An Offering Of Goodwill [27/12, 3 pm]- Xmas 1677

[Sophia de la Cerda]

The Queen’s Presence Room mirrored that of the King’s, in that it was open to all gentry and wealthy merchants. It was a spacious room, able to seat 40, but a welcoming one, decorated in warm red that was nicely accented by the ivory upholstery of the seats and decorative gilding. The central focus of the room was an elevated couch, reserved for the Queen, with a scattering of chairs near it as well as other groupings of seats settled around the room for attending courtiers.

 

The rounded tables and cupboards around the desk held bouquets of flowers as well as busts of various historical figues – Aristotle, Copernicus, Julius Ceasar, Sappho, Dido and others. Leading further from the room were two doors on the far side of the room. The door to the left would take one to the Queen’s Drawing room and the one on the right to the Queen’s private parlour that guarded the entrance to the Queen’s bedroom and closet.

 

After she finished her correspondence, Sophia changed into another gown for her meeting with Lady Mountjoy. She wanted to attract attention, so she chose a color that was rarely seen in the winter months … coral. The gown had been made last spring and she had worn it quite a few times. Thanks to Anna's brilliance with a needle and thread, it now looked like an entirely different gown. Its short sleeves had been replaced by longer thrice-puffed sleeves of cream silk embroidered with coral flowers and golden swirls. A small pearl nestled in the middle of each bloom. The sleeves were hemmed with snowy white lace.

 

A stomacher of the same embroidered cream silk formed a stomacher that even further changed the gown's appearance. A long ruffled white lace peplum had been sewn around the bottom of the stomacher, which came to an elongated point in front. The skirt was made from the same coral silk as the bodice. It was split in front and fastened on the sides with cream silk roses and golden ribbons, revealing an underskirt of cream shot through with golden threads. Sophia wore pearls in her ears and around her neck. The cameo that Juan had given her had been fastened to her necklace.

 

Now she glided into the Queen's presence chamber on her husband's arm. It was important that as many people as possible witness Esteban's donation to the Queen's charities, and she hoped that the presence of the Spanish Ambassador and his wife had been noted. She doubted that Esteban had ever been here before.

[Blackguard]

The room was not very crowded this afternoon. Perhaps it was because of the season. Sitting in chairs waiting to be announced were the Duchess of Ormonde and Edith Habersham. The two were conversing together in soft tones. Otherwise, a row of chairs sat empty.

 

Life Guard troopers stood at the entry door as well as the other two doors. A male clerk came to greet the Toledo couple to seek their name and check his schedule.

 

Just then the door on the left opened and Lady Mountjoy escorted out the Duchess of Newcastle and wished her a good day. She saw Sophia and signaled her to take a seat and wait because Ormonde outranked her and was already there. Newcastle swept by the Spanish couple with but a brief smile. It seemed as though she was in a hurry.

 

Ormonde stood and moved through the door with Mountjoy.

 

OOC~ Others are free to post characters here.

[Sophia de la Cerda]

There were not as many people here as she had hoped. Only two ladies sat waiting, the Duchess of Ormonde and an elderly woman Sophia had not yet met. Hopefully, others would arrive soon. She wanted Esteban's donation to be witnessed by people who would spread the news around.

 

As Esteban gave the necessary information to the clerk, she smiled at the Duchess. Tomorrow she would be coming to dinner with Lady Gowran. The diminutive singer was about to go over and speak to her when one of the doors opened and Lady Mountjoy emerged with the Duchess of Newcastle. The other German noticed them and signaled them to take seats. Ormonde then disappeared into the room with her. So much for conversing with the Duchess. Maybe she would linger after her audience was over.

 

Sophia had expected that the donation would be made in the presence room and not behind closed doors. No one would see them then. Or would they be brought before the Queen today? She fervently hoped that the Queen would see them and excitement made her heart beat a bit faster.

 

“I guess we should sit down,” she said with a sigh, leaving it to her husband to decide where they should sit. She favored the elderly lady with a warm smile. Maybe they could engage her in conversation while they waited. If they were lucky, she would be a court gossip.

 

It was rather amusing that after so many months trying to avoid gossip, she now wanted rumors circulating about her … or more accurately, about Spain's generosity toward the English people.

