The Christmas Ball (25/12 Evening)- Xmas 1677

[Guest]

Thomas took a swig of his ale as the Earl spoke, trying to muster up his courage. He had no problem stalking an enemy ship, or firing onto a deck of foes, or even the occasional melee he had been involved in. The fear that was present was easy to push into the back of his mind, and he quite honestly loved the risk. The thought that at any second, he could be lying on his back taking his last breath excited him. It made him feel truly alive. At this second though Thomas felt like someone else had fought those battles and he only watched from afar. For the first time in a long time Thomas felt like a coward as he considered the options Arlington had given him.

 

The obvious choice for Thomas would be to go over to Ellen Doolitte. What Arlington said was true, being involved with a woman whose father was a ship owner could come in use in his career. That thinking was certainly not very romantic. Marrying for money, and advantages in his career did sound good, but he didn't think that was for him. At the foremost he'd like to marry a woman he loved, not just for wealth and career advantages.

 

Thomas grinned to himself. He was probably being naive.

 

When Thomas had spied Fiona MacBain he felt as if he took a cannonball to the chest. He was more than a little stunned by her beauty. He felt drawn to her. Arlington had just warned him about her, and her family's relations with the King. It would be prudent to avoid that situation at all costs. Nothing good could come from it. So naturally Thomas began to make his way over to her.

 

Rationality be damned!

 

As he was leaving he gave the Earl a nod. "Thank you for your assistance. I hope we meet again sometime soon." That was true. There was something about the older man that Thomas liked.

[Ambrose Turnbull]

Ambrose Alone

 

In reflection the Lieutenant thought well of the Major, a genial fellow with a calm confidence. Yes what was not to like, it was a positive meeting upon a path of gaining full confidence in his superior officer.

 

Lady ORoarke. Well she did what he could have expected of her - leaving him with a teasing remark that utterly baffled, but now he understood a bit better. The remark was for her own benefit not his, he knew not to attempt a third time to take it any further. .

 

And so the Lieutenant meandered towards the drinks table, giving a polite nod here and there, although he did not actually know any body. Securing a cup of brandy he positioned himself near the wall, leaning with apparent ease to watch the dancers.

 

It was quite a sight, all the finery, and the colours, an entire orchestra of music -- you didn't see that aboard a ship.

[Francis Kirke]

Francis & GL

 

"There you are," came the shout from George Legge. "Merry Christmas old man." Knowing his nephew's skill at dancing, he offered some brotherly protection. "If you'd like, I'll stand in the way of any lady approaching with dreams of dancing reflected in her eyes." He laughed and offered "I suggest drinking heavily." Already George had a prank in mind for Francis, but was biding his time.

 

"Happy Christmas," Francis replied, thankful for a man approaching him and a family member at that! He felt a strong surge of brotherly affection.

 

"And how do you intend to scare them away?" he asked, with a sly grin. "Are you not wishing to see what ladies seek to dance with you?" He paused, "Other than your wife or sister." He chuckled and waggled his eyebrows.

 

He vaguely noticed the ogre-ly form of FitzJames speaking to the Duchess of Richmond. He still had no good thoughts of the Scot and otherwise hoped to totally ignore him, but it was difficult when the fellow spoke to his close friends.

 

He turned his attention back to George. "Then again any lady who wishes to dance with me rather should know how mediocre a dance partner I am!"

[Charles Whitehurst]

Susan intercepts Charles

 

 

The young earl feigned surprised as she approached. He knew she would. After all, he had asked her for a dance at the ball. As for the mistletoe, he was aware of it as he was cognizant of collecting holiday kisses. Heather had reminded him of the fun.

 

"Of course, I would be delighted to dance with you," he greeted. Gauging that it would be better to seek a kiss prior to the dance, because it would seem more innocent, and he hoped that Davina and Pembroke had yet to arrive.

 

"Merry Christmas Susan," he declared, "I see we are under the mistletoe." With that he leaned down to claim a quick kiss, nothing that should cause concern with another lover or her brothers, hopefully.

 

Offering a pleased smile he added, "let's go to the dance floor and then discuss briefly the next leg of our investigation, shall we?" For various reasons, he did not wish to be seen with her too long. People might get the wrong idea.

