Yacht Race - Friday afternoon-evening

[John Palliser]

John Palliser 

He had stayed for some time in the Ale stand area keeping company with several delightful 'ladies' who all had the same name 'Pleaseance' and were not the least shy about telling why. He had not wagered and despite his intentions to watch the Duke of York and Cumberland Race had been drawn into the company of several other gentlemen that were known to him through others'. It was their idea to keep company and so he had let himself be drawn in knowing that no real harm would be done, That he would be a few coins less was a given. The small entourage had then moved off towards a small grouping of tents that were, simply by their placement, clearly meany for recreational pursuits. It was open yet managed to retain a level of respect for Polite Society. Indeed he had glimpsed several a well known face moving in and out of the one he found himself settled into. Carpets covered the ground and he saw that it had been sectioned off and the scent of perfumes mingles with that of another substance of which he did not partake of. Chairs and divans beds were placed about and silken scarfs led the way to areas just beyond sight. The scent of Opium hung like a sick sweetness and soon he let himself be drawn into one of those curtained rooms glad to be where fresh air filtered thru the bottom of the tent.

Her name was Grace or so she said.

She had been watching him since he had entered. He was a "Gentleman' she knew at once and so it was to him that she began to approach. 

Her manner and speech gave her away and he knew she was not one of the common whores that had been hired to ply their skills. Her hands as well were soft and smooth as she touched his skin and she was clean. Indeed her natural scent was pleasant and he soon discovered that she was indeed skilled. She pleasured him and then he returned the favor for he was not one of those men who operated one-sided. Pleasure was to be given all round. She also was able to converse and while they lay sated she spoke a little of herself saying that she was 'palace hired' and plied an honest occupation therein. He did not doubt it. She asked about where he was from and what he did. She had never slept with a man from such a place she whispered as her hands once again began to work magic and he laughed with her eager to teach her a new trick or two.

Several hours later he emerged into the afternoon sunlight a small smile on his features. He was indeed lighter of a few pounds but it had been worth it.

He no longer felt constricted.

Making his way back to that Ale stand he called for a drink tossing a handful of pennies on the table top. He gazed about the area but it seemed that the Races were over. He wondered who had emerged as The Victor?

The King. He supposed. 

No matter. He downed his drink gave a nice belch had a scratch of certain parts to ensure all were in order. He would make his way back to his rooms and order up a bath. And then he would have to think hard on just what he was supposed to wear to that Masque the next night. 

Yes indeed. All in all it had been a most satisfactory day!

[Sobriety]

Davina, Anne-Elisabeth and Carnarvon

And just like that, the races were over. Carnarvon rose to his feet as the King and his entourage passed on their way to the Queen's dias, doffing his tricorn hat with a respectful bow as they passed their closest point. As he straightened up his hazel gaze moved from face to face, noting those about the King. Who was the young fellow with the Villiers curls?

Spiked or not, Carnarvon wasn't planning on drinking a lot of the alcohol on offer. There would be better times for that. More appropriate company too. These bright, young ladies did not need to see a middle aged fellow in his melancholy. Rather, they were a reminder of better things. "Ah Cornwall, home of pirates and legends." He observed with a smile, obviously amused by Anne-Elizabeth's comment regarding fish and gulls. "So it is with Caernarfon." He said knowingly, the faint lilt in his otherwise impeccable English becoming slightly more pronounced with the place name.

"I have heard that the climate in the colonies is terribly good for one's health. Do you visit now?" He asked, having never had cause to travel to the Carib. "What would you say are the highlights?" Perhaps a trip to the tropics might be just the thing.

Young Mistress Wellsley meanwhile seemed rather more interested in asking him questions. "Is one permitted Duty as a third option?" He asked with a teasing twinkle in his eye. "Duty to King, Queen and little Prince, and Country of course. But I am pleased to say that I have found pleasure in company." He had of course come for the Christening as Davina surmised. 

"Ah yes, the Masque. Highlight of the social calendar." He wasn't entirely certain he was in the mood for such frivolities, but there was a duty to it and Carnarvon rather suspected that he'd quite enjoy himself once he got there. He used to be rather fond of such things. "I imagine we shall all attend. So what is it to be dear ladies? Nymphs, goddesses or queens past?" He asked.

[Blackguard]

Sophia and Dorothea

"That would be perfect," Dorothea replied in German.  "What time would be convenient?"  She would need leave of the Queen to attend.

