Heather O`Roarke Posted April 11, 2016 Share Posted April 11, 2016 The Park was once a marshy water meadow, but now is a thriving attraction with all of London's elite. Charles' grandfather, James I, improved the drainage and controlled the water supply. Other royalty had made improvement to the park over their reigns, but it was Charles II who made dramatic changes. The Park was redesigned, with avenues of trees planted and lawns laid. The King opened the park to the public and is a frequent visitor, feeding the ducks and mingling with his subjects. In the south-west corner of St. James’s Park lays Rosamond’s Pond, a modest sheet of water with a notorious reputation. Many comedies of the time, including those of Thomas Otway, refer to the site as a place of assignation for married ladies and fashionable rogues. Certainly, under the cover of moonlight, the lush locale takes on an air of mystery and romance. A simple wooden railing encircles the entire feature, inviting passersby to pause and lean against it while they watch the wildlife or chat quietly. At one end of the pond is a large willow tree -- its leafy tendrils hide a small stone bench, a favorite haunt of the locale’s after-hours visitors. For any courtier it was early, just after light broke, still a pale blue light, with the unnatural light reflected on the snow, which dampened the soft patter of hooves of slow step progress. A snickering protest from the white stallion, puffs of hot breath left behind. Winter had changed Rosamund's Pond. Benches were no longer hidden due to lack of leaves, leaving a see through curtain of small hanging twigs, but a combination of snow on branches and icicles hanging from the wooden railing created its own wonderland, catching cold rays of sunlight as the sun etched up. No waterfowl, they all had fled to the Duck pond where they kept open a piece of water. A sheet of ice lay flat, hidden by more snow. Nearer to the palace some skating might take place, but this hide away was stilted as ever. Heather, covered by a white cloak lined with white fur, amply covering her red locks, took in a deep breath, letting the cold settle in her lungs, feeling more alive than ever. The weather was not conducive to a hard gallop, but a least she could ride again. Gentle she held the reigns with her kidskin gloves, allowing Rohan to come to a full stop. "Is it not glorious Jerkins?" the lady demanded. A grunt somewhere behind her revealed the fact the lady had an escort, though far away enough to allow her some privacy. Heather pretended her personal guard had just imparted something meaningful, her red lips twisting with some humour. Jerkins, after his retirement from the regiment, had trouble rising early, increasingly so over the years, and she did so adore tormenting him. Drawing out the fun Heather let herself glide from the saddle, and taking Rohan by the reigns let him closer the pond and the half hidden bench.A few snowflakes started to fall softly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hope Posted April 17, 2016 Share Posted April 17, 2016 Her eyes focused forwards, she'd seemed not to notice the other rider join with her trailing guard, snow did deaden sound quite effectively. He was known to Jerkins, and gave a nod, although the gruff body guard had never been the sort to smile a reply. The Earl rode along with the man of few words, watching Heather's irrepressible joie de vivre with a quiet marvel. Then something caught the womans enthuse, and halting her mount she dismounted, eyes turned with a wonder across the idyllic scene. "It is indeed a beauteous sight!" Sir John called, dismounting in a smooth motion, feet making a soft thud thud thud as they pressed through the snow closing the space between them, "the locale too," his eyes creased as he smiled, "one with a special nostalgia for me." The Earl was piled with fur also, though it was that of silver fox, the coat itself quite new and moving stiffly in compare with the ease of movement of warm body beneath. Close enough he doffed his had and bowed, "...my fair snow maiden, may I play court? Summer has well passed, there now being a certain freshness to winter, inviting new beginnings, new adventures perchance." arising from his bow his blue eyes glinted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather O`Roarke Posted April 22, 2016 Author Share Posted April 22, 2016 "John," Heather breathed as she swirled around, a look of delight on her porcelein face, the freckles ever so faint this time of year. Oh, she would have recognized that gentle voice out of thousands. Her green eyes lit up. Yes, the poet Mulgrave would be aware of all the memories and emotions swirling around in this moment where they both existed. She inhaled icy air, tickling her innards "Merry Christmas, John," she