The unveiling of the Monument; 16th 2pm

[Kane Graas]

For Kane there was something captivating about a woman in throws of passion. It always made something move low in his belly. Of course hunger did the same thing. But he was intrigued as he observed how Alexandra as she closed her eyes to daydream about cheese. “Cheese is good. They have a lot of different types of cheese closer to the Mediterranean,” Kane hummed deep from his chest, his gaze steady on Alexandra as he wondered what else might put such an expression on her face. Kane did prefer brunets, but a redhead would do in a pinch and Alexandra wasn't a bad looking girlie.

“You seem quite passionate about riding. Did you learn when you were a child?” Kane questioned, curious about the history of the young woman by his side. At times she seemed a bit of a contradiction. Now a sweet innocent Madonna, who cared for all the orphans in the world; a moment later a devilish temptress practically swooning at the thought of something she liked. Or maybe she just had some sort of an odd fetish for cheese. People did have different tastes.

“Has someone recently let your expectations down then?” Kane questioned curiously, before pausing to consider. His eyes twinkling merrily, he bowed to take Alexandra’s hand and raise it to his lips once more even as his eyes laughed at her over the hand. “My lady, if I have disappointed you during our conversation, I beg that you’re merciful and lie to me about it,” Kane said, grasping his heart in an exaggerated gesture as if fearing it would break would Alexandra be honest about her opinion of him.

“Imagination is a wonderful thing to have,” Kane said, glancing at Winchester again as Alexandra asked about him. Odd’s fish, he wanted to pull on that goatee. “I have. Once. Briefly. At the last ball. I don’t really know much about him I have to admit. He seemed competent enough I suppose,” Kane drawled out slowly as he recalled that the doctor had asked about Kane’s scar. But had that been a competent doctor’s interest or a talented scammer chatting up his profession?

[Alexandra Rosewyck]

"That is good to know, perhaps we can have a cheese party someday and you can teach me of the different types that come from the Mediterranean." Her eyes sparkled at the thoughts of trying something exotic.

She nodded gently, "Indeed, my father placed me upon a horse probably before I could even walk." A sad smile appeared, "He was the one that give me Argyle. Most would call my horse quite the scoundrel, but when my father saw him he knew right away that Argyle and I would be good for each other." Unintentionally, her hand was clutched into a fist as the old feelings washed over her and she attempted to shake it off. "Ah, perhaps we can go riding some day. Even if you are not very sure on a horse it is often the temperament of a horse that helps you to learn how to ride."

Soft laughter escaped at Kane's theatrics, her cheeks growing hot as he took her hand to his lips. "You have certainly not disappointed me. You should not tease this unfortunate soul." She pouted very prettily. "Besides, I highly doubt you would break so readily due to the truth." If she was anywhere besides here in this crowd Alexandra would probably have childishly stuck out her tongue but instead she thwapped his shoulder in a scold but her cheek dimpled when she could not hold back her grin.

"Well that is good. Oh a ball? How exciting? Did you enjoy it?" Still in whispers wondering what is going to happen next down below but all the while being entertained by Kane.

[Hope]

The studios fellow taking notes in the front tier begun to work at a frenzied pace as Winchester struck up his introduction to Christopher Wren.

Charles Rex turned his attention to listen the man, then frowning as nearby nobles chattered on so he could not hear what was being said. "Excuse me, we are trying to listen." he furrowed his brows at Kane and Alexandria.

Meanwhile Tony nodded silently and held out his hand to get the money from Mirtel before givingher the goods. He had had been caught out doing it the other way around before.

Much to James relief, Mr Wren was now walking at a brisk pace towards the podium... it was the Doctors cue to complete his introductions.

Although he'd not heard what was said, The King gave brief applause as Wren took the podium - he was well known to Charles Rex, and the King was happy to allow the man this moment in the Sun - however reluctant the architect come mathematician was to take it up. Meanwhile a young urchin made his way towards the Princess...

Clearing his throat Wren begun. "Your Royal Highness, Ladies, Lords, Men and Women, and indeed, children of London - thank you for attending today to witness the unveiling of the monument to the fire. It was my great pleasure upon joint inspiration of the Royal Society to be nominated to designing the monument, and His Royal highness was bought many plans before he was settled upon this one. Now why this? Do I hear you ask -- well, his majesty in his unfailing wisdom, saw the monument not just as a memorial, but as a functional tool towards the betterment of mankind..."

