The Spanish Party (Thursday Evening 12/30)- Xmas 1677

[Blackguard]

At each corner of the Embassy ballroom, a banner in Spain's national colors of red and yellow hung from the ceiling. Extending from each banner was a garland of festive greenery, holly, and mistletoe woven with red and yellow ribbons that dipped delicately downward in a graceful arc. The four garlands came together in the middle of the ceiling. At the center, a Spanish flag was suspended.

 

At the far end of the room, crimson curtains hung from a tall rectangular wooden frame that hid the stage that had been constructed a few days previously. Long tables had been arranged so that everyone sitting at them would be able to see the stage. The tables were covered in white tablecloths that were bordered in red and yellow and in the center of each one was a vase holding red and yellow flowers from the Toledos' orangery.

 

There were chairs on both sides of the tables and porcelain plates, silver cutlery and crystal goblets sat on the tables in front of each seat. Between the long tables were smaller ones which held a wide variety of drinks. Liveried servants stood behind them waiting to fill glasses and others circulated around the room with trays holding a myriad of Spanish appetizers for the enjoyment of the banquet's guests.

 

The host, Spanish Ambassador, Baron Toledo, was dressed in black and gold embroidered velvet and was speaking with the Earl of Bristol and the new Danish Ambassador. The Dutch Ambassador, Marius DeVries, was speaking with Lady Habersham. Conspicuously absent were the French and Portuguese ambassadors.

 

Guests continued to arrive ... .

[George Hardwick III]

The dapper Earl of Chichester arrived by his six horse carriage - a tad showy, the man was prone to these little self-indulgences.

 

Adjusting his cravat he exited the carriage, a fine figure of a fashionable man of the day. Patent leather shoes, dove grey formfitting pantaloons that were buttoned all the way down the leg - justacorps in aubergine detailed with silver piping and highly polished buttons. Sweeping off his hat to clasp under arm, he removed one glove to rap upon the door - and was swiftly admitted into the festivities.

 

 

Gratefully accepting a glass of wine from servant, George noted Lady Habersham adjacent and gave a nod (the pair having spent that afternoon together).

 

It was good to see that there was a growing number here already. Approaching the Host George smiled genially, "Good evening Toledo..." it a semi-causal greeting upon account of their friendship, and one with hopes that he'd gain introductions to the men to whom Esteban was speaking, Chichester’s smile turning towards Bristol and DeVries in anticipation.

[Blackguard]

Toledo gave a wide smile when he saw George approach. "Milord, thank you for coming." He turned to Bristol and Baron Bysted. "You know Chichester already gentlemen?" Bristol was the first to speak. "Yes of course. How have you been?" The question was posed to George. The Danish Ambassador shook his head. "It is a fine party," Christian announced as his own greeting.

 

Toledo provided the introduction. "Lord Chichester, this is Baron Bysted, the new Ambassador from Denmark." The man had dark hair and appeared to be in his late 20s. "A pleasure my lord," the Dane offered with a nod of the head.

[Charles Whitehurst]

It was then that Lord Langdon arrived in the company of his mistress, Catherine Sedley. He was dressed in his Colonel's tunic for the Langdon Regiment, rather than his Life Guard uniform. Somehow it had seemed better that he did not attend a foreign soiree while in the King's uniform. It might suggest some kinship with Spain inappropriately, or so he imagined.

 

It looked as though they were still early, but his own plan was to leave early after being sociable for an hour or so. He was not much of a social butterfly, preferring the company of soldiers and pretty ladies. He was less interested in diplomacy, politics, and the arts. Perhaps there will be some interesting food.

 

He did not know many of the persons present very well. He knew Chichester and Bristol certainly. He was hoping that Sophia might be nearby to introduce him to some of the guests. His eye also searched for his sweetheart, though there was no sign of Davina.

[Aria]

Catherine rested her hand lightly on Charles' arm as they entered the ballroom of the Spanish Embassy. She would not have attended if he had not invited her. It was probably going to be a dull affair, filled with speeches about about great Spain was becoming under its new ruler. Hopefully, her lover would only want to stay until dinner was over. There were more pleasurable ways to spend an evening.

