The New Years Eve Ball- Xmas 1677

[Davina Wellsley]

Davina and Alice

 

It would seem that this first meeting between them was off to a good start!

 

Davina played her 'part' following Alice's lead as she favored one Gentlemen then another but not stopping to allow for any conversations. It was all silly but harmless and yet she held part of herself back her own eyes looking for only one man in particular.

 

"By they do - know Best I mean." She added on to that reply. "Not in all things mind you but in the intrests of Ourselves and Family tis their own place. You can not argue that point. And as to Freedoms well ... how is it that you have no Position here at Court? Your brother is an Earl after all and you are unmarried so it fits that you should be as I - a Maid of Honor to the Queen."

 

"There will be many that make a push for such a place offering up sisters and daughters and nieces especially as Christmas Court is here. You see how the numbers swelled. I should advise you to make conversation to Avon - but only if such a thing has interest. A plus is that which you want - Freedoms."

 

The last was the bait. Davina liked the idea of this girl joining plus their mutual liking was already established.

 

"Ah. So in your wisdom you see no competition then? True there are many faces already well known of our sex yet also many that are not. We can never be mistook for other than what we are. Those less fortunate we should look upon with kindness do you not think?'

 

'Miseducation? Hardly. I have decided that I am to marry naturally yet I do not want to be pushed into that state of Bliss. Just as you would not be forced I hope? Baintree will not yet I am close to the rail and by this time next year I will be expected to have made my commitment. But that is a year off. For now let us make Merry!"

 

She gave a small laugh took a deep drink and finished her wine then looked about for a servant to get another.

 

"Are you Brave? Indeed. Well then let us put it to test. In Green?"

 

She turned to look for that said man found him made a small grimace. "You can do better I imagine. Rowland?" Her own eyes tried to find that man but couldn't. Instead she caught sight of Langdon who it seemed was intent upon coming to where they were but then stood still as if unsure. She smiled in his direction as an answer and any watching would not be quite able to see who it was ment for.

 

"Well then let us follow. Resume our leisure pace Lady Alice. We have the entire night and morning if we so wish. There is time enough to find him and whoever he hunts for. And besides I am avoiding at the moment so a removal is a plan I total agree with."

[Hope]

The Chathams & Arabella & ...

 

His preamble was just what Arthur needed, his feet finding some firmness thereby, this topic one he was comfortable with. "It is all true Ladies, contrary to the very title it boasts, that of the holiday season - I have been utterly run off my feet with work." spoken with a measure of pride.

 

Arabella's amusement was caught by Charles flippant remark, her eyes glinted as she took a further sip from her glass. While Mary discovered herself asking the question the pair of them seemed to want asked, "Forgive me my slip of mmory, but please tell me way is it that you do Mr Cadogan? I seem to recall my late husband..." though her mind infact whirred, as she recelled just who he was. What was Charles up to?

 

Beyond, Jonathan grinned in perception of micro-expression, rose an eyebrow and gestured indicating that Charles ought make a break from his 'probably dreary' group, and rendezvous near the staircaise.

 

"You are correct to recall my name in relation to your husband." Arthur said, with a fleeting glance towards Charles, and drawing a breath to continue (unless interrupted?)

[Hope]

Davina and Alice

 

"Bless my soul - you are right! I should be lady in waiting to The Queen." Alice expressed with a modicum of marvel that she'd not realised that until now. "Well that just goes to show that my brothers really don’t know what is best, I shall have to address them of this as soon as I see them next."

 

Davina was rather more gracious towards her own brothers abilities meanwhile, though Alice did not believe a word of it. Brothers were universally meddlesome if you asked her, and hardly helpful ever.

 

"Why we shall have such fun when we are both the Queens ladies, and I dare say... I dare say that it's a very convenient excuse to go out quite any time you might want." Yes, Alice could see it all coming together now. "Though of course I am not suggesting anything unseemly, I'd hardly sully my own reputation of course, but a liberty or two certainly would not go amiss."

 

Of those pitiable creatures that considered themselves this pairs 'completion' Davina made a charitable point. "Oh yes, I pity them awfully, the poor things. Why, I think one may liken it to a flower arrangement, there are a great number of blooms in the vase, but only one or two that stand out. That does not mean that those others in the background do not serve their own purpose..." There was a touch or two of inbred arrogance in Alice, who was after all raised a daughter to a Duke.

 

"But I meant it as a compliment, why I have been endeavouring my own miseducation don’t you know. Though till date I have not been terribly successful of it, and I truly rue my own caution in that regard!" Meanwhile she was still claiming to be terribly daring when Davina goaded her.

