Quoits | Monday 19th, afternoon (open)

[Hope]

EASTERN TERRACE GARDEN

Unlike the Northern Terrace, the enclosure known as the Eastern Terrace was not merely an expanse of stone. It was instead a more gentle garden, with the familiar geometric shapes in almost perfect symmetry that allowed for a protected stroll without getting lost. Its structure was reassuring and quite different from the wild park beyond the walls of the Castle proper.

With its lush greens and neatly trimmed edges and hardly a flower in sight, the terrace was enclosed by a half way wall, inviting people to lean across it while enjoying the farther view over the Little Park.

 

As the day had cleared an outdoor game for the Queen and her ladies were planned; a game of Quoits.  A simple yet joyful game where players toss iron rings at a central stake (called the Hob) within a circle. A ring that encircles the hob scores two points, a ring closer to the hob than the opponents scores one. 

Her Majesty was dressed in a sea green Mantua, which seemed to be some manner of theme for the day- for nearly all her ladies were also in greens for their garden activity.   

A cluster of the younger ladies were looking at Lady Agnes note book.  "You forgot to write my score." protested one.

"I shall be fine at this game, I am sure." said Dorothea, who's turn it was next, her opponent was Lady Beverly.  The servant whose job it was to return the rings from the circle for the next set of competitors passed one of the blue painted rings to her.   Holding it is both hands, Dorothea approached the edge of the circle. 

"It is a good exercise for the arms." Lady Mountjoy advised to nobody in particular. 

"We shall need more lemonade soon." Lady Doneralie set down her emptied glass on the low wall and moved nearer Her Majesty.  She was dressed in her new sage gown (having been tipped off to the Ladies plans to match by her sister in law Mary).  "I heard  His Majesty is sent for another Yacht from London, perhaps it shall bring reserves of Lemons." said lightly.

  

 

[Sophia de la Cerda]

Sophia had taken a short nap after she returned from walking Aurora, but after a hearty lunch (she was eating for two, after all), she felt restless again and decided to take a walk in the Eastern Terrace Garden. She would have taken Diva with her but the puppy was curled up asleep with the cats. And so she set off by herself, wearing a pretty maternity gown of coral, mint, and yellow stripes, generously trimmed in white lace. Pearls adorned her neck and glimmered in her earlobes.

 

Humming an aria, she entered the garden, noticing that it was occupied by a group of ladies playing Quoits. They were all dressed in green. I wonder whose idea that was, she thought. Her blue eyes lit upon the Queen and she realized that it had probably been hers, as she was attired in the same hue. Deciding to pay her respects, for not doing so would be rude, she approached the group and curtsied as well as possible while carrying an abundance of baby in front of her.

 

“Good afternoon, Your Majesty,” Sophia then curtsied to Lady Mountjoy. "And to you too, Lady Mountjoy,” she said politely as she rose. “I’m not surprised that I’m not the only one enjoying the gardens on such a lovely day.”

[Hope]

Karoline rose her brows in muted surprise when a passer by approached and spoke to her directly, her gaze swinging to Ursula (who usually screened such things - the fact that she did not in this case suggested that she was slipping!)   Lady Doneralie (Mary's sister in Law) was nearby though, what with the quiet talk of lemons.

"Lemonade shall arrive by some means, more likely the Kitchens than London." Annie replied in a buffering sort of manner.   

Ursula, broken from her distraction turned to see the Ambassadors wife, "Good morning Lady Toledo...." she turned to The Queen to add, "You recall the Ladys voice of course."  Which was nearly an introduction for Sophia to approach, though Sophia surely sensed that there was still some irregularity in the air of her unsolicited approach she needed to bridge. 

 

 

 

 

 

[Sophia de la Cerda]

Sophia realized her mistake as soon as she saw the Queen’s raised eyebrows. She should not have addressed her directly but spoken to Lady Mountjoy instead. A crimson blush splashed across her cheeks. Her mind was constantly reeling these days and it was sometimes difficult to concentrate on what she was doing.

