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

[Louis Killington]

Blonds and Brunettes

 

Things were going rather nicely. "I should never think to escape such august and charming company," Louis protested theatrically. Mall claimed him for a dance and, with that, Louis had met his cousin's challenge. Would it surprise her that he never doubted himself? Unlikely.

 

Davina had been outmaneuvered. Nicolette was able to escape with the Duke, while he was to be escorted away by the Duke's sister. Do not think to compete against us, Basildon thought to himself. Little did he realize he was doing Davina a great service by leaving her alone with Lady Pembrooke, the mother of one of the most eligible men at court. If she were to impress the Countess, Davina might have smooth sailing with her son.

 

"Mistress Wellsley," he declared. "We have both been commanded by Her Grace to tasks that are most fortunate. I shall come after the dance to accept your offer." As he and Mall sought to move towards the dance floor, he thought he heard Davina utter that she would need to leave Lady Pembrooke's side to dance with the Danish Ambassador!

 

As they moved out of range, the Earl spoke softly to his companion. "Most curious. Mistress Wellsley wishes to dance this dance with me; but, when instructed to keep Lady Pembrooke company, she professes a prior engagement." In doing so she would be rejecting both Mall and Countess Pembrooke, her social betters. "Tell me. Do you think her daft or do you think her just absent-minded?" Her youth did not justify the latter. Either way, Louis hoped to turn the Villiers, ever so slightly, against Davina. If Baintree's sister thought to compete with Nicci for either Buckingham or the KIng, or had any hope for Thomas Herbert, she may well find it a harder task after this evening.

 

If he lingered on criticizing Davina, Mall would know it for what is was, so he shifted back to his jovial manner as they moved to the dance floor. "Now then, if you were to be looking for a lost virtue tonight, where do you think we might look for it," he chuckled. He no longer made reference to his own virtue. Would Mall take the bait and express a view regarding one of the lords or ladies in view?

[Charles Whitehurst]

Charles and Fiona

 

As he was approaching one McBain sister(Catriona), another swooped in for a dance. She was almost out of breath when she did so. Charles could only hope that she had strained to move quickly, for it would be flattering to him.

 

"Happy Christmas Fiona," he uttered in merry fashion. He looked to give her a holiday kiss without need of being directly under the mistletoe. "Do I detect you are out of breath? Are you that excited to see me?" he jested, treating her somewhat like he did Catherine.

 

He looked to see if she was wearing the ruby earrings he had sent to her secretly, as promised. "Of course I will dance with you," he agreed readily. "I was just heading towards your sister."

 

As they walked towards the dance area, he asked "so how was your recess? Find any eligible old men," he half teased. Langdon had told her that he would wait to swive her until she found a husband first. Should such a case come about, he would feel less guilty towards Cat and Douglas, though a great deal more guilt towards her intended. "Did you dance the last dance?" Left unasked was the identity of her partner. She would volunteer it if she cared.

[Blackguard]

John

 

Henry was pleased to see that John believed his words about Fiona. The level of discomfort dissipated when it was revealed that John had a German princess to introduce. What gentleman would turn away a princess? The rest of the conversation was interrupted by Bridget's arrival.

 

Though the Earl of Danby was said to be missing, his family was not. Had he sent them forth to test the level of his scandal; or, perhaps were there to create an aura of normalcy for a House in turmoil? Perhaps they had come on their own.

 

Bridget did not seemed worried about the King's meddling matrimonial streak. She would be sure to steer Henry towards the King. The couple left without further conversation.

 

John would notice that Devonshire was now speaking with the Earl of Arlington. Catherine was still in the company of Burgoyne. It looked like they might have another dance together.

 

Sophia

 

There was a brief exchange of pleasantries and then the musicians signaled the next dance. "Of course," Henry agreed readily, already beginning to think that Sophia was looking for more than a dance partner. "If you will excuse us Isobel?" She did.

