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

[Aria]

Francis, Louis, and Bridget

 

Bridget's eyes widened when Lord Kingston pulled out a flask. Did all men carry them? No wonder some gentlemen looked drunk when they were in the library or walking through the gardens. They had liquor with them all the time.

 

She looked to Lord Basildon for permission. He agreed with Lord Kingston, and so she reached out for the flask, her fingers brushing briefly against Francis'. Bright sensations blossomed through her young body at the brief contact, and she blushed again. This was only the second time that she had drunk from one … and both on the same night. Lifting it to her lips, she took a delicate sip which turned into a larger one when she realized how good it was. “This is delicious!” she exclaimed as she passed it back to Francis. Bridget wasn't sure whether she was supposed to hand it to Louis or not. She didn't know the proper etiquette for drinking from a flask.

 

She gazed around for mistletoe as Louis suggested that they join some of the others. Bridget recognized the Lady of Misrule from the ball and she was conversing with Lord Buckingham. She had never paid attention to politics and had no idea that the Duke was one of her father's enemies. It was not her place to decide what they should do next, and she looked over at Lord Kingston, ready to follow where he led.

[Defiance]

Buckingham & Nicolette

 

The duke, ever the astute observer of human behavior, may have noticed Basildon looking their way along with his nephew and Danby's daughter.

 

What games might we play, eh...

 

He also noticed that his mademoiselle had all the trappings of a young lady. She was impatient for her goal. He could empathize. He did not prefer patience, but he had grown adept at the long games of court.

 

"Think of it as a series of small games, where there is ample winning and thwarting of others left and right," the duke encouraged at a whisper. "Kings cannot help but spreading their attentions around, but the allure of the next little game, that next step toward a greater end, is a luring power itself, mademoiselle. You shall see." He paused and tutted teasingly, "And do not forget, you must impress me as well."

 

It was one thing to entertain a young man, but it was an altogether different skill to please an older man, a fact he was sad to admit but to hold to such denial of age did not suit his purposes.

 

"I do think we are about to be joined. Do you know of Danby's daughter? The man who makes all of this possible by his self-destructing demise." The duke grinned.

 

 

Meanwhile Ashburnham set out to keep the penny very warm in his hand so that he might actually get it in someone's cleavage without the chill of metal hitting their skin.

[Defiance]

Rowley, Ranelagh, & Caroline

 

Rowley had indeed had his gentleman's blood orange brandy before; in fact, the memorable time was when they had all found out he was not Francis Kirke at all. Besides being actually quite fond of it, the king was well-aware that his tastes and approvals could be quite the endorsement to his household's other ventures.

 

"It is your good taste for having it on offer," Rowley praised as he watched her down a drink as well.

 

Enthusiastically, he poured another, eager to see just how brazen this new young lady to the libertine circle could be.

 

"As long as you are drinking with us," Ranelagh agreed with a grin.

 

"We wouldn't want all the good ones to be gone later," Rowley added.

 

(OOC - CR's feelings on Francis' brandy were established by Fluff, so I'm just using that not being shady with my own character)

[Defiance]

Camberwell, Cleveland, & Chatham

 

Camberwell laughed at the story about the dogs, snickering to himself about the innuendo to be had for Barbara. Camberwell would far rather procure for the king than deal with the offspring! Dear Clovis was always buried under puppies and children, in one way or another.

 

"Who can blame her for not wishing to share?" Camberwell joked. "And Cumberland has not the attention span for two women in such a way." Not to mention Ru had a deeper loyalty and sensibility. At least, in Camberwell's fond estimation.

 

"Speaking of ardent searching, I have some searching to do myself," Camberwell said. "I will leave you two to your devices."

 

When two came to such a party together, Camberwell ventured a guess that there was some fucking to be done. He did not wish to make such a thing difficult.

 

(OOC - Camberwell is bowing out for now so he can spread his love around )

[Nicolette Vauquelin]

Buckingham & Nicolette - to be joined by Louis (Bridget&Francis?)

 

Yet if Louis knew anything it was that Caroline was Nicci's very best friend, and so she could never begrudge the others successes even if they came ahead of her own. No, more likely his cousin rued her own failure to inspire reckless ardour in the English Monarch.