 

Not only was she frightened that something would go wrong during the birth that was getting closer by the day, but she also worried about the blunder she had made seven months ago. The baby she was carrying was supposed to be her lover’s, but she feared that it was the wrong lover. If all plans failed, the truth would be revealed as soon as the child slid from her loins and she would break the heart of her beloved Prince forever. 

 

And now this … a lapse in protocol caused by myriad conundrums that she couldn’t push out of her mind. Lady Mountjoy stepped in and spoke to the Queen on her behalf, defusing the awkward situation. Sophia was exceedingly grateful to her and vowed to thank her for it later by sending her a lovely gift.

 

Smiling at the other woman in silent thanks, she waited respectfully for the Queen to respond.

[Nicolette Vauquelin]

However much she believed in fun, Nicolette was not a stirrer by nature, which was the precise reason she did not press herself into Queens Circles. That said, her cousin the young duchess Lucy Seymour, was a lady within that cluster. (Nicci had gone to pains to pacify Lucy' distress when Lisa and she had taken her into confidance of the Family goings on. Lucy, as was natural for a teen, had been worried that it would affect her.)

But today... Nicci was at a loose end.  She was waiting to hear from Anne Elizabeth, but waiting was too dull to spend an entire day upon, even though she took her duty to Duke Buckingham earnestly.  So she'd wandered out, for a stroll in her natural habitat, the gardens.  She was still collecting specimens to press flat in her Cullpeper collection... and then she'd seen the Queens ladies all gathered around a game of Quoits.

Now usually that would have been a reason to make herself absent - but at that rate and in this smaller Windsor Court, she might end up absenting herself from all events.  And so Mlle Vauqueline, dressed in autumnal orange and copper tones, the lacework at neckline trimmed with carnelian beads, moved in towards the ladies and with a gentle smile looked to see if Lucy was about?  She saw The Ambassadors wife was greeting the Grande Elite... and Nicci's mind drifted to hope the funsome poet might also happen by, this, Nicci imagined, might be the perfect location for a Part 2.

[Hope]

"Yes we are, " the young Queen belately replied to Sophia.

Meanwhile the young set of ladies playing quoits laughed aS a miss-throw went far too far past the stake.  Baroness Doneraile turned to see the amusement - just as a gust of wind rushed through the group, disturbing skirts and hair and whisking away her hat - her hand reached for it quickly but too late to catch.  Upon the moment Annie bent and chased after it as it tumbled along the ground. 

Karoline's eyes had been drawn to the excitement, and seeing it, she laughed cheerily... 

 

 

[Aria]

Dressed in green like the Queen’s other ladies, Lucy was trying her best to enjoy the game, but her thoughts kept returning to how her dear little boy was doing. She should have been prepared for a frail child, considering her husband’s ill health, but she had been optimistic that her son would be born strong. Now she worried for him every moment of every day, though she tried her best to hide it.

 

She was quieter than she had been and no longer as exuberant, and she had heard some of the younger girls speculate that she was not yet recovered from a difficult birth. The birth had actually been quite easy. The baby had come early and she had only been in labor for fifteen minutes when it slid from her body. Lucy was also thinner, as she had lost all interest in food.

 

Activity sometimes took her mind off her troubles, and she had even smiled slightly when her last ring had landed right around the hob. It was when a gust of wind blew through the garden that she noticed Nicci. What was she doing here? How did she know that the Queen was unaware of her affair with the King? Lucy hoped she would walk on by, but she stopped and looked around.

 

What should she do? Ignore her or approach her? Her mistress might think it odd if she pretended not to see Nicci, and if she did figure out that the Frenchwoman was sleeping with her husband, she would remember this incident and realize that Lucy had known all along. As she was supposed to be ignorant of the affair, it would be better to speak to her cousin.

 

As her next turn would not be for awhile, she smiled and walked up to Nicci. She admired and envied her nerve but couldn’t tell her so without the chance of her words being carried on the wind. “Good afternoon, Cousin,” she said. “I hope you are enjoying the new season.”

