Yacht Race - Friday afternoon-evening

[Blackguard]

Perhaps women sensed unease more easily than men.  Mountjoy's unease was not lost on the Queen and Sophia.  So too did other ladies around the Queen perceive. Perhaps it was the great familiarity the Marquess and his wife enjoyed.

As Blount approached the Queen directly, a guard's back may have stiffened, but no action was taken.  The lord had the trust of the royal family.

"Lord Mountjoy," the Queen addressed again, this time the humor in her face drained, "is there a problem?"  His look was serious, and with a brief glance at her ladies, they stayed back to give Blount a small measure of privacy.

The King's triumphant progress ashore was forgotten in the moment.  The roar of voices around the platform made words harder to hear but the swirl created a welcome barrier of privacy in which Mountjoy could speak.

[Sobriety]

Davina, Anne-Elizabeth and Carnarvon

"A pleasure Lady Cambray, Mistress Wellsley." The Earl replied with an easy smile, even as he searched his memory. Baintree... there was some link to the Howards, he thought. She might be Catholic. Countess Cambray was presumably married; the title wasn't bringing any major links to his mind. Still, both seemed pleasant and Mistress Wellsley was positively welcoming. 

The Earl settled himself easily into the chair that Davina summoned, clearly not using his cane for anything more than an affectation. "Thank you, very kind." The servant who drew near with a tray of drinks at her suggestion walked away one drink lighter as Carnarvon took advantage of the offer, noting the rather forthright look the Countess of Cambray was giving him, along with the warning about the ale. "Oh yes, someone has added a little something warming, have they?" He asked, amused, before sipping his drink. It was an old trick to catch out the unwary, but a welcome supplement on a windy day. "A bane on a hot day and a boon on a cold one." He observed. 

As the trio settled again the boats came around the bend in the Thames. "It rather looks like the answer to my question is 'The Margrave'." He observed, noting the boat in contest against the King. "Good show." The two were neck and neck but the Royal yacht was first over the finish line. "And there we have it." Just like that the excitement of the event was over. He wouldn't be so crass as to ask if either of the ladies had been able to place any bets, that would be at the discretion of their menfolk. 

"Where is Cambray, if you don't mind my asking?" He said, directing the question at Anne-Elizabeth, though glancing at Davina to include her in the conversation. She'd introduced herself as an unwed sister, but looked rather more mature than your run of the mill debutant. He wondered whether there was a story there. 

[Henry Grey]

Eleanor, Henry, and the Italians

If they had been alone and Cesare had confided the circumstances in which he had used a telescope, Henry would have agreed with him that commoners tended to have no manners whatsoever. Yet, there were ladies present, so the recounting of the event and the Englishman's reply would have to wait for another day.

Taking Maria's mention of the Menagerie as a hint to offer his company, Henry did exactly that. "It would be my honour to escort you to the Tower of London, Principessa. There are areas that are better not visited..." like the cells, "but it is a very interesting place". It was, as were the many tales about it, like the tale of its ravens. "I have already written to the Astronomer Royal about setting up a telescope on the Tower's roof. I need the permission of the Constable of the Tower too, it seems. I intend to request it as soon as possible. I will also mention a possible visit if you want".

"As for looking at the heavens tonight, it is no trouble whatsoever. I will ask my servants to take food and drink to the top of the Octogonal Tower, and I will set up my best telescope there". It happened to be a French design, but the Baron had built it himself. "I suggest warm clothing, since it will be chilly and windy, and yes, you must come, my dear", Lord Grey said to Eleanore.

There was a smile on Henry's face. Not only had he gained the acquaintance of two members of Italian ducal families, but they were interested in the heavens. The day had turned so much better than he had hoped.

[Charles Blount]

The Queen's Platform, the Queen and Mountjoy

Mountjoy was no stranger to the Queen or her ladies always making an effort to be congenial and entertaining but, on this occasion, there was no banter about the race or amusing anecdote praising the King or how well the Queen looked. He was not so distracted that he failed to recognize the Queen’s serious attention and spoke in a soft tone to keep his voice from carrying and giving the appearance that they were discussing some trivial household matter.