 

"I have been thinking that first we need an excuse for speaking together so often." It had been something that occurred to him, more now because of his relationship with Davina. "I was thinking that the story might be that you accidentally stumbled into a secret passage and found that pearl ring. You showed it to me because you knew that I would be familiar with the passages in the palace and that we are working together to see who owned the ring. It is mostly true, and that is its beauty. What do you think?"

[Robert Saint-Leger]

Beverley, his wifey, & Rupert

 

Prince Rupert had already entered the hall, but had been working his way through holiday greetings and well-wishers. It was then that he saw Beverley and his young wife. He was stopped by the French Ambassador and it did not look as though Cumberland was pleased with the entreaty. He cast his aide a look that called for his rescue. The Marquis de Ruvigney had another man in his company. It appeared that they had more on their mind than holiday wishes.

 

Beverley did not mind dancing in the very least. He would never be the embellished dancer, adding his own art to it all, but he surely could do so to the credit of his rank and station. With Beverley's lack of social abilities with women, that the ladies would be asking was almost beneficial to the young viscount. It alleviated quite a bit of pressure, although he did hope his lady wife wished at least the last dance with him.

 

He spoke in soft tones to his wife, who might be quite young but was quite pretty, trying to find out who she might like to dance with.

 

Seeing Rupert, who was very large and hard to miss in any room, Beverley noted the "rescue" glance.

 

"My dear, I think you should ask his highness to share the first dance with you, he is in need of being relieved of Monsieur Ruvigny. But...perhaps pretend that he has promised it to you already so that he can hardly refuse, then the Frenchman can claim no slight," Beverley said, beginning to head that direction.

 

If she protested, he would just have to come up with something else. Either way, he was more worried about what to say to a Frenchman and whatever business he could want with his master. He did not know the ambassador well, having only been much around him as the organizer of the arrival of Monsieur, the French King's brother. The man had stayed at his father's house for that, but that did not mean Beverley was sure at all about what to say if he was left with the man!

[Davina Wellsley]

Davina and Her Partner

 

And thus came the Ambassador to collect her as partner for the first dance. She smiled and offered a small curtsey then allowed him to lead her thru the crowd and hoped that it was a Countey Dance of some liking and not complicated!

 

"I do hope this a well known selection but it shall be an easy thing no matter for tis a very mixed grouping here this night yet I think all are familiar with them."

 

She made light converse as they reached the floor and she again gave a small dip as he took his place across from her.

 

She 'fluffed' her skirts, checked to make sure that the jeweled clasps were still snuggly sewn holding back her overskirt - for experience had taught her that once the dance commenced some 'Gentlemen' were prone to be a bit riotous in their manner.

[Catriona MacGregor]

Catriona and Peregrin

 

Cat smiled at both men, glad her ploy hadn't blown up in her face. It wasn't outside the realm of possibility that some gentleman might say no. Then again, fortune favored the bold. And she was tired of not being bold. "Thank you, Milord," she said as they moved towards the dance floor.

[Cordelia Lucas]

Lady Lucas Has Company

 

She'd been quietly watching all the toing and froing and was rather amused at all the posturning of both sexes! Things really do never change she thinks.

 

It was then that she became aware of her co-conspirator Constance to which she gave a small nod and caught the attention of a passing servant aasking him to reamin until the other Lady joined.

 

"You have timmed it well - the first dance is a country one - so we shall have opportunities to observe and I shall depend upon you to add to my thoughts gathered as I've waited."

 

"I must say that I have spied several unsuitable ones already!"

[Blackguard]

John

 

John would see Finch nodding at his suggestions. "Yes, your husband and family may be the best ones to pursue this," the Chancellor replied in a calm voice. "A pleasure Lord Maldon," Finch added.

 

This was not the answer the Mad Duchess wanted. She was exasperated with the indifference of her husband to just about everything. He was not a fit soldier, duke, lord or even husband in her book; but, she certainly did not plan to reveal such sentiments. "Maybe you could speak to them ... as Chancellor I mean," Lady Ablemarle continued hopefully. "They would fear a man like you."

 

Heather Arrives

 

The Chancellor was no soldier, but he was in the sights of Countess O'Roarke. her words were brief and there was little room to maneuver. Finch did not view himself as an accomplished dancer, but he did not plan to decline invitations on account of it. Perhaps the redhead was trying to save him from Elizabeth Monck. "It should be my privilege," Finch replied. "Will you excuse us."

