Anne-Elisabeth Devereux Posted February 9, 2019 Share Posted February 9, 2019 The Demon and the Tiger Anne-Elisabeth laughed. “You're not the only one whose bad deeds outweigh their good ones. I suppose I should try harder to balance my own.” She listened to Caroline's advice and smiled at her compliments. “Thank you. So far not many courtiers have been interested in me. Maybe they don't know if they can trust me. And no, I won't bid too much. I know when to stop.” The Countess wasn't a gambler by any means and this was the first auction she had ever attended. Perhaps she should bid, even if she didn't win. It would give her practice in case she attended more serious auctions. She remembered her conversation with Nicci and Burgoyne this morning. There might be a bookstore for sale soon. “I will try not to bid on the same men you do, but if we do compete, it doesn't mean I like you any less. It's all for charity, after all.” Surprisingly, it was the older man who interested her most. Dorset had introduced her to Master May at the ball. He had been witty and had appreciated a good rhyme and a finely spun tale. The gentleman also held an important position and probably knew everyone at court. He might become an advantageous connection if she could impress him with her intelligence and charm. Since he had not leered at her when he had met her, despite complementing her appearance, she doubted he would be after a tryst. Auction 2 “One hundred and fifty!” Anne-Elisabeth wouldn't go any higher than that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hope Posted February 9, 2019 Author Share Posted February 9, 2019 Hammer Fall Auction 1 The first auction was a breif one, "Ladies..." Killigrew spoke in encouraging tone as he lifted the gavel, and for a moment it sounded like French accented lady would win, but then Brown Owl spoke again. "115" "Sold for 115 to the Lady in Brown Owl mask." Auction 2 It quickly became evident that the audience of women seemed to be very shy of placing bids, but then these were so many Queens ladies, the reticent proper sorts. And Baptist May was known within the Merry Kings circle and was a confirmed bachelor. For a time it seemed that he might be passed in (much to the mans relief) but then Comedy & Tragedy bidded, looking to win, until the Tiger pipped at the post. "Sold for 150 to the Lady in the Tiger Mask" Auction 3 So the Batchelor auction was not going to be the money spinner that the Queen had hoped for - bids were low, and it seemed that none of her own ladies even dared to partake. Karoline gave a look across to a cluster she knew to be her own... But then unexpectedly, there was a flurry of impressive bids from some few ladies (notably not of her own group). 'That is more like it' - thought Partridge (with a private thought that she needed to instruct her ladies to be more forthright.) "Sold for 400 to the Lady in the Sun Mask" All "Congratulations ladies, please wait till the end of the bidding to claim your prizes. Now, shall we continue, Gentlmen..." Killigrew turned to invite the next batch to the stage-like area. Auction 4 "No stranger to winning, our next Lord goes by the nom de plume Lightening Langdon, which must certainly impress our Ladies." Killigrew's eyebrow rose as he kept a sober expression, "his further recommendations being Life guard in the Queens Regiment and Lord Lieutenant of London." "How shall we bid mi'ladies, 200, 300, 400 perhaps!" A lady in a porcelain white mask with a grand white feather (very similar to the feather in Charles own hat) with stunningly painted red lips and called "300!" Auction 5 "And continuing along our current military theme, we have the fine figure of Captain John Churchill of the Admirals Regiment, also Comptroller of Duke York’s Household. "Such Ducal connections must incite a Ducal bid, shall we begin at 500?!" Auction 6 "Step on up Lieutenant George Churchill of the Royal Navy, protector of the seven seas and heart throb on English soil..." "Who shall start the bidding?" OOC auction runs until 16:00 Monday 11th Feb. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicolette Vauquelin Posted February 9, 2019 Share Posted February 9, 2019 Comedy and Tradgedy Auction 1 Nicci hardly minded not winning the German, though he might have been an interesting addition to her collection. If he was even half as interesting as Prince Rupert she would have been utterly fascinated in him! Auction 2 But after bidding upon May, her hoped had become pinned on him. Wouldn't it impress the King that she saved him from being turned in. Oh yes, Nicci could imagine all sorts of benefits her charity act might present. Her smiled grew fuller, she even wiggled fingers in a wave to that man. But then Tiger slid in and stole him. With a theatrical sigh Nicci appeared devastated of that fact. Auction 3 Chatham was such a showman, a fact that Nicci loved. And the look he gave her