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Gift the King to Start the Year Off Right! | 1st PM- Xmas 1677


Defiance
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The current Banqueting House was build in 1619. The building comprises two storeys: a vaulted ground storey and an upper storey containing the Banqueting Hall. The east and west elevations are faced with Portland stone, while the north and south ends, where exposed, are in cement with stone dressings. The south end has a large semi-circular-headed window, with a doorway leading from the gallery floor to the main staircase of the adjoining premises.The east and west elevations are symmetrical, each comprising seven bays.The general wall treatment to the bays is rusticated, and the windows are square-headed.The upper storey is in two stages, an Ionic Order, carrying a Composite Order, typical Baroque pilasters.Between the capitals to the upper stage is a boldly carved frieze representing draped female masks between swags of fruit. The annexe at the north end contains an entrance hall and main staircase leading to the Banqueting Hall, with a secondary staircase continuing from the Hall to the gallery and offices above.

 

In order to accommodate all of the courtiers that came during Christmas to bear gifts, all the tables and other accoutrements had been removed from the hall. There had even been additions to the lavish decorations. The King and Queen were seated at the far side of the hall, with ministers and members of their household fanning out at their sides performing various duties. Mostly, it was in taking the presents after they were presented or bringing them closer to the king and queen, but there were also obligatory looks of fascination or awe.

 

The Lord Chamberlain, Arlington, announced each person as they came forward to give their well-wishes and gift.

 

(OOC - each person can present their gift and will get one or two replies. Once one person gets their thank you nod from the King, the next person can go ahead and post. This event would stretch late into the evening, so you can feel free to express appropriate emotions for standing on your feet like sardines for hours However, we're hoping for this to be a quick thread as there wouldn't be much opportunity for interacting, so other than present posts and short reactions to them, we aren't going to play other NPCs other than as background. Because this activity will go past midnight, there should not be other threads RPed that night other than explicit liaisons!)

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  • 2 weeks later...

Douglas and the MacBains

 

Aware of his duties as family representative whilst Cat lay abed, Douglas had ordered the girls to dress in their court finery, gems on, fur muffs and capes out, hair coifed up. He himself wore his finest uniform, scarlet velvet full of gold edging and frothy white lace, and his black periwig, and hoped that in arriving as early as they might, they would not wait longer than they had to, to see the King and Queen. Even young Nessia, the King's natural daughter, was bundled up in her uncle's arms.

 

The logical progression to the gift-giving event was obvious. People liked to give the King and Queen gifts to curry favour, and they liked to get a response. Receiving all these gifts via mail and writing a letter in reply would be time-consuming, having an audience with each gifter in turn even more so. The efficient way to handle things was to have everybody come at once, and get it all over and done with.

 

At the same time, Douglas couldn't help feeling that it was all a bit self-entitled, the Royals sitting there whilst people showered them with things they would probably never use, but then surely getting such gifts was one of the perks of being Royal? At the same time, with an audience people would note - and judge - you on your attendance and on what you gave, which meant that such became mandatory and the gifts more lavish, which was very sneaky.

 

And because their family could use whatever boost in reputation they could get, Douglas had ensured that all that could were turned out in their best. Not high up the pecking order, they waited a long time and he tried to keep the girls from fretting, pointing out this lady's hairstyle or that gentleman's fancy shoes. At last their turn came and Douglas stepped forward with the girls behind him, bowing deeply as they were announced.

 

"The Viscountess Lochend, Baron Dundarg and Mistresses Shona and Aileen MacBain!"

 

"Lairdy Alyth sends her apologies, she isnae weel." He said simply, aware they might not take up too much of the King's time. "Please accept oor fam'ly's best wishes fer a prosperous an' lively new year, an' the hope that we micht aw find success in oor hunts, white'er oor quarry."*

 

The gift was proffered, a large box of varnished, burled walnut with a hunting scene inlaid with mother of pearl in the lid. Inside were two hunting horns of carefully polished white horn - much rarer than black - from Douglas's highland cattle, chased with silver mouthpieces and rims, and embossed with silver patterns set with amber gems that seemed to glow in the candlelight.