 

He offered his arm to escort Heather towards the dance floor. "Why ... I never." Lady Ablemarle was no friend of the redhead and thought it quite rude for her to sweep in and make off with her conversation partner. She looked at Maldon, hoping for some sympathy.

 

Thomas

 

It seemed like the young man had been motivated properly. "Good hunting Lieutenant," he beckoned. Did the officer seem to be heading towards Fiona MacBain?

 

Ambrose

 

Without a dance partner, Ambrose was in search of libations. So too was the Duke of Ablemarle. He had escorted his wife's sister to the Earl of Dorset so that she could ask him to dance. Once the couple was safely away, Chris could seek some liquid comfort as well. He approached but seemed distracted.

 

Francis

 

"I figure a cross look will do the trick," George revealed easily. "Ladies are not attracted to them I hear," he chuckled. "I'll be dancing later, but do not want to appear too available."

 

"Mediocre? Francis, you are a terrible dancer," George teased in his affectionate way. "Have you been taking secret lessons to elevate your skill all the way to mediocre?" A loud laugh and a strong pat on the back meant that Legge was pleased with himself.

 

Beverley

 

Mary nodded her understanding, happy to play a role in rescuing the Prince. A dance with him would be an honor as well.

 

The couple approached and Rupert stepped back to widen the circle. "Gentlemen, this is my aide Lord Beverley and his wife Mary. Beverley, this is the Marquis Ruvigny, as you know and with him is Paul Barillon d'Amoncourt, the Marquis de Branges. He is to be the new French Ambassador.

 

Mary rose to the occasion and uttered, "a distinct pleasure to meet you all my lords. Time is short before the first dance and I was hoping to steal away His Grace for the dance." There was nothing to do for gentlemen but to defer to the wishes of a lady. "Of course Lady Beverley," Rupert replied in a charming manner.

 

"Enchanted Lady Beverley. We understand," Ruvigny uttered. Barillon seemed less pleased by the rescue. As the couple left for the dance, the two Frenchmen turned to Robert. Barillon asked "perhaps you can explain Lord Beverley why the English lords are so animated about a possible war with France when we have been allies for so many years. I am new to London and would appreciate hearing things directly."

 

 

Davina

 

Marius politely offered his arm and led her to the dance floor.

 

Catriona

 

Likewise, Peregrine politely led the Scot towards the dance. He was itching to ask why she had approached him. Was their a motive other than a simple dance partner? If not, why him? He gave no voice to these questions, allowing her to offer some explanation if she wished.

[Guest]

John, Ablemarle, with Heather snatching Finch

 

“Perhaps you c-c-could tell the Lord Chancellor who-.” John was cut off by Heather who seemed to not even notice he was there. John looked over at the woman who he’d seen last night but who hadn’t seemed to notice him. He was beginning to piece together who she was. When she breathed out ‘my lord’, he looked over at Finch confused. He wasn’t sure at first who she was addressing. Then she asked him to dance and her aims became more apparent.

 

John made a noise of agreement and disapproval to Lady Ablemarle. He seemed slightly shocked, actually. Lady Ablemarle had not shown herself to be well bred either by pressing the Chancellor but John held a special dislike of being ignored or abandoned.

 

“C-c-court has proven a rather rude place,” John said, all the frustration from before heavy in his tone. “I see your husband by the p-p-punch. One or the other can comfort you, I’m sure.” If nothing else, the punch could comfort him. He didn’t actually leave though. He smiled and waited for the duchess, his social superior, to lead him over or to reject the suggestion.

[Aria]

Fiona approaching Thomas

 

Fiona barely suppressed a scowl when she saw Lord Langdon with Lady Susan Herbert. Because she had wanted a glass of whiskey, she had missed this chance to dance with him. However, there would be others. Perhaps she could claim his company for the next one. From the music, she could tell what kind of dance it was. Maybe it was a good thing that she had not asked him. They would have had to change partners and she preferred to have him all to herself.