“I apologize for intruding upon Your Majesty’s merriment but the Margravina and I had plans to meet here today yet she is nowhere to be found. I can not fathom her failing to attend to your person on an occasion such as this and have become anxious about her whereabouts. Might you have sent her upon some sort of errand or another?”  

[Blackguard]

The Queen

It was Ursula's absence that had the man upset.   "I set her a final service after her resignation," the Queen was quick to reply, wanting to assure Mountjoy that he should not be worried.  "I told her to not worry about the race and to focus on herself, getting some rest.  She looks as if she has not been sleeping well at all, but I should think you know that."

It then became apparent to the Queen that Ursula had not discussed her resignation with her husband.  She immediately regretted reassuring Mountjoy so quickly. That put the Queen in a difficult position, and she needed to try and steer the conversation away from anything but Ursula's health.  "She has not been herself lately.  Perhaps a span of rest will bring her around."

 

[Sophia de la Cerda]

The Queen's Platform, Sophia speaking to Dorothea

 

The Queen wished to talk with Lord Mountjoy privately. Sophia felt neglected, but hopeful that she might want to converse with her privately too. Her Majesty was more politically savvy than she was. Ignoring the Spanish Ambassador’s wife might be considered an insult to Spain. Or at least she thought that was how it worked. She wondered if Esteban was watching them from somewhere in the crowd.

 

Perhaps the Marquess had an urgent matter to discuss with the Queen. Sophia noticed that her ladies stepped back. Unfortunately, she couldn’t rise from her seat without the risk of falling off the platform. She would be so happy once the baby was born and she could move with grace again.

 

There was a way she could give them some privacy, though, and perhaps make a new friend in the process. She turned to Lady Dorothea, smiling warmly, “Your brother did really well in the races. I don’t think anybody can defeat His Majesty and Lord Kingston when they team up together. Or maybe I’m biased. Lord Kingston was my guardian after my father passed away and now he is like a brother to me.”

 

[Blackguard]

Sophia and Dorothea

It not being a formal audience, the Queen had more freedom to divert her attention to matters of the moment.  Sophia turned her attention to Dorothea.

"Danke schon," Dorothea replied to the compliment.  In German, she replied "my brother has had sailing experience and is good at many things.  I was pleasantly surprised that he did so well against such august competition."  The mention of Francis caught her attention, though she schooled her response.  "How was it that he became your guardian?"  It seemed odd that a daughter of a German Graf might come under the guardianship of a English lord.

[Charles Blount]

The Queen and Mountjoy

Charles listened to the Queen with attention and understanding but when she divulged that the reason for her absence was that Ursula had resigned from royal service, he was visibly shocked and blinked. He blinked again as his mind struggled to process the information and put it in a timeframe that made sense to him. Failing to do this he opened his mouth as if to say something only to blink a third time and close his mouth without an utterance. There was only a second or two of confusion but it seemed much longer as Charles digested the information. When he replied it was in a shocked manner at a volume loud enough not to be discrete.

“What! You must be mistaken! She would never abandon her duty to you… to me! I spoke to her just last night and she said nothing… nothing! How long has she been perpetrating this deception?”

He abruptly stopped as he realized what he was doing. Firstly, he had contradicted the Queen, openly, and directly questioned her. Secondly, he had risked creating a spectacle by doing so in such a public setting. Given their relationship the first was explainable, the second was not. Living as a guest of the Mountjoys for several months had given the Queen ample opportunity to become familiar with the Charles and his temperament. As his guest he had been nothing but hospitable and welcoming to her, as his Queen he had been nothing but respectful and gallant. He had a reputation for courtesy and tact that was well deserved. This was the first time she had ever seen him act in such an unguarded impulsive manner she could not help but realize that there was much more to this than Ursula’s unease. She could see that he had realized what he had done and saw him forcibly restrain his feelings and assume a more appropriate tone and demeanor. He stepped back a few inches and bowed. When he spoke, his voice was icily calm and formal.

“I humbly apologize to Your Majesty and beseech you to forgive my indiscrete behavior. My only explanation is that the information was completely unanticipated yet however unexpected provided no justification for me to address Your Majesty in the manner that I did. It will not happen again.”