Wren was half way though his first page of the speech, and after a breif pause for a sip of water continue on with an unduly detailed account of mathematical equations that were brought to bear on the monument design in incorporating an astrological observatory device and machine for the making of other scientific measurements into the monument itself. On he droned...

"Milady want to buy a marble?" Against all odds Mark whispered, yet was immediately shooed away by a Life guard. ""Shit." the lad was heard to curse under his breath.

Katherine leant towards the King after this small incident and whispered something with caused the King to wag his eyebrows, and motion to the Life Guard to detain the boy.

Onwards through the second, and third page, until finally Wren reached the last page of his speech. "And so it is my honour, on this the sixteenth of April, in the year of our Lords Sixteen seventy six, to unveil for you the sum of twenty seven mens works; namely Stone masons Peter Walters, Emery Jones, Richard Dunsdale, Nigel Hamilton, Walter Jervois...

Patience was wearing thin - not that Wren noticed this, but it was well apparent to anyone observing the commoners tiers. "Hurry up!" someone shouted out, to a chorus of cheers of agreement.

Wren cleared his throat again, the distraction had made him loose his place. He went back to the beginning of the paragraph and tried again. "And so it is my honour, on this the sixteenth of April, in the year of our Lords Sixteen seventy six, to unveil for you the sum of twenty seven mens works; namely Stone masons Peter Walters, Emery Jones, Richard Dunsdale, Nigel Hamilton, Walter Jervois...

Until finally he completed, and gave the signal to his men to cut the cords that held the canvas. In a great gust that set dust to flying up into the stands - the Monument was unveiled!

[Kane Graas]

Kane grinned quietly at Alexandra and her excitement. There would be a ball again next week, Kane believed. She’d get to satisfy her curiousity then. In addition it was quite likely that ladies looked for something different in making up their mind as to whether a ball was satisfactory or not.

But as the king called courtiers to attention as whoever was opening the monument stepped forward to start his speech, Kane postponed responding for now and beyond a respectful bow towards the king and the princess let his eyes wander while listening to the speech with half an ear.

Blinking with some surprise as the canvas surrounding the Monument fell away, Kane lazily waved his hand in the air to keep the dust from getting into his eyes or nose before turning to consider the Monument.

[William Gosling]

William listened to the speech. His curiosity was piqued a bit. Mathematical equations, while not exciting, were interesting to him as he had the education and inclination to interpret them. Though Wren was a poor speech giver, apparently, the monument itself stood to his credit as an architect and William was seized by a desire to speak to the man. As the sheet dropped from the monument he strode forward. There was no timidity in his approach, nor hurriedness, nor did he seem disturbed by the dust. He walked casually and normally, if a bit quickly, towards the Monument. He doubted many would see him with the sight of the monument being more interesting, plus the dust, and further doubted many would care.

[Alexandra Rosewyck]

Alexandra had no idea that they were being so loud as to warrant a direct request from the King to quiet down. Cheeks flaming she nodded and gave a meek apologetic smile, then kept her attention forward as Wren came up to talk.

Without expecting an answer from Kane, she stopped talking and watched Wren go through his speech with no finesse and even less exciting than a sermon. She grimaced and listened with half the attention until people down in the commoners tiers started shouting to hurry up. She felt exactly the same way but knew better than to voice her opinion and then the moment had come. The Monument was unveiled. She closed her eyes and tilted her head to one side to let the dust pass and when everything started to settle she looked upon the Monument.

[Hope]

Christopher Wren

Wren stook awkwardly a moment - he'd thought that perhaps there would have been applause. But instead faces turned mutely looking up at the vast structure.

"Ahem" The master architect flushed a brilliant red, talk about embarrassing! "Well, there it is."

He got down from the stand. Who's idea had it been to have an unveiling, "I should have stuck to my guns when I'd said no." he muttered.

