An escourt for a lady, 6:30am 10th October

[Douglas FitzJames]

(OOC: Continued from here.)

With Lady Neuville on his arm Douglas peeled away from the main cavalcade of the King's walk and turned them back towards Windsor, which was not so far. He kept his steps small and measured for Alexandra's sake. She was nearly a full foot shorter than him and heavy with child besides, that alone was reason for being considerate. That the King obviously favoured her only emphasised the need to be so.

As they walked the first true rays of the sun peaked over the hills and cast a warm light on the scene, creating sudden stark contrasts where before there had been the pre-dawn gloaming. It lit up Douglas's scarlet coat and cast his angular face into harsh relief, and he reached up and tilted his hat slightly so that the brim kept the light out of his eyes.

Looking down at the lady on his arm, Douglas offered her a warm smile now that there was no one to see. The sun lit up her sweet face and brought out the fire in her hair. He studied her features for a moment. "Are ye weel, Lairdy Neuville?" He asked at length. "Ye luik weel. Tis good tae see ye agin, t'haes been far tae lang."* He held a soft spot for Alexandra, she was a sweet creature and he could only hope that court's machinations had been kind to her. At least she had the King looking out for her.

Subtitles
* "Are you well, Lady Neuville? You look well. It's good to see you again, it has been far too long."

[Alexandra Neuville]

Alexandra felt as if she was going to die after urinating on herself. Gently, she began to rub a rather sore spot wondering if the child was just sitting on her bladder knowing that she had relieved herself not to long ago. She would not have minded going off on her own but before any protests were made Douglas was at her elbow and offered his arm in escort.

She walked at her pace, and the Life Guard accomodated, thankfully she was not as petite as Sybilla or Rebecca, but she is not as fast as she could be. It always made her happy when the sun came out to warm her face despite the weather getting cooler. Upon greeting the sun, she noticed Douglas smiling at her and she gave him an impish grin. "I am in complete agreement. So much has happened since we last saw each other at a birthday party if I recall." Of course, that was not exactly the event that allowed them to get to know each other a bit more intimately.

"I suppose I am doing well enough. At times, I still feel like an outsider trying to figure out the game that everyone else seem to know the rules to. Sadly, all the deception and intrigue has failed to change me or rub off on me. I am still wildly blunt and never could care for mincing and waffling about." She admitted with a slight bit of disappointment. The urgency had fled as the child decided upon something else to kick, but each kick despite its strength. It was when a kick was never felt that would cause her the greatest amount of anxiety.

"I would imagine that your position has kept you quite busy, but it is my hope that you have still had opportunities of fun and not all work. I would imagine there would be many a woman that would be quite sad not having opportunity of your company." She teased turning the subject back upon Douglas never being quite used to talking about herself.

[Douglas FitzJames]

The Scotsman grinned as Alexandra agreed with him. No, the birthday party hadn't been an intimate affair, but he held fond memories of an earlier meeting. That she didn't begrudge that time or the time elapsed since was a kindness and a blessing, and gave him a sense of contentment. She was right though, a great deal had happened since they had last met.

And that same sense of contentment did not seem to be echoed in her words as she answered his question, describing her frustration with the ways of court. "Ach, that makes twa o' us then lassie." He replied as she claimed she was yet blunt and unimpressed with intrigue. He laid his other hand over hers where it rested on his arm and squeezed her fingers. It was something he liked about her, he could talk plainly with her. "I try tae stay oot o' politics save whaur it directly concerns me." He admitted. He didn't have the tact for it, and had already trodden on a number of toes. Perhaps Alexandra felt the same.

He chuckled as she went on the attack then, asking what he had been up to. "Thair weel be a fair few sad wimin at coort then. I hae been workin' wi' the Third, I haena haed much time fer ocht else." More's the pity. He took his new duties very seriously, and tavern wenches in Scotland didn't count. "Sae ye missed me then?"** He teased.