 

Henry escorted her towards the dance floor. He chose not to say anything purposefully. Perhaps she might reveal something about her intentions. Meanwhile he scanned the crowd for a sign of her husband.

 

Davina

 

Cristian was not having much luck. He had met the lady but briefly and was beginning to doubt he remembered her face well enough. He recalled the color of her dress and was looking for that, with occasional requests of servants to see if they might point out Miss Wellsley. So far, he had yet to encounter anyone that knew her location. If Davina watched very carefully, and was not distracted much with conversation, she might catch sight of him in the far distance.

[Aria]

Charles and Fiona

 

He called her by her first name! That must mean he liked her. Did he dream of her at night, calling out her name in his sleep? How much of their drunken night together did he now remember? Maybe he recalled it all now, and wanted to repeat the experience. Or he was eager to find out what he had forgotten. It had been thrilling and passionate and exciting. She had alluded to it during some of their conversations. Surely he must be curious. Maybe he no longer wished to wait until she was married.

 

She wanted him to kiss her. Unfortunately, he was not standing beneath the mistletoe and there were no sprigs nearby. She moved closer to him, her bosom heaving enticingly. If he wished to kiss her, all he had to do was lean toward her and press his lips to hers.

 

Fiona chuckled when he asked if she was out of breath because she was excited to see him. “Why?” she asked with a saucy smile, her hazel eyes sparkling with amusement. “Would that please you? Do you enjoy the idea of filling me with excitement?”

 

She was glad he agreed to dance with her, but a bit jealous that he had been planning to speak with Cat. “It was boring,” she said about her recess. “I always miss court. There is so much to do here.” She sighed theatrically when he mentioned eligible old men. “No, not a one. Perhaps I might find one this season. At least I won't be marrying Rochester. He never showed up for dinner. His loss.” Her saucy smile suggested that Rochester's loss could be Charles' gain.

 

Fiona flicked her curls back to reveal the ruby earrings he had sent her anonymously. “Thanks for the earrings, my secret admirer. Do you think the color of fire and passion suits me?"

[Sophia de la Cerda]

Sophia and Henry

 

Sophia's smile brightened when Lord Arundel agreed to dance with her. “Thank you for allowing me to borrow your charming companion.” She curtsied again to Lady Winchester, her eyes flicking playfully over to Henry. “I will return him to you when I am done with him.” Realizing the implications in her words, her blush deepened. “I mean when we are finished dancing,” she clarified quickly.

 

The young Baroness had been bolder than she had intended, maybe because of that stimulating conversation with Lord Chatham. Her young body still shimmered with pleasurable sensations, which only intensified when she placed her small hand on the handsome Earl's arm.

 

He remained silent, looking around him as if searching for something. A sprig of mistletoe perhaps? If they didn't find one on the way to the dance floor, maybe they would walk under one after the dance. She wanted to collect as many kisses as dances tonight. It was a bit of harmless fun that she did not think Esteban would object to.

 

“I have always regretted that we never got to walk on the beach at Brighton,” she confessed, a bit of wistfulness tinting her lyrical voice. “We would have had a pleasant time together. I should never have left when I did."

[Raconteur]

Ellen And Ambrose

 

"A Life out of the Ordinary?"

 

His words gave her a jolt. She had not thought in that direction at all and so when the words had been said a small frown appeared between her brows.

 

"I have always thought my 'Prospects' to be limited based upon my Station, as it is for most, and so have become resigned. Now you have placed a new thought. And I do not know if I should thank you or not for the giving of it."

 

She was honest with him.

 

Accepting a glass she sipped a smile at the ready as he catalogued himself back.

 

"With My Lord Rochester and Yourself Lt. Turnbull I fear I shall be but a disappointment in composition. I am tis true 'used' to ways about the Docks yet no frequenter to its 'attractions but I shall nevertheless do as you ask ...."

