Opening Reception

[Charles Audley]

Charles and Henrietta

Charles cocked his head inquisitively as Henrietta offered her own thoughts on wisdom. They were largely in agreement, it seemed, but there was one key point where they differed.

"I cannot agree that we should not seek to mould the world to suit ourselves Selene. One must see it as it is, of course, and you are not wrong that simply wanting it to change will accomplish nothing, but if what one sees in the world cannot be borne then it must be changed. Not blindly or thoughtlessly, but if one would have one's desires one must act, no?"

It was good to hear Henrietta laugh, and better still to hear her venture a jest of her own. Her humour was improving too, as she grew more confident.

Or as she worries less, at least.

"A stay in the Tower does tend to have a salutary effect on their discipline at least, if not their morals," he agreed, chuckling. "Never for long, though, which reveals to us at least one difference between the common courtier and pigs — pigs, I am told, are quite capable learners."

[Charles Blount]

Mountjoy, Eleanor and the Royals

Mountjoy was not certain about what had happened between Cordelia and Eleanor but he could fathom a guess that the senior’s penchant for motherly advice had not been well taken.

“No need to apologize whatsoever My Dear. I am also but newly acquainted with her and have found that her predilection for offering advice is readily given to an extent that exceeds the intimacy of the association. I would judge her recommendations are well meaning even if a trifle succinctly given. For now do not be too hard on yourself.” He tried to diffuse any ill recalling how difficult it was to be in such a situation. “As you say, we are unable to depart as their Majesties are so newly arrived so we shall instead engage in a promenade about the room.” What ended up happening however was that espying his wife he steered Eleanor directly to the Royal couple and introduced her.

The King’s mock seriousness did not fool Mountjoy for the King was always the gallant gentleman so he smiled and went along with the jest and, for Eleanor’s benefit least she be alarmed, good-naturedly responding as he chuckled. “His Majesty is being arch. If admiring the Queen was treason, the tower would be filled to bursting and all of London would be depopulated.” As one would expect, His Majesty was in a good mood. “I am consumed with the anticipation of seeing His Highness Charles Henry at the christening.”   

Taking the Queen’s hand, he gave a court kiss but in addition he offered a small squeeze. His eyes sparkled with pleasure as he said “I do indeed give you joy for your son and to see that you are as radiant as only a new mother can be. I have missed attending to you person and hope that here at Windsor I may be of service.”  Mountjoy was apt to bestow flowery compliments and superlatives as a manifestation of his manners but the last was given with more intimacy and emotion. It was not a gallant compliment to impress a Queen but a declaration from Charles to Karoline for he had held her in high regard long before she was Queen.

After allowing for sufficient time for Eleanor to respond, if the Royals did not initiate further conversation he would bow and escort Eleanor over to Lady Mountjoy. It would not do to overburden Their Majesties and perhaps Eleanor could use a respite for such an abrupt encounter with the Royals on her first appearance could be a harrowing experience.

[Blackguard]

Merry Gang

Rochester snickered at O'Neill's quip.  "A better epitaph than most deserve."

Dorset rolled his eyes at Rochester's insults of premature climax.  "At least I have a prick that still functions.  Your prick is lathered in more mercury than found in the mirrors of Versailles."

Johnny sniffed and quipped.  "I do not think that insult reflects well on you."  He smiled.

"Sedley spoke up at the invitation of the Irishman.  "I would like to vex that prick Langdon," he admitted as he nodded towards the soldier in the King's company.  "He will not marry my daughter though he was only too happy to put a babe in her."

Rochester replied "her first was with a prince, the second with an earl.  Shall her third be with a knight I wonder?"

"I would like to take that long plume off his ... " referring to the Life Guard hat plume, "Sedley grumbled.

"To tickle your fancy?" Rochester interjected.

Dorset showed little interest and agreed to retreat with Anne.  One rarely vexed Life Guard officers, for a reason.  He signaled for Anne to slip away while the others were looking at the Life Guard officer.   

[Eleanor Bayning]

Mountjoy, Eleanor and the Royals

That exceeds the intimacy of the association. That was it exactly; what she wouldn't give for Lord Mountjoy's way with words. And he was so terribly gracious; she dimpled at him, then nodded more seriously as he commented that he judged her well-meaning. That was the conclusion that Eleanor had come to as well, especially now that she'd had a few moments separation from the immediacy of the event. Still, just because one did not mean to give offence, did not mean that offence was not given. But it was something. As her companion so kindly explained that he had a simple promenade in mind - much what she was thinking herself - she mused that good intentions would hopefully make it possible to repair things; if Cordelia had been genuinely intentional in her offence, there would be nothing to repair. 

Ah but they were to being their promenade with the Royals!

