The New Years Eve Ball- Xmas 1677

[George Hardwick III]

Frances and George

 

"It is a moment passed." he replied softly, consoling her agitation. Beyond the dancefloor he saw Davina arrive, look his way and then leaving again. His feelings were mixed at that.

 

"As you wish." he returned to Francis call, though he had no desire to repeat of his discussion to her. But for now, they would dance. It was not the fifth dance as she'd requested, but life did have a way of mixing up any plans. At least when it came to the dance steps he was on solid ground, and George did so with an exacting diligence...

 

He'd quite forgotten the request made as he extended his hand to escort her from the Dancefloor once more.

 

"You are a fine dancer." he complimented. No stinting on her lessons there. "Shall I return you to your family group?"

[Nicolette Vauquelin]

Nicolette and Anne-Elisabeth (approach Denbigh)

 

"You don’t need to flatter me." Nicci returned with a grin, "still we make quite a bouquet now together don’t you think?"

 

"Which coast is it on?" she wanted to know of Cambray, "for I am traveling to Badminton in the recess, perhaps I shall pass Cambray and visit?" It did sound as though Elizabeth Anne loved the ocean very much. Nicci liked it well enough, but was not devoted to it like that, while her mother actively abhorred it. "Do tell me why you adore it so?" Nicolette asked, curious.

 

Yet falling into gossip Lady Cambray revealed a bit of herself also. Widowed apparently. Nicci's best friend was a young widow also. "Oh I dare say you can ease your grief now you are here at court, there are so many gentlemen, and all just love ladies attention." Nicolette flashed a smile.

 

"Dorset’s wife was not an actress, although, aren’t we all a little bit of an actress? He was fleetingly married to Lady O'Roarke, to both of their horror. Oh but you must meet Lady O'Roarke when she returns to court, she is simply the most wonderful woman. She must be so relieved to be rid of him, so will surely return to celebrate her freedom again. She is probably away in confinement right now, though I cant be certain - apart from being the most wonderful woman she is also the Duke of Yorks Mistress." she paused, then voiced the thought out aloud, "I suppose it was the Duke that assured the annulment."

 

Assured that Elizabeth-Anne did not want to meet courts matrons, Nicolette drew her upon tge approach of Denbigh. "Then you might help me seduce my dear friends best friend to our affection. There he is, talking animatedly, I have little idea of whom he is talking to, but for a certainty they shall not be as charming as us." Nicolette laughed with the fun...

 

To meet Denbigh but how?

 

With a conspiratorialsmile to her newest friend, Nicolette turned about to position herself back to back to the Man Denbigh was talking to.

 

"Well I might tell you that the gaining of the role of Lady of Misrule required a little creativity in itself." she replied to Elizabeth Anne just before bending enough to perform a stout bump to the man behind hers bum!

 

That ought to get a reaction.

[Raconteur]

Frances and George

 

He meant to sooth and so it was received. Better than his agitation she thought.

 

His as you wish was in some way offhand but still not knowing enough of him Frances could not be sure if he had agreed to speak of it or not which made her say

 

"Perhaps it might be better to talk of it at another time and place - there is no privcy here."

 

And then they danced and it was as she had guessed. He was very good and she felt confindent in her own abilities glad too that she did not have to off any words of what step was next or the direction he was to go ....

 

She accepted his hand and then they walked away with his question about direction then offered to her.

 

"I am thankful Lord Chichester that you are skilled and I think we two make a fine couple."

 

She begins firstly before leading him slightly off to one side her voice quiet so that he might have need to bend a bit lower to hear her. "I want you to take me there of course but might we not be together first? I promise to make no mention of anything other than topics of a light nature."

 

"And regarding Saturday - I want to be outdoors for the cold has kept me confined and restless. Do you not get that way? And while a sleigh ride would be fun I would be as happy in a simply walk."

 

She had seen what looked like two empty straight-backed chairs set between two large tapestries which she thought might well offer deflection for their conversations and so walked slowly to them expressing a 'surprise' at finding such.

[Duncan Melville]

Ellen, Douglas and Duncan

 

“Aye, lass!” Duncan allowed himself a bit of public familiarity. “You are the one I can count on when I need help. Natalie would never be able to take your place”.

 

The Lowlander was alluding to an episode when a notorious court beauty had been an unexpected guest at Melville House due to illness. So that tongues would not start wagging, Duncan had asked Ellen to stay a few days there too, as Ophelia was in Lothian at the time. Ellen had excelled at playing the part of nurse and, somewhat, hostess, until Lady Digby had moved to her cousin's house.

 

“I have been considering asking Sir Cedric to allow Ellen visit her sister in Melville Castle after the season is over”, Duncan said. “That is,” he turned to Ellen, “if that is something you would find agreeable”.

 

The thought had been in the Lowlander’s mind ever since he had married Ophelia, but he had never gotten around to it. Sir Cedric might prefer otherwise, but the Scotch had a mind of his own, and it was set in this particular case. Ellen would make any Scotch a good wife. Natalie? Not as much, unless the man in question only wanted a pretty decoration that came with a large dowry.

 

“Of course. Let me see what I can do”. Smiling, the viscount accepted the charge and enlisted the help of a passing servant to find the needed chair. That would give Douglas and Ellen a few moments of privacy, should they want it, especially since he was not in any hurry to get back.

[Raconteur]

Ellen Douglas and Duncan

 

She gave him a gracious nod of her head at his compliment knowing that what he had said was true - Natalie would never be more than a lovely companion/wife who allowed the runnings of things to be left to others' - without a care or thought.

