Ball Side Thread | Sophia, the King, and Lord Grandison- Xmas 1677

[Sophia de la Cerda]

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

 

And perhaps a bit drunk.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Sophia was inebriated, but not on wine. She was drunk on sex. And like strong drink, the more you abstained from it, the giddier you became when you partook of it again. Perhaps she was a bit intoxicated by one of her current companions as well. It wasn't every day she got to flirt … albeit harmlessly … with the King.

 

He smiled at her, and that supposedly broken heart of hers leapt in her chest. Lord Grandison seemed equally amused by her antics, but he tried to conceal it. For some reason, the handsome older man intrigued her, perhaps because she had never seen him before and she was curious about him. Had he only come to court for Christmas? How high was he in status? He was obviously well-acquainted with the King. Was he married? Did he have children who were older than she was? Or even grandchildren? Who had given him that bruise on his face and why?

 

Instead of agreeing to dance with her as she had hoped, the King claimed that Lord Grandison had been disappointed that she had not asked him instead. Idly, she wondered if he was trying to get out of dancing with the Spanish Ambassador's wife. Surely, he had danced with prominent foreign ladies before.

 

“I would be delighted to dance with Lord Grandison. I find him quite enchanting.” She smiled at him winsomely before turning her ice-blue gaze back to the King. “But will you dance with me afterward, Your Majesty?' Her grin was a mixture of innocence, wistfulness, and mischievousness. “My heart will not be fully healed until you do. You hold its fate within your hands.”

[Defiance]

"We shall see," the king replied, shooing off the pair and giving Grandison a wink before heading off again.

 

The older man, for his part, offered her his hand. He wore a very large sapphire ring in addition to his seal ring. He had some form of chain of office, but it was unlikely she would recognize the office by that. Were she a native-born Englishwoman, she likely would have recognized the name, for Grandison was the uncle of the notorious Duchess of Cleveland. Since her downfall, that might have mattered little were it not for the fact that he was the only grandfather the king's illegitimate children would ever know. He had the Villiers blue eyes.

 

Grandison chuckled and said to the girl, "His Majesty never enjoys being predictable. It is the one freedom a king can enjoy."

 

Looking toward the dancing, he added, "There is some time before the next dance as this has just started."

[Sophia de la Cerda]

The King made no promises, but he didn't outright refuse her either. Maybe he wanted to find out just how eager she was to dance with him. Most ladies probably followed him around and practically begged him for attention. Sophia decided she would try one more time, and if he still eluded her, she would forget about him for the rest of the evening. She wouldn't be surprised if she was the only lady at court who wanted nothing more from him than a single dance.

 

She didn't even watch him walk away but turned her full attention the enigmatic Lord Grandison, placing her small hand in his and smiling up at him. He had pretty blue eyes, just like Lord Kingston, and he was wearing a chain of office. She knew what they were. Those who wore them held important positions, which might be why he had been so comfortable in the presence of the King. She just couldn't tell what position he held, while it was likely obvious to courtiers who were well-versed in politics. Identifying what office a gentleman held was one more reason to become politically savvy … if just she could find someone to teach her.

 

“So am I,” Sophia revealed with a mischievous smile. “At least we have one thing in common. Will you deliver me back to him when our dance is over? I still want to dance with him, even though, in truth, I find you more fascinating.” She winked teasingly. “Just don't tell him I said that.”

 

She wasn't lying. During her year in England, she had found out a lot about the King, but she knew virtually nothing about Lord Grandison. The petite singer found much older men attractive and he was quite intriguing. Idly, she wondered what kind of dancer he was … in public and in private. Not that she thought he would be interested in taking her to bed. He probably considered her a silly child. Then again, that was what she had assumed that Don Juan thought, and he had fallen in love with her.

 

Sophia's eyes followed his over to the dance floor. “I don't mind. Your company is quite enjoyable." She hoped he felt the same way. "We could have a drink while we wait.” She had only taken a few sips of wine before setting her glass down and approaching the King.

 

Impulsively, she reached up and playfully tweaked his chain of office. “So what does this mean, my lord?”

[Defiance]

"One learns, with age, not to make promises that one might not be able to keep. Even to pretty young ladies," Grandison replied with a smile. His reply was cryptic in its own way. He did not have quite that spark of mischief that Buckingham walked around with, but this other George Villiers had a sedate and distinguished spark of is own. Like a very mellow vintage with some of the same qualities.

