The Welcoming Ball-Saturday, March 28th, 8pm

[Hope]

Heather (&Grace) left to their own devices

While Heather skulked, nearby another woman sulked. "Look at him, who knew he could be charming?!" Grace complained to no one in particular, then turned and made a more direct assertion to Heather eye to eye. "And who is that he is dancing with? She looks like new money if you ask me, no one of real quality."

Just to be certain Heather knew who she was talking of, Gracie then pointed with her pretty ivory fan at Lord Ogle and Rebecca. "I hope for your sake your own cousins are more loyal." Gracie sighed as she adopted a pose of maiden neglected.

[Patience]

Martin and Maureen

"I am not crying," Maureen said upon turning to observe Martin's flamboyant approach, her bottom lip protuding in a threatening pout. The older lady she had been talking at took the opportunity to flee before she was forced to hear the laundry list of complaints once more. "Did you forget it while you were off talking without me?" she asked him, having worked herself into a tizzy and finished the most recent glass of wine.

[Heather O`Roarke]

Heather (&Grace) left to their own devices

With some surprise Heather turned towards the other woman. They had not been previously introduced, but the words of the lady struck her as humorous. "None of my cousins are currently in London I'm afraid, though in the past Master Hamilton was indeed the most perfect gentleman to my person. I miss his presence greatly." Even as righteous as he had been she had only realized later how comforting he had been for her, quite at a loss without his moral compass.

Heather's eyes moved over to watch the person the lady indicated "I see you will have a little more work on him though, before he will ever be comfortable around a lady, or indeed the perfect gentleman." The boy simply exhumed awkwardness. She chuckled "I trust you shall lecture him on his lack of escort skills at great length. One mustn't let them get away with such behaviour."

[Hope]

Heather & Grace left to their own devices

"Oh don't you worry about that..." she smiled with the prospect, a fine eyebrow then arching as she realised, "in fact, this could work in my favour."

Turning to greet Heather properly then, Grace inclined a little and breathed, "Pleasure to meet you, Cousin of Master Hamilton, I am the unfortunate coach of my own Oggle-y cousin - Grace St. John."

Impressions are quickly made, and Gracie had already made many decisions about the red haired lady. Firstly, she was well to do, her clothing and jewellery opulent and modern n style. Secondly, her mind was sharp; already Heather had judged that the situation might be turned to a advantage. And Lastly, though most importantly to the débutante, there was a poignant note to Heathers voice. Perhaps she could be a new friend?

"What do you think we can ask for in payment for his oh so numerous crimes?" she smiled and turned back to view Henry's dancing, wincing slightly as it looks though he would trample the girls toes.

[Heather O`Roarke]

Heather & Grace left to their own devices

"Well met, Mistress Grace. I am Heather O'Roarke, the Countess of Atherstone, in addition to being the cousin of Thomas Hamilton and the sister of the Viscount Elmdon," Heather smiled upon the introduction. She had come this evening to meet new faces after all, so Grace's reach out to her was most welcome.

She pursed her lips, tipping her fan to them in a thinking motion as her green eyes settled on poor lord Ogle again "It would depend of course on what you want to wriggle from him, perhaps a promise of sorts, a place he is to take you to next that he might be dreading. Like a ladies tea. Somehow most men dread teas, especially if they are one of the few men attending. He will wriggle and wyrm and be ever so attentive to you next time, lest that you punish him again with such assignments." Heather's green eyes sparkled as she imagined her brother Henry nearly falling asleep in such a setting. Of course he had never escorted her there, mainly because when she was younger she had hardly any taste for them. She reminded herself to tell Henry how lucky he had been.

Henry.She would need to find a new bride for the poor man. Heather turned back to Grace with a friendly smile "Unless of course you are bored out of your skull with ladies teas. One wouldn't want to punish oneself after all. A rigorous ride might be more to your liking."

[Martin_Walker]

Martin knew he had to act quickly, or suffer more in the upcoming fight, "Of course, I know your name, but some things sound better when the come from you. Shall we not dance, and enjoy each other instead of fighting and feeling bad."

Martin extended his hand to her to lead her to dance floor if she would accept.

[Hope]

Heather & Grace left to their own devices

A Countess, what fortune. Grace smiled sweetly, pleased with the rank of the redhead, she would need check later upon Atherstone and Elmdon precedence. "Well." the girl sighed with a flick of her wrist, "For the most part I would prefer advantages that did not involve being seen with him, until he is ready for public that is." She whispered behind her fan, "I cannot fathom what Uncle Henry is thinking allowing him here at court, I am sure he does harm to the families reputation each time he makes that stupid grin! And look how he gawps, he is near as bad as York!"