Sophia would see her husband moving towards her, accompanied by soldiers with the chair.  Diego was following along, in the role of a servant.

The King did observe Sophia with Dorothea.  "Odds Fish madam, you are carrying a boy surely and he is likely to be a giant."  It was a polite way to say that Sophia looked like she had swallowed a watermelon whole.  As her husband approached, the King called out "Your Excellency, your lady wife looks ready for bed rest." It was done in a light manner, rather than a critical one. "Indeed she does Your Majesty," Esteban replied, signaling his men to come forward to assist in the chair conveyance.  "She did not wish to miss the opportunity to join your Queen, and she insists upon attending the ceremony Sunday."

"A strong lady surely," the King complimented.  Last season the focus had been on her big ... lungs.  This season, it was the size of the belly.

[Aria]

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

 

The King won the last race and conversation was suspended as the crowd celebrated. Margaret cheered more demurely than Catherine who shouted and jumped up and down. Speeches were made and then the race was officially over.

 

As her gaze moved from the King and back to Lady Lucas, the Duchess of Newcastle noticed Frances and Lord Melville heading in their direction. “Well, that’s bold,” she remarked to Cordelia,” though gallant as well, I suppose.”

 

The Scottish Viscount bowed when he approached. When Frances introduced him, her sisters both regarded him with curiosity. Margaret peered at him shyly from behind her fan and Catherine stared until her sister poked her in the ribs.

 

Lady Newcastle acknowledged Lord Melville with a nod. At least he knew not to speak until spoken to. That was a point in his favor. Some Scots had no manners at all. “Thank you, Lord Melville.” She smiled slightly but otherwise kept her expression and voice neutral so as to neither encourage or discourage him. If he wanted to court her favorite daughter,  he would have to work for it.

[Charles Audley]

Sarah and Chatham

"Half the fun of a masque, or so I've always thought," Charles said, then laughed at Sarah's compliment.

"Just as well, for could you imagine two of me?" he said drily.

The press around the King did look particularly thick, and thus particularly uninviting. Charles could pass his congratulations onto the King and Kingston later, he decided. It was not as though either man would begrudge him, under the circumstances, even assuming his absence was noticed.

"I have no obligations in that direction, no," he confirmed, an amused smirk curving his lips at Sarah's double entendre.

"I do, however, have a pressing need, as do you," he went on, voice lower. He paused a moment for effect.

"We must make our way to the betting tent. You have winnings to collect, and I have at least broken even."

He offered her his arm.

"After that, though, we may wonder as we will."

[Raconteur]

Sarah and Chatham

"Two of you ...... Imagine it indeed."

Her reply meant to make him do so as well but with her.

He did not wish to join the the crowds but then he added in about his pressing need as well as hers  ...

"Winnings?"

She let herself have a disappointed pout as if she had thought he was going to continue with something else.

"You are indeed a tease Lord Chatham. I was almost fooled  ...."

He would of course know that she meant no such thing. Both of them were far too advanced in playing Court Games to be that easily taken in.

"By all means! Indeed I do but at least you have suffered no loss! Lead on!"

She took his arm holding his gaze with her own for longer than was necessary.

"What a good idea. We have been standing for far too long  .... perhaps we shall find a spot designed for relaxation?"

She could not help the quick smile that graced her features at her words.

Let him make of them what he would.

[Anne-Elisabeth Devereux]

Davina, Anne-Elisabeth, and Carnarvon

 

There was a lot of coast in Wales, though Anne-Elisabeth had never heard of the place Lord Carnarvon spoke of. She liked the lilt in his voice when he said it. She had never heard Welsh, Scottish, or Irish accents until she had moved to England. The English colony on Barbados was mostly … well … English. “Then you also know the appeal of the sea,” she replied with a warm smile. She could have gone on and on but she didn’t want to bore Davina or dominate the conversation.

 

“Except for pirates and bugs, there is little not to like about Barbados. Some visitors find the heat oppressive, but not those who were born there. The sun shines brightly, the ocean is clear and blue, and there are palm trees, exotic fruit, and fragrant flowers.”

 

Her smile faded and she looked down at the table. “I hope to return one day, but I am wary of sea voyages. While traveling to England, our ship was torn apart during a storm. I was the only survivor. My entire family, including my new husband, perished.”

 

Had Davina noticed her change of mood? She deftly turned the conversation back to their companion, asking him about his reasons for coming to court and informing him of the Masque and the Christening. It sounded as if he had come for the Christening. There did seem to be a lot of new faces at court this season.