 

If Caroline was successful, then perhaps Nicci would quiz her friend for every detail to learn from the others experience!

 

But for now the Frenchling’s focus turned to the Duke as she managed to get him all to herself. That they played any game together was a triumph in itself. It would be lovely, she'd thought from time to time, if their sport included a romp or two. Oh yes, he had so many women in his household he hardly needed one more, but. well. Who knew what the future would hold for, best that she open as many option as possible! And yes, she was keenly aware that she needed to continue impress the Duke of So-many-Fingers-in-Pies himself...

 

George Villiers then whispered into her ear, goosebumps tingled up one side. With a flick of her fan she concealed her lips as she replied, "I would learn from the Master Juggler himself." It was not really such a secret at all, but what fun to act covert amidst this room of eyes.

 

"Yet of His Majesty." her eyes swung to meet his as she slowly smiled. "Would seem to play a game of chase, does he like to be pursued? I can not believe he is only shy." her eyes slid out to Caroline and her favourites, "Or perhaps he likes to choose his own sport. That I can believe." She had been pretty much throwing herself at him at every turn. That might be very off-putting to a man. "La! I do not think I'd like it much myself."

 

Admission/realisation made, Nicci gave a delicate shrug. That same thought might apply universally, she looked back to the Grand Duke himself. Perhaps Men liked women to be more aloof? Perhaps that was the way to do it? Closing her fan she took a further sip of her drink.

 

"Aha, yes she is a sorry creature. My cousin used to pull wings off lies as a boy, now he has other sport." Nicci murmured with no compassion for the foolish girl. She had little toleration for idiocy. "This is not the first Osborne head my cousin presents upon a platter...let us see what he has in mind for us?"

 

Using the word 'us', and meaning 'Buckingham and herself', was an ego boost in itself. She turned and smiled benevolently to Louis and the little girl he brought with him, her eyebrow raising a fraction as her gaze met Francis' eyes and held there.

[Charles Audley]

Chatham & Cleveland, with Camberwell departing.

 

Charles laughed at Barbara's sally.

 

"Well, I should at least be assured that my position was secure," he mock-mused, "but I would require a frankly enormous sum for equipage, given the rate at which I would go through coats."

 

He rather fancied that looking after the royal pups was much less stressful than looking after the royal bastards but kept that thought behind his teeth. Monmouth was out of favour and out of court, but who knew how long that happy state of affairs would last?

 

"A formidable woman," Charles said of Peg Hughes as the conversation turned that way, " to live as she has done and does." To keep such a hold on he who had been the greatest cavalier of all was what he meant, but Charles was occasionally capable of at least attempting subtlety.

 

Charles nodded amiably as Camberwell announced his departure.

 

"Happy hunting then," he offered in farewell, smiling.

 

Still not sure what to make of you.

 

Turning back to Barbara, he frowned momentarily in thought.

 

"A theory? I must confess that I don't, actually. I gave the thing no more thought than disposing of it swiftly demanded." He shrugged. "If you pressed me, I suppose that she might have brought it to have delivered to some rival or other during the performance. Something of that nature."

 

He sipped at his brandy before grinning mischievously at Barbara.

 

"But now, do you want to rejoin the crowd, or would you rather... explore?"

[Francis Kirke]

Francis, Basildon, & Bridget

 

"Thank you, my lady," Francis said, with a little dip of his head and subsequent bouncing of golden curls. He probably looked more her age, something he did not think about at all.

 

Their fingers touched as she passed him back the flask, "Why don't you keep it? After sharing some with Basildon of course." He smiled at her.

 

The drunker, the better; it was a libertine party after all. If one came to one, then one should expect such things.

 

"Fine idea! I am sure the duke is cooking up something with our mademoiselle. If we leave them too long, it might become frightening!" He chuckled some more and held out his arm for the other pair to precede him.

 

He carefully flashed an amused look at Buckingham and Nicci behind the backs of his companions.

[Hope]

Chatham & Cleveland

 

There was a level of mutual respect between Cleveland and Camberwell, where each knew and did not cross the line, though it that gave Chatham any clues to more - who could say?

 

"As secure as any." The Duchess laughed as Chatham made light.