offered genuinely. The redhead refused to spread the greeting to his family. It would destroy this magical moment. Their relationship was a complex one, now members of the same York household, but in a long ago age Mulgrave had been offering her an appreciation of life and love, an appreciation of gentle romance, that in the end she had rejected but had secretly always enjoyed nonetheless. Her ambitions had pushed John away, into a marriage with little Mary Churchill, cousin to that other John, while the Countess fought on for recognition at court, both as a royal mistress and a poet. "New adventures, pray tell? I do not think you could persuade musicians now to play in this wintery landscape," Heather teased "Nor will you find me walk the ground barefoot." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hope Posted April 25, 2016 Share Posted April 25, 2016 His smile was unrestrained in response. He'd ever-loved this way she had, this manner in which she seemed to exist utterly and entirely within the moment. "And merry Christmas to you, Heather" there was a warmth between them akin to childhood sweethearts, though they had been quite grown when they had dallied with each other. Oh there had been rough times. But those things were easy to forget, overridden by a rather pure, almost innocent romance. "No wading today?" he chuckled, remembering his surprise when she'd torn off her stockings right before him to wade at waters edge. "Bother that, and here I'd vowed that next time that happened I'd join you also. Ha! Ah...those moments lost eh what? Though savored sweetly in one's memory." He smiled at her, so tempted to bend to kiss her clear forehead. "But tell me, are you well. And happy? Ah you look so well." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather O`Roarke Posted April 25, 2016 Author Share Posted April 25, 2016 Heather laughed softly, in memory, not in mockery. "No wading," she promised with a shake of her head "I have no wish to freeze off a limb. What fun we would have of such an incident." She looked up at Mulgrave, so close in a winter wonderland package "Oh," she breathed, her breath whirling around them immediately, aware of the tensions still remaining "I am very well, very well indeed. My petite prince is healty and my oldest son just getting adjusted to competition." There was a tease in her green eyes. "Tell me, My lord Mulgrave, what makes you come upon a matron like me, at a time like this? Tell me I have yet got strings on your heart or I will expire of disappointment. "Spontanously her hand rested upon his arm. It was just glove upon fur. Not even the fussiest matrons could object. It was just the slight blush on her cheeks that would remind of that moment in her home, the senseless moment on her couch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hope Posted April 25, 2016 Share Posted April 25, 2016 He'd always held a repressed yearning, frustration for her, in some ways things were just the same as they had been those years ago. "Ha competition." he smiled to look at her, "the bane of many a young (or grown) gent's life, yet too the making of him. I would tell your eldest that second place in his Mama's heart is still a most enviable position, and one some would give their all for." "I have no urgent message, my lady." he replied then almost formally, as she seemed reference their positions in the Duke's household via her question. Easing again he explained simply enough, "I saw you leaving for your ride, and thought to follow, perchance a moment to talk to you again. It can be no secret Heather that I enjoy your company. And. And my life is richer in keeping you a part of it. Yes, your strings are still about my heart," John smiled enjoying her touch, enjoying the flush of her cheeks, "I should not object at all if you wished to tighten them. Ah, that is not to imply a desire for disloyalty on either of our parts..." She surely knew if anyone was capable of self restraint it was Mulgrave. He turned then, and offered his arm, some activity to distract him from her glow. "Shall we walk, and keep our blood moving?" Their horses would be fine standing, besides Heather's trusty guard was nearby should they stray. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather O`Roarke Posted April 26, 2016 Author Share Posted April 26, 2016 "Yes," Heather agreed with a slight mischievious twinkle to her eye "Let us keep the blood moving." She rested her hand on his arm and allowed him to lead the way. John had always liked that, steering her gently. The redhead secretly enjoyed the new sensations it might lead to. "I am glad we have the opportunity to continue our friendship," the redhead declared honestly, squeezing his arm briefly. York was not a particular jealous or insecure lover. Oft did he demand that Heather share a tale or two, confident in the fact that in the end she would return to him. That was not to say that Heather had a taste for sharing her favours too widely these days. Despite appearances she was careful of her reputation these days. "Look how pretty," she breathed as they came upon frosted plants, an air of fairy tale hanging over the scene "Do you think the pond is strong enough to hold us?