Reception side thread: Mountjoy and Eleanor

[Eleanor Bayning]

He really was terribly kind, and knowledgeable too, as he immediately picked her family's centre of power. The Baynings held large estates in Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk, beautiful parts of the country. "You know your peerage." She confirmed admiringly. "Our family home is Honingham Hall." Sudbury Hall was owned by the Vernon's, and a very new construction, whilst her family's home dated to the turn of the century. And it was true that he didn't leave his estates for London very often. Her expression turned more serious behind the flicking of her fan. "My father observes his duty to our country's governance of course, but he has always said that he comes to London for business, not for pleasure." She said carefully. Was that saying too much? She knew that he didn't go to London often, certainly only for what he considered matters of import which she supposed were particular sessions of Lords, so she considered it was reasonable that Lord Mountjoy didn't know him. Certainly she had difficulty visualising him at such a gathering, and doubted he socialised much. He certainly didn't divulge much about his trips to his young daughter. 

Eleanor's blue eyes widened slightly as Mountjoy provided details of his own family's involvement at court in turn. "Oh, how wonderful to be able to serve Her Majesty!" She exclaimed, deeply impressed. Surely Mountjoy could be no Libertine if he was in the service of the Queen - and his wife, alas but he was married but clearly to a very respectable woman. She had heard that whilst His Majesty was known as the Merry Monarch, Her Majesty was quite proper and indeed had turned a number of the King's mistresses out of central London. "It must be such an honour. She is truly a blessing on the Kingdom, and with the arrival of the new heir..." Well, what more need be said? The kingdom had wanted for an heir, even she knew that James was not so well favoured, being Catholic. But until now Charles II had fathered only those he shouldn't. Katherine had changed all that. 

And he meets with the King. Even as he complimented her and humoured her enquiry about his fabulous fashion, Lord Mountjoy let that little detail slip. For all that broken axle, clearly God was smiling on her today, to have made such a wonderful new acquaintance so soon after her arrival. He was one she must cultivate, but such would hardly be a hardship given that he was such delightful company. "Surely Mr Dalliard delights in having such a refined gentleman to clothe." Especially one who would take his magnificent creations before the King. She blushed again as he commented on her own attire. "The embroidery is my own work." She admitted quietly, eyes downcast, not wanting to seem to be big-noting herself, though she was quite proud of it. Then the thought occurred that doing the work herself might make her seem terribly provincial. "My mother would have had it done of course, but it is something of a passion of mine." She added quickly to clarify, not wanting Mountjoy to think that they could not afford such things. "Ah but to work so heavily in gold wire." She quickly diverted the attention back to his own attire, which was truly magnificent. "Might I... might I be so bold as to ask to see your cuff more closely?" If her mother had been present she'd likely have cleared her throat or stepped on her daughter's toe in that moment, but she wasn't there. 

It was a lack that Lord Mountjoy didn't fail to notice, as he asked after her chaperone. If she had not already established that he could hardly be a Libertine, she might have wondered if he was seeing an opportunity. But no, surely so good a gentleman was simply looking out for her. Still, her cheeks coloured a slightly deeper pink, for she did indeed live in fear of making some subtle faux pas and not even realising it. She glanced over her shoulder for a moment, confirming that the figure she was looking for was still there. "No Monsieur, my chaperone is there." She nodded in the direction of an older woman dressed plainly but well in the manner of an upper class servant. The woman lingered a few yards away by the wall, out of the general swirl of nobility, watching them with a neutral expression. "Mary gives me a measure of grace." So long as I prove worthy of it. Not that she intended to do any different. Mary had been her nurse for her entire young life, more of a mother figure than Lady Bayning, and was now her chaperone. She had of course had teachers and governesses, but this woman she trusted and respected above all. 

"But I am to meet a family member." She explained. "My mother is a Grey, and distant cousin to Lord Grey of Codnor Castle." The Greys were another family, sprawling and with titles on various branches, who didn't seem to spend a lot of time at court. But there was one here. "However Lord Grey is currently engaged in conversation, and of course I would not intrude." This time she gestured with her fan lightly in the other direction, to where Henry Grey and Lady Lucas stood outside of the press, clearly deep in some discussion. "So your company is quite the boon. You have my gratitude." Who wouldn't enjoy the pleasant company of so refined a gentleman?