The King's first words to them - to Lord Mountjoy specifically - sounded almost cross, and for a moment Eleanor's heart froze in her chest, thinking they had offended him, before the King giggled and revealed that he was teasing her companion, who merely responded in his usual gracious good humour. It was a shocking revelation, that the two were on such intimate terms. She had yet to learn of their merry monarch's familiar ways with his courtiers, and naturally assumed that he would be somewhat distant and reserved. It was... surreal. Besides, though he claimed his son favoured the Queen in looks, the King was a handsome man himself, if somewhat older. No doubt their child would be beautiful.

Then the King himself turned his attention to her, dark gaze looking her over, thanking her for her words and declaring her strong for coming through the coach accident unscathed. The King called her strong! The words drew a small smile in spite of her nervousness. "Thank you, Your Majesty." She felt like it would be polite to maintain her curtsey forever, but she followed Mountjoy's example; surely there could be no better one? She hoped so. 

Her Majesty looked pleased to see Mountjoy too; well, he had told her that both he and his wife served the Queen. Clearly he was well known to both. Oh but to be so familiar with Royalty. Were it not for her determination not to bring shame on her family, and the reassuring presence at her side, she might have fluttered her fan furiously to prevent herself fainting, especially when the Queen nodded at her in turn. She still could barely believe that she was here. 

We might wonder which of these things most prepares a young lady for debut at court?

It sounded like a rhetorical question, and perhaps the Queen's chuckle meant that it was, or could be taken so, but perhaps it was meant to be answered? His Majesty had called her strong, and Lord Mountjoy had praised her needlework, which was a great source of pride for Eleanor herself. Still, her trained response was to murmur something non-committal, deferring to her seniors, but something in the glance from the Queen made her pause. Some instinct waved a flag somewhere in the back of her mind; she could say something forgettable, or she could try to say something meaningful. The latter was riskier, but surely it was better to be remembered?

"I imagine that strength in the face of disaster is far better preparation, Your Majesty." She replied seriously after a little thought, blue eyes meeting the Queen's regal gaze for a moment, before she glanced at each of the three in turn, taking in their appearances. A shy smile curved her lips. "Still, everyone likes to look fine, do they not?" After all, of the quartet, she was the most simply dressed by a very long way indeed; the other three were positively lavish in their ensembles. 

Edited December 13, 2022 by Eleanor Bayning

[James O`Neill]

Merry Gang sans lovebirds

Sedley suggested Langdon, which immediately elevated the dramatist in James’ deep green eyes. “Oh, I would adore the opportunity to vex that cur. That boorish oaf once threatened to arrest me for partaking in a game to entertain His Majesty,” he grumbled.

Which, to many, would be a sign that it was a more strategic move not to embarrass the lordling in question. But James O’Neill was an impudent sort without the encouragement of the Merry Gang. With that encouragement? It was a coin toss on whether or not he would have the time of his life or bring interminable shame upon Lord O’Neill of Iveagh. Or both.

Truly, it spoke poorly of the vulnerabilities fairer sex that so many of them were so drawn to Langdon, but then, moths drawn to flame often found themselves burnt. It was impolitic even for him to mention this around Sedley, so instead James began to contemplate the feather in question, watching Anne-Elisabeth and Dorset leave with a polite smile. Looking towards the baronet, he suggested, “What about a bounty? Put an absurd sum up for the man’s hat, to be delivered to a servant whose employer you could deny. His indignation that cretin would display would be proof enough that the hat belonged to him, and you might take the feather as a kind of trophy.”

He would be tempted enough to go for it himself, if the price was right.

Giving them time to address his proposal, James felt his jaw tense, a wave of anxiety crashing against his consciousness as he forced himself to look over at Rochester and ask, “My lord, I do not ordinarily make requests of this nature, but if I am truly…’not so bad’, as the consensus seems to be, I am compelled to ask something.”

A deep, steadying breath. Rochester would likely mock him for this, but some things were worth striving for even still. “The epic that I’ve composed, the one I was referencing…I have found a publisher, one who has printed several copies already. However, I’ve no intention of printing more and introducing it to the court at large unless it is deemed worthwhile by others whose knowledge of the craft I respect, although I myself know that it is.”

Releasing it unsuccessfully would only serve it to antagonize his lord father. “If I had a copy sent to you…or you, Sir Charles,” he added, glancing at the other man. “Would you have any interest in reading it over and letting me know your thoughts? I would owe whoever did so a debt, of course.”

Edited December 13, 2022 by James O`Neill

[Defiance]

On 12/12/2022 at 3:41 AM, Nicolette Vauquelin said:

Lady Worcester Approaches Nicci & steals her away

"Such cryptic, Mary, Duke Buckingham shall be wondering what plot we have afoot." Nicci greeted Lady Worchester warmly as they drew aside under the guise of 'I have something to discuss'.  Nicci imagined there was nothing really urgent, but a pretty way to extract her friend for a chat.  

