The New Years Eve Ball- Xmas 1677

[Blackguard]

John and Nicci

"You are correct that the uniform is blue and officers wear a red sash with gold tassles," Burgoyne clarified. "I should be happy to model it for you."

"The Earl is here.  Last I saw he was speaking with the Duke of Cumberland.  I should be happy to introduce you."  It was clear that he saw no competition in such an introduction.

"It is a sad tale really.  His first wife, Anne, passed away just before the war ended and while he was imprisoned.  They had five children but only one daughter survived.  He married his … er a commoner, Diana Kirke maybe five years ago.  They have no children," John explained.  He was not pretty in the way she meant.  He was pleasing to a female eye but no dandy.

He was glad that she took no umbrage at the mention of war with France.  It had been the ruin of their last conversation.  She called him friend and he would wonder later what was meant by that word choice.  The mention of currents against her body caused the gentleman to look down at her body, which was a sight to behold.  "I had not thought of it that way," he admitted.  "Perhaps we might go for a walk along the river … since you are partial to water?"  It was about as daring as he could be under the circumstances.

[Blackguard]

Beverley and Finch

"Excellent, shall we say two o'clock?" the Chancellor offered.  He preferred to do his reading of books and manuscripts in the morning while he was fresh.

"Official, yes I see," the older man acknowledged after Beverley sought to clarify things.  "I cannot say that I know much about finance," Finch was quick to disclaim.  "I am a man of the law.  But then, you know that."  His mind considered the possible paths that Rupert might take to raise money.  "I shall be happy to be of assistance if I can.  If you tell me the idea, I would be happy to have the issue researched in advance of our meeting," he offered. 

[Nicolette Vauquelin]

Nicci & John

Her guess of uniforms colour for the 'Oxford Blues' had been no cleverness, never the less she was pleased when he confirmed it. "See I have been paying attention." She announced to him proudly, "quiz me something other! I want to see if I can remember!"  

 

She was pleased to hear that Oxford did not likely have designs on clear-eyed Burgoyne, it was less good news that Oxford had married his mistress though.  He must have given up hopes of heirs, a fact that was truly tragic. And really, not in keeping with other aspects of the personality John had described to her. "I would love to meet him." she settled flashing a smile and moving her arm ready to take his (as she imagined it was next to be offered).

 

He was not even secretive about his evaluation of her body, it set her to laugh merrily! "My Captain is but one more drink away from a kiss I think!" yes he was far bolder than he'd been before, and she rather liked it.  He even suggested a future outing, though he did not quite seem to follow her thought path on the topic.  "Yes we could, but I would want Lady Cambray in attendance - the wild card that might spur an uncommon adventure.  And you might wear your uniform for us."  A perfect plan.

 

Edited November 6, 2018 by Nicolette Vauquelin

[Aria]

Richmond noticing Francis

 

The Duchess of Richmond was conversing with a group of ladies who shared her passion for gossip. Every now and then, she looked around the room for the source of one rumor or another. It had been quite accidental that she had glanced toward the dancing area and seen the tall figure of Lord Kingston partnering a young woman, one of the Queen's ladies-in-waiting if her information was correct.

 

She put him out of her mind until she saw him moving in her direction. Was he looking for her? If so, it would be up to him to approach her. Ladies did not just walk up to gentlemen. To make it easier for him, Franes excused herself from the lively discussion and strolled to a refreshment table a short distance away.

 

If he passed her by, she was going to be extremely disappointed.

[Anne-Elisabeth Devereux]

Anne-Elisabeth and Dorset

 

Of course he wanted me to tell her. It would make him look good in front of the other libertines if it was known that the newest lady at court chose him for her first tryst.

 

“True. And it wasn't as if I lied. You are going to dance with me. You just didn't know it until now.”

 

Anne-Elisabeth laughed. “Half as humble? We shall see. And yes, we have balls in Barbados. The dances are the same, but with some variations. I've been in England for a year, you know, and I've danced at parties on neighboring estates. I did have a tutor in Barbados who taught me to dance properly.”

