George Hardwick III Posted July 24, 2017 Share Posted July 24, 2017 Friday Street was one of those up and coming streets that had everything a man or woman might ever need, bakeries, doctors, solicitors, housing, three different churches, and all manner of trades... but this evenings sojourn into the thriving microcosm had Chichester’s carriage draw up outside the Mermaid Tavern. George was first to jump down the step, foot slipping on the icy path, and then laughing as he caught himself to stay upright. "Careful how you jump Esteban, its a slippery slope -- and also the footpath is icy!" he gave a laugh, still stood near the carriage while turning to look towards the brightly lit Tavern. It looked mighty welcoming. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackguard Posted September 21, 2017 Share Posted September 21, 2017 Esteban was careful as he exited the coach, making sure his footing was sound before putting his full weight on the leg. There was an icy patch but the Spanish Baron avoided it. "Thank you for the warning George." Righting himself, the Spaniard took in the surroundings. "I do not know that I have been to this tavern of yours before. Perhaps the neighborhood looks different in winter." The neighborhood was not the best but the streets were full of people looking to celebrate. In fact, the Mermaid was overflowing with people pushing to get inside. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Hardwick III Posted September 22, 2017 Author Share Posted September 22, 2017 The tavern was indeed in a seedy district, on Friday street where it joined Bread in Cheapside "Yet you have heard of The Mermaid no doubt, and The league of Sireniacal gentlemen - do not be put off by the district for we walk the very same steps as the artists and freethinkers of old walked..." George cheerily replied as Toledo joined him, and the pair made their way to the warmth of indoors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackguard Posted September 24, 2017 Share Posted September 24, 2017 Toledo did not know the meaning of Sireniacal and inquired as to its meaning. Though fluent in English, he had difficulty with words that were not in common use. The tavern was very crowded, with a large group standing in the doorway waiting for a table to open. No one occupying a table seemed inclined to leave, so the partying was loud and included both those standing and those sitting. The tavern wenches were spread thin, with patrons shouting for more ale. Because of the crowd, the room was quite warm, except for the front door opening, causing those nearby to shout to any newcomer to shut the door. George and Esteban were dressed in contrast with most of the patrons, causing a large man to push his way forward to the door. "Evening gents. We've no tables but we have one room for you to have a seat and enjoy some ale or some eats." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Hardwick III Posted October 9, 2017 Author Share Posted October 9, 2017 "Now there is a question." The Earl replied, raising his voice to be heard over the din. "Utterly un-academic, you wont find it in a dictionary! I expect it's a reference to the pub's name itself. Sounds to me like a name invented over a few drinks, talk of mermaids and sirens, and then gents who'd enjoy a similar allure." While this little conversation took place the likelihood of finding a pole to lean on let alone a table, seemed less and less possible. The pair stood out like the proverbial. George begun to think he should have reserved a table ahead (if reservations was even possible in a place like this) when lo - a man, presumably the manager, made his way to greet them. "Evening Goodman." George replied, "Wot, and miss the frolic of the great hall you have here?!" he gave Esteban a wink at his jest - odds were that his rather reserved friend was regretting accepting Chichester’s invitation. "But yes, please do see us to the room." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackguard Posted October 13, 2017 Share Posted October 13, 2017 Estaban could hardly hear what George was saying, given the volume of noise in the taproom. The words did not make much sense anyway. "You gents interested in a silver snuff box?" called out a greasy looking man from the nearest table. "Give ye a good price I will." "Bugger off," the proprietor retorted. "Don't be bothering the gents." The man moved to try and block the view of the rest of the room as he directed the pair towards the stairs. "Don't mind him. We'll get you to a room where proper gents like yerselves can enjoy a bit of privacy. I'd be expecting that you have no problem with the minimum tap fee of ... five pounds for the evening use of the room?" He was hesitating at the bottom of the stairs to make sure that the attention to the wealthy newcomers promised to be rewarding. "We have plenty of ale, wine, and I can have a bowl of walnuts brought up." A woman, likely a harlot, was coming down the stairs while rearranging her dress as she went. She spotted Esteban and stopped with a look of fear. "Harry, you ain't allowin Turks in here is you?