 

That he had been entertaining such a plan made her eyes widen

 

"Really? You are not simply saying such then to take it back later - if so I shall never forgive you. Of course I will go. Father will hardly refuse and the need to 'ask' him is silly. I shall simply state it as Fact and then make ready."

 

Her Father was, on some things, easy to manulipate.

 

Duncan then left on his quest for another chair and Ellen looked back up at Douglas adding

 

"You might as well sit Lord Dundrag and help save my neck. Mellville will prove successful in his search as is oft the case. You have know him long? Is there a 'story' to it perhaps?"

[Cordelia Lucas]

Cordelia and Arlington

 

"I am glad to hear it. Well that is good as well - to be a comfort still. I remember how that feels." She said on a more somber note. "I had two of my own but alas they died some time ago now. That is indeed another Truth My Lord - sons do not have need of Mothers after a certain point. At least this is my own experience."

 

She chuckled at his question, took a sip of her drink, all the while with her gaze to the 'room' in general but not focused on any one in particular.

 

"My own pursuits? Well. What I wonder might you imagine they to be? And I have always observed, rarely entangled myself in anything, yet 'scheme' as most of my sex do. With a few successes I will boast. What do you imagine is going out out there in that sea of faces all Hungry for Royal Favor and Positions hmm? How many even now scheme and plot their next move?'

 

"How many watch and observe the two of us and wonder what might they do for the other but then dismiss that out of hand? Age has advantages that the young do not see and thus 'we' are oft times thought useless."

 

"Ambition flows thru my veins as it does yours. I would see my son married and the sooner the better - so I look about for those that might fetch a good price and compare. Like buying a horse in some ways. A good lineage means that offspring will be successful if mated well."

 

"And you are the same I think. Marriage for your daughter to a boy of higher Rank/Station than your own perhaps? Your Family will also benefit from that alliance in different ways. So the idea that we two have nothing in common is indeed false - do you not agree?"

 

She was risking much by such plain speech but she wanted to see how he would respsond back. They were of an age so her manner might be appreciated or it might not.

 

It all depended if he favored direct speech as opposed to flattery.

[Aria]

Charles, Tamsin, and an eavesdropper

 

“I've sketched in crowded rooms before, and even at the market in the village close to my family's estate. When I start drawing, I tune everything else out.” However, her sketching habits didn't really matter, since Lord Langdon had not brought the dagger with him.

 

“I hope you will tell me about it on Monday, then,” Tamsin said as the musicians began to play. There was not much time for talk after that. She was an excellent dancer, although she performed the steps a bit formally and hesitantly. Having spent all of her life in the country, she had little practical experience. She had attended a few parties at neighboring estates, but not all of them had included dancing.

 

Her jewelry sparkled as she hopped and twirled. Halfway through the dance, she began to relax a bit, and when the music came to an end, she curtsied prettily to her partner, relieved that she had not tripped over her own two feet or stepped on his toes. Now she wanted to dance the night away.

 

“Thank you, my lord,” she smiled. “Do you think if we rejoin Lord Chichester that he will ask me to dance as well?”

 

Beside them, the tall well-dressed man threw them a casual glance and led his partner off the floor. He had heard the Earl say that something was not a family heirloom, but he did not specify what item he and the Faraday girl had been discussing. They did not seem to be as well-acquainted as he had thought. Perhaps he would find out more about them, as well as Lord Chichester, as the evening wore on. The lady who had just danced with the other Earl was worth watching as well.

[Anne-Elisabeth Devereux]

Nicolette and Anne-Elisabeth

 

“I only speak the truth,” Anne-Elisabeth insisted. “And yes, the two of us do make a lovely bouquet. No gentleman will able to resist our allure.” Mademoiselle Vauquelin had a pretty way with words, and the Countess pondered how to turn the idea of women as bouquets into a limerick.

 

“Cambray is on the southern coast but I'm not completely certain if I'll be returning there during recess. I just got here and I might want to stay in London. But if I do, you're certainly welcome to visit. There's not a lot to do there, but we can walk along the shore and collect seashells or ride our horses on the sand.”

 

A wistful expression crossed her pretty face when asked why she loved the ocean. “I grew up in Barbados. My father's sugar plantation was only a short ride from the beach and I spent a lot of time by the sea … or in it. It's such a beautiful place and the weather is always divine. I've been in England a little over a year and I still miss Barbados dreadfully. I adored the way the sound of the breeze ruffling the leaves of the pine trees and I still crave the taste of the water inside a coconut.” Anne-Elisabeth sighed. “I'll go back one day, even though my place is here now.”

 

A moment later, she smiled. “What lady, widow or otherwise, can resist the charms of a handsome gentleman?”

 

So Lord Dorset and his former wife had both been appalled to discover they were married. They must have been really drunk the night they were wed. Lady Cambray reminded herself never to drink too much. She didn't want the same thing to happen to her. Marriage was not in her future, at least not for several years and possibly not ever.

 

Ahh, no wonder this Lady O'Roarke had not wanted to be tied down, as she was the Duke of York's mistress. Their names even rhymed. Perhaps she would compose a limerick about them one day. “I look forward to meeting her when she returns to court. We have at least one thing in common. Though I found Lord Dorset both witty and pleasant, I have no desire to become his wife.”

 

Mademoiselle Vauquelin was quite naughty, wanting to seduce a dear friend's best friend. Anne-Elisabeth's eyes followed hers but there were so many pairs of gentlemen engaged in conversation , she wasn't certain which one she meant. “I would be delighted to help you.” Narrowing her eyes impishly, she added: “As long as you don't mind sharing his attention with me. I promise to leave you alone with him whenever you wish.”

 

Her new friend implied that she had become the Lady of Misrule by her own machinations. What an intriguing woman she was! “And how did you manage that?”