 

Never good at this type of thing all Ellen could offer would be a small couplet she'd heard often enough -

 

There's magic in London

it glints in the air

It flashes its signals

Of joy and despair

 

There's magic in London

Oh! London is grand

I ne'er could forget her,

On sea or on land

 

He could not help but notice the 'blush' as she looked away then down at the glass in her hands somewhat embarrassed at her litle speech. Yet she silently counted to 'ten' then looked up to face him directly sure that she'd see him trying and failing to hide his smirk.

[Blackguard]

Sophia

 

"Of course. I understand," Isobel replied politely. She had no designs on her cousin and thought well of him.

 

There was mistletoe aplenty. It was hard not to walk by a sprig on the way to the dance area. Would she stop him en route for a kiss?

 

Her confession about Brighton fueled his imagination. Did she know what she was suggesting? "Oh really?" he replied in good humor. "It was a night intended for mischief and spiked punch," he continued. "If you had gone with me that night we would have gotten into ... trouble together no doubt. It might be that you would be regretting it now," he offered quietly, exploring her reaction. Was she trying to get into mischief this night?

[Blackguard]

Catriona and Douglas

 

Douglas became distracted when he saw a face that seemed familiar to him, but he could not place it. Might it have been an old acquaintance? With no formality, Douglas excused himself from his step sister and went in search of the man he thought he saw.

 

 

OOC~ Douglas is moved to the sidelines for now.

[Guest]

John Solo

 

John could be adaptable when he was given the chance to adapt. Fortunately, it seemed there was an abundance of ambitious and problematic women at court. John waved lightly as they departed.

 

He frowned when it seemed his sister seemed to be going for a second dance with Burgoyne. Dancing twice with someone in the same evening, let alone twice in a row, was nearly a scandal. It didn’t imply low character, but it was the sort of thing married or engaged people did. It would be like John giving a lady a pair of church gloves: it didn’t necessarily mean he was proposing to her, but its interpretation would tend in that direction.

 

He would talk to her later and see if she was really so smitten with the baronet.

 

He didn’t see Cavendish but he saw Devonshire with Arlington. He also saw Sophia going to the floor with Arundel, having chosen the handsome Howard over the duke. And Nicolette seemed to be going with Buckingham.

 

John sighed. Everyone heading to the floor still depressed him. He decided a bit cold air would do him well. Taking a cake for the trip he headed out, as he so often did, to the gardens just outside.

[Catriona MacGregor]

Cat, stalking a partner

 

Not truly surprised by Douglas's departure, as siblings, niceties fell by the wayside, Cat focused on her prey. Her daughter's father, The King. She would have been more than happy to dance with Charles, but since her sister had snatched him up quickly, she didn't give it a second thought. Instead, she remained focused.

 

She noted Caroline with that group, but hoped the woman hadn't been bold enough to ask the King. While he hadn't come to her bed in quite a while, she hoped they were at least still friends and he wouldn't give her the cut direct. "Oh I do hope I haven't missed my chance to ask you for this dance, Your Majesty," she said, moving boldly into the conversation without so much as a by your leave. She did, however, dip into a curtsey that put her bosom on display nicely, taking a deep breath while doing so, to add to the display.

[Caroline Despanay]

Mayhaps he was going to approach her regardless or, as Caroline would prefer to interpret it, her little tactic worked. The man now choose to address her first. Of course, her drink was forgotten for the moment as she gave her complete focus upon her every word.

 

"Well then, my lord," she started, for she did not yet know who exactly this man was only that by his wardrobe and the exalted company he kept, he had to be important, " if it is a royal command both of us must be patriotic enough to fulfill his orders. I would be delighted to ask you for the next dance, should that please you?"

 

Caroline gave a proper curtsey, though unlike some of the ladies present at the ball with the lowcut dresses giving ample hint of their bosoms, the young lady was not blessed in that area much to her annoyance. Whenever she attracted men, it was not because of her breasts.

 

"Lady Kendishall," she introduced herself with a demure smile.

 

The King himself now spoke to her! And deigned to throw a compliment her way too. She was inwardly thrilled.