 

Anne-Elisabeth decided to let her friend answer his question about costumes first, reminding herself to ask Davina about her disguise later. They needed to recognize each other so they could band together if the Duchess and Lady Oakham guessed who they were and decided to confront them.

[Sophia de la Cerda]

Sophia, Dorothea, Esteban, and the King

 

Sophia switched to German too. “Whenever the Queen can spare you. I don’t have any commitments on Sunday after the Christening.”

 

She saw Esteban approaching with his cortege of Spanish guards and his spy. Had he set Diego to spy on her? Was he the one who was always watching? It seemed a waste of his talents to follow his master’s wife around when his services were needed to protect Spain. She was probably just being paranoid again.

 

Her ice blue eyes twirled toward the King when he spoke to her. So he had seen her after all. Sophia had secretly hoped that he would escort her down the stairs. Esteban would probably do that now. “My lord husband is certainly hoping for a boy, Your Majesty.” She just wanted a healthy baby. If it was a girl and Juan rose in power, maybe her daughter would grow up to marry the English heir.

 

She didn’t interrupt the lighthearted banter between her husband and the King, though she beamed at both of them. It was extremely rare for Esteban to speak well of her. Knowing him, he would find something to berate her for later. In his eyes, she couldn’t do anything right.

 

The King’s compliment pleased her. “Thank you, Your Majesty. And congratulations on your victory today.”

[Charles Audley]

Sarah and Chatham

Charles smiled wryly.

"I will say that, if you wish not to be teased, you should not pout so prettily," he said drily. "It only encourages me."

He leaned in and lowered his voice conspiratorially.

"And I do not need much encouragement."

He straightened up and laughed. It really was a most enjoyable afternoon, he reflected, escorting Sarah towards the betting tent.

"Even had I made a loss, it would have been cheap at the price," he said with the almost self-parodic gallantry that was one of his favourite conversational approaches.

He glanced sidelong at Sarah as she suggested seeking a place for relaxation.

"Now who's teasing?" he asked. "Ah well, turnabout is fair play, and, all teasing aside, I would not mind getting away from the crowds, if you were amenable." 

 

[Davina Wellsley]

Davina, Anne-Elisabeth, and Carnarvon 

Her friend explain about where she was from andDavina wondered if she herself would like it there?

But it was that part about bugs that changed her mind. She hated them.

It now turned back to her to answer the Earl.

"Well if we told you then hardly a 'surprise' now is it? I think the premise is to wear what one fancies from an Allegory standpoint - ancient histories, peoples and tales or animals - or so I was led to believe."

"And the mask, well, that needs no explanation. To guess who is behind it is the intent of the evening."

"And shall you attend Lord Carnarvon? Or will you take the time to settle in and then go to the Christening?"

"None shall find fault if you chose to not to go. I myself am considering it."

"But I can not speak for the Countess."

[Raconteur]

Sarah and Chatham 

"So I have heard Lord Chatham."

"So I have heard."

She offered nothing more to her rather cryptic words regarding his not needing encouragement.

He had a wonderful laugh - when he chose to employ it she thinks.

"You should laugh more. But then might that somewhat diminish the dark lord that lurks?"

She teased more as they walked on towards the betting tent.

They reached that place and she said she would wait for him outside.

There was nothing stopping her from entering but despite her flirtations she was very much away of what was correct and what was not.

"And I am not teasing. It would be a most welcom'd way to see out the afternoon."

"I am sure there must suitable places that are acceptable to us both."

"Let us walk on after collection and then we can see what catches our fancy."

"If you are up for it I mean."

"I would hate to think that I have tired you out with my company  ......"

She favored him with a nice smile and then wave him off into the tent.

 

[Sobriety]

Davina, Anne-Elisabeth, and Carnarvon

Sir Charles gave Anne-Elizabeth a knowing smile; he did indeed know the appeal of the sea. Constant companion, eternal yet changeable; at times downright moody and yet always alluring and mysterious. Rather like a woman really. 

Lady Cambray spoke brightly of her birthplace, before admitting the reason she had not returned in rather more sombre tones. "My condolences dear Lady." Carnarvon said gravely. "Quite the trajedy. I have heard it said by those who know her better that the sea is a mercurial mistress." He observed. A nice sail on a favourable day was something Dormer enjoyed as much as the next man, but he had never attempted so long a voyage. "Forgive me my presumption, but I do not think that those we have lost would wish to keep us from that which we love." He said simply. "Though I imagine that your family might advice you to choose a better Captain." It was advice from a man who was working his way through his own losses. 