 

When Nicolette purposefully bumped into a gentleman's backside, Anne-Elisabeth assumed that was the gentleman she wished to seduce. Since the other lady obviously knew what she was doing, she decided the best course of action was to follow her lead.

[Charles Whitehurst]

Charles, Tamsin, and an eavesdropper

 

"You dance quite gracefully," Charles flattered as he bowed and led Tamsin away from the dancers. "We shall see," he answered michevously about Monday. He remained unaware of the other man's interest, there being so many other courtiers surrounding them.

 

"Yes, let us rejoin Chichester and Lady Frances," he agreed. "We can swap dance partners." Leading her under the mistletoe, Charles stopped playfully to attempt to give her a holiday kiss. "Oh, look, mistletoe!" With that he moved to give Tamsin a quick kiss. "Happy Holiday."

 

They now awaited George and Frances to return as well.

[Defiance]

Sophia approaching the King

 

It seemed that everyone Sophia knew was already occupied. Mademoiselle Vauquelin and Lady Kendishall were conversing with gentlemen and she certainly didn't want to interrupt them. She noticed Lord Chichester and Lady Frances Cavendish moving toward the dance floor. Since he was here, Esteban must be around somewhere. Perhaps he was discussing politics in another room. She didn't think he would be interested in any of the games taking place in the Music Room and Drawing Rooms.

 

She saw Lord Beverley and his wife speaking with the Duke of Cumberland. She still wondered if the German had convinced Lord Kingston to let her marry Esteban. Maybe if she talked to him she could cleverly find out. It had been so long since she had seen Lord Beverly, he probably didn't remember who she was and he might resent the intrusion. Lord Kingston was in the midst of a group of people she didn't recognize. Perhaps they wouldn't mind if she joined them.

 

Sophia didn't see Mistress Wellsley or Lord Chatham at all. She really wanted to speak to Lord Chatham tonight, so she hoped she would find him eventually. Briefly, she considered the notion that he had sneaked away with Mistress Wellsley, but that was just ridiculous.

 

A servant approached her with a tray of wine. The petite blonde smiled as she recognized Diego Estrada, obviously spying in disguise. She winked back at him and watched as he disappeared into the crowd. Looking up, she spotted the tall handsome figure of Lord Dundarg, with Lord Melville and … Ellen Doolittle? She started moving in his direction, intending to save him from Ellen's endless boredom and then stopped in her tracks.

 

No, she couldn't just walk right up to him. If Esteban was covertly watching her, he would be angry that the first person she approached was the gentleman that he had told her to stay away from and she didn't want him to forbid her from attending the Scot's party on the morrow. Lord Dundarg would most likely not be able to stand Ellen's company for long and didn't need rescuing. They could speak later in the evening. He had promised to dance with her tonight.

 

She caught a glimpse of John Burgoyne and immediately began walking in the opposite direction. He posed no threat to Sophia now that she was married, but she felt a bit guilty for the way she had treated him when she had feared he would ask to court her. Her thoughts were interrupted by the sight of the English Ambassador to France conversing with the Danish Ambassador. Were they scheming against Spain together? France was Spain's enemy, but was Denmark? All she knew about that country was that their ancestors were Vikings. She really needed to learn more about politics.

 

They were both looking toward the King, who was speaking with a blond gentleman. For some reason, Sophia found herself heading in the monarch's direction. Since was mingling with his subjects, would he be willing to spend a few moments in her company? Maybe she would even be able to convince him to dance with her. Flouncing cheerfully into his line of vision, her smile was both sanguine and shy. “Happy New Year, Your Majesty,” she said, dropping a pretty curtsy. The beads and jewels on her gown glittered merrily as they caught the light.

 

The blond gentleman that the king was speaking to was Lord Grandison, who still had the faint, tell-tale signs of an altercation on his face. He was older than the king though the blond periwig did much to brighten his face and blue eyes.

 

"Good evening, Lady Toledo. Happy New Year to you as well, and your lord husband the ambassador," the King said. He made a movement as if to look for the man. Was he expecting this was a political maneuver of some sort? Perhaps. Either way, the bait was pretty.

 

It was odd she joined them, in a way, because the King should never have to introduce anyone, so Grandison was put in the awkward situation of introducing himself since she had come up on them; although she had actually not said anything to him at all, so perhaps he could just stand there and look at the girl. She was nice to look at, for one who married a Spaniard.

 

(OOC - I imagine Grandison as a Hugo Speer type. Handsome, but in a rugged, intimidating, older way)

[George Hardwick III]

Frances and George

 

Perhaps his tone had betrayed him, and she the intuitive sort, deferred to another time and place to discuss that. It suited George well, and he gave a nod and privately counted his blessings not to mar the evening with any more on that.

 

The dance, an over there amongst the many, Charles and Tamsin danced too.

 

"Certainly." exiting the dancefloor she voice preference not to return immediately to her family group, and he agreed. They moved apart, and seeing Charles and Tamsin seemed to be awaiting reunion George escorted Frances that way. "Saturday is the afternoon for the Ceremonies, my morning being busy already." George voice, he had appointments with Melville and Cumberland prior to the Court at large event. Sunday was then a day for families, and he was not currently welcome in hers. And truth be told, was not likely ever to be.

 

Arriving back with Tamsin and Charles under the mistletoe

 

Coming upon their companions just as Charles discovered mistletoe, brought George to look upwards too. "Now what is this?" he looked to Francis then bend forwards with intent to kiss to her cheek. Turning he made a motion towards kissing Charles – then stopping himself he gave a laugh. “Ah, but ladies first.” He would give Tamsin a kiss to cheek also. And probably not Charles at all, though he turned his hand towards the gent in invite and rose an eyebrow.

