Let Us All Make Merry, Very Very Merry!- Xmas 1677

[Defiance]

Chatham, Camberwell, & Cleveland

 

"Such is the fate of gentlemen who overreach too brazenly from their station. Their rise is most often followed by a spectacular fall," Camberwell said. "Danby has shown his nature before, why any are surprised I know not."

 

That the king was displeased was telling. Their king tended to be rather forgiving of friends and ministers.

 

"Duly noted," Camberwell said of the challenge, turning his eyes to the offering in question. Will Basildon know when to share?

 

"Brandy & adventuring it is then," Camberwell agreed. "Perhaps that was part of the charm for the lady?" Camberwell said of the posterity of the house. It did have quite the reputation.

 

Rowley & Company

 

"So I am thus commanded to lead the hunt then, eh?" Buckingham asked his Lady of Misrule with a cheeky grin. "Now that I can do."

 

"New toys are all the more exciting," Ranelagh countered, with a little bow.

 

"Perhaps we are to see who can put together the best hand?" the king guessed, wagging his brows.

 

"A new meaning to a royal flush perhaps?" Buckingham chimed in.

[Nicolette Vauquelin]

Rowley & Company

 

"Already the next hunt is before you." Nicolette chimed cheerily to Buckingham, while inside she could have screamed. Was this really happening? Was she encouraging Buckingham the huntsman, to find a new plaything for Rochester - when she would like ever so much to drown sweetly into oblivion in the Irish Earl's pretty eyes. It was hardly fair!

 

To console herself she pouted (and, surprisingly, felt much better). "I want to be a new toy too." Yet she had brains enough to not look at Ranelagh as she said so, rather, His Majesty.

 

Buckingham’s quip was funny though, and she was grinning again. Besides, it was best not to take Ranelagh any more seriously than he took himself - and he'd have many lovers before and after their prophesied marriage.

 

"Master Tomcat... I know just the right toy for you. Have you met Princess Juliana, of Hesse-Eschwege?" Nicolette suggested, a broad smile growing upon her face.

 

It did seem as though Buckingham (and CR) might also nominate others for the sport. Richard for his part seemed up for most about anything.

[Francis Kirke]

Francis was not quite as Machiavellian in understanding as many of the court veterans, but he did have the wherewithal to realize that there were advantages to bringing the fallen Danby's daughter to a libertine event.

 

Well, afterall, the poor girl might soon be in need of friends. The sort who kept a woman on the side lavishly. For the other sort, the marrying sort, would not have much to do with her if things went on as they were. Where better to meet and learn about such friends.

 

It brought a tickle of a smile to his face at the introduction, one which might seem flirtatious couched in his youthful look. But such was the spirit of the evening.

 

As to the further introductions, he said of Basildon's regards, "To live up to such an introduction!" A good-natured chuckle followed. "THere is something to be said for more interesting, for it is far better than becoming less interesting, which seems to be something of a court trend, or is that a court liability?" Persons came in and out of interest of court so very quickly. It took exertion, more exertion than he had thought on his ships. Even for libertines there was far more to it than parties and debauching.

 

Whether he intended an allusion to Danby's fall would be hard to ascertain as he was far too busy shifting focus to flirting with the poor girl about showing his card. She had to go ask!

 

"Ah but being allowed to show it rather ruins the sport of it, my dears!" Francis lamented, with a sly look. "Where is the daring! Pah!" he teased. "Do libertines ask about rules?" he asked in a bit louder of a voice to the room with a large gesture of his hand. "I think we should only ask about Misrules this evening! So, darling hostess of revelry, what might I do to misbehave?" He wagged his brows.

[Louis Killington]

Louis, Caroline, Bridget, Archie and Francis

 

So it seemed that Archibald had inherited his father's estate. that meant that the older brother was gone as well. "Congratulations" he bid the new lord. The artificial condolences could not offered. Louis knew there had been no love loss between father and son. "Tis a long trip indeed." He could understand the need to drink coconut milk during the long trip. "A few barrels of coconuts would have been quite the treasure this season," he remarked, making a mental note to have some shipped from Jamaica on the next run. "I assume you consumed all the rum as well," he jested.