[Blackguard]

Edith noticed the young couple and moved to a closer seat. "Why such a nice looking couple," she declared. Looking at Sophia, she uttered "you are the singer are you not? I am Lady Edith Habersham. Who is this Greek gentleman you are with?"

[Sophia de la Cerda]

The elderly woman was obviously curious about them. Esteban still hadn't indicated where they should sit, so Sophia was still standing. “Thank you, my lady.” A soft blush suffused her cheeks. “And yes, I am the singer who performed in the opera a few nights ago. I am Lady Sophia de la Cerda and this is my husband, Lord Toledo, the new Ambassador of Spain.”

[Blackguard]

Esteban was about to suggest where they should sit when Edith approached. He was happy to let his wife do the talking since it was a matron of court.

 

"Good Heavens, Spanish," Edith replied with surprised. "You looked just like a Greek," she directed to Esteban, who took her comments well enough.

 

"My late husband and I went to Greece do you know? We went to Athens and saw the Parthenon. The heathen Turks have not taken care of the place at all. It is mostly rubble. I think the Persians have not forgotten Alexander the Great, if you ask me." the last sentence was in a stage whisper.

 

"Oh, where are my manners. I am pleased to meet you Your Excellency," Edith continued as she held out her hand to be kissed in greeting. The Baron accommodated her with a formal kiss. "A pleasure madam."

[Sophia de la Cerda]

Sophia had no idea what Spaniards thought about Greece, or if they ever thought about it at all. Esteban didn't seem insulted when Lady Habersham compared him to a Greek, but who knew his feelings on the matter? She was beginning to recognize the polite facade that he assumed in public, which seemed a bit less distant than the way he treated her when they were alone. That's because he wants to impress the courtiers, but doesn't care about impressing his wife.

 

“That's a very long time to hold a grudge,” she said about the Persians and Alexander the Great. “It must have been a grand adventure to visit Athens. Italy is as far away as I have ever been.” The petite Baroness loved the mythology of Ancient Greece, but she knew that she could never visit as long as the Turks were in control. One might abduct her, lock her in his harem, and make her sing for him. Edith didn't have to worry about such things. Even if she had a good voice, she wasn't young, beautiful, and blonde. Then again, maybe an elderly Turk would take an interest in her …

 

Greeting were exchanged between Esteban and Edith, and her husband even kissed the old lady's hand. Sophia's gaze scanned the room. So far, nobody else had entered. That was good because they would not have to rush through their audience with Lady Mountjoy, but bad because not many people would know about Esteban's donation.

 

“Is it always this quiet during the Christmas season?” she asked Lady Habersham. “Last spring it was quite crowded in here. I suppose it is fortunate that we will not have to wait too long for my lord husband to make a contribution to the Queen's charities.”

[George Hardwick III]

Dressed in midnight blue with silver thread accents, highly polished buttons and feather trimmed tricorn under arm, George Hardwick strode into the Queens presence room with intents to pay his respects.

 

His sister had been close confidant of the new Queen, and he bore with him news of her good heath that Her Majesty might be pleased of. Further, he had a gift from Florence.

 

Yet the ambition ridden purpose of his visit was forestalled as he caught sight of Esteban.

 

"Toledo, my friend!" he approached with a flashed smile, his dark eyes then sliding along across the greater company and making polite incline of his head. "Ladies." his look took in Sophia, with pin prick in his mind, wondering if she'd said anything of that event to her husband? "Might I be the cad to steal away your guardian a moment... important maters of state you understand." he provided the women with a wink as he thought to coax the Esteban away.

[Blackguard]

"Those Turks have long memories," Edith assured Sophia, nodding for emphasis. "They think of the crusades as if they were yesterday. Fortunately, they were stopped at the gates of Vienna. Can you imagine?" she gushed.

 

All the while, Esteban pretended interest in what Habersham babbled. It was a useful skill to a politician.

 

Fortunately George entered and distracted Toledo. "Lord Chichester!" Esteban greeted George robustly. Here was a good man, and a Catholic as well. His sister would have made a good wife too -- very proper, but she wanted no part of him.