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Hardwick III Posted October 15, 2017 Author Share Posted October 15, 2017 George glanced towards the man flogging a snuff box. "Depends on who's initials are on it!" he returned. It was a simple enough guess that it was stolen, the rightful owner might appreciate it's return. The bar manager was fairly keen to get them off the floor however, escorting them through towards the stairs. It by now occurred to George that it was going to be rather more interesting to stay just where they were. "Five pounds is a bit steep." he objected. Which was actually true. “And I don’t much like walnuts,” with a wry smile he added, and gave a questioning look to Esteban. "We might stay down here after all?" George turned around on the first step of the stairs, viewing the fun-loving mayhem. He was still stood right then when the strumpet descending the stairs slandered his friend. "Wash your mouth out with soap girl, my friend is Spanish!" the Earl protested. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackguard Posted October 20, 2017 Share Posted October 20, 2017 The man with the snuff box seemed to take heart when George professed some interest, flashing a look that suggested that there might be an encounter later. The innkeeper found it odd that George and his friend would have any desire to stay downstairs with the unwashed masses. "I fear it is not likely safe for gentlemen of means to be surrounded by drunk and rowdy men. They'll likely have the coat off you and who knows what else. They've no love for their betters sirs. Best we keep you safe. If you don't care for walnuts we have cheese and soup for ye, all you can drink of ale as well." The man was shouting so as to be heard over the thunder of voices in the room. Esteban did not seem particularly comfortable in their surroundings, but he expressed no reservations aloud. "Same difference," the ignorant girl muttered, thinking the Spanish and Turks related. "Perhaps you might like to come upstairs and wash me mouth out for me?" She smiled broadly, showing a large gap between her two front teeth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Hardwick III Posted October 24, 2017 Author Share Posted October 24, 2017 Deft fingers reached into his pocket, and George produced his calling card for the snuff-box man, that he might call upon him later if inclined. For all and all, "Then I must apologise for my choice of venue for the evening." George spoke to Esteban, "here I thought we'd enjoy a little joviality with the locals, but instead learn we are amidst a den of vipers, and with potty mouths to boot." upon this last he flicked a disapproving look at the remorseless woman. "A shilling for your troubles." he gave the bar manager a token for his time, before turning about with intents that they make an exit. "Perhaps a pre-ball drink at my house instead then?" he suggested to the Ambassador as they left. OOC: no need to rp drinks at George’s place, I think I'll head on now to post to the ball. Salud! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackguard Posted November 1, 2017 Share Posted November 1, 2017 Rather than take the card, the small man with a dodgy gaze pulled forth the silver box. "A sovereign is all I ask milord." It was a nice box, but obviously it had been misappropriated. The owner of the tavern was scared at losing the business. "How about three pounds then?" Esteban was only too happy to be rid of the place. It held too many unfriendly faces. He was happy to have a quick drink with George before escorting his wife to the ball. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Hardwick III Posted November 3, 2017 Author Share Posted November 3, 2017 "I'll give you two if you tell me who you... comandeered if from." in an amicable tone George replied dipping hand into pocket - all done in an off hand sort of manner, so as to not draw undue attention. "Here is a tip for free." George returned to the tavern owner who now started to drop is price, "give a gentlman what he wants - I'd have paid ten for a well placed table in the common room tonight." And then they were done, and they were moving out, picking up the conversation they'd previously left in the carriage; Namely art lessons and Sophia next spring, with George sharing his vision of holding group lessons at Whitehall that any might attend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackguard Posted November 4, 2017 Share Posted November 4, 2017 "I'll take the two seeing its a holiday and all," the man with the snuff box replied. He held out a hand for coins while the other clutched the box. "Won it at cards from a man named Woody." he gave a grin that revealed he was missing two upper teeth on his right side. The barkeep was mortified. "I'll throw someone out and get you a table straight away," he declared earnestly. Yet, George and Esteban were already on their way out. "Bloody Hell," he mumbled to himself as he saw the nobles depart. "Eddie yer a bloomin idiot you are." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Hardwick III Posted November 6, 2017 Author Share Posted November 6, 2017 Money and goods exchanged hands. "Must have been quite a game." George had a weakness for gambling, "I'm a bit of a cards man myself..." how he'd have liked an invitation. Games of chance had all but vanished from Whitehall, it was an itch he didn’t get to scratch anymore. But perhaps it was just as well that temptation was out of the Earls reach. "Woody huh?" After the briefest pause to look at the snuffbox he slid it into his pocket and carried along. OOC: Cheers for the thread Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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