 

She knew that Dorset was trying to undermine her confidence, and decided to unsettle him in a different way, by giving him something to contemplate during their dance that might take his attention from the steps. As she let go of his arm to take her place opposite him, the Countess briefly stroked his wrist and leaned toward him. “There are some dances in Barbados that are done outside. I learned a few of them from the natives. They are quite suggestive and are generally performed nude. If you ask nicely, I might teach them to you.”

 

If Lady Cambray had aroused him, he hid it well. The Earl was an excellent dancer. Anne-Elisabeth's style was graceful and elegant and while she did add a few pretty little flourishes, they were designed to complement her partner, not outdo him. She felt that the two of them were perfectly in tune with each other, which she hoped would continue when they danced privately as well. They were certainly a couple to watch.

 

She curtsied gracefully as the last notes of music hovered upon the air. “And you're adequate for an Englishman,” she retorted with a playful smirk. His dancing skills were more than adequate but there was no sense in adding to his already enormous ego.

 

“Is it close to midnight now?” she asked, stepping closer to him.  "If so, I'm all yours, at least for a while.”

 

 

[Francis Kirke]

Francis & Frances

Francis spied the Duchess leaving a group and headed in her direction. A group of women would not have deterred his advance but this did make it far simpler. 

 

"Happy New Year, Your Grace," he said, with a grin and a short bow. There were too many people about to be very artful. 

 

"I trust the night has been full of conversations behind fans?" he asked, knowing her intense enjoyment of court gossip. 

[Blackguard]

Nicci & John

Things were going splendidly between them and John was feeling empowered tthereby.  He had been nervous that their conversation would be awkward.  It was anything but that.  Nicolette actually seemed happy to see him, and seemed genuinely interested in him.

Another quiz?  "Do you recall perchance where the center of royal power was in the civil war?"  He was going to ask her to repeat something he had just revealed to her but that seemed almost insulting.  "It is unfair to ask you because you are not English."  As such he began to rue trying to test her, but there was a purpose to it.  "It was Oxford," he revealed.  "It is a nice tidbit to offer the Earl that you know his title is a grand one.  There is also a university there that is without peer, so he garners great respect.  These are things you can offer when you meet him."  He extended his arm for her to take.

"One more drink? Hah, I am ready for that kiss now, if you are offering," being a bit more daring than he might otherwise.  "And maybe another after meeting the Earl," he suggested hopefully.  He purposely steered her towards some leftover mistletoe hanging from a nearby chandelier.  He pause to see if his move to kiss Nicci would be reciprocated.

As for the Lady Cambray … "of course, she shall be your chaperone," Burgoyne offered properly.  By Nicolette's account of her, John had little to fear.

The Earl of Oxford was a tall man with silver hair.  There was little doubt that he was a handsome younger man.  Even in his fifties he had a distinguished look.  Beside him was a middle age woman, clinging to him like he was her property.  She smiled at John as he approached but her eyes narrowed as she observed Nicolette approach, as if wondering the designs of the French Mademoiselle.  "That is his wife Diana" John revealed as they approached.

Perhaps one could excuse a former mistress turned wife from fearing that her husband would replace her with a younger plaything.  Perhaps not.  Her cosmetics were applied with a certain thickness.  The diamond that she wore at her throat was enormous and eyecatching.

[Blackguard]

Anne-Elizabeth and Dorset

"I thought you said you just stepped off the boat from Barbados but days ago," Charles uttered with selective and inaccurate memory.  "You have taken a year in England before visiting London?  What sleepy little shire did you hide in for that year I wonder," he asked playfully.  "I can't imagine you were in the north."  That seemed a safe bet for the northern counties were cold in more ways than one and Cambray seemed more the social butterfly.

