Clearing hunt

[Temperance]

Continued from here

The clearing was decorated with any number of bannersand flags flying in the air. At the closer edge of the clearing a tent had been set up with bows and some rifles set on tables for guests who would like to try their skill without joining the wild hunt in the forest. The carriages that had carried some of the courtiers rattled to a stop next to the tent before stopping to let their occupants out.

The birds of prey, borrowed from Windsor’s aviary, could be seen near-by as well, their handler pulling the hood off a falcon at a moment and throwing the bird in the air. With a screech the falcon soared before locking on its target ad plunging to catch the unlucky field-mouse. With a victorious screech the bird circled for a moment before the handler shook the rattle to prompt the bird to return to the glove where the falcon was swiftly hooded again. But there were other birds of prey sitting in cages as well.

Further afield one could see some crates that seemed to be piled on top of each other with some servants keeping a close eye on them.

[Louis Killington]

Not a great huntsman, Louis preferred to be seen, rather than hidden. To do so, it was best to ride into the clearing. Being an excellent shot, he preferred to try out one of the rifles. It would provide a bit of sport, as opposed to racing through damp foliage after an elusive hart only to find a horde of hunters with spears and pistols jockeying for the kill.

Thus, the Earl rode into the clearing and towards the tables, admiring the firearms and seeing who else was similarly inclined. He suspected that it would be more popular for the ladies.

[Joanna Craven]

Darlene, Eadgar, Joanna, Peter

"I shall cheer most heartily for the very intriguing Master Grass," Joanna agreed with a smile. "Will he be going to the clearing or the forest, I wonder," she mused, almost to herself, though she was hoping that Lady Oakham might be able to enlighten her.

When Peter described the coolness of marble, Joanna's face lit up. Now that was something she could aspire to understand: how difference surfaces felt under her fingers, how their temperature fluctuated and how their feel affected her in sometimes surprising ways. She did not speak of her thoughts, for it would sound silly to anyone who could use their eyes; however, she was quite determined to rub that Italian marble under her fingertips one day!

Eadgar's remarks about his wanderings in Yorkshire made Joanna's sightless blue eyes sparkle. Even if she could not engage with the world in the same ways that he could, she loved to hear of his enthusiasm, for it was quite infectious. Anyone who could enjoy the "simple" delights of the land was a very good person at heart, surely! Perhaps a kindred spirit?

"Oh yes, you must visit Scarborough!" she insisted. "There is the most charming tea room with a lovely view of the water that I highly recommend."

Joanna's face lit up when Lady Oakham announced that it was, in fact, she who had inherited the office. It was always a pleasure to see a fellow female doing well and succeeding in life, particularly when the woman was as kind as this one! The men, on the other hand, did not seen very impressed; indeed, Eadgar made a joke of it, quite rudely—in Joanna's opinion—undermining the lady's accomplishments and capabilities. Joanna frowned deeply, though she was quick to hide it after a few seconds. Perhaps the young son of a baron was not as kindhearted as she had thought! There had been touches of condescension in his behaviour the previous evening; she hadn't thought much of it then, but now she did wonder…

Her hand squeezed Lady Oakham's tightly. "What an honour!" she declared in uncommonly firm tones, almost daring the men to disagree. "My congratulations to you, my lady, for I know that this boon is well-deserved! Why, I do not suppose this office might aid in your endeavours concerning the Garden Society, in addition to anything else? Oh, and let me take this moment to assure you that I most definitely intend to join!" she added, for they had been interrupted before she could give an answer earlier.

When it came to the hunt itself, Joanna was silent, feeling rather annoyed with the gentleman and not wanting to open her mouth again until she felt she could be cheerful once more. No doubt her mood would settle in a matter of minutes; she was not the sort to hold grudges.


OOC: Apologies for the rushed typing and for any errors!! I was not clear on how loud Eadgar was speaking, but with Joanna's hearing I believe she would have understood him. If I am wrong, I am sorry and will edit!

[Temperance]

Alexandra

"Marvellous. You will not be disappointed with him. I shall provide the introductions." The man beamed at Alexandra and then looked drawn as he glanced towards his son once more. He seemed a bit uncertain as to whether to feel proud for his son following hte king into the forest or displeased he could not provide the introductions immediately. He was given no time to ponder over it however as the carriage drew to a stop at the clearing.