"But I have missed you my dearest friend." she squeezed the older lady's hand, meeting her eyes with sincere. 

 

"Oh let His Grace wonder. A little pondering is good for men," Lady Worcester said, with a wink.

 

Lady Worcester watched as Buckingham left to join the royal party anyway, leaving Basildon and that Kingston fellow together. 

 

"Both His Majesty's troubles and happiness seem to bring him closer to the Duke." She smiled. "Speaking of, you must tell me how it has been staying with him. Is it as they say? That he is up half the night engaging in all manner of frivolity?"

 

Little did Mary know that while he was up until the wee hours of the morning habitually, it was not as scandalous as the rumors suggested. He met with all sorts of interesting people and not so many of those were painted ladies as the gossipers might claim. 

 

"Have you achieved your scheme of getting a new equine partner? It would be nice to go for a ride. I do hope you have brought your breeches."

[Francis Kirke]

On 12/6/2022 at 12:00 AM, Louis Killington said:

Kingston and Basildon

On acquiring a yacht, Basildon smiled and replied, "the way you describe it, I think it would be easier for me to get myself invited aboard a yacht as a guest and leave the rest to the host,:  It did seem less complicated.  "Might you win a race solely by inviting the most beautiful ladies to sail with you and wave to the crowd? A lesser purse?"  he jested.

"The French custom is more efficient," Louis defended with mock seriousness.  "Not only does it alert the occupant, but it also grooms your fingernails at the same time.  It also keeps the occupant guessing whether the visitor is a human or a rodent."

"Well where's the fun in that?" Francis asked with a bit of a laugh. "I was given to think you were a competitive sort of gentleman and that almost seems rather tame."

 

The jest was met with another chuckle, "That's a different sort of contest, my lord! And, in general, ladies are considered bad luck on a ship unless it's meant for a pleasure jaunt."

 

Examining his own well-groomed pinky, for a gentleman was supposed to have nice hands and Francis hadn't touched a rope in eons, he replied, "Some of them are one in the same I should think. I hear Versailles is a cut-throat court, even for all its decadence."

 

His blue eyes fell and lingered on Dorothea for a moment, noting the tall man with her, holding her hand on his arm. Were it not that they bore a resemblance, he might have thought she married and neglected to tell him in any letters. 

[Louis Killington]

Kingston and Basildon

"I readily agree that there is little fun in being a passenger unless the ship is more interested in frivolity than winning a race.'  Louis did not see much opportunity for himself to control events.

"To be sporting, I think a healthy wager or two might be appropriate," he declared aloud, but then in a more hushed voice he asked "which boat, in your exert opinion, has the best chance of winning?"  A good gambler always sought an edge wherever one could be found.

"Versailles is a different game entirely.  The stakes are greater and the battleground more trivial," he offered lightly.  "A duel, if not a war, will be fought over whose wife can sit closer to the King.  There are more ways to win and more ways to lose."  It was an excellent place to visit to get schooled in intrigue, but not a place to dwell indefinitely.

He noted Kingston looking at the visiting German princeling, but had no idea that the blond earl was interested in the lady-in-waiting.  She was clearly above him, so there was no reason for speculation in that regard.

[Nicolette Vauquelin]

Lady Worchester and Nicci

"He shall naturally think we are talking about him.” Nicolette chuckled, which was funnier still because it was currently true.  “His Grace has the most adorable ego.”

Seeing Mary again brought to mind her recesses-past pining for Ranelagh.  But this last recess Nicci had not skulked about hoping to chance by that man (though she was still intending to call him Ritchie when she saw him next).

"Hmm…” the Marchioness’ comment was curiously cryptic. Nicci’s gaze drew away from her cousin with Kingston, if she did not know better she would think this to be a test. “Or we might say His Majesty brings him closer to himself?  Is the device the cause or effect.”

“La, it has been grand at the Dukes, might you be aware how his interest for new and exiting discoveries being all manner of persons to his salon.  I hardly know how he finds them all, but can only think he has scouts out roving England.  I am most fond of the poets I think, they are so clever to conjure so much with so little verses.  I am not talking about Dryden of course.” She chuckled of that mans terribly long winded verses.

Meanwhile she knew that Mary was actually wondering if the Duke had nightly orgies with all in sundry, or if even Nicci joined in.

“Peoples imaginations are always more colourful than any truth,” she advised with a squeeze of the others hand, “while in fact I think you would find an evening there witty and engaging, with barely any foul language even. Profanity for profanity’s sake is so very 1675.”

 “Then we must set a date.” She agreed with a broad smile, “I’d love to show off my new riding skills, or at the least keep in practise.”