The last statement was more in the manner of the Mountjoy she knew. He smiled and nodded as she tried to reassure him. “She has been going through a difficult time as of late.” He offered in agreement. He appreciated the Queen’s attempt to mollify the situation but was not reassured as they had promised each other they would refrain from keeping their feelings from one another. In the past that had only made things worse and he felt saddened that Ursula did not, or could not, trust him with her feelings.

He looked around to see if his outburst had caused any consternation. It would make the situation all the more complicated if it were to become the subject of court gossip. To assuage the public perception of this encounter he assumed his courtier’s mask. The crowd was still basking in the excitement of the race and, with any luck, was not paying attention. The Queen’s entourage was another kettle of fish entirely as gossip and speculation was the lifeblood of court intrigue. This interaction would certainly be noted but with any luck would not be seen as noteworthy.     

“It appears that both my Lady Wife and I are not ourselves. Perhaps it would be best, that, with Your Majesty’s permission, I withdraw.”

[King Charles II]

King's Entourage

Disembarking from his yacht to the adulation of the crowd, the King gave small measured waves of his right hand to his assembled subjects. He projected control as he smiled at the crowd and awaited for the Margrave to disembark as well.

The King was surrounded by Cumberland's yeomen keeping the crowd at a distance.  Kingston followed the King, as a gentleman to the King should.  Though the focus was the King, Kingston could hear cheers for him as well.  He had some notoriety for being a ship captain, as well as a man in secret service to the Turks, if the pamphlets were to be believed.  Two Life Guard officers stood nearby as some Life Guard troopers were positioned around the periphery.

The Margrave came ashore from Kingston's yacht to the polite applause of the crowd.  The King signalled the Margrave to join him in his walk towards the Queen's platform. Kingston was invited to follow.

Buckingham, Cumberland and York were already ashore and in a small group not far from the Queen's platform.  They were made aware of the party that was to follow.

The sea of spectators parted in the path of their monarch and the acclaim continued.  The Queen seemed to be finishing a  conversation with Mountjoy and the Queen's ladies were directing their attention to the royal arrivals.  Dorothea was in the company of the seated and very pregnant Sophia.  

[Blackguard]

The Queen's Platform

The way the Marquess blinked repeatedly, it appeared that he was in need of a handkerchief possibly.  Hopefully, Mountjoy had been resupplied since his last visit with Darlene.

Every one of the ladies within close proximity to the Queen turned their heads as one when Blount made his outburst.  It was if a gunshot had occurred. No one shouted at the Queen.  No one.

"Lord Mountjoy!" the Queen stated sternly at his insolence.

A guard or two watched more carefully, though no danger was perceived to the Queen's person.  The Lord took a step back, as he should.

"You must control yourself sir," the Queen declared after he began his apology.  Her facial expression softened marginally as he explained the difficult circumstances.  She was well aware of them.

As he declared that he should withdraw, the Queen replied "that would be best."  This was especially true as the King was rapidly approaching.

[Charles Blount]

The Queen’s Platform

There was really nothing else for him to do that would not make the situation worse.

He could not believe he had lost his composure, in public and before the Queen herself no less. The sensation of mortification even momentarily drove the shock of Ursula’s actions from his mind. He bowed again and said contritely.

“Ma’am, I am, as always, your most humble and devoted servant.”

He backed away and exited the Queen’s platform. Any acquaintance he might pass would receive a perfectly charming greeting but his stride would indicate that he was not at liberty to chat. He felt the need to be alone and made his way into the woods. He would walk back to the palace as he needed time to reflect

[Duncan Melville]

Frances and Duncan

The roaring crowd made conversation nearly impossible. They were able to find a vantage point, not close to where the King would set afoot on land, but about half-way between that spot and the Queen's platform. Crowds had flocked at the debarkation point, so it was easier to move elsewhere. From there, Duncan could see Francis behind and to the side of the King. Good, my friend. You are definitely rising to the top. No wonder you are the protagonist of tales woven by envious tongues. Douglas and Lord Langdon were also in the King's proximity, poised ready to defend the Royal Person with their lives if need be.