 

They both looked towards Lord Green now, and Davina passed her judgement. "I thought him to have the loveliest curls..." Alice pouted a little, yet with a sigh and shrug he was just as quickly forgotten. "Then let us walk."

 

And with arm firming it's position around Davina's they carried themselves away... "you are avoiding whom, pray tell?"

 

 

ooc: your choice to which loc they bless with their presence next

[Charles Audley]

The Chathams & Araballa &...

 

"Inconvenient, one imagines, but better than the reverse. Ennui is a dreadful foe, to say nothing of penury."

 

Charles kept his tone one of distant amusement. It would not do at all for Mary to suspect close ties between himself and Arthur.

 

Catching sight of Jonathan, Charles smiled internally in appreciation of the other man's discretion and tact. He would make that rendezvous as soon as he could politely excuse himself.

 

And I think I spy a way to do just that.

 

Turning to Araballa, Charles extended a hand.

 

"Perhaps you would honour me with a dance, while these two get reacquainted?"

 

It would be something of a risk on multiple levels to leave Arthur and Mary alone, but if all else failed Charles could always default back to his original plan of just murdering everyone else involved.

[Nicolette Vauquelin]

Nicolette bores of a Duke

 

Christopher proved even less enthralling as he failed to take her hint. (Or perhaps he did, and it was stubborn that had him remain?) Either way he failed to say anything...

 

Nicolette sighed, "Very well lets dance." she extended her hand to him, while with a glance about her eyes cried out 'save me' - for at that moment even Roos' company would be preferable.

[Davina Wellsley]

Davina and Alice

 

"There you are then. Speak to Avon and have him petition for a place in the New Year with the Queen. Lady Mountjoy runs the Household so tis to her you must go firstly then the Queen if needed but I think she will give way to Mountjoy as she is totally focused on her condition."

 

Davina had moved off to one side out of any direct hearing of any that they both might know and kept her voice low as added measure.

 

"She is with child due in Spring but until an Official announcement is made none may say it openly. Do you understand? I tell you this because you will need to be aware that the Household will be changing from how it is currently."

 

Davina was all business now with none of her former playful banter.

 

"We Maids are simply the Frame for Her Grace and as such entertain any and all that come into the Presence. We are tasked with things and if you hold a talent - mine is needlework - then you can expect to be occupied. We work in shifts two at a time usually for a few days then are replaced with two others. I have lodgings but you may be housed with the other Maids and watched over by a Dragon who's title is "Mother of the Maids" and is quite managable once you understand."

 

"Lady Mountjoy is not so. She is no fool. But that is a worry for if and when tis an actual deal that is made. I risk much in this telling so I hope you have took my meaning when I say do not speak of this to any - not to Avon or any of your Family."

 

She had laid a hand on the others' arm and gave a subtile amount of pressure to emphasize her point. It would be fun to have Lady Alice and this was in some manner a Test to see just how well she could be trusted.

 

Davina straightened and gave a laugh as if they had been in some discussion. That laugh would carry as she had intended it to and from her place she saw Misrule and abruptly turned and began walking.

 

"Quick! Misrule is about and I have no desire to be picked apart or put into use by her! Let us go this way and see what we can discover."

 

She indicated a corridor that was bustling with Courtiers - some both would know by site and name and others that were new faces - all merry and by now well into drunken states of various stages. They would both have to side step as they walked and when Davina saw what was ahead she gave the other a nudge

 

"There? Can you see thru the doors who lies inside ..... By voice I will wager tis Dorset so that means all the Rest will be there. Shall we? I am curious as to just who plays. Are you as well?"

 

Dangerous ground for two unwed Ladies and both known but then that was half the FUN of the night after all and Davina was not that green girl of last year and so she thinks well able to handle what might be tossed at them. She would have to play the part of course for her secret could not be exposed here.

[Francis Kirke]

Francis & Dorothea

 

He laughed at her joke, trying to hold it in too much for it to be fake.

 

"I shall have to make certain to encourage the gentlemen to buy up all the step-ladders in London or our ascendancy will swiftly be outdone." He chuckled some more.

 

He smiled at his company for the evening and gaily said, "Never fear, I know that you do not use me. I know that the real reason you have taken me on is to challenge yourself to the improvement of my intellect and character." The lopsided smile hopefully announced he was teasing if the little bounce in his blue eyes did not.

 

"I have also pondered that Her Majesty might have sent you to spy on the progression of my dancing ability," he added, no more serious than he had been.

 

"Fortune tellers? And have you partaken of such things?" It seemed a bit counterintuitive to the persona she had presented thus far, but he always found women quite counterintuitive! Mystical things held quite the fascination for him.