"I have no doubt that Barbados is full of heathen natives that might corrupt the morals of a good English girl."  There was no doubt that he was intrigued.  "Tell me, do they paint themselves in these dances and wear animal feathers like the Picts of old?"  The mental sight was pleasing.  "What gods do they worship, these natives?  They must not have been very powerful for we so easily conquered them."  He was having good sport at the expense of the native Indians.  "I will certainly ask nicely," he pledged while thinking of the place and time best suited for such a demonstration.

The Earls grin widened when she made note of the time.  She is eager for it.  When she professed she was all his, he thought to himself you have been mine ever since earlier this evening.  "Yes, let me show you an office," he offered, along with his arm.  "This room is too crowded."

He led her through corridors away from the Banqueting Hall towards the offices of some of the Kings top office holders.  "There is no Lord of Trade at the moment and I happen to have the key to the office.  However, I also have the key for the Royal Chamberlain's office and I would much rather leave him a remembrance of us on his desk," he laughed loudly as they exited.

 

[Aria]

Francis and Frances

 

To Frances' delight, Lord Kingston did approach her. She admired his tall figure as he bowed to her and smiled when he greeted her. “Happy New Year to you too, my lord.”

 

The Duchess flicked her fan at him playfully. “Oh. you know me too well! Unfortunately, there's been nothing new, but who knows what will happen before the night is over? And how have you been enjoying the ball so far?”

 

She fervently hoped that he would ask her to dance.

 

[Anne-Elisabeth Devereux]

Anne-Elisabeth and Dorset

 

“I believe I only mentioned that I was from Barbados and not how long I've resided in England. Unfortunately, my lord husband passed away shortly after we arrived and I felt obliged to stay with my mother-in-law for the entire mourning period. A few months ago, I started attending those parties at neighboring estates I mentioned. And no, my estate is not in the north. Seabrooke is in the south, and as you might conclude by its name, is close to the ocean. I don't think I could live very far from an ocean.”

 

Anne-Elisabeth grinned when Lord Dorset suggested that she might have been corrupted by the native Barbadians. “No paint or feathers, but they do wear a lot of beads. I brought a set with me that was given to me about a week after I asked to learn their dances. I had come upon them quite by chance one evening when I was outside and heard the beat of drums. They were happy to teach an English noble their traditional dances, and I would sneak out of my rooms to join them whenever I could. My parents would have been shocked had they known.” There was a lot more to the story than that, but nothing that her charming companion needed to know.

 

“Ask nicely and you shall receive.” She was really surprised that he would ask at all. The arrogant Earl seemed more like the type who would make demands. Perhaps what he had learned of her so far told him that she wouldn't respond well to such tactics.

 

“Ahh yes, the mysterious office you promised to show me. It will be good to get away from this crowd for awhile.” She took his arm and let him lead her away from the Hall, making note of the direction he was taking her. “How did you come by so many keys?” she asked. “I'm impressed.”

 

[Raconteur]

Sarah and Sophia

"Being married has nothing to do with it. I can assure you of that Baroness." Sarah quietly conversed as together they began a stroll. "If you are in a wagering frame of mind then you should put it on just how many about this Space are partnered with another NOT their spouse."

"Take for example ..... there. those two - I know each is married to another but by the look of their posture that they are engaged in a form of dancing  ..."

She had indicated a couple not far from them but Sarah would never place name to face this was but an example after all. Her gaze also then took in Osbourne and Churchill and she allowed her eyes to rest longer on Churchill befotre she gave him a slow smile then looked away. He was drunk enough to see it as a 'challange' she thinks and so might win the wager between them.

"I shall take that wager Baroness. Let us navigate more and see what happens shall we?"

Her words teased yet sure enough of a 'win'. Churchill and she knew each other and were familiar enough to allow the flirting and bantering that would produce the required results.

