Fulfilling a Request [13/10, 6:30 am]

[Alexandra Neuville]

Alexandra had rose a bit earlier than expected and eventually Melinda rose to attend to her. The fiery haired woman was brimming with a bit of energy as her art supplies provided by George was gathered as she informed Melinda that she was to accompany her seeing that Sarah was not really up to task.

THE LITTLE PARK

The Little Park extends around the north and east sides of the Castle, and encompasses about 500 acres of land. Once the cool morning mist has broken, many courtiers gather here to socialize and enjoy the mild temperatures. Mostly it consists of several beautiful lawns which are given over to a variety of sports and diversions. Hedges and small woods delineate different areas including a green for lawn bowls, a course for pale-maille, and an archery range that is open to men and women alike. Occasionally, tournaments and matches are held with stands erected for the spectators. There are also a great many manicured riding trails threaded among the playing fields, which offer a milder alternative to the unkempt tracks in the rest of the Great Park. For those interested in less vigorous pursuits, there is also a small pond, encircled by a gentle walking path. Every morning and evening, the shrubs and bowers surrounding the pond are alive with the rustlings and cheerful strains of songbirds as they feverishly consume the feast of seeds & berries that will sustain them through the long winter.

She was dressed a bit warmly knowing it would not do to catch a chill even though of late she had always seemed to feel hotter than a camp fire. A deep blue day dress with ivory accents was put on as well as a matching snood. A dark colored cloak was put about her shoulder, but the hood was kept down.

With Melinda beside her, Alexandra headed towards the Little Park close to the small pond using the gentle walking path. She walked about a bit with a blanket in her arms. Melinda held her sketching pad, a stool, and a few other accessories intent on taking up a few hours on her art assignment finding a spot that truly inspired her, but kept her safe despite the early hour.

She could hear the sounds of the songbirds and thought of her own little red bird that was set free. The gift that Rochester got her for her birthday so many months ago.

Thoughts went back to the task on hand as Melinda placed the stool where Alexandra indicated was a good place with a view over the small pond, shrubs, and her excitement bubbled with a vibrance that was usual for the fiery haired woman. Once everything was set up taking a lot of George's lesson to heart, she settled down as comfortably as she could and began to sketch.

Her maid kept her thoughts to herself, but it was nice to be outside and when her mistress was not looking, she would smile and wondered if she would be able to see the sun set.

The flame-haired woman was intent on at least starting her assignment and remained in silent contemplation and concentration with a few inaudible sounds of frustration, exhaling and starting once more.

[Hope]

It was a pleasant spot, with vast view of Windsor and it's surrounding grounds, an ideal spot really, were one to go on the look out for the passage of the Kings coterie upon the early morning walk. There was hush in the air at this early hour, and Alexandra was not the only person to arrive so early, though this others purpose was not of sketching.

The fair headed man's hair glinted with the earliest rays of morning sun, while his cloaked form came to rest some 20 yards or so away from the Lady. In silence he provided a nod, with modest smile, before he turned his head towards the castle. Given some minutes with no Royal Majesty appeared, he too exhaled of frustration.

[Alexandra Neuville]

Blue-green eyes slid over noticing a blond-haired man close enough. When a nod and smile was given, she returned just to be polite as she began to prepare her sketching. There were not enough people that were early risers except for those that tried to pander to the King during one of his walks. She purposely avoided the walk way intent on her single minded task allowing more political minded people to bother the King.

Sometimes she felt sorry for royals, even Noni, the amount of eyes that were upon them any given time. She could not imagine it was pleasant. Alexandra extended her arms out in front of her and made a rectangle using her index fingers and thumbs to block out the surrounding areas of what she wanted to sketch.

She did noticed the man being rather agitated and wondered if he was hoping to see or be granted an audience with the King. She did not recognise the man before and took note of his clothes as well as take note of his features enough to perhaps remember him for another time. Having something to do to appear busy helped and she pretended to ignore the man wondering if he would hurry off to try another location or approach.

It did prick her curiosity, but really she has had the most awful luck with allowing it free rein. Could the young lady be growing up and actually being wary of motives, people, and surroundings?

[Hope]

Unfortunately for Andrew, today was the morning after His Majesties stag night; perhaps the one morning in the past year that he'd sent away his royal dresser's in favour of a few extra hours in bed. Andrew waited patiently as any man could... his gaze drifted towards the woman as she framed her view, but for the most part she was so intent upon her occupation so as to seem unaware of him.

