A Return Visit (Late Morning on the 29th)- Xmas 1677

[Louis Killington]

Half Moon House - Chilchester's Townhouse

 

 

A short drive ended at a carriage door that led through the soft, parchment-plaster facade of Half Moon House, the face of which is broken by numerous gleaming, white, sculpted window frames.

 

Centering the front of the house was a pair of heavy doors featuring a bronze knocker fixed by an ornate network of celtic knots. Stretching out before the door was a set of white steps and a path of cut stones that angled through a phalanx of carefully trimmed hedges to the gate leading out to Pall Mall.

 

A matching coachhouse and service entrance is round behind.

 

The Earl of Chichester had called upon him in his office the day before. Basildon had been at the Royal Exchange. Having told George to stop by, it now fell to Louis to return the favor.

 

Having arisen at the regular time, his darkie chambermaid had seen to easing that rising, as she did daily. Once dressed and fed, he was on his way the short distance to Pall Mall. Sitting inside his coach, the footman was sent to the door to see if the Earl of Chichester was receiving guests and willing to see Basildon.

[George Hardwick III]

Louis was divested of outer garments, and duly escorted through to the reception room.

 

"I shall let Lord Chichester know you have called." the male servant uttered, and then turning to a maid ordered the girl to raise the fire. It was a pleasant room decorated in beige neutrals with blue-grey walls, a restful almost bland palette which was then dashed with colours - such as fuchsia cushions, a bowl of limes and a baroque mirror painted violet that reflected a Christmas wreath that was littered with bows the colours of all three.

 

The little maid gave Louis a shy smile as she worked quickly on the embers, and once the flame had leaped into life, dusted herself off and asked if there was anything she could fetch for him. But George was sweeping into the room before any reply could be made.

 

The dapper Earl was wiping his hands upon a cloth, his eyes bright and alert. "Lord Basildon, I am so pleased you could call." he passed his rag to the maid, and shooed her off with instructions to bring refreshments.

 

"I had hoped to bend your ear for a bit of advice. Ah, but what times we are in, eh wot, shifting sands and building and castles, and all that." Word to fill the air really, as he took in the manner of his guest. Pleased. yes very pleased to have Basildon's visit. "Excuse my lack of repair, I've been sorting out paintings for a showing tomorrow afternoon. Ah, but please, take a seat." George gestured, to the divan, the fireside chairs, even the chair at the writing seemed included in his expansive offer.

 

"You have been well I trust." George was slightly rusty on playing the role of host.

[Louis Killington]

It was a pleasing presentation but Basildon was not surprised. Chichester had a flair for the artistic, moreso than the next man. His refreshment of choice was requested, a good brandy. "Thank you."

 

Getting comfortable in the offered chair, Louis crossed his leg casually as he regarded George. "A showing?" Who could not be interested in a showing of paintings? Louis had no skill in collecting art but he judged himself a keen eye for fine art; but then, he thought he had a keen eye for most everything.

 

"Sand castles," Louis jested "are best for the summer months are they not?" It was clear that there was likely to be talk of politics or ambitions. George had been frustrated with his Lords appearances to date. Louis had been one of the few to sit with him. It made the younger earl wonder if the older earl sought his counsel on how to advance in that regard.

[George Hardwick III]

Settling into the high backed chair, George flicked fringe back from his eyes, "Yes the pieces I brought back from Italy, art students from far and wide converge there - I intent a exhibition of works come next spring." While the Earl had dangled the topic before Louis, he'd nor really expected interest. Louis was not known to be one of the art collectors fo court.

 

"I've asked Lady Habersham to be the patroness, "Such an endearing character that she is." he was smiling as he thought of her, though composed his expression again to note Basildon’s point of view.

 

"While ice sculptures more fitting for winter." he chimed in, though I'm more interested in structures that withstand, transcend the seasons." yes it would be talk of politics, a rare enough thing given the air of frivolity of the Christmas season.

 

Louis was younger then George, but more experienced to court. George had been pulled away from a frivolous life painting in Italy when he's become Earl. Where as Louis had been a court reveller for years working its means and wiles gaining a keen understanding to it's mechanics. His propulsion in ranks these past few years, after he'd turned his mind to serious things was something of a legend at court. George considered him to be the new generation, of benefit to seek advice, perchance ally with.