[Francis Kirke]

Francis & Basildon & Then Francis Alone

 

Basildon's hushed question was not surprising. Francis was eager to stimulate the appetite for betting to garner more funds for naval causes.

 

"Well a good courtier should always bet on His Majesty, of course," Francis began. With a wry smile he added, "His Grace my cousin will be sore, though, if you do not bet on him. If you bet on experience, it is the Duke of Cumberland." With another pregnant pause, he added, "If recent seamanship and practical ability, my crew actively sails."

 

An airy chuckle prefaced, "So take your pick, my lord. I do not think there are any clear advantages which is what makes it all the more interesting."

 

As to Versailles, Francis nodded, "I prefer my battlegrounds to have more clear and sensible rules. The battlegrounds here are frustrating. I can only imagine Versailles."

 

With a smile he said, "I shan't take up more of your time. These little receptions are their own battleground and provide their own opportunity, and you are a far more practiced soldier on it than I." He anticipated that a man like Basildon might wish to talk to far more important personages than himself. Francis knew he was rather inconsequential. "And I should try to find Lord Dorset. Since I was in York, I have yet to see him since...the incident with Pembroke."

 

With that, Francis dipped his head and took his leave. He did turn in the direction where he had last seen the Merry Gang, but his cousin was no longer among them. He moved in that direction and looked about, but he then realized that Dorset was with a lady. Not wishing to interrupt that, Francis found himself quite alone.

[Defiance]

On 12/14/2022 at 3:51 AM, Nicolette Vauquelin said:

Lady Worchester and Nicci

"He shall naturally think we are talking about him.” Nicolette chuckled, which was funnier still because it was currently true.  “His Grace has the most adorable ego.”

Seeing Mary again brought to mind her recesses-past pining for Ranelagh.  But this last recess Nicci had not skulked about hoping to chance by that man (though she was still intending to call him Ritchie when she saw him next).

"Hmm…” the Marchioness’ comment was curiously cryptic. Nicci’s gaze drew away from her cousin with Kingston, if she did not know better she would think this to be a test. “Or we might say His Majesty brings him closer to himself?  Is the device the cause or effect.”

“La, it has been grand at the Dukes, might you be aware how his interest for new and exiting discoveries being all manner of persons to his salon.  I hardly know how he finds them all, but can only think he has scouts out roving England.  I am most fond of the poets I think, they are so clever to conjure so much with so little verses.  I am not talking about Dryden of course.” She chuckled of that mans terribly long winded verses.

Meanwhile she knew that Mary was actually wondering if the Duke had nightly orgies with all in sundry, or if even Nicci joined in.

“Peoples imaginations are always more colourful than any truth,” she advised with a squeeze of the others hand, “while in fact I think you would find an evening there witty and engaging, with barely any foul language even. Profanity for profanity’s sake is so very 1675.”

 “Then we must set a date.” She agreed with a broad smile, “I’d love to show off my new riding skills, or at the least keep in practise.”

 

Mary smiled, "I mean no offense to the Duke, my dear. It is a good thing to be someone His Majesty turns to at such times, no matter the reason, and it is good for you to be close to him." Both hims, really. 

 

"It is a skill of the high-placed peer and courtier to find such people. My lord husband does as well, though not with quite the breadth of Buckingham, who they say makes friends with all sorts and all ranks." The Duke was known for having questionable friends, and he made no effort to hide it either, which was perhaps the odd thing. Most courtiers did have those but kept such associations under wraps. Buckingham did as he pleased.

 

"Lady Ranelagh says he meets with many in the circles of the sciences too. It is a wonder he finds the time with what all the gossipers say he is up to!" she jested and giggled. "As you say, imaginations are wild and are the frequent source of gossip in which there is only a speck of truth."

 

She wondered whether she should ask about the gossip surrounding the Duke's cousin that were making their way through court. The broadsheets were almost too colorful, and the youth looked hardly old enough for it! The talk was quite juicy, though. Her eyes cast toward Basildon and Kingston for a moment.

 

"How about Saturday? Just the two of us," she asked. "Windsor makes for fine riding. Much better than London. My Arthur is very excited for it and plans to go out tomorrow on his own. He is a bit less jealous of Herbert at university when he can race around on his horse for hours and still be around the bustle of court life." 

 

"And what other exciting things have you to tell me? A letter cannot hold everything and certainly not the best things." Such secrets or confidences were best not committed to writing, after all.

[Aria]

Cat, John, and a fuming Fiona
 

“Told you so!” Fiona crowed triumphantly.

 

Cat and the Baron began discussing trade as if she was invisible. When she had sat beside him at church during Easter, their conversation had gone far beyond flirtatious. He had even promised to chase her and enjoy the pleasurable rewards at the end of the hunt. She had thought that he fancied her and now here he was fawning all over her older sister.