 

Content to leave the topic of stuffy Rupert behind, Barbara acquired a further glass of wine from passing tray as Chatham and Camberwell finished on that.

 

"To your swift and merciful hunt." she rose her glass in a manner of toast to Camberwell’s announced departure, with a titter of laugher rising up into the air - sip was took, and then another for good measure.

 

"Fair enough." was her reply upon Heather, "to unravel all the motives of others would require far too much effort. No. Let me correct myself there - 'to unravel the motives of some would require more effort than the subsequent reward would warrant. While others. Hmm." she looked across the room observing Basildon approaching the Buckingham. "While some, are worth every moment."

 

"Ha!" she gave a small cry of amusement to Charles, finished her wine and took a fresh glass 'for the road', "the party has barely begun darling, it would be a crime to wander off prematurely... and we've yet to greet our hostess properly."

[Caroline Despanay]

The King praised her for having the good taste to have the most popular blood orange brandy on hand for enjoyment, the compliment of generous of him. Caroline smiled and nodded, "I have Francis to thank for providing it. He is such a good friend."

 

She decided to use his Christian name quite on purpose, as the party went on she hoped, indeed she rather confidently believed, much of the decorum would go by the wayside and that was fine with her. She was sure others felt the same way.

 

The king now poured her another glass of it, she smiled as he poured, awaited his offering the glass back to her then accepted it without hesitation.

 

"Oh, I will drink with you fine gentlemen, what sort of poor hostess would I be if I did not enter into the night's festivities with enthusiasm."

 

Caroline suddenly looked about rather dramatically then declared, "I wonder if there may be some here present who have yet to quench their thirst? Should we go about and see to it, all are joining in? Once everyone is in the mood, then the games can begin!"

 

She hoped to catch sight of Nicci, knowing she could count on her French friend when it came to having a good time. But, in the meantime, she did not intend to wander from the King's side. It was of vital import he enjoyed himself.

[Charles Audley]

Chatham & Cleveland

 

"Oh yes, there are those more than worth the effort of... close observation," Charles agreed lightly, briefly following Barbara's gaze to see who she was talking about before returning his own to Barbara herself to ensure that she took the point.

 

Charles dashed back his brandy and smiled at her laughter, completely unabashed.

 

"Well, can you truly blame me, your grace, for wanting to keep you to myself a little while longer?" he asked, eye twinkling merrily. He offered her his arm. "Our hostess seems well engaged for the nonce, but we could intrude I suppose. Unless there are others you'd rather approach first?"

[Louis Killington]

Francis, Basildon, & Bridget Joining Bucky and Nicci

 

Louis was happy to share a swig from Kingston's flask. It would help make Bridget more compliant with requests to drink. " A grand idea."

 

"Let us join them." It had been his idea to join with Nicci and Buckingham. He would wish to connect her with Caroline and the King later.

 

"Your Grace, Oh Lady of Misrule," he greeted the pair as they approached. "May I introduce Lady Bridget Osbourne? We are all curious to know the rules of the night," Louis inquired of his cousin. It would help turn the attention as it should be -- on Nicci. "This is HIs Grace the Duke of Buckingham and Mademoiselle Nicolette Vauquelin, my cousin."

[Aria]

Francis, Louis, Nicolette, Buckingham, and Bridget

 

Instead of taking back his flask, Lord Kingston suggested that she keep it after sharing it with Lord Basildon. Bridget didn't think it was proper to accept such a gift. Respectable ladies didn't carry flasks of alcohol on their persons. But how could she refuse? She supposed that it really wasn't that different from walking around with a wine glass in her hand, and she could always return it when the party was over. Maybe their hands would brush against each other again.

 

“Why thank you, my lord,” she said with a shy smile and dutifully passed it to her charming escort. Both gentlemen agreed to join Lord Buckingham and the lady he was with and she stayed close to Louis as they approached the two. Lord Basildon made the introductions and asked about the rules of the night. Bridget assumed he was speaking about the cards they had all been given. She dropped a perfect curtsy to the Duke and smiled at Nicolette. “It is a pleasure to meet you both.”

[Defiance]

Bucky & NIcolette to be joined by Francis, Louis, et al

 

Buckingham chuckled at all the French lady's assumptions of the king. Some more right than others, but it was clear she did not realize fully what was going on.