 

“Well, this is boring,” she remarked, scanning the room for faces she knew. Hopefully, some libertines would arrive and liven things up a bit. Plucking a savory pastry from the tray of a passing servant, she took a bite. It was spicier than she had expected and she began to cough. “Beware of the killer appetizers,” she gasped. “My throat is on fire. I'm going to get something to drink. Do you want me to bring you anything?”

 

After receiving his answer, she quickly moved toward the nearest drink table, leaving Charles by himself.

[Sophia de la Cerda]

Sophia entering and approaching Charles

 

Sophia had been at the Embassy for several hours, giving out last minute instructions and making certain that everything was going according to plan. The decorations were beautiful and the aromas coming from the kitchen were mouth-watering. When the servants were fnally in place and the appetizers had arrived, she had retired to a smaller room to change. She still had plenty of time before the first guests arrived.

 

Sophia had chosen one of the gowns that she'd had made for her in Spain to wear tonight and the colors were bolder than the pastels she usually favored. Made of saffron silk embroidered with red flowers and green leaves, the fashionably plunging neckline was trimmed with beaded scarlet lace that called attention to her ample cleavage. The puffy sleeves sat low, exposing the creamy skin of her shoulders, and were also trimmed in beaded scarlet lace. The bodice hugged her torso, accenting her tiny waist and coming to an elongated point in the center over a long peplum of scarlet lace The skirt was split in the center and held up at the sides with red fabric roses, exposing her scarlet silk underskirt.

 

Her hair had been arranged in a spiral of curls that was pulled to the side and fell over one shoulder. She wore a red fabric rose on the other side, which she thought gave her a Spanish flair. Her jewelry consisted of gold, emeralds, and rubies. Sophia also wore a matching stomacher brooch, She had not yet seen anyone at the English court wearing them, but she had brought several with her from Venice. As usual, she was trying to start a new trend. The gold brooch was fastened just beneath her bosom and studded with rubies and emeralds, More jewels were fastened below it by golden links which caused them to sway when she walked.

 

It wasn't as spectacular as the octopus she had tried on at the Curiosity Shop, nor as elaborate as the rose brooch she had commissioned at the jewelers' this afternoon. Sophia hoped that one would be ready by the New Year's ball, but if not, she would just debut it at another event. Unlike the octopus, the jeweled rose would conform to her figure and fit it perfectly. And it wouldn't be quite as heavy.

 

Stepping into the ballroom, she leaned lightly on her cane, which had been wrapped in ribbons to match her gown, the ends curled and streaming downwards. There was only a dull ache in her ankle now, but it still hurt when she put her full weight on it. Hopefully, tomorrow, she would no longer need the cane. It was cumbersome and she could not move with her customary grace.

 

A few early arrivals were already milling about. Sophia recognized Lady Habersham and the other Ambassadors, but she didn't know one of the gentlemen who was conversing with Esteban and Lord Chichester. She was glad Lady Habersham was here, for she wished to invite her to tea and she thought that it would be better to deliver the invitation in person rather than in a letter.

 

A flash of motion caught her eye and she saw a young woman leave Lord Langdon's side and hurry over to one of the drink tables. She must have eaten one of the spicier pastries. Approaching the handsome Earl, Sophia smiled warmly. “Lord Langdon, I am glad that you came tonight. Is your friend all right? I think I should have put up a warning about the food. Some of it is rather hot.”

[Charles Whitehurst]

Sophia and Charles

 

Catherine was probably correct in her judgment that the Spanish party was likely to be a dull affair. Proper parties were more staid than those of the libertine. Though not invited to Caroline's party the night before, he had been made aware of it. Still, he had chosen not to attend because he felt awkward at parties where high level nobles played the roles of satyrs at a bacchanalia. He did not feel comfortable undressing or love-making in front of others. Libertines seemed to relish the freedom. In his mind, Charles would rather be bored than embarrassed. It might also do Catherine some good to be seen at proper parties. He hoped to repair her image at court.

 

Catherine excused herself upon discovering peppers used in Spanish fare. Alone but for a short time, Charles was joined by the hostess.

 

Sophia was dressed in such a way as to drive a man's eye directly to her cleavage. There were necklaces above and brooches below. It was extremely hard not to stare at what was on display. Langdon was certain that she caught him peeking, but he carried on determined to maintain eye contact as best he could. "You look lovely tonight," he flattered. "Thank you your inviting me. The lady upon my arm is Catherine Sedley, daughter of the well-known playwright," he introduced in her absence. "Can you tell me which foods are the ones most spicy?" The English diet rarely included anything particularly spicy.