 

"Your Majesty," her second curtsey was much more grand, or would that be subserviant, as she did so for the King, "I do not know if I am wise but I am certainly honored by the kindness of your opinion."

[Francis Kirke]

Francis on his own again

 

He gave a generous nod to the duchess as she departed with George, and silently turned his blue eyes around the room. He saw Caroline by the King with Ashburnham, Herbert, & Cat. He saw the Duke take Nicolette to the dance floor, which would surely show off every bit of her dancing ability, for his uncle was rather known for his dancing and leg.

 

Between his mother, Buckingham, and the King, he was not certain which would like his own lack of dancing less!

 

He was happy with it though, and with a sly smile lifted his drink of his lips and continued to watch, heading toward the refreshments.

 

Difficult to be asked to dance when eating.

[Sophia de la Cerda]

Sophia and Henry

 

At the time, Sophia had thought that he was only interested in taking a stroll on the beach with her. She had not been a maiden then, but she had been too new to desire to understand that he would have likely tried to seduce her if Juan had not been poisoned and she had fled to be by his side. Was he still interested in her, she wondered? If he was, she might be able to distract him into dropping a few morsels of useful information.

 

The young Baroness was perhaps looking forward to distracting him a bit too much. She had been attracted to him from the first moment she had seen him, and her nubile young body tingled pleasantly as she gazed up at him, a mischievous smile turning up the corners of her lips.

 

“Or maybe I would cherish the memory,” she replied. There was a sprig of mistletoe directly in their path. “There's nothing wrong with a bit of harmless mischief, is there, my lord?” Stopping beneath it, she looked up, hoping to draw his eyes toward it. “We should seize every opportunity that comes our way.”

[Aria]

Susan Herbert approaching Francis

 

As Susan searched for another dance partner, she noticed a portly older man heading in her direction, leering at her. She had no idea who he was, but she knew she didn't want to dance with him. Ducking into the crowd, she hoped to lose him, but he was hot on her heels and gaining on her quickly. Considering his weight, he could move rather quickly.

 

Spying Francis ahead of her, she veered toward him, smiling as she approached him. “Happy Christmas, Lord Kingston,” she said. “Shall I keep you company so that no ladies will ask you to dance?” She glanced over to where the portly man had been, but he had disappeared from view. Hopefully he would find other prey and stay away from her for the rest of the evening.

[Charles Whitehurst]

Charles and Fiona

 

"What gentlemen would not be pleased with the idea of filling you with excitement?" Charles replied in the form of a question. Or simply filling you.

 

She repeated the boredom she felt away from court. Fiona was a social creature, not one to stay home contentedly on a country estate. That was fine for a mistress as opposed to a wife, in his view. If he was to carry on with mistresses, he would need to send his future wife away to Cornwall.

 

As she flashed the rubies he had sent to her, Charles found himself smiling despite the fact that he should not. Frankly, he should have as little to do with her as he could. His relationship with Cat and Douglas was too important to harm. Yet, as he had exhibited many times before, the boyish glee he took from tormenting girls was so alive for him. He tormented Catherine with his bravado. Susan he tormented with ghosts and romantic toying. Only Davina seemed immune, for now. Yet, with Fiona, their relationship was only about sex. She was a creature that seemed abnormally warmed to the idea of coupling, fooling around with Scotsmen, Ogle, and others if whispers were to be believed. She had seemed so very excited about their drunken coupling at Brighton, and he had mistakenly played along by enticing her further but using his relationship to her siblings as an important buffer. It seemed to him that they could have fun inflaming each other as long as there was no touching. He could sate his ardor with another lady and she could ... sate her thirst somehow too.

 

"Oh yes, fire and passion suits you very much," he replied in a quiet suggestive way. "One should be warned about playing with someone whose color is scarlet or ruby red." He made sure she took his meaning to be about the color of his uniform as well. "You are the alluring flame and I would be your gunpowder. If we were to couple again, the results would be explosive. Best if you found someone like paper than you could burn up." By that he meant some old man. "Or someone more like ordinary oil, who could keep your flame burning for a time," he chuckled. "Far less dangerous."