"Now, now, don't you worry dear. I will not forget to introduce you later." Sir Nathaniel smiled at Alexandra, waiting for her to dismount first as one of the servants waiting at hte clearing opened the carriage door and offered a hand to help with exiting the carriage.

Darlene, Joanna, Eadger, Peter

"Lady Joanna!" It was a cheerful call as a man in a lifeguard coat waved a servant back and stepped forward himself instead to open the carriage door. Joanna might recognise the lifeguards as Richard, the same man who had inspected her ankle during the game of hide and seek. "Prepared to catch some unsuspecting prey? Perhaps I should rob you from your companions and stand guard over you instead." The lifeguard smiled mischieviously as he clasped Joanna by the waist and lifted her down the carriage in one swoop.

"May I be of assistance?" With a flirtatious smile Richard turned to help Darlene off the carriage as well. The gentlemen were left to descent from the carriage on their own. "Anything I can show or tell you more about ladies? And gentlemen."

[Fluff]

Parker and Neuville had the same idea as Lord Basildon. Parker especially betrayed a confidence on his horse that few could match, his pistols at his sides, ready to pull. Confident and handsome he rode into the clearing, giving Basildon a challenging look. "Care for a wager milord?"

[Alexandra Neuville]

Alexandra and Nathaniel

It was quite obvious where the older gentleman wanted to be, but hoped that he would still be able to find some satisfaction going to the clearing hunt. The message was quite clear how eager Nathaniel was to introduce his son sensing a great deal of pride in the Life Guard.

Once they had arrived in the clearing, Alexandra made no move to get out of the carriage quite yet. She first looked about to take in the area feeling a bit comfortable to be seated. It seemed that Nathaniel would not get out until she made an attempt to so eventually the fiery-haired girl accepted the servant's offered hand to help exit the open carriage.

"Excuse me, Sir Nathaniel, I should meet up with a few of my friends." She said gaily as she spotted Darlene and Joanna. Her sea coloured eyes did notice her husband and Parker coming into the clearing and engage Basildon in conversation. If she managed to catch Francois' eye, she would give him a cheeky little smile and a wink. Despite being married, it did not mean she could not flirt with her husband as well. In fact, it was more of a reason to do so.

Alexandra joining the other carriage goers

"Lady Joanna, Lady Oakham, a pleasure to see you both. I do apologise for not seeing the both of you before getting into that open carriage." Alexandra said in a happy greeting having first seen the blond and then Darlene as she was being helped out of the carriage.

"Such a beautiful day, would it be wrong of me to say that I hope the hart is not caught?" She whispered softly towards Joanna as she squeezed the young lady's hand.

The men were all a mystery to her never having met for an introduction except for Eadgar, but it was her hopes to spirit the ladies away once introductions were done. Whether she was 'behaving' due to her husband's close proximity, or no one really tickled her fancy enough to engage in a light flirtation, Alexandra actually wanted to spend a bit more time in the company of other females.

[Joanna Craven]

Darlene, Joanna, Eadger, Peter, Alexandra, Richard

Joanna recognised the voice of Richard Moore, a lifeguard she had met during the surprise game hide and seek, to whom she had given a kiss on the cheek in exchange for a ribbon. He had been charming and a bit forward, though ultimately a gentleman. She was pleased that he remembered her and rather impressed by his boldness in picking her up and out of the carriage. Some women might take offence that he had not asked if he could aid her, much less grasp her about the waist, but Joanna thought that cutting out the "obligatory" request for permission was perfectly adequate in this instance to prevent a lag. Besides, she was rather flattered at his flirtatious teasing. If only the other Richard would show this much interest in her. She had hoped to see the earl there, but it seemed he and Sir John had gone on to the other hunt. A pity indeed. Yet she still hoped she might see them again in the next day or two. As soon as she secured someone to help her write, she would certainly come up with an invitation herself!

"Mr. Moore, you have a knack for happening upon ladies in need of aid," Joanna teased as her feet found the ground. "It seems I cannot go a day without requiring your strong arms!"