[Sophia de la Cerda]

Charles and Sophia

 

Sophia was now accustomed to gentlemen studying her bountiful charms before they finally raised their eyes to her face. It no longer embarrassed her as it once had, for she was now proud of her generous assets. As long as a gentleman didn't outright stare at them obsessively, she was not bothered by their interest.

 

Lord Langdon's perusal was subtle, and she was surprised by the little thrills that burst within her. He was certainly handsome, but she knew of his reputation with the ladies and had no intention of becoming another notch on his bedpost. Although she found him quite intriguing, he was not the Charles she fancied.

 

Her smile brightened at his flattery and a soft blush flowered across her cheeks. Like all teenage girls, she adored admiration. “Thank you, my lord.” She had heard of the playwright of whom he spoke, athough she had not yet met him personally. Perhaps the theatrical members of court would start paying more attention to her after the opera.

 

She missed the company of like-minded individuals. Esteban wouldn't approve of her associating with them, but Esteban didn't approve of anything that was actually fun. Sophia was still considering replying to the letter that the actress Mary Betterton had sent her, despite the fact that she knew her husband was against it.

 

“Of course.” The young Baroness stopped a servant and gestured to him to lower his tray. Pointing to each succulent tidbit in turn, she explained which ones were spicy and which ones were mild. “This one,” she declared, picking up a morsel that was oblong in shape, “is nothing but a whole pepper stuffed with cheese and baked in a savory coating. It is one of the hottest appetizers that is being served tonight.”

 

She took a delicate bite, closing her eyes momentarily and savoring the heat. “Delicious,” she breathed, “So how adventurous are you, my lord?” she asked with a playful grin. “Ready to add a little spice to your life?”

[Charles Whitehurst]

Sophia and Charles

 

The Baroness asked him how adventurous he was. A more witty man would find a way to make her blush with a reference to sexual adventures; but, Charles was not particularly witty with women ... though Lord knows he tried.

 

"I put pepper on my potatoes," he revealed. Pepper was a popular spice after all. "Those red peppers are bad," he grimaced as she bit into one. "It burns your mouth so you can taste nothing else. That seems something of a waste do you not think?" Yet, that seemed rude to the hostess, so he revised his opinion into one of curiosity. "Does that not burn your mouth?"

[Duncan Melville]

After leaving his cloak and hat at the entrance, Duncan was directed to the embassy’s ball room. He was dressed in a blue velvet justacorps with upturned sleeves and lapels, silver trim, and polished silver buttons. Underneath he wore a white brocade waistcoat with a snowflake motif and silver buttons set with sapphires, white breeches and stockings, and black leather shoes with silver buckles. A silver chain could be noticed hanging from his right waistcoat pocket. On his lacy cravat was a tear-shaped blue diamond, while on his fingers he wore a Mazarin-cut white diamond and another tear-shaped blue diamond, both set in silver. For those who knew a bit about Scotland, they could perhaps evoke that the Scottish flag was of the same exact shade as the Lowlander’s coat. And for those accustomed to military matters, the coat had a slight military cut to it, perhaps even naval.

 

The decoration of the ball room was, expectedly, very nationalistic. The food and drink did raise an appreciative eyebrow on the viscount’s face, though. There were the expected Spanish vintages, but also others that would prove interesting, the Scott was certain. He chose a white Rhennish, which would help clean his palate from the explosion of flavors he would experience, and took a small slice of toast topped with minced blood sausage, olive oil, and oregano. He had acquired the taste for morcilla while fighting in the continent, and no one besides the Germans could make it as tasty as the Spanish did, and that only on a good day.

 

Having eaten the appetizer in one bite, and having washed it down with the refreshingly cool and fruity wine, the newcomer approached the host. On his way, he noticed that Lady Sophia was chatting amicably with Lord Langdon, though he could not hear their words. Should either of them were to turn in his direction, they would find a friendly smile and a nod, but the lord of the castle had to be greeted first.