Edited November 25, 2017 by Guest

[Hope]

Davina and Alice

 

"Oh but I have met her on occasions, only briefly - she is rather old." Alice preferred the company of girls her own age! "But I could have my brother speak to Lord Mountjoy,no doubt some fee shall see me installed and surely by Spring." Avon did not lack for coin. "Especially as I have your recommendation too."

 

"Oh now tell me more about it, what do we actually have to do?" to Which Davina made explanations - also mentioning the fabled pregnancy. "Ooo... I dare say that the Queens ladies shall have the best seats for the birthing." Alice was pleased to deduce - for naturally a royal birth was far from a private affair. And this, so long awaited, there would be standing room only!

 

"But I promise upon my heart and hope to die, I shall not tell a word." she emphatically replied, savouring this sense of secrecy here shared, and squeezing Davina's hand in return.

 

And so as they took themselves away Davina revealed she wished to avoid the Lady Of Misrule. Alice rose an eyebrow at that (and here she'd thought it would be a man!) then laughed and they carried along...

 

 

 

 

continued here

[Robert Saint-Leger]

Beverleys & Brookes arrive

 

Beverley arrived with his young lady wife on his arm, and he was quite happy to be (in his mind) somewhat outshined by her as they followed his parents inside. Both their mothers & Mrs. Hughes had offered Mary jewels to wear, and her gown had been far more of a priority. After all, it was not her fault that Beverley & Brooke had rowed.

 

His own attire was not what it fully could have been if more time had been afforded to get something, but the reconciliation with his father had not left much time at all. He, thankfully, did not look less than his part, but he (like always) wished for better.

 

"Remember our plan," he whispered to his wife. "Make sure to spend time around those of the Queen's ladies you know whilst I try to find and have a few words with the Lord Chancellor. Then, after the evening had turned a bit merrier, I shall ask my master if he will find opportunity to introduce us to Lady Mountjoy*."

 

He had no intention of leaving her just yet, but he was nervous enough to reiterate what they had spoken of before.

 

 

(OOC - these are both quests from B .... and finally got here)

[Charles Whitehurst]

Charles and Fiona

 

While standing still Charles considered what he would say to Davina and Alice when he approached them. Would Alice say something about the mask he gave her? Would that get him in trouble with Davina later?

 

While he dithered, the two young ladies moved away, relieving the unease he was feeling. It seemed that the two were leaving the Hall as well. I wonder what that is about?

 

It was then that Fiona made her presence felt. Turning, he found her maintaining something of a small profile. "My lady," he replied cheerfully as he was removed from the scrutiny of Davina and Alice. "How stunning you look this evening," he pronounced. "Happy New Year, at least a bit early. Are you hiding from your sister and stepbrother?" he jested as he looked to see if she was wearing his earrings.

[Aria]

Charles and Fiona

 

“Why thank you, my lord,” Fiona's smile was sweet but pert. Looking Charles appreciatively up and down, she added: “You're looking quite dashing yourself. And no, I'm not hiding from Doug and Cat this evening. I'm trying to avoid the King. If he sees me, he might remember that he meant find me a husband.” She shuddered. “He might decide to auction me off again and that would be mortifying.”

 

Taking his hand, she pulled on it gently. “Come and join me in the shadows. Nobody will see us and we can do whatever we want.” There was an unoccupied corner close by, and she led him over to it. A sprig of mistletoe was suspended from the ceiling. Couples often sought the privacy of corners during balls.

 

“Have you noticed the earrings I'm wearing?” They were the ones Charles had sent her anonymously over recess. Fiona shook her head so that he could see them sparkle with ruby fire as they swung back and forth. Her gown was made of multicolored brocade in jewel tones and gold, and the bodice dipped daringly low. She had worn a scarf to cover her cleavage but as soon as she had parted from her siblings, she had taken it off and tucked it into her pocket.

 

“I hope my secret admirer sends me a matching necklace for Christmas,” she hinted. “My neck is bare and needs to be adorned.” She lifted her head enticingly. “Either by a necklace or by the kisses of an enchanting gentleman.” Fiona pointed to the mistletoe above them. “Said enchanting gentleman even has an excuse, not that he really needs one.”

[Blackguard]

Nicolette

 

Ablemarle was without a clue as to what was percolating in the young French beauty's mind. It would not be the firsrt, or last, time he was clueless about such things. He was only too happy to escort Nicolette to the dance area.

 

No one swooped in to rescue her at the moment, but Nicci would note that the young Lord Ogle was moving closer to the two of them, as if to join, hoping his brother-in-law would share. By the looks of things, he was well in his cups.

