The New Years Eve Ball- Xmas 1677

[Ambrose Turnbull]

Ambrose arrived a bit late to the ballroom, he having given his cousin and her husband a tour of Palace as they had gone.

 

It had been a great few days staying with them in South London - home cooked food, evenings around the fire, and yes bouncing little Ambrose on his knee. He'd been tickled pink when he learnt the family had named their son after the 'successful' uncle. (He'd decided to not tell them he was not actually so successful really.)

 

"Lord Ambrose Turnbull with Mister and Mrs Wilkes" they had been announced, and Alise blushed furiously.

 

"That is just the normal thing around here." Ambrose said with bravado, "Shall we get you both a drink, you'll be amazed at what they have on offer. Ask for anything, anything you want, and I bet they will have it." he enjoyed being their host after they'd taken such good care of him for the past few days.

[Aria]

Fiona ogling Ambrose

 

Fiona had participated in a flurry of dances after her conversation with Lord Langdon, hoping that he would become jealous and decide to swive her tonight, despite his earlier objections. She danced as flirtatiously as ever, which gave most of her partners the wrong idea and she'd had to set them straight in no uncertain terms. The young Scot was not interested in a tryst with just anybody and none of the gentleman she danced with had been Dukes or even Earls. Nor had any sparks flown between them.

 

Now she stood over by one of the drink tables, idly watching the revelers. She couldn't see Charles anywhere. It would be a pity if he had left the ballroom to engage in some of the games held in other parts of the palace and all that dancing she had done had been for nothing. Oh, there he was, dancing with Lady Frances Cavendish. Her eyes narrowed. Did he fancy the Duke's daughter? Was he aiming as high as she was when it came to marriage?

 

With a little huff, she turned her attention away from him and spied Lieutenant Turnbull, who had given her an ultimatum at last week's ball. Now or never, he had said. Now it was 'now', and it would be fun to charm him into forgetting about 'never.' Unfortunately, he was in the company of another couple at present, but she intended to pounce just as soon as they parted ways.

 

She kept her gaze upon him, hoping that he would sense that he was being watched and look in her direction.

[Defiance]

The King, Sophia, & Grandison

 

The king smiled at the girl. She was so very young.

 

And perhaps a bit drunk.

 

Grandison was quite sure she was drunk! He tried to hide his amusement on his face.

 

"Young hearts, Grandison, what do you think?" the king asked, but before the other could answer, the king finished, addressing Sophia. "If you had seen how poor Grandison's eyes fell when you did not ask him! We think you should first bring some joy to our good friend, for he has had a very trying week."

 

The king was something of a mischief-maker after all.

 

(Start a side-thread for your reply I can keep track of that better!)

[Charles Whitehurst]

Charles and Frances Cavendish

 

She turned to Lord Langdon and gave a small curtsey her smile firmly in place allowing him to lead her away. Her dancing was faultless and if the Gentleman offered it she would answer what she could yet he might also detect that she was somewhat lost in thought.

 

It seemed as if Frances was lost in thought, which was fine for dancing. It did not affect her dancing. He knew she would be a fine dancer, meaning she was good practice for him. He was good enough, but not naturally graceful.

 

"You dance divinely," he flattered as he bowed at the end. Escorting her back towards George and Tamsin he paused for a glass of wine. offering one for her as well. Charles needed to leave shortly for his rendezvous. "Thank you for the dance. I enjoyed it." She seemed to enjoy it less so.

[Louis Killington]

A mid-dance exchange

 

Louis had exchanged one matron for another. Lady Brooke was not well known to him, though he knew her because Lisa's half sister married Beverley. "Ah, Lady Brooke. Happy New Year." He moved fluidly to accommodate the transfer and then completed the dance. There was not much to say. Likely Daniel was angling to exchange because Shrewsbury was a more interesting possibility for conversation or mischief.

 

"Thank you for the dance. It is rare to have such an accomplished dance partner," he flattered. He was needing to find Buckingham or Roos so he was not inclined to stay longer than was polite.

[Hope]

Louis and Margaret

 

Lady Brooke came to terms with the exchange -- smiling as it was all done and completing the dance artfully. Her dance partner acknowledged as much as he ended the dance with a compliment. "Practise perfects all things." she smiled and provided her hand to be escorted from the dance floor.