 

"I shall be utterly plain Basildon, I am intent upon taking the oath, converting to Anglican. Frankly, now I've made my mind up, I'm wondering why I took this long to decide." the little maid who'd stoked the fire, brought the men drinks then. George had his usual cherry brandy, while Louis was given a glass of Armagnac, which was an old style French brandy from Gascony.

 

"Anyhow, I am upon the turn of a new leaf, setting behind nonsense of before." he pulled a face, not wanting to say any more than that on days past, "and ... well I would value your advice."

[Louis Killington]

It seemed that the exhibition was planned for the spring. By the way Hardwick had mentioned it, the timing had seemed more imminent to Louis. As for Lady Habersham, Basildon knew little of her other than she was something of a crazed biddy. He had little patience for such people, merely nodding to be agreeable. "At some point I should like to see your collection." One could tell much from one's choice of paintings, or so Louis imagined.

 

"Ah, taking the Oath." There had been a conversation between them previously, as Basildon recalled, that had ended with that suggestion. "That will change much for you." The intriguer's mind began to imagine possibilities. "Most all doors can become open after that."

 

"There will be some that doubt the sincerity of your oath," Killington observed. "There are plenty of rumors that several of the King's circle are secretly Catholic. Frankly, I think that zealots mistake tolerance of other religions as a secret adherence to them. You will need to consider how you plan to attack Papists in the future, and with how much zeal. I do not think it wise to turn on Rome with great vehemance. rather, perhaps you express your regret over the actions of Rome and the Catholic kings who have delivered injustice in the name of Catholicism. Perhaps that is a basis for the scales falling from your eyes?"

 

Before they could speak of politics further it seemed that they needed to rehearse Chichester's basis for conversion. How well he performed might be relevant to the strategy Basildon might suggest going forward.

[George Hardwick III]

George was in no hurry for an exhibition, his last exhibition in May had been a utter failure with just two persons attending. He understood he need do things very differently this time.

 

"You shall be certain to receive an invite to the exhibitors preview." Chichester promised.

 

"Yes the Oath." he nodded, then attending to Louis ruminations. He nodded quietly, it being his deepest hopes that it would indeed be a changing point in his life.

 

"It is upon that point that I wish to commence carefully, yet I am uncertain to the best first steps to take. First impressions are important of course, and I would hope to make the change in a manner that is outwardly patriot, rather than cowering from the mobs. Hah." he gave a hollow laugh at that thought.

 

"Yet for any of that, I am content to take a longer view. The period of change is but a temporary sort of discomfort, in the long game, that shall be but a blip in a lifetime."

 

Louis offered a perspective. "Such as Digby, you mean." George Digby had catholic ties, but spoke vehemently against Catholics in the House of Lords. (which was possibly something to do with the mans murder). "No point painting a target upon one's own back." he cleared his throat, in agreement with Louis.

 

"May I express some of my personal motivation, was that in my past visit to Italy, I felt a uncomfortable duality, being an Englishman and in Rome. It felt almost treasonous, and while I shall admit my past political leanings have been more country party than royalist, I am stoutly devoted to our Monarch, and to all that is best for England.” A pause, “might a theme of stance based around that stance be plausible?” he asked.

 

"Then of course, there is ambition." he would be honest. Louis was a man of ambition, and no doubt understood that there was ambition behind Chichester’s vision, to deny it would be foolish. "I would achieve something more with my life than the mere swanning around galleries and salons." Meeting Louis eyes he then said, “I do not know if I have grown old over the past two years, but I feel far more aligned to a position of support, in the back bencher’s role you once spoke to me of.”

 

It was an offer, though perhaps by seeking out Basildon’s advice he’d already revealed as much, and Louis, by his assistance, accepted.

[Louis Killington]

"You are correct to think of the long game," Louis counseled. If George played his cards correctly the court would come to forget that he had been a Catholic. It might take a few years to accomplish but it would be worth it.

 

"Yes, there is a study in contrasts. Digby attacked Catholics and was killed. Bristol has criticized Catholics loudly and agreed they cannot be trusted notwithstanding being one himself. Yet, Norfolk took the oath and became silent about Catholics. He has maintained a low profile but you just know that he plans to emerge later to take his rightful place at the forefront of English politics one day. Different courses have been charted by different lords. You will need to select the right one for you." Basildon had ideas surely, but it was for George to inquire of them.

