Gough Square No7 Draft

Overview

A tall, narrow, ivy-clad townhouse off Fleet Street, near the old printing district. Home of Mr. Horatio Fairborn, antiquarian and second cousin once removed to Emma_Wentworth and Georgiana_Wentworth. The sisters lodged here during the Winter 1813 training period while the party trained at Hartwell_House.

The House

The narrow windows flicker faintly with candlelight behind yellowed curtains. The heavy oak door creaks. Inside, the hallway smells of dust, beeswax, and lavender — some half-hearted attempt at civility. The wallpaper has faded to sepia. Books and parcels litter the side tables.

The Study

The heart of the house. A room that might better be described as a tomb of knowledge. Shelves groan under the weight of books in every tongue, ancient volumes piled on the floor, maps pinned with surgical precision, glass cases displaying objects that might be fossils… or bones. Some volumes are annotated in Latin, Greek, or worse.

The Drawing Room

A hearth kept lit. Two chairs beside a flickering fire. The closest thing to a welcoming space in the house.

Upper Floors

The top floor is habitable — made available to the Wentworth sisters during their stay.

Household

• Mr. Horatio Fairborn — Owner and resident. Antiquarian, collector, recluse.
• Mrs. Bryer — Housekeeper. Her oat biscuits are endured rather than enjoyed.
• Tom — Errand boy, about twelve. Nervous.

Campaign History

• Winter 1813: The Wentworth sisters arrived at Gough Square while the party trained at Hartwell House. Horatio received them with bemused hospitality.

Campaign Significance

Gough Square provides the Wentworth sisters with a London household independent of the Order. If the party returns to England, Fairborn and his house are available — along with his unknowing collection of potentially dangerous volumes.