 

"Oh but speaking of perfect...." as the exited the dance floor Louis might have caught a distant glimpse of various persons his ambitious being desired to meet and speak, but courtesy dictated he enact the niceties with the elder woman first. Margret continued, "...I find myself requiring some assistance, and I suspect you may be able to help. It is about palace accommodations you see, and if I recall correctly you are master of the household purse or some such, are you not? Well, frugality may be admirable in some circles, but it strikes me as simply stingy. Have you even seen the size of his apartment?" which was all said in her protective-mother voice.

[Raconteur]

Charles and Frances

 

This dance ended as they all did with a bow and curtsey and then she was being led away back in the direction where they had left. She wonderedd if George and Tamsin would also return ....

 

She declined the wine with a smile adding

 

"You are kind Lord Langdon and yet I fear I have not been as attentive as I normally am so forgive me? Perhaps I am tired and so shall retire for after awhile even things such as This reach a point when there is no need to remain."

 

"And I doubt I would be missed."

 

'by HIM' she added silently.

 

"It was my pleasure and I am glad that you asked. It would seem that Lord Chichester is determined to regain his lost times here - from his travels I mean - and since this is a Christmas Court many new faces are seen. Do you know Lady Tamsin? Who is her father?"

 

She was curious and wanted to find out more. Nothing sinister naturally yet both men seemed to have her acquaintance and if there was anything that might prove a hinderance for George in his desires to aquit himself well to her father then she wanted to be aware of them.

[George Hardwick III]

Tamsin and George - approaching Frances and Charles

 

 

He was tall, yet with the crowd it still took a few moments to spot them.

 

Frances seemed intent with conversation, and a spear of jealousy stapped George's heart. Charles, with so many titles and honours, Charles who was highly achieved in battle now ranked in the Queens corps of the Lifeguards. Charles would probably get an answer from the young ladies father if he wrote, and Charles would have been answered soberly by May. Charles was a man who was worthy of her.

 

George swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat, and approached...

[Ambrose Turnbull]

Ambrose spies Fiona

 

His relatives were very impressed, and Ambrose was pleased that he'd brought them along tonight. It felt good to see their awe of the Palace. It felt like a personal acclaim, oh he knew it was not really, but still. He smiled.

 

"You can do better than gin." he told his brother in-law as a modest choice had been made, "I'll get one of those flavoured liqueurs for you to try. And, Alise, you might like some fizzy wine with a chunk of fruit in it."

 

Ambrose had seen ladies drinking wine with strawberries in it, and looked like they thought it was real flash. His Cousin would probably like that also.

 

"Back soon" he told then and then started weave his way through the hall towards the drinks table. It was then that he saw a lady familiar. He did not know too many ladies, but he remembered the fiery scottish beauty from last weeks ball. He’d been desperate to make a connection that night, but, like most of his court interactions hed fucked up the meeting. He figured the last person she’d want to talk to was him, not that her viewpoint would be unique.

 

Their eyes had already met, it was a tad embarrassing. "Good eve'nin." He made a bit of a smile acknowledging, as he thought to move out of her way.

[Aria]

George and Tamsin approaching Charles and Frances

 

“If you speak with them, they may think that you're telling them that there aren't any available Dukes because you want to marry me yourself.” Not only could that statement possibly be true, but Tamsin wanted to keep both Lord Chichester and Lord Langdon away from her mother at all costs. She'd be sent back to the country and wed to some gentleman who had an aversion to court like her father if her mother found out that she had been attacked and robbed.

 

“Let them believe what they will. I am in no hurry to be married anyway, so if they're set on me marrying a Duke, I get to stay single longer.” At not quite eighteen, she wouldn't be considered a spinster for many more years. She wanted to enjoy herself before being bound to one man for the rest of her life.

 

Lord Chichester seemed so sad when he mentioned his sister and Tamsin wondered why. Had she married and moved away from court perhaps? It certainly sounded as if he missed her so she doubted that she still lived in London. The young lady was too polite to ask for she didn't want to upset him further.

 

Tamsin's expression brightened when he suggested that they rejoin Lady Frances and Lord Langdon and she happily let him lead her back to them. "I think she's very nice. I hope that we can become friends."

[Aria]

Ambrose and Fiona

 

Lieutenant Turnbull didn't look at her, but he did break away from his companions. Fiona took a step in his direction and then paused when she saw him heading toward the drink table she was standing next to. She picked up a glass of whiskey just in case he said something that deserved having a drink thrown in his face.