[Nicolette Vauquelin]

Nicci & John

 

But he did not ask her a simple question, rather one seemingly upon Englands general history.  She did not know the answer.  After a bite of lip Nicci was about to hazard a guess (which would have been Windsor because it is so pretty) when he masterfully revealed…

“Really!” well that just cemented it.  “Oxford must be the paramount peer.” (So saying it never occurred to her that he might even rival Buckingham.)

“Thank you John…” she said in a quieter tone, with a sense that she’d profoundly underestimated him previously. It was a strange yet oddly pleasant sensation as she reshuffled her thoughts upon him… hadn’t he seemed a bit boring before, well not anymore! Fortune was favouring her as he became a remarkable champion of worthy introductions.  

Their path transported them beneath a mistletoe, Nicci laughed brightly of that “How have you managed to lead me both astray and beneficially all at once!” A kiss was readily supplied, and she not immune to the pleasure of that deed dawdled a moment in the unique of his lips.  Why had they never kissed before now?  Burgoyne even seemed more handsome.  

Perhaps tomorrow she would have changed her mind, but tonight making a date for a walk by the river seemed the wonderfullest thing.  (And by the look on his face, he seemed to think so also.)  Indeed, Nicci had marvellously generous thoughts of John as he escorted her to his patron...

... within a single glance Nicolette made a measure of the woman styled as his wife.  Her own smile broadened further, and a barely perceptible nod was given her in reply.  There was a game that could be played, and at that moment Nicolette salivated the prospect… as her eyes turned to Oxford and she adjusted to dip into a asset-revealing curtsy for Bougoyne’s introductions.  

“Lord Oxford… I have just learned we are celebrating doubly this eve.  The new year before us, and my good friend's new commission.” She reviewed the Earl before her (John had said he possessed the vigour of a man in his 30’s).

[Blackguard]

Cambray and Dorset

"A water nymph then," the blond retorted when she confessed her love for the sea.  "And beads.  Do they wear beads in their hair then?"  It was plain that he was either toying with her or did not have any idea about the nature of the natives.  "I'm not surprised they wished to teach you.  I suspect there was much they wanted to teach you, had you let them."  He was not so sure she did not.

"I acquired the keys from friends in low places," Dorset revealed in cryptic fashion.  It was not long before they arrived at an ornate door with a brass plate and lock.  Producing a key from a hidden pocket, the Earl unlocked the door, grabbed a lit candle from a wall sconce in the hallway and then entered.  The small chamber was dark and devoid of life, decorated by wooden desks and cabinets.  Closing the door behind them, he moved to a double door and then through it into a richly decorated office.  The light of a single candle could not do it justice.

"The owner of this office takes great pride in the size and finish of this large desk.  I think it behooves us to each have a seat upon it … in reverence of course," he jested.  "Here, let me help you up."  With that, he moved to take her waist and lift her upon the desktop.

[Blackguard]

The Oxford Group

John could not believe his good luck.  How many times had he imagined a kiss and attention from Nicolette?  He had consider all real hope vanished when she became the Lady Misrule and the darling of the court.  Even the King and his gentlemen seemed to have special interest in her.  Yet, here she was on the last evening of the year in his company, as if she had no better place to be!  If it was a dream, he did not wish to awaken.

The Baronet made the introductions and he was oblivious to any female posturing that was occurring.  "Mademoiselle," the older man replied politely and warmly as he moved to kiss her hand in greeting.  His wife was not amused.  "A pleasure to meet John's good friend," she repeated, as if a reminder to her husband.

"The Baronet is a good man," the Earl offered, as if providing a reference for her dance card.  "He is either very lucky … or reckless for falling into the company of the court's first Lady of Misrule.  No doubt it is the former Burgoyne but Lords and Ladies of Misrule are apt to make commands at the least opportune times.  I remember one time, perhaps five years ago or so when the Lord of Misrule commanded that we could only speak with other lords by singing.  We laughed ourselves hoarse," he offered in the holiday spirit.

Diana replied "husband, best not to encourage the Mademoiselle.  I am sure she has quite left her mark already."  She smiled sweetly hoping her husband would be quiet and let the French girl move on.

