern. She took in a deep breath and sighed softly. I am fine. But anyone, even someone as possibly devoid as Mr. Hawthorne to the inner workings of a distraught female mind, could sense that she was anything but fine. Glancing behind him, she saw the door to a drawing room, the music from the ballroom not as loud here so she could hear some murmurs, albeit faint, coming through from the thin walls. I trust that your impeccable timing is a little bit more than a fortunate escape from a rather dull conversation of no consequence? She smiled, her attempt to change the subject from her a trade she picked up when she wanted to divert attention from herself. Do tell me what the grand and righteous men of high society talk about in the secret of their drawing rooms over decanters and highball glasses of some of the finest drink to be shared? Plotting devious plans to take over the country? She waggled her eyebrows, her unladylike charm coming forth as her mind became distracted from what she did not want to dwell upon.