 

They were approaching the dance area and would need to keep quiet for the dance. Hopefully, she would be restrained in his presence on the dance floor.

[Robert Saint-Leger]

Beverley & the French, lamenting there's nobody to rescue him like he rescued Rupert[/i]

 

Beverley

 

"One should not undervalue penmanship," Paul replied in good humor. Henri chuckled.

 

"His Majesty offered your King reparations and more," Barillon insisted. "Just what do the English people expect. More importantly, what does Parliament expect in the way of reparations? I am only recently arrived and am seeking to learn all I can." Ruvigny said nothing, watching the new ambassador at work.

 

 

"You are too kind," Beverley replied of the penmanship. He almost wished to seem simple, and his facial expression, which was one of barely contained discomfort, likely enhanced the appearance of that untruth. He was yet growing into his own in such complex social interactions involving international affairs, such personages still put him ill at ease when speaking about politics.

 

"The Mob is oft unreasonable, my lords, a fact which my royal master and His Majesty so greatly lament, but that does not make them less powerful." Beverley could be quite creative at deflecting blame. He was very practiced on trying to explain away all manner of ills and wrongs to his father.

 

"Right or wrong, the people wish to feel secure in their religion, and free from outside interference. The French poked a beast at the wrong time, I fear. Unreasonable is difficult to rationalize." Beverley could not help but lapse on his entirely stupid demeanor. He might not be very apt politically, for certainly not getting any expert tutelage from the intrigue-reclusive Rupert, but he had his own sense of military strategy which couldn't help but seep out now and again.

 

"Unfortunately, by any Royalists standards, His Majesty does not have the happy abilities that your royal master enjoys." That was no revelation either, but merely a strategic mentioning of reality. Louis was an absolutist, their King's martyred father had been murdered for even attempting such a thing.

[Ambrose Turnbull]

Ellen And Ambrose

 

Ellen was not such a court creature that she was able to conceal the newness of the concept from her face, she even spoke directly of it. The Lieutenant chuckled (partially with his own surprise that she did not immediately reject the thought), "Touch wood. No adventurer praises themselves at the beginning of the journey, but let us promise a celebratory toast together, at some landmark along the way - that is if you decide to embark upon the brave new course?" Ambrose had a particular landmark in mind.

 

"I cannot promise you it shall be easy Mistress Ellen, but it shall hold more thrills..." taken up with himself, Ambrose moved to her side, put one hand on her shoulder and with the other gestured out as though he was showing her a grand vista.

 

In fact, beyond them courtiers were moving towards the dance floor, though he did spot his new friend Beverly in weighty discussion with a pair of fancy gents.

 

Ambrose head was bent to be near hers as he went on to describe the view of her future he 'saw', "Picture a future filled with parties and balls, foreign travel to exotic courts if you wish, and a string of admirers. Mistress, you need know that men feel most loving towards a lady who, like yourself tonight, does not see to trap them into a marriage. Why, look at me, I am quite besotted with you on that very account - that I might simply enjoy your delightful company, without fear of recriminations after. Recall, you promised me you do not look for a husband tonight?"

 

Removing his hand, and drawing back to his full height he then goaded her to an audition of wit. And it was a pretty coupling, if rather innocent still, but then he was fairly sure she was but a maid still. It would have been some surprise indeed if she'd ventured something bawdy. But who knew, perhaps she'd grow more confidant as the night wore on.

 

"Well done." he commended, and encouraged her to make a repeat (perchance to loose the unnecessary blush) "Now, once more with the conviction I know you to be capable of."

[Hope]

Thomas & the Mystery woman

 

A woman with impeccable poise moved up along side Thomas as he marched to the dancefloor. Her smile muted though there was an intensity in her eyes. "The vigor of a military man is irresistible..." her voice was warm and soft as she slid her hand through his arm, "...such vigilance surely. Such precision. How many other ways shall you impress me, hmm?"