Ten more minutes. He thought to himself, and looked back towards the castle gates.

[Alexandra Neuville]

A gentle smile appeared upon her lips as she recalled exactly what day it was. It was quite a disappointment that she was not able to go to the King's Stag party, she would imagined it would have been a rather amusing affair.

She called out in a firm and clear voice while still preparing for her sketching. "I believe you are wasting your time." Alexandra began her attempts at sketching even while she talked. "If you are expecting the King's arrival, you may need to wait until another day. The King had his Stag party late last night." It was hardly a secret and she was not telling him something that others could not.

Alexandra knew to stay out of most people's business, but she always leaned towards being 'helpful'. That included shaving off a bit of time to lessen one's anxiety. It would be the man's choice to come on over to introduce himself or walk off in a huff, but all in all, the fiery haired woman felt that she had done her good deed for the day by letting him know.

[Hope]

The woman called out to him across the way. Calling back he replied, with Scott accent "Wait a whole day?" he misunderstood. "I think I'll come back then, tomorrow."

Well, the morning was suddenly freed up. He glanced back towards the gates, supposing he head back then. Yet since he was here, he might as well... the young man walked over towards Alexandra, to see what she was doing. "I am Andrew Ross, Baron of Ullapool." He was too young to have held the title very long.

[Alexandra Neuville]

"Well the King is a busy man. I would imagine that he would have quite a bit to do before his wedding to do such a walk later in the day with a lot of moving about in his schedule." Well, he was the King and he could quite honestly do whatever he wanted. It was her making assumptions. She tried not to be curious to know what this man wanted with the King, but it would be rather rude of her to ask.

The fiery haired woman was actually surprised that the man had decided to walk over towards her for an introduction. Having been sitting upon her stool with a bulky sketchbook upon her lap, she looked up and gave a warm smile to the man who decided to make introductions instead of running off. "Good morning, Andrew Ross, Alexandra Neuville, granddaughter to the Constable of Cornwell." The titles could go on and on for who her husband was and what he was, etc, but instead she would continue to introduce herself as such which is what she was comfortable with, and she did so love her grandfather.

"Is this your first time at Windsor, my lord?" She asked politely but continuing to finish her sketch being on a time schedule herself. "My apologises, I need to try to get these sketches completed and it must seem so rude of me to do it while we are conversing. Would you care to have a seat upon the blanket? Sort of like an early morning picnic with no food? I was never good with formalities. It could be our little secret." She said the last a bit teasingly as she tilted her head to meet the Scottishman's gaze.

[Hope]

"He is a busy man..." the man replied as he approached, "He probably has to walk all over the place getting ready for his wedding, of moving about at least."

"Pleased to meet you Lady Neuville." he said as introduction was completed, that she mentioned her grandfather's rank, had him think to mention his sisters, "My sister is Mistress Lydia, in the Duchess of Somerset's household." It was his sisters new found good luck that brought him down to England.

"Yes it is. And yourself, this is your first time in Windsor?" he asked, peering towards her artwork, and then smiling with her hospitality. "I promise to tell no one." he moved to sit on the blanket, "I'm not one for formalities either." He was from a backwash clan far from the frills and finery of the high houses of Scotland. Sitting on a blanket suited him just fine.

[Alexandra Neuville]

A dimpled smile appeared as the man hit it the point directly filling in any blanks with the tiny bit of information she had provided him. The same smile was still upon her lips as the man drew closer for introductions and engaged her in conversation.

"Yes, it is." She answered with a grin as he sat upon the blanket. "Tell me a bit of yourself, Lord Ullapool? I do hope my constant sketching does not bother you. I just hope to complete my instructor's request and find that this will be the only time to fulfill it." Alexandra explained hoping that he did not find it rude, and perhaps he found it pleasant allowing his eyes to be wherever he wished them to be while she continued to gaze upon her subject.

It did not stop her from subtly looking over the man to get some sort of impression of who he was, how tall he was, the colour of his eyes, and if he seemed to be comfortable in any surrounding for that matter. All the while, she tried to convey how calm and casual she could be. Upon seeing her, she tried to also try for sophistication and elegance despite her mention of not liking formalities. Her curiosity was brimming almost bordering on rude as to why he desired to see out the King today.