"I've not a voice for singing," John admitted, "though happy to sing the praises of Mademoiselle Vauquelin here," he flattered.  The Earl knew infatuation when he saw it in the younger man, so he offered a knowing smile.  "My wife and I sing in perfect harmony together."  That pleased Diana muchly.

[Nicolette Vauquelin]

The Oxford Group

 

Nicolette maintained her smile, but things were going all terribly askew!  It was plain that Oxford thought that..., and that John thought... and not to mention the pleased smile on Lady Oxfords face as her husband practically renewed his vows (and so spontaneously!) 

 Her mind tumbled about. 

 "Luck perhaps, but with equal parts reckless." she did not want to feel so neatly tucked into place, so ventured the counter argument. "Do they not say that fortune favours the bold? What is bold but a measure of reckless, a bold man does not stop first to measure the costs. And a success born of boldness is surely a real credit to a man, while luck, luck might never be repeated." 

Hold on a moment, was she suggesting that John had made repeatable inroads tonight?  Whoops. She need not imply that! Not if she was to goad the Earl to flirt with her (thus make his wife to fume!) 

"I dare say, Lord Oxford, that you did not rely upon the council of Luck in the days of the civil war, rather boldness was your breastplate with your face shining to the sun." she phrased prettily with a smile for him.  

"La, milady is wise, pray do not encourage me!" She crooned, looking at the older woman.  "Though any who have met me would know I would never repeat a prank that has previously been played.  No but something fresh and new - oh I am sure there is some comfort in the old and familiar, but don’t we all actually thirst for the thrill of something never before tasted... the first blush, the quickening of heart, the exhilleration of senses!"  These words said while toying with necklace...

Yes Mlle Vauquelin was flirting wildly with Oxford. 

Edited November 16, 2018 by Nicolette Vauquelin

[Sophia de la Cerda]

Sarah and Sophia being ogled by Osbourne and Churchill

 

“I usually dance with plenty of gentlemen and my lord husband minds not at all.” Sophia glanced at the couple Sarah pointed out to her, thinking nothing odd about their interaction. “I just think that if a gentleman had a choice between a single lady and a married lady, he would choose the unmarried one. Husbands can often be jealous, so single ladies are safer.”

 

Esteban was not jealous for his own sake but for his master's.  Or maybe 'protective' was a better word to describe his attitude toward her.  He had never cared who she danced with. Spaniards were also known to have fiery tempers, and she had seen firsthand how quickly his could flare. Some gentleman would be cautious toward her for that just that reason.

 

“Very well. I win if a gentleman asks you to dance first and you win if one asks me. What shall be the prize? A favor that one of us owes to the other?”

 

Sophia also noticed the two gentlemen looking in their direction. They both seemed well into their cups and would presumably be too clumsy to dance well. She turned away from them and looked around for others of interest as she and Sarah continued their slow tour of the Hall.

 

(OOC:  Sophia has met Churchill before but she has no idea who Osbourne is at the sleigh race.  If she meets him a day earlier at the ball, it could get all timey wimey.)

[Anne-Elisabeth Devereux]

Dorset and Anne-Elisabeth

 

“What a lovely way to describe me! And perhaps it is true.” Anne-Elisabeth trailed her long fingers enticingly down Dorset's sleeve as they walked. “I can do many tantalizing feats in the water, acts that I am sure you would enjoy.

 

“The natives do wear beads in their hair, but when they dance, they wear long strings of them around their necks, as well as skirts made of beads. When they move, the beads part and give you an intriguing view of their … charms.” She had one of those skirts herself. When he surmised that the natives had wanted to teach her more than dancing, the Countess just smiled mysteriously.

 

“Those are always useful,” she remarked about friends in low places. “What else do they provide you with?” Soon they came to an opulent door and the Countess released his arm so that he could open it. The interior looked rather utilitarian and unimpressive in the dim light of the candle and none of the desks looked large enough to shag on. Yet this was not the office he had intended to show her, she realized as he led her to a double door into a more lavishly decorated room featuring a large polished desk that would serve their purposes just fine.