[Charles Blount]

 

“My father passed when I was very young and the unpleasantness proceeding the King’s coronation had caused my grandfather to retire from public life thus I had no close family members to ease my acclimatization but as there has always been a Blount at court I was readily accepted and was able to establish myself relatively quickly and become familiar with its peculiarities. His Majesty, although he demands the respect due to him, is quite approachable and is most happy when he and his courtiers are having a pleasant time. So those with whit and ability can always stave off boredom and find pleasant diversions. Why I myself ofttimes recite the classics to the Queens Ladies and that cherubic gentleman over there.”  He indicated Lord Kingston. “Is known for indulging in inspiring games of latrones and that gaggle over there…” This time he indicated the group surrounding Rochester. “Is the association known as the Merry Gang. They are infamous for staving off boredom but if I may offer some advice, I would advise you to shy away from their form of stimulation.”

He acknowledged the compliment about his knowledge of the peerage. “You are most kind. It is an affectation of mine to endeavor to be knowledgeable on the subject. A task that I do not always fulfill.” His knowledge of the Baynings was cursory at best and many peers preferred their estates to London. “I consider it a great privilege to serve Her Majesty who is kindness and consideration herself. And her service to the Kingdom in providing an heir gives her great honor. I would venture that as great as the expressions of joy are for the new prince, none exceeds my own.” The last was said with obvious sincerity. “I dearly hope that, after a period of well-earned rest, she resumes her place as the fairest ornament of the court.”

Despite being new to court Eleanor exhibited her good breeding in moderating her shyness, curiosity and politeness in such a way that complimented each other and presented a very favorable impression. Her traits were exemplified yet again as she complimented his attire and exhibited a genuine appreciation not only for the costliness but for the workmanship. “Mr. Dalliard will be inordinately pleased with your appreciation of his craft. Much like Chefs, Taylors can be prima donnas and the better the craftsman the more indulgent one must be. I must say that I have taken his talents for granted and your interest has awoken a new appreciation in me.” When she stated that her embroidery work was her own he was impressed. Most Ladies embroidered as it was an expected pastime for them but few embroidered well. “Your own work you say. My that is an achievement for it is as fine as any I have seen. It would be the height of frivolity to send out when clearly your talent is superior.”

Eleanor’s passion for embroidery was evident by her handiwork so her next request was not as odd or out of place as it would ordinarily seem. Still the question took him unawares as he had never been propositioned so by a Lady and he was unsure how to gentlemanly exhibit his cuff but it was difficult to deny a request from a Lady. He complied by lifting his arm as if to stroke his chin and turning his wrist to and fro. He half expected Lord grey to come barreling up yelling ‘How dare you impugn the honor of my cousin Sir by brazenly displaying your cuff so!’  He had even more lavish ornamentation on his waistcoat but he daren’t call attention to it for the result might necessitate a duel between Lord Grey and himself.

“Mary gives you a measure of grace? How very Catholic that sounds.” He quipped feeling that after the intimacy of showing ones cuff he was at liberty to be droll. “But it is proper that you are not completely left to faire quelque chose tout seul (do something alone) as the French would put it but to be worthy of your your gratitude I will be delighted to act as your escort until your noble cousin is separated from the estimable Madam Lucas, for that is the name of the Lady he is conversing with, and is able to welcome you properly.”

[Eleanor Bayning]

"I'm sorry for your loss." Eleanor said sympathetically when Mountjoy revealed that his father had passed when he was young, so that he hadn't had that role model or helping hand on his arrival at court. Clearly he hadn't suffered for the lack, but it explained perhaps some of his sympathy for others in a similar situation. She of course had not lost either parent, but they were not here. Both preferred the countryside; she didn't think her mother had ever been to London, though perhaps that was pure naiveté. "I intend to write regularly to my mother and father, so perhaps I shall tempt one or other of them to court, and have the privilege of introducing you." Lord Mountjoy would definitely feature in her first letter. He was such a kind gentleman, describing the nature of court to her and even pointing out certain individuals. The idea that His Majesty was not only approachable but took an interest in the enjoyment of his courtiers was something that Eleanor had a difficult time reconciling with the distant image she had formed in her mind. She would not ever imply that Blount would lie to her, but if she ever had the privilege of being in the Royal presence she would observe how others approached him first. She still found the thought that anyone might be bored at court somewhat challenging, and listened with interest as he pointed out certain key figures, eternally grateful. Certainly she would avoid the 'Merry' Gang, their name alone was explanation enough. A young, unwed lady was certainly not merry. She did note that there was one lady amongst them right now, poor thing. 