 

George outlined his approach about the tensions between being an Englishman in Rome. "That is plausible," he agreed. "My cousin is a Hugenot, which represents a growing tension in France. If she wishes to return and live in France, she may be compelled to become a Catholic one day. Yet, if she wishes to remain a Protestant, she is best to stay here in England. You have noted the conflict and decided to be an Englishman first. That will be welcomed I should think."

 

"Ambition is a good thing and nothing to shy from. It allows a man to leave his mark upon others." Such words would not come as a surprise to any man that knew Killington. "Start in the back bench and then one day move to the front," he added as a clear understanding and agreement.

[George Hardwick III]

"England First." George nodded, a smile of agreement upon his lips. "Now there is a fine statement, surely one that would be agreeable to all in The House. I would recomend that you use it in a speech one day. Those words do an Englishman's heart good."

 

How ought an exCatholic behave: "Described like that, it would seem to me that Nofolks course is the prudent one. To appear the sleeping dog almost, easier for others to ignoe the passage of time of that one, than of the young terrier that yaps and yaps." Digby and Bristol had drawn too much attention to themselves, and were likly avoided by others as a result.

 

"How curious that reclessly following good intentions is so counter productive." He made a quiet comment, that included self reflection of his own poltical misteps.

 

"How do you manage to quell the rise of passions when in the House?" he thought to ask Louis, "How do you halt yourself from an impulsive retort?"

 

Yet of religion directly he nodded. "The link between chruch and state is very plain in France, I would say gaudily so infact. English links of parliment with the church is more discreetly done." though bishops did indeed have seats, it was not that sinister sort of oversight that one saw in France.

 

"Yes the back benchers." and with it a wry grin. How utterly bizzare that that very thought had upset him in years past. Was it maturity? Was that what this sense of alignment actually was.

[Louis Killington]

"It is a rather catchy phrase." Basildon admitted with pride. It was short and simple while draped in patriotism. It would be hard to be attacked for such sentiment.

 

"Bristol cannot help but draw attention to himself. It is what he does well. You, on the other hand, would do well to draw little attention during the period of transition, supporting the efforts of others and garnering their goodwill thereby.' It was hard to know the length of time needed to accomplish a smooth transition.

 

Chichester then wished to discuss strategy for not giving in to impulsive behavior. "I don't know that I avoid impulsiveness completely. The House seems full of impulsive behavior." Louis then pondered about what advice he might offer. "I think wit can be impulsive and is often best done in prompt reply. Yet, oratory suggests a more composed response; one intended to manipulate the passions of others if possible. I find humor the device to employ when possible because it is disarming," he observed aloud even though he was not asked specifically.

[George Hardwick III]

In that moment of agreement (Louis in appreciation of his own brilliance) George wondered if he would one day hear the man build an argument with the phrase as a lever? Would this moment of his commendation, possibly launch some great thing one day? Perhaps this was the subtler lot of a 'back bencher', and perhaps he could come to feel some life satisfaction from this sort.

 

With a wry smile he nodded, "I might lament of the time lost, had I taken your advice when we had first met. I am prepared for such a role now, when first to my title I was too eager and prone to bluster. I dare say such has been seen before, and will be seen again, I can only thank heaven that I shall be spectator of recklessness rather than participant."

 

"Ha." Louis comment to the lack of maturity often evident was noted with a chuckle from Chichester.

 

"I would deduce that you have made your own study of the subject." George replied, as Louis broke down different styles of contributions, "I feel inspired to make my own study too. Hmm... I wonder how exact the records of past sessions are, perhaps they are available for review. Giving thought to the methods of others seems highly interesting, even prudent, to a novice with ambition." he mused with a rub of chin & raise of eyebrow to Louis.

[Louis Killington]

"It is only your Catholic origins that compel you to be quiet for a time," Basildon thought to assure the older earl. "Otherwise, you should feel free to speak your mind whenever you like; but, a period of quiet will allow you to watch and learn what you can from the best orators in the House."