 

Caroline stated that they could look at their cards, but Basildon felt the same as Kingston -- best to keep information secret for now. Most likely it was a method of matching guests.

 

Kingston was titillating Bridget a bit before turning his attention back to the hostess. Yes, what did Caroline have in store for the party? Was there to be dancing, entertainment, or imbibing until one slipped into a stupor? He still kept an ey on the King and Buckingham, seeing how his cousin fared. She was quite good at holding attention.

 

There were others to meet; but for now, he would stay and see what merriment could be found in present company. "I do hope that you have some interesting brandy," Louis announced as he signaled for a servant.

[Caroline Despanay]

Bridget had been fortunate arriving with Lord Killington, for if he was willing to be seen...no more than that, escorting the young lady then that should help her standing despite her rapidly deteriorating family situation. Caroline let Louis and newcomer, Archibald, chat a bit about coconuts and colonies, neither of much interest to her perhaps mostly because of her total lack of knowledge in either subject. And of course Francis was his usual buoyant bubbly self, some things could indeed be relied upon in this topsy turvy world.

 

"I only host this party but my good friend, Nicci, now she is Lady of Misrule for the season so I will bow to her decisions on how many rules we follow tonight," Caroline easily conceded.

 

"Now....as for brandy I am glad you should ask. I have an excellent French brandy that I have been impressed with or if you are unfamiliar with it, I also have some blood orange brandy courtesy of Francis. Both the Lady of Misrule and myself love it if you are looking for opinions as to it's quality," she explained.

[Charles Audley]

Chatham, Camberwell & Cleveland

 

"And so he shall be consigned to history as naught but a lesson in the perils of being merely a knife in search of a back. Alas," Charles commented sardonically, before correcting himself. "Barring truly outrageous fortune, of course."

 

And it would have to be truly outrageous, given the quantity and quality of enemies Danby had made, none of whom was likely to miss the chance of pissing on Danby's grave.

 

Unless they were busy filling it. And even then they'd only put it off.

 

"And for me," he appended to Barbara's drinks order, before casting his eye over the crowd gathering around Bridget and humming in agreement with the Duchess.

 

"Yes, that's quite a press. Any more and she'll be quite overwhelmed. She cannot have been popular of late." He grinned thinly and strolled after Barbara, languidly running his gaze over the interior. (He had not examined the decor in any great detail on his last visit after all.)

 

"I have heard that this is not the first bacchanal to have been hosted here. Just as well, perhaps, that walls do not talk."

[Aria]

Caroline, Archibald, Louis, Francis, and Bridget

 

Master Rice … no, it was Lord Rice, since he had inherited his father's title … was polite to her, but he seemed more interested in Lord Basildon, which was understandable considering that the two of them were old friends and she was so much younger than he. Lord Kingston was friendlier, but when Lady Kendishall told them that they could show each other their cards, he changed his mind. Bridget put her card back in her pocket, wondering what kind of game the cards would be used in.

 

The idea of misbehaving made her a bit uncomfortable. She had never been to a libertine party before and was now wondering if she should have declined Lord Basildon's invitation. But she trusted the handsome Earl and didn't believe he would put her in a situation that would be awkward for her. Still, she moved a bit closer to her escort, as if for protection, as he asked about brandy.

 

“I would like to try it,” Bridget ventured shyly when Lady Kendishall spoke of a blood orange variety. It sounded delicious and her throat felt quite dry as it often did when she was nervous.

[Defiance]

Rowley, Nicolette, Bucky, et al

 

Buckingham did not hunt for anyone but himself. Or what suited himself. He was vain in the way of princes. Therefore, Nicolette need not worry that he took her words in such a way. Instead, he saw them as something of a unique challenge. Which perhaps when paired with her next assertion gave Buckingham a different idea altogether. The End Game was the king, and they were not yet there. He was thus focused on enticing Charles and hinted so with his own words.

 

"My Lady of Misrule, you are something far more than just a toy, I think, though perhaps you toy with us," he replied with a smile and a wink.

 

Rowley did not miss her look toward him. The hint was none-too-subtle, and he could not help but the little smile that took over his face, though he tried to hide it with a serious brow.