[Hope]

The King and Princess von der Pfaltz

As Wren moved away with two other fellows, the King pulled a face, the remarked generally, "Well, that was less spectacular than I'd hoped. I suppose that is what one gets when attending an even arranged by a scientist." he gave a chortle of laughter and stood, offering his hand to assist the pricess to her feet.

"What was it with this urchin then..." The King escorted Karoline to where the life guard detained Mark, and watched with curiosity as the lad tried pawn off his marbles. Curiouser still, the Princess accepted his deal. Mark's grin was as wide as the Thames as he scurried away. "Poor child, I am drawn to do what little I may to help the innocent children..."

The princess was very pleased as she caught the look within the Kings eye at that moment.

[Mirtel Hardwick]

“Oh,” Mirtel whispered quietly as the boy held out his hand to her. A quick rummage in her purse later Mirtel Christabel pulled out four shillings and hoping that was enough for a marble or two held the coins out for the boy: “Here you are, young sir.” The words were accompanied by a gentle smile as if she were talking to a young squire or the offspring of a nobleman. turning Mirtel glanced at Cat and Ursula to see if they might desire a marble as well. Were marbles popular in court for them to be sold like this? But it didn't escape Mirtel's notice that the lady accompanying the king seemed to be buying some too, so she quietly congratulated herself for accepting the boy's offer.

Mr Wren’s speech was much too complex for Mirtel to really understand any of it. As the Monument was unveiled, she sneezed quietly as the dust flew around before clapping her hands. “La! It’s quite delightful to have such a Monument with such a meaning, is it not?” she remarked to no one in particular as she studied the creation.

[George Hardwick III]

George offered Mirtel a white handkerchief - the scrap of cloth having been amongst a small collection she had in turn given him - each emblazoned with a miniature rendition of the family crest. "It quite - un-ignorable." George agreed, uncertain from this angle that it was a beautiful addition to the city - although it most certainly was large.

George was no scientist himself though he had a rudimentary understanding of mathematics, as it was a necessity for any serious artist to be able to figure the geometrical equations involved in composition.

The seating was hard, George stood upon his patent leather shoes, the leather soles of those shoes in question being dyed a controversial shade of purple. Naturally the Earl likewise glanced toward the King of England, Scotland, Ireland and France for a cue. He did not yet abandon the stands, for the King did not - standing in conversation appeared to be the next graduation to the day. "He has a sharp mind." of the architect he offered in moderate offering towards said conversation, although he might as easily have been talking of the King, "Has Milord Mountjoy had the fortune to yet meet him?"

[Kane Graas]

Turning his head Kane glanced around to check the location of the king and the princess and upon noticing the exchange between the princess and Mark allowed a tiny satisfied smirk to curve his right lipcorner upwards. Perfect. The princess should be well pleased by that so far. Already a couple of more ideas were sprouting in Kane’s mind as to what to do next with the marbles, but those would need to settle and wait for a more opportune moment.

Turning his attention back to the present situation Kane cocked an eyebrow as he thoughtfully looked at the the Monument. He would have wanted something grander perhaps, but then again he shouldn’t complain. The monument was a very suitable anticlimax for the dryly scientific speech that Wren fellow had delivered. “We-ell, it’s a monument. How would you describe it, my lady?” Kane whispered to Alexandra with a grin, presuming it safe to talk again as the royal couple was on the move.

[Alexandra Rosewyck]

Blue-green eyes gazed upon the Monument and then at Kane with a small smile. With a slight tilt of her head towards her companion, she whispered in return, "Beautiful. It looks elegant in its simplicity. The architect has done a good job despite his...speech. And your thoughts of the monument?" Her voice was lowered despite the event wrapping up but just in case she did not wish to offend anyone.

[Kane Graas]

Kane wondered what it would take to be so young and innocent again to be impressed by something as simple as a monument. But, sarcasm and certain jaded edge had always fit him far better than naivety and innocence. But Alexandra was a cute girlie.

“I believe that as long as there are people like you, who appreciate the monument and it’s meaning, it has fulfilled its purpose,” he responded with a winsome grin. "We can always go and see it closer if you wish, although I suppose the view from here might be somewhat better as it allows us to appreciate the whole thing." If one was of the type to appreciate such things.