 

Her hazel eyes scanned the room, looking for somebody she knew that she would enjoy dancing with. Noticing a young gentleman whom she had never seen before heading in her direction, she smiled slyly. Fresh meat. Hopefully, he wouldn't be aware of her tarnished reputation or he wouldn't care. She doubted that he was a Duke who was looking for a wife, but she found him intriguing anyway. His hair was almost the same color as her own. Maybe he was Scottish as well? She could hardly wait to find out more about him.

 

Fiona moved confidently toward him. “Merry Christmas, my lord. I am Lady Fiona MacBain, the Viscountess of Lochend. Would you like to dance?” Unfortunately, there wasn't any mistletoe above them. If they got along well, she would guide him under a sprig when they left the dance floor. For now, she would be as gracious as a Queen, just as Dougie had suggested she be.

[Aria]

Charles and Susan

 

Susan laughed at his feigned surprise and grinned when he agreed to dance with her. She had coaxed him into asking her for a dance when they had spoken in the hallway, and she had been afraid that he had changed his mind. However, if he had not responded positively to her request, she would have reminded him of it regardless. One of her friends had teased her about fancying him, but she had denied it. She denied it even to herself, and rationalized that she had purposefully stepped under the mistletoe just to see what he would do.

 

“Merry Christmas to you too.” He mentioned the mistletoe and she looked upwards, feigning surprise as he had just done. She hoped her acting was a bit better than his, but she feared that neither of them was skilled enough to act their way out of a paper bag. “I guess if we have to ...” she replied playfully. Her entire body trembled pleasantly when he kissed her and she was sorry that it ended so quickly. She didn't blame him for not kissing her more passionately. Her brother could be watching.

 

“Yes, of course,” she concurred, but when he mentioned the ring, her eyes widened. Susan was attached to that ring now and was wearing it tonight. The setting had even been changed to fit her finger. “Do you still have the box? Perhaps we could use that instead. The ring looks valuable. Someone may claim it if they see it, even if it doesn't belong to them. And then that excuse won't help us anymore.

 

“The rest of the story works, though. I could have accidentally found the entrance in the Queen's presence room and decided to explore but got lost. Perhaps you found me and I asked you to help me discover who owned the box then? We can even say that I took it to the jewelers and found out that it was very old. And now we are trying to find out who it once belonged to. You just need to take the letters out first.

 

“There is also something else regarding the investigation that I could use your help with.” Susan noticed that the dance area was filling up quickly. “But perhaps we can speak of that after the dance is over?”

[Guest]

Thomas nearly jumped out of his breeches when Fiona began talking to him. He had just been lost in the depths of his nervous mind, trying to think of something witty to say to her. Apparently he didn't need to do any of that. She was probably more courageous than he was. Fiona had a certain air of confidence that drew him in, much like a certain fiery haired countess he'd met earlier that day.

 

“Merry Christmas, my lord. I am Lady Fiona MacBain, the Viscountess of Lochend. Would you like to dance?”

 

Thomas gave her a bow, not entirely certain what to do with himself.

 

"Lieutenant Thomas Grey. I am no lord, just a sailor so Thomas will do. It's a pleasure to meet you. And I would love a dance."

 

He really didn't. He was dreadful at it. Thomas wanted nothing to do with dancing, but there was something about Fiona MacBain that made him say it.

 

If he didn't think it before he did now. Tonight was going to be the death of him.

[Caroline Despanay]

Caroline and Ogle

 

Caroline could tell her excited revelations about her cello playing at the opera was not what the young lord wanted to hear. Oh, he tried to hide it but he disapproved. He almost voiced it in his words but he did not quite finish his sentence. He was going to say 'commoner'.

 

Now if it had been someone Caroline liked or at least valued, she might have felt badly but frankly she already did not much like the fellow, this only cinched it. Fortunately before she opened up her mouth and told him off, making it only worse of course, the announcement was made that the dance would begin. Exquisite timing then.

 

At least he was still willing to dance with her not that a refusal at that point would have bothered her greatly. Still he extended his arm to her and she took then the pair joined the rest of the dancers.

[Blackguard]

John and Elizabeth

 

"That redhead acts as though she owns the court," the Duchess informed John scornfully. "Like most mistresses, her power is fleeting. Once the Duke of York has had his fill, he shall cast her aside. It is what men do. Then, she will be left with nothing. She married an Irishman for heavens sake and has set about to find men so drunk that they might propose against their better judgment." Elizabeth thought herself as the proper contrast. She would always have sway as a result of her own identity, her Cavendish connections, and her marriage to a wealthy and powerful Duke.