 

As he approached, their eyes met and she was quite surprised that he greeted her so politely. His smile seemed a bit thin, but at least he didn't try to ignore her. Could it be that he was sorry for how he had treated her last week? “Happy New Year, Lieutenant Turnbull.” she said, smiling warmly. “It's a pleasure to see you again.”

 

What would he think of that statement, she wondered, considering how their last encounter had ended?

[Blackguard]

All

 

The Earl of Dorset arrived, in the company of Rochester and Alexander Merriweather.

 

Lady Edith Habersham had moved away from the Duchess of Newcastle and moved through the crowd as if seeking someone.

[Charles Whitehurst]

Charles and Frances

 

There was not much time to speak, but Charles made the most of it. "You do yourself a disservice Lady Frances. I suspect your presnce would be missed above all." he flattery was expected, though he did not understand the cause of her concern. The young earl thought she might just be fishing for a compliment. Ladies were known for that.

 

"I really know very little about Miss Tamsin. I made her acquaintance a a weaponstore, we discussed daggers and they outside she was robbed by ruffians. Lord Chichester and I gave chase. We managed to capture one but the others evade us. I really do not know a great deal more."

 

It was then that they rejpined the party. Whitehurst was eager to take his leave.

[Robert Saint-Leger]

Beverley & Peg

 

"Perfect," Peg declared when Beverley disclosed that he and his nephew would attend. "It shall go well then. I am so relieved."

 

Her motherly obligations complete, Peg could now focus on having fun for herself. "No need to take me back to him." Lord knew she spent enough time with him, mostly ignored for his many agendas. "No, I enjoy these balls to see how many dances I can collect with but a glance," she revealed. Not very welcome in the proper circle, she found herself left to deal with those on the fringe of society, unless they were soldiers that knew her or those seeking the favor of her lover. "I may go find Nell. You should go and have some fun Robert. You are acting far too seriuous for a New Year Eve's ball. Go ask a stranger or two for a dance. Find someone laughing and join in. There are only a few days a year where you can feel more liberated."

 

Beverley chuckled warmly as the former/current actress said she enjoyed seeing how many dances she could collect.

 

"Then I am, erm, happy to see you to your, erm liberation," Beverley replied.

 

"Serious?" Hmm, Beverley had never necessarily saw himself as "serious." It was more a term he equated with his lord father. "Well, I shall try."

 

He escorted her off the dance floor to a prime location for her chosen activity and gave her hand a kiss before he went off both to search for the Lord Chancellor but also to first see if he could catch a glimpse of his lady wife, to make sure she still looked happy and in good hands.

[Ambrose Turnbull]

Ambrose and Fiona

 

The warmth of her greeting came as a surprise, her reward was the bafflement on his features that then bore fruit of a confused smile. "Ah... and Happy New Year Lady Fiona."

 

Did I hear her correctly? A pleasure to see me? But that’s probably a polite greeting is all.

 

"You are looking real fine, oh, if you will excuse me for looking." Don't look at her tits! "I mean you've got plenty to look at, that is nice. I mean. Ah, er. Are you going to drink that?" nerves made his mouth very dry. Failing the glass in her own hand he reached to make use of the nearest drink. (Besides, when he was busy drinking he was not putting his foot in his mouth!)

[George Hardwick III]

George and Tamsin approaching Charles and Frances

 

"Best not do that then." George replied gravely as they meanwhile made their way towards a reunion.

 

When Tamsin expressed joy towards seeing Frances again he discovered a odd pleasure, was that pride? "She is a fine woman, you would be hard pressed to find a gentler and kinder lady-companion." he spoke of Frances, unaware of what he revealed of himself as he did to. Meanwhile the artist wrestled with conflicted feelings of the way Frances was smiling towards Charles as they re-joined.

 

It was improbable, likely impossible, and yet he discovered an attachment towards the girl.

 

"Lord Langdon, Lady Frances." he greeted once more with small bow. Theirs was this little eddy of still for a moment, uncertain of directions, and Langdon with a bodily tension about him as though he had many more purposes for the night. George had felt like that too. Though really. None of it mattered. Perhaps he'd stay with the young ladies - he'd not seen Howards son anywhere about yet, nor Pembroke’s sister, and he was not going to approach Cavendish now.