 

Once he reached the ambassador and his small group, Duncan bowed formally. “Barón de Toledo, thank you for your kind invitation”. He knew George Hardwick, of course, and their host knew that*, so the Lowlander smiled and nodded slightly towards his friend. He had spent part of the afternoon with the man, too. He did not know the next gentleman, a dark-haired man who appeared to be in his late twenties. He had met Lord Bristol once before, but the circumstances were so… unusual, that the Scot waited to see if George Digby would acknowledge having met him in the past or not**. One can never be too careful, especially in these… interesting times… No offense if the man didn’t, of course. It had all been the King’s business, after all.

 

 

* Toledo and Duncan met at Chichester's Open House back in August... the only three people in attendance.

** Bristol visited Jane Digby while she was a guest in Melville House, and Duncan was introduced to him then.

[George Hardwick III]

"Very well thank you, and yourself?" Lightly acquainted with Bristol George nodded to the man's acknowledgement. George Digby had briefly been topic of conversation during his meeting with Basildon, alas forming a bad example which Chichester did not desire to mimic. That despite their mutual concern over Jane (a girl who was every bit, or perhaps even more capable than either man.) Still, greetings therefore were muted, though properly done.

 

"A pleasure to meet you Ambassador." George made small bow to Bysted as Toledo provided the introduction. "I trust your first impressions of our Island Nation are are all favourable? Or have you perhaps visited our shores on other occasion?" Conversationally asked.

 

Distracted as he was he failed to see Charles arrival, or that of Sophia and separately Melville. His interest intent. That was until Duncan approached to greet the host. At that point Chichester was pleasantly surprised, it was the first he'd heard of the Scott's late arrival for the Christmas season. Eyes met Duncans warmly, as he allowed the host first right of reply.

[Blackguard]

The Host and Group

 

"This is my first visit," the Dane replied. "I have found London most welcoming so far." The comment was politely made. "Have you been to Denmark by chance?" Bristol nodded at George's greeting.

 

It was then that Duncan arrived. Toledo was grateful for the appearance, knowing the Scot to be a friend to Spain. "Lord Melville, you are welcome here." He had feared that the Scot had been ill, the man having a reputation for such.

 

"You know Lord Chilchester, and I assume you know Bristol, since everyone does, and this is the new Danish Ambassador Lord Bysted." The latter gave a small bow. Bristol seemed to recognize Duncan, but was still trying to place the acquaintance. As such, he kept quiet, which was rare for a man of such bravado.

[Blackguard]

Sophia

 

Behind the Earl of Langdon, on the far side of the room, the hostess might see Anna arguing with Karl. The spat was brief and Karl ignored her as he looked towards the handsome Diego Estrada, who was just arriving, through the back entrance apparently.

 

Anna seemed distraught and looked at Sophia with eyes that conveyed some sense of urgency and looming peril. She did not approach her mistress. Rather, she just looked miserable and stood in a corner.

[Sophia de la Cerda]

Sophia leaving Charles and approaching Anna

 

It seemed that Lord Langdon was not as adventurous as Sophia had expected, at least not where food was concerned. Black pepper added flavor, but it was boring compared to the red and green varieties that were plentiful in Italy and Spain. So he thought that red peppers only burned one's mouth and had no taste of their own? That was usually what everyone believed until they became accustomed to the heat, It was then that the unique flavors of the peppers came through. The petite blonde had passed that point long ago.

 

“Actually, it does, a little, but it's a good kind of heat.” In truth, it was a bit too spicy even for her, and her eyes began to water. Quickly, she grabbed a glass as a servant walked by with a tray of wine, taking a long gulp. “It's very flavorful, but you have to get used to the heat before you can taste it.”

 

She pointed to one of the milder appetizers. “Try this one, my lord. It's just a bit spicy.” Her eyes scanned the room, and she noticed Lord Melville in the group of gentlemen around Esteban. She returned his smile, and made a note to speak to him later. At least one guest would appreciate the spicy food tonight.

 

She also saw Karl and Anna arguing and the stealthy entrance of Diego Estrada, whom she had first met the night Don Juan was poisoned. What was he doing here? Had Esteban asked him to spy for him tonight? Or was there potential danger lurking at her banquet?

 

Anna looked positively frightened. “Please excuse me, Lord Langdon. There is something I need to attend to.” Sophia grinned playfully. “A hostess' work is never done.”

 

Although she wanted to hurry to the other side of the room, she had to walk slowly because of her injured ankle. When she reached her maidservant, she asked quietly in German: “What's going on? Is something amiss?”