 

"You are further than most ever make it in terms of the king's more prime curiosity, and that is where you wish to be, my dear," Buckingham assured her. "His Majesty plays games with you in return. Stay your course. Make him always wishing to know what it is that you and your companions are doing."

 

Young people were so needing of assurance and reassurance. And sometimes praise as well.

 

The thought primed him to chuckle of Danby's daughter heading his direction with Basildon and his nephew. The cub was always bringing him interesting people, like showing off a piece of meat in his mouth like an offering. Perhaps Basildon has the same ability...it saves much of my time. He chuckled again.

 

Then a guffaw escaped him at Nicci's further quip at flies..."Indeed, he's graduated to fledgling doves and vermin." Buckingham breathed and then chuckled again softly, clearly meaning the graduation as a compliment. "Ah, but I can appreciate the sacriligious, as your friend Lady O'Rourke would tell you." He would never forget the Virgin Mary episode and pulling out dove's wings seemed to spit at the superstition of religion, or one true religion.

 

"Let us see, let us see," the duke whispered. "It must be impressive to impress Misrule and Hunter both."

 

As the throng came up with their requisite obeisances, Buckingham said, "My Lady Misrule, have you named your cousin yet for the evening?" He paused with a dramatic effect and finished, "Might I suggest Master Baiter?" Not just for baiting either, clearly, although Basildon was obviously good at that as well. "And we must be no less generous with my cousin," he prompted, "Or Lady Bridget." He turned to her the mischievous glint in his blue eyes was a bit predatory. Clearly his devious naming of Louis had a point, so that cruelty was less obvious. Much could be couched in the guise of fun at a libertine gathering.

[Defiance]

Caroline, Rowley, & Ranelagh

 

"Francis," the king echoed , drawing it out, noting her familiar choice of name. He had thought when he first met this lady that she liked Francis. Now to decide how best to categorize the lad and perhaps make a bit of mischief for his gentleman.

 

"Fits his namesake, the duke's younger brother which, I suppose, is why the duke favors him over an endless supply of cousins." He always enjoyed the hunt of ladies for gentlemen to take them as wife or mistress, especially when they were close to him and he could take amusement. Kingston had professed to have never had a mistress, and he and George found that to be something needing remedying*. Reminding ladies of the good connections of the pretty blond was his royal duty and his mental snigger went right along with that thought, for said blond wished no wives or mistresses at all.

 

"The matrons are always saying Ranelagh here is a good catch because he was raised by his lady mother, so I should think the same to be said of Kingston." Both would be a good catch for either office; wives and mistresses could do far worse, and he could laugh at both being chased. Even if the merry widow simply passed on the gossip!

 

Time would tell if she was even interested in such relationships or whether she wanted to enjoy her widowhood! In the meantime, both Rowley & Ranelagh engaged in the sport of flirting.

 

"That's the spirit!" Ranelagh encouraged as Caroline said that she had to set a tone as hostess and drink merrily.

 

"Ha! Indeed, I think some are in need of reproof," Rowley added. "Not enough drinking! Shake a finger at them, my lady, and give them double measures all!" Well, the king sometimes could not help but be a bit king-like even when in disguise, especially in the name of fun.

 

(OOC - *The King & Bucky finding amusement in trying to land a mistress in Francis' lap was also established by Fluff and others Can we shift away from Francis talk after your reply? It's hard for me to reply only using things established from other mods )

[Hope]

Chatham & Cleveland - arriving upon Caroline, Ranelagh & Rowley

 

Her eyes returned to Charles, glittering with appreciation for his flattery as she seamlessly linked arm though his. "If I was in the business of giving way to others, then... well! No, let us ensure that we get our own ample share. You have an appetitive for it, I am sure." so saying they swanned in upon Caroline.

 

They were calling out for more drinking. Barbara moving her own glass in a salute of greeting as she admired the gentlemen. "Hear hear!" And they, warm cheeked with their cheery bantering, looking all together self contained...

 

Yet it was the pretty little doe-eyed thing that gained Barbara’s most intent inspection.