 

He smiled at her but didn’t include her in the conversation. Fiona doubted she mattered to him at all. She felt like fleeing but that was probably what he wanted and she would never give him that. When Cat mentioned leaving, she was quick to agree.

 

“Yes, let’s go.” She suppressed the urge to glare at John. The next time she saw him, she was going to make certain that she had a full glass of wine in her hand. “The fatigue of our journey is catching up with me."

[King Charles II]

The Royals Mountjoy & Eleanor

 

His Majesty chuckled at the pronouncement of the young lady. He sensed a bit of feisty in her which was sure to attract her attention at court. 

 

"Indeed they do. My courtiers are not unlike Lord Mountjoy's peacocks," the King said about everyone liking to look fine. "There are a number of peacocks here tonight, many who squawk just as annoyingly and loudly." For peacocks certainly did not sing! "For all their beauty, they can be vexing creatures, courtier and fowl alike."

 

He then addressed Lord Mountjoy, "Enjoy the rest of the reception, my lord. I do think your lady wife was promenading with Princess Dorothea and her brother, the Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach."

 

The King was almost sad that he had never devoted himself to learning any German. He would not mind cheekily trying to listen in on those conversations though they were probably quite austere and serious.

[Catriona MacGregor]

Cat, John and Fuming Fiona

 

Too hard on herself?  Probably.  But would she admit that?  Never.  Shouldn't every 19 year old be able to wrangle 3 sisters, a baby and run a business while also overseeing 2 estates?  Of course they should.  As for letting Fiona run it out...If he only knew.

 

"Height does have its advantages," she replied.  She had just been using it to find her wayward sibling.

 

The last pirate she knew had been the Moor and seeing he was buried out by Herne's Oak, "Pirates don't seem to do so well at Windsor, so I think staying with honest trade is a better way to go."  His interest spiked with her revelation of her own business.  "I have been lucky to have been introduced to some importers as well as being able to use both black and herbal teas to create specialized blends and adding baked goods as well."  

 

Cat was well aware of why Fiona was so ready to depart suddenly.  Weariness, my shiny white...  Instead of drawing things out, she smiled at John and said, "Do forgive us.  It was a pleasure meeting you.  Let's go see if the carriage is ready," she added, taking Fiona's arm.  While it might look like a sisterly linkage, Cat had a good hold on Fiona to make sure she didn't make yet another break for it.  "Until we meet again, my lord."  Then, she led Fiona in a ladylike march to the door.

[John Palliser]

John with Cat and Fiona Leaving

He was practiced enough to see that his conversation with the older sister did note rest well with Fiona. He knew that she had been expecting a continuance of their Church flirtation and he might well have but the arrival of her sister squashed it. He had ignored her was true and he was intrigued with Lady Alyth. Clearly she was younger than he but had already experienced much and so that alone made her of interest. He was vain enough to realize that if he and Fiona met again she would fall easily into his arms with little coaxing.

He had to smile at her reference to height and she spoke about Pirates as if she had some knowledge and added to it was her own involvement in Trade - there was something in common from the start. 

But it was made clear that Lady Alyth was there to get Fiona so John could do little more than offer his bow to her saying that they would meet again and that he would look forward to it.

"Ladies ...." He gave a small bow as they took their leave. His eyes following the figure of Lady ALyth. 

He would ask around for more information about her   .....

[Blackguard]

The Merry Gang -- And Then There Were Three

Sedley was pleased with the reaction of the Irishman as Dorset withdrew.  "A bounty on his hat is inspired," he praised.

"As for me, I would raise an army of churls with chamber pots," Rochester declared.  "The man prizes his uniform.  Let him be bombed from above with chamber pots wherever he goes, with only poor children to blame.  He treats your daughter like refuse, then let him wear it."  Sedley found himself nodding.  "Maybe douse him just before an important meeting or ball.  The man will arrest every churl and torture them to reveal their funders.  Best to cause mischief when important as opposed to when he could put a stop to it."

The Baronet was quick to add "let's get Merriweather to pay the children.  It will cover our tracks." They enjoyed making Alexander Merriweather the butt of mischief.  

"Do you really want to leave Merriweather alone with a child?" Rochester asked.  The man was a known pedophile.  "God's blood no," Sedley responded.

James asked a favor of Rochester, and of Sedley.  He was wise to flatter Rochester because the man's vanity made him vulnerable to manipulations in that regard.  It kept him from refusing outright.  He was also warming to the Irishman, a rare occurrence.

"Epics can become tedious with their length," he declared with a melodramatic sigh.  "Tell me the story in 25 words or less and I will consider it."  It was another test for O'Neill.  Could the man be both a man of many words, and few? 