 

As George sought to pull the Ambassador away, he went willing. "You will excuse us?"

 

Edith flashed a smile at the departing gentlemen, then turned back to Sophia to answer her question. "It is more quiet than usual, though Christmas is more quiet than other times, there being less business to discuss." Then in a stage whisper she added "and now that she is with child, I think most hope to leave her in peace to let the child settle in the womb."

 

Habersham was something of an expert on crowds in the King's and Queen's Presence Rooms. She passed much of her time sitting in them, watching people and waiting for a turn to pay her respects to the royals.

[Sophia de la Cerda]

“They have plagued Venice as well. Now they are confined to one palazzo in the city, a place known as the Fondaco dei Turchi, which is hopefully where they will stay.” Sophia had seen a few of them on the streets now and then, so they had not been imprisoned there and were still able to do business despite the restrictions placed upon them.

 

A tall familiar figure approached them and greeted her husband and then Lady Habersham and herself. “It is a pleasure to see you again, Lord Chichester." She knew that her husband had been friends with the sophisticated Earl since long before she had met him. However, she was not aware that Esteban had wanted to marry his sister.

 

As for George's secret, Sophia had kept her word to Lucas. She had not breathed a word of anything that had been said in the gazebo that day. It was not her story to tell. She would like to speak to Lord Chichester about it, but he would have to bring up the subject first. The petite singer was very good at keeping her promises.

 

“Go on.” She chuckled and made a shooing motion with her hands. “Just do not keep him away too long.” Sophia could tell that Esteban was eager to get away and she was certainly not as possessive of him as he was of her.

 

Edith confirmed that it had been quieter than usual in the Queen's presence room. When she mentioned Karoline's pregnancy, her eyes widened. “So the rumors are true? I am so happy for Their Majesties. Now it is even more important that she have help with her charities. I plan to volunteer today after my husband has made his donation. Helping the poor and unfortunate has become a passion of mine. I visited the Chelsea Veteran's Hospital this morning and I will be going back tomorrow afternoon to sing for the residents.”

[George Hardwick III]

It was mutually fine timing. "Thank you Ladies." he gave a smile through what seemed a relaxed and genial mood - a far cry from the tone when Sophia had last seen him. Plainly the Earl had moved on.

 

And so they stepped apart, the angular men exchanged the usual jocose pleasantries, jostling some, shifting shoulders, as they made a discreet distance. "Fine news of your assent, Ambassador eh, now there is a position of opportunity." he grinned readily of the others good fortune, well aware that it had been no easy road for Toledo. The man deserved some good fortune at last.

 

"It is surely indicative of other advances I hope?" he quizzed, "Ack, But I am woefully out of the loop, having frittered away months on a tour of Italy. Yet, there are times when one needs to take a little space for oneself, clearing the mind, liberating the spirit."

 

Tea. Damned tea. He waved away a tea trolley trafficker, though held little hope that the Queens Presence room would be offering anything else.

[Blackguard]

Besides tea there was only mulled wine available to visitors.

 

"The Venetians are wise to pen them up. We should do the same," Edith agreed. "I have seen only one Turk at court these last few years ... some sort of nobility, if that word can be associated with heathens. He was murdered, over a woman they say. These Turkish men like enslaving women and girls. Ensure that you are never alone with one dear or you might find yourself on the next galley to Tunis, never to return."

 

"They can be sneaky too. My husband told me they often pass themselves off as ..." she delayed the rest of the sentence as she regarded Esteban, " ... Greeks. They have Moorish blood you should know." It seemed as though she had managed to stop herself from deriding Spaniards in front of the Spanish Ambassador and his wife. Equally astute, she avoided her preferred topic of rounding up foreigners and sending them home.

 

"How Christian of you to donate to the Queen's causes. Just what charities are these you speak of?" As for the baby, Edith adopted her loud whisper to reveal "I heard it was true through a servant to doctor to the Queen." Left unsaid was that it had traveled through several other intermediaries as well.

 

George

 

"Si, Don Juan has become the Protector of the Realm and hope is restored to Spain." Esteban gave George a look as if he had tried to convince him and Mirtel of the same in the past and was met with skepticism. "How is your sister? I heard that she married and left court." Mirtel would never have taken to the stage in mock nudity.