[Nicolette Vauquelin]

Bucky & Nicolette to be joined by Francis, Louis, et al

Nicolette was listening to what Buckingham said, his lips looked rather kissable as he spoke (so she thought), and he was being very nice. Perhaps he understood her own set of nerves, or perhaps she was not the first little fishy he'd dangled for CR.

 

His words had an effect, and her eyes brightened once more. Would the king wonder what they were talking about right now even? She made a show of leaning in, requiring a tiptoe to whisper to the tall Duke, "I hope his imagination is colourful as yours." and with a smile she broke off, stealing a look back towards the King.

 

Ah, but for now her cousin was arriving. It had to be said he was devastatingly handsome. Did Louis even have to try to seduce Bridget? But then again, he only did what he wanted to, or, who he wanted to (Nicci smugly thought).

 

"La, Lady O'Roarke of the red stockings, I miss her so." upon a pause she breathed to the Duke, before smiling to greet...

 

"Master baiter?" Niccis eyes flared, and swatting her sponsor did scold then! Her English was not so poor, nor mind innocent, that she did not hear the other word within the title. "Your Grace, you are too wicked!" she laughed (for she did not dare tell him off in serious tone) "My Cousin must rather be Master Parlay, do you not think?"

 

"La, Lord Kingston!" while Bridget was nearer, rank would have Frances greeted next, and Nicci was too pleased to see him up close. Extending her hands, she moved to give air kisses near his cheeks, "The Woodsman!" she laughed boldly, laughter covering the vestiges of a good-girls shame. Lordy, all the men present knew he’d been her first fuck!

 

"Mistress Bridget," Nicolette greeted the woman that technically outranked her, her smile in place, though jealousy in her eyes. Nicolette did not want to later hear of Louis bedding her. "There is only one title possible, Mistress of Abstinence... unless, am I incorrect perhaps, and you do partake?" she simpered to the girl holding a flask (was that Francis Flask?) "Or perhaps by the end of the evening will have partook." she looked towards Francis, "perhaps even several times." She was not talking of the flask of course.

[Francis Kirke]

Francis almost felt bad, but who left one's daughter at court when one was presumably fleeing justice! Basildon had likely waltzed right into this prime scenario that he was now watching play out. Having now lived with the elder Villiers for some months, Francis could see a hint of devious glee in his benefactor's blue eyes.

 

In front of him, Bridget dropped a nice, proper low curtsy, and Francis gave Nicci and his uncle a silent, exaggerated amused face from where she could not see before he too bowed.

 

He tried to hold in his chuckle at the suggestion of Master Baiter but sputtered just momentarily. Nicci did not seem to find that acceptable and named him something far more tame!

 

"Woodsman, indeed," he replied. He was hoping to exercise the privilege of wood sometime tonight.

[Louis Killington]

Master Baiter indeed. Louis had to give Buckingham the palm for the humor. Chuckling at his new moniker, Basildon agreed "yes, Parlay, at least when I am not alone," he laughed in a self-deprecating way. "And, is His Grace Cunning tonight?" He was going to combine it with linguist but decided not to lower himself to the Duke's baser humor.

 

As for Francis, he repeated "woodsman. At a party like this, I should think he deals in hard wood." Louis offered an innocent smile.

 

"Abstinence cousin?" Louis wanted anything but that from Bridget this evening. "I should think more like Adventurer tonight ... to bold go" where no virgin might. Nicci's humor about partaking was not lost on him. Looking at the flask so as to misdirect Bridget's suspicions, Louis added "it is the holiday season. I see no reason not to partake when something so grand can pass your lips." Another innocent smile was offered.

 

"Speaking of lips, did our hostess deck the halls with mistletoe for this party? A few holiday kisses would help lighten the mood.

[Aria]

Bridget thought it strange that they were making up nicknames for each other, but maybe that was part of the mischief the Lady of Misrule was responsible for. The innuendo behind the monikers given to Lord Basildon and Lord Kingston went right over her innocent little head.

 

When Mademoiselle Vauqulin greeted her, Bridget preened at the jealousy in her eyes. She had not seen that look all season and it was most welcome. “It's Lady Bridget,” she corrected with a toss of her blonde curls. “And no, I do not abstain.” To prove her point, she lifted the flask and took a long swing. “See?” She had no idea what they were really talking about.