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hope Posted April 27, 2016 Share Posted April 27, 2016 His free hand slid to rest atop her on his forearm. "Without the tie that becomes..." he paused looking for the right words, "...ah, too great a focus, while in the end not near so... well." he gave a small shrug of that subject. "Perhaps, though I'd send someone on a rope to test it before getting out your icescates." he looked out at the ice. "It is a sport of yours - or are you of the cushion-strapped variety of scater?" he teased, "we really ought have the ice tested, there is much to be said for some warming activity outdoors." He was wondering if York would be up for it, surely CR and Buckingham would. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather O`Roarke Posted April 30, 2016 Author Share Posted April 30, 2016 Heather pouted. She was an in the moment girl and the safe guards that Mulgrave suggested were just too.. sensible. "This pond will never be tested, but I believe both the Duckpond and the canal His Majesty had dug last year are free for skaters to use ," Heather sighed, regretting they could not make it on the pond right now "His Majesty takes after the Dutch in this regard. I can skate, with some assistance." She turned to John, one arched eyebrow up "Would you assist me? I would not care to fall down." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hope Posted May 4, 2016 Share Posted May 4, 2016 The ladies pout - correction - This ladies pout, was untenable. Mulgraves urge was to allow her her whim, though care for her life would not allow it! His expression was troubled as he explained for her, "If you were to fall though to the freezing chill beneath, your cloak clothes and boots would become a dead weight that would try pull you under. Then there is the risk of catching a deadly chill, and becoming confined to your bed for the rest of the season." a touch dramatic perhaps, but he wanted to make his point, "Heather, promise me, you shall never test the ice with your person. Lud, I am thankful I am here today to prevent you!" If naught else his deep care for her was evident. Perhaps he'd taken her a bit too seriously. For then she was shifting to talk of the tried and true skating pond, and asking teasingly if he'd be there to catch her? It was a blushing Mulgrave then gruffly replied, "you know I would milady" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather O`Roarke Posted May 11, 2016 Author Share Posted May 11, 2016 "Oh John," Heather shook her head with a rueful laugh "You are ever so serious We all need a little risk in our lives you know?" Yet, York would have her hide if she endangered herself willfully. He displayed a similar care, though with more brusque manners. It was one of those things gentlemen would not budge over. "Well, then we must simply skate together later this season. It will be tame copared to wild adventures now, in the blue light of morning, but I"ll have what little I can have," the redhead whispered as she looked at the pinky tips of Mulgrave's ears. "You are not turning shy, are you John? There are no secrets between us." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hope Posted May 17, 2016 Share Posted May 17, 2016 "Why cant you simply enjoy the risk of a pair of heels too high." Mulgrave replied gruffly, though if she looked at him she might see he was grinning with the tease. Her promise to skate with him some time warmed his heart, even if he was feeling a bit abashed of revealing his deep sentiment still. "The days of reckless youth do not remain with anyone forever." he spoke, giving a crooked smile, while she set about goading him yet again. He had to admit it, he did like how she goaded. It made him feel like a single fellow again. "You might have thought me to be shy from the onset Heather, a different fellow would not have restrained as I did. Shy? No, it is a different thing. Shy has not the Vehemency that I, that you... can see." He could have kissed her at that moment, just as he could have kissed her so many many moments. But instead he moved a stray ringlet that coiled near her temple and tucked it behind her ear. "You shall need a sturdier hair tie for skating, I would hate to return you to His Grace, disheveled. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather O`Roarke Posted May 21, 2016 Author Share Posted May 21, 2016 Heather looked up at John with bright eyes, aware of the spark between them, even though Mulgrave masterfully controlled himself. The devil in her wanted to break that control, but she had done so once before and it made her feel less of a person for some reason. Some things need not be sullied. So instead the redhead deeply inhaled as he pushed back the lock of hair, her breasts swelling slightly, before letting go of the temptation to tip toe and kiss Mulgrave on the lips. "I have many ties, for my hair and otherwise," Heather teased in a low breath, unable to resist this little libertine indulgence of flirting "I will bring my best to skating." She opened her green eyes, honestly burning as hard as controlled passion "I would not mind appearing undone before my Prince if I could confess the truth afterwards, for he is fair to me, but I would rather not do so in regards to you, John. I would not have my wickedness touch you." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hope Posted May 22, 2016 Share Posted May 22, 2016 "That you do." he agreed quietly. It was her tie to York that was most prominent to his mind, though really, had it been another, he might have resisted also. John was not a cockold, even if he did adore her. His own moral code was too strong a thing. He had to smile as Heather's lifted her own moral code nobly to the air, lud she was just so charming. "You wickedness." he repeated, "is but your mischievous playful heart, pray never hide that from me. Ah, but I do understand what you mean." he gave a nod then and looked to the snow covered ground. "We each have our confessors, and yours, I would rather view me as the man I strive to be. Even if there are moments that I would..." he looked back at her blazing passionate eyes, and said no more than that. On impulse he snatched up a handful of snow, and patted it into a ball.. eyebrow rising as he eyed her up, giving her a moments head start. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather O`Roarke Posted May 26, 2016 Author Share Posted May 26, 2016 John forever was the cure for one of her maudelin moods. He threatened a snowball fight and it was just what the doctor ordered. Heather led out a squeal and made a dashing run for the nearest cover, reaching for some snow to form a ball in retaliation. She grew up with five brothers, sure he expected her to do so. Balls form better against naked skin and she quickly pulled off her gloves, forming the snow with her bare hands. A few red tendrils already escaped her hairdo. "Do your worst, sir, I will fight back!" the 22 year old called back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hope Posted May 27, 2016 Share Posted May 27, 2016 There were some low shrubs nearby, more ornamental than protection. A little further away was a surrounded by drift of snow that would make far better position of defense, though it would take a precious minute more to get there. John chuckled at her quick response, "I wish all my soldiers had your reflexes" he called, and threw his first ball as a warning shot, intended to hit her fleeing feet. He did not expect her to deliver any serious competition, she was a girl after all. He had forgotten at that moment that her upbringing would have had plenty of snow fights in them, and that as the youngest she'd have some wily tricks up her sleeve. Not in any great rush, he scooped up a handful of snow to form other ball. In fact, he was still bent as Heather's ball became 'ready'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather O`Roarke Posted June 3, 2016 Author Share Posted June 3, 2016 "Ha," the redhead harrumphed as she tried to avoid Mulgrave's salvo. Heather did not hestiate and aimed her firmly formed ball at John's rump, before dashing for the cover she had spied up front. With a laugh she dived behind it before reaching for more snow. The rest of the world was forgotten. There was just the old joy of a snowfight. The cold seeped in but was ignored as Heather formed another ball with her hands. "You will regret th is," Heather cried a warning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hope Posted June 5, 2016 Share Posted June 5, 2016 Would he? With a cheerful cry he shouted out, announcing her true shot. But a second later his snowball hit the ground at her feet. It might seem that he was deliberately missing. When suddenly a staccato of three snowballs hit Heather: shoulder,head and torso - and a gaggle of laughter drew their attention to the seat surrounded by a snowdrift. "Oy!" Mulgrave's voice thundered out to the lads hiding there. Not that they heeded his threat, for a minute later three snowballs battered upon him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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