She placed a hand on the outside of the carriage, steadying herself as the others descended. After a moment Lady Neuville's voice burst through the pleasant morning air and Joanna felt her hand. The blonde smiled widely and squeezed back, whispering: "I would not think it wrong in the slightest, though perhaps it is an opinion we ought to keep hidden from the gentlemen!"

Then she spoke a little louder. "I am so happy you are here and hope that you are well, Lady Neuville," she told the redhead warmly. "I was able to speak to Lady Oakham about the Garden Society and she had graciously invited me to join. It seems there is talk of a Society trip to the Chelsea Gardens next season—just what we had been hoping for!"

She decided to let Lady Oakham introduce Don Peter and Eadgar, as she was not sure who was where.

[Darlene Hamilton]

Darlene, Eadgar, Joanna, Peter

Yet the choice of champions to cheer on became mute as paths divided. Darlene could only smile and watch as her husband rode off towards the woods, what adventures he might find there, who could tell. Yet by the look upon his face when she last saw him, she saw he was loving every moment...

Turning back to her fellows, she missed Eadgar's smirk to Peter, her hearing not so finely tuned as that of Joanna.

At that moment, the carriage rolled to a halt and the huntsman's address was heard. After he had concluded, their journey continued to the clearing. "Precisely." she agreed to her new lady-friends deduction. She intended to use her office to manage and plan the Garden Society along with other endeavours, being keenly interested in raising all manner of diversions for her peers.

Now here they were in the clearing, and surprisingly it was not a tea party laid out for those who would await the daring hunters results. No, but there was a number of crates that looked strangely dangerous, and a tent that seemed an armoury of a sort. It was not at all what she'd anticipated, and thus she lingered over long in the carriage... Joanna escaping away before she'd regathered her senses.

It all looked, a little, rough. While Darlene had in days past tried her hand at shooting, she didn't think it sensible to sound off a loud weapon while her baby might be napping in her belly. "Please, go on ahead." she encouraged the gentlemen, "I think I shall stay here and watch."

[Louis Killington]

Parker, Neuville and Basildon

As he surveyed the weaponry, Louis noted the arrival of two gentlemen. Had he seen them together before, perhaps at the archery contest? It was entertaining to be able to know the connections at court, as well as the identities.

"Milord, what did you have in mind?" Louis replied as he picked up a pistol and took aim at a nearby tree. Petty gambling tended to bore him; but, it was expected of the privileged class.

[Kane Graas]

Kane wasn't a great hunter, the times he had accompanied his brother-in-law in a hunt having been just that. Accompanying his brother-in-law rather than being truly focused on hunting himself. Besides laying snares and traps had alwyas come far easier for him, his long fingers alwyas having managed knots and setting up traps with deceptive ease. Besides that was a far safer and far cleaner sport which he rather did prefer to the sprays of blood fountainin gupwards after a jab with a hunting spear. He had never been that fond of bloodbaths.

Only he himself migth be able to explain that logic as he guided Altair towards the clearing rather than going after the elusive royal hart himself. Besides the clearing might have food. Kane was a great appreciator of food. Throwing his leg over Altair's back Kane droppe dhimself to the ground both legs at once and after making sure Altiar would be well cared for by a stablehand sauntered off to peer at the birds of prey, cooing at some owl while slowly reaching out a gloved hand to run his fingers over the feathers on the owl's neck.

[Alexandra Neuville]

Alexandra and Joanna

A dimpled grin appeared at Joanna's whispered response and a soft chuckle could be heard. Then brightened at the good news, "That is wonderful to hear! I will look forward to the trip. I need to also speak with you at the first opportunity, Lady Joanna."

She could have sworn that Lady Oakham was close by and gave a bit of a curious frown. It seemed that something had changed her mind about leaving the carriage not knowing how she did it. Of course, the carriage was rather sound and gave shelter but having one of those tilt over while you are in it or on top of you. A soft gulp was given as she shuddered a bit.

Alexandra, Joanna, Eadgar, Richard, and Peter

"Good day gentlemen! How kind of you to accompany us to the Clearing Hunt. It appears that many of the men have gathered already to examine the weapons provided." She directed them to the table where her husband, Parker and Lord Basildon were. Through the introductions, she even managed to give a polite nod towards Eadgar, but did not offer her hand to him nor to any of the men there still holding Joanna's. The other holding a fan.