[Aria]

Catherine Sedley returning to Charles

 

Catherine rejoined Charles just as their hostess was departing, a glass of brandy in her hand. She seemed to have recovered from being attacked by a spicy pastry. “Sorry for leaving you so abruptly,” she apologized with a cheeky grin. “Even though I wasn't gone long, I know that you missed me immensely."

[Duncan Melville]

The Host and Group

 

"Your hospitality is received in the spirit in which it is given, milord. And I must say that if the appetizers are just a hint of what you have in store for us, you will have me longing for the battlefields of the continent and the food I sampled there before too long!" Duncan had, in fact, learned to appreciate the national cuisines of the officers he had served under and alongside of in his years in Dumbarton's Regiment. They had been long and hard years, and he had been wounded more than once, but they had made him the man he was, so he could not think about them without at least a bit of longing. As an example of that, it was not a court sword that hanged from his belt, but a basket-hilt rapier, Spanish at that.

 

"Lord Chichester", he nodded again, smiling, to his friend. Bristol seemed to have recognized him, but said nothing. Still, the Catholic Lord was his social superior, so he bowed to him. "A pleasure to see you again, milord". If Lord Bristol wanted to talk later, it would be his privilege, but the Lowlander would not press him.

 

As the Danish ambassador was introduced, the Scot bowed formally. "An honor to make your acquaintance, Lord Bysted. May your stay in London be most pleasant". Duncan had not known there was a Danish ambassador in His Grace Charles' court. Perhaps it had to do with England's current stance favoring the Dutch Republic in her war with France.

 

A servant passed by, and the viscount grabbed another appetizer from his tray. This one was a green pepper stuffed with Spanish chorizo, dipped in batter, and then fried until golden. The chile relleno disappeared in two bites, and the upturned corners of the Lowlander's lips showed how much he had enjoyed it.

[Blackguard]

Sophia and Anna

 

"It is Karl," she hissed. "He asked me earlier whether I thought that you and Lord Chatham were ... well, overly familiar. I told him of course not but he gave me a look that he didn't agree. I told him he best be quiet." Anna paused to look back at Karl, who was conversing with Diego.

 

"I overheard him asking to speak to your husband after the party tonight. I tried to warn him again but he pays me no heed. I think ... I think he plans to tell the Baron about his suspicions."

[Sophia de la Cerda]

Sophia leaving Anna and approaching Diego and Karl

 

Sophia popped the rest of the pepper into her mouth, letting the heat mask the panic coursing through her veins at Anna's words. As she chewed, she mentally reviewed the two occasions she had met with her dashing Charles. They had done nothing improper until they had secluded themselves in the soft blue shadows of the grotto. Nothing could be proved against them.

 

Washing the pepper down with another gulp of wine, she sighed. Her heart was not beating quite so rapidly now. “Don't worry about it,” she said flippantly. “He is probably concerned because I leaned a bit heavily on Lord Chatham when we were strolling through the gardens this morning. Let him tell the Ambassador what he will. I have nothing to hide and perhaps my lord husband will see Karl's complaints for what they are. He was reprimanded earlier this week for letting me slip away from him. Twice. He's just trying to get on his master's good side again.”

 

Sophia reminded herself to make sure she was with Esteban after the party so she could hear the bodyguard's allegations herself. As soon as Lord Chatham arrived, she'd tell him about this new development and then take him to Esteban. A lady would never parade a gentleman she fancied right under her husband's nose, and so both she and Charles would look innocent of any offense Karl might accuse them of. Or so she hoped. So much could still go wrong.

 

“Don't argue with him anymore,” she advised Anna. “He will think you're just trying to defend me.” With an encouraging smile, she left her maidservant, and joined the bodyguard and the spy. “How pleasant to see you again, Senor Estrada,” she greeted the handsome Spaniard in his own language.

 

Her Spanish was far from fluent, but her proficiency had improved since he had seen her last and she wasn't certain how much Karl knew about the services he provided her husband and royal lover. “Are you a guest of my lord husband or are you supposed to be incognito tonight?” She grinned teasingly. “If you are posing as a servant, then I will put you to work.”