[Sophia de la Cerda]

A burst of wind whipped through the garden before Sophia could say anything else. Her skirts twisted about her legs and for a few horrifying moments, she was afraid she might tumble to the ground. Her Majesty’s attention was caught by one of her ladies who was chasing her hat, and Sophia’s lyrical laughter joined hers.

 

“It seems like the wind wishes to play too,” she said. As an Ambassador’s wife, there was no reason that she should not converse with the Queen. One of Sophia’s duties was to be diplomatic. As her husband had said, she needed to take her responsibilities seriously. And so she was making the first step in following his advice.

 

“I remember playing Quoits as a child,” she continued. Her eyes widened as a sudden thought occurred to her. She turned to Lady Mountjoy. “I would be pleased to keep score if you will allow it, my lady”

 

It was often distracting and confusing to keep score and play at the same time. Having a designated scorekeeper would allow the ladies to concentrate on enjoying the game.

 

[Davina Wellsley]

*Placeholder for Davina*

She had quietly been watching for some time now the little grouping about The Queen.

Her gaze watching the playful game that was being enacted out no doubt to amuse Her Majesty but to also relieve the boredom that managed to set in no matter what was going on.

She watched Lady Mountjoy as well. It was the reason for her being here -  she wanted very much to not only speak to that Lady but to hand back her Household badge of office that she had been unable until now to return.

It was wrapped up in a small piece of linen in her pocket. Was this a hardship? Of course it was. Her whole being had been called into question and yes much was her own fault however innocently it had been meant. She was no longer part of that 'inner circle' of Ladies and probably would never be again. Unless some Miracle happened. But even Buckingham himself was not capable of that despite claims otherwise. She was now on the fringes and, because of her own status as the daughter and sister of a Viscount, she could not be pushed entirely away. But would Lady Mountjoy ever receive her much less listen? Her own silent Prayers would need to heard she knew.

And now came Lady Toledo. Whether by design or accident she was here in all her  ...... abundance ..... seemingly uncaring if her presence might offend not only the Queen but all the other ladies as well. Not everyone believed that a woman in advanced pregnancy should be wandering about here and there when she should be remaining indoors. If the need was felt for venturing out of doors than a calm stroll in a walled garden or some other place was allowed. But Davina had personal knowledge of that Lady and so knew that while Lady Toledo no doubt knew 'the Rules' she was fully determined to bend things to suit herself.

She settled herself into the shadows hidden from view seated on the wooden bench out of the wind.

At the right time she would send a servant to Lady Mountjoy's side and quietly give her a message that Mistress Wellsley would like to see her if she would spare the time.

They would see her to where Davina waited or not.

[Hope]

Any tension was broken by the laughter, while Anne snatched at her hand twice more with it playing a merry game of chase on the wind. 

"Oh you poor dear to not be able to join in." Karoline replied, there being a hint of relief in her voice that she was not in the pregnant state any longer.  The limitations placed on her had been all the worse for the importance to the nation. Though no doubt Lady Toledo’s pregnancy was taken just as seriously by her husband (she supposed). 

"But what if it was found out that Spain was keeping scores for English ladies?" she quipped.  Politics was a fun topic for Karoline, one that was just as every much enjoyable as trade relations and bible debate.  

Lady Mountjoy was truly not herself (but meanwhile was distracted and allowed to be so by Karoline), Ursula released a long sigh and looked off to the distance.  Tears threatened, but she would hold them in check. Her gaze passed by Davina, and the smallest of nods (of acknowledgement of her presence) was given.  Lingering as she did, Davina (who well knew the Queens household dynamics) would perceive that everyone in general were allowing Lady Mountjoy more than usual space.

 

[Davina Wellsley]

There is was.

She had indeed be seen and by all appearances it might be possible for her to actually speak to that Lady  .......