 

"I am now Ambassador to England of course and looking to further an alliance with England," Toledo revealed before switching to a question he had been harboring. "What is your view of the Catholic situation in London these days? I hear conflicting reports of calm and violence."

[George Hardwick III]

There had been no need to try to convince George, he'd been Toledos greatest proponent. He'd seen great hope for Spain through the then out of favor Prince. He'd rowed with Mirtel passionately over it, but she was such a stubborn girl, intent instead upon an already forgotten naval officer.

 

Never the less George had remained close with Esteban, and offered his cause support if it was ever needed.

 

"Grand news." The Earl expressed, and slapped Toledo on the back, "there can be little less rewarding than seeing the hope one has trusted in finally gaining it's recognition. And you, you are now his factor in England. You are putting down your roots then?"

 

George would take a little pleasure in advising his sister of this next time he wrote, not quite saying 'I told you so', but, he had told her so.

 

"Yes." he gave a small shrug, "again did not heed my advice, but what does a brother nearly twice her age know hmm?" Did Toledo have sisters, perhaps he'd understand. "She is currently cooped up in the country, while he is god knows whereon the other side of the world. Shall be an Admiral one day, so he tells me." Another shrug.

 

"Violence?" Toledo's question was fairly made, though any violence about had escaped George' notice. "It's the cold weather, it would seem that Anglicans conserve their outrage for the warmer seasons. I don't see any end to it soon my friend. It is but a lull in the storm, best we enjoy it while we can."

 

Spying mulled wine yonder, George lifted hand to signal, then checking Esteban, motioned for two cups to be brought over. "So what manner of inroad do you hope to make, trade perhaps? I should think that new deals with England might ease Don Juan's passage." for Don Juan needed to win over the confidance of his peoples.

[Sophia de la Cerda]

Sophia watched Esteban and Lord Chichester move away, and then accepted a cup of tea from the servant who was pushing the trolley. “I believe I have heard that story,” she said to Lady Habersham, "but I did not know he had been murdered.” Maybe he had been killed while trying to abduct somebody's wife or daughter. If so, it served him right. Her voice lowered to a whisper, “Since then, I have been deathly afraid of being kidnapped and carried away. I was told they were especially fond of fair-skinned blondes with beautiful voices.”

 

She didn't miss the way Edith looked at Esteban while talking about Turks passing themselves off as Greeks. She was about to say 'Spaniards.' It was alarming to think of them claiming to be Spanish and trying to win her trust. “Thank you for warning me. I will be very careful if I meet any Greeks.” Sophia was naïve enough that she thought the old woman didn't want her to fall into a cleverly-laid trap, and not that she had anything against foreigners in general.

 

As the young Baroness had hoped, she was successful in turning the conversation back to charity. Judging from Lady Habersham's comments about the Queen's pregnancy, Sophia got the impression that she was indeed a gossip, which suited her goals admirably. “It must be true then if you heard it from such a reliable source.

 

“As for Her Majesty's charities, I know that she plans to build an orphanage and an infirmary for the poor. My lord husband's donation will contribute to the funding. I intend to help wherever and however I am needed. I have felt a calling toward charity work ever since I returned to London. I believe it is part of God's will for my life.”

[Blackguard]

George

 

Toledo was happy to hear Chichester's replies. It proved once again that he had been right to seek Mirtel's hand. Secretly he was content to hear that Mirtel had faded into obscurity. Her loss.

 

"I hope to convince the King to join our alliance against France. You all came so close to declaring war this year, but it was stalled. If you join us in the Spring, France will have no recourse but to sue for peace, surrounded on all sides. I hope that I can count on your vote?"

 

Sophia

 

"Bless your Christian heart," Edith replied to Sophia's professed charity. "You did not convert to Catholicism did you?" she whispered with great concern on her face. Like many Anglicans, Edith feared that Catholics were damned.

 

"How is it that you will help at an orphanage? Do you plan to adopt children?" The image of a noblewoman doing anything but delivering funds was foreign to her. Surely no lady would sully her hands with anything that might be done by a servant. "My husband had thought to sponsor a chapel, but it never happened." It made her think of her own charitable duties. Perhaps this was the inroad she needed with the young Queen.