 

Sophia was still a bit shook up about what Anna had told her, but no one would be able to tell by her charming demeanor. I'll deal with problems as they arise. There is no reason to brood about them now. At least I've been warned and if I make this banquet a success, Esteban will not believe whatever Karl has to tell him. I just have to remember to be on my best behavior tonight.

[George Hardwick III]

The Host and Group

 

"Significantly timed." George replied to the discovery that this was his first time in England. When Parliament was upon the verge of throwing it's support in the Dutch direction (if the York had not already done so, what with the marriage of Mary to Orange), perhaps this man was the final push to their favour? A Dutch diplomat of unrivaled skill? He's certainly not won the honor due to rank.

 

 

Joined by Duncan

"Happy Christmas Lord Melville," George greeted Duncan warmly (eventually they might gind a chance to catch up properly!) but for now it was a seemly enactment of the formal protocols, before men got back to talk.

 

The Dutch Ambassador took centre stage... "The recentness of your own Arrival, would have me guess you attended the Princesses marriage before you left? There has been far too little in the newspapers of it, unless you want to read descriptions of garments worn. I am sure I am not alone in curiously...," he inclusively looked to the other men in the group before returning focused upon the Dutchman, "...when I ask how the union is received by the regular folk of Holland?"

 

Was Mary warmly welcomed, or regarded with distrust? Was she loved as a token of greater ties with England, or…

 

Chichester tipped his head with pleasantly voiced enquiry.

 

 

 

Edited: as a time knot is being resolved.

[Blackguard]

The Group

 

Melville spoke well and seemed to appreciate Spanish cuisine. Langdon was not likely the only one seeking to avoid peppers this evening, but Bristol was not one. He helped himself to the same appetizers that appealed to Duncan. Digby had spent many years in Spain and knew the cuisine well.

 

George mistook the Danish Ambassador to be the Dutch one. Perhaps it was the noise in the room that confused him. In fact, the Dutch Ambassador, Marius de Vries, was present, but he was speaking with Lady Habersham at the moment, listening politely to a tale of her husband's visit to the canals.

 

"I think, Lord Chichester, that you mistake me for the Dutch Ambassador. I am the Danish Ambassador," Lord Bysted explained. Others smiled sympathetically. Surely diplomats were best able to handle awkward moments. "I would have enjoyed a visit to see the Prince of Orange and Lady Mary. Perhaps I will get a chance on my return home."

 

"How can Mary not be warmly received in Holland?" Bristol declared. "I am certain the French would plot to make it otherwise."

[Blackguard]

Sophia

 

Karl was quiet and took a step back as Sophia approached Diego. "I am here as a guest," Estrada confirmed with a chuckle. "That is not to say that I have not been a servant about court this past week." For some reason, he was not in disguise this evening. Perhaps it was because of the presence of friendly ambassadors. Perhaps Esteban wished to remind other nations that he was not without his own sources in England.

 

"You look stunning tonight Baroness," Estrada complimented. "It is certain that your presence alone will keep gentlemen from becoming too serious and too boring tonight," he offered with a smile.

[Charles Whitehurst]

Charles and Catherine

 

The hostess was off on her rounds. One could never speak to a hostess of a party for long, so it did not seem unusual to him.

 

When Catherine returned, she tried to score a point in their ongoing game. "Oh, were you gone?" he pretended. "Oh yes, the Baroness asked me who you were while you retreated. She wanted to warn me that she has never seen a mannerism of a lady more infatuated with her escort than you were with me. I tried to explain that it was typical, that it made ending evenings difficult because you were content to just follow me everywhere ... forever. She offered a distraction when I needed one and I told her to keep the spicy food handy in case I needed it." He was smiling broadly, daring her to outdo that quip.

[Duncan Melville]

The Group

 

Duncan noticed the Earl of Bristol partaking of the spicier appetizers. Good. A gentleman with good taste. When the next servant passed by, he took a small bell pepper stuffed with a paste made of goat cheese and anchovies. A lot of the English fare was a little too bland for the Lowlander, and even though soldiers’ rations in the continent were never the best, there was always an officer or two willing to share with his peers a bit of what he had. Too bad not many had learned to appreciate haggis. Or perhaps it had not been that bad, after all… more to keep for himself!