But Alexandra's mood seemed sad, almost wistful, and he didn't like to see a lady unhappy. "Is it jus' the connivin' o' coort that's botherin' ye?" He asked quietly, blue eyes searching her face. "I dinna like tae see ye so. Is yer husban' a guid man, doin' weel by ye?" Not that it was any of his business, save that he made it so. "I kin see the King luiks oot fer ye." He observed. "Tis his bairn, is it nae?"** And that perhaps could be a reason for disgruntlement in her husband, no matter how well the King might have sweetened the deal. Rumour had certainly held that after he'd been sent to Scotland before, the King had been very interested in Alexandra. Not that Douglas had any right to ask, but he'd just admitted to being as subtle as a brick to the head just minutes before.

The laughter had gone from that angular face as he watched Alexandra's expression as though he might read the answers from her face. "Is thair ocht I kin do tae mak ye smile agin?"+ He asked seriously.

Subtitles
* "Ah, that makes two of us, girlie. I try to stay out of politics save where it directly concerns me."
** "There will be a fair few sad women at court then. I have been working with the Third, I haven't had time for anything else. So you missed me then?"
*** "Is it just the conniving of court that's bothering you? I don't like to see you so. Is your husband a good man, doing well by you? I can see the King looks out for you. It's his baby, isn't it?"
+ "Is there anything I can do to make you smile again?"

[Alexandra Neuville]

"I suppose I have had my share of mischief and intrigue, but often times I feel as if so much more was accomplished if one could speak frankly with another." She added and returned a sweet dimpled smile as he squeezed her fingers which she took as an attempt of encouragement, empathy, and comfort.

Alexandra gave her a cheeky grin in return to his teasing tone, "Of course, one of the only ones that I can speak frankly with that bear no illusions and smoke to confuse. It is...refreshing?" Not entirely sure what sort of word to best describe how she felt. Not defensive? No expectations?

Was her mood changing again? She did not seem to rant or show any other emotion than happiness and contentment but must have conveyed something that she did not wish to intentionally. Alexandra was often a sad creature that drown her sorrows in spirits to keep it all locked up in a chest and behind her walls. Having too much emotions tend to drive a person mad and she would rather not anyone know her too well.

"I think he is a good man." She answered regarding her husband who she still did not know enough about. "He respects me enough and has his own concerns that he is working through." Mainly their impending poverty by his hands and his jealousy when she catches the King's eye, all something he needed to really get a hold of. She did not want to speak ill of the man that saved her from a reputation that would have ALL of the rumormongers to feed off of.

Her mouth dropped open at Douglas' observation and she looked about to ensure that his inquiries were between the two of them. She was torn to speak the truth and yet only two people directly knew about it...and now a third. "Yes." The backstory was rather complicated so she fell back upon a one word answer. "Only a few people know this, and at the moment, I just want it kept that way, Douglas. I do not know what to do, but this child is mine. The child has my heart, and is my first real love." The words whispered softly knowing that even if she could not really and truly love any man. However, the love of a mother was different and she hoped to give the child fully what she knew of a parent's love which was a the gift her own parents and grandfather had given her.

The thoughts, and worries weighed upon her shoulders and his expression changed to one of concern. That was definitely not what she wanted having quite a bit of men finding out and then becoming rather overprotective of her state. A soft smile appeared which lightened her aquamarine eyes, "Sing me a bawdy tune? I would imagine it would make me laugh."

She did not know if the man knew any, or if he could even sing, but it would keep him busy to not worry so much about her. If she asked him not to worry, it seemed that most people tend to worry more so distraction might be the way to go.

[Douglas FitzJames]

Douglas couldn't help but agree on the subject of achieving more through plain speaking, but it seemed to be the essence of court that one smiled at one's enemies and kept one's insults veiled. It wasn't the Scotsman's way, but then he'd learned that the subtle nature of courtly intrigue meant that he could conveniently ignore a lot of it.

"Tis comfortable." Douglas agreed. "Ahaps we cuid start a fashion fer speakin' plainly." Although there were many he doubted would convert. "Er at the least, collect thaim that do the same."* Keep as close friends those with whom one could speak plainly.