[Sophia de la Cerda]

Sophia shook her head. She could tell by look on Edith's wrinkled face that she was not fond of Catholics. “No, I did not convert and my lord husband has not asked me to. He respects my beliefs and knows he cannot change them.”

 

This was not entirely true. She felt that Esteban wanted her to embrace the Catholic faith, and his priest had been putting subtle pressure on her, either of his own volition or at Esteban's request. It was possible that she might covert in time, but not while Catholics were being persecuted.

 

She was hoping that her answer to Lady Habersham's question would help her become more sympathetic toward Catholics in general and Spanish Catholics in particular. A gentleman who allowed his wife to worship how she wished could not be all bad.

 

“I can sing to them.” Singing was Sophia's answer to everything. “Music is calming and soothing. It can help the ill as well, and God gave me a beautiful voice so that I could use it for His glory. However, I will do whatever Her Majesty asks of me.”

 

Her eyes lit up at the mention of a chapel. “That sounds like an intriguing project. Was it to be a chapel for the poor, one that would take in the destitute and help them learn how to live productive lives? I can see a need for a church like that in London. It is never too late to have one built.”

[George Hardwick III]

George

 

"You must know you have always had my support." George uttered soberly.

 

Though it was news to the Earl that Esteban desired the war with France. George had been caught the middle of a love triangle in the previous season, incarcerated for the most of it and rather self absorbed. World events had not factored high in his priorities. He'd heard about the call for War of course, yet had dwelt on it barely enough to wondered if it might impact his tailor, before slipping back into his daily lament.

 

"So you canvas peers for their votes next session." He spoke in a hush, his back to the room, "Who do you have in support thus far, and who sits upon the fence?" He could help Esteban in this. It was a far easier position for George to work from, rather than Toledo who plainly had something to gain (which meant English Lords might less trust him).

 

"Though I would be wary of saying the words 'France will have no choice'." King Louis was highly experienced and a wily man, and the phrase Esteban used reeked of naivety. "If surrounded." George repeated with a frown, wondering what might happen at that point. It would take but one country to switch and earn the gratitude of France, a country dripping with wealth.

 

"You have heard from Don Juan recently?" George wondered where the man was, and what pacts he was meanwhile forming. This was not Chichester's field of expertise. Joseph Williamson had opened the Earls eyes to how little he knew, which was only enough to know that he needed the advise of someone more experiance in this topic.

 

It was harmless enough to talk to Toledo, but George understood that before he did anything he needed to discuss England's interests with someone who knew.

[Blackguard]

Sophia

 

"Sing to them. How nice," Edith replied in a way that bordered on patronizing. And naïve. They would rather have a farthing than a song. But, who was she to bring the cold reality of the poor to a sheltered lady of court? Some of the poor were quite rude in their expectations and did not mind shouting their needs to their betters when the opportunity presented itself.

 

"Yes, it was a chapel to be built after the Great Fire. A place of hope surrounded by devastation. But, my husband fell ill before the project could get under way."

 

George

 

"Your assistance would be most appreciated my lord," Toledo declared, certain that George spoke truly. "The war party greatly outnumbers the ... French Party, but still there has been no declaration of war. Cumberland leads the War Party and even the Court and Country Parties have supported it. I do not think there is a leader of the Opposition, though several have spoken against war. It is quite odd to me that such a thing could happen." In Spain, if the King and the most powerful Grandees wanted war, there would be war. England was more curious.

 

"Lords with ... sympathies to France have spoken or signaled opposition to the war. Norfolk, Pembroke, Feversham, and Basildon have spoken in favor of peace publicly or privately. It is hard to know where Buckingham is on the issue." Norfolk was difficult to predict. Pembroke was married to the sister of the King's French mistress. Feversham was Marshal Turrenne's nephew and Basildon was half French. "Perhaps you will be more successful in determining if there is a leader of this movement. I should like to speak with him."

[George Hardwick III]

George

"I am upon good terms with Basildon." George replied, affirming that he would speak to the man.