[Blackguard]

Dorset and Cambray

"Rochester is full of bile this morning," the Earl commented as they moved away from him.  "We pick on each other mercilessly, but he went beyond today because he is jealous that I am fond of you.  He wears jealousy poorly."

There was no move to find a small room in which to swive.  Rather, he remained in plain view of the others and asked "how was your recess?"

[Louis Killington]

Francis and Louis

Basildon found himself chuckling as Kingston, one by one, encouraged him to bet on each contestant.  "How very unhelpful," he declared in jest.  "I shall have to play the field then."  He shook his head.  "The only thing I suspect I can be sure of is that you will throw the race to either the King and Buckingham ... as you should."  That meant one less target for his wager, unless it motivated Kingston to prove Louis wrong. 

He would need to learn more about the number of sails on each vessel.  Rightly or wrongly, he assumed that would be important to speed.  He would need to discuss with Beverley.

"Yes, yes, go see Dorset."  Basildon was not close with Dorset.  For some odd reason, they never seemed to be able to meet with one another.  "Pembroke is a menace," he admitted.  The whole court was atwitter with the man's assault on Dorset.  Perhaps he would add a story to the Gentleman Spectator about it.

As Francis moved away, Louis thought perhaps he might approach the royal couple to offer his congratulations.  He began moving up behind Mountjoy.

 

[Blackguard]

Darlene and Elizabeth

"Well, yes, there is nothing awry about English families holding Irish titles.  It is as it should be," she agreed,  "The Irish have shown little aptitude in governing themselves."  As each Catholic Irish lord rebelled, it opened the door to forfeiture of their lands and the gift to an English lord.  In her mind, it was just a matter of time before the English families held all Irish titles.

There was also a nod to Darlene's observation about a Protestant heir saving the realm from catastrophe.  Equally poignant was the point of philanderers but a babe into the correct belly.  "The King does his duty."  As Darlene thought of Langdon and Sedley, Elizabeth thought of her worthless husband and his shirked duty to create an heir.  "Let us find a lord who will perform his duty with you," she whispered behind her fan.  She wondered idly whether one could be found to do his duty with her as well.

[James O`Neill]

Rochester, Sedley, and James

“I see no reason we could not do both,” James contended, on the matter of which prank would be of greater efficacy against Langdon. “Place the bounty, perhaps through this Merriweather, and hopefully Mistress Catherine’s noble avengers will succeed in the doing. But even if not,” he paused, making a slight chopping motion to emphasize his point. “Lightning Langdon will be expecting an attack in that manner, perhaps even attempt to find out who put out the call to arms. This, I suspect, will leave him unprepared and irritable for when Rochester’s churls strike before the next ball, is that not so?” How grand this is!

And precisely what I need, to be sure, James considered. Catharsis is well and good, but this is energizing. This is life.

Rochester, meanwhile, appeared to be feeling merciful – or maybe, just maybe, he was beginning to win the irascible earl over. This was not a safe bet, however, and he instead fought back a triumphant smile in order to appear more composed and not offer an opening by which Rochester might strike back. “Twenty-five words?” That would be difficult; in these radiant moods, he did not find censoring himself to be an easy feat. “Very well…”

James cleared his throat, thinking for a moment, silently counting the words as he began, “Boudica leads the brutal, licentious, free Britons against 'Virtuous' Rome.” An allegory on multiple levels, in other words. Living according to one’s passions was a noble thing, but it was a destructive thing, too. “Dark magic, glorious battles...” He paused, grinning as he got to one of his favorite parts. “A Queen betrayed by her Bardic lover, who favors peace over liberty.”

That – making a poet the traitor and instigator of the final tragedy, ahistorical though it may have been – was what he hoped would get the Merry Gang’s attention. It was a statement on so much very much. “Twenty-five exactly, my lord,” a self-satisfied James proclaimed.

Edited December 16, 2022 by James O`Neill

[Aria]

Charles and Henrietta

 

Lord Chatham had misunderstood her, but in doing so, had given Henrietta more insight into his personality. “Of course,” she affirmed. “I said that we should not try to mold the world to our unrealistic expectations. Some people expect it to revolve around them, for example, and will harm others for their own selfish gain. You see that all the time here at court. Change that makes the world more bearable is what we should strive for, such as the inventions that make our lives easier than those of our grandparents, progressive thinking, and innovative solutions to problems.

 

“I hope, during my lifetime, that society will view women much differently than it does now. Refusing to hide my my intelligence and thirst for knowledge, even though many courtiers think me odd, is just a small step in that direction, but other ladies are making those steps as well. Perhaps we can convince the world to look at us in a more comprehensive way. That is changing the world for the better.”