Alexandra hadn't seemed overly unhappy, it was the hesitancy in her words that conveyed that perhaps all was not well, and whether she willed it or no Douglas cared for her and took an interest in her wellbeing. But her words reassured him, for he assumed that she was speaking plainly. No doubt being married off to a stranger had it's own issues. "Sae lang as he taks guid care o' ye."** Douglas said firmly.

Sometimes people forgot that the Life Guard were privy to the doings of the King, and like anyone at court they gossiped. They knew more about the King's movements, and fancies, than most. It was plain that his blunt question discomfitted her. "Nae un weel hear o' it frae me."*** He promised her seriously. He wondered how well kept the secret was, but the timing of her marriage was enough to satisfy propriety. He'd also had an ulterior motive for asking that he wasn't about to admit to; there'd been some chance the baby was his. Given the King's propensity for getting bastards however he'd considered the chance to be small. No doubt the child would be as dark-eyes as Nessia. As Alexandra spoke of the child he was glad that she would have something to love in her life, that thus far like many courtly women had been more about being a political playing piece.

Her request brought a smile to his face again, unexpected as it was, and he looked away for a moment as he tried to pick a song. Douglas was a professional soldier, he had a huge repertoir of bawdy songs, but many he suspected would not be nearly so entertaining for a lady as they were for men. He generally insisted on being in the same state as the main character before singing the Drunken Scotsman, so he settled for one which he thought she might find entertaining, a song called The Chandler's Wife.

The Chandler's Wife

I went into the chandler's shop some candles for to buy,
I looked around the chandler's shop but no one did I spy.
I was disappointed and some angry words I said,
Then I heard the sound of a *clap, clap, clap* up above my head.
Then I heard the sound of a *clap, clap, clap* up above my head.

Well I was slick and I was quick, and up the stairs I sped,
And much to my surprise I found the chandler's wife in bed;
And with her was another man of most gigantic size,
And they were having a *clap, clap, clap* right before my eyes.
And they were having a *clap, clap, clap* right before my eyes.

When the fun was over and done and the lady raised her head,
She was quite surprised to find me standing by the bed.
"If you will be discreet, my lad, if you would be so kind,
I'll let you come up for some *clap, clap, clap* whenever you feel inclined."
I'll let you come up for some *clap, clap, clap* whenever you feel inclined."

So, many a day and many a night when the chandler wasn't home,
To get myself some candles to the chandler's shop I'd roam.
But nary a one she gave to me, but gave to me instead,
A little bit more of the *clap, clap, clap* to light my way to bed.
A little bit more of the *clap, clap, clap* to light my way to bed.

So, all you married men take heed, if ever you come to town,
If you must leave your woman alone, be sure to tie her down.
Or, if you would be kind to her, just lay her on the floor,
And give her so much of that *clap, clap, clap* she doesn't want any more.
And give her so much of that *clap, clap, clap* she doesn't want any more.

Although his thick accent was still very much in evidence it was suited to this kind of folk song, and he had a surprisingly melodic baritone voice, as he sang in the morning air, clapping his hands at the appropriate moments. When the song was finished he tossed Alexandra a smirk and raised an eyebrow. "Does that satisfy yer request, m'Lairdy?"+ Never let it be said that he did not do his best to accomodate a lady.

Subtitles
* "It's comfortable. Perhaps we could start a fashion for speaking plainly. Or at the least, collect those that do the same."
** "So long as he takes good care of you."
*** "No one will hear of it from me."
+ "Does that satisfy your request, my Lady?"

[Alexandra Neuville]

Alexandra had always wondered how another lady or lord at court would react if she had punched them in the nose for a snippy comment. Tears, blood, and a frightening reputation while they schemed to end her for the humiliation. As satisfying as it would have been at the time, it was not worth the repercussions...maybe.

A smile was given at his agreement, "That is a wonderful idea, and I have found a few that I actually feel comfortable with, but they are ones that you may just wish to protect as well. Thinking of a few that just invoked a response to mother.