 

In fact Louis' was the name that had come to mind when this Earl sought a broader perspective to be sure he was not Naive in supporting Toledo's request. "You must understand Esteban, that I am a man of Arts, not Politics. My vote in the Lords has been driven by passion and conscience rather than savvy and skill, and as such... well I am less than likely to hold any sway with those important figures of whom you speak." Not to mention that George had not met many.

 

In hindsight, George realized he had led a rather sheltered time at court, keeping the company of a scant four or five gentlmen. I really should have made it a task to meet these other peers.

 

"I dare say we would understand the delays of decision much better if we were privy to the conversations behind closed doors. What was revealed by those they caught after the attacks last Christmas? What was relayed by the French Contingent to His Majesty in May? And, how does Danby and his now being called out upon impeachment fit in to all of that hmm? The timing of that cannot be co-incidental. That one of the greatest proponents for War with France is suddenly gone into hiding right now, does not bode well."

 

"I might suggest, that assisting Danby to clear his name might assist your cause in England." George mused upon the Lord Treasurer who's hatred of France was legendary.

 

Meanwhile. Toledo revealed naught of his Princes whereabouts or activities, which raised a bell in George's mind, though he said nothing.

[Sophia de la Cerda]

Sophia chose to ignore Edith's condescending attitude, and her smile remained in place. Not everyone understands the power of music. She had considered teaching the orphans how to sing and act, but she couldn't tell the old woman about that idea. Treading the boards was considered a disreputable occupation, but it put food on the table and would give the children skills they could use when they grew up. It would also be considered extremely improper for an Ambassador's wife to teach them such things.

 

Unless other nobles stepped in. Maybe she could convince artistic courtiers to donate their talents to help the orphans. They could be taught to paint, sculpt, and play musical instruments. And while she was at it, why not enlist business owners and tradesmen to teach them practical skills and encourage them to take apprentices? Suddenly, Sophia's mind was brimming with exciting ideas. She could mention all this to Lady Mountjoy and see what she thought.

 

“Maybe Her Majesty will have something else in mind for me. I hope to find out today how best I can help. My lord husband is donating funds, and I wish to donate my time.”

 

The petite blonde had heard about the Great Fire. She had been about five then and living on her father's estate in Germany … learning how to read and write and sing, taking care of the many cats that were dropped off on the property, and waiting eagerly for her father to return home from his frequent travels. He had always told her such fascinating tales about the world, but if he had mentioned a fire in England, she did not remember it. She had only learned of it after she had been in London a few months.

 

She wondered whether Lady Habersham's husband was alive or if he, like her father, had passed away. “I am sorry to hear about your lord husband.” Her lyrical voice was sympathetic and respectful. “Has a chapel like that been built already? If not, there is probably still a need for one, even if the area the fire destroyed has already been rebuilt.”

[Blackguard]

George

 

Esteban found himself nodding as George spoke. "I cannot say that I understand the fall of Danby," the Ambassador expressed aloud. "He has been accused of a secret treaty with France to make England Catholic. Lord Danby is an enemy of France and Catholicism, yet people believe the foolishness. The King of France has engineered the whole thing my lord. One has to marvel at how such an enemy of England could be so effective with his lies." He shook his head, either in disgust or admiration.

 

"I hope to learn more about how this came to pass. Whatever you can learn would be appreciated."

 

Sophia

 

"I am certain she shall have something important for you to do," Edith assured. "You are from her state? Did you know her before?"

 

Her husband was long dead but nothing further was said of his fate. Instead, she uttered "it was never built. A statue was erected instead. You know there was a fire last year was it not, in the East End. They are still rebuilding are they not?"

[Sophia de la Cerda]

“I hope so.” Sophia was more serious about participating in charity work than she was about anything other than singing. She genuinely cared about people and it was an excellent way to become known for her good deeds, which would hopefully help change England's perception of Spain. Everything she did now would reflect upon the country she had married into, and she was certain that Juan would be proud of her efforts even if Esteban wasn't.

 

“Yes, I am from the Palatinate, but I did not meet Her Majesty until I came to England. If I had not moved to Venice at such a young age, we probably would have been introduced. My lord father was not without influence there.” Or so she believed.