Alexandra and Joanna with Darlene hopefully in listening distance

"Oh, there is a lovely and mighty tree just over here, my lady. I was curious if you wanted to see if we could find a comfortable bit of shade." She asked sweetly sad that Darlene would not come out of the carriage to join them.

"Lady Oakham, perhaps you would like to join us for an impromptu picnic?" She called out to see if she could get the beautiful woman out of the carriage. The tree indicated was away from the gentlemen but still provided a good vantage point.

[Joanna Craven]

Joanna, Alexandra and Darlene, with Eadgar, Richard and Peter nearby

"My ears are yours whenever you require them," Joanna responded to Lady Neuville's quiet words, quite curious as to what the lady desired to discuss.

The young blonde did not mind being stolen away with the ladies for a picnic; indeed, she thought it was rather nice that they had a moment to themselves, just the females. Of course, if any of the gentlemen desired to drop by or otherwise asked to join, she would not object. Indeed, she wondered if Peter and Eadgar, neither of whom had seemed particularly excited at the prospect of a hunt, would choose to inspect the weapons, would attempt to join them or would do something else entirely. She would have explicitly invited them to come and sit on the grass, but she sensed that Lady Neuville wanted to keep this gathering private.

"Yes, please do come with us," the blind girl urged Lady Oakham with a warm smile. "The air is very clear and refreshing and I promise not to prattle on and give you a headache," she finished, lightly teasing.

[Darlene Hamilton]

As the ladies invited so warmly, guilt touched Darlene's better judgement. She didn't want to do any shooting herself, but sitting with the ladies away from such activity did have appeal. So it was that she gave a smile, and exited from the carriage... feeling a little silly that she'd not done so already. "Thank you..." she murmured with uncharacteristic quiet.

[Temperance]

"My ladies." Peter bowed lightly at Alexandra as introductions were provided. He had hoped to linger in the carriage and maybe even crack open his book. Yet as the group lingered at the carriage, Peter figured that he wouldn't really be able to read in peace. And he had been forced to maek a pause at such an interesting moment in thie thesis he was currently engrossed in.

"If you shall excuse me, I shall take a look around at what is on offer." Peter bowed lightly to the entire group at once. Crossing his arms behind his back the man strolled towards the pile of crates, slowing and observing something inside the boxes with keen interest as he got there.


Richard meanwhile was distracted as another carriage rolled over and the elder ladies within descended to the ground. Talking loud and clear, everyone around could hear the directions he offered to the elderly ladies and the gentleman escorting them. "Yes, smaller prey can be hunted here. You can try the different guns to shoot live targets at the range right over there. And the birds of prey may als be borrowed and hunted with at the clearing right over there.

[Alexandra Neuville]

Joanna, Alexandra, Darlene, Eadgar, Richard and Peter

A smile was given at Joanna's response and a squeeze of the lovely girl's hand to acknowledge the response without needing to verbally communicate it.

Once the rest of the introductions were provided, Alexandra gave a sweet dimpled smile towards Peter and Richard which was also in Eadgar's general direction. When Darlene accepted her invite, the fiery-haired woman felt a bit of relief only because with three women, it might make Eadgar uncomfortable enough to seek out the men over at the firearms table instead of hanging about the ladies.

She could not very well say that she hated the man, but their first meeting left much to be desired and figured he would just ignore her which was what she intended to do until an apology was made at such rudeness.

Once Darlene ascended from the carriaged, Alexandra had looped one arm through hers, and then one with Joanna and made for the shady area that seemed to look quite comfortable and lovely as well. "Oh, there is my husband along with his friend and Lord Basildon."

She wondered if this would be a perfect time to make introductions, but figured it would be better if they came over not really wishing to be too close to the firearms. Once at the spot that she had decided upon, the tall woman had gently lowered herself to the ground to make herself comfortable and ready to relax.

[Joanna Craven]

Joanna beamed when Lady Oakham consented to come sit with them. "Wonderful!" she said warmly. She did think it was a bit odd that the countess, who had been quite assertive and talkative before, suddenly seemed docile and uncertain. Hopefully nothing was terribly wrong...