 

"As is yours." He was not the most loquacious of men, but he had a kind, silky voice.

 

"A very good idea," he added, signaling to the nearest servant.

 

She tweaked his chain of office flirtatiously. He looked down at it and then back at her eyes.

 

"I am in charge of the Yeomen of the Guard for His Majesty," Grandison replied. "Although I have little to do with the day to day of it." Then he whispered, "The largest perk is getting to lead the yeomen to arrest courtiers whenever their is some great scandal."

[Sophia de la Cerda]

“That sounds like a challenge,” she grinned, “to entice you into making one.” Could she do it? Sophia thought she could if she was clever. It might be a simple promise, like a dance at the next ball or to protect her from harm, but it would be a promise nonetheless.

 

Why, she wondered, was Lord Grandison unwilling to say he would try to take her back to the King. There was no promise in that. Could it be that she had already enchanted him to the point that he wanted to keep her all to himself? That supposedly broken heart of hers fluttered in her chest at that very thought, although she wasn't certain why.

 

And it positively leapt when he succinctly admitted that he enjoyed her company too. Once again, she clasped her hands melodramatically to her chest, but this time it was not for the benefit of the King. “Why I believe that my heart is fully healed now, and it's all because of you!”

 

He didn't say much, but that was fine, since Sophia talked enough for both of them. She did like his voice. As a singer, the quality of a gentleman's voice added to … or detracted from … his appeal. She had absolutely no idea what a yeoman was. Was it the same thing as a Life Guard? She wanted to ask, but she preferred not to show her ignorance.

 

“Ooooh,” she whispered back. “That must be fun.” Due to her conversation earlier in the evening with the Duchess of York, she did not ask for all the juicy details of the scandals he had uncovered. There was a possibility he might think she was gathering information for Spain and she didn't want to ruin the delightful camaraderie between them.

 

So, after another impish tweak to his sparkling chain of office, she changed the subject. “If there was a pretty chain for ladies who excel in the art of music, I would be wearing one too. Did you attend last week's opera, my lord?”

[Defiance]

"Then His Majesty was right to leave you in my good company," Grandison replied. He was quite used to ladies attempting to use him in their attempts to get closer to the king. It was an old game of court and he was an older man. It was also a game he left to others. It did not suit his particular position to take part in such things.

 

"A lady of your stature wears many pretty things, though, I should think. It is heavier than it is pretty," Grandison added.

 

"I did not, my lady. My return to court was delayed until quite recently," the older man revealed.

[Sophia de la Cerda]

“His Majesty is very wise. He knew that you would be better for me than he was.” Sophia was not using Lord Grandison to get close to the King. She was using the King to get close to Lord Grandison. She truly did find the older gentleman most intriguing, and she had not been lying when she said she only wanted one dance with the King. Once that was accomplished, she would be content and would never suggest it again, although she wouldn't turn him down if he wanted to repeat the experience.

 

She hoped to see more of Lord Grandison, though. He was charming in a subtle way that she found very appealing. “Oh, I have many pretty things ... like this.” She touched her glittering stomacher brooch, which was made of gold and silver beads and pastel glass jewels. It covered her entire midsection, from just below her bounteous cleavage to the pointed waist of her bodice. “This type of jewelry is unusual at court now, but I hope to start a trend. Do you like it?”

 

So he had not seen her perform in the opera. “The King commissioned it after he heard me sing last spring. It was the story of Diana and Actaeon and I believe it was the first opera of its kind ever performed in London. I portrayed Diana and everyone seemed to be pleased with my performance, except for a few ladies.” Sophia sighed melodramatically. “Jealousy, like gossip, is an annoying fact of life. I wish you could have seen it, but maybe the King will commission another one.”

 

She favored him with a winsome smile. “Did you go somewhere exciting before you returned to court? You strike me as a gentleman who has traveled to many places and has done many fascinating things. Am I correct?”

[Raconteur]

From some space away Sarah Jennings covertly watched Lady Toledo as she played up in turn to The King and now to Lord Grandison. The King was something 'harmless' and more like than not some flirtation on the Lady's part but the other, well that was indeed curious.

 

Since their conversation Sarah had had no further contact with the Ambassadors wife and she had held a secret thought that perhpas the other might have asked for her again but alas nothing. Now as her gaze followed the movement that would draw the Gentleman's eye to her attire her wondering at the Game being played out.