 

 

Charles and Lizzie

 

He clasped her hand (oh happiness!) but then pulled away as though it burnt.

 

Concerned, Lizzie was lost of what to do. "Did I hurt you?" she asked, discovering a large pot hole on the path to matrimony. They could hardly marry if touching caused him pain, for, well, there was the bed aspect. And so the lass lamented "Oh bother that horrid Turk!" rose bud lips pouting.

 

Disappointed, she took a large piece of cake and poked at it with her fork.

[Charles Audley]

Charles and Lizzie

 

Charles just barely avoided dissolving into a fit of giggles, which would quite have given the game away. Instead, he composed his features into a grave, sober mask.

 

"Hurt me, Mistress Elizabeth? No. I do not think you could ever hurt me."

 

That has the benefit of being completely true.

 

Charles coughed and shifted his weight uneasily.

 

"It is merely that your presence makes me... forget myself and act unknowing." An embarrassed grin and a look at his shoes in lieu of the blush he could not force. "I thought it best to draw back a little, lest I..." His gaze travelled slowly up and came to rest on her lips. His voice warmed noticeably. "... Become over bold. I am sorry to have worried you."

 

The orchestra drew his attention briefly. It would appear that the second dance was almost upon them. Charles smiled shyly and offered her his arm.

 

"If you still desire my company, Elizabeth..." He trailed off with almost painful hopefulness.

[Hope]

Charles and Lizzie

 

So he coached her along, and she, so naive, believed in him. "Oh. I see." she blinked,understanding her mistake and be coming fascinated of his explanation. Biting lower lip she peered at him from under lowered lashes, "... I did not realised, my, allure, my temptation presented." her heart simply rejoiced.

 

For the girl who'd been almost engaged three times now, had never had that claim made to her before. It occurred to her now, that she knew the remedy, and so she just wondered if she ought tell him right now, or later.

 

"Oh yes, Lord Chatham, I desire your company as I desire quite nothing else!" she enthused, linking her arm through his and sashaying to the dance floor -- her head turning often to see that everyone, quite everyone saw who she was with. Wedding bells, soon they'd be coming!

[Cordelia Lucas]

The Ladies Lucas and Dunmore

 

"No need to get your feather's' ruffled Constance."

 

Came the straightforward rely.

 

"And I know that Lady but thank you for the information and I asked about that redhead simply because I do not have enough to go on. My eyes tell me well enough that she is quite used to Court and I but thought you could add more. Would you think she might hinder our Plans? I mean to interfere if we put forth certain girls for those Gentlemen we have chosen?"

 

She may have been absent longer that she'd wanted from London but she was not dim-witted nor was she incapable of remembering things.

 

"She is like a butterfly - flirting here and there - and I am sure with a purpose. And there is another - now where is she .... Ah. With the man with the eye patch. See how he holds her hand ... She is young and so pray tell me who she is - even from here I can see the eagerness." (Lizzie and the Earl)

 

"I saw her earlier but she was in the company of two other girls and an older Lady. There is mischief afoot there Constance! And what has happened to Maldon? I had hopes that he might be favored. And there!"

 

She pointed in the direction where it was just possible to see a Gentleman actually put his arm about a Lady (Ellen and Ambrose) and she then turned in the direction where the King had placed himself curious to see if any of those they had thought of might have approached.

 

It would seem that one had (Caroline)

 

"Constance do you think the KIng will dance with her? And now another! (Cat) I must say this whole evening is all asunder - Next we'll all see the Queen out looking!!"

 

"Have you been watching whats been going on under all this mistletoe thats been placed in just about every spot in this Hall? It would appear that girls' these days are quite clever."

 

Sometimes one just had to ramble on the better to remove any doubts.

 

She knew that the woman beside her was no fool and so she needed to act as if she too was equal in standing.

