Monday 4th 11 am - A Days Adventure Begins

[Cordelia Lucas]

She eyed the referenced 'bun' but did not think it looked in the least tasty and so was glad for her own slice of 'cake'.

"The table is nicely placed and I do like the cups. And the Silver is good as well. If indeed the Countess is the owner of this place then I wonder that she has the income needed. Perhaps she has a 'Benefactor'?"

'Then for our next outing let us vist a Respectible Coffee House that allows those of my sex inside - for I am indded most curious as to just what the attraction might be!"

She sipped her tea pleased with the taste but added a small spoon of honey. "I wonder if they sell this as well? I would like to have some. Might you inquire?" She asked of him. "Before we take our leave."

She did not intend for him to buy naturally and would make the proper response if he should insist otherwise.

"There are many Shops there and perhaps we shall encounter that or mayhap some cloth or other such items that might enhance your person?"

"No time like the Present do you not agree?"

She smiled across at him her eyes twinkling in amusement.

"But we must also watch the time for I am to another engagement by two of the clock remember."

[Henry Grey]

     Henry looked around. The tea shop was indeed well-appointed. Also, unlike coffee houses, the place was airy and well-lit. Having only recently arrived in London, though, he knew nothing of the proprietress. “Alas, I have no information on the Countess”, Henry replied. “But the establishment seems quite suited to polite company”. It was both a veiled compliment and a hint at possibly taking a lady there in the future.

     Henry paused and frowned. It took him a moment to get his thoughts in order. I have never seen a lady of quality in any of the Coffee Houses I have entered, ever! Whores in the seedier ones, yes. Barmaids and even owners in the others, but never a lady! What do I tell her now?

     “I am new to London, Lady Lucas, so I will have to ask around. Unless you know of one, Lady Lucas?” He tried to be polite.

     The topic then changed to tea, thankfully. “Give me a moment, I will find out”. Perhaps it was bad form, but Henry got up, walked to the counter, asked for an account to be setup in his name, and ordered a bag of the tea to be delivered to Lady Lucas’ address, with his compliments. The attendant was all too happy to comply, and it took but a short time.

     The baron returned to their table, sat down, and resumed their conversation. “Done!" he said simply. “Shops might prove entertaining, yes. Clothes or fabrics have already been taken care of with a tailor, although it will take a week for them to be ready. But there may be other types of shops that could prove worthwhile”.

     Cordelia reminded Henry of her previous appointment.

     “Of course I will take you where you need to go, and if it is time already, or if you think you would be late by going elsewhere first, just let me know. You wish is my command, Lady Lucas”.    

[Cordelia Lucas]

"And I am not 'serious' regarding such a visit - to a 'Coffee House' - althought I admit freely to a curiosity. And yes I have heard of several. There was one I saw plainly next to the Royal Exchange and I'd wager another hereabouts as well."

"if you might take to mind all that goes on and promise to recount it then I shall be satisfied!"

He then excused himself and went to speak some words the returned to inform her that apparently he had arranged for something ....

"I have in mind what has occured and if it proves true then you must understand that that was not my intent. I am not the type of woman that ohhs and ahhs over every little thing she sees and thus wants, and then expects, the Gentleman to procurer it for her."

"I will try to ensure that this 'type' of Lady is not presented to you - unless you do not care and see no harm in tossing out coin?"

"You have aquired the services of a tailor? You managed to find one that quickly? Well I am impressed and everything you requested can be done that quickly? Why one week would hardly be enought time to outfit you completely."

"Perhaps I might be given his name - he works far quicker than a Dressmaker!"

"Will you? That is generous of you Lord Grey and will make it easier. Thank You."

She smiled. They were alike in many things but then she was reminded that she was not a candidate and her smile lost a bit of its wattage.

She reassured him that they were not pressed time wise yet and so might enjoy their soon to be adventure thru The Strand.