when she bid beneath reserve was priceless! She broke into bubbling laugher, not caring in the least that all the other ladies were being so serous (how dull such lives must be!) "Brava, brava!" she called back to the fancy man. Yes, it was at his goading that she bid higher, and perhaps a little to do with her inner competitiveness. That said, she was certainly regretting bidding so very high! Lisa could by 30 or even 40 pairs of shoes for that much! How was she going to tell Louis about it. No she would not tell Louis, best just wait and see if he noticed. Perhaps he'd not even mind. He'd not minded about the expensive curiosity shop bill, had not even mentioned it to her. He was just that rich. Yes so she was mightily relieved when Sun outbid her... Twisting in her seat she tried to work out who the lady was, was that a foreign accent she'd heard? (Which would certainly narrow possibilities down). More Men! Oh but what fun this was! Already more fine looking gentlmen were moving up for the bidding! Auction 4 Nicci was even going to bid on Langdon, who she hardly even liked, but then somebody begun the bidding so high! Nicci hesitated, but sense of fun over took her again! ""350!" Auction 5 Killigrew rated John Churchill very highly also. Nicci did remember him from the games at Brighton, he'd been so lovely to her, and at the time she had felt so vulnerable. He sat high in her estimation, and so she was very happy to begin the bidding with "500!" Again she had instant regrets to the huge number of her bidding. But really, someone like Sun would out bid her any moment... Nicci turned and looked about. Auction 5 George Churchill was less achieved, but still part of the renown Churchill family. Still, she was far less certain of his merits, and he was Yorks not Buckinghams, thus she begun with "100!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caroline Despanay Posted February 9, 2019 Share Posted February 9, 2019 Caroline nodded when Anne-Elisabeth put in a bid, certainly high enough for a first bid. "You've got the idea. And no, I will not hate you if you outbid me.............well, not too much," she giggled. She had really wanted Chatham and frowned (not that anyone would see it with her full face mask) when Nicci raised the bid over her. That was uncalled for! However whoever it was in the Sun Mask bid even higher and won. Caroline silently berated herself for not bidding yet higher but too late now. The next auction was starting. Langdon! She was going to bid "2" just to show how little she thought of him but somehow jumped right to 300. Well that was too rich for her blood....well, unless she wanted to win just so she could annoy him the rest of the night. The coward would probably flee from her once he found out who had won. Still, the idea was in her head now. " Four hundred-fifty!" ooc: So #4 Lord Langdon 450 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davina Wellsley Posted February 9, 2019 Share Posted February 9, 2019 She must have drifted off in her own thoughts for all at once there was a flurry of bidding and she had to quickly catch up! John Churchill was up for 300 bid for by COMEDY/TRAGEDY. He was not her MainTarget despite his saying he would do better the next time they met. She was holding out for one particular Herbert brother. She turned to look to see who had said 450 for her own lover seeing it was the woman in the DEMON mask then just as quickly turned back to Charles to see how he reacted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles Audley Posted February 10, 2019 Share Posted February 10, 2019 And Sold Charles supposed he should be pleased, to have sold for more than May and the German combined, and for so much more than Killigrew had opened the bidding at. He had rather enjoyed the chance to indulge in his sense of showmanship, too. He laughed again, then swept a theatrical bow to the audience, wondering if any of them would see the mockery in it. Leaving the stage, Charles pondered on what to do next for a moment. Killigrew had implied that he was not bound to join the Sun-masked lady immediately. His eye strayed to the Butterfly mask he was all but certain was Sophia. She was still in conversation with another gentleman, worse luck. That familiar hunger began to stir, a soft, slow burn spreading through him. He would rather not approach while she was engaged, but there were other options. Moving towards a tray bearing servant, Charles made sure to cross Sophia's eyeline. Grabbing a glass of brandy, he retreated to the nearest wall and relaxed against it, to all outward appearances savouring his drink. A hand idly reached up to adjust his cravat pin as he cast an amused eye over the rest of the auction. He would be content nursing his brandy until Sophia was free to talk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raconteur Posted February 10, 2019 Share Posted February 10, 