 

As for the records of the House, Louis confirmed his understanding. "The debates are unrecorded. I have yet to see anyone in the gallery attempt to take notes. However the actions of the House are recorded by the clerks and available for public and peer review. One day, perhaps, you shall capture the passion on the floor in a painting of yours and it shall be a valuable portal into the process. It would be quite valuable I think. A view of peers through the eyes of one."

[George Hardwick III]

"That might be true in a general manner, yet in extenuating circumstances I have greater reason to exhibit vocal restraint for a good while." No doubt Louis understood, "... besides, there is more to politics than the House's speeches." From what George understood, the decisions were made elsewhere, and then parliament was manipulated into the 'wanted' decisions. (Though that did not dissolve his ultimate desire to be involved with parliament any how.)

 

"Yes perhaps." George huffed a laugh, "Though it is a well known concept that those things that are merely suggested at are more evocative and inspiring than those things fully detailed. Thus perhaps future generations will be most inspired by the very mystery of hours upon the bench, than a painting that accurately captures it's very detail..." George mused. "Perhaps pencil drawings, with a few key points described in colour might best serve."

 

"But of your own endeavours Lord Basildon. I missed the launch of your company season last - how has the inaugural journey been, an embarrassingly profitable success I hope." said with a smile, and yet unsaid further speculation on the topic.

[Louis Killington]

Basildon nodded his understanding of other reasons for restraint. There were several in the older man's situation.

 

"A drawing then," Louis agreed, "but I rather fancied a landscape of myself enthralling the other lords on a canvass that will outlast us all, and my enemies," he laughed.

 

The West Indies Company had something of a soft launch the previous season, but a limited float of available shares plus constant hype of the opportunity was typically a winning combination. "Is it possible to be embarrassingly successful?" Louis laughed. "I think not." When one shot high, why should one apologize? "Right now everyone at the Royal Exchange greets me with smiles. Let us hope it remains ever so. And you Chichester, have you some entrepeneurial plan? I thought you were exploring the labor markets."

[George Hardwick III]

"Aha! Such overt vanity Lord Basildon!" George gave way to laughter, "Your French roots are showing!" The English were quite as vain, just usually hid it.

 

"The trouble with such things, I would claim, is that those very ones one might think to impress shall instead critique. Easier to strike awe into others from askance than when directly stood in front of it." George naturally dropped into theorising, conjecture was a field he enjoyed rumination in.

 

"Good good." He replied upon Louis news of his ventures success. Nothing was a given, even with the monopoly granted. "Hah, but it is indeed possible to be too successful, I don’t think any Englishman will forget Clarendon House!" The house that had been built so ostentatiously as to launch Edward Hyde out of favour, and ultimately out of England itself.

 

"Ah." of his own past endeavours he game an unresolved sound.

 

"I have abandoned it, it was an exercise in futility for which I became weary of. I would prefer to expend my energies in directions where positive results are achievable. With the destitute, for everyman you feed, another mouth opens. It is not that I have lost heart for England’s suffering, but that..." he looked to Louis, who no doubt had his own theory on that.

[Louis Killington]

"Is it vanity to seek immortality on a canvas? Is it vanity that makes one want to leave a legacy recorded thusly?" he played along in light tones. Could he turn the question on a man who created immortality with brush strokes. George seemed to want to engage in the theoretical, so why not enjoy a bit of sport. "So, perhaps a drawing with me towards the back, taking to my feet and the other lords turning to take note?" he offered, maintaining the same vain theme. Despite the playfulness of it, George made an interesting point about how one might want to be depicted in a painting of many.

 

As for Clarendon House, he found himself nodding with Hardwick. "Worse, the man was born of modest means and was supposed to have nothing but a government salary to live upon. In such a case it is better to hide one's wealth than put corruption on display."

 

Another sympathetic nod was offered when George indicated his retreat from a venture with the unwashed masses. "Suffering is like an ocean I suppose," the younger Earl offered, trying to stay true to the philosophical turn that the discussion had taken. "Immerse yourself too deeply and you will drown in it. You do you Christian duty to alleviate the suffering of those few who warrant it, but leave the rest of the wretched to God's mercy." In the mind of Louis, those that deserved charity were the ones that would prove useful to him.