[Raconteur]

Frances and George

 

He over-rode her direction and stated that he intended to rejoin Lord Langdon and that other girl - what had he said she was called .... and she was filled somewhat with a feeling of irritation that he was making it clear that whilst he was favorble to things she might say or do in the end twas only his mind that held sway. This was unlike his behaviors of their time together and it made her nervous.

 

Frances knew full well what her place and role would be as his Wife - all daughters knew that they were the property of Father's first then of Husband's later - and that if they were wise turning a 'blind eye' to indiscretions was the way of things. No man liked a shrew and Frances was too schooled by both word and hand to think different.

 

"Yes. We have been told there is no need for all of us to be in attendance - the Duke will give on behalf of the Family as always. You are indeed busy and I am glad for it. I hope that it will mark the start of a countenance throughout the New Year."

 

How Polite she sounded even to her own ears. She made the decision to follow his own mood and tone - which to her had sounded dismissive.

 

With Charles and Tamsin

 

His stopping and then uttering a question drew her out of her thoughts and she followed his direction anad then despite her intention she smiled up at him as he bent down with intent to kiss her check but she caught his gaze to Lord Langdon then a laugh saying twas to the Ladies he must first address.

 

She held her smile as he leaned down and she felt the coolness of his lips for the briefest of moments on her flesh then he righted himself clearly going to kiss the other girl if she let him! Here was confusion. What was at play? Had he some desire for this other girl ....

 

Her gaze went to that person and it was a face she had not seen before. Took in the silver/blue of the velvet and the excessive and quite overdone display of ornamentation and concluded that

 

here was a girl come up to London for Christmas Court perhaps misjudging yet guessing close enough.

 

When the moment was right she would introduce herself. And watch Lord Chichester as well.

[Aria]

George, Charles, Frances, and Tamsin

 

“Thank you, my lord.” Tamsin blushed prettily. “You dance well too.” She was pleased with how her first dance had turned out, and believed that her success was mostly due to having such a fine partner. Would Lord Chichester dance admirably too? As Lord Langdon agreed that they should rejoin him and switch partners, perhaps she would find out.

 

She wasn't aware that he had led her under the mistletoe until he called attention to it. The dark-haired girl was guileless enough to believe that they had walked under it by accident. Her blush deepened as he bent down and gave her a brief kiss … the very first kiss she had ever received from a gentleman, not counting her father, of course. Did he fancy her or was he just being nice?

 

And what would her mother and aunt think if they were watching? She hoped they wouldn't assume that she had bagged herself an Earl at her first court event. Tamsin had begged her father to let her come to court so that she could find a husband, but in truth, she was in no hurry to marry. Some of her friends had debuted before they were her age, and she had just wanted to see what she was missing. Not to mention that she had become bored to tears in the country.

 

Suddenly tongue-tied, the normally talkative young woman was pleased when Lord Chichester and his companion joined them. The other Earl noticed the mistletoe too, and kissed the pretty lady he had danced with. Then, he glanced over at Lord Langdon as if he planned to kiss him too! Did men kiss other men during Christmas? Or all the time? No, he had only been jesting.

 

But he did kiss her lightly on the cheek. Tamsin was blushing so fiercely that she feared her face was as red as an apple. The other lady turned to look at her and she smiled shyly, hoping that she would not be expected to kiss her too.

 

 

Over by the wall

 

Having extricated himself from his garrulous dance partner, the finely-dressed gentleman watched the exchange of kisses with interest. Were they just taking advantage of the mistletoe or had he been wrong about how well Lord Langdon … and Lord Chichester … knew the Faraday girl?. They had all been together in the weapon shop, after all. Now he was fairly certain that they had not met there by chance.

[Sophia de la Cerda]

Sophia, the King, and Lord Grandison

 

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Sophia saw the King's eyes rove around the room, probably wondering if Esteban was nearby and had asked her to speak to him. As her eyes followed his, she noticed that she was standing directly under a sprig of mistletoe.

 

“I shall give him your good wishes when I see him. I haven't yet spoken with him tonight. He had dinner with a friend and said he would meet me here.” She shrugged her shoulders cheerfully, obviously not worried about her husband's absence. “Perhaps he decided to visit one of the drawing rooms. There are some interesting games going on there. I played a couple of them already.”

 

Her ice-blue eyes moved to his companion, a handsome older man in a blond periwig who looked a bit out of sorts. No matter. She could cheer him up. “Happy New Year to you too, my lord.” She curtsied to him as well. Though she didn't know him, she treated him as if they were already acquainted. Still basking in the aftereffects of her passionate interlude with Lord Arundel, everyone was Sophia's friend tonight. Maybe she could charm him into dancing with her too.

 

Again, she turned to the King. “I would hold up my hand for both of you to kiss, but ...” Grinning playfully, she pointed upward, letting the sight of the mistletoe finish her sentence for her. Would they bend down so that she could give them each a holiday kiss? Unfortunately, she was too short to reach their cheeks, even if she stood on the very tips of her toes.

[Robert Saint-Leger]

Beverleys & Cumberlands, with Bevsey & Peg leaving to dance

 

"A, erm, compliment I do not oft hear," Beverley replied graciously, with a pleased little smile. It was only familiarity with the couple that allowed Beverley's tongue to function so well. They were not very intimidating to him anymore.

 

"I leave you in the Prince's capable hands, my dear. Perhaps you might ask how goes his search for a unicorn," Beverley said, giving his wife's hand a kiss before offering her to Rupert so that he might give his arm to Mrs. Hughes.