 

"Shall we find ourselves some seats." he suggested, "or would that be counter to the interests of your gaining more dance partners?" Perhaps sitting out the rest of the ball would not be to the young women’s liking? George afforded both the opportunity to speak up.

[Francis Kirke]

Francis & Dorothea w/Anne

 

"I have heard of the Maze." Dorothea's eyes alit with interest at it's mention.

 

"Then I formally request your protection." Anne meanwhile chuckled in reply to Frances; this 'one day in spring' outing held potential. "Although I cannot confirm if the dangers of the maze might come from without or within. A little mystery stimulates the dare-devil in us all don’t you agree?"

 

Dorothea could see that Anne was flirting with Francis, but did not know what she might do about that.

 

"Touche!" Anne laughed at his pert reply. There had been a time when a younger and naive Anne had cringed and tried rebuff that reputation away from herself. That had been before she'd learned there was far more enjoyment in embracing it - these days it was even a source of pride.

 

Then there was the game with unwitting puppet Bradley. This little play act struck the German girl as interesting - she listened and gave a little laugh of the novelty if not understanding quite what was funny of what was said.

 

A blonde gentleman, and sculptures? He is talking of himself surely, what did you lads get up to hmm?, thought Anne as she put two and two together - but before she could take up her role as Thomas Lennard's voice again Dorothy piped up.

 

"May I go next, may I?"

 

A nod was given her from Anne

 

Adopting a deep voice Dorothea begun to provide voice for Bradley "That is a very cultured activity - " but Dorothy had to stop because the Earl yonder was bent over laughing at whatever Bradley had said. Yonder Earl finally straightened and sought around the room before spotting Frances with the ladies, a distant mock-salute was given at the set up, before Lennard continued talking again.

 

Dorothy did her best to continue

 

"Almost as cultured as Lord Kingston."

 

and then she stopped because Thomas was trying to say something else, ie it was Francis turn.

 

Francis bowed with a most overdone flourish, dripping with drama, "Then I formally pledge my sword to my dear lady-companions."

 

It was quite an exercise to have conversation both acceptable to the more proper lady and yet diverting enough for a more liberal lady. It was fortuitous that Francis was such a master of double-entendre.

 

"Perhaps both. Perhaps you have both conspired to lure me into a trap." He chuckled. Francis was actually fully aware that ladies could be just as inventive as men in getting what they wished, even if it was traditionally the man that was the trapper and seducer.

 

In fact, both ladies were showing their ingenuity in their little mimicry game. He hoped he did the grand mimic, his uncle, proud.

 

When it was is turn to perform, he tried to laugh in a deeper manner than his own, for Sussex did not have Francis' boyish tenor.

 

He returned his friend's salute from across the room before settling in to mimic his reply to Bradley, which he knew would be far from the reality of what Bradley was actually hearing.

 

"It was, my boy, very classical. Only the very best would please His Majesty, and one must impress his father-in-law even moreso as king." Francis had a hard time not laughing, smiling the entire time.

 

"Kingston? Ah, yes, yes, I knew him when he was just Sir Francis Kirke," he added, as if it was so very long ago. "Met the wayward sailor on the beach, go figure."

[Aria]

Ambrose and Fiona

 

Fiona smirked at his reaction to her gracious greeting. He probably thought he was about to get whiskey in his face. She liked doing the opposite of what people expected of her sometimes. The looks on their faces was always amusing.

 

The way he stuttered was absolutely adorable and completely contrary to his confident and lecherous behavior at last week's ball. She liked his new attitude much better. Perhaps he had reconsidered the wisdom of sneaking away with her. Tonight, she believed it would be easy to elude her siblings because of the sheer amount of people in the hall and she was still amorous from her encounter with Lord Langdon.

 

He would have to make the first move, though. “Look all you like,” she said, straightening a bit under his scrutiny. “And thanks for the compliment.” She winked saucily. “You're looking quite well yourself.”

 

At his mention of a drink, she picked up another glass of whiskey and held it out to him. “Try this. It's my favorite.”

[Raconteur]

Charles and Frances rejoining George and Tamsin

 

"A weapons store? Truly?" She voiced concern over the part of being robbed. "She was not hurt then but of greater import why was she in such a place? Was there no man with her? No groom or servant? She is allowed to wander unattended ..."