"It was a pleasure meet you, Don Peter," Joanna said as the Italian announced his intention to part ways. It was hard to form an opinion of him. He was polite, though rather distant and did not seem particularly interested in talking to them; it seemed that he only spoke to do his social duty, unless he was speaking of his home. Yet she did not dislike the man; she simply thought he was somewhat guarded, or perhaps thought that women spoke of boring things and was therefore unanimated. A shame.

"Thank you for telling us about your lovely home. I truly desire to visit one day. I hope you will find something to pique your interest here at the Hunt," she said in a friendly tone. He had not seemed particularly enthusiastic about guns, so what would he do? Then again, she could not see what was all around them, so there might be an expertly staged mouse ballet going on for all she knew!

Eadgar remained silent, so Joanna wondered if he had wandered off already. That seemed a bit strange, but perhaps he had seen someone more interesting to talk to and slipped away. Not sure if she should say goodbye to him, she therefore could only move away with the ladies, hoping he would understand and not think her rude if he was still about.

"Oh, perhaps they will drop by when they are bored of their weapons," Joanna said hopefully when Alexandra mentioned her husband and others. As always, the blonde was eager to make new acquaintances. And she could speak French to Alexandra's husband, which was a language she dearly loved!

"Are there many people about? Any noteworthy faces?" she asked eagerly as they settled into the shade.

[Darlene Hamilton]

Truth was that Darlene was disappointed, perhaps unreasonably so, that the Hunt had divided. Thomas had been so excited of the hunt, it had rubbed off on her, so that she'd looked forward to following in the carriages perhaps to see some of the daring adventures. But instead they arrived to this 'safe' clearing, while all the fun stuff was to happen elsewhere. Unable to cheer on her champion, she felt sulky, and just wanted time to pass quickly so she could go home.

But Darlene's view, was singularly her own. Others seemed quite happy to be here, so she tried to behave agreeably.

Looking where Alexandra gestured, she saw the pair of husbands Neuville and Basildon, "Hmm..." In her petulance, she was unable to even feel so pleased that Louis was here, it was not as though she could go talk to him. "How are you finding married life?" she asked Alexandra, as she settled upon the shady grass, giving a hand to Joanna if she needed it.

Joanna was irrepressibly bright hearted, and Darlene could not help but admire her stubborn good spirits. "Well..." she looked out around the clearing for an interesting reply, though then returned her gaze to her gentle companions, "... there is a group of lovely ladies sitting under a tree, doubtlessly gossiping the most interesting gossip." she gave a smile.

[Fluff]

Basildon, Parker and Neuville

"It is simple, " Parker suggested, "The person who kills the most foal wins. A test of skills. Shall we say 20 pounds from each of the participants to the winner?" He handled his two pistols with a casual experience that would tell Louis that this was no beginner.

"Pistols, or would you rather use a crossbow?" He added with a smirk, knowing that many considered it a woman's weapon. It never hurt to egg on your opponent.

Neuville meanwhile was distracted, having caught Alexandra's gaze and returning her cheeky wave with one of his own. "You are on," he murmured, forgetting he could ill afford the wager.

Parker looked around to see if there were more takers, but it seemed just Basildon was left to join.

[Alexandra Neuville]

A Few Ladies of the Clearing Hunt

A smirk was given in response to her husband's response and then a chuckle. The man did know how to lighten her mood with his 'joie de vivre' finding it quite similar to her own views to amuse and please. She really hoped he was not gambling for the man just had no luck, or bad influences to cloud one's judgment, but no one was perfect.

Once the fiery-haired woman was settled which took a bit of careful maneuvering, Darlene had asked her about married life. It was a far cry better than her first marriage. A smile appeared, "Well, I would imagine. There is a certain puzzle that needs to be solved on how to please and appease someone you have only known for several months, but it does keep things interesting."

"It is quite possible." Alexandra said in answer to Joanna's hopeful response with a bit of amusement wondering if men ever got bored of their weapons. She looked about for anyone else not finding too many of any grand importance though. "Most are perhaps with the main group, but I am still looking to see if more will join the clearing hunt."