 

There was Lord Bristol nearby, seemingly comfortable in just watching others dancing. John Burgoyne had his back to Nicci, but she would note his profile as she passed. He had just left the company of an older gentleman and seem to be looking about the Hall for people he knew.

 

Beverley

 

Mary nodded dutifully. "I saw Miss Wellsley pass by. I was thinking of just standing near the Queen and hoping to be invited to approach some of her ladies," she replied, having to almost shout to be heard in the noisy setting.

 

"Maybe ... Maybe we could dance together first?"

[Charles Whitehurst]

Charles and Fiona

 

"Oh, the King. Right" His smile started to falter when he remembered that the King had stated at a previous ball that he would marry her off. That had to be Cat's doing. Worse, he was beginning to worry that the King might marry her to him. She was a pretty enough thing and was Cat's sister but she was a fallen lady, much like his last wife. He needed his next wife to be Protestant and above reproach, or so he imagined. Of course, he was having too much fun as a bachelor to think about marriage again.

 

"Yes, the shadows sound good." He went along compliantly. Seeing the mistletoe, Charles smiled. "A holiday kiss." He found himself looking deeply into that very low cut cleavage. His thoughts about Cat objecting vanished as he imagined himself kissing that which was exposed. It was a very pleasant scene in his mind.

 

"The rubies shine with fire, matching my own." He slowly pointed to his cravat pin."But the Earl of Langdon cannot be seen kissing you that way. That is for your secret admirer to do." His mind was reeling about inviting her into the secret passages for a quick swive or putting her off to a later date. He had told her that he could not have sex with her because he was friends with her sister and her stepbrother was an officer under him. Yet, they had sex at Brighton Beach, only he could not recall it clearly. No Charles. Tis too dangerous. You have ladies aplenty. Leave this one be.

 

He leaned in to give Fiona a holiday kiss. "Happy New Year Fiona. A good year to both of us, and your secret admirer too."

[Aria]

Charles and Fiona

 

His smile seemed to fade when she mentioned the King and his determination to see her wed. Why? Hadn't he told her that he wouldn't shag her until she was married? It seemed to Fiona that Charles should be pushing her toward the King and reminding him of his promise so that they could be together as soon as possible. Or had he changed his mind and would rather have her before she was shackled to another man?

 

He was certainly amenable to hiding in the shadows with her and she noticed how his gaze dropped to her the swell of cleavage. She'd had her maidservant lace her corset tighter than normal so that they would be pushed up more. It was a bit difficult to inhale deeply, but her voice had a seductive breathless quality to it this evening.

 

Fiona wanted more from him than a chaste holiday kiss and she presumed that Charles knew it and was just teasing her. They were mostly secluded in dark corner and there were so many people in the Hall that they could probably boff in plain sight without anyone noticing. “Fire calls to fire,” she whispered, moving closer and kissing the ruby on his cravat pin. “Can you feel the heat shimmering between us?”

 

A saucy pout was her reaction to his statement that he couldn't be seen kissing her passionately. “Why not? No one can see us back here.” When he leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers, she wrapped her free arm around his neck and crushed her lush body against him, although she did not deepen the kiss.

 

“Happy New Year to you too, and I hope that it brings both of us the pleasure we deserve. So why not start now?” Letting him go, she stepped backward and her tongue darted out and sensuously circled the rim of her whiskey glass. “There must be a closet somewhere where my secret admirer can dance with me in the dark. Let's go find it, shall we?”

[Hope]

The Chathams & Araballa &...

 

Arthur darted a look at Charles - uncertain what penury was, he'd need later look it up (though perhaps he'd be busy otherwise if the evening was a great success). Meanwhile he simply laughed.

 

"A fine idea." Arabella assented lifting her gloved hand to the air to be escorted to the dance floor. Charles company was proving enjoyable enough, thankfully though new to court he was not utterly naive.

 

"Do tell me your friend is ludicrously rich..." she purred with a glance back whence they had come. They might see Mary was speaking with animation towards Arthur, and he was returning conversation at an equal pace. It might seem they were getting along just famously.

 

As the dance completed, Arabella gave pause allowing his further direction.

Meanwhile Jonathan was midway up yonder stairs nested comfortably with various others enjoying the view with gossip and wine - while Mary and Arthur had parted ways. Ah, there they respectively were -- Arthur looking a tad awkward as he nursed a empty glass, while Mary was alighting the dancefloor for the next dance, with some fellow at least twice her age.

[Hope]

Francis & Dorothea

 

It had worked, Francis face relaxed and he laughed, a comfortable and indulgent laugh. "Is that a service you pay for the gentlemen or the ladies benefit?" Dorothea asked in return, she too loosing the nerves that had possessed her earlier.