Mistress Davina deftly sought to lighten the mood, turning their conversation towards the Masque, though he smiled an amused little smile when she sought to explain the theme and intent of the event. He leaned over and whispered conspiritorially, "I know that I came into my majority during the Puritanical Commonwealth," he observed, "but I have attended the odd Masque since." He revealed, as though it were a great secret. He knew how these things were played. 

Then the young lady admitted that she was considering not attending. Well that wouldn't do. Energetic young things should attend events like masques and balls; else where was the joy in youth? "I shall offer you a deal Mistress Davina; I shall attend the Masque if you will also. Though we shall leave it to Fortune as to whether or not we might recognise each other. What do you say?" 

[Henry Grey]

Eleanor, Henry, and the Italians

“I have heard the stories too, Principessa”, Henry said, “but I have never met anyone who has seen the ghosts themselves. Perhaps a visit will tell us if the stories are true or mere folk tales”. And perhaps… not. “The menagerie ought to be interesting too”.

The following season would prove to be an interesting one.

It was then that Signore Cesare said they would prepare themselves for the cold of the night. “And I will have mulled wine and warm finger foods ready, as well as warming coals”. His servants would have to be quick at getting things ready.

The races were over. People were starting to disperse. “This has been a joyous meeting. Principessa, Signore”. Lord Grey bowed formally to the Italian nobles. “If I want to have things ready for tonight, I better part your company”. He then addressed Eleanore. “My dear, make sure you wear something warm. I do not want to have to answer to your mother for your catching a cold”.

With that, Henry bid his leave.

[Duncan Melville]

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

Duncan was a soldier. That meant he was more at ease cursing other soldiers into action than uttering niceties to those of higher rank than himself. But his father or, more precisely, the birching rod of his tutors, had instilled in him a modicum of social graces. Would it be enough? The Viscount prayed it would.

“It was an honour to keep your daughter company today, Your Grace, and I could not let her walk back to you unescorted”. The tone of his words carried the intended meaning that a lady of Frances’ standing should have a gentleman escorting her in a venue such as the yacht race, in any and all venues in fact. “Having fulfilled my duty, I now bid my leave. It is not my intention to intrude”. The important conversation would take place the next day. God, help me!

Unless stopped, Duncan would bow to each lady in turn with a “Your Grace, Lady Frances, my lady”, and leave.

Edited September 5 by Duncan Melville
Grammar

[Cordelia Lucas]

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

She watched as they approached hiding a smile. It would seem that a lot of the 'work' had already been done for them by Lady Frances herself.

Introductions made and she gave a small nod for being included but stayed silent.

This was not the time for her to intrude. If there was to be anything between Lord Melville and the Duke's daughter it was the Duchess that now controlled the scene. 

It would be a very short encounter as it should be.

What needed to be said had been and so she would not be surprised to find Lord Melville taking his leave.

What an interesting day it had turned out to be!

[Raconteur]

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

Frances stood quiet and still hardly daring to breath as Lord Melville paid her mother his Complements.

He also included Lady Lucas and her sisters which, she knew, would result in a rampage of questions later that night.

All too soon it appeared to be over for Lord Melville meant to take his leave. But really what had she expected? Full daylight and surrounded by so many there could hardly be time for any further conversations. Besides that was on the morrow - unless her mother decided to turn him away when he called  ....

She paled a bit at that thought but made to ready herself to offer her curtsey at his leaving.

[Davina Wellsley]

Davina, Anne-Elisabeth, and Carnarvon 

That he leaned in to address her about her attempt to educate him made her smile.

He then offered up a challenge of sorts.

"You seek to put me at a disadvantage so early upon our acquaintance Sir."

"If I were to disagree then it might make me look unreceptive to a new face to Court but if I agree then paint me as too hasty to accept."

"It would seem a quandary ...."

She knew that he would not be at all fooled by her show so she did not carry it too far before she answered him back.

"Very well. I shall accept."

"And as to knowing the other ..... Perhaps Dame Fortuna will corporate and the stars will align  ...."

She gave him a nice smile once again not allowing her true emotions to show.

Her plan to not attend had now been ruined.

She had no desire to parade about dressed in some costume like an actor in a Play.