 

Subtitles

* "Lady Alyth sends her apologies, she isn't well. Please accept our family's best wishes for a prosperous and lively new year, and the hope that we might all find success in our hunts, whatever our quarry."

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  • 2 weeks later...

The King smiled at Dundarg's play on words. It was appreciated no matter how much the accent always scratched at the reminder of unpleasant days in Scotland.

 

"The quarry we should lay focus on is the French, no doubt."

 

All my quarry, indeed, Charles thought to himself with a silent chuckle.

 

"We thank you for the fine gift and wishes. Hopefully, the fine English weather shall allow their use before long."

 

It was, of course, difficult to even feel one said something novel in such situations. The endless procession of people was daunting. Not to mention showing too much attention to a former mistress' family in front of his pregnant Queen was something not even he was willing to risk. The child was of supreme importance to the continued peace of his kingdom.

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“An’ yer hofficers stand rairdy, Yer Majesties.”* Douglas replied with a tip of his hat and a curve of full lips that suggested that, whilst eager for battle, the French were not the only quarry on his agenda, though a certain French lady was certainly amongst them.

 

At least the horns seemed to go down well enough. It was as difficult to think of something unusual to give the Royals as it was to find something witty to say in the King’s presence. Douglas would not have envied the man the task of returning with to every courtier, save that he seemed to do so effortlessly. No doubt that sharp mind was why he was still King.

 

“Here’s tae new hunts and new beginnin’s in the Spring.”** He added, with a glance and a smile at their pregnant Queen. Hopefully his donations to her causes would have been noticed, though given his relatives he never expected to be one of her favourites. If luck and the Lord were on their side, she would bear a healthy child which would secure the succession and stabilise the Kingdom.

 

A second deep bow, with a glance at the girls to ensure they curtseyed nicely, and Douglas led the MacBain tribe from the Royal presence, clearing the way for the next in the queue. So much the better, as they had their Hogmanay party to get to before their guests did.

 

Subtitles

* “And your officers stand ready, Your Majesties.”

** “Here’s to new hunts and new beginnings in the Spring.”

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  • 2 weeks later...

Lord Kingston was almost envious of the endless throng of people approaching with their gifts and wishes, because standing there fairly motionless in a place everyone could see was certainly no walk in St. James! At least when you were gifting, you were only on display for a few short minutes, if that. He was going to be standing there all night along with the cupbearer behind and to his side.

 

The number of people in there meant that his cravat felt tight and his thick mass of curls was like a massive insulator to the heat around his neck. And yet it was his job to stand there with only one very specific purpose: to be the person to move and hand something to the king in case he wanted to see it. This duty was even more tedious than the persons who accepted all the gifts and made them go wherever it was that such things went.

 

The only light at the end of the tunnel was that the late evening and early morning would be fun, and this duty falling on the evening he usually attended was thus only a minor inconvenience that facilitated the later doings.

 

After the MacBains with Dundarg came forward, Francis waited to see who might be next.

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It was, like many of these court ceremonial functions, to be a day of standing. Much waiting. As such George wore a pair of his most comfortable shoes. Yet practicality ended there - his navy blue and silver trimmed costume was completely pimped out, barely a square inch of fabric was not detailed with elaborate needlwork. His wig beautifully curled with a litter of bows - even the starch of shirt was a tad overdone. It was all in respects to the Rule of Charles Stuart the second. No expense had been spared.

 

Chichester had been near enough the front as Dundarg and his family made their presentation - well received too. George watched on, for a moment remembering the year or so ago when the King had called for suitors for one of the more headstrong girls in that household. The King's interests seemed to have moved on now.

 

As Dundarg exited George gave the man an acknowledging nod, and then took a step to approach the royals himself.

 

"Please accept my humble blessings from Chichester, Your Majesties." He bowed, and behind him pared off two darkie servants, one holding a book the other holding a painting*.

 

"It is with wonder and gratitude that I thank you for past mercy, and renew my pledge of loyalty, devotion, and my very soul." After everything that had happened in the past year, George thought it only right to acknowledge that - though his thoughts were squarely on the future now. "...With eyes bright for the Royal blessings showered upon your Kingdom in the coming year. "

 

He bowed once more.