[Henry Grey]

     “I think Coffee Houses are an interesting phenomenon. It is true that politics and science are discussed at length in them. But His Majesty wanted them closed for a reason. As a Royalist, I do not go to one often, especially to those that are known to be hubs of dissent”. Perhaps that will dissuade her. “I will admit, though, that some host enlightening discussions on Natural Philosophy, at least in Cambridge and Oxford, and those are definitely worthwhile”.

     Henry smiled. The Lady was quite perceptive.

     “Lady Lucas, I am certain you are not. Yet, please consider it a token of my esteem. It will be delivered to your residence, so you do not need to carry a package with you”. It spoke well of her that she did not act as if she deserved a gift given. “As for potential brides, I appreciate your thought, and agree with you. Not that I don’t have the wherewithal to indulge a marriage prospect with gifts, but I would prefer my wife not to squander the Grey family fortune thoughtlessly”. The baron had, indeed, inherited a healthy state of financial affairs. “And a maiden that spends thoughtlessly is prone to continue doing so after marriage, perhaps even more so”.

     “The Earl of Chichester introduced me to his tailor. A rather able man, that tailor. A week is not enough time for one man to fill a wardrobe, but it seems he is the head of a larger operation. Thus, a number of outfits will be ready in a week, thankfully”.

     Should I give her the name of the tailor or not? Hmm… have I earned the right to give his name to others yet? It was a quandary.

     “I will have to ask if I can give his name to others”, he decided. “After all, he was introduced to me by Lord Chichester. To tell you the truth I do not know if I should or not”. Lord Grey was being utterly candid. "But if I can, I will. You have my word".

     His companion’s smiled waned a tad. Henry wondered why. Was there something he said? He sipped from the porcelain cup, and took a bite of the black bun, smiling at his companion. She was pleasurable company indeed.

[Cordelia Lucas]

"I shall accept graciously." Saiad about the Tea.

"You are much more knowledgable than you led me to believe Lord Grey. You have pin-pointed behaviors and described them clearly. It is indeed better to learn the 'habits' of any poential bride afore the contract is made. But that will not be an easy thing."

"Those of my sex wish to only express all the GOOD traits as is natural and complemets abound from Family and Frineds. The trick is to wade thru it all and I am confident it can be accomplished.:

"Chichester? Well. You are to be congratulated then. Not many a Gentleman will share his Tailor. And it was a question that required no reply. I am hardly to make use of a 'Tailor' than you a "Dressmaker'!"

"Althought the skills of the first can oft times be better and I have upon occasion been envious of a cut of a garment worn by a Gentleman. The Earl dresses remarkably well - what, I wonder, did he suggest for you? Are you pleased?"

"I do hope you have added in some color  ..."

She sipped her tea and took another bite of her cake enjoying the easy flow of conversation and the relaxed manner she felt in his Company.

[Henry Grey]

     Henry was a natural philosopher, a man trained to observe. Thus, he had realized a long time before that every person had patterns. Patterns of speech, patterns of sleep, patterns of eating… and patterns of spending. He seldom spoke to anyone about some of his social insights. That he had hinted at one to Cordelia was a very telling sign.

     “Masks. We all wear them, of course. And you are correct, Lady Lucas. The trick, as you call it, is to recognize when someone is wearing a mask and when that someone is not”. That the baron admitted that even he wore a mask was a point Cordelia might notice.

     Then, a moment of confusion. It was the second time that his companion had spoken of one thing, and then gone in a totally different direction a few moments later. To Henry, whose mind was trained to go from A to B to C in a logical order, the emerging pattern was most puzzling.

     Hypothesis: a woman’s mind is not logical.

     Searching his memory for George’s words, he responded: “Lord Chichester suggested a set of costumes that revealed good taste and means, while avoiding the frivolity of court fops and rogues. Items that were complementary to each other, so I could freely mix and match without fear”. His memory was one of the things that made him a good natural philosopher. It was not perfect, but it was good enough to recall details for a few days at least.