Their Graces Buckingham, Cumberland and York were closer to the Queen's platform. The Lowlander would nod respectfully if any of the three looked in their direction, as propriety demanded. Then, the King started his approach, and the Scot restarted his hoorays, removed his hat, and threw it into the air, as high as it would go. His Grace Charles' victory deserved to be celebrated, and that loudly.

All the time he kept aware of Lady Frances, not wanting her to stumble or fall, with his hand on hers to steady her as the crowd inevitably bumped into them.

[Aria]

Eleanor, Henry, and the Italians

 

Cesare smiled at Mistress Bayning. “Seeing the tulips is one reason I like to visit Amsterdam during spring. Sadly, tulip season is quite brief. If you want to visit while they’re in bloom, I would suggest the month of April. There are tulip farms on the route I usually take, and the colorful fields stretch as far as the eye can see.” He glanced as his cousin. “Maria has a tulip pendant that I made for her, but not even diamonds can do them justice.”

 

Maria heard the mention of her name but was completely focused on Lord Grey. She was delighted that he offered to escort her to the Tower of London. “Thank you, my lord.” Her dark eyes glittered with excitement. “I will feel safe with you. I’ve heard so many horrifying stories about it. Is it true that it’s haunted by ghosts?” The young Italian was fascinated by the supernatural. She would ask Eleanor to come along, of course. Maybe Cesare would be interested too.

 

“Yes, please,” she remarked when he suggested mentioning a visit. “I can hardly wait for next season now!”

 

She was also thrilled about their plans to look through a telescope that evening. Cesare was looking forward to it too. He wondered if the sky would be more interesting when he didn’t have to fend off the advances of an amorous commoner. Mistress Bayning was sweet and demure, and he enjoyed her company.

 

“We will come prepared,” he said.

 

“You would never be in the way,” Maria assured Eleanor. “I will refuse to look at the heavens unless you’ll be there too!”

 

[Sophia de la Cerda]

The Queen's Platform - Sophia and Dorothea

 

Sophia was delighted that Lady Dorothea switched to German.  Being able to speak her native tongue was rare, except when she was with Juan, with whom she could communicate in several languages. It was clear that the other lady was proud of her brother. “I hope I'll have the chance to meet the Margrave. How long does he plan to stay in England?”

 

She was thinking of politics again … and pleasing her husband. If she could charm the Margrave (in a platonic way), then Spain might acquire a new German connection. Maybe if the two of them got along well with Sophia, she could suggest inviting them to dinner before the season ended.

 

Lady Dorothea asked how Francis had become her guardian. Sophia understood her curiosity. It was definitely an unusual situation. “Our families were involved in business together. My father and Lord Kingston’s grandfather were quite close. My father had friends in many countries but no family at all. I lived with friends of his in Venice since I was eleven because he wanted me to have a feminine influence in my life. My own mother passed away when I was three.

 

“When my lord father realized he was dying …” She paused for a moment. Her smile faded and her ice-blue eyes glittered with unshed tears. Even after two years, it was hard to talk about her father without feeling a great sense of sorrow. Taking a deep breath, she went on. “He needed to find a guardian for me and he trusted Lord Kingston more than anybody else.”

 

Sophia was trying to ignore the conversation between the Queen and Lord Mountjoy, but she couldn’t help noticing their raised voices. Was he actually arguing with the Queen?  Did he not know he might wind up in the Tower?  It was none of her business, however, and after another short pause,  she continued  her story.

 

“He shared my guardianship with a Baronet who had three daughters. I lived with them since it would be improper to stay with an unmarried gentlemen. One of his daughters hated me … and I hated her … and he didn’t pay much attention to me. It was Lord Kingston I always turned to for guidance.”

 

Her smile returned. “It must have been hard for a gentleman without children to look after a young girl but he took his responsibilities seriously. He was kind and patient with me, though strict when I misbehaved. I respected him and tried to be a good ward. Every time I got into mischief, I felt guilty for disappointing him.   He even found me a husband during my first season at court.”

 

Sophia leaned forward and lowered her voice conspiratorially. “But maybe that was because he wanted to be rid of me.” Mirth colored her lyrical voice so that Dorothea would know she was only jesting. “My lord husband was a Baron then, but I think Lord Kingston saw his potential. Only a few months after we wed, he was promoted to Count and became Spain’s Ambassador to England.”