Then chuckled at Darlene's witty response, "That is indeed the truth. I did wish to add that I am simply missing my garden at my grandfather's estate but and truly confident that it is being well tended. Of course, the one at the Savoy Embassy could now be overlooked, but it is my hopes that the gardeners have taken a love for it enough to adopt it as their own project." Switching to a topic that she was sure that they all would love to discuss until it is exhausted and they moved on to the next one not entirely sure what sort of gossip to share.

[Louis Killington]

Parker, Neuville and Basildon

"I would be happy to accept the wager if there are finite shots. Shall we say five shots and the most hits win?" he offered. He had brought only one pistol after all and did not want Parker to use two pistols at once to best him. He had also assumed the man meant to shoot fowl, rather than foals. It would be hard to hit them with a pistol, but Louis was something of a marksman with a pistol. Now they just needed an agreeable servant to loose some birds for them.

[Temperance]

As Louis spoke with Neuville and Parker, another gentleman had picked up a rifle. A wave to a servant near the numerous crates in the middle of the field and a bird was flew out. The gunshot cracked through the air, the bird in flight dropping for a moment before struggling upwards again with on eof its wings obviously weaker than another. Near the tent with the birds of prey a hawk was tossed in air, the bird soaring high before plummeting down to finish off the wounded bird and returning to the tamers glove with it. With an oath the gentleman put the gun back on the table near the weapons tent but lingered to study the display of firearms. At the tent with the birds the a glove was being fitted to the wrist of a lady before a hawk settled onto it for the lady to try her hunting luck.

Prey aplenty had been prepared and there were weapons and birds of prey ready for the courtiers to use and test, one just need to approach either side to be offered a chance to prove their prowess or be tutored in the sport that interested them.

[Fluff]

Parker, Neuville and Basildon

"Fair enough," Lord Parker allowed the condition the Earl set.

"I see that like me you have brought your own pistols?" he inquired politely as he gestured "Where they made to a special order? Mine hail from Paris." He smirked briefly "They are a duelling set, though most gentlemen prefer the rapier for that. Despite the increased pressure from Le Roi the sport is still popular in France." Of late there hadn't been any good duels in England. Maxwell started to worry that the Merry King had cowed the peers. "It is a damn shame both monarchs have forbidden such fine sport. We shall have to make due with the fowl instead."

François tore his eyes aware from his wife. There was fowl to shoot. With interest he watched the first birds taken out of the sky. "They've really gone through a lot of trouble for this. Would you look at the collection?" He arched an eyebrow at the other two gentlemen "Well, are you ready? We should signal the servants I think?"

OOC: *giggles* yes, sorry fowl, not foals, a very subtle difference to my ears.

[Joanna Craven]

Darlene, Alexandra, Joanna

Joanna was slightly disappointed that the Hunt wasn't leading to many new acquaintances—or descriptions of them—though she supposed that if the only person she came to know was Lady Oakham, then the event had been well worth her time. For now, the blind girl was determined to just enjoy the peaceful little moment away from the guns and learn what she could from her two very fine companions. She did not think that either was much older than herself, but in terms of court and life experience she was certain that they were miles and miles ahead. Yes, they would be excellent examples to follow indeed. And how very kind of them to be patient with a useless young thing like she!

She laughed lightly at Darlene's joke and listened carefully as Alexandra spoke of marriage. Her tone was positive when speaking about her husband, as it had been the other day; hearing such an evaluation of marriage between virtual strangers made Joanna feel a bit more at ease about her eventual nuptials. If anyone would choose to marry a blind girl, of course. In most cases, she had been treated like any other lady; however, men did not necessarily flirt where they married and in polite society one was, well, polite. Who knew what men were really thinking?

At the sound of the first gunshot, Joanna's shoulders shook a bit, but the ones that came after elicited only a minute response, if any. If she disliked the noises, however, she made no sign, her expression remaining calm throughout.

"I must admit that I am missing my own plants and flowers of the coast," the blonde said, looking a touch sad, though not for long. "Oh, I will be honest: it is not just the garden, but my home that I miss a little bit. As wonderful a time as I am having, truly, sometimes I feel such a pang of loss!" It was said with more surprise than sorrow, offered as a curiosity. She wasn't trying to drag the conversation to a dark corner. "But, speaking of gardens, I think that might be the perfect remedy for my silly malaise! Do either of you know a peaceful spot around Windsor with flowers or greenery? I have clearly not been very thorough in my explorations thus far!"