 

 

* Ref Gifts Given thread

His Majesty - A copy of the newly written play 'The Rover' (or The banished Cavaliers) by Aphra Behn - first played March 1677. As a bookmark in the volume is an open invitation to the Chichester township monthly dance.

 

Her Highness - a new painting of his that might perhaps replace the pastorial one Mirtel put in her Presence chamber - this one a picnic scene with many courtiers with faces hauntingly familiar, young stuart-esque children playing hoop are central to the painting, while a woman holding a baby watching on might be Karoline herself. It is essentially a well wish for the future.

 

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It was not yet his turn.

 

Yet, Duncan was patient. It was an unwritten law at court that being seen at the right functions was important, almost as doing what pleased one's betters. Out of sight, out of mind, and the Lowlander did not want to be forgotten. Still, the Scotch had been invited to celebrate Hogmanay At Alyth House, and he'd prefer not to miss it. Thus, even though the royal gift-giving would probably extend past midnight, he hoped to present his gifts much earlier than that.

 

"The Viscountess Lochend, Baron Dundarg and Mistresses Shona and Aileen MacBain!"

 

It was the announcement of names dear to him that brought him out of his reverie. Cat must be really sick, for her not to have come. That, or she did not care to see the Queen. The Lowlander winced. He hoped that was not the reason, or Cat would only be making life harder for herself. Dear lass, you can be so hard-headed sometimes...

 

From a distance, Duncan could see the hunting horns. They were a beautiful gift, and had the advantage of not favoring the King over the Queen. Nicely done, Dundarg. Nicely done! He allowed himself a slight smile. As the Highlanders passed nearby, he made sure they saw his smile, and his nod of encouragement.

 

He then turned back to the royals. Isn't that Kingston to the side and a bit behind the King? Yes, it seems so. Lucky him, to be allowed to wait on His Grace! Francis did not need to be stepped on, pushed at, or any of the things that all others waiting to present their gifts had to endure.

 

"The Earl of Chichester!"

 

Another name that called his attention. This time he was a bit closer to the front, and could see the gifts a bit more clearly. Unlike the MacBains, George had selected different gifts for the King and Queen, just like he himself had. It was a book for the King, and a painting for the Queen. He was not close enough to read the book's title, but the painting seemed to be some sort of court scene. Good! Duncan thought, Chichester is an accomplished painter. His gift ought to please the Queen!

 

Would his turn come soon? The Scotch dared to hope. He shifted the weight of the two wooden cases from his right arm to the left. It might still be a long wait.

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His Majesty gave barely a look to his trusty fetcher, although Kingston was more cub than pup with his mane. It was an unfortunate security measure. His Ministers (and those who were frightened of the king his brother would be) could not stomach the idea of hundreds of courtiers, let alone servants getting close to his person. And whilst it was expedient to receive a gift oneself, it did not have the great decorum that put the majesty in kingship. Even a king who preferred the informal knew the great power of formality.

 

He accepted the book from Kingston with a slight quirk of an eye as if to ask if the title was pleasing before looking at it. Nobody was quite close enough to see the minutiae of his expression.

 

A smile was easily seen, though, which boded well for Chichester. He did happen to open it, for many a book or bound piece had been a vehicle for other things. He almost missed the marked page, but he read it for a moment whilst the Queen bore out a similar scene looking at the painting. Then both his eyebrows quirked and he smiled again.

 

The King understood it perhaps a little further than Lord Chichester may have meant it. He now thought the man was attempting to turn over a new libertine sort of leaf and was inviting him for one of his jaunts. A bold move.

 

"We thank you, Lord Chichester. A very inviting volume that shall give us much enjoyment and pondering," the King said.

 

"A most magical scene, my lord. How we long for those days," the Queen approved of the painting. Her words could be construed just as many ways as the Kings. It could be a longing for springtime of for that magical future George intended.

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As many a man before him, and as no doubt many a man in he future, George scrutinised the Kings visage for clue to his true (or dis) pleasure? CR's cavalier courtesy would no doubt warrant each and every gift with voiced gratitude, but George, like anyone else, hoped that his gift would be actually enjoyed.

