Yacht Race - Friday afternoon-evening

[Defiance]

Quote

THAMES ESPLANADE

 

 

 

The Thames River winds past Windsor to the north and west of the Castle. As in London, it provides an expedient route for reaching the royal residence, and is often quite busy with the comings and goings of the nobility as well as the merchant traffic for Windsor Town. On a gentle rise, above the tidal waters and beyond the hustle and bustle of the docks, runs an avenue, two carriages wide, which offers spectacular views of both the waterway and the Castle. In years past, this unobstructed panorama was essential for the security of the keep, but in more peaceful times it has become a popular place for riding, driving, and being seen. Scattered at occasional intervals along the shoulder of the roadway are a few benches which overlook the River and invite passers-by to stop and enjoy the picturesque scene, including the towers of Eton College on the far bank.

The bank of the Thames on the side of the castle was decorated in royal colors for the yacht race. A dais was set up for Her Majesty, her invited ladies, and other royal guests that was draped in red with gold braiding and tassels. It was early yet and few were outside other than the Life Guard and Yeomen of the Guard milling about as things were being finalized.

 

A booth was set up for betting nearby the royal tent for optimal visibility. All bets had to be official and both parties present; as it was a partial charity event and ten percent of the winners  winnings were to go to naval causes, outside bets were not allowed. As a royal-sanctioned event, such rules were obligated to be followed and any caught making illegal side-bets would not be looked on kindly. Of course, there would always be those who were bold and enjoyed crossing lines.

 

A nondescript tent was a staging location for servants and random tasty morsels that would be served, as well as copious amount of drink.

 

A bit down the river, the yachts to be racing could be seen anchored, their crews already busy. 

 

Only two yachts could race at a time, so there would be a few heats before two final racers would be determined. Fine rowboats awaited along the esplanade to take the captains to their vessels.

 

And as if a bell had been rung, courtiers started arriving so close together it almost seemed like large groups arriving! The area sprung to life with conversations and servants bustling around. 

 

By the time a nice crowd had arrived, several notable courtiers also arrived. Lord Ranelagh arrived with his cousin, Lord Shannon (the younger), and Lord Denbigh, his closest friend. Lord Worcester arrived with his lady wife and both of his sons, but he was talking closely to the Duke of Norfolk. The duke's wife wore a smile that did not reach her eyes. She was not speaking to Lady Worcester. Both Hill boys were there too, speaking to Worcester's younger son, who was only a little older.

 

(OOC - if you are looking for a specific NPC, please tag them and we might pull them out for you.)

 

 

[Douglas FitzJames]

Boat races weren't a natural attractant for Douglas, but his conversation with Lord Kingston on Wednesday morning had piqued his interest, and Baron Dundarg was one of the earlier courtiers to arrive on the scene, resplendent in his finest uniform, all crimson velvet and gold edging, Chelsea lace at his throat. He would have liked to have brought Fiona with him as a distraction for her, but the poor girl was still abed with an ankle like an apple. Indeed with both her and Catriona indisposed, he felt oddly alone, representing the family himself.

Not that he was alone of course, he knew quite a number of those at court, though the number who would speak with him was fewer, but he'd decided long ago to care for those who cared for him and not bother with the rest. He was also hoping to catch the Duke of Lauderdale for a few moments; the closing night of the season was to be a masque and that made finding people that much harder.

Hopefully Duncan would be there too; it would do the fellow good to get out and mingle, however little he might feel like it. Perhaps he might even see one of the ladies whom he knew; Bridget Osbourne or Anne Scott. The latter might even have her niece Agnes in tow, she was a pleasant young lady.

All in all the afternoon felt very positive to Douglas, full of excitement and potential; he was looking forward to it. Drawn as ever to the food, the tall Highlander snaffled something to eat off a passing tray and moved towards the river bank to look at the different boats.

[Raconteur]

(placeholder)

It had all been so easy. Gone all to plan!

Her sister, as a Lady to the Duchess of York, was too much occupied to track her younger sister who had come to visit's every move. Let alone imagine that before the day was up would have escaped with the middle son of a merchant. Despite contracts already signed and pledges given by her to another that she had no intention of ever marrying. None! The Yacht Race had come like a sign from Heaven - that Dame Fate was paving the way for their flight. When at last they came as a small grouping down from the Castle, all perfumed and puffed and full of beguiling smiles, but looked after by the Dragon-Lady know as Mrs. Betts. Chattering and looking over the assembling Company especially the men in uniforms her eyes darted about looking for Him and the arranged place of meeting.

Had he managed to hire a boatman  ......  Would he take them upriver and to Freedom   ......

Yet there was also the possibilities of defeat and capture.

She had to be careful of running into any that might already know her or worse her sister.

A hand went to her stomach as if to quell the uneasiness and remove the sick feeling that came and went. 

She had much to lose but that did not sway her for LOVE was all!

Soon the smells of food drew them and she found herself in the company of a very tall man in uniform all crimson and gold.

A pushing figure ran past making her and the Solider bump and she looked up with a smile of apology in her green eyes that were touched with a hint of silver at their centers.

"Oh! Do forgive me SIr ..."

Whispered and then she was gone from his side with just the scent of her perfume to linger.

Not Rose. Not Lavender. Not Lemon.

But a mixture of several that was not a common one worn by those her age or Class.

Her dress and style gave her away despite her attempt to 'dress down'.

She was caught up in the crowds and soon out of his sight.

[Blackguard]

The Royal Chamberlain, the Earl of Arlington, stood with his white staff of office.  Behind him stood three servants in royal livery that could be available as messengers if needed.  Beside him stood Baptist May, the Keeper of the Privy Purse.  Unlike Arlington, who wore staid and dated attire, May wore a coat of gold and had an eruption of fancy white lace at his throat and sleeves.  They were conversing in quiet tones.

* * * * *

Also near the harbor, but far from Arlington was the Earl of Dorset, standing with fellow Gang member Charles Sedley. Dorset had an ivory coat and Sedley wore burgundy.  They were wondering aloud whether Rochester would find his way onto a barge or a yacht.  The man craved attention after all.

* * * * *

The Earl of Oxford stood with his aide John Burgoyne.  Both wore cloaks of blue and had two men behind them with similar cloaks.  They were standing near Arlington and May.

* * * * *

The Duke of Ablemarle stood with his young brother-in-law, Lord Ogle.  Ablemarle wore his Life Guard attire.  He was its Colonel after all.  Ogle seemed to be more interested in watching the ladies in the crowd, and whispering appraisals to Chris Monck.  Lady Ablemarle. Elizabeth Monck, was not at his side.