[Hope]

The Ladies Lucas and Dunmore

 

With pursed lips she turned, and then drawing a breath she sighed, letting it all go. A little highly strung perhaps - never the less she did want to work as a team in this. "You mean the Lady O'Roarke," Constance asked quietly, "just finished dancing with the Chancellor. Freshly annulled."

 

Heather fell into that class of woman that one left to their own devices, though while channeling away from any impressionable young ladies if at all possible. Impressionable young ladies such as. "Ah, that is Mistress Dwight, the one whom I told you of. One surely in need of proper guidance, but where is her guardian, over there knitting?" tongue clicked as it tutted the negligence.

 

"Maldon, yes I'd hoped for an introduction, did you say he was leaving? And so early." She sought Cordelia's indication to whom the man was, just catching the back of him as he limped out into the chill. "It must be a rare attraction to lure a fellow out into such temperatures, shall we go watch?"

 

"The King shall do as he wants." was her only comment upon those games, her attention now drifting towards anotehr Charles approaching the dance floor with the McBain girl. "There is one to watch, Lord Langdon is one of those quick to wed Fellows. A Scottish bride next hmm?"

[Blackguard]

Sophia

 

"Harmless mischief indeed," Henry replied while attempting to discern Sophia's true meaning. Was it an invitation or a limitation? "And what does your husband think of harmless mischief?" he asked lightly, certain that her answer would answer her prior question. If her definition of harmless was quite liberal, then he would be interested in playing with the mouse though he knew such things were dangerous.

 

They arrived at the dance area and were set to begin.

 

Beverley

 

"Then, perhaps, all that is needed is time to heal and calm things," Barillon exclaimed hopefully while, at the same time, doubting his own words. He nodded sympathetically at the picture Beverley painted.

 

It was then that Mary returned, having danced the first dance with Rupert, she had returned to her husband's side. "Gentlemen," she greeted them again. She would see whether her husband needed rescuing. "Husband, the second dance is about to begin." She hoped he would not shoo her away. Perhaps he was done and wished a dance.

[Guest]

Thomas and the Mystery Woman

 

He found himself with a new woman on his arm. He studied her face for a moment. Her eyes filled with an intensity like he'd never seen, her chestnut-brown hair shining like the sun, her sensual lips curved in a slight smile that he found enticing.

 

"I'm sure I can find one or two ways to impress you." he said with a confidence that he didn't know he had. Maybe it had been his short time with Lady MacBain, or was it the something in ale? Thomas was going to make this night his own.

[Aria]

Charles and Fiona

 

“Very true. They shall just have to dream of me. But you ...” Her gaze dropped briefly below his belt. “I love the way your 'excitement' fills me … so much that I want you to fill me with it again.”

 

Fiona couldn't flirt shamelessly with many men, but Lord Langdon seemed to enjoy her boldness and her not so subtle double-entrendre. He could also match her seductive wittiness and often surpass it. Why would he say such things if he didn't want to bed her? She didn't want to wait until she was married to sleep with him. One night was all she asked of him, one night to be certain he was really as good in bed as she remembered. If that one night led to more, she would not be disappointed, but lately, her affections had been fickle and she became bored with her lovers quite quickly. Would he be able to keep her attention for more than a few weeks? She rather hoped he could.

 

“Like calls to like,” she purred, her voice as suggestive as his own. They were both wearing the color of passion tonight. “And I am as drawn to you as a flame is to gunpowder. The fuse has already been lit and it is only a matter of time before we explode together. Yet our fire will not burn out quickly. It will be unquenchable, an inferno that rages within.” A fire was already burning inside her, and it was most intense between her thighs.

 

“Safer, perhaps, but not nearly as fun. Why settle for the ordinary when you can have the extraordinary? I never run from danger. I run toward it.” As they approached the dance floor, she looked up at him with a smoldering gaze. “I suspect that you cannot resist it either. So why don't we run toward it together and see where it leads?”

[Sophia de la Cerda]

Sophia and Henry

 

He didn't see the mistletoe she had led him under or he chose to ignore it. Sophia would be less subtle about it when they left the dance area. She definitely wanted him to kiss her before they went their separate ways, even if it was only a chaste kiss on the cheek.