 

Lord Basildon came to her rescue with a more fitting name. “I like the sound of that. Tonight I will be the Lady Adventuress.” She smiled as Louis complimented the brandy they had all partaken of, and she took yet another sip.

 

Had more candles just been lit? The room looked a bit brighter than it had before. When her charming escort mentioned mistletoe, she looked up, hoping that there would be some hanging nearby. Bridget still wanted to kiss Lord Kingston.

[Caroline Despanay]

The king noticed that she had used Lord Kingston's Christian name which was fine with Caroline for she had not had a slip of the tongue. He remarked about Ranelagh being a good catch then included Francis in that category.

 

"Indeed, a fine catch if one is actually fishing," Caroline smiled. If His Majesty meant angling for a husband, Caroline, as dearly as she loved Francis, was not looking to be married at least not for a few years. She had been married once and it had been the worst time of her life, she was young, there was always the future for another union and then mayhaps children. Whether she would be a fit mother was ...well, iffy in her own opinion.

 

"But then don't you think the fish always prefer the freedom of swimming about the seas to being hooked?" she asked with a chuckle, taking another sip of her drink.

 

As far as drinking went, some of the guests were already enthusiastically diving and backed by the King's urging, Caroline raised her glass and called out loudly.

 

"Hear ye! This is a celebration, I want everyone celebrating. Anyone not having a drink in one hand, you shall be delivered to the Mistress of Misrule whereupon she shall decide your punishment!"

 

She declared all that with a big grin on her pert features. As she had made a point to stand right next to Rowley a sudden opportunity now presented itself. He was directly below some mistletoe tacked upon the ceiling beam and Caroline had not failed to notice either. Without warning, she turned, got up on her tiptoes, and gave him an affectionate smack right full upon his lips. Some day many many years from now, hopefully she could tell her grandchildren she had kissed a King!

Just in case he was shocked at such a manuver, she pointed upward with a smile.

[Charles Audley]

Chatham & Cleveland - arriving upon Caroline, Ranelagh & Rowley

 

"An egregiously large one," Charles said lightly in agreement with Barbara's comment on his appetite, eye dancing merrily. "Though yours will be satisfied first I think," he added, almost managing to sound innocent.

 

They proceeded smoothly towards their hostess, Charles taking the opportunity to switch his empty glass for a rather more full one en route. He raised his newfound bounty in salute in tandem with Barbara, chuckling warmly at Caroline's enthusiastic instructions for her guests.

 

The chuckle became an appreciative laugh at Caroline's audacity. That was the Hippolyta he knew.

 

"You should give a man warning before you do that Hippolyta," he offered drily. "It'll ensure that he can give of his best."

[Defiance]

Rowley's group with everyone joining

 

What a perfect time for Barbara to come up to their group than when their hostess decided to kiss him squarely on the lips. Far from needing any explanation at a party such as this why a lady might wish to kiss Rowley, the king merely chuckled with merriment.

 

"Then, my lady, we must not disappoint with our kiss to open a party such as this!" And with that Rowley gave her an exuberant kiss, one large hand around her and the other cupping her face.

 

That brandy did taste rather good in such circumstances. She would truly be able to say that she kissed a king and that a king had kissed her! As he pulled back, he smiled. He enjoyed partaking quite liberally of the young ladies of his court.

 

Pretending to be surprised by their arrivals, Rowley said, "The Duchess of all things decadent and hedonistic has come to christen your party, my lady. You shall have some critical eyes to impress!" He chuckled.

 

If one thing could be said of his long-time lover, she knew how to throw a good party.

 

"Where is my Lady of Misrule, for she is handing out names for the evening, and for his aide with my darlings I think your friend should be dubbed Master of Bitches." He was, of course, just talking about his dogs. Entirely. And fully. Perhaps. There was always pleasure to be derived from crossing swords in familiar banter, and it was a libertine sport. And it was a compliment for any man to be Master of Bitches! So the king thought with merry eyes.

[Defiance]

Lady of Misrule & Bucky Group, Misrule being hailed by Rowley

 

"Even moreso if such a thing were possible," Buckingham answered of Rowley's colorful imagination. "Watching a woman teasing others makes an ultimate success all the more worthy for other's failures."