All the while, she sketched and at times her pink tongue ended up tucked at the corner of her mouth when she was at a particularly difficult part of her assignment, but all the while exercised her mind by listening and paying a certain amount of attention enjoying the multi-tasking above all.

[Hope]

Her dimpled smile evoked a smile of his own (though no dimple).

"Oh, I see." he spoke of her busyness of hands, no judge of art himself he asked, "And you are pleased with the results?" It was hard to gauge his height now he was sitting, but when stood he seemed of an average height, though he appeared not quite at ease within his court clothing. It was his sister who had gotten the good looks in the family, he was of a humbler appearance, his nose perhaps a bit large, and his crop of red hair somewhat unruly (fastened back into a pony tail to try manage tidiness.

As her attention focussed upon the castle, his own returned there also. Impressive structure indeed. "Well, I admit I don't do art." he replied as she asked him to tell her of himself, his mind blanked on what else to say. "What about you, Lady Neuville, do tell me a bit about yourself?" returning the question to her seemed quite a clever thing to do.

[Alexandra Neuville]

"Not quite yet. I am still quite unsteady if not a bit finicky at the wrong details at times, but I refuse to give up." She said as a determination set in her expression as she finished a part of the sketch the way she wanted it to be seen. Blue-green eyes met the baron's gaze as she answered, "Eventually, it will be lovely enough to send home to my grandpapa--well that is my hope for it."

Her eyes fell back upon the sketch as she started a new section. "Until a few days ago, I did not think I could do art either, but my instructor is quite brilliant and believes that if there is enough interest it is a start. I do adore and admire the art of others enough to create a bit of envy for such talent, something I wished for myself."

"About myself, hmm, well let us see. This is my first time in Windsor, as you already know, but since my arrival, I have not had the opportunity to just sit and relax. I do enjoy meeting new people, but realise that a lot of nobles do not seem to wake at such an hour. It is mornings like this that I would love to be riding across the green at a break neck speed and feel the wind trying to pull the pins out of my hair." She feel a bit quiet as she finished a rather obstinate curve that did not want to cooperate with her.

After a minute or so, Alexandra continued, "I have always admired creation, and life while living life fully embracing the good with the bad but always moving forward. It has been rather difficult, but I believe I am managing."

A smile appeared as she looked back over towards Andrew. "Would it be too presumptuous of me to ask what had brought you here so early in the morning hoping to be allowed to walk behind the King with a possibility of an approach?" She was always one for the frank approach, and her curiosity could also be blamed for her prying query. "It might just be easier to practise what you would request from the King." Alexandra added trying not to be completely uncouth with an invitation to offer a boost in his success.

[Hope]

"Ah, the shaky lines, and focus on less interesting parts... but perseverance will pay off no doubt." he nodded, "And your grandfather will have a lovely gift."

Her eyes were quite a pretty colour in contrast to her hair, although he regarded them very briefly, her attention returning to her work.

"Quite brilliant eh?" she didnt say the name of the Instructor, but then, he was new to England so probably would not know them. His tone of voice was an echo of her own. "Being interested is surely important for learning. So, who's art do you like then?"

"So why dont you go riding then?" Seated as she was, he'd failed see the reason for her quiet activity. "Ah, though I suppose you are enjoying the rare chance to sit quietly, without loads of people bothering you."

She seemed to become rather quiet then, conversation slowed, though it never occurred to Andrew that he was interrupting her otherwise peaceful morning. When she spoke again, it seemed philosophy. Now Andrew was not a university educated man, so could but nod. "Loads of good and bad things do happen. Like my sister, that was bad. But now, maybe it will be good. It is difficult. I hope you do manage, I hope I do too." he paused, then added, "So what is your 'bad' you have to accept?"

Her direct question brought him to physically shift, it was some need to stretch out his back.

"Ah, well, I am going to ask for a royal favour, In England the streets are paved with gold, and all that. My sister did real well for herself here. And I heard that the King likes to have Lady Aylth married, those MacBains are a feisty lot, so I can understand that. Anyhow, I thought to tell him I'm available. And, if that doesn't work, then I'm going to go see Basildon."