 

"To do some toying but not be a toy," the king said, "Sounds advice. I shall do some." He suspected he was doing some just then as he held in his amusement. "Come, Master of the Sheets, perhaps we should ask our hostess to inspect them." He chuckled, and separated the group. Ashburnham whispered, "I wonder what improvements the lady has made."

[Hope]

Chatham, Camberwell & Cleveland

 

"Absence is not near as theatrical as his head upon a pike, he was ever a boring man I recall, failing to amuse." Babara's mind drifted, "Still, it's never truly over until one is dead – perhaps this is just the passing of another of his nine lives, who's to know." Within CRII rule there were any number who'd fallen then rised again. While she held no love for the man, he'd ever struck her as a survivor, and she had... respected was too strong a word, perhaps tolerated was better.

 

"Now here is a thing I just now note." a pause, and a sip of newly acquired brandy. "that the Lazarus-s, or should that be Lazar-ii, seem to be the ones with smiles upon their faces." CR seemed more able to forgive cheerful sorts - was her comment.

 

Having lost interest for the little girl, Barbara pressed on into the house of marvellous repute, with a nod to Camberwell's comment. The libertines were ever ready to embrace another into the fold. A more inclusive set, than those of proper. "With so many of our fine sort attending, I am left wondering what York is up to this evening." her eyes swung back to Chatham, the comment being for him. Churchill could not escort her on account of duty, implied to be with the Prince.

[Nicolette Vauquelin]

Nicolette, Bucky & Ranelagh - Rowley & Ashburnham leave to approach Caroline etc

It was indeed a long game, or more correctly a long preparation for a game. Would the length of prequel increase chances of an eventual relationships longevity perhaps? Would Nicolette be less easily cast aside, than those ladies whom CR drew to himself upon whim and impulse? Who could know. Buckingham perhaps. And so on they did this little dance, each their part, and quite as likely all aware to what was going on. Why it was even possible that CR resisted the ladies considerable charm upon the very account of who she was sponsored by.

 

Her pouted lips eased into a slier smile at the Dukes comment, "The best games are when nobody knows who is the toy and who the plaything."

 

His Majesty liked Buckinghams notion and chose it as a cue to move on, gathering up Ashburnham with intents to do a little meddling with Caroline. Nicci's smile froze a little at this 'progress' but that was the way of things really. One day he'd choose her company over all others, or at least she could continue that hope.

 

Mentally shaking herself she turned to Buckingham and Ranelagh with a little shrug, "Do you know I think it time for a game. Mmm... how about a game called...." she hesitated for a moment, wondering what sort of game to suggest? What did English like to play? She hardly knew. "...hide the penny?" she invented on the sport. Then to offer an alternative, "Or would you prefer to play Ring around the Tosies. Your choice." She lifted her chin and gave a pretty laugh.

[Defiance]

"There are any number of gentlemen and peers clamoring to manage the King's affairs of state, but there are far fewer who have ever shown the ability to entertain him, and thus forgiveness favors those that are divertingly indispensable," Camberwell observed, holding his glass as if accentuating a toast.

 

"As at least a few of our company knows very well." Barbara herself had been very successful at that very thing until the rabble who disliked her finally rose to a roar that even the king's pleasure could not ignore.

 

The king had a forgiving nature and disliked anything confrontational, it was quite true. He forgave his friends readily, and useful ministers too.

 

"Dear Jemmy, probably being serious if he is not here, or perhaps he is pining for his mistress?" Camberwell snorted, "Or feels too bare without her wit to hide behind. I have told him that he hides his staring at tits as well he already does his lack of wits." Which was to say he hid neither quality very well. A sentiment that revealed Camberwell was close enough to York to say such things without much concern.

[Defiance]

"That is a good sentiment, mademoiselle, for I think you are both right now," Buckingham cheekily replied, his eyes trailing after a merry Rowley with a spring in his step. Buckingham now believed the king was toying back with Mistress Envy, enjoying the pleasure of it all unfolding immensely, pretending he had not pieced together the more obvious of clues.