 

Grandison was an old Campaginer and so not like to fall 'victim' yet Sarah doubted that there was ANY man that would not find what was being offered tempting!

 

She was too far away to hear any conversation and so she took to a slow pace that, due to the crowd about, would not make her stand out or so she hoped. Her Mistress had tasked her with keeping an eye on Lady Toledo and so she would - underdstanding the words left unsaid by the Duchess that The Lady was still not to be trusted.

[Defiance]

"It is very beautiful and extravagant," Grandison replied. My congratulations to Spain for paying for it... he thought privately.

 

"In such a long life it would be expected," he answered her with a small smile. Almost anyone of his age had traveled. Traveled during an exile or war or diplomacy or all.

 

"If you count an even colder north as an interesting place, that is where I have come from. An estate of mine. Nowhere foreign although little like London."

 

The last dance was wrapping up, and shortly he would be able to escort her to the floor.

[Sophia de la Cerda]

The stomacher brooch had been a gift from an admirer of her singing in Italy, and Sophia had long since forgotten his name, if he had even given it. Some of her gifts had been sent anonymously. Most likely, the benefactor had been Italian, but he (or she) could have been English, Spanish, French, or from a large number of other countries. Venice was visited by people from many different cultures.

 

“I suppose the north could be interesting … but only in the summer. I would like to see more of England. London, Brighton, and Windsor are the only places I have ever been.”

 

Her head tilted to the side like a curious little kitten. “Have you been to Venice, my lord? I lived there for nearly four years to train my voice. If so, did you attend an opera? It seems as if opera houses are on every corner there. I think that London would benefit from one as well. Everyone tells me to speak to Lord Buckingham about it but he has been most elusive.”

 

Sophia grinned playfully. “If you cannot deliver me to the King after our dance, will you take me to the Duke instead?” She assumed that if he was a good friend of the King, he was well-acquainted with Buckingham as well. “I am not eager to part from such a charming gentleman as yourself, but tongues will wag if we stay together all evening.”

[Defiance]

"You have your eyes set quite high, my lady," Grandison said, chuckling. His younger and more influential cousin was the mercurial sort.

 

"Let me tell you something useful about court, Lady Toledo. One does not bring someone to a duke or king unless they are absolutely positive that said encounter would be a welcome one, and while His Grace is my cousin I cannot say to know you or your acquaintance with him well enough to perform such a task."

 

In his many years, he had learned how to avoid being used as a stepping stone. Germans were blunt, so he felt perhaps blunt would send the message through. He was not a man for pestering dukes, princes, and kings.

 

"Such is a task for mutual friends, surely you have one."

[Raconteur]

Her strolling had brought her closer as intended and she dared to inch a bit more and so she was able to overhear what Lord Grandison was saying. So Lady Toledo was fishing for an introduction to Buckingham? Interesting. Was she then hoping to be able to get closer to The King as well?

 

Sipping from her goblet Sarah Jennings would wait patiently comitting what she hears to memory to be told to her Mistress.

 

If the chance presented itself to speak with the Lady all the better.

[Sophia de la Cerda]

“If one does not aim high, one will never achieve one's fondest desires,” Sophia replied. “I want nothing more from the King than to dance with him and nothing more from Lord Buckingham but conversation … and perhaps a dance as well.”

 

Buckingham was Grandison's cousin? Maybe that was why he looked familiar. He was related to Lord Kingston. She was not at all shocked by the older gentleman's bluntness, nor did his frankness even register in her mind, as being candid was quite natural to her.

 

“Oh, but I am already acquainted with him. He heard me sing at the first concert I gave at Windsor and also at the opera I told you about. He knows me as a talented singer and has complimented me on my voice. I also flirted with both him and the King a bit in Brighton. He seems to think I'm charming. I only wish to be accompanied to his side, for those inevitable tongues might wag if I approached him by myself.

 

"But I understand your reluctance. We have just met, after all. I shall not ask you to deliver me to anybody else."

 

As for mutual friends: “My former guardian Lord Kingston promised to speak to him on my behalf, but I believe he has forgotten all about me.” The impatience of youth was clear in her soft melodic sigh, but a moment later, she smiled warmly. “I hope that eventually, you will count me among your friends as well."

 

He had not yet answered any of her questions about opera. “I am thinking of giving another concert around the beginning of next season. If I do, will you come?”

[Defiance]

"And tongues will not wag if you spend time with me?" he asked, raising a brow. His expression was serious.