 

She could not imagine such a thing yet she had been born into a Family that bred Wealth and Power so there had ever been eyes that watched her and shadows that followed. She knew naturally that this was an exception yet how could her Father allow it?

 

They were soon back together with the other pair and Frances smiled her thanks to the Earl once again her gaze going to George as he made his greeting her smile held in place.

 

"You have enjoyed your dance then Mistress Tamsin? Lord Chichester makes an excellent partner"

 

Her usuage of "mistress" was not intended as a slight but as the identy of the father was still not know she could not assume that even tho money was clearly there that did not mean a Title was as well.

 

She smiled again at the other girl her stance relaxed yet to her her face felt tight and she had the desire to cry. Perhaps she was trying to hard? Yes. That must be it.

 

She trailed off her words as George suggested the four of them might find a place to sit. She thought of the two chairs long since taken no doubt but nods her head in agreement only to add

 

"Yet I should not like to keep Lady Tamsin from continuing either. Perhaps we might arrange another time - you are new to Court and must be full of questions - I should like to tell you what you want to know." Her offer was genuine and it might be nice to have another face about.

 

if she has a desire for him then i shall know of it

[Charles Whitehurst]

Charles and Frances rejoining George and Tamsin

 

Now that the foursome was together, there was talk of continuing the conversation. Thies was not something that was consistent with the plans Charles had that evening.

 

"My apologies, but I promised another dance and I had best make good on it." That dance would be something more Biblical, but there was enough truth in the statement for Charles to think it an appropriate excuse. It was a large party after all. It was not particularly suited for conversations with couples. That might be better in one of the drawing rooms at any rate.

 

With a polite farewell and slight bow, Langdon took his leave. There was still enough time to grab a bottle and enter the secret passage.

[Louis Killington]

Louis and Margaret

 

It seemed as though the matron was more interested in the poor accommodations of her son that the festivities that surrounded them. "Since the entire court is gere, palace space is difficult to obtain," Basildon began to explain. "It would be the Chamberlain that would have final say, but I am happy to look into the matter." It was necessary to accommodate matrons of her rank and Beverley was almost family.

 

Left unsaid was the fact that Beverley was not living at home with her or a house owned by her husband. Had he heard of a major fight? Louis was uncertain.

 

The promise was easy to meet. He need only look into the matter, which meant he might do nothing. "I saw Arlington earlier. I suppose I could seek him out later if you wish. Between the two of us, we should be able to see if larger accommodations are available for the last few days of the season." He paused for her assent, or an acknowledgement that it was probably too late to impose such a move.

 

"Thank you again for being a delightful partner. Is there anywhere I might escort you?" Louis was already planning to move onward. He wanted to see if Buckingham might be interested in interceding with Bridget this evening, or one soon thereafter.

[Blackguard]

Beverley

 

Peg was off at the first young gentleman that passed by, keeping pace with him seeing if he would notice her. It was a game she did to fluster gentlemen into doing her bidding.

 

Mary had positioned herself next to Ursula so that she might hear everything, but she did not seem to be speaking much in the small entourage around the Queen.

 

Heneage Finch Sr. was speaking with the Northern Secretary and they were just finished. It seemed that each bade the other a Happy New Year as they parted.

[Robert Saint-Leger]

Beverley spied his lady wife. She did not seem to be out of sorts, so he was confident enough that she could manage without him for another few minutes. Thankfully, she was no country bumpkin who needed his constant instruction.

 

Thus he turned his attention to the Lord Chancellor. Seeing him newly freed, Beverley headed that direction.

 

Was that the Northern Secretary? He raised a brow but pushed it from his mind as he came before the older man.

 

"Good evening, Lord Chancellor. I hope you are well," the viscount greeted.

[Raconteur]

Natalie

She was a sheltered young girl full of fanciful ideas and tales of Chivlery and Romantic Love now seeing just how wrong she might have been to come here.

 

She was only five feet in height and her young body was full of promise and her gown showed her pleasing curves well so it no real surprise that she was being reacted to. Just how many pairs of eyes watched her even now? That thought had her begin her wanderings - first to a music room then to another where games were being played but she was too scared to venture in to what would have been sure safety. Another where some kind of game was being played but there too it was full of Adults so she walked on her manner now unsteady from the wine she had drunk and so it was that she came to a door half open .....