2019 STAG Things rapidly began and she was taken by some surprise. It had been thought that this would be something other than what was now apparent and she Hoped that none of her Family came to this place. It was like some Ancient Slave Market that one might hear from traveling Storytellers! She knew many of the Gentlemen by sight of course and wonders if His Majesty had commanded May to appear and she felt a moments twinge of sympathy. The others' she did not care for and even she planned to wouldn't have offered. Her gaze kept returning to one man in particular and she knew that it was impossible to entertain any thoughts of offering and when his turn came she might have to take her leave. Yet even then she thinks she will remain for her exit would be noted and that was a thing one could not have happen especially with the Queen in attendance. She reached for a second glass and any that knew her might wonder at. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles Whitehurst Posted February 10, 2019 Share Posted February 10, 2019 Killigrew did a nice job introducing him, but he forgot to mention his own regiment and the fact that he was in the King's Life Guard. Surely that beat Churchill's ducal service. It was a petty thought, so he let it pass. The bidding was robust. He was up to 450. The porcelain mask with his feather sure reminded him of Avon's sister. Had he not given her a plume and a mask? She was bidding on him it seemed. The woman in the Demon mask was unsettling. What sort of woman wanted to wear a mask of a demonic creature? The others he thought he knew. Maybe the Demon was Catherine Sedley. He squinted her direction but the form did not look familiar. The Bee was not bidding, but that would be wise if it was his Davina. Her secret was critical to protect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anne-Elisabeth Devereux Posted February 10, 2019 Share Posted February 10, 2019 The Demon and the Tiger Anne-Elisabeth had not expected to win the auction for Master May. She had figured that the woman in the theatrical mask would outbid her, but she hadn't. It seemed to her a bit odd that nobody else would be interested in a man who was so close to the King, even if he was quite old. Maybe the others were searching for husbands, hoping to ride their coattails to success at court. The Countess was determined to make her own way, and now she felt that she was one step closer to the goals she had set for herself. “Well, that was painless,” she remarked to Caroline. “Now I have to figure out what to do with him.” She had several ideas already and since she wouldn't be claiming him until the end of the auction, she had time to think of more. She might bid on other gentlemen too, as she thought it quite fun. The next batch of entrants had higher starting prices, probably because they were all young, handsome soldiers. Most women couldn't resist a man in uniform. The name 'Lord Langdon' caught her attention. Nicolette had said he was Cornish like Anne-Elisabeth's late husband and Caroline had named a dummy after him at the shooting competition. Her eyes widened when her companion bid on him. “I thought you hated him,” she whispered. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sophia de la Cerda Posted February 10, 2019 Share Posted February 10, 2019 George and Lady Butterfly, who gestures for Charles to join them Four hundred pounds for Lord Chatham? He was worth much more than that! Had she been single, Sophia would have bid much higher just for the chance to see him smile. “It is true,” she said to George. “We Germans do not mince words.” She surreptitiously observed the one-eyed Earl as he stepped offstage and strode toward a servant with a tray full of drinks and then, glass of brandy in hand, leaned nonchalantly against the wall, presumably waiting for the lucky lady who had won him to claim him at the end of the auction. And then he reached up and adjusted his cravat pin. He had seen her and had given her the sign of affection they had agreed upon last week! Suddenly, the drawing room seemed a bit brighter. Reaching up as if to brush back a stray lock of hair, she placed two fingers to the side of her cheek and then indicated with a subtle move of her head that he should join Lord Chichester and herself. If he did, the three of them could converse until George was called to the platform. She and Charles would be left alone then and nobody would think it strange that they remained together. If she approached him while he was by himself, tongues might wag and Esteban could hear of it. She thought her plan was a deceptively clever way to avoid suspicion, and hoped that he would see it too. But she wasn't using George. She wasn't about to abandon him and speaking with a gentleman who had already been through the auction might help him feel better about his own part in it. Sophia cared for him in a purely platonic way and surmised that he wasn't looking forward to being displayed publicly for ladies to bid on. He didn't seem like the type to enjoy that sort of attention. “I will be so happy when winter is over,” she said with a sigh. “I miss the warmth of Italy. Is it the same for you?” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Hardwick III Posted February 10, 2019 Share Posted February 10, 2019 (edited) George and Lady Butterfly The auctioning progressed swiftly, George gratefully observing that not too much fuss was taken. That chap Chatham played into the audience of ladies well, and for a moment he wondered if he might attempt likewise. It was a nice idea, but felt utterly beyond George. The Earl of Chichester was quite a shy man in fact, though had been outspoken on a number of occasions when his passions had been provoked (such as at The Lords). Those times had, however, been huge mistakes. George had come to believe that, in public, reserve was his best ally. His eyes slid towards Avon, recalling a letter to that man that had never been replied - how many friendships had George's passion (at the wrong moments) lost. No, I shall stand silent. He avowed of his time when it came. It was then that the young lady shifted the conversation, as women were wont to do. "The temperature is indeed pleasing in Italy, yet one can find compensation in the warmth of good company around the fireside during winters worst." the reaffirmed patriot voiced. Edited February 10, 2019 by George Hardwick III Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hope Posted February 10, 2019 Author Share Posted February 10, 2019 The Uncrowned Queen Auction 5 Enter a Brunette: with an air of self importance this woman glided into the drawing room when the auction had been running for some time. Her mask was practically treasonous, prettily painted and with a sparkling crown attatched. But would anyone confront her of it, not likely, and even if they did she had a witty pardon for it at her ready. Had not the Court of Whitehall named her the Uncrowned Queen... There was John, his pretty blonde head upon the block. "600 pounds" said she. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hope Posted February 10, 2019 Author Share Posted February 10, 2019 The Incomparable Astrea Auction 6 Wearing a mask painted blue grey of cloudy night skies with stars glittering through, Astrea lifted her hand to bid "I shall match the bid of 100, and raise it by a poem." anyone paying careful note would have seen ink smudges on her fingertips. George recognised her voice, and smiled. Killigrew puzzled to how her bid could be accounted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicolette Vauquelin Posted February 10, 2019 Share Posted February 10, 2019 (edited) Nicci only enjoyed the sense of 'winning' her auctions for a few moments before she was out bid... Auction 4 As the woman outbid her, Nicolette realised the voice was familiar! Caroline? Looking she realised it was her best friend wearing the devils mask complete with horns! Nicci laughed of her surprise, Caroline was ever the daring one, who else would ever do such a thing! Nicolette also realised that she'd previously outbid her friend (teribly poor form for a friend!). Abandoning her position she approached... Comedy & Tragedy joins The Demon and Tiger Tiger was asking the very question that had occurred to Nicci's mind. "Tit for tat!" she crooned with acceptance of Caroline's having outbid her.... "but yes, like Tiger says, why on earth him?" Caroline liked Langdon as much as a dose of the salts. Edited February 10, 2019 by Nicolette Vauquelin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davina Wellsley Posted February 11, 2019 Share Posted February 11, 2019 BEE From her vantage point she was able to see those that were late in attending and so she might be the 'first' amongst others' to notice the arrival of the woman wearing a CROWN which made her quietly begin to work her way back in the directiion of the Lady who was seated. If this caused her to miss out on bidding it could not be helped. If the identy was who she thinks then it wouyld be best for PARTRIDGE to have placed about her more than just one other especually given the still unannounced news of what they all suspected. It would be too cruel and her own sense of Loyalty was strong. She stopped within some distance and would watch and wait. It was possible that word was already whispered and she had to take her own cue from the other. Her eyes returned to the Gentlemen ear tuned for the next allotment ..