Douglas' firm reply made her want to lay a kiss upon his cheek. It would confuse him, or her, or anyone else that would witness such a display of affection. His gallantry made her feel special and the man knew how to take a woman's breath away. She did not think that a physical connection could be reforged, but just having an ally gave her a bit more strength and hope.

The Life Guard's promise on keeping this secret safe eased her anxiety. She unlike other mistresses liked the privacy. It was also rather complicated with her husband having feelings of some sort for her that caused him to sulk and gain a degree of frustration with the men she slept with. Although, at the moment the only one she had slept with besides her husband was the King.

There was some concerns of the child being Douglas', but Alexandra felt that there were quite a bit of time in between that confused all of the lines to truly know until the child was born. She still wished for twins to make up for the child that she would have had. At the present moment, she did not wish for the child to be a pawn as she felt that she herself was one as well. She was also worried that there would be jealousy that would cause someone to decidedly attack her causing the baby harm and it was her intentions to protect herself as well as the child. Plus, she was rather terrible at politics to be quite honest, but if anything she sought out what pleased her, teased her and made her feel special.

Laughter rang out true as Douglas burst into song and shook her head. "It was marvelous. Thank you." She finally replied as the laughter began to subside. Her own eyes twinkled with mirth as she added, "Although, there are those women that are impossible to satisfy completely and besides, the man was more than likely "clapping" other women and neglecting his wife...and I am over analyzing a dawdy song. My goodness, I do hope this does not continue."

Blue-green eyes met Douglas' as she said with a teasing tone, "It was a lovely song and perhaps I will have opportunity to share it with another."

[Douglas FitzJames]

Perhaps Alexandra was right, after all Douglas did tend to have protective tendencies towards young ladies adrift in the sea of sharks that was court; to an extent. Few at court were truly innocent, and those that were did not stay that way for long, but there were all too many willing to take advantage of them.

His words of reassurance seemed to lighten Alexandra's mood, and he had to smile as his song drew laughter from the vivacious red head. Presumably it was just what the doctor ordered. "Yer welcome." He replied easily, and chuckled as Alexandra launched into an analysis of the song. "Aye, thair er thaim that hae apetites, lassies er lads, and thair er those men that dinna show enou' care an' appreciation for whit they hae."* He agreed easily, noting how quickly Alexandra drew the conclusion that the chandler's wife was neglected. He couldn't help but wonder if it was a reflection on her own circumstances.

"A Lairdy shuid allus be appreciated an' admired, each fer her ain sel'."** He declared quietly, and lifted her hand from his arm, pressing her fingers to his lips, a smile in his blue eyes. Whatever others held claims to her, whatever her circumstances, he still found her fair and very fine company.

Alexandra's proposal to share the song drew a chuckle from the big man. "An' wha wuid a fine Lairdy like yersel' be sharin' such wi'?" He teased. He doubted that Alexandra kept truly proper company, her liberal attitude was something that he enjoyed. As they reached the castle grounds Douglas led Alexandra through the gates, then glanced between the two main towers. "Which wa' m'Lairdy? I wuidna hae it sayed that I abandoned my duty an' a Lairdy at the door."*** He had promised to see her safe and he had every intention of doing so.

Subtitles
* "You're welcome. Yes, there are those that have apetites, women and men, and there are those men that don't show enough care and appreciation for what they have."
** "A Lady should always be appreciated and admired, each for her own self."
*** "And who would a fine Lady like yourself be sharing such with? Which way my Lady? I wouldn't have it said that I abandoned my duty and a Lady at the door."

[Alexandra Neuville]

Despite being heavy with her pregancy, Alexandra managed a comfortable pace as she laughed and talked about Douglas' song. The child had also eased somewhat on her bladder allowing the urgency to not be quite as bad.

In a way, she did feel neglected, but it was more due to her personal 'health' and that of her child. Alexandra could try to explain that she felt fine and yet she had to pull out her bag of tricks to allow a man's brain to shut down completely and do what she wanted to actually get any pleasure while in such a condition.