 

Pushing it wider she saw only a fire that burned in a hearth, several tables and chairs with wooden benches scattered about and windows that were covered in great swaths of fabric and it was then that her brown eyes fell upon the chaise set of to one side and the discarded fur draped half over it.

 

Drawn like the moth to flame young Natalie Doolittle sought it out. Lying upon it and drawing the fur over her body she gave in to her misery and hot tears scalded her cheeks and soon she was asleep.

 

A small gust of wind from somewhere played with the door and after several minutes it shut the latch making a click as it closed fully.

 

______

 

oh it was so warm ....

 

Her thought as she awoke and stretched making the fur slip down from where she'd drawn it up close about her neck and the 'chill' in the room against her warm skin exposed by the low cut of her bodice made her give a small shiver. Not fully awake she did not at first take awareness of where she was and it was only as her eyes fell onto unaccustomed scenery that she sat up right giving a small cry.

 

"What? What is this place ... Where am I?..."

 

Her words making a slight echo in the emptyness of the room. Her hand went to her head as things spun about for a moment and she closed her eyes as a sick feeling came over her. Had she been poisoned? Taken to this place and seduced by her Captor and now abandoned?

 

Opening her eyes slowly she then risked a look at her body expecting to see her naked self but she was still dressed in borrowed gown but now the worse for wear and there were stains with what she hoped was wine but she was too afraid to touch them.

 

Looking about the room was dim for the fire had burned itself down to but a few small pieces of wood that held flames but mostly embers filled the space and hardly any furniture. It spoke of little use and that caused her to tremble but she still moved her legs to the side of the chaise and carefully stood up not moving until the dizzyness went away.

Taking a few steps towards the table where a candle in a wooded holder stood she took it up and then went to the fire bending to catch the wick then raised it high the better to try to see what the room held. No other person was there and nothing to suggest there had been.

 

No wine glasses or plates or even scraps of food - a hand going to her belly as it rumbled suddenly - and then she turned towards the great wooden door set into its archway of bricks and plaster and the large handle but it was shut. Having no idea how long she had been there or even the time she wanted now to leave as quickly as possible and to return Home.

 

Her hand reached for the latch and she pulled. Nothing. Pulled again. Nothing. It did not open. Indeed it was well and truly shut! Eyes wide and her breathing fast Natalie tugged and tugged, her small hands balled into fists pounding hard upon the wood over and over again until she stopped from the pain.

 

Sliding to the floor she whispered

 

I am going to die. here in this room. no one knows I am here. no one at all

 

Perhaps it was a good thing that she then slid slowly to one side and then rested upon the floor in a faint the candle she'd been holding tipped as well as it fell from her fingers the flame flickering for a few moments before it died out.

[Blackguard]

Beverley and Finch

 

"Ah Lord ... Beverley," the older man greeted. "Yes I am well enough. Happy new year. Are you enjoying the ball?" It was hard to imagine a young person that would indicate in the negative.

[Aria]

George, Frances, and Tamsin, with Charles leaving

 

Tamsin was relieved that her ploy to keep Lord Chichester away from her mother had worked. He spoke of Lady Frances quite fondly and she wondered if he fancied her. Or perhaps he considered her as a surrogate sister since his own no longer seemed to be at court. “She sounds just like the kind of friend my mother and aunt would approve of,” she remarked quietly as they moved closer to the woman in question and her companion.

 

She smiled at Lady Frances' question, noting the way she called her 'Mistress' instead of 'Lady' and deciding to ignore it. Calling her out on something so trivial might ruin her chances for friendship. “Both Lord Chichester and Lord Langdon were a pleasure to dance with,” she replied, glancing from one Earl to the other.

 

Lord Chichester asked if they wished to find some seats, but Lord Langdon had promised another lady a dance and excused himself. Tamsin curtsied a decorous farewell and turned her attention back to Lord Chichester and Lady Frances. She was not sure what to do now and felt a bit like a third wheel. Perhaps she should excuse herself too?

 

Lady Frances then asked if she would like to meet with her at a later time. “I would like that very much. I do find court a bit overwhelming and there are many things I wish to know. I am so afraid that I am going to make a fool of myself.”

[Ambrose Turnbull]

Ambrose and Fiona

 

Ambrose had changed since his first days at court - this was true. He'd learnt a great deal during his terrible induction, discovered ladies had barbs under all those frills, and leant that if there was a brotherhood amongst the gentlemen it was a closed set.