 

In the distance, she could see the King and his entourage, including Francis, heading toward the platform. “After my marriage … and even now … I ask him for advice. He is like the older brother I never had and I treasure our friendship. Everything I am today I owe to him.”

 

The petite singer chuckled. “And that was probably much more than you ever wanted to know.”

 

[Francis Kirke]

Francis and the King disembarking etc

 

"I am certain that will please the Queen and her guests very greatly," Francis replied with a knowing smile. He understood well what sort of party and production was to be made; one that would appeal to a more proper set. Any more rowdy things would have to be kept until after, if at all, late into the evening.

 

When they disembarked, the cheers for the King were deafening and unsurprising. Francis kept just behind the King off his shoulder, close enough to hear anything said by his royal master. 

 

He heard a few cheers for himself and responded with waves and smiles.

 

The Margrave joined the King for the walk toward the Queen, and Francis did not insert himself into the conversation, content to play his role.

[Raconteur]

Frances and Duncan 

He led them onwards to the spot about half way she judged and was glad that he had not pushed further.

Not that he was that sort but in ones' enthusiasm things happened.

She looked about and saw several that she knew and would nod and smile if an exchange occurred between them. She made ready to offer her reverence if the King and Company should come their way but she made a guess that they would go to the Queen first. As was proper. But it seemed they made to pass where she and Lord Melville stood and that Gentleman then added his own voice to that of the crowd.

All the while Frances was aware that he had not let go of her hand and his presence would save her from being jostled.

Her thoughts drifted to the Masque the next night and she worried if she could complete the change in design in time

and what I wonder will tomorrow bring 

[King Charles II]

The Conjunction of Royalty

The King and entourage arrived at the Queen's platform.  York, Cumberland and Buckingham moved to join them.  Curiously, Lord Mountjoy moved away, most likely on some royal mission.

Dorothea had no time to reply properly to Sophia.  She merely smiled and nodded while reflecting on what she had learned. It was a curious tale to be sure. Why would a Graf send his daughter to England to live with a merchant family?  Perhaps her life was in danger.  The young German lady could not help but recognize that Sophia was far more beautiful, had a wondrous voice, and was a noble heiress. How was it that Francis did not wed Sophia?

Buckingham, ever the showman, moved to take charge since the King could hardly congratulate himself.  "God Save the King," he shouted to the approval of the crowd as he waved his plumed hat upwards to encourage cheers.  As they began to subside, he waved his hat downward to quiet the crowd.

"Good people, it was a spirited race, in which our good King Charles bested all challengers.  Only the Margrave here, a welcome visitor to our shores, came close, with a ship and crew provided by Lord Kingston.  Kingston would have likely joined his crew had not His Majesty commanded him to assist His own crew to victory."  There were murmurs in the crowd.

The Margrave turned towards Kingston.  "I would like to thank Lord Kingston for the loan of his excellent ship and crew.  With an added German influence, we almost won the day." His English was accented but most nearby in the crowd understood and gave some hoots.  "It was gut fun."

The King strode forth and declared aloud "Our victory is dedicated to our Queen.  Every competition should be dedicated to a deserving lady."  He looked to his wife as cheers arose "God Save the Queen!"  As the crowd made noise, Charles and Buckingham exchanged eye contact.  This race was all about a certain German lady, but not the Queen.  Buckingham looked at Kingston and the King gave a glance to Dorothea before returning his gaze to the Queen who had approached to stand beside the King.

"Now good people, go and celebrate this day, and every day, as the realm has a new Prince of Wales."  The crowd erupted in "God Save the Prince!"  There was to be a Christening on Sunday.  The mood was jubilant for all, except perhaps the heart of the Duke of York, no longer the heir apparent.

With final words to the crowd, many started to move away from the Queen's platform.  No incidents marred the ceremony, as had happened in prior Windsor seasons.  The King turned to speak with the Margrave and spoke of the private royal celebration to follow.  There would be time enough for the King to ask the Margrave to leave hi sister for another year in England. There would be a promise perhaps that Dorothea might visit her brother over the Christmas season, but those specifics could wait until they were in better cheer later in the evening.  