 

Or perhaps the king wished to see what sort of a magnum opus the duke was producing. Or perhaps the king wished to see if his golden cub was up to the duke's standard of mistressing? Either way, it seemed playing the part was giving the king a vast amount of merriment, even if Nicolette did not know England's royal master well enough to see it.

 

"Indeed," Ashburnham chuckled. "He likes you mademoiselle. And games."

 

When so many wished to sleep with the king, those that could be more and that could make it entertaining for longer were in a different class.

 

"Hide the penny? Is that where someone surreptitiously tries to hide a penny in a lady's cleavage and everyone else tries to find it?" Buckingham asked. "Sounds like a pursuit a Master Hunter would be quite good at," he tittered. "Perhaps I should check yours and make certain our Lady of Misrule doesn't intend to cheat?" He did not know that she invented the game, but he equally quickly inserted his own plausibility into the vision, pretending he had actually played such a game when he was making it all up too.

[Nicolette Vauquelin]

As deflated as she was at the Kings sudden departure (though 'twas concealed by fresh burst of smiles and proposed fun) - the Duke did not seem at all bothered. Buckinghams cheer was a clue to Nicci, that perhaps it had not gone poorly, that she'd not managed to bore after all. Instead, perhaps the king wass playing his own game?

 

Her eyes slid after CR... then to Ashburnham who was kind enough to whisper comment plainly. She gave him a grateful smile as the younger man too slipped away. She had much th to learn yet about the way the King liked to play!

 

But for now her own method was to have the most fun about her, perhaps to draw royal eyes back.

 

The Duke was a great sport, he seemed taken with the first game she plucked from the air, she laughed with delight at his suggestions. His was a sharp mind, quick to discover frolic.

 

"You have played this game before!" she accused merrily, laughing brightly as he suggested she might be already cheating! "Would I hide pennies, when I desire sovereigns?" she winked, staying his hand from it's feinted approach.

 

"La, have you a penny? Who wants to go first hiding it..." she grinned, casting her eyes about, wondering who's bodice she'd try make into a penny mule.

 

The potential for frolicsome mayhem with this game was quite uplifting. It was really an excuse for libertine gents to take a fondle! And for libertine ladies to... well do what libertine ladies had always done; coax and tease their amorous partners quite mercilessly! "Shall we invite others to play too, or would it be more fun to keep them unwitting?"

[Caroline Despanay]

Even as Caroline was breaking away from Louis, Bridget, Francis, and Archibald fortuitously His Royal Majesty (well...in disguise) and Ashburnham were now approaching her. Though never a shy one, Caroline could not help but fight off a bit of nerves now that she would be facing the monarch of the island kingdom. But like her soldier father, she was determined never to show her fear.

 

"Why good evening to you both, thank you for deigning to attend my humble celebration, my lords," she hoped she wasn't supposed to use any royal form of address in speaking to the man.

 

"This is almost like a dream....all these handsome men congregating in my house. I only hope I can prove an entertaining hostess. Might I offer you some drinks?"

 

Even as she spoke she kept her eyes on the King's face, trying go ascertain whether she was hitting the right note with her manner of address or if he seemed even the slightest bit irritated that she was not showing the proper deference. She was prepared to switch tactics in an instant should she deem it prudent.

[Charles Audley]

Chatham, Camberwell & Cleveland

 

"There is perhaps no great mystery in that," Charles mused idly. "Sooner or later we all fall victim to poor judgement or simple ill fortune. And when your own powers fail you, it is useful to be likeable and liked."

 

And doubly useful not to have reached one's position clambering over the backs of other men. Though perhaps the lesson is to destroy those you must betray so thoroughly that they never have the opportunity to take revenge.

 

Charles grinned thinly, amused as Barbara fished for news of York. There was a thrill of excitement as he waited for Camberwell's answer. The great risk of this little game was that he did not know what York was doing this evening, but that just made it more fun.

 

That answer was interesting on its own merits too. Camberwell was apparently quite close to York, given the familiarity of the response.

 

"He certainly seemed quite taken with her at the opera," Charles offered. "Had his gentlemen hunting for her quite assiduously." He snorted with amusement. "But perhaps he was merely unlucky enough to draw the short straw this evening."