 

He smiled at the older sometimes former and sometimes not former actress.

 

"Speaking of unicorns, erm, is the birthday girl excited for her little party on Wednesday?" Beverley asked her as the walked to their dance.

[Douglas FitzJames]

Douglas and Ellen left unsupervised

 

“Dundarg Castle is weel tae the north o’ Edinburgh, in the borderlands.” Douglas explained. “Tis on the north coast o’ Aberdeenshire, an’ a richt bonnie spot, aw green fields. I’m runnin’ cattle on’t the noo but t’is alsae guid fer barley, an’ thus brewin’.”* Something that he had aspirations to. Such talk might bore most women but Douglas knew that Ellen was experienced in business, so he thought that such might interest her. It obviously interested him, from the animated way he spoke.

 

Ellen wasn’t the first woman to speak to him of a desire for travel stifled, and whilst she spoke in playful tones, he suspected that they marked a sincere desire. She would not be alone in that. And it seemed he was not alone in being sympathetic to that wish, as Duncan offered her the opportunity to visit his home in the north. “Haps ye three micht aw like tae visit Dundarg as weel, if ye do?” Douglas suggested, meaning Duncan, Ellen and Ophelia of course. “Ye’d be verra weelcam.”** He’d love the opportunity to show his friend his lands, and Ellen too if she was willing. They might not be an ancestral seat like Melville Castle, but he was very proud of them.

 

As Duncan excused himself at Ellen’s request he find a chair, Douglas at last took the seat next to her, relieved of the need to defer to Duncan, which he would always do. The man was both senior and a role model in so many ways. Now however he found himself, if not quite on level, at least almost eye to eye with Ellen. There was an intriguing keenness to those dark eyes.

 

“Laird Melville an’ I served taegether in the Royal Scots, in the Dutch War.” Douglas answered her question. “We’re brothairs in arms, an’ he is as an uncle tae my wee sisters. Oor fam’lies er close.” He observed quietly, wondering for a moment how much else to say. “He thocht we shuid meet, an’ I value his advice.”*** He revealed, with a wry twist to his full lips.

 

But what were opportunities for, if not to be grasped enthusiastically? He leaned towards her, elbows on knees, and lowered his voice further. “Sae, ye hae a heid fer business, an’ ye wish tae travel. Whit else daes Ellen Doolittle wish fer?” He asked, her genuinely interested, blue eyes watching her expression. “An’ whit weel she do, if I kiss her?”+ He asked, voice little more than a whisper in her ear, as he touched his full lips to the corner of her jaw.

 

Subtitles

* “Dundarg Castle is well to the north of Edinburgh, in the borderlands. It’s on the north coast of Aberdeenshire, and a very pretty spot, all green fields. I’m running cattle on it at the moment but it’s also good for barley, and thus brewing.”

*** “Perhaps you three might all like to visit Dundarg as well, if you do? You’d be very welcome.”

*** “Lord Melville and I served together in the Royal Scots, in the Dutch War. We’re brothers in arms, and he is as an uncle to my little sisters. Our families are close. He thought we should meet, and I value his advice.”

+ “So, you have a head for business, and you wish to travel. What else does Ellen Doolittle wish for? And what will she do if I kiss her?”

[Blackguard]

Cordelia

 

"You speak truly," Arlington acknowledged of sons and mothers. Though he had no son of his own, he had observed the effect in others.

 

"My own daughter was betrothed to one of the King's sons. It was in this high regard that I was held," he acknowledged. But Don Carlos was dead, at the bottom of the sea. "With his passing, I will look for another, in time." The man's favor had ebbed and he hoped to restore it before he made another match.

 

"There are plenty of pretties on display here tonight," he observed drily. "Tonight is a good night for you to take measure." There was no offer of his own daughter. That would be clear. The Earl had a single child and she would have great wealth thanks to the greed and immorality of her father. She will thank me later. "Have any caught your eye?"

 

Beverley

 

Mary's eyes lit up at the mention of a unicorn, causing the Prince to sigh. As for Peg, she was more keen on the topic. "We found a jet pony," Peg revealed as they walked towards the dance. "It had a white shoe but I had it dyed black. The horn had to be small, lest it fall off despite a heavy dose of glue. I was thinking a surgeon could affix it to the pony's skull, but no one would do it and promise the pony would live. Imagine that Robert, with all the great scientific advances of or smartest men, there is no solution other than gluing a shaved bone to the head of a horse!" She seemed quite distressed at the lack of a better solution.

[Charles Whitehurst]

Tamsin, George and Frances with Charles

 

Tamsin kept quiet after the holiday kiss. Perhaps he scared her. He had no idea that he was the first to kiss her.

 

George, on the other hand, preferred to kiss cheeks. That was what one did with children and relatives. Then, Chichester eyed him, as if he meant to kiss him! Blazing cannons! The look on his face would be a mixture of surprise and retreat. Yet, the soldier began to relax as he thought it a joke surely.

 

Undaunted, he wanted to kiss Frances Cavendish. Charles enjoyed kissing ladies, and not on the cheek. "Happy New Year Lady Frances," he offered in a friendly tone as he moved to bestow a holiday kiss on her lips. It was that time of year when one could get away with kissing a lady without her permission. Of course, if she turned her head, he would kiss her cheek instead.

[Raconteur]

Douglas and Ellen

 

Even tho she had silently professed to not be able to understand a word he might say Ellen found herself unwittingly drawn in as he spoke his accent at times heavy yet strangely attractive.

 

"And will you have success in it? Either with cattle or barley I mean. If you make beer is it made different than here? Our beer, or rather ale, is made without hops you see so is rather flat and we flavor it with just about anything from pepper to rosemary! Once tis 'flavored' then it becomes beer."