[George Hardwick III]

"All things are vanity." George replied generously with broad smile. His minds eye then 'seeing' what might be done with the scene as Louis offered an alternative composition. "Ah, there! And the generations shall continue to wonder of what topic these others anticipated his revelations upon? I like the question, the story is ever important behind any artwork... yes, yes that is a painting worthy."

 

George had been reluctant to paint any courtier since the turbulence that had been Heathers - he'd resisted a tide of requests, but he was now a man within change. Flux had him almost agreed... then throwing caution to the wind he settled it. "I shall paint you this scene."

 

Of Clarendon's fall he nodded, "Modesty without means is easy to maintain. It is what one does with an excess, in any form, that is the true test of character." One wealthy man met eyes with another wealthy mans; with a certain level of smugness.

 

Charity talk was not typical for Basildon, his thoughts offered were less his usual bluster, almost as if. No. It could not be that he thought George more qualified to comment.

 

"I think a certain balance needs to be found." of his own experience Chichester replied, "It occurs to me that great enterprises also assist the populace, by an increase in the economy. More employment, and for those employed men there need seamstress to clothe them, cobblers to shoe them, etcetera etcetera..." he paused and gave a quick smile to Louis, for he hereby implied that Louis own success was its own sort of charity work. "So I am of a mind to embark upon some greater enterprises. To begin I have a dockside warehouse given me, standing empty currently." he'd thought to give it's use to Melville, but the man had left London before following through on any paperwork.

 

"I am keeping my eyes open for future oportunity." he completed, which was perhaps George's theme for the season.

[Louis Killington]

It seemed that Basildon had swayed the passionate artist that a painting with Louis at its core would be worthy. A smile appear slowly on his face. Perhaps Louis was surprised that the artist that resisted portraits so vigorously might be tempted by this portrayal. "And you should add yourself in the crowd beside me ... with a smile on your lips that suggests you know the answer to what is on everyone's lips." Would George be further intrigued by the idea? It would also be a statement of an alliance of sorts to anyone with more than a casual interest in the subject matter.

 

On the subject of modesty, Louis thought to venture a further thought, one not as pious sounding as delivered. "Modesty is for church but not for court." There were exceptions of course. They had discussed Clarendon as one. Immodest people tended to have more enemies or rivals; but, if they were clever enough, in Basildon's book, it only added spice and challenge to the game.

 

"Everyone must have a great enterprise planned in their life, so it is only fitting," came the reply, though no particular enterprise was suggested. To Louis, enterprise was synonymous with ambition. Life was unbearable, in his mind, without a grand ambition. "A dockside warehouse," the younger earl repeated. "Sounds like something that might be useful to a trading company such as mine."

[George Hardwick III]

George was not an utter innocent, that he perceived political wisdom to agreeing with Louis's idea. While yes the vision in his mind had artistic merit, it made ambitious sense also. He had originally gone to see Louis in hope of securing his patronage, Louis upon the rise at Court, might draw those in his wake after him. George wished himself to be such a one. It might take years to gain any foothold personally, but George's vision was long.

 

This hope he held seemed to be drawn in an contract of oil on canvas, that Louis suggested his face also feature. George chuckled of it, "Do you know, we might add to the marvel of future generations, if we placed some keepsake within the frames interior also. Perhaps your cravat 'as worn', or perhaps some other less perishable item."

 

"Modesty in the presence of one's betters, yet who is one's better? Rank is only one judgment made, born to it rarely relects a mans real merit. Aquired, now that is different. A mans Precidence, that is the argument most fiercely raged at court."

 

Earl paused with inward thought upon that, after a moment to add, "Why, premature modesty may appear as a forfeit, an admission of defeat."

 

As to George's unformed plans which begun with a foundation stone of a warehouse building: "Is storage something sought after?"

[Louis Killington]

"A keepsake then," Louis agreed. "How about an English penny, as a symbol of a penny for your thoughts?* Is that not consistent with the theme of the painting?" He paused for agreement. Basildon thought his own idea brilliant, as he often did.

 

"In France it is much worse, I am told. Nobles would kill each other to sit one chair closer to the King." He laughed at the thought of it, though the English were quite spirited on the subject of precedence as well. "Feigned modesty is the best. It satisfies decorum but no one believes it," he laughed.