There was something. Some sort of tension that hinted of excitement, when Heather changed tack from suggesting tea party attendance, and instead suggested a ride in the park. "An excellent idea..." Gracie breathed, eyes full of curiosity as she then probed, "Where in the park? Not all parts of parks are equal, of course, and when? I'd not want to go at a unpopular time. And, shall you go too? Just in case Henry is a terrible bore, together we can easier escape him."

[Patience]

Martin and Maureen

Maureen's rapidly beating fan stilled as she considered her husband's offer. "Well, I just do not know, Martin," she had been quite hurt that he would not want to take her with him to talk to the lord and lady. Was she so embarrassing? These hurt feelings were evident in the way her eyes drifted downwards to study her gold skirts.

Why did he even come with her at all? To have someone in a matching dress? It really was such a nice dress, now that she looked at it. Shameful for no one to see it.

A little sniffle. "Alright," and she waited for him to escort her to the floor.

[Heather O`Roarke]

Heather & Grace left to their own devices

Heather laughed softly at the eagerness of the girl. She much preferred to ride over tea herself and wouldn't it just be perfect if her own Henry would happen to come along as her escort. She reminded herself to let her steward check into the background of the girl though, before foisting her on Henry. A link to the Cavendishes was not bad, but bad apples existed in the best of families, of which Cathy was proof.

"Well, if you want to catch the King you'll have to go out into the dark at 5 AM at the gates. However, not much fun is to be had safe that you can try and keep him with His Majesty's long strides." Heather pursed her lips "Rosamond's Pond is a very popular place, but of course after 2 of the clock. Shall we take a ride together on the 3rd? We could meet up at the gates and ride hence."

[Henry Edward Gray]

Henry and Daniel

Henry’s eyes flickered to Daniel’s wounded shoulder but whether he had any thoughts on the matter would be left to the Captain’s imagination. He said nothing. Instead he seemed to have a blank expression on his face, as if he were reserving all feelings and judgments behind a screen inside himself. He took a sip of his drink, ran a finger ‘round the rim of the cup.

“Thank you.” Henry said finally, once the apology had finished. He seemed to be scrutinizing the Dutchman, as though he could make out whether or not he was sincere just by looking at him. There was a noticeable silence, punctuated by the sounds conversations, of laughter, of dancing and the melody patterned out by the musicians. “I would be an entirely unreasonable man if I did not accept such an admission. And I understand what it takes to offer it.” A little twitch at the corner of his mouth, something resembling the upstart workings of a smile, Henry wore irritation and stern seriousness with an almost uncomfortable effort. “Now you will excuse me of course, if I take my leave.”

He bowed.

“We part my lord with, on my side, no quarrel between us.”

[Daniel van Nassau Breda]

Henry and Daniel

Daniel nodded as the apologies were accepted. Having insulted the man, it would not be the easiest thing to do, but Henry did it nonetheless.

The Dutchman returned the bow as the viscount excused himself. It was a short meeting, and he didn't want to say more than he needed. Not because he didn't like the man, but rather because he didn't want to start such a thing again. It had taken too long already. He could've apologized many times before.

As Henry made his leave, the Captain moved towards the dancefloor, looking for Rebecca, fairly sure she would have found herself a partner to dance with.

[Hope]

Heather & Grace left to their own devices

"That's ridiculous!" Gracie expressed in laugher as Heather spoke of 5am, "why, does he even bother going to bed if he gets up that early?" It hardly seemed possible to her, and for a moment she wondered if Heather exaggerated and peeked at her again from the corner of her eyes. She didn't seem to be tricking.

"Two o'clock seems a far more friendly hour." agreement then came easily, "Rosamond? That's a pretty name too, is there a tale behind why it was named so?" Grace asked, silently reaching out to touch Heathers elbow and motion forwards a few inches that the stood in better light.

Her eyes fell silently upon Henry.

"Not any sooner?" she then asked, the third was quite a long time away...

[Rebecca Hale]

Ogle and Rebecca parting ways

Rebecca curtsied to her final partner, smiling warmly. "The pleasure was mine, Sir. Thank you for a lovely end to an entertaining evening." As preoccupied as he was with his planned assignation, she was sure Henry would see the hidden meaning. It was a little fun to say one thing and mean two.

Now to find the best way to put a stick in the spokes. The brunette debutant left the dance floor, looking for her acquaintances as she drifted towards the crowd.