[Raconteur]

(So sorry I totally missed this)

IC

Sarah and Chatham 

"Well there are plenty of women around that are good with their hands so I'd imagine that you would come out unscathed."

She teased him back.

He was all in for her suggestions and she was relieved.

"Naturally."

"Hunting each other  ...... Now there is an original idea  ......"

"I wonder who shall claim Victory first?"

"I suspect that there shall be many a Dark Lord roaming the Halls but only one Lord Chatham."

She gave him a small nod by way of her complement.

It was then that it was clear that the Races had concluded and there was quite a stampede to where the King and Company had come ashore.

She had no desire to be caught up in that.

"Are you required to attend in that?" 

"I know I am not. My Lady is absent and does not attend York so we have been dismissed."

"Shall we wander or have you a pressing need for something   ...."

Double meanings were such Fun!

Yes she played with fire but after all here in Public she was safe.

But the night ahead come tomorrow enticed and anything was possible.

[Charles Whitehurst]

No assassination attempt.  So far so good.  The Life Guard officer found himself breathing more easily.  Turning to Douglas, Charles was ready to take his leave.  "I shall take my leave.  All seems well.  I shall see you for dinner tonight."  A smile was offered, for it was Fiona that he wanted to see.  He was eager to know the identity of the prince or duke she may have captivated.  He was less eager to be chaperoned by Douglas.

Before leaving the Queen's platform, his eyes sought out Susan Herbert and he gave her a lift of his hat in salute, accompanied by a smile.  He then nodded to Lord Beverley to signal that he planned to leave the platform.

As he stepped away, he saw that Maria and her family continued to be locked in conversation with Eleanor and a man he did not recognize.  The timing of their ride had been left up in the air.  He had suggested Monday, but he was certain he would need a hard ride in the countryside to calm him for the masque, where there might be a lady present to distract him.

"Boy," he called to the nearest page, a silver coin in hand.  "See the lady talking to the English gent and English young lady?  The young one with olive skin?"  He described Maria's attire.  "Not her mother beside her," he added for clarity.  "She should respond to the title Baroness of Windmere." 

"Now then, wait for the English gent and the English lady with him to take their leave.  Only then do you approach."  Only when the boy understood completely did he give the message "tell the lady Baroness that the Earl shall be returning mid-day tomorrow, Saturday, to Bagshot in hopes of company for a ride through the park."

It was important that Langdon not approach her himself.  He did not want to be courting Maria.  Rather, he was thinking that he could dispense with his obligation and get in a good ride on the morrow.  He was in desperate need for a race after watching the yacht race.  If he was seen in her company right after Douglas invited him to dinner with Fiona, and while he was being watched by Susan, one could get the wrong idea.

[Duncan Melville]

The King and his entourage passed close by, but gave not indication of noticing them. It is his moment, not mine, thought the Viscount. Still he followed the King with his eyes until the Sovereign reached the Queen's platform. As His Grace Buckingham quieted the crowd and gave his little speech, Duncan listened intently. The short discourse was followed by words from the Margrave and from the King himself. That Kingston was spoken well of was not missed by the Scot. His Grace Charles is supporting his gentleman. Even the Margrave spoke well of him. I am glad.

Duncan then turned to Lady Frances. "Is there anyone you would like to greet, or do you want to leave now that the races are over? I could escort to your coach if you would like me to". He would prefer not leave her company where they were, as it would not be gentlemanly. But he would not impose his views, or his company, on her.

[Raconteur]

Frances and Duncan 

She watched him as he watched The King then Buckingham but did not try to draw any attention to them.

Good.

She was weary of Gentlemen who thought to profit first by association and the usual toadying because she was a Duke's daughter. Her logical mind understood for that was the way of things but her emotional mind wanted to be appreciated for WHO she was and what she brought into a marriage. How she would contribute. Perhaps Lord Melville was different? Up to this moment he appeared so. But a thought lingered in the back of her mind  ....... if things did progress would she be able to cope with a dead woman's ghost and how she would always be between them - for it was clear as day that Lord Melville loved her much and always would. 

Her thoughts were broken by his question.

She smiled up at him then gave a small shrug adding that

"Well I should like to remain in your Company naturally. But things have concluded here."