Eleanor smiled slightly behind her fan as Lord Mountjoy declared that his own joy at the arrival of the new Royal Heir might be the greatest, amused not at what might sound like boasting, but at the man's obvious sincerity. "Do you not think that His Majesty's joy, perhaps, might be greater?" She suggested gently, an amused light in her blue eyes, poking ever so gentle fun at this clearly dedicated servant of the Royals. Ah to be in such a position. "But I laud your devotion." The continuation of the royal line was surely a relief to the Three Kingdoms. Like Mountjoy, Eleanor hoped that The Queen would soon return to court. It would be something indeed to at least be able to say that she had seen her. And it wasn't the only line that Mountjoy was interested in tracking, though if she read between his words correctly, he might have admitted less familiarity with her own. "My father is the 3rd Viscount Bayning." She explained easily. "Our lands are mostly in Essex and Suffolk." Though their main seat as in Norfolk. "The 1st Viscount Bayning financed James Lancaster's 1595 Expedition which captured Recife." That was during the Anglo-Spanish warm, and hinted at the family's mercantile origins, though the first Viscount's father had also served as Sheriff of London. And that was really all there was to say about the Baynings; they were comfortably wealthy and kept quietly to themselves in the country.

The young lady's cheeks pinked prettily at the compliment over her work. She did enjoy her embroidery, and appreciate that she seemed to have some natural skill. So long as no one asked about her sketching she would be fine. "That is very kind of you." She said demurely as he praised her skill. Then, wonder of wonders, the gentleman raised his hand as though to scratch his chin, bringing the cuff of his justacorps up into the light, the metallic embroidery flashing as he moved. She was thrilled, and studied the needlework as closely as she might, given the setting. "Superb." She breathed admiringly, then lowered her gaze again, suddenly self-conscious and, realising that she had taken a step forward, carefully stepped back again, her hands clasped before her in an almost penitent pose. She had, of course, noticed the even more detailed embroidery on the body of his justacorps, and the waistcoat beneath, but it would be entirely improper to ask to examine those; the cuff was just about acceptable. Alas but her girlish fantasy of undressing Lord Mountjoy and absconding with the more heavily embroidered articles of his attire for further study could only ever be that. "Thank you for humouring me." She knew she was going to hear from Mary later about that one. Her manner was subdued but a moment, as the fan flicked up and began it's graceful dance once more. "Please, do convey my admiration to Mr Dalliard, should an appropriate opportunity present itself. How wonderful to retain the services of his atelier."  

A coy little smile appeared behind the flicking fan as Mountjoy declared that her being given grace sounded almost Catholic. "Not Catholic no," never that, "but my own little touch of humour. For you see, my middle name is Grace." Of course, it was a joke usually held between herself and Mary, but it had slipped out. Perhaps he might find some amusement from it. Certainly she hoped she could somehow repay his kindness in offering to be her escort until her cousin had finished his conversation. Madam Lucas. She committed the name to memory. That Lord Mountjoy not only gave her the names and advice she needed, but did so effortlessly, was a measure of the man's own grace. "I was to have contacted Lord Grey yesterday evening, that we might arrive at the reception together." She explained. "But alas my coach broke it's axel and we had to spend last night in an Inn." At least it had been a good inn, and of course Mary had been with her at all times. "So I had simply thought to find him here." Which she had, pending a little patience. 

She thought about what Mountjoy had said, about those of wit and ability staving off boredom with pleasant diversions. She still felt astounded that anyone could be bored at court, but also intrigued; no doubt there were some activities that were favoured as entertaining passtimes. Certainly she wouldn't dream of doing anything alone; Mary was there for her protection. But perhaps she might undertake some acceptable activities with other courtiers as well. "What sort of pleasant diversions does a man of your obvious wit and ability employ, to stave off boredom whilst at court?" She asked, genuinely interested. 

Edited November 18, 2022 by Eleanor Bayning

[Charles Blount]

Mountjoy’s father had died when he was less than a year old so he did not have any particular recollections of the loss. His Grandfather had stepped in to provide a father figure and his time at Oxford and the tribulations he had to endure to regain his inheritance had done much to shape the man that he was. But the condolences were politely given and were politely received. He thought her childlike exuberance of his lace charming but was completely oblivious of her more womanly emotions. He did listen as she divulged some information on her family and their pedigree. They seemed solidly respectable and given her age no doubt thought to advance her marriage prospects by having her introduced to court. He then chuckled at her mild reproof “Well, I suppose I can concede that His Majesty’s joy may exceed my own without diminishment.” He left it unsaid that he also felt a measure of relief at avoiding the friction that would undoubtedly be created if the Duke of York were to take the throne.    

“You are most welcome how could I ever refuse such pleasant request. I shall endeavor to treat Mr. Dalliard’s creations with more appreciation in future.” She then offered an explanation of her situation at court as well as respond in kind to his mild jest. “I see. It is so good to have a congenial relationship with one’s domestics. They must know their place of course but long serving and devoted servants are deserving of some leniency.” He was interested to hear about the interruption of her plans. “What a kerfuffle. There must be a serious deficiency in the state of carriages for almost the same thing happened to the Margravina and I as a wheel broke and upset our carriage. We were obliged to stand in a ditch for an hour as it was replaced. The main roads are normally quite good but such are the hazards of traveling. I feel for your tribulations but cannot help but be delighted in that it allowed for the opportunity for this amiable encounter.”