 

At Chichester’s misunderstanding, the Scot tried to divert the attention to something all those present might consider more important. “Lord Bysted, if I may ask, what are King Christian’s views on the war? And how do you see England helping in the effort, should she decide to join it?” King Christian, like His Grace Charles, was a king of more than one nation. I wonder if the Norwegians and the Danes have the same difficulties relating to each other than Scots and English do. For the good of the Danish King’s sanity, the viscount hoped that they did not get along as badly as the Irish and the English did.

 

When Lord Bristol made his comment regarding princess Mary, Duncan assented. “Lady Mary is being well-received, I am sure. As for the French, I do hope for their sake that they have learned their lesson. If they try to meddle in that betrothal and are caught, no amount of Louis d’ or will save them from the wrath of His Grace Charles… and His peoples”.

 

The military-minded Scot was certain of that. An attempt to meddle in English affairs could be somewhat forgiven, even if it was an attempt on the king’s life. But two? The riches of France would not be enough to appease England’s mobs if that were to happen.

[Aria]

Charles and Catherine

 

Charles was in fine form tonight. Catherine didn't want to concede a point to him, but that adorable grin was reward enough for a setback that she knew was only temporary. Her body hummed with desire and she wished that they could find a closet and have a quickie. It wouldn't be the first time. Their relationship had started in the darkness of a closet, after all.

 

She sipped her brandy while she tried to think of a good comeback. “I'll bet she was really wondering why you were staring at me so longingly and you told her that the appetizers looked delicious so that she wouldn't know how obsessed you are with me. That was why she had a whole tray brought over for you. And you're right. They might come in handy. If you eat one, at least the fire in your mouth will stop you from thinking about me for at least a few seconds.”

 

Her retort was not quite as good as his, but it wasn't too lame either.

[Sophia de la Cerda]

Sophia and Diego

 

Sophia shrugged nonchalantly when he informed her that he was attending the banquet as a guest. “That is too bad.” The mischievous note in her lyrical voice would tell him that she was only jesting. “We are a bit short-handed.” This was not true. Extra help had been hired for the occasion. She just couldn't resist a little lighthearted teasing.

 

“In fact, I believe I noticed a servant who resembled you at the ball on Saturday, but I was not sure it was you. If it was, you do an excellent job of blending into the background. It must be fun to pretend to be somebody that you are not.” She knew exactly how enjoyable it was to traipse around in disguise, but he would not know that.

 

His compliment made her blush. “You are too kind, Senor. I doubt anyone or anything will keep the gentlemen from their political discussions, but hopefully, there will be something for everyone tonight and our guests will all be glad they came.”

 

Her eyes scanned the room for new arrivals and then returned to Diego. “Have you heard from Don Juan?” Maybe he kept in closer contact with her Prince than her husband did. “He told my lord husband he would join us around the end of the year if he could.” Actually, he had told her that, but she didn't know if the dashing spy was aware that the two of them were lovers. “I hope that he has quelled that uprising in Italy.”

[George Hardwick III]

The Group

"Please accept my apologies." Chichester apologised. It was quite the gaff indeed, though he expected to be forgiven easily enough. Mistakes were easily made and it was clear enough his question had been topical not malicious.

 

"You would think." He nodded to Bristol’s forward comment on the Dutch people receptivity to Princess Mary, "yet the mentality of the lower classes is at times a mystifying thing. And yes, as you point out, the French would meddle if they can."

 

There was interest in the peppers, a hot appetiser. While George’s many years in Italy had him appreciate an array of flavours, he had no great fondness for great heat. He waved away the servants offer of the platter to him, opting to wait for a different dish.

 

Duncan's question to Bystead was interesting, and the Earl listened for the Ambassadors reply...

 

Still, his eyes found the man Marius de Vries then (he'd been mistaken thinking Bystead was his replacement.)

 

"Ha.. gentleman, the man I might more properly address my earlier question to." he announced upon a laugh, and discreet nod towards whom he was speaking. "If you would excuse me, I shall place my enquiry. Have I any startling news, I shall return with it to deliver to you good sirs directly!" he made a small bow and separated from the group.

 

Before moving towards the Dutch Ambassador.

[Blackguard]

The Group

 

George's faux pas was easily forgiven. Such slips were understandable. Bristol shrugged it off as he tried another appetizer.