[Daniel van Nassau Breda]

Daniel rejoining with Rebecca

As the dance ended, the Dutchman smiled at how polite the courtiers were to one another before parting ways. Finding Rebecca leaving her dance partner, apparently searching for him, he made his way towards her. "Milady," he said, "may I offer you my arm whilst we mingle, or would you rather have an escort home already?" he asked politely. He knew it was most likely not necessary, but at least he could do what was expected of him.

"I must admit, you looked fabulous on the dance floor with that young boy. However, was it me or weren't the two of you speaking?" he asked, not having seen their lips move, but who knows what they did when he was watching the other dancers.

[Owen Langland]

Following the last strains of the music, Owen indicated that he would escort Noni to the company of her envoy.

"As I have enjoyed your company, milady, I wish you the best of all fortunes here at Court. Know that I remain a reliable fellow whom you may call upon should you find need," he said with a warm smile. Petite angel that she was, he led her carefully to the main room and toward her circle.

"Perhaps we shall meet with Lady Winchelsea later this week or next. His majesty has given me authority to hold a garden lottery and I do wish for guidance in making the best show of it. Would you have any ideas upon that?"

[Heather O`Roarke]

Heather and Grace... ready to join Sophy and Middlesex

"Then we shall make it the 2nd," Heather, unaware she would run a tight schedule that day, relented. Her eyes were following Sophie and Middlesex returning from the dancefloor.

She linked arms with Grace "Come now, it is time for us to save a débutante. I fear the Earl of Middlesex is up to his old tricks again. I cannot have him debauch the poor thing." It sounded so very noble when truly she was only motivated by the thought of riling Middlesex.

"There you are my dear, I have been looking all over you. Have you forgotten we would take the carriage home together?" Heather approached Sophy with a laugh "Lady Grace St. John and Lord Ogle have decided to join us." She gave a glance at Middlesex "You will forgive us, won't you, milord?"

[Rebecca Hale]

Daniel and Rebecca

Rebecca smiled as she slipped back onto Daniel's arm, a little pink in the cheeks. "I'm not ready to leave quite yet, but a little fresh air would be appreciated. After such exertion, the room seems a tad too warm."

As they began to move, she continued in a softer tone, letting the chattering crowd give them some privacy as she answered the Captain's question. "You're right, we didn't speak during the dance. It was very kind of him. That was Henry Cavendish the Younger, Lord Ogle. He is apparently the son of Lord Mansfield and the grandson of the Duke of Newcastle-upon-Tyne... and yet for all that he's still an awkward young man. Sweet enough, I suppose, but a little clueless when it comes to ladies."

[Guest]

Heather, Grace, Sophia and Middlesex

Sophia paused, every inch of her, a dancer proud of her elegance and skill. Then, gracefully with swishing silken skirts, she slid into a formal bow. Middlesex was a libertine, yes, but a talented dancer. Such a shame. She had no intention of succumbing to his advances. Returning the compliment, she said, “As do you, milord. Perhaps the sun shall be envious?”

Opening her fan, she fanned herself breezily. Her cheeks had gained more pink and her breath more heavy. Tilting her head slightly, she informed him, “A few more minutes around the room, and I shall be ready to depart then, milord.”

She was all set to take another promenade around the room when a richly attired redhead lady along with another damsel had made their way towards her …and her partner.

A small expression of confusion flitted from her face. Was the lady befuddled by drink? No, she had addressed her and her companion directly. A carriage ride? When she had already gained Middlesex as an escort? What was going ….Oh! Oh! Here was her chance to cry off!

Praying that the good lord would forgive her very monumental lie, she greeted the redhead with the exuberance of an old acquaintance. With her most charming smile upon her face, she greeted the two ladies, “Lady Grace, so charmed to make your acquaintance.” She curtsied to that damsel.

Addressing Heather, she said entreatingly, “Milady, do forgive my presumption but I thought that you had made other plans, otherwise I would have not committed myself to Lord Middlesex.”

Putting her most apologetic expression, she said, “Please do forgive me milord. I presumed too much before accepting your offer.”

[Hope]

Heather, Grace, Sophia and Middlesex

Only just commending herself for gaining a sooner date, Grace was caught off guard as Heather whisked her into the company of an apparent wretch. It all happened so quickly, court was most definitely a higher pace than life in the country.

And the lies! Heather told a brazen whopper. Grace dipped into a curtsy, hopefully no one saw the surprise that had registered on her face. It was not that Grace hadn't told her fair share, but that she had not realised that others also brazenly did so.