 

"She is best avoided Lord Maldon unless you wish to be one of the few she will turn to for charity when she is cast down," the Duchess advised. In return John advised that she seek comfort from her husband. Likely. Chris was a disappointment to her and nearly useless to her when things mattered the most. "I shall be fine here sir. Go ahead and seek some punch. Beware that it is tainted with alcohol. If you see my husband drinking too much of it, send him to me."

 

Caroline

 

Henry escorted the French widow to the dance area.

 

All

 

The first dance was set to begin. The lords were lining up opposite their ladies and the musicians were about to start.

[Charles Whitehurst]

Charles and Susan

 

The kiss was nice. Neither was fooling the other with their dramatic prowess.

 

As the dance was about to start, Charles conversed as they made their way to the dance area. "Yes, I have the box. I like your idea better than mine," he admitted. "I found you lost in the passageways and have agreed to help you find the owner of the box. Would you like me to give you the box?" he inquired as they drew close. "Then, let us speak after the dance about the next steps in our investigation," he agreed readily. With luck he would have a few minutes of privacy with her until someone sought to ask him to dance or intruded for the purpose of having Susan ask them to dance.

[Guest]

John, leaving Lady and approaching Lord Ablemarle

 

John nodded to Elizabeth’s assessment. “What a s-s-sorry creature her husband would be.” John said. John could forgive libertinism and being a mistress, but only in a kind, friendly person. By snatching away Finch and not even saying a word to John she’d not recommended herself as having either trait.

 

“I d-d-don’t think that shall be much of an issue.” John said of avoiding her. She seemed uninterested in him. John didn’t particularly have a reason to curry favor with York either. The path seemed fairly fruitless with his connections, which were anti-Catholic.

 

John smiled at Elizabeth, “As you wish, your g-g-grace.” John moved around the edges of the dance floor to the punch bowl. “Your wife asked me to inform you of the virtues of moderation in drink, your g-g-grace.” The message was delivered without any real gusto behind it.

 

John took a cup of the punch and looked out over the rest of the spread. Truthfully, he had a bit of a sweet tooth. “The Lord Maldon, at your service. Have you t-t-tried anything yet?” John picked up a plate, which seemed more dignified than stuffing his face in front of the table.

 

He didn’t notice the nearby Ambrose, who was against the wall and not at the table.

[Ambrose Turnbull]

Ambrose noticed the Duke, the Commander, move towards the drinks table. It was an opportunity to meet, to greet, perhaps to ruminate in preamble...

 

Brace up old man the Lieutenant told himself, finishing his drink in advance of approaching. But to late. Another gent moved in. Ah.

 

It was the quick or the dead here in london.

 

 

OOC: whoops missed the op sorry. Well done to grab it Maldon

[Aria]

Thomas and Fiona

 

Definitely not a Duke looking for a wife. And not Scottish either. Still, he was rather good-looking and she liked his informal attitude. He seemed a bit uncomfortable, though. Maybe he was shy and didn't know what to say to ladies? Fiona usually preferred confident, witty gentlemen, but sometimes the timid ones were the most passionate. Or so she had heard. She had never slept with a shy man herself.

 

“It is a pleasure to meet you as well, Lieutenant Grey. Let's go, then. The dance is about to start.” If he offered his arm, she would take it. Otherwise, she would just walk beside him to the dancing area.

 

continued here.

[Aria]

Charles and Susan

 

Susan grinned when he said that he liked her idea better than his own. She wanted him to think she was intelligent and clever. During their first exploration of the secret passageways, she had proved to him that she was not frightened easily. She wanted to be different than all the other ladies he knew, for then he would be intrigued and would wish to spend more time in her company … and not just to solve the mystery they had stumbled into.

 

“You can give me the box when we meet next,” she replied as they made their way to the dance floor. “That will give us a reason to be seen together. And later, you can request the box from me. We can pass it back and forth, as if we each need it occasionally when researching its origins.

 

She was pleased that he agreed to converse with her after the dance. Susan doubted it would be long before someone claimed him for the next one. He was quite popular with the ladies. Perhaps they could find a secluded spot to talk for a few minutes. Any more than that and her brother might be suspicious that Lord Langdon was trying to seduce her. It was impossible to predict what he would think from one moment to the next.