She was tired. A night in the quiet of her rooms with a fire and a bottle of wine was all she desired now. 

[Aria]

The Duchess of Newcastle, Frances, her younger daughters, and Lady Lucas, with Lord Melville departing

 

Lord Melville spoke politely and eloquently, though the Duchess of Newcastle resented his implication that she had failed in her duty to provide a male escort for her daughter. After all Frances had gone through, forcing her to spend time with some random lord did not seem like the best course of action. And if she had done so, Lord Melville wouldn’t have been able to speak to Frances at all. She had heard that Scotsmen were more direct than Englishmen, but they had no right to interfere in the matters that were none of their business. Frances was with her family and had been accompanied by a chaperone, so propriety had been upheld.

 

There was no reason to thank him again and so she nodded once more, though her expression was a bit frostier than when he arrived. He bowed to the Duchess and each of her daughters and then was ready to take his leave. Perhaps she could forgive him, for he knew that he should keep this initial introduction brief, as was also proper.  “Enjoy your day, Lord Melville,” she said with a slight smile.

 

Once he had gone, Margaret and Catherine surrounded Frances, asking a plethora of questions. The Duchess would speak to Frances alone when they got home. While her daughters were occupied, she stepped closer to Cordelia. “What do you think of him now?” she asked.

[Charles Audley]

Sarah and Chatham

Charles laughed again, a rich peal of amusement.

"Many have told me that I laugh too often and too readily. You are the first to tell me that I should laugh more," he said lightly, laughter still dancing in his voice.

His grin widened, showing just hint of pointed canine.

"And to answer your question, I have never found the dark lord at all diminished by his laughter."

The Royals and their exalted company were thankfully still drawing the bulk of the crowd, and so it did not take them long to reach the betting tent. Sarah did not intend to enter, a concession to propriety that Charles found simultaneously amusing and interesting, if not quite as interesting as this talk of finding a spot for relaxation away from the crowds.

"Even were your company tiring, which it is not, I am not a man easily tired out," he said, with a smile of his own in answer to hers. The words were innocent enough, and spoken in an innocent enough tone, but nonetheless held a hint of innuendo simply because of who it was who delivered them. "It sounds a most pleasant way to pass an afternoon."

Settling the bets did not take long, and it was only a few minutes before Charles returned from the tent, offering Sarah first her winnings and then his arm.

"Now then, where shall whim take us?"

[Raconteur]

He was enjoying this just as much as she and that gave her a a signal that he understood exactly what lay behind what they each were saying.

She let her gaze wander while she waited trying to think of a direction to go towards if he was agreeable. 

He retuned shortly and gave a complement to her about not being bored as well as letting her know about his 'strengths'.

"Everyone tires out Lord Chatham. Even you I suspect  ...... But there is cause to worry for I shall not put you to the test fully."

Again she smiled at him teasing enjoying the push and pull that was clearly on display.

She excepted her share and once it was secured in a pocket accepted his arm.

"While I waited I have been looking about but all I can see, at least from here, are tents and vendors."

"Shall we simply walk a bit and see what we find or do you have a better plan?"

"Although I will stick to my wanting a place to rest if you can oblige?"

"There must be such places arranged for that benefit."

"It is too bad that there are so many still here for I might well like to dip my toes in the River if some quiet spot were had."

Which implied the removal of shoes and stockings and might well cause him to rightly imagine more.

She was no green skirt who spread herself out on blankets all about Court.

She did however enjoy a discreetly engineered meeting and Lord Chatham intrigued her.

If anything were to happen it would be a nice way to end the afternoon and who knew what more adventures they might have.

[Cordelia Lucas]

The Duchess of Newcastle, Frances, her younger daughters, and Lady Lucas, with Lord Melville departing 

She watched with a vigilant eye to what was occurring and then Lord Melville took his leave and the Duchess asked for her feelings.

"You did right You Grace in not being too profuse. Lady Frances knew that she would have an escort even if she was alone so we can assume that she was clever in allowing Lord Melville to return her."

"Even tho I suspect he is fully aware of how things are done."

"In this first pass I think he is pleasing to the eye. Well mannered. Not stiff nor pretentious."

"He will, I think, pay you a visit soon if he is serious. Whether it be in a day or a week it will come."

"He does not strike me as an indecisive man."

"But let us wait and see."

"And you York Grace? Do you find him the same or perhaps view it differently?"

Unfortunately they had little time for any deep discussion so she expected the Duchess to have replies just as short.