 Davina understood that Lady Mountjoy was being given a rather rare thing - privacy - yet all the while remaining in full view. Making the decision she gave a nod to the young palace page who would deliver the verbal message to Lady Mountjoy and then take their leave. No answer was required. Either she came to where Davina waited or she didn't.

None of the Company would think it unusual for Lady Mountjoy to receive messages - she was not just a Queen's Lady but had many other things that occupied her time and attentions - except for perhaps the Queen. She would notice and perhaps chose to ignore or might well make her own private inquiries or ask the Lady directly. But none of that was in the present moment and so Davina waited sending up a whispered prayer that she would be successful.

[Sophia de la Cerda]

Sophia took the Queen’s comment as evidence that she would have been invited to play if she had not been in the late stages of pregnancy. “Next season I can, after this little one is born.” She smiled, placing one hand on her belly when the baby kicked extremely hard. Luckily, she was able to keep from wincing.

 

The young Countess enjoyed political discussions too, but Esteban would not discuss the topic with her and it rarely came up in conversations with her friends. “It will show that English and Spanish ladies have at least one shared interest.” Sophia grinned mischievously. “Or perhaps I should watch instead and take notes, so it will be said that Spain can learn from England.”

[Hope]

Karoline and Sophia

"Then you shall live life freely again, just as I." Karoline returned, though both aware that the life of ladies of station was never really so free as all that.

The young queen laughed then with Sophia's alternative. "You are a politician Lady Toledo!" she was plainly pleased, and even a little impressed, not having imagined the young blonde to be thus disposed, "So now I wonder it was not mere families arrangements that saw you settled with the Ambassador, but it was a strategy of your own."   Sophia might perceive that anything other than this thought might even disappoint the ambitious queen (for she too had worked her boots off for the match she'd managed to achieve.)

 

Ursula and Davina

Some small distance apart, Lady Mountjoy was broken from her sad thoughts with a messenger.  The lady heard out the message, verbally given, and after a moments pause relayed a message to the lad to give Davina in return.  She murmured something to Karoline who gave a nod of consent, and then Lady Mountjoy moved away to take a slow walk around the wall.  Davina having been invited to join her. 

[Nicolette Vauquelin]

Nicolette had not seen her cousin since the baby had been born, in fact she hardly recognised Lucy who had lost weight and more than that, seemed to have lost some of her essence. 

Content to watch on, she came to wonder if there was some sort of tonic Lucy needed, though nothing came immediately to mind. Women’s issues were the most complex and mystifying, but raspberry leaf tea might be a good start...

She was almost surprised when her Cousin, upon seeing her, came over and warmly greeted.  "Dear Lucy, I wondered if you might be here." Nicci warmly returned, thinking to link her arm though her cousins arm.  Not that Lucy looked ready to collapse, but she definitely presented a more vulnerable air than before.  "Oh but the season has barely begun, and I've nearly no plans for fun made yet. At times like this I am dreadfully jealous of you Lucy, to have your group."  Nicci indicated with a nod the 'group' being all those of the queens ladies.  

Nicci and Lucy had not seen eye to eye previously, but blood was blood, it was a tie that was for a lifetime and might see past little squabbles.  “And what of you Cousin, how do you fare?” Nicci’s question was lightly said, hiding genuine concern.  

[Davina Wellsley]

Ursula and Davina

She saw the massage delivered and then the exchange between Lady Mountjoy and the Queen so she was indeed hopeful of a meeting. it was made clear by the direction that Lady was taking and so Davina made to go to her side.

She hoped that they would be out of sight of all the others'  .......

Coming to that Lady she sank into a reverence offering her greeting which she would hold until being given leave to rise.

This was a time for following the Rules and Protocols and Davina knew it well.

[Hope]

Ursula & Davina

Davina moved to join her swiftly enough, which at another time might have satisfied ego. But Ursula was in a different frame of mind these days, finding the formalities wearying.  "Yes yes..." she gestured for Davina to rise, she herself continued the slow walk wanting none of the fuss. "One day we shall consider ourselves old acquaintances even, let us then dispense with all of that."   