[Alexandra Neuville]

His compliments were nice and she smiled as she continued with her sketching. It seemed the sketching was not too difficult, it was the colours, and water control, and the actual painting that she was also having a bit more difficulty with. She tried to pretend that he did not have a perfect view of her while she busied herself, but she began to blush a bit at just the thought. Alexandra pressed her lips together as she fell silent as if working through a rather difficult bit of the terrain to sort of get over her thoughts.

"The more realistic ones. I've noticed that a lot of the paintings I have seen are almost exaggerated to always show someone in a good light even if it almost seems as if they end up painting another. For now sceneries that manage to take my breath away, next perhaps more of the more realistic portraits intent on showing oneself as if through a piece of glass. To perserve how one is seen and to be able to look back upon it after you grow older. The preservation of youth, perhaps?" She giggled as she halted on her sketch, "Maybe it will be the title of my first piece of work."

Alexandra chuckled, "Yes, that too, but currently prohibited until my child is born." For some reason answering him frankly was refreshing rather than embarrassing, and it did allow her to be less guilt ridden at being presumptuous. Did not mean she had to show him her belly as proof of her condition.

The fiery haired woman stopped sketching and tilted her head to meet Andrew's gaze as if studying him in a light of curiosity. A real conversation without the proclivities of double speak or of the weather. Here was someone a bit worse than her at being a well-seasoned courtier.

"I do hope your sister will now experience the good, and being in the household of the Duchess of Somerset is no small feat. My bad always seems to consist of loss." She gave a polite smile still looking at him not having gone back to her sketching. "The loss of my parents, and my first husband, but coming here I feel as if I have received a second chance. A husband, and a child. Loss is a part of life, and well, it is a life lesson that has continually managed to push me down instead of being able to embrace it." She spoke frankly and wondered if he would as well. The story of his sister's bad would be rather interesting not having met this Lydia yet, but it was really not his story to tell. His however was mainly upon him.

"My goodness, I do know Lady Alyth. I do wish you the best on your endeavour." The question was did Cat want to be married off again. There was no secret that she was one of the King's Mistress. "How could Basildon assist if the King refuses your suit?" She asked curiously still not understanding the connection. Alexandra had met Basildon on several occasions, but did not know exactly how influential or powerful the man was. Inwardly, she always had the impression that the man was polite enough but a bit awkward around her. It was probably just her imagination, but the few times they met was with a polite greeting, and onto their relative circles.

[Hope]

He was not aufait with courtiers galleries, thus ill educated to realise how true her statement was. The fashion of art of the day had progressed from Renaissance through to Mannerism, idealism prominent,through to the elaborate styling of Baroque where opulence, drama, tension and exuberance fairly dripped from artists paint brushes. Realism was rare, and fashion ruled supreme, that one might wonder if all ladies painted shared common mother, and all men were from the same sire.

"Preservation of Youth." he nodded, it sounded very artsy as a title he thought, "I suppose that a portrait is capturing a moment in time..." he considered, his mind being taken into thoughts not previously had. He puzzled though. looking at the picture she now painted, for that title did not seem to fit a watercolour of Windsor castle. With brows rising in a questioning manner he looked back to the lady.

"Oh." he flushed as he realised she was with child. "Ah, all the best with that." he said uncomfortably.

Well, they do say when one door closes another opens." he replied with the cliche that people the world over used to pacify. "Though when the door closes, it never seems a good thing, even if you are the one doing the closing." he considered his own sister. "You just never know what will happen." he'd been greatly surprised that his sisters luck had turned. "If we'd not sent her packing, she'd never have come to England, never have gained the position she has. Maybe sometimes closing a door is the best thing that can happen."

"Oh do you?" he ought not have been surprised, Catriona was one of those women that lived larger than life. Probably everyone in England knew her. "Oh, no, I don't think he can help with her, but he's my back up plan for finding some advantage. He's a pushover, got a soft heart, must do." or so was the conclusion held drawn from what had happened in his family.

[Alexandra Neuville]

Alexandra caught his questioning manner and chuckled, "The title would be meant for a portrait, I am still working through landscapes, it is an assignment from my tutor, and I am trying to fulfill it." Hopefully, it made sense and the title was something for the far future, she could not even call herself a true artist yet, but it did not mean she would not continue to put forth the effort.