“Of course what marks this day as memorable for me was meeting a pretty redheaded lady. Especially as she agreed to meet with him again this Sunday. Around 2 PM?” That should allow for enough time for Church to be over and both of them to have a chance to wake up again after the sermon before their get-together in honour for Alexandra’s birthday.

[Charles Blount]

[OOC: my apologies for waiting so long to respond.]

As Mirtel let it be known that she had yet to meet the King Charles surmised "It should only be a matter of time then until you have the pleasure for His Majesty is very good about making himself available to his nobles. He is also a most kind and chivalrous gentleman who would no doubt find it a pleasure to meet such a fine lady as you.

I have been at Court for several seasons having myself been abroad touring the continent after I had the good fortune to matriculate from Oxford . Although I miss the activities of the country, the town offers its own enjoyments."
Mirtel’s conversation was lively and interesting and not at all tedious.

"Ah… Thank you good sirs." He said to Douglas and George taking the refreshments. He noticed a spot of mold on one of the cakes and deftly kept it for himself giving Ursula the fresh piece.

When the King arrived he bowed and then in acknowledgment of Karoline’s greeting took off his hat in salute bowing yet again.

His attention was then taken by Dr. Winchester who introduced Wren well enough but Wren’s speech was hardly one to inspire interest. Still Charles paid polite attention as the architect droned on even clapping when he was through.

"I have not had the pleasure of meeting Master Wren formally." He replied to George’s question. "He seems a most studious man and he has garnered quite a reputation for his pleasing erections. Oh!… you have purchased a trinket to remind you of the occasion. How pleasant." He added as he noticed Mirtel and the urchin. He failed to see what a marble had to do with the monument but at these gatherings the common sort always came out in an attempt to gain profit from the well to do who attended these gatherings.

"The Princess Karoline looks radiant do you not think they themselves make a charming pair? My what a stunning Queen she would be." He said to no one in particular. He supported the princesses bid for the hand of the King and such public comments could be advantageous to her prospects.

[George Hardwick III]

Unfortunately for decorums sake, George had paused to sip of his ginger beer, and had a mouth full of that sweet liquid when Charles made his comment of Wren. In a repressed guffaw, and confused swallowing motion, further complicated by the need to exhale laughter - George bent as he snorted liquid out his nose in an unruly hoot. His handkerchief was quickly snatched, and dabbed to his face. The Earls face turned a brilliant crimson as he nodded and tried pretend nothing had happened, "If only England had more men like him."

He then turned to notice his sister's purchase of marbles, unfortunately his mind went down a less than seemly path. He dabbed his brow, and tried to refrain from admiring the stunning figure of a man that was Mount Joy. "I quite agree." he might have agreed with anything Charles said at that moment, and released a sigh.

[Hope]

The King and Princess von der Pfaltz

Mark, who nearly wet himself when the bloody King asked him questions, nodded madly - too scared to say anything in case he gave the game away. Karoline was seen to pat the boys head, and then Charles Rex Signalled Catriona - who was soft hearted lady. He thought perhaps Karoline and she might work together upon this plan that the Princess had.

Charles, Mirtel, George, Ursula & Catriona

Ursula also purchased a marble, she was astute enough to know mimicry was paramount to courtly etiquette. "Thank you young master." she said to the boy who next moved to offer Cat marbles. But what Cat's decision was over glass balls, was not to be known - as the King signalled her across the crowd with an inviting smile and encouraging wave of hand.

"Ah, it looks as though I am needed." she smiled to the others, "Lovely to see you again Lady Mountjoy, and Lady Mirtel - remember Saturday." she smiled to the gentlemen one and all, before moving towards the King wondering what he was up to now?


OOC: I have npc'd Cat, who shall hopefully be back with us soon to let us discover if she and Karoline can see eye to eye over orphans? Do please carry on dears!

[Louis Killington]

Well, this was rather uneventful. The disappointment did not show on Louis' face. His eyes were on the King mostly, and Karoline, assessing how the two seemed to be getting along.

Of course, there were other glances to the crowd and those surrounding him at the edge of the crowd. He was glad that no urchins approached him. His charity was all outward in this moment. The fire in London had opened opened the possibility of progress and real estate opportunism. The deaths were lamentable, to be sure. The world was a cold place.