[Francis Kirke]

Francis, Louis, Bridget, Archibald, w/ Caroline leaving

 

(OOC - I'm going to post and keep this moving, Archibald can jump back in when he's back from exams, etc )

 

"So you have decided to share it," Francis said, with a light chuckle. He had sent her the bottles, but it was hers to do with as she pleased.

 

"The Italians are very skilled with their bottling of libations and that is where this particular blend hails from."

 

When Bridget said that she would like to try it, Francis smiled at her.

 

"Shall we all have some then?" He looked to Basildon.

[Louis Killington]

Louis, Bridget, Archie, and Francis

 

Always ready to sample an exotic brandy, Louis was quick to volunteer. "Yes, let us all have some," he replied happily. He had tasted some when in Buckingham's company and he had found it agreeable.

 

The King was moving in their direction, which made Louis calculate how best to avoid introductions; but, Caroline separated herself to meet the King as he approached. Did she plan to keep him to herself? He certainly hoped not.

[Defiance]

Nicolette

 

"Well, mademoiselle, they did say Harry VIII carried coin and riches in his codpiece, so you shall have to investigate if sovereigns might be found in such a place instead of pennies," Buckingham joked.

 

"Since the game is hiding pennies, perhaps Jack should do the honours?" he added, looking to Ashburnham. "You did hear the lady, she plays only in better coinage."

 

It was something of a private dare to get it into Danby's daughter's cleavage somehow, for Ashburnham knew well of his distaste for everything Danby. Considering Danby had gotten Monmouth sent away, he was in Jack's bad graces as well.

 

"The more the merrier, but some will have to be unaware of the game afoot if we are to have any success hiding pennies," Ashburnham pointed out. "Perhaps we tell everyone once we've hidden it?"

[Defiance]

Caroline, Rowley, & Ranelagh

 

(OOC - somehow I confused myself with pseudonyms and have Ashburnham in two places, so I'm going to say Ranelagh went with CR )

 

"And thank you for this grand diversion, my lady. We eagerly await your pleasure," Ranelagh said with a cheeky grin. "The Lady of Misrule has dubbed me Master Tomcat, have you met Rowley here before?"

 

"Drinks indeed. I hope to be well in my cups by the time this game of cards begins," Rowley added with a wink.

[Aria]

Francis, Louis, Archibald, and Bridget

 

Lady Kendishall left them, presumably to greet more guests, and Bridget found herself the lone lady in their little group. She blushed when Lord Kingston smiled at her. Both he and Lord Basildon agreed that they should all try the blood-orange brandy and Bridget which one of them would fetch her a glass. A little liquid courage would be most welcome now.

[Hope]

Chatham, Camberwell & Cleveland

In agreement with the others, Barbara took up Camberwell’s phrase "Divertingly indispensable... that might become the nomdeplume for Charles Merry household one day." The gent in their midst held potential with that regard she supposed, yet she teased him then asking, "And how might you be indispensable my dear?"

 

As for Barbara's on accomplishments on that score, they were well known, and she gave a mute smile to that fact. While some might say her hey day had passed, she might claim that she was now living very comfortably upon bounty, and with fingers in a diverse array of pies still. Her intrigues these days were less public.

 

"He is still mooning over the little country girl?" Heather had arrived at court as a innocent, a hoyden even, though she'd been a quick study and advanced with swift feet through the midst. "What is keeping her away I wonder, when there is still one prince she's yet to take as conquest?" Barbara snickered of that. She had half expected to return to England and find Heather had next seduced Cumberland! "Or perhaps she's taking a breather before that challenge, a daunting mountain that one."

 

It was all gossip for the most part. Which made Charles comment all the more interesting.

 

"At the Opera? I rue that I missed it... do tell more."

 

All which proved to distract her from Churchill, though her question was not forgotten.

[Caroline Despanay]

Ranelagh seemed to speak for the King's party, politely thanking her for throwing this festive affair then informed her that Nicci had named him 'Master Tomcat'.

 

"I shall try to remember to address you as that then the rest of the night," Caroline promised.