"Have you some cheering news? Please, I could not bear anything but." 

[Davina Wellsley]

She rose and fell into step a bit back from Lady Mountjoy her surprise at the returned greeting going in a direction she had not imagined hidden.

"Cheering news  .....  

Well there is a Wedding to celebrate is there not  ..... And I could not be happier for Lord Chichester! We are friends you see and I have ever wanted him to find a Lady that might bring him Peace and Happiness  ....."

She improvised

"And of more import The Christening is soon to come as well. How is the child  ..... I am sure he must thrive under such care as he receives  ..... There is some gossip as to who might be chosen as Lady Governess of his household  ..... everyone knows it's such an important position after all   ......"

"Oh and a Carnival arrives ..... with giant beasts with long trunks   ..... shall you dare to ride one Lady Mountjoy  ...... Perhaps His Majesty shall ask for a race and then allow wagers to be placed  ...... I wonder who would be best to win  ...... Perhaps Lord Mountjoy  ........

She rattled on quietly with her nonsense all the while stealing looks at the Lady before her who was clearly at odds about something.

[Hope]

"Yes I had heard of your interest in him, and he is converted now too.  There was a time I had thought... but that is no matter." She was greatful for the distraction, though the dark thoughts that gripped her were not eased. "We recieved the invites of course, not so many weddings are done in season, so that is a out of the usual thing."

Then Davina spoke of the baby born, Ursula's hand unconciously drifted to her empty belly and her gaze became distant. Whatever her thoughts at that moment, she kept them to herself.  Perhaps it were to to Davina's favour that she did not think about the assasination plot. 

Next topic was the circus.  "It does not hold much appeal... I take it you are eager to attend?" Though Ursula did not think Davina was the elephant riding type. 

[Davina Wellsley]

something is off  .....

Her thoughts took in all the words being said by the other and her style of manner and so came to that conclusion.

"Yes we have been friends for years now. Will you attend the wedding perhaps? I have sent a wedding gift - I embroidered something which I hope the new Countess will like. It is hard not knowing a person is it not when it comes to that sort of thing."

"Eager? I would not use that word. My cousin, the other Henry Howard, has assigned himself to play my knight. He is newly returned to Court and paid me greetings last Thursday. I suppose it was that I was bored so I am allowing him to escort and even to read fortunes."

"I have no elusions at all and I will not fall prey to all his silly talk."

"As for elephant rides - no. But a wager or two is harmless after all."

"I am sure that Her Majesty will give you leave if you wish to attend with Lord Mountjoy. Sometimes doing something outside your boundary provides the relief you seek."

She could not come right out and ask naturally what, if anything, was troubling her so she made to offer what she hoped was encouraging words.

[Hope]

"The Howards are a large family." Ursula nodded, remembering Diana Howard who had briefly shone at court before, as oft happened with women, some such retired her to the country. "And is your Henry Howard Catholic still? I have heard that a number of the relatives are quite distressed at the Dukes directive." 

Not that she wanted to talk about religion either, she well knew Davina's wishes on that score, furthermore that she'd dug her heels in at the compromise of marrying an Anglican lord.   Davina seemed not interested in marriage, and her point made of not having interest in Henry's silly talk confirmed this. 

"I dare say my Husband would like to go hunting atop an elephant, such a vantage point.  Though he might just as easily take it into his head to hang it's head trunk and all in our entrance way." Her voice softened to talk about Charles, who’s interest in trophies seemed to have grown in direct relation to how dismayed she was at their continued accrual.  It was a game between them. 

Davina spoke of the 'relief you seek' (Ursula was not surprised that it was that obvious she needed a break).  "And what of you, you have enjoyed new perspective from your  respite?" Though of course Davina’s sabbatical had been non voluntary. 

 

  

[Davina Wellsley]

"Of course. But he may yet see the correct path  and by doing such curry the Duke's favor."