 

Was that a tickle of amusement upon the royal lips? The Earl thought it was, and was pleased. "The very things that sets England and France apart." he claimed patriotically. There was a chance, thin though it might be, that the King would actually attend a commoners dance, that certainly could not be said of his French counterpart. His Majesties love and indulgence of his people was something that inspired this particular Earl.

 

Deepening his bow to the young Queen as she graciously accepted the gift, George smiled his own gratitude then. Rather than make any more scene of the wish he accepted it with her gentle intent...

 

It was done. With a measure of relief he gave a belated nod to Kingston as he moved into the file of those inching their way away from the presentation area. That had gone quite well he thought. Turning around as he resumed waiting, he saw Melville (was he next to present?) George gave him a smile and nod.

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  • 3 weeks later...

Francis received the book from the king and then handed it to he-who-would-determine-it's-resting-place, and that was the sum of all that he had done that evening aside from stand there.

 

It was back to standing there looking pretty.

 

There seemed to be no end to the number of personages. No dwindling. It was going to be a long night.

 

(OOC: BUMP, who's next! - Defiance )

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Beverley & Fam join the fray

 

If there was one time Beverley was content to not be the head of any family, it was times like these. He always felt very nervous with the attention of their King, and he had little desire for his autonomy in instances where it was more comfortable to let his lord father handle the more formal and important family matters like gifts. He would happily stand with his father, but he rather hoped he had little need to say a word himself!

 

Had he not reconciled with his father, this entire thing would have been far more stressful and embarrassing. As it was, he had not enough time to get as fancy with his attire as he might have liked. A few days was not enough time to commission new clothes without paying a fortune (his father's fortune), and so he had to content himself with having the tailor add some embellishments and fancy buttons to a wine-coloured justacorps and waistcoat that was already in his possession.

 

(OOC - Brooke would handle the gifting, and I have no idea what, so I'm going to wait for Aria )

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Louis had arrived at the ceremony with Nicci, his sister and brother-in-law, the Duke of Somerset. He had invited the Hill brothers to attend.

 

In tow were two darkie slaves, one boy and one girl around the age of eight. They were dressed in fine outfits of rich velvet, as if they were lord and lady. The jewelry on the girl was nothing but glass baubles, as was the cravat pin on the boy.

 

Basildon had seen the King earlier in the day and had promised to add two persons to his household. The tiny couple were to be royal servants, and the setting of a new fashion rage. He awaited the approval of Brooke's gift before advancing.

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Brooke did not take long, so it was soon Basildon's turn. In a measured pace he approached and bowed deeply.

 

"Your Majesties, Happy New Year. My Lady Wife is not here as you know, being with Princess Mary, but she sends holiday greetings as well. I am joined instead by my cousin Mademoiselle Vauquelin, as well as my sister and brother-in-law, the Somersets." Louis enjoyed feeling as though he was the head of the family, and he certainly did not mind the rest of the court being reminded that his wife was lady to Princess Mary, his sister the Duchess of Somerset, and his cousin was Nicolette, who was on the rise at court. It was likely that the Somersets had their own gift for the King that would follow; but, if it was less pleasing than his own, perhaps there would be some carryover of goodwill as well.

 

"We thought to gift you with a pair for your household, one for each of your Majesties. Your Majesties have subjects in the New World and India, so we thought it fitting to give you subjects from the Dark Continent too. Not only are these darkies loyal and obedient, but I think they are quite stylish and could start a trend here at court," the Earl offered in good humor. "They are still working on their English but it makes it all the more fun to see how they might interpret your commands."

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  • 2 weeks later...

(OOC - I didn't mean skip Beverley for the whole event...I just meant please don't assume it's his turn bc he's not the one actually with a gift so I have nothing to post yet...which is why I didn't post him approaching at all.)

 

Right after Lord Chichester was Lord Basildon, who had two little dark things in tow. They were far more interesting than what the earl was particularly saying, but His Majesty pretended to be quite enthralled with the little speech, for he knew the value of such.