 

Ranelagh then asked her if she had met a certain Rowley. It was of course the King though, however if that was the name His Royal Majesty wished to use on this night, she would happily agree to such a course of action.

 

"No, I do not believe I have. Delighted that you have decided to attend," Caroline feigned ignorance as she smiled and offered them drinks since their hands were thus far empty.

 

Rowley seemed more than willing to indulge, even to the extent of being quite inebriated by the time her little card game would commence. Caroline nodded.

 

"Well then we must get you all started, come with me, please," Caroline then led them right to a side table filled with various bottles of liquors of all sorts, she was really quite proud of her collection for this evening.

 

"Take your pick or.......sample them all before the night is done," her eyes went to Rowley as she spoke.

[Francis Kirke]

Francis, Bridget. & Louis

 

A year ago, Francis might have thought one of them needed to go get the refreshments, but if general court life had not broken him of that habit, life at Buckingham's house had done so.

 

Like a true nobleman, he looked for a servant to fetch them what was needed, but then another idea struck him. It was a libertine gathering, and there was a certain fun in the shock value of Basildon bringing Danby's daughter. Francis simply pulled out his flask and held it out to the lady as if it were the most typical thing to do. In truth, he would not have hesitated to offer it to Heather.

 

"Instant gratification," he said. That did not simply apply to the brandy, either.

[Defiance]

Camberwell, Cleveland, & Chatham

 

Camberwell raised an eyebrow at Chatham when the duchess asked him how he would be divertingly indispensible, eager to hear his answer for one reason or another. Camberwell had his own reasons for closeness with the royal family.

 

It was easy to chuckle at James' affinity for Heather O'Roarke. The lady was both amusing and talented, but it was still amusing to watch a royal pine with any form of loyalty.

 

Barbara's barb about the only prince left made Camberwell burst with a loud guffaw. Thankfully, having moved from most the party guests, there was nobody to turn and look.

 

"I do not think Mrs. Hughes would be so amused at that thought," he said, a merry glint in his eye. "And Cumberland is far too stoic for such."

 

At mention of the opera, Camberwell looked to Chatham too, interested to hear further what he had to say.

[Defiance]

Caroline & the Merry Men

 

Rowley chuckled to himself, wondering if the young widow recalled having met the incognito king before as Rowley. It had been an outdoor party then and quite dark, but he had not forgotten.

 

"Shall I choose for us?" Rowley asked, in a merry way, enjoying the novelty of being able to do for himself or even for anyone else. Even for merry kings there were constraints and that was why he enjoyed his time as Rowley.

 

He reached for one of the bottles and poured them all out a measure, handing one first to Caroline*.

 

"To a merry evening!" Master Tomcat said, drinking it down.

 

Chuckling, Rowley followed suit. Then both tilted an eye to see if Caroline would follow, even as Rowley reached for the bottle to refill them all again.

 

(OOC - *she can decide what he chose )

[Nicolette Vauquelin]

Nicolette, Buckingham, w. Ashburnham heading off?

 

"He was a tease too then?" Nicolette sallied of the long passed king as she drew her gaze back from CR. He and Ranelagh were making merry with Caroline, were her efforts slipping from her fingers? She met Buckingham’s gaze and gave a small sigh.

 

"Then I shall bid you good luck, Master of the Sheets, may the wind be at your back." she seconded the Dukes nomination that Ashburnham be the one to sally forth. "Fret not, I shall keep the Huntsmaster entertained. Tally ho! And those other hunting words!..." her heart was not really in the cheering on of the penny-game itself, it was more that she might have a moment with the Duke.

 

She bit her tongue till the young gamester moved off, and then moved closer to the Duke, "It is such a long game we play Your Grace." said the girl who felt the world continue to move beneath her feet.

[Charles Audley]

Chatham, Camberwell & Cleveland

 

"Now that is the question, isn't it? A definitive answer would be very valuable, had I one," Charles mused, smiling blithely and giving a one-shouldered shrug. "I have the beginnings of one, though, I suppose." Briefly, he described his venture into the realms of dog-minding.

 

"My manservant still hasn't forgiven me for the coat," he groused good-naturedly.

 

He joined Camberwell's laughter at Barbara's little sally.