 

"I do not much care for beer." Here a small noise wrinkle. " I suppose because the beer was drunk too soon so twas sour and from that I do not like it. Do you wonder how I know so much about this?"

 

'Brewing is women's work - at least here. My Lady Mother saw to it with a stillroom maid and it provided for the Household. I think she wanted to follow what some Great Houses do as it pleased my father. What was done in Gentlemen's Homes you see."

 

"Most make beer once a month on their brewing day. The bitterness is not as bad so tis a better teste. 'Twenty shillings for three hogshead yield'. Hops give a good yellow dye, and the young tops can be cooked with butter and eaten."

 

She stopped with a start realizing that she sounded like a School Master giving a lesson.

 

"I am sorry. Tis a fault of mine that you have seen early."

 

She wanted to look away but held his gaze.

 

"I think I would like to see Scotland. Hearing Tales of its wildness and other things makes one curious. If Mellville and his Lady think it fine than there will be no hinderance. Three sisters?"

 

One brow rose slightly. "Did he indeed?"

 

It was then that he leaned closer to her asking what else she wanted and then she felt his lips on the side of her face. Felt the warmth from his breath .....

 

if I were to turn just the slighest then our mouths would meet

 

That thought drifted into her mind as she sat still as stone wrestling with the idea that he played at some Game at her expense for why else would he take such a liberty? They were unknown to each other and so the idea that he was acting on a wager ..... but then what if that were not the case? What if .....

 

She had to respond.

 

"Well my first wish would be that you do not suffer any consequence - for we have just met and I would not like to think you capable of duplicity." Calmly said with a touch of laughter.

 

This was, she had quickly thought, the manner in which to act. It would show that she was not offended yet did not take it seriously. It would also show her what manner of man he might be. And besides here "At Court" everyone kissed either full on the lips or as he had just done - so she had observed over time - and no doubt that was the intent.

[George Hardwick III]

Tamsin, George and Frances with Charles

 

George was oblivious to the overworkings of Frances mind - for his own part he thought himself to be expressing the facts on pending appointments over the next few days. Did he notice the coolness of her reply? Or did he understand hers to be an equally realistic acceptance of obligations previously entered into.

 

What with all the business about them, there were too much going on for this Earl to inwardly ruminate - besides inwardly ruminating had never done him any good.

 

The look on Langdon's face was worth it - George laughed out loud at it, and was chuckling still as he exchanged the kisses to this one and then that. These kisses were that sort that were bandied about during Christmas, and he did not think he'd be judged any the better or worse for it. He was after all endeavouring to fit in, turn over a new leaf, no longer be the recluse these days.

 

Which was not to say he did not feel the strain of bravado.

 

"Would glasses of punch go amiss?" George suggested, in the tone of voice that said he was prepared to go fetch them.

[Raconteur]

Tamsin, George and Frances with Charles

 

Taking advantage of the general noise Frances whispered to George -

 

'say her name to me again please so that I may make amends'

 

She wanted to get it done before he left to fetch drinks.

 

She saw too how the other girl had reacted when kissed and was now quite and this caused Frances to revise her initial thoughts - if she were indeed new-come to Court then such a greeting might well be unknown to her - a kiss at greeting was a common occurrence amongst Courtiers but perhaps not one shared in the Country.

 

Lord Langdon then offered his greeting to her his lips touching her for a few seconds with her not kissing him back. She did however add her own greeting

 

"And a Happy and Prosperous New Year to you My Lord!"

[Cordelia Lucas]

Cordelia

 

So far she was being well received.

 

She noted he used a past tense and from that made note of his discontent. Ah. A match then with this man was no possible. A young daughter promised to a son of the King's meant a bastard son but a connection nonetheless to the Royal Household.

 

An inward sigh. It would seem that she was fated to be unsuccessful still.

 

Wait. Had he said with his passing I will look for another?

 

Did that mean that match was as dead as the groom-to-be? Well then. Perhaps her gift was able to be used after all! She would need to find out more .... Lady Habersham must be consulted in the New Year ...

 

She smiled and looked out across the crowded Hall. "Yes. There are. Yet I find such occassions are not a true test of breeding - one tends to do/say all the correct things amnongst the prying eyes of Matrons. Do you not agree that tis far better to test on a place better suited?"

 

The fact he did not speak further of his daughter was a point she took. Once he understood how helpful she could be to his Lady Wife - through his introduction naturally - he would come to thank her for her help in arranging a suitable contract.

 

She caught the mistletoe from the corner of her eye but passed by.

 

Hardly in a position to make use of such a thing yet sad at the same time. She was not an overly affectionate person by nature yet in all truth she did miss the companship of a man and those things offered like conversation and being escorted to and from ... Her eyes searched then for her son John but she guessed he would not be so visible prefering the Company of those that shared his views.

 

"Perhaps, like the tide, you have but a short time to wait. Favor changes day by day. And you still carry your Staff so His Majesty must still have regard for you."

[Defiance]

Sophia, the King, and Lord Grandison

 

Grandison fought a smile as she said she had not seen her husband. How very frank!{/i] On close inspection he had a hint of bruising on his face that was obviously in attempted concealment. Idly the older gentleman wondered what that meant of the state of Toledo's happiness in marriage. Watching a young lady flirt with the king was not a very novel thing, but it was somewhat entertaining.

 

"We see. Well, woe be to him then for lacking in your company," the king replied, jovially. He was quite practiced with such arts. "Pray, tell us what games you have played, for Grandison here could use to see things through some younger eyes."