 

“It doesn't just deserve reverence,” she declared with a wicked grin, “it deserves a good christening, wouldn’t you say?” Anne-Elisabeth didn't protest when he suggested lifting her up, and his large hands on her small waist sent a white-hot thrill of pleasure spiraling down her spine. She could feel the hardness of the surface through her layers of petticoats, but it wasn't the roughest surface she'd shagged on.

 

“Are there more candles in here?” she asked. “I think we can use a bit more light.”

 

 

(OOC: Should we start a side thread since they're  no longer in the ballroom?)

 

[Raconteur]

Sarah and Sophia 

"Then those Gentlemen suruly must be non-threatening in any way for you to be allowed such freedoms. I have found that either sex can be troublesome Lady Toledo for a married Lady seeks to find what is not provided by her Lord and an unwed Lady manipulates and wishes to have what she thinks based upon books and Trobodour Tales. Both can be disappointing."

"Agreed. Let us then make our wager."

Any ideas of involvement with Churchill and Osbourne were dashed as the direction was changed leaving Sarah looking back over one should.

"Well there are plenty about the Field so let us then sail forth ....." 

[Blackguard]

Sarah and Sophia

A gaze around for other men found the Viscount Baintree in conversation with the young Danish ambassador.  As Sophia would shift her gaze, she would see her husband approaching.  He had that look that signified he was ready to head home.  There was little left he could accomplish.  He would leave the rest to Diego.

[Blackguard]

The Oxford Group

Rather than reply in the expected fashion, Nicolette went on to suggest measured recklessness.  Was that not an oxymoron?  Still, the gentlemen were charmed by it, knowing it to be the sort of witty banter that had propelled her standing.

Of course, John thought it to be confirmation of his boldness and mixture of recklessness in approaching her in the first place.  Oxford thought her a pleasant medley of flattery, mystery, and novelty.  He approved.  "Well then my lady, what is it that we are supposed to do?  We are your servants," he offered in chivalric deference.   Here his wife fought to hold her smile.  The girl was plainly trying to flirt with the men and, as usual, they were blind to it.  Yet, it was not her place to speak, just yet.

[Sophia de la Cerda]

Sarah and Sophia with Toledo approaching

 

“Very true,” Sophia replied, “I had some unrealistic expectations before I was married, but now I am quite content with my lord husband. There is nothing that another gentleman can give me that I don't already have.” Which was true. Esteban was intelligent and kind, and the romance he either couldn't or wasn't willing to provide for her was easily satisfied by her beloved Don Juan and the captivating Lord Arundel.

 

Sarah agreed to the terms of their wager, and her gaze contined to wander to this group and that. Spying the Danish Ambassador conversing with a gentleman she didn't recognize, she decided to head in their direction. One of the two would probably ask Sarah to dance and she could dance with the other. Yet then her eyes lit upon the dark figure of her husband approaching. She wasn't ready to go home. It wasn't even midnight yet. Sophia could try to avoid him, but she believed he had seen her glance at him and would be angry at her if she attempted to flee.

 

“My lord husband has found me, it seems,” she said to Sarah, stopping so he could catch up with them. “I will be happy to introduce you to him.” Mistress Jennings was the kind of friend she thought that he would approve of.

 

[Nicolette Vauquelin]

The Oxford Group

"Well..." Oh she'd asked for that hadn't she, and now she was upon the spot needing to come up with something clever and amusing, also unique. 

Her lashes fluttered as she thought, "Lets play a game of guessing what is in each others pockets - it is a test of our anticipation, and for rewards for correct guesses it must be kisses surely!"  Would the wife be dismayed if Nicci kissed her husband? 

Though truth be told, Oxfords wife was doing so well schooling her reactions, that the game of riling her up was loosing it's appeal. 