 

If she had stayed in Germany, she might have been chosen to be one of the maids of honor who accompanied Karoline to England. Her fate would have taken a different direction, but she didn't think she would have been happy. She had always longed for the stage, and because of her time in Venice, she had experienced the joys of performing in operas for nearly two years. Sophia wouldn't trade that for all the status and riches in the world.

 

She would still have met Juan, though. No matter what path her life had taken, she knew without a doubt that the love between her Prince and herself was always meant to be. God had made them for each other. Perhaps seventeen years ago, He had looked down upon Juan and been pleased and had decided to create her as his one true love. It was a fanciful (and rather sappy) notion, but the petite blonde was a very imaginative young lady who was hopelessly and utterly in love.

 

“A statue instead of a chapel?” Sophia wrinkled her nose. What could a statue do to help those whose homes had been destroyed? She leaned forward when Edith mentioned another fire. “I have not heard of it, but I only arrived in England last October. Did it happen before then? I do hope that no one was hurt. If they are still rebuilding, perhaps a chapel can be built there instead.”

[George Hardwick III]

George

 

"I hope to learn more of it also Esteban." George replied with a lopsided smile, "the trick shall be to ingratiate myself into knowing circles, though here I am pot calling the kettle black. Ack, no that is the wrong saying. But you know what I mean."

 

He and Esteban both were in an outsider situation, one from no fault but birth, the other from a string of ill thought actions. "Shall I race you to the answers then?" George gave a good-hearted wink, "the winner gets to pay the dinner bill. That is, I'm inviting you to dinner, in a few nights time yes? Updates and reports, and perhaps take in show after."

[Blackguard]

Sophia

 

"That is too bad," Edith replied. Lady Habersham imagined that Sophia had missed out on the grandest connection she might ever have.

 

Sophia imagined that God created her just for Don Juan. Perhaps that was true. Then again, perhaps he concept of true love was not realistic. One might say a girl like Sophia was in love with being in love. She had managed to fall in love with all sorts of gentlemen over her brief time in London. It would be interesting to see where it might lead.

 

As for the statue, Edith nodded. "It was in honor of the King and Duke of York tearing down buildings to stop the fire from spreading further." The city had almost been destroyed completely. "The fire last year was much smaller, limited to the Eastern part of the city." Mostly the poorest in the city had lost everything.

 

Leaning into Sophia, the older lady whispered "it was theKing's whores that rose to the occasion -- Miss Gwynn and Lady Alyth. They bought farmland to the north of London and resettling a swarm of refugees there. Of course, the Queen wants nothing to do with either of them, so she ignores the fire victims mostly. I would not recommend taking up their plight."

 

George

 

Though the topic was serious, Esteban broke into a smile as George invited him to dinner and a show. "Of course," Toledo agreed rapidly. "Do you have a lady of interest? If so, I can bring my wife." He looked towards Sophia. "Or would you prefer that it just be men?"

[George Hardwick III]

George

 

It was good to see the smile, Toledo had been all too serious, and was well due some cheer in his life. "Moss does not gather on a rolling stone." George bragged in return.

 

"But if you wish to make it a foursome, I am sure I can rummage up a Lady guest if need be." Hmm, or perhaps not. "Or your Lady Wife might do me that service, women love to dabble in that whole matchmaking lark, or so I've heard. Just so long as we have our time to solve all the worlds ails I am happy."

 

His eyes followed his friends to where Sophia was still trapped with the renown eccentric.

 

"I say - ought we show your poor lady some mercy? There is only so much Lady Habersham anyone can endure before succumbing to the slow slide of insanity."

[Sophia de la Cerda]

Sophia had heard how the fire had been stopped, but she still thought the statue was a poor idea. It might remind them who they should be grateful to, but it did nothing to help them regain what they had lost. The money that had been spent to build it could have been put to better uses. But that opinion was best kept to herself. She had lived abroad long enough to know that people of any country had a low tolerance for foreigners who complained about their homeland.

 

She couldn't recall Lady Alyth mentioning anything about fire victims, but helping them sounded like something she would do. Perhaps she would bring it up the next time she saw her friend. The Scottish Countess might be one of the King's mistresses, but she had a good heart and had probably done more for the English people than Lady Habersham had.