“My duties to the Household, government and the Lords do not frequently leave me in want of activity. I do like to hunt and ride… but really who does not. I have my books and have become enamored with collecting Meissen porcelain and inopportune the Electoral workshop every change I get for new acquisitions.” He was about to go on but became aware of the tumult that proceeded the arrival of their Majesties and was now put into an unfortunate predicament. The arrival would necessitate him joining his wife in the royal party but he could hardly be so uncouth as to abandon Eleanor but, as he had not been formally introduced, he could hardly present her as an acquaintance besides to do so would impose on the prerogative of Lord Grey. He mentally chided himself for putting himself in this predicament by bending etiquette but there was not much that could be done at this point.

“I believe the royal suite is approaching and my Ladywife is bound to be in attendance upon the Queen. I do hope that if Lord Grey is unable to join us you would not take it amiss for me to act in his stead.”         

[Eleanor Bayning]

A little warm feeling suffused Eleanor as it seemed that her first introduction at court, and to so fine a gentleman, was proceeding well. They seemed to have a common appreciation of fine apparel, he was sympathetic to her situation as a nouveau courtier and he even chuckled at her humour. She was quite in awe of his position and admiring of his genteel and gracious manner. And he was right, she was fortunate to have such a good relationship with Mary, who was very much a mother figure to her. Of course Mary knew her place, but there was a genuine affection for each other as well. Still, she couldn't help but agree with Lord Mountjoy about the kerfuffle of her arrival, and was surprised to hear that he and his wife had suffered a very similar difficulty. The Margravina? That must be his wife; clearly he had married well! "Perhaps the quality of wood in use in coachwrighting would bare examination?" She suggested mildly, knowing that he was right of course, travel was always hazardous and the road was most likely to blame. "I fear we would have more control of the the wood than the roads." She acknowledged. "But I share your delight, and cannot count it a misfortune when it facilitated our most pleasant meeting." Truly, Lord Mountjoy had done much to make her feel at home in the foreign situation that was court. 

It did indeed sound as though her companion led a busy life, but she listened, intrigued, as he described his interests. Riding and hunting were common of course, Eleanor herself enjoyed riding though she preferred to cheer on the hunters than take part herself. But she did enjoy stories of daring-do. As for the porcelain, that was a very new thing, she had heard, and apparently he was sending all the way to the Saxony workshop for it! How wonderful to be able to indulge his tastes so. And the title with which he referred to the woman she assumed was his wife... "Would I be too bold in thinking that you have a family connection to the Electorate, through your esteemed lady wife?" She asked diffidently. That would would be terribly convenient in satisfying his taste for the new porcelain. Truly she was greatly enjoying this little window into the lives of two successful courtiers, and it strengthened her thought that whilst it would be a fine thing to wed a man who was well titled, it would be even finer if he were also wealthy. 

A kerfuffle near the main entrance surely heralded the arrival of not one courtier but an entire party, and certainly it seemed to grab Lord Mountjoy's attention. After a moment he explained that this must be the Royal Arrival and Eleanor's eyes widened as she held her fan against her lips to hide her anticipation. She had of course expected the Royals to be at court, that was the point, but the prospect of now seeing them in the flesh made what had been a distant concept suddenly immediate. Lord Mountjoy confirmed that his wife would be amongst them, and he would be expected to take his place in the Royal Presence as well. Of course he would, that was only logic. But her heart skipped a beat as this kindest of gentlemen asked if he might stand in for Lord Grey, if Henry wasn't able to join them. Surely that would mean accompanying Mountjoy into the Royal Presence! For a moment her mind froze, and it was perhaps fortunate that she had her fan against her lips, obscuring her expression. The Royals the royals the royals... ... ... wake up girl!

"I... I would be deeply honoured if you would, Lord Mountjoy." She managed to say at last, cursing the slight shake in her voice as she began to speak. Breathe. "You have been kindness incarnate to me." And that was the simple truth. "But only if such would not impede you in your duties to Their Majesties." She certainly didn't want to be causing any problems, for either her kind new acquaintance, or the Royals. "I would not be a hindrance to either you, or them." Still shaken, the young woman was also torn. On the one hand she hoped that Lord Grey would show up in time to unencumber Lord Mountjoy of his self-appointed protection of her, but on the other hand a quiet little part of her suggested that if Lord Grey were late, she might just land herself a Royal introduction. It was an unfamiliar thought, for she was never the type to put herself forward, but some little part that hadn't quite been educated out of her, sensed an opportunity.

OOC: I'll move us back to the main thread. Thank you for a fun conversation!