There were few persons present that he recognized in the crowd, other than Blount. There was no reason to approach the others. He was not feeling very sociable at the moment, having received the letter from Darlene. There was no advantage in staying, so he turned and returned to his coach.

[Alexandra Rosewyck]

Kane's response made her smile deepen revealing the dimple but then made a face, "I would pass on getting a closer look. There seems to be quite a bit of people with like mind and I do not believe I wish to be crushed underfoot."

Amusement twinkled in her eyes as Kane mentioned why the day was memorable and nodded in agreement, "Yes, that sounds good to me. Where shall we meet before we start our adventure?"

[Kane Graas]

„As you wish,“ Kane’s responce came swiftly, although if he thought about it, he’d have to admit that he had no desire to see the monument closer either. He wasn’t that big of an admirer of architectual marvels, if the monument could be called that.

„As my lady wishes,“ Kane responded again as Alexandra asked about their meeting point, „Perhaps at the Red Lion Inn as you mentioned you stayed there?“ Kane gallantly offered his elbow to Alexandra as it did seem as if the event was starting to end. Although the King and the princess hadn’t left yet so who knew what might still happen. „Are you retiring or would you wish to look around?“ he asked from Alexandra, ready to defer to her wishes in this matter.

[Mirtel Hardwick]

“You flatter me,” Mirtel Christabel exclaimed, although she was to be called a fine lady. No comment was needed about the king and his chivalry. His Majesty was the King! He was perfection in physical form; pure and immaculate and above any mortal temptations. His chivalry was even further underlined by his gallant behaviour in escorting the foreign princess. Ah, how hard it must be for His Majesty to be in the company of another woman, what with his beloved Queen having perished not that long ago.

“La! Are you alright?” Mirtel asked worriedly, willingly handing George’s handkerchief back to him. Obviously the ginger beer was not suitable for fine taste. Mirtel Christabel would not be taking a sip from her own mug. Who knew what was floating in it. She had a brief mental image of a dead drunk purple baby fish floating with its belly upwards in the ginger ale.

Hoping to give her brother a chance to compose himself once more, Mirtel returned her attention to the conversation. “The Monument does look rather lovely,” she agreed with a gesture towards the monument, “Ah, I should be quite pleased to study this marvellous erection of his closer.” Mirtel Christabel eyed the stairs and the people around the base of the Monument and thought better of subjecting herself to it. “But not right now of course.”

Mirtel Christabel beamed at Ursula as she also bought a marble. “It’s rather nice,” Mirtel agreed raising her own marble in the air and smiling happidly at the kaleidoscope of colours the marble produced as the sun hit it at an angle.

Mirtel Christabel’s mouth formed a tiny ‘O’ as the King himself beckoned for Lady Alyth to approach. This honour bestowed on her newly found friend made her a bit awestruck. “Ah, lady Alyth seems to be quite a remarkable lady, is she not?” Turning her innocently wide eyes to Charles at his words, Mirtel Christabel came to a decision that he was a modest gentleman as well. Modesty did seem to be the ruling virtue of court.

“La? Do you believe she might be our next Queen? How exciting! I’ve heard there are so many princesses visiting London at the same time. It must be quite breathtaking to see them all together. Have you had the fortune of meeting many of them, my lord?”

[Douglas FitzJames]

Zounds but scientists were boring. Douglas's mind wandered off to far more pleasant places - ones involving voluptuous ladies with insufficient clothing on - as Wren droned on and on and finally in a rather anticlimactic move the monument itself was unveiled. Whatever.

The young urchin with the marbles was the subject of suspicious scrutiny from deep blue eyes as he offered Myrtle and Ursula marbles, but as Douglas was standing on the other side of Cat he wasn't in a good position to give the kid a flick on the ear and tell him to piss off. He settled for watching the boy's hands though judging by the profit he was turning from the marbles he would have no need to effect any other kind of theft.

Mountjoy's double-entendre was delivered in a such a dead-pan manner that Douglas had to wonder whether or not it was actually intentional, hiding his smirk with a large swig from his mug of ginger beer even as George choked on his. Remind me to say something suggestive in Lord Hardwick's hearing at some point. To his sister if at all possible. He thought, speculating that the resulting reaction would be rather entertaining. He found with mild irritation that his ginger beer was all gone, it had been quite good and refreshing on a warm day. He shoved the last of his piece of cake in his mouth instead.