 

She continued to explain herself and his smile returned. She mentioned Lord Kingston, but Grandison could not recall if he even knew a Lord Kingston. If she had specified that Kingston had some relation with Buckingham, he might have connected the dots. He had no idea she was talking about the pretty blond so oft in Buckingham's company who looked like the duke's younger brother but without the dark brown hair.

 

"When did your Lord Kingston say he was to make these arrangements? His Grace is among the most busy during a season like Christmastide. Or perhaps it is the Duke himself that delays." Grandison, being an older gentlemen, could conjure many reasons why such a thing had yet to occur.

 

"I do usually attend most court entertainments, my lady," Grandison said.

 

"It seems it is time for us to take our places," he nodded toward where the couples were preparing for the next dance, separating to opposite sides.

[Sophia de la Cerda]

“One never can predict who or what is going to be gossiped about, but I think when a lady approaches a gentleman when he is alone, the rumormongers might believe that that they are planning a tryst. So I try to avoid that situation whenever possible. One can never be too careful. I did not approach you while you were alone, but when you were with the King. If tongues wag about that encounter, it will most likely be about him and me.” Sophia favored him with a fetching smile. “We are doing nothing but sharing a dance and that is completely innocent, is it not?”

 

She sighed as she thought of her last conversation with Lord Kingston. It had been a pleasant discussion for the most part, although he had pointed out some truths she had not wished to hear about how she would be perceived now that she was married to a Spaniard. He was still looking out for her, which she would always appreciate. “He told me that His Grace had other things on his mind, and that he would speak to him about me when the time was right. But it has been three days since we saw each other and he has not gotten back to me about it.” By the way Sophia said 'three days,' it sounded more like she was talking about three decades. Patience was not a trait that most teenagers possessed.

 

“You know him, yes? He is also Lord Buckingham's cousin and he lives with him. I suppose that if anyone knows his moods, it is Lord Kingston. Perhaps you can deliver me to my former guardian when our dance is over, assuming that he is unoccupied? I have been wanting to speak to him tonight, but I didn't want to interrupt him while he was conversing with others.” It was possible that he would still be busy. If so, she hoped the intriguing Lord Grandison didn't just abandon her.

 

She clapped her hands in delight at the notion that he would attend her concert. “I doubt it will be official court event, but everyone will be invited, just like the first concert I gave in Windsor.” Back then, she had been so new at court, nobody had ever heard her sing. Now she was known for having an exquisite voice that had pleased the King so much that he had commissioned an opera for her. And she had so charmed the Queen that Sophia's voice had been her birthday gift to her husband. There should be many more people in attendance this time, unless her association with Spain kept them away.

 

Why did life have to be so complicated and confusing?

 

Her eyes spun to the dance floor when he pointed that the next dance was about to begin. “I have been so beguiled by your delightful company that I had not noticed.” She held out her hand, hoping that he would offer his arm. “Lead on, my lord.”

[Defiance]

Grandison knew of Kingston if only because the lad was made one of the King's Gentlemen, a notable honour, and everyone took note of most things the Duke of Buckingham did publicly. Buckingham was not the sort of man who took on unknown and obscure relations; he did not have to for he had enough titled and influential cousins. Being that they shared the same namesake, and Grandison was older than Buckingham, he was very familiar with how the duke operated. It all spurred a lot of gossip.

 

"I do not know Kingston personally, but I know of Kingston," he nodded. Grandison tried to hold in his amusement with her neglect to realize some very key things, but he was a much older man and a statesman who had seen through the wars, exile, and many years of ups and downs after the Restoration. "Let me tell you something," he whispered. "The Duke does not take anyone into his house. As to other things on the duke's mind; his greatest enemy has taken a fall that would crush any minister, and all that shall be on his mind is his triumph, politics, and the war. Not to mention he will have to receive a cadre of people who will give him gifts and attend to many invitations. Be patient or you may blunder your own opportunity. Kingston might have more of the Duke's mercurial attention than anyone other than His Majesty." 

 

Dukes were like princes, and there were seasonal obligations that went along with that. Obligations for which Buckingham had fickle patience. If Kingston was anything like Grandison, he would know very well that young girls were the last thing on Buckingham's mind right now unless they were for his bed or the King's!

 

He offered her his arm and led the way to the dance before taking up his position.