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hope Posted February 12, 2019 Author Share Posted February 12, 2019 "To the Lady in the Demons mask - Lord Langdon, may she show mercy on your soul!" He laughed cheerily. Killegrew was pleased with the way thing were going, his hammer fall rapped sharply out into the audience as next John Churchill was settled, and next his brother. "Congratulations Ladies, you are a prudent and savvy audience I can see, how I must commend your powers of discernment." he kept the audience warm as the next group of men approached the front. Auction 7 Welcome to your attention, is Lord Kingston, a man the fair eye of Duke Buckingham smiles upon, who's success is only surpassed by his humility. A man who's life is rich with tales of adventure from far and near, yet none that might surpass the thrill of this moment. How shall we begin the bidding ladies? Auction 8 It was a man in a mask who next stepped up, accents of silver about his person. "Here we have a man of mystery ladies, but not without a clue. Indeed, here it is." he lifted a opened note, "His Royal Majesty himself has promised to match any bid that is placed upon our fine Lord Silver.. Shall the bidding begin at 100?" Killigrew expected the queens ladies to finally get involved in the bidding now that it was doubly beneficial for their mistress. Or at least he hoped they would. Auction 9 "Your interest is now summoned upon Sir John Burgoyne, newly commissioned to serve with England’s finest alongside Earl Oxford. Do I hear 200?!" OOC: sorry I was late. Auction runs 48 hrs, close @ Weds 20:00 EST Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davina Wellsley Posted February 12, 2019 Share Posted February 12, 2019 BEE Her eyes took in that masked man in silver sent by The King so it appeared yet the amount was a low start. Curious. Next she looked to the Lady seated but again no sign of much but was that a faint smile ..... "One Twenty Five." Done without a seconds thought. Auction #8 The Masked Man Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles Whitehurst Posted February 12, 2019 Share Posted February 12, 2019 None of the other ladies he knew bid on him. While 450 was a good sum, Langdon could not help but think that a higher price would reflect well on him. He had no real idea who was behind the Demon mask. The way Killigrew spoke, it sounded almost ominous. Yet, Charles Whitehurst was not about to be intimidated by any lady. He mad a slight bow in the direction of the Demon as a proper sign of thanks for the bid. He moved somewhat in her direction and then paused to watched the remainder of the auction. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hope Posted February 12, 2019 Author Share Posted February 12, 2019 White Feather Bids & nears CW She was disappointed to have lost out on Lord Langdon, was he disappointed too? The lady with mask that Charles himself had purchased moved nearer him as he exited. Who ought she bid on if not him, she hardly knew, well not until Mr Killigrew revealed that the man in the Mask had royal favour. He must be one of the gaggle of young men who enjoyed the Kings patronage. Her brother would heartily approve of her bidding upon such a man, and while she was known to enjoy frustrating her brother, tonight she . Auction 8: "200!" No doubt there would be heavy bidding on the Kings favourites, but wasn’t that exactly what CR had intended. To Charles she spoke. "Promise not to become entranced with the Devil, Lord Langdon. I am almost considering approaching her to try negotiate an exchange?..." A word of encouragement from him might provoke her to attempting it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hope Posted February 12, 2019 Author Share Posted February 12, 2019 A lady with a full mask decorated with an azure fetty argent, a lady who had been quiet and kept to herself till now, graciously lifted her hand. Auction 8: "250" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hope Posted February 12, 2019 Author Share Posted February 12, 2019 The Uncrowned Queen Auction 7 "400." there was any number of rationales behind her choice of Kingston... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicolette Vauquelin Posted February 12, 2019 Share Posted February 12, 2019 (edited) Comedy & Tragedy The bidding begun happily, all while Mr Killigrew spurred the ladies on. (For her own part, Nicci needed very little encouragement) Auction 7 Francis! Delighted when her dearest sweetheart was called to be auctioned, Nicci called over some other lady "450!" Would Louis be all right with that, she knew him to be somewhat jealous of her closeness to Lord Kingston. But at least Francis was not Irish (Louis seemed to keep a very low opinion of Eire folk) Auction 8 Which is he? Nicci tired to guess which Charles tenderfoots the man in black mask was. There was every likelihood that whoever it was had been in the snowball fight just a few days before! Whoever it was, Nicci knew she practically loved them already! But what were they actually winning here tonight? Belatedly she realised she did not even know the answer to that question, but whatever it was, it was bound to be fun with a fellow who was under the instruction of his Majesty. She