 

As for warehouses, Basildon replied "it depends on the location and security of such a place. Valuable trading goods need to be kept securely somewhere."

 

*In 1522, Sir Thomas More wrote (in 'Four Last Things'): 'It often happeth, that the very face sheweth the mind walking a pilgrimage, in such wise that other folk sodainly say to them a peny for your thought.'"

[George Hardwick III]

He was impressed. "That it is." George had not expected Louis to show creative genius, having thought his skills were social-political. "I am fortunate that you do not paint, for you might make for fierce competition, with titles like that." Fortunately for Chichester, Louis had wasted his youth upon sheets rather than canvas.

 

"Feigned modestly, I must practise the look when next I have a mirror." he replied with a wry smile.

 

"Hmm, well this is nothing remarkable, and passed on to me by a man who deemed them indefensible, so likely a poor holding place for anything of real value." he supposed with an unbothered attitude. "I am of the thought that when eyes are open one shall see the opportunity one can make for oneself. Some-such shall present."

 

"... I have heard conflicting news of Danby." George put it out there. Louis position as Treasurer of the Household was beneath Danby's own, and he was curious to the gossip.

 

 

OOC: ooh nice quote!

[Louis Killington]

"I have neither the hand or eye to be a gifted painter," Basildon admitted in a rare moment of modesty. "I should not spread myself so thin after all," he added with a laugh. Though he might like to be gifted at everything, he did not have the patience or skill to reduce a brilliant idea to canvas.

 

The warehouse did not seem to be set upon prime real estate, nor likely in prime condition. "Land is a sound investment and London continues to grow in size, making any sort of building a good long-term investment." It sounded as though Geirge might need to tour it before recommending it for the WIC.

 

"Conflicting news of Danby?" Now it seemed that Chilchester was game for political gossip. "Really? Tell me what you have heard." George had not asked for information, but offered it instead. As such, Louis was happy to hear it. The court knew that Basildon was a protege of the disgraced Treasurer.

[George Hardwick III]

George merely ruminated. He had not been thinking about the largely abandoned warehouse until Louis quizzed him to his future interests - business had never been a satisfying venture for the Earl. One of those things hopes had been poured into, yet proverbially flushed down the Thames. It was no surprise to him at all to here learn the warehouse was worthless.

 

Having arrived to talk politics, he returned to that vein now.

 

"Why yes, rumour is that he is vanished. Yet I saw his daughter is still in London attending balls. Perplexing that the man keeps 'family at London' still when it would otherwise seem he's hiding in some manner of shame." he spelt it out for Louis. "I considered that you, with your own position at the palace, must know some truths. Your position at his daughters side at the ball suggests you support him still?"

 

If Louis was to be George’s own sponsor of a sorts, he needed to know what was up. Should he be cosying around Danby's interests with Louis, ready for Danby’s name to be cleared with a ready moue of 'I told you so'.

[Louis Killington]

The warehouse was not worthless, of course, though George dismissed it easily enough. It a more sober moment it might think otherwise.

 

Then, the inevitable topic was raised. Louis had introduced Bridget to George not long before. He would not be the first, or the last, to question the meaning of the company Basildon kept.

 

"It is true enough that Danby's family remains in London. I am certain that the Lord Treasurer has a reason for not hiding his family away as a result of his scandal. I too wonder at it. Perhaps he cares not for his family. Perhaps they are his eyes and ears in London. Perhaps he hopes to create an appearance of normalcy amid his abnormal circumstances," Louis speculated aloud. "I know him to be a crafty courtier, so he has likely thought the matter through carefully. Perhaps it is a message to his enemies that he is not gone yet, and a message to the King that he seeks to return, forgiven." Any of these reasons, apart from negligence, would be a worthy one. In fact, Louis had the same motives, in reverse.

 

Then shifting to his own circumstances, he fought a smile as to not give away his own self-judged cleverness. "Might there be some benefit to me seen as looking after his innocent family? Would it not be seen as proper conduct from a lord known to be the protege of the Lord Treasurer?" It was not really a rhetorical question. Louis was seeking to have George speculate too. "As a known protege of a man hiding from scandal, perhaps I should be expected to hide away as well; but, I choose not to. Quite the contrary, sometimes the safest place is being in full view, leaving some to speculate if I support or mock Danby. Perhaps I do both," he chuckled. "What do you think?" So far, only his cousin and the Duke of Buckingham knew the answer.