"I remember that Lord Mountjoy has this passion but perhaps this type of thing is indeed far too big of an undertaking? And its owner might not take kindly to its killing after all yet I suppose some arrangements might be made if it is warranted."

"Have a care for this uneven ground  ...."

She quietly advised and would offer to help the other around it if was needed.

"My respite ..... Ah you mean my new place with Prince Rupert ....  Well it is different in all truth. I have been given a task while sounding good might well be difficult. His Highness wished to transfer the East Terrace Garden from what we see to some other shape and color."

"He has asked me to arrange by colors those that go best and complement but I do not like the idea of uprooting those lovely roses. But I needs must do as commanded."

"Oh! Perhaps there is something that you might be able to help me with? You have a keen observation after all."

She flattered yet what she said was a thing known to many Courtiers especially those on the Queen's side.

[Sophia de la Cerda]

Karoline and Sophia

 

“In truth, I look forward to that. It is a joy to carry this little life within me, but at this late stage, I long for it to be over so I can hold my baby in my arms.”

 

Sophia was delighted that the Queen chose to converse with her. She had not given up her goal of befriending her. When the young blonde had first arrived at court, she had wanted to become a lady-in-waiting but she had lost that chance when she married a Spaniard. However, being the wife of an Ambassador was even better as it had raised her in status and gave her a reason to socialize with royalty.

 

She beamed at the Queen’s compliment.   “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

 

As for how her marriage was arranged, she didn’t have to lie to please her. All she had to do was tell the truth.  Stepping forward so that nobody else would be able to overhear her words, she whispered conspiratorially: “You are very perceptive. Don’t tell anyone else this, but I recognized His Excellency’s ambition and potential and did everything in my power to convince Lord Kingston to allow us to marry. He was against the match at first.

 

“My lord husband wasn’t the Ambassador then but he was working toward it and I knew that he would be successful. I like to think that I might have had something to do with his promotion by impressing the Prime Minister with my voice.” That wasn’t all she had impressed him with, but the rest must remain a secret.

[Aria]

Nicci and Lucy

 

Lucy didn’t pull away when Nicci linked her arm through hers. Being seen as close to her cousin would make her shock more believable when the truth came out about the Frenchwoman’s relationship with the King. And she wanted to spend some time with Nicci before they became ‘enemies.’ She would have to pretend to hate her in order to keep her position. Being dismissed and having a sickly child would deepen the despair that had wrapped its tentacles around her soul.

 

Nicci had already instigated some fun. Lucy had heard about the bonfire. It had been impossible not to notice the smoke and the group of ladies that her cousin envied had been full of gossip about the event. Some of them even believed that the King had been there. Knowing of Nicci’s relationship with the monarch, Lucy guessed that they were right.

 

“I’m sure it won’t be long before you are in the midst of merriment again,” she replied. “Being a part of such an ambitious group of ladies is not always fun and games. But I do feel lucky to have them. They have been very understanding and have offered me compassion and comfort during this distressing time in my life.”

 

Lucy sighed. “I am as well as can be expected, I suppose. Every moment of every day is spent worrying about my precious son. Every time letters are delivered, I pray that none of them are for me, for that means that he is not getting worse.” She stopped suddenly and looked at Nicci with imploring blue eyes. “Do you know of some herbs that might help him become stronger?”

[Nicolette Vauquelin]

Nicci and Lucy

The French mademoiselle was pleased when Lucy continued with warmth. The pair really should hae been close friends, in blood there was no other woman closer to Nicci than her mother.  But Lucy was less dominant than her elder brother, and Louis as head of the household had been the one to take Nicci under wing.  There was the age difference too, Lucy was many years younger than Nicci.

"La I hope so." She crooned, and then rose an eyebrow at Lucy's mention of ambitious ladies. Ambitious ladies within the Queens household.  "Do you think so, hmm, I have thought it more of a nursery where the young women can be watched over."