 

To be sure, he knew that Charles knew that his Envy was being groomed, but nobody else knew that so the seduction of it still functioned.

 

With the arrival of the others, the hilarity with Danby's sprawn began.

 

"The ladies like a bit of cunning, Basildon, as I'm sure you know. But, no, tonight I am Master Huntsman, so quite apropos that my cousin is the Woodsman, eh." He chortled. The two went rather hand in hand and in his mind, the woodsman was the apprentice huntsman.

[Francis Kirke]

Lady of Misrule & Bucky Group, Misrule being hailed by Rowley

 

Francis chuckled, "The Adventuress plans to partake of the excitement of the evening!" Poor girl.

 

"Indeed, my lord, hard wood for the mast certainly."

 

Their conversation was distracted by Caroline's pronouncement. With his flask gone, he technically did not have a drink.

 

"And what if we wish to be punished by the Mistress of Misrule?" Francis asked loudly, with a laugh, flashing a wink at Nicci.

[Nicolette Vauquelin]

Bucky's Group, Misrule being hailed by Rowley

 

With the talk of wood, Nicci cheerily chimed, "Though I might say it's a veritable forest here tonight!" she crooned in spirit of the nights carefree, "A girl might be happily lost in it all night!" she flashed a look towards Bridget, who had declined her Misrule-given title and chosen her own instead. "An astute Adventuress might leave a mark on each tree so she knows where she has been, lest she can't find her way back again."

 

Louis looked about for mistletoe, Caroline might have overheard him (their groups were not so far apart) for Nicci then saw her friend snogging the King. "My middle name is Mistletoe Cousin." Nicolette moved to kiss Louis - bold of it because she could.

 

"Ah ha!" Caroline's announcement caught Francis out without a glass, but his cheeky rejoinder was so funny it made Nicci laugh! "I shall be smacking bad bottoms at midnight! Everyone else may buy tickets to attend - it shall be standing room only so get in quick." she audaciously returned... while drawing apart.

 

She had heard her title called for by Old Rowley....

 

Arriving upon Caroline’s Group (OOC: I dont suppose she would have heard all of what the King said?)

 

Sweeping into their midst, Nicolette clinked her glass with Caroline, “La, they are cheeky in the other group, you would not believe what Master Wood is going to do at midnight!” Nicci laughed brightly.

[Hope]

Rowley's group with everyone joining

Barbara's brow was arched with amusement, from Chatham's flirtatious claim to Caroline's plundering of the Royal Lips - the Royal Lips then plundering hers. (Her ego was such that she beleived he did so for her benefit, to try incite her jealous, oh the old games they had played and played still.)

 

"Such a welcoming Hostess," the Duchess remarked, eyes glittering as she then licked her lips, "I must say I am delighted with this new turn of tradition, a mere curtsy is so last season."

 

Here it was Barbara who availed of the mistletoe Caroline was stood beneath... kissing the hostess though not at all heavily, it was more a sultry whisper of promise upon her lips. The Duchess's eyes flashed towards CR as she completed, the entire thing was a little theatre for his titivation.

 

Then she was laughing with the title that Rowley alloted Chatham. "There now, who needs a jacket when you can wear such a title as that!" Barbara laughed alongside. Of course she knew her own turn would come around also...

 

And here now arrived the Mistress of Misrule.

[Louis Killington]

Everyone seemed in jolly spirits which was apropos for the holidays. It was easy to spark a laugh when others were already inclined.

 

Buckingham and Kingston seemed in fine spirits, ready to torment Bridget. Nicci, ever the witty one, had a comment about marking trees lest she become lost. She is already lost cousin, Can you not tell? He knew she could.

 

Announcing herself as mistletoe, Nicci gave him a bold kiss. Louis gave a joyful smile though he wondered about the wisdom of her showing him so much affection in front of the King. Such was the plight of being the most handsome man in the room he supposed. Nicci had titled him Parlay. "This is how the French parley for the holidays," he announced.

 

Signaling a servant, the Earl mouth brandy. He needed to satisfy Caroline's edict or receive a spanking. He preferred the spanking, but those were best done in private, and when they could be reciprocated.