 

Grandison had to stifle a chuckle, for he heard all the bawdy insinuations in that statement and none of the reality, though nothing in the king's voice suggested that,

 

He did grin as she suggested that they kiss her hand. Germans were known for being blunt.

 

The king's eyebrow raised when she pointed up to the mistletoe. He looked up. He had not seen it there, for he had apparently been standing under it for some minutes with Grandison!

 

Obligingly, the King leaned down some, and at the example Grandison had no choice but to do the same.

[Aria]

Charles, George, Frances, and Tamsin

 

Lord Langdon kissed the other lady just as he had kissed her. It had meant nothing then, but was just a simple holiday greeting. Tamsin didn't know whether to be relieved or disappointed. Perhaps she was a bit of both. At least it seemed she would not have to kiss the lady. She was glad of that. Holiday kisses were apparently exchanged only between members of the opposite gender.

 

This was the first Christmas that she had spent away from her family's estate and while she had attended a few Christmas parties during the past couple of years, nobody had kissed under the mistletoe unless they were married or betrothed. That was what her father had told her and there was no reason not to believe him. Court was much different.

 

She smiled at Lord Chichester when he offered to fetch drinks for the four of them. Her throat was a bit dry, most likely from anxiety than anything else. Though she was nervous, Tamsin felt rather comfortable in this little group and was glad that she had met Lord Langdon and Lord Chichester despite the unfortunate circumstances. She considered them friends now, as well as the lady whose name she didn't remember.

 

“Happy New Year to all of you," she declared, not really knowing what else to say. It was quite unusual for Tamsin to be at a loss for words.

[Sophia de la Cerda]

Sophia, the King, and Lord Grandison

 

Look! He's trying to hide a smile. I knew I could cheer him up. It was not the only thing he was trying to hide, for Sophia noticed a hint of discoloration on his face. A bruise? Had he recently been in a brawl? Or had he gotten a bit too carried away when making love to his wife … or his mistress? He struck her as more solemn than passionate or antagonistic, but looks could be deceiving.

 

“Woe to him but joy to me for finding myself in such delightful company,” she replied with a saucy little smile. She didn't catch any double-entendre in the King's request and took his comment to mean that he was trying to get Lord Grandison to lighten up. “I went to the Music Room first. They are playing a fun game there where one person is blindfolded and must find a specific object. They are guided by a musician who plays loudly when they are near to their goal and softly when they move away from it. I was both the seeker and the musician. I started out playing the piano but someone asked me to sing the hints instead. It was a lot of fun.

 

“After that, I visited the Central Drawing Room. There are several games going on there. I chose one where everyone was blowing a ball of wool across a table. Because of my opera training, I was able to direct my breath wherever I wanted it to go.” She grinned broadly. “I was the best blower in the whole room!” Her innuendo was completely unintentional, as she did not associate the word 'blow' with fellatio, which had nothing to do with actual blowing at all.

 

Finally, Lord Grandison grinned when she mentioned kissing her hand. I have charmed him, she thought, her head still up in the clouds. How can he resist me? Nobody can. Because I'm irresistible. But the King was not Nobody. Would she be able to enchant him as well?

 

Perhaps, for both gentlemen bent down to her level after she alerted them to the existence of the mistletoe above them. She would kiss the King first, of course. Taking a step toward him, she placed her small hands on his shoulders for balance. Though she had planned on kissing his cheek, she changed her mind and pressed her lips briefly to his. It was not as passionate as it was sweet and teasing, like the soft whisper of a butterfly's wings fluttering against one's hand.

 

A pretty blush blossomed across her cheeks as she pulled away, smiling mischievously. She then turned her attention to Lord Grandison, placing her hands on his shoulders and kissing him the same way, although not quite as playfully.

 

Stepping back, she twirled again, her sparkling gown swirling around her. If her skirts brushed against either gentleman's legs, she didn't notice. “It's such a wonderful evening, I feel like singing!” Pausing in mid-twirl, she gazed up at the King. Contradicting the innocence in her wide blue eyes and rosy cheeks, her abundant cleavage bounced enticingly in its frame of beaded lace. “Oh, may I, Your Majesty? When the clocks strike midnight, may I ring in the New Year with a song for you and your court?”

[Raconteur]

Wide Eyed And Lost

 

She had been planning this for weeks. Thinking about it over and over under her bedcovers at night and during the day as she sat staring out of one window after another - seemingly ignored by everyone in the Household. Far from the truth but to a girl of five and ten if might seem so.

 

She had made good her escape after her Father and older sister had left in his carriage bundled up in borrowed furs and a gown more suited for one several years older yet her lilth young body filled it out so that even she was startled of just how much of her was 'on view' yet there was no escaping how pretty she looked even to herself in her mirrors image.

 

She found a coach and gave direction simply saying "The Banqueting House" then paid the few coins it took to reach it and once free of that stood in full view of a place she'd only been inside of once and that was during the day - her steps faltering until she was stopped altogether - then jostled forward as a crowd of Courtiers' pushed past and she was caught up in that grouping.

 

In her young mind she had played out this arrival - where handsome young men would eagerly clamour for her attentions with intent to escort her about and dance every dance, where wine flowed like a stream, and she would be praised by All for her Grace and Manner .....

 

THE REALITY

 

The Hard Truth hit her square as she somehow lost her cloak and stray hands reached out to touch where they should not and men with fowl breaths tried to kiss her lips and rude suggestions tossed out with laughs as she quickly moved this way and that. Her hazel eyes begun to search out for familiar faces - the very ones that she had sought to escape from - but it was impossible in the sea of people.