"The best way would be to walk me back to my Lady mother and hand me off so to speak."

"But since that might be too much into the Lion's den I am quite fine returning on my own."

She teased him but was also serious. She did not wish to put him into a situation he was uncomfortable with.

[Duncan Melville]

Frances and Duncan approaching the Duchess of Newcastle, her daughters, and Lady Lucas

Her smile did something to Duncan, even though he did not realize it at that moment. All he knew then was that he wanted to see that smile again. "Your company is far more enjoyable than mine, my lady" was all he was able to say. The fog that time slipped between a man and his painful memories had been sneaking in without the Lowlander noticing.

"I will walk you back to Her Grace Newcastle gladly. As for her being a Lioness of England, and rightly so, I will only say that the Royal Arms of Scotland also depict a lion rampant". It was said with a smile and a glint in his eye, but also with determination. "This old soldier still has battles left", he said as he lightly tapped his left fist on his chest.

With her hand still on his arm, he allowed Frances to lead to where her mother stood in the company of Lady Lucas and the two younger girls. Once noticed by them, he bowed deeply, formally, and waited for introductions and for the Duchess to grant him leave to speak before he did so. He had once spoken to the Queen before being addressed, and Providence willing he would not commit such a faux pas again.

[Sophia de la Cerda]

The Queen's Platform

 

Sophia had left out the real reason she had been sent to England. It had been her reputation, not her life, that had been in danger. Noblewomen did not entertain commoners by singing opera and it would have been difficult to find a husband in her own country. She didn’t regret doing it, though. If she had married a Graf, she would have always felt that part of her was missing, for she would have never met the love of her life.

 

The King and his entourage arrived right as she finished her tale. Well-aware that she was visible to the crowd and had her own image to uphold, she cheered and clapped when Buckingham, the Margrave, and then the King made their speeches. Though tempted to cheer in German for the Margrave, she refrained since she was representing Spain and not her homeland. She did not stand up, but didn’t think that she would be blamed for that, considering her condition.

 

Ever perceptive, she noticed the looks the King and Buckingham exchanged. One looked at Francis and the other at Lady Dorothea. Was it possible that her former guardian and the Queen’s lady fancied each other?  He could certainly do worse than a German and it was time that he married, in her opinion. 

 

As the courtiers began to move away, Sophia leaned toward Lady Dorothea. “If it would please you, my lady, perhaps we can have tea together before the season ends.”  This time it was not politics on her mind.

[Blackguard]

Sophia and Dorothea

Just as Dorothea was set to withdraw with the Queen, Sophia indicated a desire to have tea.  By the size of the blond beauty's stomach, they would need to have tea soon, lest she go into labor.

Dorothea was a bit intrigued, truth be told, about Sophia's relations with Francis.  "Ja, I would like that.  Perhaps after the Christening?"  The Queen was likely to be well-attended and Dorothea might slip away for a spot of tea.

[Raconteur]

Frances and Duncan approaching the Duchess of Newcastle, her daughters, and Lady Lucas 

He took her meaning with some humor and so she nodded and they set off.

Once within range she let go of his arm and he gave a nice bow while she then spoke saying 

"Your Grace  ..." Addressing her mother  ..... "Lord Melville kindly offered to escort  me back through the crowds  ..."

She herself gave a small curtsey to Lady Lucas but did not engage.

She ignored her two younger sister for the moment. The focus was on Lord Melville and she wanted nothing to interfere.

It was now up to the Duchess and Frances hoped she would not be frosty in her replies.

[Francis Kirke]

Francis & The King's Group

 

Francis encouraged the crowd in their cheers for the King, cheering himself, as any good gentleman would do. He was so into the jovial nature of the whole thing, he nearly missed Buckingham's nod about the loan of his crew, and the crowd's attention to that revelation. A smile crossed his face as he realized that Buckingham (and the King) were making it quite obvious to the crowd and his potential naysayers that he still had royal support and favor.

 

He offered a dramatic bow at the compliments of Buckingham in the duke's supreme form of showmanship. His uncle was a captivating speaker, even for a yacht race.

