September 13, 2025 – 3:27 AM
September 3rd, 1895 — Lukeson London Residence
The news of Ace Lukesons death had yet to be told to the public but Richard had come to know it relatively quickly. Likely due to his tie with the family since he had been courting Miss Jolie for months now. He had been preparing to propose with plans to speak to Mister Lukeson about it later in the week once the chaos surrounding the Ministry had died down somewhat. Then things had seemed to happen in quick succession: his prospective brother in law had chosen to resign rather than subject himself to further scrutiny in the Ministrys rooting out of werewolves among their leadership and then had been murdered for it from the account he had been told so far.
Ace Lukeson had been some years younger than him but Richard liked to think they had developed a decent rapport. At the very least, Richard had held minimal reservations (if he had even had any at all) about potentially one day becoming family to the man. With the family in mourning, there was not much they could do socially for a while but they were able to
receive calls so that was what Richard had chosen to do.
He was shown into the parlour where he took his usual seat, hat in his hands as he waited for Miss Jolie to join him. The atmosphere in the household was very solemn, as one would expect in this situation.
Jolie Lukeson
graphics by Lady!
September 13, 2025 – 4:10 AM
Jolie Lukeson — Played by Kelly
The Lukeson household had been scrambling to maintain appearances ever since Morwenna Skeeter's announcement. Never too abundant with their worries, attempting to maintain appearances even out among the household staff and the younger two family members. Ace had been keeping his planning to himself. The resignation. Merlin, had that truly been the only option? What had been so dire for his other two alternatives at the Ministry's request? Had the stress simply finally worn him down? Jolie would never fully get those answers. She couldn't really confide in her siblings either. Sybille was in her own world of sorts. King was a nervous wreck, hiding out in Hogsmeade. Roselle... would they ever get around to telling her the truth? Or would she be the one sibling left out of all the secrets and shadows? Blessed by ignorance, their family secrets dying by the werewolves that started them.
She tried not to think about that while she held Roselle in her arms, her younger sister crying hysterically. Not the first time. Surely not the last. She was only seven. Arrangements were still being made. The will had yet to be read. For now, the girls were quietly waiting on the announcement of an official guardian as family filled in the guest rooms to stay for support.
When the butler came to inform them that Jolie had a caller in the parlor, there was a flash of surprise that jolted through her. As the butler continued to speak, it was made clear that the visitor was Mr. Gladstone. Gently talking Roselle off of her, Jolie got up from where they had both been just moments before. As she made her way to the parlor, she dabbed her sister's tears off of her dress with her handkerchief, dabbing her own cheeks as well. It wasn't as shocking knowing that it was Mr. Gladstone that had arrived. He had been courting her for several months now. Kind, handsome, and incredibly patient with her opinionated ways.
As she got closer to the parlor, she spotted her Aunt Brenda from the corner of her eye. One of several temporary guests that would be staying until things after the guardianship had been settled. The older woman gave her a soft nod before Jolie made her way into the parlor itself. He was there, in the chair that had grown familiar to him in the more recent months. She was starting to see images of them visiting her family with their child, just right there, in the past several weeks. A wishful thought of a bright future. One that Ace was now to never see. The thought made the tears start a new in her eyes. "Oh, Mr. Gladstone," her voice was barely a squeak.
Richard Gladstone
Set by Me
October 16, 2025 – 5:50 PM
As she entered the room, Richard stood and put his hat to the side. "My most sincerest condolences, Miss Lukeson," he said as she provided a greeting of sorts. Which was really more a sob of his name than anything. They had been courting long enough that it was starting to feel odd to simply call her by her surname.
"If there is anything I can do to be of help to your family, merely say the word." After all, it had been increasingly clear that one day it would soon be his family as well. At least, if Miss Jolie was so inclined.
graphics by Lady!