Nicci looked at the older lady now, though rather than looking for jealousy upon her features thought to spur her to surprise instead.  "Lady Oxford, it is my guess that you have a spare hair pin in your pocket."  Nicci was 80% sure she was right (Nicci kept hair pin in pocket for emergencies, so surely everyone else did too!) and was at the ready to claim a triumphant kiss of ladies lips - surely that would provoke an emotion from her! 

 

Edited November 22, 2018 by Nicolette Vauquelin

[Blackguard]

The Arrival of Esteban

It was almost midnight.  "Good evening wife," he greeted her more formally because she was in the company of Sarah Jennings.  "It is almost midnight.  Shall we have our dance before retiring?"  He waited for introductions and then exchanged pleasantries with Sarah.

In a rare pause of crowd noise, Sophia might hear the Danish Ambassador asking about Baintree's sister.  It seemed that Davina had vanished from the Ball.

[Blackguard]

The Oxford Group

A guessing game with kisses as rewards was something for young ladies and men to play at when they were unattached, at least as far as Diana was concerned.  Why had the Lady Misrule offered this in older company?  The most obvious reason was that she would be seeking kisses from John; but, an aging former mistress did not always accept the most obvious possibility.  Could the girl be after her husband?  She had already assumed that a dozen others hid such an ambition.

When Nicci started and made a guess about Lady Oxford's own pockets, the matron was caught in an unguarded moment.  She did not know quite what to say in response.  "I ...uh," she seems flustered.  Most ladies carried a spare pin or two.  Surely the French girl knew that.  "I suppose I do have a spare pin."  She looked about wondering if she was supposed to kiss Nicolette or the other way around.  It seemed quite improper to her, but she supposed she could make a peck on the younger girl's cheek.  She would get her reward later because she knew precisely what was in her husband's pockets.

[Sophia de la Cerda]

Sarah and Sophia being joined by Esteban

 

“Good evening, dear husband.” She ignored his comment about leaving for the moment. “I'd like to introduce you to my friend, Mistress Jennings,” she said, smiling at the other lady. “Mistress Jennings, this is my husband, Lord Toledo, the Spanish Ambassador.” Had she lost the wager, she wondered, because her own husband had asked her to dance? Or did a request from one's spouse not count? They could discuss that over tea on Sunday. If it did count, she had no problem doing Sarah a favor. She couldn't imagine that the Duchess of York's lady would ask her to do anything scandalous.

 

As she was contemplating this, she overheard part of the conversation between the Danish Ambassador and his companion, who was apparently Davina's brother. She was missing? That was curious. Sophia hoped that she had not been injured … or worse … kidnapped. If they decided to search for her, maybe she could help. And that would mean she would be able to stay at the ball a bit longer.

 

“I was just about to introduce Mistress Jennings to the Danish Ambassador. We were both looking for dance partners. You just asked me, so maybe he or the gentleman he is conversing with would like to dance with her. Would you like to come along and make the introductions yourself?”

 

[Nicolette Vauquelin]

The Oxford Group

 

Pure delight was upon Nicci's face - she had guessed correctly and the unexpected focus was rewarded by fluster on Lady Oxfords face.  Nicci could tell why.  Lady Oxford was very concerned about appearances.  

Nicolette could turn her fears into reality so very easily, and earn herself an enemy indefinitely. Or she could...

 "La! But I could not risk a great lady like yourself becoming fodder for the gossips." she spoke warmly, "Me, I am but a nobody with naught to loose, but you are the paramount matron amidst England’s peers, respected in all circles!"  Nicolette did not believe what she spoke, but draped her 'concession' with embellishments as well as any French courtier could.   

"Instead I would nominate the upstanding Sir Burgoyne to claim my prize, while I... ah, for my good deed might I gain a kiss from Lord Oxford instead?"  If you did not ask, you did not get. "It is Christmas after all!"   She tried cheer on her rather proper company to be a bit more daring.  