Laughter poured out of her finding his surprise refreshing, "Oh, no need to be embarrassed, I am glad that you did not notice. Sometimes, it is a source of discomfort, and I do not want to put anyone on edge due to my 'condition'." Of course, SHE was the one dealing with the condition, it was amazing how a lot of people felt put out by HER condition. Who knows, perhaps the next one to attempt to look down upon her regarding her condition, she will do something very unladylike.

The way she had heard it was when a door closes, a window of opportunity may be opened, but it was different for most and worked how they needed it to work. The man's sister had trouble wherever he was, and due to the trouble she was sent to England where she was able to elevate herself in the household of the Duchess of Somerset. Inwardly, Alexandra felt as if this Lydia had done very well for herself. Of course, she could not recall ever meeting this particular duchess and the ones she knew were rather terrifying or pretentious.

"There is truth to what you say and I am glad that your sister has found that opportunity. It is my hope even though we have never met that she is happy in her new position." Alexandra said with a warm smile.

"Some advantage?" Alexandra wondered if she would ever describe Louis as a 'pushover' and just could not see it despite her limited interactions with the man. The young man probably knew a bit more about him than she ever would, but why would the King deny his acceptance when looking for a husband for Cat. Of course, again she wondered if Cat knew of the King's plans, not that she could really deny him if it was a Royal command.

Inwardly, the fiery-haired woman knew that it was a very good idea not to meddle and so she kept silent. She did not want to end up being some sort of matchmaker that would start arranging marriages and if Cat had no idea, there was no way she wanted to be near that fiasco, command or not. "Have you ever met Lady Alyth yourself?" Asking another question, not completely able to quell her curiousity.

[Hope]

"I see." he chuckled with her upon her explanation, "Well that makes sense."

Her laughter seemed overly loud as she replied of her condition. If he'd been a man of good sense he might have realised the strain in her tone, and quickly changed the subject. However he was not. "I can imagine you wouldn't." he agreed as she said she didn't want to put anyone on edge, "I suppose that is why you seek isolation?" Which was a logic of his own deduction, and not necessarily true at all.

There was more than a hint of jealousy in Andrews eyes when he thought of his sisters 'good luck'. Perhaps it escaped Alexandra for the moment that the Duchess of Somerset was none other than Louis' little sister. "Yes, good for her." he uttered, or was that grumbled?

Shaking his head he replied, "No I've not met her. Have you?" perhaps he'd gain some understanding that would help him advance his interests?

[Alexandra Neuville]

A warm smile appeared as she replied, "Isolation has its own blessings, but I do adore company as well." Inwardly, the people she offended so easily did not seem like people worth pursuing any lasting ties of acquaintance or friendship with having been dismissed as below her.

Sadly, Alexandra was rather a bubble head when it came to familial ties, but slowly learning these things for the sake of attempting to not step on each other toes. She did wonder at Andrew's crisp words not feeling as if he was entirely happy about her good fortune. Perhaps him and his sister were not close.

Alexandra nodded, "Yes, I have had the pleasure to meet her on several occasions. It may be a good match." Inwardly, she had a feeling that Andrew's life would not be easy and he had no idea what he was getting himself into. "Perhaps if we meet once again, and she is available, I can make introductions." She offered the young man again wondering if Cat knew that the King was looking for a husband for her.

[Hope]

"I'd appreciate that a great deal." Andrew replied, feeling his fortunes were already brightening upon Alexandra's offer. His smile was broad, and as a breeze ruffled his hair he was almost handsome in a rough edged sort of way. "Perhaps at the Wedding banquet?" he suggested, 'seize the day' after all.

"Ah, but I've distracted you long enough already." he arose with cheerful manner, to make a bow over her hand. "It is fair fortune to have met you milady!"

[Alexandra Neuville]

Alexandra noticed Andrew's face light up and appear almost handsome in his enthusiasm. "That sounds like quite the possibility." His smile and suggestion put a smile upon her own lips happy to help although, she was honestly curious to know exactly how Cat would react to such intentions. Of course, it was only an introduction, and the fiery haired woman can feign ignorance as to what Andrew's intentions were.

Her hand was offered as he prepared to leave. "Have a lovely rest of the day, Lord Ullapool and we shall see each other soon...at the Wedding banquet." Her blue-green eyes followed him as he walked away trying not to smile too much. Then she gently shook her head and went back to her assignment.

[Hope]

OOC: Lovely! What shall happen of this we wonder?! lol