 

The company was good, the evening was enjoyable.

 

"Ah, so you have guessed that I would want to visit the library tonight also." came her teasing reply in return. The pair were meanwhile aware of aspects of the others mutual interests in education, so that it seemed a funny thing indeed to pretend one or other deficient.

 

His mention of dancing drew attention towards the dancefloor, which was overflowing with courtiers enjoying that sport. Dorothea would not have minded a dance also. But was not going to suggest it. And something about his words had her wonder if it was something he preferred to avoid. She just smiled.

 

"No never." the answer upon Fortune tellers was given with a flare of eyes, "why it's practically consorting with spirit mediums, which the good book specifically banns. I should rather pray and trust in the Lord to guide my steps for the coming year. Yet of traditions, those less educated indulge in popular fancies, seeing it as harmless fun. It does seem fun I will admit, but someone needs to set the proper example to follow. Err, not that I truly expect others to follow me." she was flushing now, having gotten herself all in a tangle between wanting to be bright and airy, and her deeper held beliefs. "I am sorry Lord Kingston, I did not mean to become serious upon a night of festivity."

[Nicolette Vauquelin]

Nicolette & Ablemarle

 

They danced. 'Poor Elizabeth' Nicolette found a new empathy for her friend, even if the friendship itself was faked. Now wonder she is so...mentally absent. Marriage was such a merciless trap.

 

Nicolette smiled and wriggled her fingers in a friendly wave towards Ogle, though turned her back to him as she scouted the room for it's highest prospects. Her eyes briefly rested upon Burgoyne, she might have thought him to be snubbing her tiff-ishly, if she was not already snubbing him. She did not know who Lord Bristol was, which had her imagine he was nobody in particular.

 

"You are a master of the Sarabande." the insincere compliment towards the Duke slid effortlessly from her lips as she secured herself a glass of wine.

[Charles Audley]

The Chathams & Araballa &...

 

"Friend is perhaps a little strong, I think, at least for now" Charles replied, allowing a faint frown to cease his brow. "I am by nature wary of men who approach me claiming some prior connection I am ignorant of." He smiled and shook his head, dismissing his apparent scepticism. "But he is wealthy enough, or so I gather."

 

Charles enjoyed the dance, excuse for his exit though it had been. Arabella was good company by his standards. Smiling as the dance wound down, Charles let his gaze flicker around the room, seeking out sign of those he was interested in. He frowned internally as he saw that Mary and Arthur had parted company. Had the old man stuffed it up? Charles would have to inquire later. At the moment, however, he was more interested in speaking with Jonathan.

 

But first the formalities.

 

"Is there anywhere you wish me to escort you, or shall we part company?" he asked lightly, offering Arabella his arm.

[Blackguard]

Nicolette

 

The Duke seemed to enjoy the dance very much. If the Lady of Misrule did not, it was hidden from his blind eyes.

 

The wave at Lord Ogle brought the young man to her side, as the flame might bring forth the moth. He had no problem interrupting his brother-in-law, which was just as well because Chris was hardly a conversationalist.

 

"Might I have the next dance?" he asked a bit too eagerly. "You know my brother-in-law Henry I presume? Lord Ogle? He certainly knows you."

[Charles Whitehurst]

Charles and Fiona

 

"No one can see us? Why there are a hundred people within ten paces of us," Charles sought to remind her. The hall was packed when he last looked about. "Most will not notice us, but one or two would certainly if we did anything untoward."

 

She was a saucy minx, no doubt. She was a Siren and he was Ulysses. It was a night for impure festivity but she was the sister of his friend and the half-sister of his fellow officer. Certainly she was no virgin, of that he was sure. His mind was already imagining reasons why Catriona and Douglas would not object to he and Fiona having a bit of fun together. Sadly, such images likely had no basis in reality. Even if the Scots had no objection, there was Davina and Catherine, the former more important than the latter. She might be upset. Davina had drained much of his energy that very morning, so his longing for intimate female company had been lessened. The same was true for Catherine's swive the night before.

 

When put in a difficult position with women, Charles often reverted to the boy that dwelt within him, ever with the urge to torment ladies.

 

"Your secret admirer would like nothing more than take you into a closet, throw you up against the wall and ravage you until you begged for him to stop ... or sobbed for him to continue." Two can play at this game. Sadly, boys had been taught to not play with fire. It was a lesson the Earl was forgetting in the moment.