     “As for colours, he suggested navy blue, plum, and various tones of grey. No green, no yellow, and no gold. Silver embroidery, and mother-of-pearl buttons. There are other details I don’t recall”. Henry had found Chichester’s instructions to the tailor much to his liking.

     The cups of tea were getting empty, and the cake and bun were almost finished. Perhaps it was time to continue with their outing.

[Cordelia Lucas]

"You have a Logical Mind. You are also Perceptive. Two Skills that will serve you well Lord Grey. Court is indeed populated by many mask wearing Courtiers for as manmy reasons as there are birds in the Sky."

"I have found that my time spent here  - not just at Court but in The City - has provided all manner of eye-opening occurrences. I knew so few when I first arrived . All those from my married life are absent and those that remain have changed so much. Do you suppose 'age' accounts for it?"

"And have you acquired the abaility to tell one mask from another? I find it difficult on some days but easier on others. I suppose the longer ones knows a person the easier it becomes? Yet even after so many years my son oft times is hard for me to judge and I am his Mother."

"I am an example as well. How could I not be? Yet I can say truthfully that the mask I wear currently is not an ill-fitted one. My mood is an easy thing to read. It must be due to the Compnay I am keeping!"

She listened as he gave a bit of description nodding as he spoke of things suggested by the Earl.

"Well you have received sound advice and I shall look forward to seeing this 'new creation' of Lord Grey."

She sipped her tea but it was cooled. Perhaps it would be a good time to continue on.

"What is the time? Might we leave here and make our way forward? You have been here afore now and no doubt have a shop or two that you favor. I am looking for a few things and if by chance we are directed that way will you allow me a few minutes to purchase?"

She asked him with a small smile.

She doubted he would deny her but she wanted him to not think of her as being 'too commanding'.
 

[Henry Grey]

     Henry listened attentively. He knew everyone wore a mask, but the thought of the reasons for doing so being manifold he had never considered. It was true, he knew. He had just never thought about it that way. “Lady Lucas, you are like a fine white wine from the Sauternais region of France. Age has only increased your good qualities…” Age could be seen as negative by some, but it did bring with it sobriety and wisdom, if one allowed it. And gravitas. Cordelia had gravitas to spare.

     “A long absence from London must have changed many things for you, as it did for me. I hardly recognize the city rebuilt after the Great Fire”. Many of the old houses of the nobility in the Strand had been torn down, that much he knew. Most of the nobility had moved westwards too, into St James Square, and Pall Mall. “But that is not due to age. Plague and fire are the culprits, not the passage of time”.

     A question about masks, one he wished he were able to answer affirmatively. Yet, he could not. “Alas, I cannot. Although I am a somewhat able natural philosopher, and I can grasp the concept of masks at an intellectual level, being able to discern the whats and the whys of them is not my forte”. Truly, Henry could be quite clueless sometimes, especially when distracted by a scientific conundrum. At those moments, he could be remarkably dense.

     A compliment. The baron smiled. “You are much more of a pleasurable company, Lady Lucas, than I am”, he replied. “But I am glad you do not consider my company irksome”.

     Lord Grey stood up. “Yes, let us continue!” He moved immediately to help Cordelia with her chair. “I do not recognize of The Strand anymore but let us explore it together. I would be interested in browsing inside a book shop, if we find one, but if we don’t, no loss. I will gladly escort you on your errands, though. It would be a privilege”.

     Nodding to the attendant and giving his arm to his companion, Henry exited the tea shop with Cordelia at his side.

[Cordelia Lucas]

........ sometime later .........

She was tired but plesantly so. She had managed to find three out of the five things she deemed 'necessary' and Lord Grey had been Patient.

Now once again seated in comfort she had a sudden longing to kick off her shoes but could hardly indulge. She waited for her companion to be seated then asked him 

"I hope you have been as fortunate in your purchases as I? There must have been shops that caught your attention or so I surmised as we progressed and you must return here on your own to enjoy the discoveries."