 

Basildon is always quite the peacock... It brought a little grin to his face thinking about the Mountjoy's peacocks.

 

"Ha! So they might not be very useful at all. Quite the amusing gift, my lord. We do not often have the luxury of wondering how we might be obeyed or misobeyed. It shall bring some color to the day, do not you think, my dear?" he said, chuckling as he turned to the Queen.

 

As always she was less forthcoming with her thoughts. "They will be well-treasured, my lord."

 

She was already plotting how to make them better speak English. Was there someone who spoke the darkie language?

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Nicolette attended within the Basildon group, making every effort to appear a picuture of demure, a mere add-on to the extended family group. Secretly inside she felt like a rising star, there was a brightness to her eyes as she kept herself hush - for the promise of how much impact she intended upon Whitehall.

 

Dipping into a practise-perfected curtsy touched with french embelishment, she held the deferential pose a respectful moment, with every effort to honor the presentation that Louis was making.

 

When it was all done, and they were moving off to the side she murmured to her cousin, "They seemed well pleased, your offering of livestock seems upon a winning vein." her eyes danced of the tease.

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  • 4 weeks later...

The Duke of Somerset had given his gift to the King earlier in the evening and now he was glad of it, for it had been not been nearly as unusual and exotic as the slaves his brother-in-law presented to him. Lucy had insisted on taking care of their gift to the Queen herself, and Francis wasn't even certain what she had selected. They had come along mainly to show their support for her brother, which had been her idea.

 

He was not jealous of Louis, but happy that Their Majesties were pleased with him. He had no desire to come to the attention of the King, nor to become part of his inner circle. Already a Duke, he could not rise much further and preferred to live a life of leisure rather than embroil himself in political intrigue, in which he had no interest. His wife had enough ambition for both of them and he was content to let her take the lead in courtly matters. She was far better suited to that role than he.

 

Lucy was less enthused with Louis' choice of gifts, despite the pleasure that both the King and the Queen took in them. It seemed wrong to her that human beings should be owned, although she knew that the children would be cared for better in the palace than in other households they could have been sold into. Their Majesties would not mistreat them. Since she spent most of her time in the Queen's chambers, she could also keep an eye on the girl and help her settle in.

 

She was not too thrilled with Nicolette's comment either, but kept her indignation to herself. Because she was not a native English speaker, she might have chosen the word 'livestock' without completely understanding its meaning. Still, her smile was a bit thin when she inquired of her cousin: “Are you not going to give his Majesty a gift as well?”

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  • 2 weeks later...

"May it be, Your Majesties, that these darkies are the only ones who ever disobey a royal command, albeit out of ignorance," Basildon wished as a benediction of sorts for the new year. "And may they be the only darkness in your lives in the year ahead."

 

Smiling at the compliments, Louis bowed and withdrew. In private conversation with Nicci and the Somersets, Louis replied "if this starts a trend, we shall need to have our own darkies on display. Best we get good prices now," he offered lightly. Of course, he already had an exotic darkie beauty as his personal chambermaid. That would set him apart from the toadies that merely sought to get darkie children like the royal couple.

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The perceived giving of gifts was nothing more than a trifling formality; a mere means to an ends. On that point Isabeau would not be swayed. What greater gift could she bestow upon His Majesty, than her own magnanimous return to court? And whilst that was undoubtedly true she understood well enough that some token needed to be presented, to both the King and his Queen.

 

The necessity of securing an ill-gotten fortune had kept her away for longer than planned, yet at heart she was still a creature of court. She understood the games courtiers played and knew well enough how the grapevine worked. The best way for news of her glorious return to spread quickly was to ensure her first appearance was wherever the King and his devotees had gathered.

 

So it was that Isabeau, head held high, sashayed into the room with her usual panache. Trademark curls, intertwined with creamy pearls, tumbled over an exposed shoulder. Scarlet silk, adorned with white fox fur, enrobed her body. The shade chosen for no other reason than it was striking and not akin at fading into the background.