"Oh, though it is a privileged position you are in of course. But still, there is much that you are excluded from due to your position."  Nicci was not trying to be the devil on Lucy's shoulder, but spoke what she saw as the truth.  

"Though perhaps you are content as things are, and do not look for new circles to ah... conquer? It just now occurs to me that if you wished it I would be delighted to act as your companion if you want to dare something outside of the household. For instance, there is a Circus arriving to Windsor, did you know. Perhaps we should go together?" 

Loosing a quiet sigh she then appologised, “I am sorry if I have not been there for you during those difficult times you speak of.”

[Hope]

Karoline and Sophia

“They are so small and delicate.” Karoline warmly reflected in response, “I had never been let so near a new baby until it was my own.  A new baby is truly a miracle upon earth.”

And she well understood Sophia’s impatience, the nearer ‘the time’, the longer the days became.

Status wise Sophia was much raised due to her marriage, so she was nearer to a peer than many others kept in her household.  Still, it was a unique conversation that then ensued on the topic of ‘marrying up’.  “Ah, this is possibly the modesty of Lord Kingston’s nature, he’s perhaps the last person to overstep.  But well done that you did not settle for less than was possible. It is a bit easier for woman really, in that regard, it quite often happens that a woman marries a higher rank.  But less so for gentlemen.  Although, consider Lord Mountjoy, he was but a Viscount I think, and married a Marchioness.” She dropped her voice at this last revelation, with a glance towards Ursula who was some distance away talking with Davina.

 

Davina and Ursula

"That would be clever of him, though who is to know if he has realised this, men are not always insightful to the social implications.”

Now detatched, they conversed in a different manner than before, Ursula did not attempt to instruct Davina, instead they talked just as women who shared experiences of the times. 

“Such divets.” She commented upon the uneven ground Davina warned, “Have the men been playing at Palle-malle and spoilt the turf.”

“Hmm.” She nodded upon hearing of Cumberland’s instruction, “I think the term is 'garden duty', which while pleasant enough is not the true focus at hand.” She gently commented, “This is but a pause, I believe your desired future far above that.”

Ursula intuited that Rupert was not truly troubled by the gardens, and that this was but a passage of time wherein Davina might remake herself to a position that she might truly suit (while safely under his oversight.)

“I would but comment, as in my own case, that the most elevated position, while with prestige is also a great burden of service.  There is a saying isn’t there, ‘be careful of what you wish for’.  You might be surprised to learn that I am also intent for a self directed gardening duty, that I may refresh. ”

[Davina Wellsley]

Davina and Ursula

They were as if two other people so odd was this exchange between them. Lady Mountjoy spoke of some other reasonings behind her current placement.

"My Future? Why does everything have to be said in riddles  ...."

She huffed as they moved around the displaced ground.

"What you intimate is not what was meant. You are privy to EVERYTHING and as such understand how much I have lost and will like as not never recover. What possibly could I 'wish for'?"

"And you think I want to climb to such a great height  .... please enlighten me Madam  .... for I have not a clue  ..."

But even curiouser was Lady Mountjoy seemingly to reveal that she wished for what Davina had now 

"If you mean to imply that you have a need to simply discard your "Duties' for some length of time to reflect than I find no surprise in it. You carry much on narrow shoulders and have to make so many parties content when that is not ever an easy thing. Those of our sex fully understand Obligations. Tis difficult to  create more than one of us and you have a heavy Taskmaker. She is Queen but also an intimate and now Mother and so you must pander to each. And so you must add in Wife. I, as well as many others, have much respect for that. I can not pretend to understand all the sides but I do for Her Majesty and all that it requires."

She paused in her steps as she was struck with a sudden thought

"What I will say might seem outrageous  ..... Yet might indeed be the very thing  ..... How odd that it should happen this way  ....."

"Will you hear it?"

She asked directly her gaze level with the others.