 

“That would be splendid. I won't keep you very long.” Her grin was mischievous. “The ladies will probably be lining up to dance with you. I'm glad I got to you first or we might not have had a chance to talk at all.”

 

On to the dance ...

[Ambrose Turnbull]

Turnbull approaches Rochester

 

Ambrose's dark eyes looked further on...

 

There was so much gaiety here tonight, he felt rather the odd man out as pretty ladies fairly skipped about asking other men to dance. He supposed it was because he was new, people were naturally wary of the unknown. Pity there were not any adventurous girls who'd dare approach him, but then, he'd probably fuck it up even if he did meet one.

 

He spotted one of the men from the Orangery, neither of them had given their names at the time, but they seemed to be lively fellows, knew how to have a good time if their hangovers were any indication. They had not seemed so up themselves, which was what Ambrose most appreciated.

 

Moving to refill his cup, and then opting to simply take the entire bottle of brandy with him, he approached the fellow of the parrot. "Lost your feathery friend?" Ambrose said with a causal sort of tone, offering the bottle to Rochester, "perhaps it was just some flight of fancy? Birds. Pfft."

[Robert Saint-Leger]

Beverley & the Frenchies

 

Beverley was an eldest son, and thus he was perfectly proficient on blaming every thing as not being of his choice or doing; after all, he was not the highest on the totem pole...either subordinate to Rupert or his father. Being something of a courtly creature, the viscount understood a thing or two about intrigue and deflecting such things.

 

And if he kept his answers short, hopefully his discomfort over the entire discussion would not be very apparent.

 

"I can hardly answer for a House to which I am not even yet a part, my lord," Beverley replied, of the House of Lords. "I am in the service of a military man, erm, not a politician. Armies fight who they are told to fight by those who are, my lords," he added, almost merrily.

[Blackguard]

John and Ablemarle

 

The Duchess nodded at John's good sense. It was a relief to find someone not toadying to the libertine set. The man seemed willing to keep an eye on her husband, which was something of a relief to her. "Thank you sir," she beckoned as he departed.

 

At the dessert table, the Duke was sampling the punch. "It is not strong enough," he told the servant dispensing the drink. "Is this the lady's bowl?" They were known to have a mulled punch for ladies. "No your Grace," the servant insisted.

 

Maldon introduced himself as being on a mission from his wife. That was nearly the last thing Chris wanted to hear at that moment. His wife attempted to be far too controlling, leaving the man to dream of having her locked away as punishment.

 

"Yes, well you should inform her, in return, of the virtues of moderation in advice," he replied darkly, in contrast to the festive mood surrounding them. "I have tried the punch but can recommend it only to ladies. I dare not try a pastry. With my luck I shall encounter the brass ring and have to dispense silliness as the Lord of Misrule." By his remark, he signaled an unwillingness to serve.

 

"Maldon? I do not believe we have met. How is it that you have become my wife's messenger?"

 

Ambrose and Rochester

 

"Feathery friend?" The Earl had thought the soldier had meant Catriona. Was he calling her a bird?

 

Recollection came slowly to Johnny. Fortunately, or sadly, he was not yet so inebriated that he had forgotten his foray in the Orangery that very morning. "Oh yes," he recalled with a small bout of laughter.

 

"Lovely plumage on that partridge," he offered with a laugh. "I cannot say I've seen the likes of it before. It seemed very happy in the Orangery, as if it belonged there. I suspect it is there stiil, enjoying the fruit and entertaining visitors. I must confess that my friend is already working on a play in which that bird shall be the star. Can you imagine?" Rochester found himself laughing at the notion of a play centered around a bird that did nothing but curse. "Frankly, we are a bit stymied in thinking who should play the female lead. You wouldn't happen to have seen another bird like it by chance?" he teased, surrendering all seriousness in the quest to embrace the holiday.

 

He still did not provide his name, not recalling that it had not been provided previously.

 

Beverley

 

Barillon understood the art of deflection. It was a handy tool. Yet, he was unwilling to accept it from Robert. It was a lucky break that they had Rupert's aide all to themselves.