 

As ever, the brunette remained fastidious in her attention to detail. The stomacher, perfectly pinned in place so that not a single pinhead could be seen, was of the same shade yet heavily embellished with delicately embroidered scrollwork and creamy appliqued roses. The detailing on the flowers was a source of delight to the Baroness; each pale rose had a smaller teal flower within it, which in turn held a seed pearl at its centre. By comparison her skirts remained relatively unadorned save for a subtle echo of the scrollwork on the stomacher and an edging of fur. With served well to draw attention to the teal belt circling her waist, a diamond buckle twinkling at its centre.

 

Dark eyes cast about the room as she waited with the throng, rewarding those she recognised with a dazzling smile. And then occasionally, focussing on someone she didn't know at all, taking her quiet amusement from watching their reaction as one courtier after another their offering. Let them wonder.

 

(Editing only to provide further details on Isa’s attire).

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[ooc – I didn’t want to jump my turn as other players were in front of me in the queue, but given the age of the thread I’m not sure if they are currently posting. Plus it’s been pointed out I should mention the gifts, so I’ve added a follow up thread to clarify matters so that a response can be fashioned whenever the time is right (which might be after Duncan has posted)].

 

When her turn finally came, Isabeau stepped forth still clinging to the stubborn insistence of being announced by the title she held in her own right, rather than as the Countess she could claim by marriage.

 

Isabeau’s gifts appeared deceptively simple at first glance, two packs of playing cards each stored within individual wooden caskets, but a great deal of thought had gone into them. That included inscribing each box with CR and KR so there could be no confusion. Even in the most respectable circles cards seemed a notable pastime. At least it had, both here and across the continent. Of course, Isabeau was not entirely certain if Karoline had wrought havoc on the natural order in the world she thought she understood ...

 

The Queens cards were decorated with the coats of arms and names of prominent English families. It was a subtle way of practicing the intricacies of English heraldry whilst whiling time away with her ladies. Who knew, there may be a time in the future when the Queen would be benefit from such knowledge. The final detail, which she hoped might delight the Queen, was the iconography of the suits which had been fashioned in the Germanic style. The hearts remained, but were accompanied by suits of acorns, bells and leaves. Being no fool, Isabeau had not failed to include her own title within the deck – masking as the Queen of Bells. Naturally, Queen Karoline had been bestowed the honour of Queen of Hearts and her husband the King of the same deck.

 

Those destined for the King had a more satirical air. Each King of each suit represented his dominion over England, Scotland, Wales & Ireland. The rest of the cards depicted a variety of pastimes, the lower numbers portraying the most genteel forms of courtly love (a knight wearing a favour) and steadily growing in excitement as the numbers ascended. Closer inspection of the knave cards, much closer inspection, might reveal the culmination of such ardent pursuit occurring in a variety of unexpected locations (not one of which involved a bed).

 

Dipping to a demure curtsey, Isabeau allowed her gifts to be presented before smiling upon the royal couple. “They are but simple gifts, but I hope you shall find them rewarding.”

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Sophia smiled at her husband and looked back to make certain that the servants were still behind them carrying the gifts. There were three of them, all rather large, their tops decorated with silver and gold bows and tinkling bells.

 

Her glittering skirts rustled as she turned around again. To represent the new year and the rebirth of life in the spring, she was wearing a lovely confection of mint green moire silk. The moderately-cut bodice sat just off her shoulders and the neckline and tops of the sleeves were trimmed in a long ruffle of white Venetian lace beaded with gold beneath a border of golden ribbon.

 

The sleeves were thrice puffed, and at the bottom of each puff was a wide golden band with apricot ribbon borders at the top and bottom. Matching white lace formed ruffles at the ends of the sleeves. Her stomacher was of apricot moire silk and came to an elongated point below her waist. It too, was hemmed with long beaded Venetian lace ruffles. A golden stomacher brooch was attached to it, made of many little filigree circles held together by chains. Each circle contained a flower made of tiny sparkling diamonds with a pearl in the center.

 

Her mint green skirt was split in the middle and held back with apricot silk rosettes and gold and white ribbons. The top of the skirt was sprinkled sparsely with gold beads, increasing in number as if they were falling toward the bottom until they completely covered it in many perfect rows. Her underskirt was gold and embroidered with apricot beaded flowers and mint green leaves.