 

"However, I am not he. I am known to everyone, especially your sister and brother ... and the King. I would be a fool to do anything until they felt no longer they were your guardians." He had told her about marriage certainly. Langdon supposed there was another alternative that would not require marriage. "If you were with another openly ... ." It was an idea that had just occurred to him. If she was a mistress to another, much like his own Catherine, then he would not be faulted for keeping her company and there would be less expectation to do the honorable thing. "That might change things." Fiona's own sister was a mistress. Heather was a mistress. Heck, most ladies he knew well were mistresses. Pausing, he waited to see if Fiona understood where he was heading.

[Aria]

Charles and Fiona

 

“Perhaps you're right,” the young Scot reluctantly admitted. “But I doubt they would tell. What would they have to gain from it? Ladies wouldn't want to ruin their chances of being in my place with you and gentlemen might be afraid if they said anything, the King would marry them to me. We are quite safe here.”

 

The picture he painted fanned the flames of desire swirling within her. Fiona leaned close to his ear and blew into it softly. “When he feels my legs wrap around his waist and his sword is buried in my tight wet sheath, it will be him who begs me not to stop. He wants me, wants me as badly as I want him. Why should we not ring in the new year together?”

 

She was fairly certain that Charles would take her hand and lead her into the hallway to find and empty closet or storage room, but again he hesitated, using the old tired tale that Cat and Doug would never approve. And this time, he added the King to the list. “They never have to know,” she whispered, running her tongue over his earlobe. “That's what the closet is for.”

 

He had another suggestion, though, one that was tempting, but unfortunately impossible. Fiona's sign was full of frustration. “Oh, Charles, you know I can't do that. My brother and sister would kill me. I'm far more suited to the life of a mistress than a wife, but they are adamant that I wed. And it's possible that I have to in order to keep my title. I'm not sure how that works exactly. Maybe it was given to me because Cat became a mistress. If I follow the same path, I have two younger sisters who could claim it.”

 

Not even the dashing Lord Langdon was worth giving up her title for. It would only go to Shona or Aileen over her dead body … literally.

 

“Why can't we just sneak away? People do it all the time and they never get caught.” Fiona, had, in fact, done it many times herself. “Soldiers face danger all the time, don't they? Nothing worth having comes without risk. So take a chance, Charles.” Her smile was full of promise. “This is one that you will never regret.”

[Hope]

Chatham & Araballa &...

 

"Then I am sure they shall get along admirably." Arabella surmised. The Churchill family had a well honed appreciation towards tending financially advantageous liaisons - and to date had made marvellous advances in their fortunes.

 

Arabella was an accomplished dancer, with a flourish to her movements that spoke of her confidence as much as her experience. While her partner was a bit more rusty at the English dance steps, he was adequate for purpose and she fancied she looked all more the star in his contrast (which pleased the woman!).

 

Yet then they were done, and Arabella divined he was a man with ambition for the night (much like she held). Offering a light laugh she returned, "Our need for each other has come to a pause, yet if I see you come upon anyone most scintillating you may expect me to remember some reason I must speak to you more - and of course you may do likewise. There sir, we are allies for the night, mm?" her cheerful suggestion was accented with the offer of her cheek for him to kiss before they parted ways...

 

Jonathan meanwhile was now chattering to a woman dressed in a marvellous gown of many layers of cream, each trimmed with frills of pinks right through to red - and she holding a pair of opera glasses as the pair plainly watched the dancers and chattered about them. Perhaps Charles recognised the infamous Countess of Shrewsbury.

[Nicolette Vauquelin]

Nicolette

 

There were likely not so many occasions when the young Lord Ogle could be hailed as a hero, but as he bolstered in upon Nicolette with Ablamarle her smile was a restrained gratitude of that type. (And she so pleased at encouraging him over without appearing desperate about it.)

 

"Enchantee Lord Ogle." she greeted warmly, then replying to Albemarle, "Not as yet, but I dare say I shall get to know him, a dance shall be just the thing." Placing her hand upon Henrys arm Nicolette departed with a dip to the Duke as she must (though she'd have rather kicked him in his stupid shin).

 

Approaching the dancefloor again she arranged herself to the pose for the beginning of the dance. Her danceparter looked very young, barely 18 she guessed. Turning to face the young man she gave a smile.

 

She supposed dancing many dances might make her look popular.

[Raconteur]

Frances Cavendish

 

She had seen George with May but then had lost sight and so had no real idea of how that conversation had gone or even ended and that made her nervous and not content to simply sit. She had caught sight of her brother-in-law and so made for that place.

 

He had danced with the Frenchwoman who was also Lady Misrule and when she came at last to his side it was to see her older brother now so partnered and Ablamarle alone.

 

"I do hope that she plans nothing with Ogle." Said quietly as she stood beside him. "You do not think she would Your Grace?'