[Hope]

Davina and Ursula

Davina seemed to get upset, though that was hardly Ursula's desire. She wanted nothing so much as to speak eye to eye, she was weary of the role of authority.  Yet she could herself sighing, "Please take a breath, I did not intend to insinuate anything. Though it must not be a surprise that courtiers delight to talk in riddles.  If only that is is easier for them to evade offense there by."

The young woman was less surprised that Ursula thought to take a break from her role, and cited just a few of the reasons that Ursula had expressed to her own husband when discussing this. Though Davina did not know the catalyst to this all. Was not aware of the miscarriage in the recess. This however had broken Ursula heart, not even that it was her first miscarriage - but that it was to be the last.  Her husband held out a hope that some different doctor would say differently, but Ursula was not such the optimist. 

Ursula felt in need of a spell at Brighton.

"What is this thing?" she replied as Davina hesitated.

 

[Davina Wellsley]

Davina and Ursula

She scolded but did not offer any reasonings as to Davina's aspirations.

"His Highness has said that I may have one or two ladies to assist me and there-in lies my problem."

"I thought Lady Oakham - because she did have the Garden Society - but it became her wanting to stage competitions amongst all the Ladies for prized with herself basically taking my place."

"But she did apologize later." Said because it was true.

"Might you join me Lady Mountjoy? You have just spoke of wanting to garden yourself ..... might this not provide some solace while Court is here?"

"No monies I am afraid but fresh air and flowers and hands enough to do anything we ask."

"Naturally you must attend Her Majesty first but the invitation will be there for you when ere it is possible."

She paused and let out a small sigh.

"Now you will scold me again for being presumptuous and rightly so."

"Twas a silly thought and best to just ignore it."

"Perhaps Lady Winchilsea might be better after all. If she is even interested  ......"

She mutter the last under her breath clearly the topic was a worrying one for Davina.

[Aria]

Nicci and Lucy

 

“I wouldn’t call it a nursery. A schoolroom, perhaps, since we are taught so many things that will help us succeed at court. We are watched over, and safe, though we don't get along all the time.” Lucy shrugged. “We all have different personalities and we spend most of our time together. Sometimes we get on each other’s nerves but at the end of the day, we have each other’s backs.”

 

The young Duchess wondered what Nicci meant about exclusion. She believed that she was given more opportunities than most ladies because she served the Queen and wasn’t missing out on anything important. Surely her cousin wasn’t suggesting she become a libertine!

 

“I’m already accepted in the most respected circles at court,” she replied. “I’ve achieved what most ladies work a lifetime for. And we do get quite a bit of free time to spend however we wish.”

 

Lucy sighed when Nicci mentioned the circus. “I have heard about it. I wasn’t planning to go because it seems wrong to enjoy myself when my little boy is fighting for his life. I don’t think I would be much fun, even though I am curious about it."  There was a wistful tone in her voice.  It might not take much convincing to change her mind.

 

She noticed that Nicci did not answer her question about herbs. “There is no need for apologies. Nothing you or anyone else could do would have changed what happened.” Lucy squeezed her cousin’s hand. “I appreciate the sentiment, though.”

[Sophia de la Cerda]

Karoline and Sophia

 

“I have never been near a new baby either,” Sophia confessed. “I’m not even certain how to hold one, but perhaps my instincts will guide me. If not, the midwife will show me how.” She grinned at the the Queen. “Though she might not be able to convince me to let my child go.”

 

As to her marriage: “My lord husband was only a Baron when we married. Lord Kingston didn’t think he was good enough for me. I took a chance by wedding Lord Toledo because I saw what he was capable of.”

 

Sophia knew little about Lord Mountjoy, even though they had once been neighbors. She remembered how interested Aurora had been in the peacocks when she had taken her monkey on walks by his house. “It does seem more difficult for a gentleman to achieve a higher standing by marriage, but they can be raised in status by their monarch. My lord husband was given the title of Conde on our last visit to Spain. And I expect him to rise even higher.”

 

Maybe Juan would elevate him to Duque when she gave her royal lover his long-awaited heir.