would flirt and tease him mercilessly, it would be perfect fun! Excitably she called "300!" which was practially like 600 if you count the Kings contribution. Auction 9 Dear Lord Burgoyne. When it was his turn it begun with an awful silence! Nicci could not allow that. John was a dear and kind man, and had gone out of his way for her (extensively) of late. He was a dear sweetheart too, even if not as dear as Francis. But that hardly needed quantifying, for it was the least she could do to care for a friend to bid a bold. "300!" She could not allow a friend of hers to go for anything less than a premium. Edited February 12, 2019 by Nicolette Vauquelin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caroline Despanay Posted February 12, 2019 Share Posted February 12, 2019 Anne-Elisabeth had won her bid, Caroline gave her a nod, "Indeed he is yours. I am certain you will think of something." As she now awaited the outcome of her own sudden bid, her companion whispered her surprise she would even bid on Langdon. Just as she inquired, none other than her best friend Nicci approached wanting to know the same thing. "I have my reasons, ladies. But let us see, shall we?" Caroline kept her eyes on the gentleman running the auction until the announcement was then made. "To the Lady in the Demons mask - Lord Langdon, may she show mercy on your soul!" Killegrew declared with a laugh and a rap of his gavel. Aha! So she had won. Her eyes went to Langdon to see his reaction, there really wasn't much, Caroline was quite certain that he had no idea who had just bought him. All the better, she loved a good surprise. "Well ladies, I won. Oh and by the way, Nicci, thank you for bidding against me with Chatham," she chided her friend, not that she could ever be really mad at Nicci. "This calls for a drink!" Of course with Caroline a lot of things called for drinks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davina Wellsley Posted February 12, 2019 Share Posted February 12, 2019 BEE "375" She called out her eyes on the woman who had wagered 300. If her suspecions were right and judging from the accent it had to be Misrule for there were not that many French Ladies at Court! I wonder who her backer is? probably Basildon for he was her cousin. will he find amusement in his coin being spent thusly .... Her thoughts had been on Herbert yet there was no guarentee that HIS price would not skyrocket out of her range and the Gentlemen promoted by the King was unknown it was true yet it might still prove lucrative if that person was a close connection. As for the money .... She gave a mental shrug ... it was paving the way for her Future so Baintree could hardly complain and if she had to part with some things if he fussed so be it. There was the added Benefit of some accolades from the Seated Lady to think of as well. On the other hand the Gentlemen could be some odious creature but she would withstand for it was a Charitable Event and nothing of a physical nature would ever be indulged! Auction 8 Masked Man In Silver Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aria Posted February 13, 2019 Share Posted February 13, 2019 Auction 7 The woman in the golden mask decorated with jewels stood up. “Five hundred and fifty!” Auction 9 “Three hundred and five!” One of the flowers called out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hope Posted February 14, 2019 Author Share Posted February 14, 2019 Auction 7 A suprise bidder made a last minute (and strong!) bid. "The lady in Gold, goes our golden haired Kingston" Killigrew confimed her win. Auction 8 "Do I hear another five?" Killigrew looked towards the Queen, he did his best to be seen working for her charity, then brought the hammer down on the masked man with silver accents. "To the Lady in the Bee mask, for 375" Auction 9 "To Lady Flowers." Burgoyne's company was settled with a rap of the gavel upon slate. All "Do not fret if you have yet to win a gentleman.' he adressed the masked women, then threw a tease towards the summoned men, "Steady on fellows, do not run in your eager to the front!" Auction 10: Earl of Avon Auction 11: George Hardwick Auction 12: Miles Winstanley Auction 13: Peregrine Osbourne OOC: auction runs till 19:00 EST Friday. The next auction will be the last group, and will run over the weekend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles Audley Posted February 14, 2019 Share Posted February 14, 2019 Charles, approaching George and Lady Butterfly Well, that removed any possible doubt as to the Identity of Lady Butterfly. Charles smiled as she touched two fingers to her cheek, just as Ovid's Corinna might have done. Is she beckoning me? She was, he realised. Her apparent eagerness fed his own, quickening his pulse and sending pleasant tension thrumming through him. The impatience of youth he thought sardonically, how flattering it is to be its object. He snorted at his