[George Hardwick III]

"I suppose he for one shall not be taking refuge in France." George gave a hollow laugh at that. France was the traditional relocation point for those guilty of this or that misdemeanor, Monmouth was there at the moment, or so he'd heard, and Castlmaine not long returned from there.

 

Where would an out of favour Danby be welcomed, a man might wonder?

 

Louis explained his thoughts over the stand of the Danby family who remained in London. George found it rather vague, sounded like guess-work, and he realised that Louis knew no more of it than he himself.

 

"And you, placed well for 'seeming support' of the families stand..." was his comment, "while I would have thought that you would stand to gain more advantage in the mans remaining absent. Then perhaps you position yourself aptly to interfere in any pending reunion with our monarch? And perhaps further, if his children remain as his spies, to feed information to the discarded Treasurer that will deflate any plans he may have for a glorious come back?"

 

George gave a wry smile at that thought.

 

"She seems rather naive." of the young lady he met, he commented, "I doubt she suspects a thing. Though as for the rest of court, I doubt the wools polled over anyone’s eyes."

 

If George could work it out, anyone could.

 

Louis went on to provide his own personal outlook on the situation, inciting Chichester to laugh at one point. “Ha! I cannot see you shrinking back!” No, it would have been a fatal mistake for Louis to disappear from Court with Danby. Danby’s absence screamed his guilt, Louis remaining painted him as an innocent party.

 

Ultimately Louis phrased a simple question that his cozying with Bridgjet must place in peoples minds. Did he Mock or Support thereby? "My money is on the later." George did love a wager, and his statement brought the pleasurable pursuit back to mind. "Alas, there is scant forums for a good gamble these days." it had used to be quite the thing.

[Louis Killington]

George was a bright fellow. No one accused him of otherwise

 

"An educated view," Louis complimented. "Yet, I like to think, by placing myself in the middle, that I could benefit either way." Though he had thrown his lot in with Buckingham, Louis was ever the schemer, hedging his bets to keep open doors of opportunity. He had considered each twist that George had suggested. In theory he could take any such path.

 

As for the guess with Bridget, Louis smiled. "I am gratified that you chose to paint me as a gentleman as opposed to a blackguard." George's speculation was a way for Louis to test what the artistic earl thought of him. It had not been meaningless prattle.

 

"I am useful to her and she is useful to me." He hoped that the court would think as Chilchester did -- that he was a gentleman looking after a stray innocent. "She is a vain creature, so I thought to tease her for it with florid praise." It helped explain the oddness of the encounter at the ball. "If you could stomach it, it would be a kindness if you would show her attention and interest. It makes the girl happy, and more useful thereby I think. As you say, she is not very bright, so I hope to educate her somewhat about the ways of court, rather than keep her a prisoner away from the challenges of it."

 

As for a wager, Louis enjoyed a good one, but he had too much ability to influence the outcome to offer one to George. Another time on another topic perhaps.

[George Hardwick III]

"I endeavour to pay attention." George replied modestly, faux or otherwise.

 

"Then the cards are yet to fall." Was what George got from Louis hedging his best comment... though he paused after saying that. Louis might not be thinking about the short term at all. "Do you know during my all-too-recent disruption, I valued none more than those who inquired. Life continues on past any initial uproar, there may yet be a time when you are the lone star in London he is grateful to."

 

He remembered Charles Whitehurst, who was the last man he'd have thought to have visited him at the Tower. Though it was not a visit in the traditional sense, it had made George's view of the man change. While they were unlikely to ever be 'friends' George would ever have the mans back if needed. There was a strange sort of bond grown through that visit.

 

"There is a little of both in us all." Chichester replied with a wink. He viewed Louis as a shrewd and steady plotter, a man who worked quietly and consistently towards his successes. Political successes primarily. It was easier to trust a man when you knew where their motive lay. True enough that George had no belief that Louis was in the business of debauching for sport or kicks.

 

"Thank you, but no." George replied as Louis suggested he play a game with Bridget too. "I have had too much with pushy girls, you had met my sister surely?!"