"Why don't we have a ladies carriage, and then another for the men. You are going to the after party aren't you Lord Middlesex?" The truth of the matter was, that Grace rather enjoyed inventing truth, "Where did you say it was again Lady Atherstone?" It would serve Henry right if he went off to some non existent after party with the wretch Middlesex - while the ladies could safely return to their respective beds.

[Daniel van Nassau Breda]

Daniel & Rebecca

"Let's head for the balcony then, Rebecca." he said, handing the glass he had held to a servant passing by. He slowly led the girl at his arm towards the balcony. Did she just admit to liking the young man she danced with?

"So then, what do you suppose he'd do about it? Or don't you want to help him with that?" he asked softly, since she had spoken so positive about young Cavendish. "He is, after all, well connected." he added, winking as he turned his head to her.

[Jane Mary Digby]

Jane and Monmouth

Jane repressed a smile upon the Duke's lack of enthusiasm, which of course had been her purpose. "Thank you, Your Grace, for this lovely dance," Jane smiled, making a polite curtsy before making a quick exit. Only after did her eyes wander to find Pedro and go home.

[Blackguard]

Heather, Grace, Sophia and Middlesex

"Mrs. O'Roarke," the Earl greeted her with feigned civility. She was no Countess anymore, as far as he was concerned. He had investigated her, of course. She was an Irish widow who married commoners in attempting to get a hold of their illegal fortunes.

"How quaint," Middlesex uttered as the lies were spun. Then, looking at Heather, to be followed by Sophia, the Earl replied calmly "the is no need to worry about Lady Sophia that you have to invent stories Mrs. O'Roarke. If you had truly known the lady, you would know that she resides in Saint Marks Hall, which is but a brief walk from here. It is a further walk to the carriages than it is to the Hall. So, I shall credit you with an attempt to interfere, but was wholly unnecessary." Like yourself.

Turning to Grace Cavendish he smiled and uttered, "good to see you again Lady Grace. I do hope you and your brother enjoy a ride with Mrs. O'Roarke." It was more likely that young Henry would be trying to ride with another.

Smiling at Sophia, he then added, "it was very kind of you to play along with the ruse. It shows that you are extraordinarily polite. It shall make it all the more satisfying to walk you home this evening. Shall we?" He offered the blond his arm.

[Heather O`Roarke]

Heather, Grace, Sophia and Middlesex

Heather bristled as soon as he omitted her title. True, it was a courtesy title, nor could she expect any respect from that cad Middlesex, but still it was a very ungentlemanlike thing to do. It only burned on her desire to have the O'Roarke title to go through Caleb's line. There was a short poisonous look to the Earl that conveyed all of her dismay, before she managed control her court mask.

"Of course I know the Lady Sophia, and where she lives," Heather declared haughtily,"I merely hoped to share some fresh evening air before turning in. Perhaps to visit an after party as Lady Grace suggested. There are several about in town, though not where one would expect it." The wine cellar had seen little use of late. Both Middlesex and Heather had been a guest there, with the King.

With his actions Middlesex called her a liar, and Lady Grace to boot. "If it was not necessary to interfere, as you say, milord, then why would the Lady Sophia so readily agree? I am sure that you do not wish to impose so on a lady. No, I think as chivalry demands, the last choice will be for the lady Sophia, without any hard feelings, mmm?" Her tone implied what she thought of his current chivalry. She gave Sophia her most encouraging smile. If she had wanted to rid herself of the cad, this was her chance.

[Rebecca Hale]

Rebecca and Daniel

Rebecca rolled her eyes and chuckled, amused but dismissive of the idea. "He would like my help, but I got the impression that what he has in mind would involve...breaking things that cannot be repaired. And apparently I was a little too delicate in my refusal for him to understand my meaning."

She waited until they were alone outside before getting to the heart of the matter. "He's waiting by the sundial for me. I don't want him to think I've just blown him off, it would crush what spirit he has and I'm too soft hearted for that, but I certainly don't want to go meet him. What should I do, Captain?"

[Martin_Walker]

Martin Searches for Owen

Martin led Maureen from the dance floor congratualating and well wishing the other dancers as they went. "My lady love, I think we showed ourselves well this night. I know I have one more promise to keep tonight, butm unfortnately business calls. Lorn Brynfield, I think is finally giving in on the stocking rack. I must find him. I shall not be long."

Martin looked at her lovingly as he could before searching for the where abouts of Owen