own vanity. Charles could well remember what it had been like to be a youth (some would say that it was a state he had never left). One was impatient for everything. (It did not occur to him that she might be looking to avoid suspicion. The thought of wagging tongues rarely entered his own calculations, and if it had here he would have concluded, rightly or wrongly, that it was a negligible risk, given the nature of the event). He had to take her up on it, of course, but that left him with the issue of crafting a suitable pretext for interrupting. Amusingly, he found the idea a trifle discomforting. It just was not gentlemanly to insert himself into the conversation of a gentleman he did not even know, let alone hold any malice for. Charles shook his head. It was always entertaining to find the remnants of the courtesies his education had attempted to instil in him, but now was not the time for that sort of self-indulgent reflection. He still had not settled on an opening as he began his approach, but improvisation was first amongst his talents, and Charles was confident he would think of something. His luck was in too, it seemed. "Perhaps then we should combine the two, and trade tales of Italy in front of a fire, hmm?" He swept a bow to George. "Charles Audley, Earl of Chatham, at your service, my lord. Please forgive the interruption, but I so rarely get the opportunity to discuss my love of Italy these days." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Hardwick III Posted February 14, 2019 Share Posted February 14, 2019 George depating Charles and Lady Butterfly Before she could reply a gent approached. "An excellent sugestion Lord Chatham, your hearth or mine?" George replied with a good nature smile, the other fellow seemed a genial sort. It was a lost opportunity to properly meet and greet. With a mannerly incline he explained, "I am George Hardwick, Earl Chichester, and as you have just heard I have been summoned to the front. If you will excuse me, milady, milord." He moved to join with the rest of his group. "Good Luck gentlmen." he uttered. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anne-Elisabeth Devereux Posted February 14, 2019 Share Posted February 14, 2019 Comedy/Tragedy, Demon, and Tiger A woman in a theatrical mask approached them just as Anne-Elisabeth asked Caroline why she bid on Langdon. She recognized the voice as Nicolette's and when she addressed her as Tiger, she whispered: “It's me ...Alissa.” Lady Kendishall preferred to keep her motivations secret, which the Countess certainly couldn't blame her for. When her friend was announced as the winner, she grinned at Master Killigrew's quip. “His soul is in great peril,” she jested to her two companions. “I wonder if he will survive his ordeal.” The next auction was announced. Anne-Elisabeth thought about bidding on Lord Kingston, but Nicolette seemed to want him, and her promise not to bid against Caroline extended to Nicci too. The mysterious man in silver was intriguing because he was endorsed by the King. Nicci bid on him and also on Burgoyne, the latter which didn't surprise her. It seemed that the Frenchwoman was bidding on all of the gentleman. The Countess decided to sit this one out. “I could use a drink too,” she agreed with Caroline, beckoning a servant over with a tray. She took a glass of brandy as the winners were announced. As it turned out, Nicci didn't win any of the current auctions. The next batch of entrants didn't interest her much, maybe because she had no idea who any of them were, and she wondered if Nicci would bid on them as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sophia de la Cerda Posted February 14, 2019 Share Posted February 14, 2019 Charles and Lady Butterfly, with George departing A remark formed upon Sophia's lips, but as she saw Lord Chatham approaching out of the corner of her eye, she completely forgot what she had meant to say. Her heart fluttered wildly at the sound of his voice, and a bright little thrill meandered down her spine, causing her entire body to tremble delightfully. She had expected that he and Lord Chichester were already acquainted, but it appeared they did not know each other. The petite blonde smiled politely at Charles as he introduced himself. George introduced himself as well and seemed quite interested in discussing Italy with him. She was not certain if she was included in his invitation or not. The elegant Earl was called to the auction stage before she could ask. “Good luck, my lord,” she called. “The ladies will love you.” Now alone with Charles, she smiled up at him and held up her hand to be kissed. While her expression was innocent, her thoughts were anything but. "I would love to discuss Italy with you in front of a fire," she said, a note of mischief in her lyrical voice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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