 

"You know, she and Cumberland did share a dance at the ball, and I don't recall seeing either of them after that..." he offered once his merriment subsided, only the mischief shining in his eye giving the lie to his new thoughtful pose.

 

Charles took a sip of brandy as the talk turned to the opera.

 

"Well, as I said, his gentleman were set to searching for her, and most urgently too. Justifiably so, as the lady arrived with a reticule full of rotting vegetation for what I am sure were entirely innocent and understandable reasons." Another half shrug.

 

"I was enlisted in the disposal of the offending item after ambushing Churchill in the foyer, and was rewarded with a seat in York's box. The Prince and his lady were most pleased to see one another again, and most demonstrative to boot. I confess that I did not pay much attention during the opera itself- the performance of the prima donna was most eye-catching, as I'm sure you've heard- but I did observe that they did not tarry overlong once the curtain fell."

[Hope]

Chatham, Camberwell & Cleveland

 

As Charles drew a breath to make his reply Barbara leaned in to Camberwell with an quiet aside, "The man has an answer for everything." Which was to say that he seemed utterly unflappable – and perhaps challenge to see if the other might make him stuck for words?

 

Hearing him out with his tales of spaniels, the Duchess examined her manicure to comment, "So you would be disperser of the king litters, now there is a role that shall come up often." Various ribbing could have been had, that an ounce of prevention was worth a pound of cure etc, but when it came to the Kings Bastards of any species the less said the better! (from her perspective at least)

 

"Lord keep us from the wrath of Peg Hughes." Barbara chuckled to Camberwell’s comment. From her own perspective, if she's wanted Rupert she'd have had him, but the man was such a stiff. Heather was welcome to him!

 

"Such a colourful figure." of Heather she clicked her tongue with amusement, wondering what the redheads plans had been for the rotten vegetables. "With what I know of the woman, her use for it would be nothing cliche." she doubted Heather would have been foolish enough to throw refuse at a Royally sponsored Operatic performance. But it's attendants. Well that was another thing. "You have a theory of course, Lord Chatham?"

[Louis Killington]

Francis, Bridget. & Louis

 

Rather than rely upon servants, Francis pulled forth his flask. "Yes, instant gratification is called for. Ladies first," he urged. He had already given Bridget a swig from his flask in the coach. It should not take much liquor for Bridget to lose her properness. Initially he had expected Caroline to corrupt her this evening, but she was playing with the King. While such flirting might lead to a royal toss in the hay, Louis did not expect this to thwart his cousin's grander plan to rise above a mere night of bedwarming.

 

Waiting for Bridget to drink, he cast his amused eyes at Francis, glad that he was in the spirit of corruption this evening. Yet, he glanced at Buckingham and Nicci standing together. It was possible that she was becoming jealous of her friend. That would not be a welcome development. He could not interrupt Old Rowley in favor of his cousin, for the King would not be amused, so he thought of the next best thing.

 

Looking at Kingston, Louis declared "this party is far too serious. What say we join his Grace and the Lady of Misrule and see what rules she might have this evening?" There would be a way for her to design a game or challenge that might move the King away from Caroline and focus his attention back to Nicolette.

[Caroline Despanay]

Rowley wished to choose the bottle they would be drinking, Caroline merely nodded affirmation with a smile, "Please do."

 

The choices before the King were nothing but excellent ones, she had spent good money on her liquor supply plus there was Francis' superb blood orange brandy. One simply could not go wrong. He reached for the brandy. Perhaps he had had it before and knew how delightful it was. Pouring glasses for each of them then, Rowley handed her one.

 

"Thank you, wise choice too. You have excellent taste, my lord," she accepted the glass.

 

The two men toasted and downed their drinks with zest. Caroline smiled as she watched them do it then seeing their eyes on her she raised her glass, "Indeed! It is my utmost hope."

 

Then without batting an eyelash, Caroline drained the glass as if it were no more than water, she had always been able it seemed to handle her liquor. But given her family, she had a lot of practice.

 

"Help yourself to more, for if you wait til later, it might all be gone," she invited them, "such a shame. So...don't be shy tonight."