 

She trod on the hem of her dark red damask skirts too long despite the addition of three extra petticoats and why did the right shoulder of her bodice keep slipping down exposing more of her flesh? She finished the goblet of wine and looked about for a place to set it but twas then she was approached by a man who said

 

"Why what have we here? All Alone My Sweet? What! An empty goblet must be replaced instantly ... Here take mine. Easy enough to get another! You look flushed and I know exactly what is need for that - come let me take you over there ...."

 

He reached out his grip strong then coughed and turned his head to spit onto the wooden floors before he looked back at her his smile all knowing showing teeth blacked and missing intent upon leading her away.

 

She kicked out connecting with his stocking'd shin and made her escape his curses ringing out behind her! Oh this was not as she had imagined or planned! Where were the graceful Ladies and Handsome young men? Did not all the Troubadors Sing of it in their Songs? Was it not told by Storytelles as well? This place was a mass of people, smoky and made foul by perfumes and unwashed bodies and those Nobles she had seen were drunk and why there even had been several 'ladies' with their breasts exposed being fondled openly their laughter filling the space about them.

 

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.

[George Hardwick III]

Charles, George, Frances, and Tamsin

 

OOC: I realise I am breaking posting order, but as neither of the ladies said anything really this is almost a continuance of my previous post - call it an interjection perhaps, prior to Charles reply.

 

IC:

 

 

"Lady Tamsin," George answered Francis out aloud, "and Lady Tamsin, this is Lady Frances. The previous introductions may have been lost midst all the fuss."

[Raconteur]

Charles, George, Frances, and Tamsin

 

Frances offer him another smile in thanks then directed her sights to the the girl

 

"I am afraid tis all my own fault so please forgive me. Welcome to Whitehall."

 

Frances gave her a nod and her smile remained.

 

"Yours is a face I've not seen afore which means that you are here for Christmas Court. Your Family is here as well then?" She was curious as to just who the Father might be. That her own outranked was a given. She knew full well the number of English Dukes.

 

This interaction would allow for Lord Chichester to still go for refreshment if the other's wanted it and if not still allow for a conversation to be had.

[Aria]

Strange bedfellows – Bridget and Juliana

 

Bridget Osborne had arrived at the ball with her family and had quickly found herself alone. Anne and her husband had immediately headed for the dance floor and the twins, Catherine and Sophia, had gone off together to find drinks. The young blonde had hoped that she would be asked to dance, but nobody seemed to notice her at all, not even Lord Basildon, who was talking with a lady whom she could not see well enough to tell whether she recognized her or not.

 

The Earl's handsome figure, though, was unmistakable. She hoped he would join her soon. They had a game to play and it looked as if she was going to need some help finding gentlemen to pretend to sneak away with.

 

She was surprised when a tall beautiful lady spoke to her and introduced herself as Princess Juliana of Hesse-Eschwege. It certainly couldn't hurt to be seen with a Princess, but she would probably flee if she knew who Bridget was. Surprisingly, she was already aware of her identity and soon the Princess was telling her about her own exile in Sweden and how she knew what it was like to be shunned. She seemed very kind, and soon the two blondes were conversing amiably. Princess Juliana was a fountain of knowledge and she was quite willing to impart advice to the younger woman. And she made a promise to her but made her give a promise in return.

 

Bridget alone

 

After about a half hour, a gentleman approached and asked Juliana to dance. Bridget was left by herself once more, but she felt that she had made a new friend. She searched for Lord Basildon, but could not see him through the crowd. She did spot Lord Dundarg, who was difficult to miss because of his height. He had been kind to her when they had met in the city. Maybe he would ask her to dance tonight.

 

The one person she would make sure to avoid was that awful Mademoiselle Vauquelin. Bridget didn't see her either. She was probably off locking some poor unsuspecting lady in a closet because she felt threatened by her.

 

Juliana on the prowl approaching Duncan

 

After her dance, Juliana extracted herself from the company of her partner, who seemed to think that sharing a dance also meant she was willing to sleep with him, and began a slow circuit of the room, a glass of wine in her hand.

 

A tall man in lavender (Duncan Melville) caught her attention. Why was such a handsome gentlemen not surrounded by ladies? Curious, she came up from behind him. “If you're looking for a dance partner, my lord, then you're looking in the wrong direction."

[Duncan Melville]

The Incredible and Sad Tale of Innocent Duncan and Heartless Juliana

(or… how a Scotch met a Swede)

 

Duncan was still looking for an empty and comfortable chair, so he could get back to Ellen and Douglas. Yet was having no luck locating one, as those that looked comfortable were already taken by one court matron or another, while the very few available looked like they were extremely uncomfortable.

 

It was then that a female voice called his attention from out of his field of vision. Turning, he found a tall young lady that seemed to be in her mid-twenties looking squarely at him. Her skin was very fair, her eyes big and expressive, and her platinum blonde hair came down in vivacious curls, framing her pretty face. Diamonds graced both her hair and her neck, sparkling with the lights just as brightly as the blue and white diamonds on his left hand.

 

Had he known that he was thought of as handsome, he would have either smiled ashamedly, or beat a hasty retreat. Yet, the young lady’s thoughts were not voiced, so he opened his mouth without even thinking, saying the first thing that came to mind.

 

“I was actually not…” Duncan thought better, closed his mouth, and did not finish the thought. After a brief pause used to collect his thoughts, he continued. “You are, of course, correct. Wrong direction to look for a dance partner”. Another brief pause before he added “Duncan, Viscount de Melville in the Scotch peerage, at your service, my lady” and bowed formally. “And I have the honour of addressing…” He would kiss her hand, if it was offered.

 

It was New Year’s Ball, after all, and courtiers were a bit bolder at such functions. Introducing oneself was not proper form, but this was a special occasion.