 

"Err, I think I best not." then glanced back towards his relatives eyes as she signed off on his staring, touching base so to speak, before looking back at the siren. What was she up to he wondered, could not actually be him, perhaps she was trying to make some suitor jealous?

 

"I’ve been visiting with relatives in London." was his only explanation for looking any different than he did before. But probably her words had just been a turn of phrase, and not true comment. "Ah, yes thank you.” He accepted the glass. “I could introduce you to them if you wish."

 

He was being real careful not to cuss and swear, real careful to mind his p's and q's, overdoing it a bit perhaps as he bowed in receipt of her proffered glass.

[Raconteur]

George, Frances, and Tamsin, with Charles leaving

 

Frances smiled and then noted that Lord Langdon was taking his leave so she smiled up at him nodding and gave a curtsey before her eyes went yet again to George then returned to the other girl.

 

It seemed that George was to be a silent observer? This was not making her feel any better by any means.

 

"Well things can be at a greater pace then in the country but I think you shall settle well enough. You are here with your Lady Mother did you say? Might we arrange a time in the new week or so here at Whitehall? It will be much easier, in the long run, to have The Duchess meet your Mother and you can be presented as well that way we two may then plan out our own devices."

 

"My two Aunts will find a way to be present as well but they are rather sweet if a bit out of fashion with their ideas so you must not mind them. Your Lady Mother will be gently prodded about Families and such and it will do you both well to have had the introduction for then the next meetings will be free of unknowns. It makes everything so much simpler."

 

Frances was a kind person and even if this new face had taken a notion regarding George that could be quashed without hurting feelings. Her words were said from one used to such practices and there was perhaps also a bit of arrogance but that was a thing born into her and she, being the daughter of a Duke, knew it as natural.

 

"But if that will be too much then I will arrange for a place set aside for just the two of us. Your Mother can meet the Duchess at another time. What think you?"

 

She smiled back hoping that the other would fall in with either plan. To George she said

 

"How is your painting Lord Chichester?"

 

Yes. A nice general sort of topic as it was clear HE wished for nothing else.

 

How easily misunderstood are the ways of Love

[Aria]

Ambrose and Fiona

 

“Suit yourself.” Fiona pouted when Ambrose turned his gaze back toward his companions. Since he wasn't looking at her, he probably didn't notice and she didn't like pouting for nothing. Maybe he was peering at her from the corner of his eye. “But if you change your mind, you have my permission to look whenever you wish. And for as long as you want.” The auburn-haired Scot did love being admired.

 

Those relatives of his must have had a sobering influence on the young Lieutenant.. Had he done something improper that they had chided him for, or was he just trying to impress them? He seemed like an entirely different person tonight, nothing like the bold and seductive gentleman she had met last week.

 

She let her fingers slide briefly over his as he took the glass of whiskey from her. Fiona was quite surprised that he offered to introduce her to his relatives. Most gentlemen tried to keep her as far from their families as possible. She was not the type of girl that a man took home to meet his parents, and she knew it and didn't care.

 

“I would like that,” she said to his offer, wondering if would withdraw it now that it had been accepted.

[Anne-Elisabeth Devereux]

{OOC: This post is from this side thread but since it is takes place in the ballroom and Anne is glancing at Dorset, who arrived in this thread, I figured I should post it here as well.)

 

“The best fiction is also close to the truth.” Her chuckle joined Nicolette's and she grinned at Denbigh. As both gentlemen spoke of their marble tubs and Ibrcken mentoned his wife, whom he was apparently in love with, Anne-Elisabeth's gaze was drawn to the door where Lord Dorset had just entered with Lord Rochester and Master Merriweather. Was it time for her introduction to the King? She glanced at the blond Earl and smiled, wondering if he would beckon her over.

 

Her friend's remark was as witty as always. “So your tubs are not only large, but hard and smooth as well. My favorite kind. Though they may be difficult to heat, they tend to stay hot longer in my experience. You just have to take good care of them, making sure that you drain them dry and gently suck or stroke any remaining moisture away."

 

To Lord Ibracken: “Your lady wife is wise to take full advantage of hers. I would do the same, if I had one of my own.”

 

Anne-Elisabeth glanced toward Dorset again, hoping that he was not planning on going back on his word. She fully intended to keep her promise if he kept his.