"I wonder why such activity seems to tire one so? Or have I made clear my age by asking that?"

She teased him as she leaned back back aganist the cushion.

"I must thank you again for your kindness in seeing me to Cavendish House - it is on my street but the opposite end - and I do not think I could walk more steps!"

""Shall it be an imposition to attend me - that way I can provide you an introduction to the Duchess. Perhaps it shall prove useful in the Future. She will, I am sure, offer some form of libation."

"And it will be most welcom'd after out outing."

[Henry Grey]

     Besides escorting Cordelia in her shopping, Henry spent his time setting up accounts at some of the stores at the Strand. At Smythe-Higgins Wines & Spirits, Mr. Albert Smythe did not believe Henry's identity at first, but Cordelia's disapproving gaze and the fact that Henry made an order but did not want to take it with him maade the man reconsider. Lord Grey asked for his purchase to be delivered to the Red Lion. That allowed Smythe time to confirm the man’s identity. Yes, appearances were everything, and Henry did not look the part of a peer. But Lord Grey could be who he claimed to be, and it would not make good business sense to flatly deny the man, the proprietor thought.

     He also set up an account at the Candy Store. That was far easier, as he had already purchased the nougat he had given Cordelia earlier in the day. The promise of a larger purchase later in the week made the attendant even more obsequious than usual.

     After the pair returned to the berline, Henry gave the coachman instructions to get to Cavendish House post haste. He then turned his undivided attention to Lady Lucas, and replied to her question, “I bought some wines and will purchase some sweets later on this week. I also wanted to go to the bookshop we saw from afar but, alas, there was no time”. His visit to Ashton’s Manuscripts and Books would have to wait. But some things are very much worth the wait...

     The baron was about to say something regarding the introduction to Her Grace Cavendish when the accident happened. As Henry’s coach started to make a turn, a great coach pulled by three pairs of horses attempted to do the same coming from the opposite direction, and chaos ensued.

     Panicked horses, fleeing pedestrians, the works. Not the first time it happened in the streets of London, and not the last either. But it was tremendously inconvenient for Henry and Cordelia, as the left front wheel of each vehicle got stuck with the one in the other vehicle. Trying to dislodge them without unhitching the horses risked destroying both carriages.

     “At least the other coach is empty, Lady Lucas, but I am afraid that this is going to take a while…” Take a while it did. First, the immediate area had to be cleared of both coaches and onlookers. Then both teams of horses had to be unhitched one animal at a time. Finally, the carriages had to be carefully separated so the spokes on the wheels did not shatter.

     When it was all done, Lord Gray said, “Lady Lucas, I am afraid you will miss your appointment. I am really, really sorry about this”. Henry’s face was was long and apologetic.

[Cordelia Lucas]

She smiled as he made his list of things he'd done and was about to ask when all at once there was chaos! 

She was tossed about a bit but managed to remain in her seat. She moved to the window nearest her and stared out at the scene being played out her eyes wide as she looked across to Lord Grey.

He was distressed she saw clear but she was wise and held her tongue and stayed quiet in her place allowing him to do what he needed. At the conclusion his words gave her a start.

"Oh! I had forgot that entirely. And you have no blame or fault." She was quick to reassure him.

"It is amazing that no one was hurt. How are your horses Lord Grey? I think it best we return to where ever they are lodged and they are seen to. After that, well, let us think upon that when it comes."

"And as for my appointment - I shall send a note round to the Duchess in explanation and it will all be rearanged to suit."

"And when we next venture forth might I suggest a more reduced grouping?" This in reference to horses.

Her chuckled that accompanied would show him clearly that she was not in the least put out.

[Henry Grey]

     “I thank your kind words, Lady Lucas. I might not have produced the accident, but you were under my care when it happened, so it is my responsibility…” or so Henry felt. “But I agree. It is a happy circumstance that no one was hurt”. Especially if nobility or, God forbid, Royalty were to be hurt. Then things would get complicated. The horses were a small matter in comparison.