 

Perhaps she had said too much, but Henrietta felt that she could share her dreams with Lord Chatham and that he would not chide her for it.

 

As to pigs and courtiers: “I believe you are right. Some courtiers never learn. A pig would probably be smart enough to avoid being tossed in the Tower in the first place.”

[Aria]

The Duchess of Richmond approaches Francis

 

“Good morning, my lord.” The voice of Frances Stuart, the Duchess of Richmond, came from behind Francis. She moved into his line of vision, dressed in a pretty gown of mauve and silver brocade. “Congratulations on your rise in status. I can think of nobody who deserves it more.”

[Anne-Elisabeth Devereux]

Dorset and Cambray

 

Anne-Elisabeth was not really surprised at what Sedley said about Lord Langdon. She had met him when Nicci had discovered that body last season and he had refused her offer to assist him with the investigation. If he had been smart, he would have realized that a lady could be useful in gathering information. Men often spoke more freely in front of women, not seeing them as a threat. She had thought then that he did not have a high opinion of the fairer sex, and Sedley’s words proved it. He had gotten his daughter pregnant and then apparently abandoned her. Master O'Neill had an issue with him as well.

 

More interested in being alone with Dorset than vexing Life Guards, she gladly accompanied him a short distance away from them. “Oh, was that why he kept insulting me? I thought it was a test of my worthiness to be associated with the Merry Gang. I acquitted myself quite well, did I not? Trading barbs with him is quite amusing.”

 

Anne-Elisabeth shrugged when he asked about her recess. “Boring. I think the most fun I had was swimming nude in the ocean next to my estate.” She grinned saucily. “I wish you could have joined me. Silky water caressing bare skin is a most lovely sensation.”

 

[Sophia de la Cerda]

The Toledos

 

Esteban materialized as if out of nowhere. So he’s been watching me all this time. That realization annoyed her, as did his possessiveness. Sophia didn’t think that Juan would mind if a gentleman escorted her around the room. Though Sir John wasn’t one of them, she had plenty of male friends who didn’t pose a threat to her affection for her beloved Prince.

 

While the two introduced themselves, Sophia exchanged Sir John’s arm for Esteban’s. She bid the Baronet farewell and began walking at a slow pace with her husband. His interrogation did not surprise her. Why had Juan married her to him instead of a more charming and understanding gentleman?

 

“You don’t remember him?” she asked. Sophia supposed that Sir John was rather forgettable. “Remember the ball last year when you asked Lord Kingston if you could marry me? Sir John was speaking with my guardian and I warned you that I was afraid he wanted to court me. You and Juan saved me from him. He almost got me killed once and I definitely didn’t want to spend the rest of my life with him. We’re still not friends but we are polite to each other.”

 

She looked toward the royals, who were, as usual, surrounded by courtiers. “We should congratulate the King and Queen before we leave.” Esteban was a much better choice to accompany her than Sir John. They couldn’t very well ignore the Spanish Ambassador and his wife.

 

 

(OOC: To avoid those pesky timey-wimey knots, they should not approach while Eleanor is with them, as Sophia and Eleanor meet for the first time later in the day and Sophia did not see her at the reception.)

[Charles Audley]

Charles and Henrietta

Ah. I might have misinterpreted her.

It was a flaw of his, Charles knew, to hear something that could possibly be construed as a mild suggestion that one should perhaps accept certain minor practical and moral constraints on one's desires and actions, and react as though it had been proposed that he sell himself into slavery as a eunuch. Another man would have found it embarrassing, and even Charles himself felt the urge to ask Henrietta to define 'unrealistic' and 'selfish' as they related to her thesis so as to distract from his mistake.

But no, that would be poor arguing, he decided, and simply inclined his head to concede the point.

"A good dream," he mused. A hopelessly impractical one, certainly, but then all the best ones were, and it was not as though Charles had any stones to throw on that score.  "Have you any plans as to how to begin realising it?"

He smiled into the last of his wine as they compared the intellectual and moral merits of pigs and courtiers.

"As I said, I am told they are quite intelligent creatures. Some of our brethren could take lessons."

Pembroke, for one.

Another thought struck him.

"And speaking of lessons, Selene, are you interested in continuing our library meetings this season?"

She would have to tell her father, of course, and there would have to be a chaperone, which would doubtless restrict them a little, but he had enjoyed their discussions, and hoped to resume them.

"In the interim I would like to suggest we offer our congratulations to their Majesties, and you could thank the King for your Minerva in person, but I am not sure how appropriate it would be for us to do so, under the circumstances."

Ormonde had given his permission for Charles to continue his attentions, but there was perhaps a difference between that and openly approaching the Royals as a couple, and Charles was loath to provoke the duke. Notorious temper aside, Ormonde had dealt fairly and honestly with him, and it would not do to piss in the other man's porridge in return.