 

Sophia's jewelry was simple … a string of pearls with a golden filigree pendant with diamonds forming a flower in the center, and small pearl earrings. Gold combs with tiny diamond flowers held her coiffure in place and allowed a profusion of platinum ringlets to tumble down her back. Pearls were at the center of each flower.

 

Esteban had asked her to present not only her personal gifts to the King and Queen, but the official gift from Spain as well. She was elated that he trusted her with it, more proof that he was pleased with her and happy that she could assist him with her social skills.

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The next to present themselves was, surprisingly, Lady Lismire. That piqued the royal interest after an absence.

 

Knowing how much the lady liked blonds, he was certain to send golden-curled Kingston to fetch the gifts so they could have a closer look at the gift. Up went a royal eyebrow.

 

Karoline, on the other hand, did not betray much on her face. The King's eagerness to see the cards closer made her interested as well. She said something in German quietly to one of her ladies as Kingston went to get them from the baroness' servant.

 

He accepted his deck from his gentleman and watched as his wife accepted hers. Certain she was occupied with hers, he took a cursory look at his, pressing his lips together some as he tried to keep from laughing. He did not quite wish to tip off his wife that his were, most likely, different from hers. Surely he would get a greater laugh when he got a good look at them later that night. Passing them efficiently back to Kingston, he craned his head and eyed Karoline's.

 

Hers were quite a bit more practical which, he surmised, would be far more enjoyable for her than his cards!

 

"Very suitable, my lady. We thank you for your gifts."

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  • 1 month later...

Brooke had little patience for standing in line, but sometimes it couldn't be avoided. He consoled himself with the fact that he was still able to do it. Some gentlemen his age had various afflictions that made standing for long periods of time either painful or impossible. He took pride in being in shape for his years and hoped he'd be able to participate in this tradition for years to come. Still, it was imperative that his son be able to take over this task and many others eventually, and he was determined that the boy be ready if the time ever came when he was no longer able to perform his duties. The aging Earl refused to acknowledge his mortality, as if by denying it, he could avoid his own demise.

 

“Would you like to help me present our gifts to the King and Queen?” he asked Beverley. He noticed his daughter's arched eyebrow, the only indication that Anne was surprised at her father's words. Brooke was more prone to making demands and having them followed, and the fact that he asked was quite unusual.

 

 

(OOC: Beverley can be next if you want.  I'll have to wait until the compendiums are up to post as Sophia, because I have a question about her gift.)

 

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Beverley was just as startled as Annie was, and his blank look followed by a long blink (and a second blink) illustrated it far more than his sister's brow. 

 

"Of course, my lord, if you wish me to," Beverley replied, offering a sweet nod. 

 

He gave his wife a rather surprised look and then moved to join his father, finding it rather strange to feel so front and center. She and Annie could be mystified together!

 

When it was their turn, he went with his father a bit further than their trail of ladies and bowed. One of their liveried servants stood by with the impressive models that matched the actual gift. Beverley would allow his father to do the talking. 

 

 

 

 

 

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Brooke knew that his request would surprise his children. Anne's reaction was more subtle than Beverley's. His son wore his heart on his sleeve and needed to work on concealing his feelings. But perhaps such things would come in time. Had he ever been like that? Had he ever been so young?

 

It had been a conversation with his mistress that had prompted the Earl's unusual behavior. Hortense had suggested that he start giving Beverly some choices without actually giving him control, easing him into the responsibilities that would one day be his. The choice he had given him was truly no choice at all, because Brooke knew that Beverley would do what he asked. Still, it was a start and the decision he would face next would be a bit more difficult.

 

“Very well,” he replied. “You can stand beside me while I speak, and you can decide how the gifts will be presented.” He could either hand the models to the King's attendants himself or allow the servant who held the box to do it.

 

When their turn came, Brooke bowed to the King. “Your Majesties, my family and I wish you happiness and prosperity during this new year. We hope you will honor us by accepting our gifts. The models we present to you are only representations of the horses that await you in the stables.”

 

He nodded at Beverley to do his part, however he saw fit.