 

They were sister and brother-in-law yet protocol was followed for this was a Public place and not the confines of rooms or apartments where titles were dropped and Chrisian names made use of.

 

"Everyone is talking about her and wondering what she plans. I do not much like this idea of the Kings to have one of my sex instead of one of yours as Misrule - it somehow changes the dynamatics and as yet there is no fun or even merriment - and now the Hall is over-crowded and getting too smokie. What did you talk about with her?"

 

"I do not think I will like her much and Henry is contracted and yet he will chase her if she invites. You will have to stop it afore it reaches any real strength - the Duke will not approve."

 

Reference made to her father Newcastle.

 

Her eyes followed the pair and she took careful note of how the frenchwoman was behaving and just how much drink her brother might have consumed. Nothing good would come out if he was drunk and was egged on or in her capicity as Misrule charged him to do something that resulted in embarrassments.

[Charles Audley]

Chatham & Araballa &...

 

"I shall bear that in mind," Charles said, smiling merrily. He leaned in to brush his lips off her offered cheek. "Good hunting."

 

He bowed, eye sparkling, and took his leave.

 

...& Willoughby

 

Charles snatched a glass of brandy from a passing servant and sipped contemplatively as he scanned the room for sign of Johnathan. It took him a moment to find the other, chatting away with a flamboyantly dressed woman. It took a few more seconds for Charles to place her, recognition only dawning when he recalled that Johnathan had mentioned her when they had last spoken. Shrewsbury.

 

Well, at least she's unlikely to be boring, even if I would rather speak with him alone.

 

But that was pure petulance, Charles chided himself as he switched his amiable courtly visage for another of his masks, lips arcing into a rakish half-smirk, eye shining with a mixture of cool amusement and confidence. His posture loosened and he proceed with a casual swagger towards Johnathan and the Countess.

 

"Willoughby!" he hailed cheerily once sufficiently close, sweeping a florid bow.

[Blackguard]

Nicolette

 

Henry Cavendish did not have many male role models. There was his father of course, but he had taken a closer relationship with his brother-in-law, Ablemarle. Both men admired ladies, though mainly for shallow reasons, neither was especially adept at conversation with them, and both could compare notes on the imagined liaisons with ladies that attracted their admiration. Chris had alsotaught the younger man how to avoid the perils of marriage and demanding wives, something that would shape Henry's view in the years ahead, especially as his own betrothal was imminent.

 

Ogle was a well-trained dancer and did an admirable job in the company of Nicolette. His eyes, much like Chris, showed admiration for the French lady's physical beauty. In fact, he complimented her beauty and grace on the dance floor repeatedly while he struggled with how best to ask her to meet him later.

 

"It was divine," he replied, having been taught that was a good word to use. "Perhaps we could dance again later in the evening?"

[Charles Whitehurst]

Charles and Fiona

 

This was not going as planned. He was the one supposed to get her excited and then walk away, just to torment her. Now she was being extraordinarily hard to walk away from. Fortunately there were several factors in his favor. First, he had sex aplenty in the last day. Second, there were planned liaisons with Davina and Susan later in the evening. Lastly, he was very much troubled by his friendship with Catriona.

 

"I do like danger," he replied slowly, as if about ready to agree. "However, there is a level of recklessness one should avoid. There is also the matter of deniability to your siblings," he raised yet again. "At Brighton, neither of us could be blamed. If there were another situation like that, though not tonight, then perhaps ... if I did not know your identity and thought you were another ..." he was getting close to setting a date and a place but then stopped himself. This was playing with fire. "No, I think not. We must wait." In this he sounded more firm.

[Francis Kirke]

Francis & Dorothea

 

It had worked, Francis face relaxed and he laughed, a comfortable and indulgent laugh. "Is that a service you pay for the gentlemen or the ladies benefit?" Dorothea asked in return, she too loosing the nerves that had possessed her earlier.

 

The company was good, the evening was enjoyable.

 

"Ah, so you have guessed that I would want to visit the library tonight also." came her teasing reply in return. The pair were meanwhile aware of aspects of the others mutual interests in education, so that it seemed a funny thing indeed to pretend one or other deficient.

 

His mention of dancing drew attention towards the dancefloor, which was overflowing with courtiers enjoying that sport. Dorothea would not have minded a dance also. But was not going to suggest it. And something about his words had her wonder if it was something he preferred to avoid. She just smiled.