 

"As a soldier then, Lord Beverley, surely you would see the folly of making war upon France. You would be fighting on behalf of the Empire and the Dutch, who are too ... timid to fight. Whatever they might promise, they would leave the English navy and army isolated to fight their battles for them. Such conflicts rarely end well," Paul insisted. "Better that England keeps its army for a war that advances primarily English interests, instead of Dutch interests. The Dutch could just as easily be your enemy in the next war."

[Charles Audley]

Charles and Sophia, returning from the dance floor

 

Deplorable habit, mixing business and pleasure. Imbalances the humours.

 

It would not have been at all politic to say such though, so Charles merely smiled softly.

 

"His diligence does him credit. I am not certain I could be so devoted to my country's service." As he was trying to behave himself, Charles left the "particularly if it meant denying myself the company of a creature so ravishing as yourself," as mere implication.

 

Strong implication. You aren't half so subtle as you think.

 

Oh, do shut up.

 

"Wine sounds like a capital idea, though."

 

Charles laughed delightedly at Sophia's compliment as they moved off in search of refreshment.

 

"If I dance superbly my lady, then you are as blessed by Terpsichore as you are by Euterpe*. I was the envy of every man on the floor."

 

Charles spied a refreshment table that suited his purposes- not crowded and publically visible enough that he could not be accused of working any wickedness. It was the work of but a moment to claim it for themselves. He gave Sophia an inquiring look.

 

"I fancy a Rhenish myself. Have you any preference my lady?"

 

Wine secured, Charles took a savouring sip and sighed in quiet enjoyment.

 

"Now, what were we discussing before the dance interrupted us? Ah yes. Venice. Did our time there overlap?"

 

 

 

*Terpsichore and Euterpe: the Muses of Dance and Song, respectively.

[Guest]

John and Ablemarle

 

John shrugged at Ablemarle’s quip. He wasn’t taking the affair very seriously but the somberness and darkness suited his own mood a bit better. John tasted the punch. It was indeed weak but John didn’t mind too much. The night had many hours to go. “You c-c-could give it away.” John said simply. “Or p-p-put it in another pastry and hand it to someone.” That seemed the obvious course for someone who wanted to avoid the duties and also wanted pastries. At any rate, John took a few onto his plate.

 

“No, I d-d-don’t believe so.” John kept his tone neutral, although it seemed, to him, for a Lord Lieutenant to not know his shire’s leading men was a sign of neglect. “I w-w-wanted punch and she asked.” John said. “We were t-t-together since I was standing with the Cavendishes. Your wife’s a relative, though I’m m-m-more on Devonshire’s side of things.”

 

“Why are you drinking instead of dancing?” John asked. He emphasized ‘you’, implying his own reasons. He looked over at the floor where the dance was just beginning. He seemed displeased. “Go b-b-bring us whatever you’re putting in the punch.” John told the servant.

[Ambrose Turnbull]

Ambrose and Rochester

 

The mist cleared from Rochester's eyes like the fog rolling rolling back into the Thames - it would be back again no doubt, as the night and liquor flowed. "Yes your pretty dainty with the filthy tongue." Unaware of blurred lines between parrot and countess, Ambrose cheerfully extolled.

 

"Then you've not ventured far from England good man. In the more temperate climes the trees are fairly littered with them, all a squawking and careering and carrying on." Ambrose eyes slid briefly back to the dance-floor awash with a turbulence of colours, and with a chuckle supposed "Though it's not so unlike Whitehall perhaps." and he looked back to Rochester, "and your particular avian has taken to diction like a pro. Raised in some bar I suppose." they'd not actually told him where the bird had come from.

 

"A play?" Whitehall was littered with artistic talents, "he is a playwright then?" he was hardly surprised, why just yesterday an ambassadors wife was an Opera singer.

 

"Ha, but that shall be a fine play I am sure. Lead role? Perhaps the Spanish Ambassadors wife would audition, although your 'partridge' as you call it, is less about song and more of oration. You've not considered going for the part yourself?" he teased, relaxing as the conversation grew. Lud, it was a relief to be free from women and their pressures. "... after all you've got such pretty eyes." and he broken then into full laughter.

[Francis Kirke]

Francis & George

 

The blond grumped, "And if I had?"

 

He rolled his eyes and whispered, "The Duke and every woman I know has made me..."