 

As for the Danish Ambassador, he replied to Duncan "His Majesty believes that France needs to be contained. He entered the war with the Grand Alliance to keep the French from seizing the Low Country and several German principalities, shifting the balance of power thereby. It is not the Spaniards, Dutch or Emperor that are feared as aggressors on the Continent. Only the French are a threat; so, why would the English abide their longtime foe to gain an advantage that may open the door to the rest of the Continent? The French are stymied at the moment but neither side can win the strategic battle. Thus, it would take England joining the Grand Alliance to force King Louis to the peace table."

 

George Joining Lady Habersham and Marius

 

"Oh, here comes the most charming gentleman at court, other than yourself Excellency," Edith declared as she saw George approach. Marius knew the man. "Good evening Lord Chichester."

 

Sophia

 

"Are you telling me that my disguise was not perfect?" he jested when she claimed to have seen him at the ball. As for Don Juan, "I am told that the armies in Italy have gone into winter quarters. So, who is to know where he might visit next?" He wore a cryptic smile as if he might know more, but added nothing.

[Sophia de la Cerda]

Sophia and Diego

 

“You will have to do better next time.” Sophia winked playfully. “In truth, you fooled me, and I know you. I doubt anyone suspected that you were not a humble servant. I hope you discovered some useful intelligence while you were incognito.”

 

She couldn't hide her delight when Diego's words and cryptic smile implied that Juan was no longer in Italy. It was dangerous to travel during the winter, and Spain was closer, but perhaps he had decided to brave the foul weather just to see her again. Her eyes sparkled happily and her smile brightened. “Do you think he will join us then? I keep looking toward the door, expecting to see him enter at any moment.”

 

Realizing that she might have given herself away, Sophia quickly added: “I know my lord husband is looking forward to seeing him again.”

[Duncan Melville]

The Group

 

Duncan listened intently. France was, indeed, the power of the age. Besides, Sweden was fighting on France’s side, and the Swedes had proven themselves as very capable in the art of war, to the detriment of the Danish-Norwegian crown. Thus, the Danish ambassador’s words were true, but they were also coloured with national self-interest.

 

“I agree with you, and I will support any and all efforts to take France down a notch”. That was true. “And should I be shipped to war with the regiments…” unlikely, but possible “… I would not think twice before getting men and equipment ready, and boarding ships to the continent”. That is what would be expected from a man of war. “I fought in Dumbarton’s under Turenne, so I guess my experience on French war practice might be useful in the field”.

 

The viscount followed Lord Bristol’s lead, and tried yet another appetizer, this one fried angulas, spiced and breaded elver eels fried in olive oil, a delicacy the Scot really liked. I must say Lord Toledo’s staff have outdone themselves. I will have to send a note of thanks in a day or two, with a small thank you gift attached.

 

Continuing with the conversation, the Lowlander added, “yet, I think His Grace Charles’ greatest contribution would be at sea, not on land. If the Dutch Navy were to be joined by the Navy Royal, plus the many, many privateers that would sail from these islands, France would quickly be isolated by sea. This, coupled to her being surrounded on land by Spain on one side, and the Dutch Republic, the Holy Roman Empire and the Kingdoms of Denmark and Norway on the other, we should see France at the negotiating table”.

 

Problem was, the French were both strong militarily and crafty diplomatically. It would take some doing to get them to accept terms unfavourable to them. Still, the French had make a great mistake. They had tried to kill Duncan's king, and that would not be easily forgiven, not by Duncan, and not by many others.

 

Marshall Turenne, how low have your people fallen after your death...

[Blackguard]

Sophia and Diego

 

"I always learn something useful," he replied smugly. It was obvious that he planed to say no more.

 

As for the other topic, he shrugged. "It is not for me to say where he might visit." It was not surprising that he neither confirmed or denied the arrival of the Prince, even if he might know. As for knowing the relationship between Don Juan and Sophia, Diego gave no sign. Yet, he would be a poor spymaster if he was ignorant of such things.

 

Duncan

 

In truth, the Allies, other than the Dutch, wanted the war to continue. They believed that they had the momentum in 1677 and looked forward to a successful campaign against France in 1678. The Dutch were tired of war and worried that the English were becoming too powerful in trade by being neutral.

 

"It is good to hear you say that my lord. When do you think England shall join the war? Is it something that needs approval of your Parliament or may the King declare war on his own?" Bristol knew the answer but was curious what the Scotsman might say.