 

The same bow was repeated at the Margrave's compliment. It was the more rarer compliment from such a staid gentleman as the German. "Your highness is most welcome. It was an excellent showing, and we are all giddy that you have bested the Duke of Buckingham and saved us from his grace's gloating all evening." Francis enjoyed getting a witty jibe in at Buckingham's expense; he could and would only do it when the King was there to enjoy it. 

[Eleanor Bayning]

Eleanor, Henry, and the Italians

The young English woman listened raptly as Cesare described the tulips in Amsterdam, revealing them to be the reason that he liked to visit in spring. He held an appreciation for them too! But then he was an artist with an eye for beauty. "April, thank you. I will remember, should I be fortunate enough to visit." She assured him. Wouldn't that be something? To travel to Amsterdam and see the flowers. Or, a little voice suggested, travel there in the winter and bring some bulbs back. But for that she would need a garden. "It's something I would love to see." She admitted. "The Principessa and I share a passion for gardens." It was something that the girls had discussed on their wander through the Orangery.

Distracted from Henry and Maria's conversation about the Tower of London, Eleanor missed the bit about ghosts and things best not seen, though the idea would both thrill and worry her a little. But when the conversation swung back to telescopes and she was assured of her inclusion, she smiled happily, especially when Maria insisted that she be present, or the other girl wouldn't look at the stars. "Then I shall have to be there!" She agreed with a happy little giggle. "I couldn't have you miss out on the sight." 

She included Cesare in that statement with a quick, shy glance. The Italians really were lovely company and tonight's viewing was something to look forward to!

[Anne-Elisabeth Devereux]

Davina, Anne-Elisabeth and Carnarvon

 

“Maybe that’s why it tasted so sour,” Anne-Elisabeth remarked. It was strange that spiking the ale had not occurred to her, since she had been guilty of that crime in the past and probably would be again. She wondered who had done it and if they had tasted the results first. Probably not.

 

A second glass … one of wine ... disappeared from from the servant’s tray. She took a small sip and was relieved that it tasted as it should. “You should try the wine,” she said to Davina. “It’s better than the ale.”

 

For the first time since she had arrived, she watched the yachts as they came into view. Lord Carnarvon knew more about the participants than she did. She had no idea who the Margrave was, other than that he was German.   The King won, of course. The crowd erupted into cheers and shouts as the monarch and his entourage joined the Queen on her platform.

 

Anne-Elisabeth waited until the speeches were over before she answered the Earl’s question. “Cambray is in in Cornwall, on the coast close to St Ives. It’s a lovely place if you don’t mind the smell of fish and the sound of gulls. I grew up on Barbados so I'm accustomed to both. I don’t know if I could survive if I didn’t live close to the sea.”

 

[Sophia de la Cerda]

Sophia and Dorothea

 

“After the christening will be perfect. My lord husband and I have rooms in the palace if that will suit you. I will be staying there until after the christening anyway since traveling from the house we rented is uncomfortable for me.” Sophia planned on staying there until the day after the christening. Knowing that her confinement was just around the corner, she wasn’t eager to remain in the house longer than required. Nor did she plan on giving up socializing until the season was over.

 

The petite Countess wondered if the King would acknowledge her so that she could congratulate him personally. She also wondered who would help her down from the platform when everyone decided to leave. Maybe Lord Kingston would do it if Esteban wasn’t hovering nearby. She wanted to congratulate him too.

[Davina Wellsley]

Davina, Anne-Elisabeth and Carnarvon

She took the suggestion abandoning the Ale for wine and her gaze went to the Race   ........

Ah. Surprise. The King won.

Perhaps she should have placed a wager or two but monies were tight so the loss would affect her.

Her friend then detailed her answer back to the Earl and since she had no desire to play third wheel she put her own question to him.

"And what of yourself Lord Carnarvon - Business or Pleasure brings you to Windsor? Your timing is perfect for Sunday is the Christening."

"Ah and the Masque tomorrow night of course."

She was not really fishing but her words would allow him to know what was going on perhaps help him in a direction if he wished to partake.

"And the wine is decidedly better."

She smiled across to her friend.

She would watch and listen and if the conversation was tilted more towards the two of them she would excuse herself politely.

Edited August 29 by Davina Wellsley