     “All three pair of horses seem to be well. My footman is taking the feistiest pair to the stables directly. The other two pair seem cold-blooded enough to continue with the carriage”. Henry’s coachman was quite knowledgeable about the animals, and he had checked them thoroughly. None of the animals were hurt.

     “I am hopeful Her Grace will not think ill of you for not keeping your appointment, nor of me for not making sure you did”. One never knew with women, especially with ducal ones. Hopefully a humble apology from me will be enough.

     “I think you are right, Lady Lucas. Two pair seem enough for the city. I will keep the third pair for special occasions only, I think”. That might be best. Use the third pair only outside of London… or the Palace…

     "To your house then, Lady Lucas?"

Edited July 25, 2019 by Henry Grey

[Cordelia Lucas]

"You handled what needed to be Lord Grey and none, as I said, can fault."

"As for the Duchess ... there too you need have now worry. I will offer the explination and we shall meet on the morrow or whenever she wishes. It is not a thing pressing."

Well it was in a way for the Duchess was anxious to arrange for her next daughter Margaret now that Frances was secured. But nothing in her manner would ever hint at it.

"I am glad that you have seen the Wisdom in my suggestion! One can only imagine it occuring again and that time injuries might be had."

"Why even one horse is acceptable - but not in The City naturally - but there are Parks are there not? That is also a way to 'see' things."

She was offering him further encounters. She had not ridden for some time but she was confident in her ability and she doubted that Lord Grey would insist on a mad dash - but if he did then she'd send him off with encouragement and say she'd meet him - knowing that Men oft times need to have such a release.

"Yes let us return there. How sad I am of a sudden. But no matter I am glad to have come out."

She smiled across to him and if he was sitting beside her she would have placed one hand gently upon his arm as expression of it.

[Henry Grey]

     Henry was visibly relieved. Not for himself, but he did not want to cause Cordelia problems with the duchess. Ducal families tended to take umbrage at… almost everything.

     “Yes, better safe than sorry”, the baron said referring to the third pair. Then, a suggestion that gave Lord Grey pause. How do I go about this? Evasion? Direct approach? Hmm… “I must make a confession, Lady Lucas…” there was a slight pause. “You see, horses and I do not get along well. In fact, we don’t get along at all…” it was all rather embarrassing.

     “As much as instructors tried to teach me, and I promise I did my best to learn, there has been no instance of me mounting a horse in which I have not fallen and hurt myself, a couple of times rather badly…” like the time the nosebleed did not stop for almost half an hour. “I am afraid I would not make good company on the back of a horse...”

     “But”, he added regaining some composure, “I do believe a ride through St James park in an open carriage would afford us the same views, with much less risk to this accident-prone man, don’t you think?” Henry hoped Cordelia would agree, and not take offense at his refusal. It was not meant as a slight. Rather it was meant to protect her from a rather shameful scene.

     The baron gave orders to the coachman to return to the Lucas Residence, but without hurry. Her hand on his arm felt reassuring, and he smiled contentedly, offering his companion the white bear skin. As he had thought several times now, it seemed their friendship would be long-lasting.

OOC: shall we wrap it up?

[Cordelia Lucas]

If she was surprised to hear that he did not ride she hoped she managed to hid it. Interesting. She did not know ANY Gentlemen that shied away from horses.

"It matters not and as you say a carriage allows for much the same. And I have no desire to make you feel uncomfortable."

Was she pandering to him? Yes. He was not a husband for her but would do nicely as a Friend and one that was so well connected as well. For all of that it was simply that she found him likeable and she was glad to have his Company.

She took his offer of the bearskin with another pleased smile mummering at how soft it was and had he had much danger in getting it .....

And so the journey to her residence was spent in such a relaxed atmosphere.

 

(Thank You!)