[Blackguard]

The Merry Trio

"Yes, I think both will do," Sedley agreed with an edge to his voice.  "Merriweather shall underwrite it.  He always does."  The playwright looked about the crowd.  "In fact, I am surprised he is not here."  He looked some more.  "He is staying in town.  I can only hope he is not despoiling some innocent at the moment."

"He should be here.  The man is always shopping for new ... friends," Rochester agreed.

"If it was you Johnny, I would assume you were dead drunk at the White," Sedley added.

"Thank you for the lovely thought," Rochester purred.

As for James, the Earl counted each word as he went.  "Just like an Irishman, you mark yourself as a man who chooses independence over peace," Rochester noted flippantly.  "Very well, I shall give it a look.  I do hope that I will not be disappointed."

[Blackguard]

The Toledos

Sophia described Burgoyne to Esteban's satisfaction.  A brief scowl appeared on his face.

"Si, let us wait in line to give our regards.  Then, let us leave early so that we can get you back to the house so that you might lay down."  He had been growing more and more worried with each passing week.

 

[Blackguard]

Dorset and Cambray

"Oh rest assured he was testing you as well.  He does this to establish his perceived dominance.  It is but a game of his.  You handled yourself well.  He hoped to be sending you on your way with tears in your eyes," he explained.  "In that regard, he had to know he would fail.  You are not the porcelain doll that so many ladies are.  You are more like Nell, able to give as well as you get."  In that, he was complimenting Anne.

Hearing her recess description, he shook his head with a smile.  "Ocean waves are not like silk my lady.  They are like pounding surf.  Bath water is like silk.  We should try the baths here together.  How we get you on the men's side of the bath will be a challenge to overcome -- one done with a healthy bribe and an unhealthy hour."  He gave a brief wink.

He saw Kingston in the crowd coming his way.  The two had not seen each other since the previous season. 

[Francis Kirke]

Francis with Frances Stuart Approaching

 

Francis caught the eye of Dorset and gave him the look every gentleman knew about interrupting him with a lady. The one that said 'should I leave you to your flirting, or...'

 

However, his tentative approach of Dorset was cut off by a familiar feminine voice. 

 

Smiling at the Duchess as she came around the front of him, he then bowed prettily.

 

"Good morning, Your Grace," he greeted. There were...so many graces in his life. It might be the one thing he said most often. He would kiss her hand if it was offered.

 

"Many thanks," he replied with another dip of his head, long ringlets falling over his shoulders. He added quietly, "I do not think much of court, the nobility in particular, agrees with your assessment of my worthiness." He sighed and put a smile on once more, "But I am happy for my friends who do not worry over associating with an upstart, though I fear you may find yourself on the next broadsheet...the upstart speaking with the royal duchess. It has that touch to it, alas."

 

If he was a bit more formal and a bit less witty or full of double entendre, that was the reason why.

 

In a way, if the broadsheeters wished to whing about him speaking to his cousin's niece, well...anyone with a knowledge of court families would realize they were both related to the elder Duchess of Richmond and Lennox. It was not so very strange for them to speak.

 

"Your dress is exquisite," he said appreciatively. "The color suits you." 

[James O`Neill]

The Merry Trio

“If I catch your meaning…he sounds truly wretched, he does,” James remarked on the matter of this Merriweather. “Which is, I think, all the more reason to set him and Langdon up against one another. To make them targets of the other’s ire would be sport in and of itself, to say nothing of the bounty and Lord Rochester’s scatological little surprise.”

As Sedley and Rochester exchanged more barbs – something of a theme, evidently – it occurred to James that with every progression of their conversation, the Baron O’Neill of Iveagh would have further reason to be displeased. And yet…

My lord father, you did ask of me to aid in the restoration of O’Neill honor. While these methods may be perverse… It was better to be known as a libertine and a maker of mischief than to not be known at all. Besides, James was still performing his duties to the letter. Better still, he was having fun in the doing.

His constant smirk became a genuine grin as Rochester acquiesced to his request. “Have no fear, my lord. The Rising of the Britons t’is shorter in length than, say, Milton’s magnum opus, so your disappointment would at least be less arduous than you may fear – but you will not find cause for disappointment.” Inwardly, he was certain of its merits but not of its reception, but Rochester was one of the most innovative of the Merry Gang. In the face of that, one could not let onto weakness.

“As for peace, I only disdain it in matters personal. The sin of my Neirin –“ the Prince of the Bards in The Rising, “– is not a political one, but poetic. Surely you two agree that one must live in the manner that they write, is that not so? But Neirin chose the gentleness of love and the wealth that comes with conforming to public demand, and in doing so, lost it all.”

“As you will see, of course.”