 

He gave a laugh, though it was in fact utter truth.

 

"Your Bridget is the overbearing sort. Did you see how she tried to manipulate me to promise a dance. A woman that pushy upon first meeting, will be unberable upon the second, and by the thrid would be insisting upon a bethrothal! Frankly, I think you a in the safer position to flatter her," he laughed with this somewhat unchristian jest.

 

Drawing himself back to a kinder mindset he ventured, “Perhaps you would be kind to help her find a match, to improve her prospects in good society. A baron, or brother of a viscount perhaps. The lot of a social orphan hardly looks bright otherwise.”

 

Perhaps Danby would be welcome in Germany, or had he crossed the Germans too?

[Louis Killington]

"Best not to play all of one's cards until the end. I prefer to draw more cards as I play some." Of course, was there ever an end to the game? "The sport is in the game itself."

 

There was indeed blackguard and gentleman in every lord. The only qustion was which portion was the greater. George seemed to acknowledge. It was never Basildon's plan to pretend piety. He would pretend propriety, which was different.

 

"You are wise to resist the invitation," he laughed. "What hapless gentleman might we visit her upon." Their remarks were most uncharitable, but meant to gain amusement. "I did not know your sister well, but she seemed to have her own mind." That was an understatement. "Seriously, do you know some young or old gentleman that might like a pushy wife from a discredited family? If Dangy is forgiven by the King, she could be quite the bargain. A shrewd businessman purchases when prices are artificially low. Though the Earl has a brood of daughters, Bridget could be quite the catch for the right man." The challenge was determining which man that might be.

[George Hardwick III]

"It is a gamble with stakes of the highest sort." said the man known to many a London bookies, while less known to roll the dice at Whitehall itself. George was upon a change though. Ready to change arenas. Perhaps with sufficient focus he could become a successful there as he had done in the gambling houses - yet still, to begin he'd tread with care.

 

He laughed with Louis, it was a laughter that lacked truly malicious intent towards the poor girl herself, yet seeing the sport of it upon an impersonal level. It was Chichesters intent to avoid nominating anyone. He laughed longer rather than reply. And it seemed to have worked for a moment too, but then Louis restated his question with more soberness the next time.

 

"Hmm." George rubbed his chin. "When you dress her in those words she does not seem quite as pitiable. Though yes, a gamble indeed. His Majesty is not known to punish his delinquent ministers for long, chances are Danby will return next, or perhaps the following season."

 

"It is a pity there is not some lady-mentor to coach her into more enticing behaviour." he commented, recalling her contraryness. “Perhaps one of the men of the Lifeguards? All are from noble houses, and most looking to advancing their interests.”

[Louis Killington]

Good-natured laughter was always welcome. It was nice to have a lighter topic than politics, though Bridget was wrapped in politics as well. "Leave her with the Life Guards?" he chuckled. "I suppose she would be safe in their company ... mostly." He continued to chuckle, as if there might be a bad egg or two in the bunch.

 

"Yes, I think I shall have to find a lady to help her adjust to court." Unlike George's intent, Louis did not intend to seek out a proper matron. To the contrary, he hoped to find a libertine lady to turn little Bridget to the ways of wickedness.

 

"And what of you Chichester? What sort of lady is the right match for you?" There was a fleeting thought of matching the man with his cousin Nicolette, but that seemed impossible in the moment. Louis had no female to push towards the Earl; rather, he was just curious whether George had already deduced the right mate for his return as a Protestant lord.

[George Hardwick III]

When George thought of lifeguards he thought of Douglas, that long and lean man whom he'd drawn at fencing practice on more than one occasion. A friend and an ally. But even so not someone you'd leave alone with your sister (or at least George had acted as chaperone when Douglas and Mirtle had decided to practise their singing).

 

So when Louis voiced doubts on that thought, he understood where it came from. "Point made." he nodded, though both still laughing generally.

 

"Me?!" Louis question had come as a surprise.

 

"Ah, er, well it is early days yet. But in fact there is a Lady who had given me encouragement to approach her father. The Father however, is playing hard to get. Ha." George's body language was stiff in talking about this. It was plainly not his arena of expertise. "Her name is Lady Frances Cavendish. Err... and yes, I realise it's a tad ambitous." he almost appologised.