As His Majesty called Cat over Douglas tipped his cavalier's hat to the general company. "If yer'll excuse me, m'Lairdies, m'Lairds. A pleasure tae meet ye, an' guid health."* This last was to Ursula, with whom he was not previously aquainted. In the general press of the stands it was better that he stick close to Cat in case there might be some further threat to her person.

Subtitles
* "If you'll excuse me, my Ladies, my Lord. A pleasure to meet you, and good health."

[Alexandra Rosewyck]

"That sounds perfect!" There was something she was missing and she had that peculiar feeling that she was as well which caused her brow to furrow in thought. "For some reason, there is something I have completely forgotten and cannot seem to recall. I dislike it when thoughts are on the edge of my peripheries and I cannot seem to grasp it." She shrugged as she put the thought aside.

"The Red Lion Inn would be wonderful as a meeting point. I shall see you after churc...oh. That is what I forgot. What a horrible day for a birthday celebration." Her mood turned sour as she mulled over the thought. "Master Gaas, I believe I completely forgot that it will be the Funeral of the Archbishop of Canterbury on the 19th. There will be no Sunday service on that day because of the Mass being held for the late Archbishop. Is it good to celebrate my birthday on such a sad day?"

[Kane Graas]

Kane blinked at Alexandra, quite confused as she suddenly decided that Sunday was a horrible day for a birthday celebration. Well, Sunday being God’s day for rest and all that, some places might be closed. But Sunday on it’s own wasn’t that bad of a day, was it? “I had forgotten all about the funeral as well,” Kane realised as Alexandra explained her train of thought.

“How about a quick reshuffle of schedule then?” Kane suggested, not particularly perturbed by the thought. Things rarely came together as planned, so a good merchant – and a good pickpocket – always had to know how to adapt within a moment’s notice. “I shall come and meet you in the morning, say at 10 or 11 AM, and in the afternoon you might perhaps allow me to escort you to the Mass for the late Archbishop?” Alexandra had agreed to Kane’s company on her birthday, so Kane had no doubt she’d be agreeable to this plan too, but it was still polite to ask.

“I didn’t get the chance to meet the Archbishop, but I’m certain he wouldn’t have wished to sadden a lovely lady on such an important day. If he is to gaze down on us, he surely wouldn’t mind you celebrating your birthday,” Kane attempt to comfort Alexandra. Not that he ever quite knew what would be comforting to a lady.

[Hope]

Charles Stuart smiled at the women, Karoline and Catriona, as the pair shared a topic of charity work. Admittedly he was pleased that he was able to now walk alongside Rupert and talk of pleasanter things, and leave the serious considerations to sweetly earnest ladies.

The quartet, trailed by dual life guards on duty (that were now joined by Douglas) moved towards the carriages to return to the palace.

~After the King has left~

Mark dashed towards Kane before he left, and made a swift grin, "It worked!"

The lad seemed to forget that his employer's lady companion might hear his unusual claim, and then he was off, dashing away to find his brother.

[Alexandra Rosewyck]

Curious eyes looked at Kane along with a tilt of her head to listen to her companion's suggestion. "That is a fabulous idea. I would like that very much."

A nod of acknowledgement lessened her guilt for celebrating her birthday on a day of mourning for another. With that acknowledgement came a smile as the weight that was placed there with an earlier thought was lifted. "That is just the words I need. Thank you, Master Graas. I feel like a girl that just scraped her knee trying to climb a tree better than the boys." She shrugged off any awkwardness and gave Kane a deeper smile. "Perhaps it is time for me to get a bit of rest in. I look forward to seeing you on Sun..."

Before her sentence could be finished, a little boy ran towards Kane with familiarity and said, "It worked" with an endearing little grin. Her eyes twinkled as she looked as the boy ran off and then back at Kane, "Very curious. Do you know that child? What did he mean that it worked? What worked?" The full force of her gaze upon Kane curiosity in her eyes at the mystery afoot hopeful that she might also be pulled into his confidence.