[Darlene Hamilton]

Darlene, Alexandra, Joanna

"Even when one knows a gentleman for a year or more, it is difficult to know what they want." she nodded sagely, upon talk of men. "Men are far more difficult than ladies, they hardly ever say how they are feeling, they are emotionally aloof dont you agree Alexandra?"

She reached at that point to touch Joanna's hand, "Oh not that marriage cant be wonderful, I don't meant to put you off dear. Just neither is it easy."

The clearing hunt was not so popular, although Louis seemed to keep himself occupied with Neuville, and Darlene's eyes drifted to watch them as the ladies conversation drifted to a topic they shared pleasure in; gardening. "I wonder of the garden I had in Piccadilly Street too." she admitted quietly, she had abandoned it when she'd left the Duke.

Upon Joanna's admission that she had pangs of sadness for home, Darlene looked at her with a quiet expression, before speaking, "Who is it that you miss most... might it perhaps be 'the you that you were before attending court'? I remember when I first attended a court season, I missed home a great deal. But then when I returned at the end of the season, it did not seem the same any more. It was like the bubble that was childhood, the whimsy carefree days vanished, and I'd not even waved them goodbye. Life changes us, and soon enough it is the days at court, the friendships we have here, that we crave most of all. In the quiet of night we might weep of days gone by, but there are bright days ahead too, of this I am sure."

Talk of respective gardens, and Joanna's request for the best garden to visit, brought an idea to pop into her mind. "Ladies, I have an idea." she grinned, "Lets each make a portable garden, a recreation of our gardens, that we might take with us where we do go." The notion seemed perfectly reasonable to Darlene, who was already thinking that a square of turf out of the Terraced garden would make a fine representation of her Piccadilly gardens lawn.

[Alexandra Neuville]

Darlene, Alexandra, Joanna

It seemed a lot easier for Alexandra to ignore her husband figuring how often they saw each other that he was excited for other company instead of hers. Plus, she had her own friends to attend to with her attentions and with a brilliant smile. She listened as Darlene mentioned not truly knowing how men felt and wondered if it was emotionally aloof or trying to maintain an air of mystery. "Yes, they can be that." The fiery haired woman replied positively knowing there were probably a few times that Francois could have been like that, but often times if he was upset he would either sulk, or drink himself silly and then come home stomping around like a child until she smoothed his ruffled feathers. It was definitely better than the alternative and she did so want to please the man that saved her reputation.

"I would imagine all relationships need work especially marriage." Alexandra added with a smile. She also did not wish to put Joanna off in getting married, but it was rather frightening who you would end up with. Of course, there were ways to change one's fate, but it should always be the last resort. There was no guilt of her past, but she knew she had already consigned herself to that fate and refused confession for what most would call a sin while she considered it vengence...no justice. A life for a life.

When the shots began to go off, it reminded her why she did not like hunting or guns too much. They were loud and if one was discharged close enough would make her ears ring. If she ever had a desire to learn, there were plenty that she might be able to convince to teach her, but she was rather apt with her daggers and silence was often a lot more deadly than a loud bang before someone keeled over. Of course, she figured that either weapon did still cause a person to lose a lot of blood with the threats of ruining one's dress. Yet if a woman had to defend her honor, everything was fair game despite the ruination of one's gown.

With Darlene's question to Joanna, she sometimes missed her grandfather when she was away knowing the man would probably work himself harder than usual. He was often overly serious without her brightening his life or frustrating him being the other prespective. Oddly enough, she was the only one that could make her grandfather laugh. On the other hand, she did love being here at court, and felt as if she had learned quite a bit and opportunities continued to open up for her which excited her to no end.

"Ooo, a portable garden. I would imagine that a modest herb garden can make that a possibility." Alexandra added already thinking which ones she would plant in an indoor portal garden. "Mint, definitely, the thing grows like a weed and does not need much maintenance." She also felt that once the herbs are large enough, they could always be transplanted somewhere to continue living as well.