 

With Caroline''s sudden kiss and Nicci's to match, Louis observed "this is the night of surprise kisses." Playfully he looked at Francis and Buckingham, as if thinking of kissing each, before surprising Bridget with a surprise kiss. "As beautiful as each of you are my lords, you do not hold a candle to Lady Bridget. Now it is your turn Bridget to surprise some gentleman with a kiss." He could only hope she would choose to kiss the Duke. What a story that would make ... a daughter of Danby kissing Buckingham.

[Defiance]

Camberwell on the prowl

 

Lord Camberwell had a graceful, gliding walk, even with a large cup of that blood orange brandy in his hand. His blue eyes took in the crowd, the newcomers, the young ones, the classics, and the returned deciding how best to go about his game plan for the evening.

 

He paused briefly at the pair of Lord Denbigh and Colonel Tom Howard* and whispered something in both of their ears which caused them to laugh loudly.

 

Camberwell sauntered right up to Rowley's group and kissed the Mistress of Misrule in a decadent way. She would probably notice a certain familiarity in the kiss.

 

"We cannot let the first lady of the season, especially for us, go unkissed!" he admonished the group with a grin. "I think our hostess had the right spirit," he praised Caroline of her brazen kiss of Rowley.

 

John Ashburnham joined Denbigh and Howard, and the trio chortled. Where had John stashed his little present?

 

(*The Captain of the Yeomen of the Guard & younger brother of the Earl of Carlisle, not Norfolk )

[Aria]

“Of course I do,” Bridget said said to Lord Kingston's comment about partaking in excitement, smiling with feigned confidence. “That's why I came.” She had no idea why they were talking about wood until Mademoiselle Vauquelin mentioned that there was so much wood present they might get lost in the forest. For some reason, she was referring to gentlemen as trees.

 

She did like the idea of marking each one … with a kiss. “Perhaps I shall.”

 

When the hostess announced that anyone without a drink in their hand would be punished, Bridget was glad that Lord Kingston had gave her his flask. She was about to pass it back so he wouldn't be caught empty-handed, but he seemed to enjoy the thought of being spanked by the Lady of Misrule. Why would anyone want to be spanked?

 

Then the Frenchwoman claimed to be the mistletoe and kissed Lord Basildon quite thoroughly. Jealousy sprang to life in Bridget's heart and now she knew whey Nicolette had looked at her with envy. It was not because of her status, but because she fancied her own cousin. The young blonde blushed deeply, but for some reason could not look away.

 

When they pulled away from each other, Lord Basildon looked far too happy. Bridget felt as if she had been betrayed. While Louis scrutinized Lord Kingston and Lord Buckingham, she decided to leave, but before she could turn away, he surprised her with a very satisfying kiss and claimed that she was beautiful. Suddenly, everything was wonderful again.

 

He told her that it was her turn to give someone a surprise kiss. Her blush deepened as she looked from Lord Kingston to Lord Buckingham. With a shy smile, she stepped toward Francis, stood on tiptoe to wrap her arms around his neck, and laid one on him. It wasn't the most skillful of kisses, but what it lacked in finesse, it made up in enthusiasm.

[Caroline Despanay]

Her boldness had paid off. Caroline was inwardly delighted - well and outwardly quite pleased too - when Rowley returned her brave and sudden kiss. She made certain she pressed it with enthusiasm, grinning wildly once they pulled back.

 

The Duchess Barbara remarked how mere curtseys for greeting each other were now out of fashion.

 

"That is fine with me," Caroline declared.

 

Now Caroline was surprised though when Barbara actually moved in and kissed her? Not that she was offended in the slightest, in the French court everyone kissed everyone all the time or so she was led to expect. Maybe the English court would do well to follow such behavior.

 

"Thank you for that and for attending my party tonight, your Grace," Caroline nodded.

 

Nicci was there then and doing her part to enliven the evening, as Caroline knew she could count on her beloved friend. Nicci was also good at a turn of a phrase and delighting in suggestive humor. But of course Francis was in his element too, wondering what might happen if someone wanted to be punished for no alcoholic drink in their possession. Nicci would know how to handle that part indeed as she strolled on up and clinked glasses with Caroline.

 

"I for one will be there to watch you deal out the necessary punishments, I only ask that you do such with real enthusiasm. Make them cry out for forgiveness."