 

 

(OOC: Feel free to describe the horses, since you know much more about them than I.)

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When Anne-Elisabeth arrived at the Hall, there was already a long line of courtiers waiting to present their gifts, and so she sat on a bench by the wall while her maidservant stood in line for her. She planned to join Bess when there were only about ten people in front of them but couldn't see the point in standing for hours on end when she could sit down and observe the gentlemen and ladies passing by her as the line slowly progressed.

 

She had wanted to arrive early, but at the last minute she had changed her mind about the gown she was wearing and had Bess dress her in another one. Made of violet moire silk, the dress she had chosen was trimmed in rich brown fur interspersed with golden threads around the neckline, at the ends of the straight long sleeves and at the bottom of the full skirt. Her stomacher was made of golden silk embroidered in a floral pattern with violet glass beads for the flowers and green beads for the leaves. The embroidery was repeated down the length of her sleeves and the skirt was decorated with the same beaded pattern in the form of vertical stripes at regular intervals.

 

Her ebony hair had been braided and curled and arranged in a fashionable updo held in place by gold combs with violet beading. A few curls were left loose to tumble down her back and shorter curls framed her face becomingly. Her jewelry consisted of a golden necklace from which hung a heart-shaped amethyst and dangling gold earrings with smaller heart-shaped amethysts swinging from them. Her fingers were adorned with an assortment of rings, of which one was a heart-shaped amethyst.

 

As she waited, she twirled a ring around her finger that was a little bit loose, contemplating whether or not the King and Queen would appreciate her gifts.

 

 

(OOC:  This is a placeholder so I don't forget and miss this thread.  Anne-Elisabeth is around the back of the line so anyone else can be in front of her and present their gifts before she does.)

 

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Beverley had always felt nervous in front of the King, but he fared far better when he was with Cumberland and was even more bolstered having his father by his side. 

 

His Majesty's love for Newmarket and racing was known by all, and thus they had thought the King would get many gifts toward that purpose. Instead, they were gifting him horses well-suited for hunting and riding, knowing the King's penchant for his own physical activities, they were gifting something a bit more likely to be ridden by the King rather than bet on by the King.

 

He let the servant hold the gift as all the others had and while it was presented added, "They are bred and trained for, erm, the hunt; tall but with sturdy frame for the turns, jumps, and terrain for Your Majesty," his pause was a little long as her garnered a breath before finishing, "...and very smooth and responsive for Her Majesty."

 

(OOC - since I modded earlier as Defiance that gifts go to a servant in general or to Francis if the King wishes to see them more closely, I would feel like an ass if I modded my own character differently, so I can't really have Beverley do anything other than what everyone else did.)

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Brooke had not expected his son to speak, and was quite pleased with what he said. Once again, Hortense had given him excellent advice. No different than most gentleman, he was more likely to listen to his mistress than his wife, even though he valued Margaret's opinions as well.

 

(OOC: Sorry for the oversight.  It's been corrected.)

 

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He speaks! His Majesty could not help but think raucously in his head, along with the accompanying inward titter, about little Lord Beverley. The only outward sign of the surprised amusement was a smile. Like many of his Privy Council and Great Officers of State, Lord Brooke had been there since the beginning. Come to think of it, the lordling had been with Ru for a long time too but rarely said very much despite having most active eyes. There was yet hope that the youth's mouth would grow to match what must be an adept mind, for Rupert did not have any stomach for fools. The King had some sympathy, for in his early years of exile, of the young Viscount's age, he was known for being quiet and rather awkward too. 

 

"We thank you, my lords. We cannot wait to see them put through their paces when this weather breaks." And then an idea came to his mind. "Perhaps in the Spring we will have a competition of horses, and see which of our best families put forth the most able horseflesh in a variety of events. If we recall, young Beverley gave Lord Newcastle a close run at Brighton."

 

Lord Langdon would also wish to get in on such activity, as surely would Heather, and Buckingham. It would promise to be good fun and outside. Those were the things His Majesty wished to get on with! All this being inside was not good for his constitution.

 

(OOC - Who's Next! ? )

 

 

 

 

 

 

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