That was not something that should be sharing with a former lover not wishing to confuse him further with complaints of her new husband. It would just be her luck to have him promising pleasure to her later when she needed the attention now. Again, not something she desired to re-visit despite the spell that he seemed to like spinning about her. A gentle blush appeared as Douglas kissed her fingers, her blue-green gaze meeting his cobalt one. "How could any woman resist, being appreciated and admired?"

Her head tilted causing her golden red curls to bounce in her thought, "Well I did meet a Captain Kinsington during the Merry Gang's limerick contest or...hmm, well it is quite difficult who would actually appreciate a bawdy song or not, but it shall be kept for just an occasion when shoes are being kicked off, and skirts lifted for a jig to be danced...by someone else." She was hardly in a state to do the jig on her own.

She gave Douglas a dimpled grin as she gave instructions on which tower she was currently residing in. "The climb is quite tedious, but it does keep me fit despite my current 'condition'. Just a bit slower than usual." Alexandra replied with a reassurance and not trying to make it sound like a complaint. Then there was an errant hope that May had forgotten about the King's order of a room change to avoid any possible conflict with her husband. "Thank you for the escort, Douglas. I hope we can spend some time together when you are not buried in work and drills." She said sweetly. Even if they could not be lovers, she hoped that at the very least they can be the best of friends finding him rather understanding and a sort of kindred spirit with a protective nature for those weaker or less fortunate.

[Douglas FitzJames]

"How could any woman resist, being appreciated and admired?"

Douglas chuckled. "They arena s'posed tae."* He admitted with a cheeky grin, and settled her hand back on his arm with an affectionate pat. Perhaps he shouldn't admit to such things, but they had both expressed a preference for speaking plainly, and truth be told whilst Douglas had an appreciation for womanhood in all it's manifestations and complexities, being decidedly libertine the one thing he didn't do was lie about it.

"Och aye, I missed that." He said ruefully as mention was made of the Merry Gang's Limerick competition. That was a shame, there were a couple of people there that he was keen to cross wits with again, having discovered at Lady Ferguson's party that he could give some a run for their money. Certainly in regards to being crass at any rate. "Nae doobt that company wuid appreciate such." And who was Captain Kinsington? Windsor was lousy with new faces and names, minor nobility crawling out of the woodwork for the wedding. He didn't like all these strange faces about the King, not at such a time. But that was his concern as a Life Guard and not something to burden Alexandra with. "Ye weel be dancin' jigs afore tae lang, lassie."** Douglas assured her, suspecting a rueful tone in her words.

Indeed it seemed almost cruel that Alexandra, so lively a lady, was burdened thus by her physical condition, though her wit was plainly as keen as every. As she complained lightly of the stairs he braced his arm more forcefully so that she might lean on him as they made the ascent. "I kin carry ye up if ye like."*** He offered, only half in cheek. His own room was at the top of the Octagonal tower, up a similar number of stairs, but the long-legged Scotsman thought little of them and took them three at a time on his own. For Alexandra the going was not so easy.

Her thanks drew a smile. "Yer more'n welcome lassie." He replied quietly. "An' I wuid be glad indeed tae hae a wee bit more o' yer time. I hae been drillin' all summer," he admitted, "t'wuid be a bonnie change." As they approached the appropriate landing, Douglas pondered on the nature of change and whether some things remained the same. "My comp'ny's yers noo, if ye want it."+ He offered, having no current demand on his time. They were for the moment alone on the stairs, and he turned to meet her gaze.

There was uncertainty over what Alexandra wanted from him, in his mind. Friendship he didn't doubt, but whether she wanted something more he couldn't be sure. He didn't doubt that she held a degree of affection for him. He still held her in his affections, but valued their friendship well and because of that could respect that she might wish a certain distance given her change in circumstances. Or might not. But some questions were best asked without words.

He leaned in to press full lips to her rosy cheek, too close to her own lips for propriety.

(OOC: Depending on Alexandra's response, we should perhaps continue this in the appropriate forum?)

Subtitles
* "They aren't supposed to."
** "Oh yes, I missed that. No doubt that company would appreciate such. You will be dancing jigs before too long, lady."
*** "I can carry you up if you like."
+ "You're more than welcome, lady. And I would be glad indeed to have a little bit more of your time. I have been drilling all summer, it would be a good change. My company's yours now, if you want it.