 

(OOC - go ahead and describe their dance  He dances like any gentleman )

[Raconteur]

For the watching Lady of the Duchess of York there would not be much to report. Lady Toledo had flirted and fished but the Gentleman was too well versed to have taken any bait. There would be other opportunities she concluded. It all was a bit sad. She thinks that Lady Toledo was indeed scheming and plotting and was far more intelligent than most thought and, under different circumstances, might well be an amusing companion. Sarah wonderd if there might be some wisdom in trying again to 'teach' the other more about Court Politics ... Perhaps in the New Year ....

[Sophia de la Cerda]

Sophia had entertained the notion that her former guardian had never had the slightest intention of mentioning her to the Duke, but as Lord Grandison affirmed that what Francis had said was true, she felt guilty for those errant thoughts. He had probably not forgotten about her either and was truly doing what he said he would … waiting until the time was right to tell him that she wished to speak to him. She certainly didn't want to ruin her chances by bugging him about it.

 

“I will take your words to heart, my lord.” For emphasis, she placed one hand over her bosom. “And I will try my best to be patient. Perhaps it is better that you do not deliver me to him. If he wishes to speak to me, he will find me.” She was also one of those courtiers who had a gift for Lord Buckingham. Maybe Francis would know the best way to get it to him.

 

As they wove their way through the crowd, Sophia's gaze wandered around the room, looking for one person in particular. Before the night was over, she wanted to speak with Lord Chatham.  Although she didn't spot him among the many courtiers in the hall, she did see Mistress Jennings and waved cheerfully to her as she and Lord Grandison approached the dance floor.

 

Releasing the charming older man's arm, she took her place opposite him and curtsied prettily as the music swelled around them. He was, as she had anticipated, and excellent dancer. Sophia performed the steps with her usual grace and enthusiasm, adding unique little flourishes such as delicate hand movements and spontaneous but elegant twirls. There was nothing flirtatious in her manner, although she did smile at him often when they came together. If her skirts brushed against his legs, it was not intentional.

 

The dance came to an end much too soon and she curtsied once more, grinning up at him as she rose. “What a wonderful dancer you are, my lord!” she flattered playfully. “You made me feel as if I was floating on air!”

 

[Defiance]

Grandison enjoyed his dance with the young lady. At his age, he did feel the sap on his energy, although he did not show it. He rationalized that it might be more because of the trials of the week than the particulars of one dance. No man liked to feel it was his age. 

 

"You are a very artful dancer, my lady," he complimented. "Shall I take you to Mistress Jennings whom you were waving at earlier?"

 

He, of course, thought that they were friends. He had no idea that the other young lady had been watching them. Nor would he be particularly concerned. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Raconteur]

Mistress Jennings, had she not hesitated, would have missed the greeting and thus might well have missed an opportunity. 

She smiled and raised a hand in a return wave curious as to what might happen next.

[Sophia de la Cerda]

“Thank you,” Sophia said with a disarming smile which quickly changed to a melodramatic little pout. “So eager to be rid of me?” The playful gleam in her blue eyes would tell him that she was only teasing. As much as she would enjoy spending more time with him, it was better not to remain in the company of one gentleman for too long.

 

Leaving her with another lady would be better for both of them than if he simply walked away or left her with any man other than her husband, who was still nowhere to be found. And she really did want to talk more with Mistress Jennings.

 

“I would like that very much, although I will be loath to lose your charming companionship. I fervently hope that our paths will cross again.” A playful wink. “And let His Majesty know that I would still love to dance with him, even though you mended my broken heart quite nicely.” Hoepfully the King could spare a single dance for her tonight.

[Defiance]

Grandison smiled at the young girl. She was surely very  naive in her ways. Clearly set about trying to befriend one and all without much thought. It was good that she was already married, for he could see her being one to get into trouble.

 

"I shall if given the opportunity," Grandison replied. In reality, he had no more hopes of crossing the King's path twice that night than she did, but he at least was aware of it. Wisdom came with age. So, too, did patience. 

 

"Enjoy your evenings, ladies," he said, bowing as he left Lady de la Cerda with one of the Duchess of York's ladies. 

 

At the very least, they can be silly and young together, Grandison thought as he weaved his way through the crowd, stopping next to talk to the Dowager Duchess of Richmond, who seemed far more somber than was usual.

 

(OOC - Feel free to both continue, but Defiance is out  now  )

[Sophia de la Cerda]

(OOC:  I'll post my reply back in the main ball thread.)