 

"No never." the answer upon Fortune tellers was given with a flare of eyes, "why it's practically consorting with spirit mediums, which the good book specifically banns. I should rather pray and trust in the Lord to guide my steps for the coming year. Yet of traditions, those less educated indulge in popular fancies, seeing it as harmless fun. It does seem fun I will admit, but someone needs to set the proper example to follow. Err, not that I truly expect others to follow me." she was flushing now, having gotten herself all in a tangle between wanting to be bright and airy, and her deeper held beliefs. "I am sorry Lord Kingston, I did not mean to become serious upon a night of festivity."

 

"Perhaps both."

 

If she kept Francis' company long, she would realize he oft resorted to self-deprecating humour. Perhaps it was a result of having two elder 'brothers' who tormented him, or perhaps it was because he had resorted to it when he first came to court, to tease himself before anyone else could. Probably both.

 

"I doubt it wise to visit any quiet places alone tonight unless you wish a surprise far more than mistletoe," he replied with a quiet laugh. "I suspect many merry couplings, and it is far too cold for venturing outside or to the gardens." He smiled some and shook his head at the thought. THe library was likely one of the warmer places one could covertly run off to. Then he whispered, "And I could not take you there or there would be talk." He wagged his brows and winked, but the action was more amusing than coercive. "And not about our insatiable minds."

 

Indeed, it was thankful that he had shirked the reputation of his 'father' and garner a gentlemanly one for himself, but he was still surely part of the merry aspect of court. Being around him was sure to earn some talk.

 

"Strange then that it is quite a rage with the Italians, who are supposed to be so very devout," he commented. "I had never thought of it as convening with spirits to have a fortune told. It seems more to do with stars or utter nonsense than spirits. It has always seemed rather fun, but for me it is more than I do not think I wish to know. I would rather witness it unfold myself. Predestiny is a horrid construct that render us passive players or, worse, afraid."

 

He shook her apology off with a shake of his head. Good conversation was always welcome for him.

 

"Enjoying oneself is festive. You need not apologize to me for being you, that is silly. I have never understood men who wish to fit a lady into a box, a box that is to be the same for every lady. That is very boring." Perhaps that was the proper way of doing things or the aloof way nobles were typically raised, but nothing about Francis' life had been typical. Even those like Buckingham, or even the King, had been too touched by common life due to circumstances. There was some enjoyment in the freedom of it, the taste of it, that still yet permeated his royal master's court.

[Aria]

Charles and Fiona

 

It seemed to Fiona as if her sensuous words were having the desired effect on him. Charles gave the impression that he was quite willing to give her a good swive. How could he resist the lure of forbidden fruit, particularly when he had tasted it before but couldn't remember how succulent it had been?

 

He even mentioned that hazy night in Brighton and outlined a plan where they could meet each other in a similar way. If he pretended not to know who she was, then Cat and Doug wouldn't blame him if they found out about their affair. Why he cared so much about her siblings' opinions was lost on her. They knew that she wasn't a virgin and had slept with a few courtiers. They would never accuse him of falling for her charms, knowing that she had probably seduced him. Gentlemen were notoriously weak when it came to resisting temptation.

 

Although she wanted to sneak away with him now, Fiona supposed she could wait a day or two. Yet then, he talked himself out of it altogether. “My sister and brother never found out about what happened at Brighton.” Or if they had, it had not been from her. “They will never find out if we slip away tonight either or arrange an assignation on another day.

 

“I will probably have to spend tomorrow with my family.” It would be easy to tell from her tone of voice that she wasn't looking forward to a gathering of MacBains. “But Monday … how about this: On Monday, I can dress as a man, maybe even a soldier. We can meet at an inn in London and you can tell me you have urgent business you wish to discuss with me. Nobody will be suspicious of two gentlemen going into a private room to talk.”

 

She grinned wickedly. “Or if you don't want to wait, go find a closet and pretend that you are waiting for that mistress of yours. I will join you, presumably for a tryst with somebody else. In the dark, we will not be able to see well, and we can say we were surprised when we found out each other's identities.”

 

Fiona placed a finger against his lips and teasingly slid it over them. “Don't give me an answer now. Think about it while we share a dance.” She glanced toward the dance floor, where the participants were bowing and curtsying to each other. “That one is ending and a new one will soon begin.”

[Defiance]

Ranelagh attempts to snag Nicci for the next dance

 

Lord Ranelagh had watched the Mistress of Misrule put up with two of the most boring men at court. Being a duke or born of one did not make one entertaining or worthy in some cases. As soon as it seemed she was finished with the latest pup, Ranelagh excused himself from his frequent partner-in-crime, Denbigh, and sashayed toward the young lady.

 

"My Lady of Misrule, how does an enterprising misrulean beg for your company or a dance? Denbigh has betrayed that the Duke of Buckingham finds you an incomparable dancer, and I find you incomparable conversation. Will you indulge me?"