The Great Painting Adventure | 2/1 after church- Xmas 1677

[Francis Kirke]

At the end of the Pall Mall street, wedged between St. James Park and St. James Square, stood a large mansion that in centuries to come would evolve to become far bigger with addition after addition until it was to be called Buckingham Palace.

 

Such a lofty name however was far in the future. The Buckingham mansion as it was now known was drawn up of fine white marble and sandstone, with clear Baroque geometry. Inside cherubs in a blue sky was fitted over the white plaster. Each room held a different color and nothing was short of lavish. The mansion was square, but inside the servants still had the habit to refer to the left as the west and right as the east wing; the west wing dedicated to the Duke's chambers, and the east wing deserted for he had send his wife to her father in the country, long since grown bored with her behavior which was an impediment on his fun. Paintings by Rubens, Rembrandt and Lely were displayed in the large hallway, created to impress the visitor, an enormous marble staircase drawing in the eye.

 

The front garden was filled with various flowers, although it was mostly greenery now. In the back there is a long walk designed by a garden architect, so that the duke could walk and find intimacy with his private guests at every turn. A large fountain in the middle sprouted moist into the air.

 

Francis took a sip from his coffee as he waited for Melville's arrival. He had instructed Tommy to have their pistols and the like ready, for any trip into the meat of the city was dangerous, even on the Lord's day. After being up much of the night, Francis had been happy to change into the comfort of more simple clothes. He now looked more the part of sailor than baron and that was quite fine. Idly, he wondered if Melville had the sense to do the same. Libertines frequently went incognito but the same practice was not as frequent for the more proper, but with the Scot's military service Francis was optimistic that Melville would not disappoint.

[Francis Kirke]

Francis had one coffee and then another, but there was no sign of Melville. That was curious.

 

Kingston was not bothered, though, for many thing could arise which would be more important than Gnostic endeavors on God's day. Melville was likely more sensitive about those matters than Francis, but he would not take offense.

 

Then again, it might be that the strange weather was taking a toll on the Highlander.

 

Finding himself unoccupied, Francis decided to head to see his mother and grandmother early. Such a thing would never displease ladies.

 

Besides, he had to retrieve the rest of his gift for Buckingham. He was apprehensive of it, if he was honest. He had not given many gifts in his life, and this was the first he would be giving Buckingham as an uncle.

 

(Fin)