 

Another opinion to keep to herself.

 

From time to time, she glanced over at Esteban and George, and she sighed when she saw her husband smile. Why does he never smile for me? she thought forlornly. He is quite handsome when he smiles. I wish he thought more highly of me.

 

“Thank you for the advice, my lady,” she said to Edith. “Are you involved in any charities yourself?"

[Blackguard]

George

 

"I can ask my wife if you wish." Esteban was still not certain that he wished to have women present. They made conversations around them become necessarily inconsequential. "Or it could be just the two of us if you wish to speak of politics and diplomacy." He would leave it to George.

 

The mention of Lady Habersham caused Toledo to look back at Sophia and see how she was faring. "I suppose. We can speak more of this matter when next we meet. Shall we?" He started to move back to join his wife.

 

Sophia

 

"The usual charities," Edith replied cryotically. She was more interested in being charitable in other ways, like finding good matches for young people at court, and taking young people under her wing. Then there were the charities about saving England from foreigners, but the Society was not really a charity. There was no reason to mention it in front of a foreigner.

 

"Though one must be careful of helping people that can help themselves," Edith warned. "My husband often said that charity on the able-bodied was a curse. It drives them to idleness rather than industry. Orphans need help certainly," she added without much transition. "Perhaps I shall help the Queen with that. I like children, if they are well-behaved."

[George Hardwick III]

George

 

"Then just we two." George revealed his own preference. Not that there was any manner of attraction between the pair, but that he easily shared Estebans view. After all, he'd suggested the future meeting as an oportunity to share developments either way, and it was not as though they coudl do that with ladies present. Everyone knew women were best left to arranging parties, not politics, and even then under close supervision.

 

"After you." with a nod of head, they stepped back towards the women.

 

Rejoining the Ladies

 

"And here he is safely returned as promised, with naught but a few scuffs -- that a quick whip-around with some shoe polish shall hide in no time at all." George spoke in good humor, supplying a genial smile to the younger, before attending upon the elder.

 

"Lady Habersham." he then bowed over the woman of vintage, "we have yet to formally meet, though your consummate wisdom over courts ways precedes you, both for your pithy eloquence and clarity of sight. Lord Chichester, at your service." he pressed lips to wrinkly hand if offered.

[Sophia de la Cerda]

The usual charities? What were those? If she didn't think she would reveal her ignorance and call attention to her foreignness, she would have asked. Maybe Sophia could find out what charities most of the proper ladies at court supported. It would help her gain acceptance in the circles Esteban wished her to be a part of.

 

“Your lord husband's words are very wise. What I would like to do is to find work for those who cannot support themselves. Instead of inspiring idleness, I will inspire them to do everything they can to improve their own lives. Some of them just need chances and I would like to provide opportunities for them. I have no sympathy for those who choose indolence. I look forward to helping the orphans as well. Perhaps we can both make a difference in their lives.”

 

The gentlemen returned and Sophia laughed at Lord Chichester's jest. “Thank you for bringing him back. He looks completely unscathed to me.” In fact, her husband seemed happier than he had since the opera. Speaking to his friend had been good for him.

 

George greeted Lady Habersham with respect and eloquence and she thought the elderly lady would be charmed by him. Once the introductions were over, she favored the Earl with a disarming smile. “May I ask you a question, Lord Chichester? It concerns the artists under your patronage.” She felt she needed to clarify the reason so he wouldn't think she wanted to ask him about the incident in the gazebo.

[Blackguard]

Esteban nodded his agreement that the two of them would meet privately. Chichester was a good man.

 

Edith nodded to encourage the young Sophia in her dreams. She was left silently to wonder whether Sophia's enthusiasm would wane when the real work began, like so many ladies of court.

 

Lady Habersham was pleasantly surprised by George's kind words. "Now here is a gentleman who was raised correctly," she complimented as she presented her gloved hand. "Lord Chichester you have me at a disadvantage. I think I knew your father, Could you remind me of his name please?"

 

Sophia sought to draw off the charming earl to discuss artists. Already Edith was thinking who would be an excellent match for the charming earl.