 

The petite blonde shrugged her delicate shoulders when he asked what her husband thought of harmless mischief. “He let me sing in the opera last night, you know. He knows I am young and adventurous and that I like to have fun. He does not share my thirst for excitement and new experiences. In fact, I very rarely see him except at events like these where we are expected to be together. Almost as soon as we arrived, he abandoned me to go talk about politics and war. I will not see him again until the end of the evening.”

 

She squeezed his arm lightly and favored him with a wistful smile. “I have been wanting to take a ride in the park. The gazebo is probably beautiful adorned with snow.”

[Blackguard]

John

 

As John sought to depart temporarily he was intercepted by Lord Cavendish; his wife nowhere in sight. "John," he called as he closed the distance. "Happy Christmas old man."

 

"I was meaning to ask you earlier. Would you like me to dance with Catherine? I know she has to ask, technically, but she might be feeling less brave than a more seasoned lady. Where is she by the way?" William seemed to be in a good mood. A near empty cup of punch was in his hand.

 

Sophia

 

Once again, the blond beauty's sense of adventure was sailing her towards trouble. Henry could hear nothing but invitation in Sophia's voice. He paused but a moment before replying "no time to speak here. After this dance, I plan to take in the Walled Garden outside. A bit of fresh air does wonders for the mood. If you meet me there, we might have more to discuss. A simple nod will do," he invited.

 

They were at the dance area and had no real time to discuss more.

 

OOC~ Go ahead and post to the dance thread.

[Davina Wellsley]

Davina With Lady Pembroke Misses the Dance

 

No matter how hard she tried there was not help coming to her aid in the search for the Danish Ambassador. She was simply not tall enough nor could she part the groups all around her the better to find him. She hoped he would be understanding.

 

In the meantime she would simply reamin where she was if Lady Pembroke was kind enough to allow it and besides the Duke had to bring Nicolette back and then there was Basildon as well - if she were Lucky she might be able to get in the next two.

 

"If you allow for it Madam may I remain here? I can not find my partner and the idea of breaking thru this crowd appeals not. May I sit?"

 

Lady Pembroke had the option of refusal but Davina hoped she would not. She might even be able to discuss Herbert and who better than with his own Lady Mother?!

[Guest]

John and Cavendish

 

“Old?” John mimed offense at the decidedly middle aged man. His mood noticeably picked up, as it nearly always did with family. “Merry Christmas, Billy, and Happy New Year. May your purse burst with gold and your cup overflow with cheer.”

 

“Up to you t-t-two.” John said. “She asked me not to come for her l-l-last partner and she’s still with him.” John obliged, gesturing to his sister and Burgoyne. “I wonder if she likes him.” John speculated. He couldn’t think of any other reason she would fail to depart from him after the dance, at least presuming Burgoyne was as much of a gentleman as Devonshire had said.

 

He hovered near Cavendish, and would follow him if he moved.

[Defiance]

John, Caroline, Herbert, the King, & Cat joining

 

"John Ashburnham," he supplied. Though Caroline was not long in London, she might have heard whispers about the young man who was heir to England's tapestry monopoly. Clearly, by his extravagant dress, though surreptitious lack of title, he was spoiled and rich.

 

He had learned all sorts of mischief growing up at court in the company of the King as his Page of the Backstairs.

 

"It would please me and my master greatly," John added, with an easy grin. He was flirtatious in a practiced courtly way, but bold.

 

"Perhaps you shall choose even better company as such a night unfolds?" came the rhetorical royal query to Caroline. Was that an invitation for a dance in the future?

 

He was about to chide Herbert again when Catriona arrived. "Ah, a Happy Christmas, indeed, but my lady, we mustn't allow Herbert to escape so easily by departing. The lad likes blondes, you must know some pretty ladies that might stir his heart to the required romance to marry!"

 

They only had but a little time.