 

That was almost not hyperbole, too.

 

"I am not certain that I might not rather dance than have to watch you making funny-looking scowls," the younger one teased.

[Robert Saint-Leger]

Beverley & the Frenchies

 

"No gentleman with any, erm, knowledge of war would minimize France's skill at battle," Beverley replied, in as neutral a way possible. "And, indeed, the Dutch have oft been on the opposite side of battles before, so it would, erm, seem quite possible again." He paused a bit awkwardly to collect his words before finishing. "But, erm, such is the nature of alliances, my lords."

 

Giving a false chuckle at himself, for he was not very good at hiding his thoughts, he said, "Quite thankfully such is far above me as an aide, my lords. At, erm, two and twenty, you can be quite certain nobody takes my counsel or seeks my, erm, opinions."

 

He was not wholly sure why they were. Beverley was surely no political mastermind, nor even a Lord of the Admiralty, or even a member of either House.

[Blackguard]

John

 

"I suppose I could," the Duke admitted. He had been only partially serious about wanting to avoid the ring.

 

When Maldon explained that he was related to Ablemarle's wife, he seemed hardly surprised. It seemed as though most of the court was related to the Cavendishes in some form or another. "Devonshire is a good man."

 

It was likely hardly a surprise to anyone that Chris would neglect most anything, especially knowing the important people in his shire. Official duties seemed so tedious to him.

 

To explain his reluctance to dance, Chris replied "sometimes I like to watch." That was true more ways than one. "Besides, no lady has asked me," he admitted.

 

"Yes sir," the servant replied to the Earl. "It is orange brandy. I shall have to see if there is more in the pantry."

 

Ambrose and Rochester

 

"No need to go afar when merchants bring all that you might need to your doorstep," the Earl replied cheerfully. "I suspect the bird was either a patron of a tavern or a whorehouse. I'm not sure which just yet," he teased.

 

"A playwright indeed," Rochester confirmed. "Charles Sedley is passable company but a distinguished playwright, or so he would tell you if he were here," Johnny laughed. "As for the Ambassador's wife, I think not ... though it is tempting to hear the bird tell her to fuck off when she finishes one of her arias."

 

"As for me, it is about time a man tells me I have pretty eyes. Women can be so insincere about such things." Rochester gave his new friend an inviting smile. "Perhaps you would like a part in the play? I am thinking it could be a play about Plato ... Plato the Partridge. People come from far and wide to hear the bird's wisdom ... which is rather blunt and practical. What do you think?"

Francis and George

 

"And if you did, I would think there was a lady involved," George replied in hopes that Francis had something to confess. The whisper confirmed part of the speculation "... or a Duke."

 

"Now that you are skilled, I am sure that there will be many invitations. Careful though, I saw Lady Habersham about and she was looking rather spry tonight." George laughed loudly at the image in his mind. He knew too well that Edith was rather charmed by Francis. "But, perhaps I can be of assistance. Merely tell me which lady has your fancy and I shall send her your way forthwith." He suspected that Francis was holding out on him. Too much time had passed without some lover coming to the forefront of the younger man, or so George believed.

 

Beverley and the Frenchies

 

When one could not sway the King, one went through intermediaries. When one could not sway a Prince, then one might try to utilize his aide.

 

"You sell yourself short Lord Beverley," Ruvigny declared. "You would not have been selected by the Prince as his aide unless you were more than capable. You are wise to exhibit caution about the military might of France. It is not something to be taken lightly. Great care should be taken before any Continental adventure is undertaken."

[Guest]

John and Ablmarle

 

“Yes. He t-t-took my family in after my parents passed.” John said. His tone betrayed a deep affection for the man… which was not necessarily normal for someone passed through a wardship. There were plenty of opportunities to plunder at a ward’s expense, though significantly less than there had been before Parliament reformed the system.

 

“As do I at times. Well, I c-c-can hardly actually do the thing.” John said. John missed any innuendo and simply took Ablemarle for a people watcher.

 

He let his surprise through that no lady had asked the duke, “Really? I’d think you were quite popular.” That was not mere flattery. He did not seem actively unpleasant. Ineptness was hardly unusual at court and he was wealthy and high ranking. “D-d-do you want me to try and send someone your way?”