Edited November 23, 2018 by Nicolette Vauquelin

[Raconteur]

Sarah and Sophia being joined by Esteban

Sarah had never been 'introduced' to the Ambassador yet it was quite possible they had passed each other about the Palace without knowing.

Giving a curtsey and a smile she replied "Lord Toledo. Happy New Year. Your Lady and I were navagating the Hall conversing on many things and I offered to introduce her to any that she wished to meet - all Properly done of course."

She smiled across to her companion

"And yes dance partners was a topic and she is correct about those two Gentlemen. I have yet to met the Danish Ambasador but I am acquainted with Viscount Baintree and his sister is one of the Queen's Ladies."

"Well Baroness it seems that Lord Toledo claims you after all and I am still in want of a partner." She gave a pretty pout her eyes dancing in amusement.

If she could Sarah might whisper to Sophia that this did not count unless that was what the other wished.

[Blackguard]

The Toledo Group

"I shall be your dance partner then," Esteban replied with a smile.  "A pleasure Miss Jennings," he added as he looked to kiss her hand in greeting.  He was not sure that he knew this lady's identity.  She surely was not a major figure at court or he would have heard of her.

"I can make the introductions, but I am not sure I know the other gentleman."  Without further ado, Esteban led them to the Danish Ambassador, who introduced them to the Viscount Baintree.  Esteban was always happy to make the acquaintance of another English peer.  Sophia would know him as Davina's brother.  Baintree, true to form, deferred to the Dane to ask Sarah to dance, which he did.

Now having found a dance partner for Jennings, Esteban led Sophia to the dance floor, asking her how her evening was going.

 

~OOC  There is no need for us to play out the Dane-Jennings encounter since they are both NPCs.

[Blackguard]

The Oxford Group

Nicci's strategy was a good one.  It was best to try and win a friendship than create an enemy.  The problem was that the French beauty overplayed her hand by calling Lady Oxford the paramount matron, respected by all.  Diana knew that she was not anything close to that and, in her paranoia, assumed Nicci knew it too.  Diana had become good friend with the Duchess of Norfolk.  Both had been former mistresses of great men, but they were often treated as pariahs by "polite" society.  

For Norfolk, the Duke's family turned against him.  The spat between Norfolk and Arundel was the result of the marriage to the former mistress.  Oxford had the better of it, but, behind the fans, there was all sorts of scurrilous talk about the woman's morals and eligibility to be raised to a high station.  It was a wound that she would carry the rest of her life, and it would make her all the more desperate to maintain a hold on her husband.

The kiss with John was all well and good.  The kiss with her husband was a different matter.  She would scrutinize the exchange carefully as she could not disagree with the request.  It did not matter becase the Earl was quick to accept Misrule's offer, whether to protect his wife or to gain a kiss from the popular beauty, who was to say.

"I would say that is quite fair," the Earl announced with a laugh.  John was offered the first kiss, which he took as an opportunity to seek a short and proper one.  The Earl chuckled, as he expected the younger man to have cut short what he might wish to share with the French lady solely because of Oxford's presence.  Now it was his turn to kiss Nicci.  "A holiday kiss," he uttered aloud, though directed to his wife mostly, knowing her to be a very jealous creature.

[Nicolette Vauquelin]

The Oxord Group

Nicci smiled happily, she'd hardly really thought her suggestions would be accepted (but that a hasty retraction and covering over of social error would be needed next!)  But here it was, John kissed his mentors wife (with apropriate brevity), and next she could gain a kiss of Lord Oxford himself.    

"With my compliments of the Holiday Season." her eyes danced as she added on her own well wish before lips pressed. She had no intention of trying to seduce him in the middle of a ball and in front of his wife, so kept the kiss perfectly chaste, even if very happily received. 

Good judgement had her then retake John's arm with the suggestion.  "La, I am so refreshed, I feel like dancing again. Shall we?" She thought to quit while she was ahead.