[Alexandra Neuville]

Alexandra giggled at Douglas' response and shook her head. The frankness was definitely like a breath of fresh air and it was rather unfortunate that he was so busy.

A smile appeared at a memory of the night before her wedding and how she and Diana had dressed up as young men for a night of singing bawdy tunes and dancing upon tables. She thought that their chaperone would practically keel over with fright, but all in all a wonderful evening to reflect on.

Her eyes widened at Douglas' offer and shook her head, "Not a chance. I shall walk until I am locked in a room and even then I shall secretly pace until the time comes." She chuckled, "Thank you for the offer though." That would definitely not be easily explained away and she would not wish to break the man's back trying to pick the two of them up to make it up four flights of stairs. It was her decision to categorise it as not a real offer. Besides, she was not a petite little cute thing to be carried about and she took that into account. Nevertheless, the offer did stroke her ego a bit that it was at least offered even though she would have refused it of most man.

At Douglas' invitation, she hesitated wanting the opportunity to find some masculine comfort, but to rekindle that sort of friendship would cause a lot more concerns for her that she would rather not have to deal with for a quick thrust. At this point, she needed a bit more substance knowing how much more she risked. Since the time that they were apart, Douglas had never really had the opportunity to pursue her. She was not like most that she chased after men and seduce them into her bed. It always seemed to be the other way around.

He was handsome to her at least, and his personality was charming and self-confident. It was all very intoxicating, but she had thought that she was just a notch in his belt not entirely keen on the man's reputation, but made assumptions and being quite okay with it. She had a moment of weakness, homesickness, too much alcohol and the need to feel a warm man against her. Alexandra could not jump back into that or could she?

Before she could head back into her room, Douglas had kissed her cheek, but if she had moved a fraction bit over his lips would have been on her own. Her lips tingled with anticipation and instincts made her close her eyes and held herself there a bit breathless with her heart thumping like a drum and when the moment was over she could not remember what she was thinking about. She stood there though enjoying the sensation, but did not make a move to kiss him back. The attraction was obvious, but it was too dangerous for everything she could think of and her cheeks flushed.

The words did not wish to come out. She wanted to kiss him again, but that would make things so very confusing and she had been determined to live a more 'peaceful' life. Friend. That is all. Yes, that is all. He was a grand kisser as she recalled. "I should go inside and take care of a few things." Alone. The dreaded words finally tumbled out, but she really did need to use the chamberpot and change again which was not something she wanted Douglas to witness. It was her hopes that another opportunity for them to be alone would occur, but if that kiss was a test for friend or more, Alexandra needed to push it away and settle upon friend. "Thank you again." She murmured softly and then entered her apartment and closed the door.

Once she was alone, Alexandra leaned against the heavy door and exhaled slowly trying to calm herself. She needed to undress and cool herself down a bit so she could ignore the ache of her body.


OOC

[Douglas FitzJames]

As he pressed his lips to her cheek Douglas felt Alexandra freeze, though he doubted it was from shock. Not her, who had been so warm to him once and who knew her way around a man; to be expected in a woman once married. But Alexandra was not a merry widow now but newly wed again, and he knew what he did was an invitation to sin, and he did it full knowing and unrepentant. That she didn't scold him or push him away in an instant told him that she was tempted. He drew back slightly, but close enough for her to kiss him fully should she choose.

Which she did not, rather murmuring some excuse and stepping back, then with a last few words of thanks she whirled from him and into her apartment, shutting the door behind her as though to barricade him out. Blue eyes glanced down and away but a smirk curved full lips as he chuckled ruefully, a deep rumble in his chest like a cat purring. Truly, the chase was almost as much fun as the victory.

Giving her door one last look Douglas turned away, still smiling a faint smile full of secrets, and began to descend the stairs once more.

Of all the girls I love the most, I may be wrong or right,
Are the ones who say they never will, but look as though they might.

OOC