Seeking laughter, 09/10, 10AM

[Temperance]

The Crimson Drawing Room

This spacious room lies in the heart of the Upper Ward, and serves as a much-needed refuge from the sometimes inclement weather. The floor is laid with sumptuous carpets of taupe, cream, and gold, while the walls are papered in deep crimson and trimmed with gilded cornice. Several large mirrors, dressed artfully with heavy velvet drapes, are hung about the room to reflect and maximize the candlelight, since there are no windows. There is also an intricate tapestry depicting the four seasons. The ceiling is painted with an assembly of gods and goddesses, intermixed with delightfully cherubic Cupids. Throughout the room there are small groupings of comfortable chairs, all luxuriously upholstered in crimson, often surrounding elegant little tables. There is also a marble fireplace, flanked by Grecian columns, in which a fire may be laid to bring light and warmth to the room.

The younger courtiers gathered in the Crimson Drawing Room, all dressed in their finery. Near the center of the room stood a small group of lifeguards, backs straight and chest out as they showed off their scarlet coats. On the settes there were two groups of young girls, giggling amongst each other behind spread fans.

[Joanna Craven]

Deedee had dutifully informed her mistress of the rumours that the king would be riding that morning, but Joanna had little interest in rushing to the scene. Meeting His Majesty or any of the royal family—or, for that matter, the highest peers—would be an absolute delight, without question. What she did not find appealing in this particular instance was the prospect of being pushed about in a vast crowd of gentry who had come to drool and shove their way as close as possible to the sovereign. The mild-mannered blind girl would much rather have the honour of hearing the king speak in a less open and potentially wild setting. So, seeing as there was no point in a quick "peek" at the great man as a compromise, other plans were put in place.

Upon shunning the royal ruckus, Joanna and Deedee slowly made their way to the Upper Ward with the intention of exploring new territory: the gorgeous Crimson Drawing Room. While Joanna could not enjoy its artistic splendour, it was her fervent hope that she might expand her list of acquaintances quickly in such a popular location. Not all of the court would run to see the king, surely, meaning that she had a very good chance of making an advantageous connection or two.

Titters of laughter tickled her ears soon after arrival, betraying the exuberant presence of youth. Deedee's quick, quiet descriptions of the room and the other occupants fleshed out Joanna's mental view of the room, though at the end she was left undecided as to a conversational target. Being generally more comfortable with those of years in advance of hers, due to her own rather mature manner, Joanna decided to allow the giggles to flourish undisturbed. Instead, she requested that Deedee steer her towards any lone man or woman who was in need of a conversation partner or, of course, towards any individual or group who seemed interested in her presence.

[Davina Wellsley]

Her morning had begun quietly.

The night's endless hours and the tick tick tick of the two clocks did nothing to aid in her slumbers and so her complexion was a bit paler than normal and her blue eyes listless as she rose, broke her fast and then went to the small table that she and Poppy had pulled from its original place nearer to the windows to where it stood now - closer to the fireplace and half-hid by the bedhangings. She had created a small "Alter" of sorts that bore a small statue of the Blessed Virgin (that always traveled with her) which rested atop a fine linen cloth embroidered in gold and silver threads where her Rosary Beads rested and a candle burned.

Today was the Feast Day of Sts Denis, Rusticus, and Eleutherius and whilst they were Patron Saints to France she had humbler needs of their services. The events of the day and night before had left her with a dull throbbing that could indeed turn into a worse headache and so she knelt on the small stool in her cream velvet bedgown and lit another smaller candle then crossed herself and bent her head in prayer ...... Asking for relief of her painful headache ..... Asking for the Strife that had settled upon her like an unwanted cloak to be removed ..... And lastly, for the Frenzy in her own mind to lessen and allow her the clarity she would have need of.

Her lips moved in silence as she repeated her requests and then added a prayer for those departed and those she thought might need them before she rose and turned away some color restored to her face. Poppy too was silent as she went about the absolutions that would see her Mistress made ready for the day ahead - a sponged bath with warmed water that had been scented with lemon and rose followed by a cloth to which her teeth had been scrubbed and then a 'mouthwash' made of some secret things by a woman on the Wellsley Estate and spit into a pewter basin; her skin was rubbed with scented rose oil and then her clothing was put on piece by piece until only her bodice remained.

Her color choices were limited still but out of some sense of rebellion she had made no remarks when Poppy had packed a gown of navy blue brocade that, when complete, would have a double row of tiny bows down both sides of the open skirt of a shade of blue that was as pale as an early morning sky. The underskirt was of cream brocade and the pattern on it had been trailed with seed pearls and tiny gold beads interspersed were blue stones that would catch the light as she moved. The bodice was at last fitted and the lace rows were sewed down at the corner points. There was no stomacher only the brocade in one piece and the collar that had the night before been sewed into the black bodice was now present again on the blue.

Her hair was up and a length of black ribbon trailed amongst her curls accented by her diamond hair pins and she wore her Grandmother's pearls at ear neck and wrists. Black Court shoes and cream stockings would complete her. With another sip she finished her morning tea and was handed a small bag inside which was a fine length of cream linen that she was embroidering then went through into the outer room where her brother sat behind a paper. She exchanged no greetings but continued past to exit. Once in the hallway she would be escorted by a Windsor servant to the Crimson Drawing Room .....

---

Seated quietly in a chair of surprising comfort her eyes on her needlework she paid little notice to the group upon the couches - or to the Soldiers. She had come here rather than outdoors for she needed to think and her occupation well provided for that. A moments rest had her look up and she became aware of the two new arrivals and she watched as the elder whispered to the younger who wore an inquisitive look. She did not know her identity - hardly a surprise really - but would indeed welcome an introduction.

[Joanna Craven]

Deedee was not entirely comfortable with the burden of making social choices for her charge and neither was she well trained for such decision-making. One of her most acute fears was that her actions would thrust Joanna into an embarrassing situation, making her appear foolish or rude through no fault of her own. Happily, this scene was a calm one and easy enough to analyse. It was not long before the sharp-eyed servant spotted a black-haired young woman looking in their direction with mild curiosity. Deedee provided a quick description of the lone figure to the blind girl, including the basics of the stunning brocade attire and that she was embroidering a lovely pattern, and Joanna was quick to suggest they walk in her direction.

Joanna's own clothing was not half so fashionable as that of the woman she approached. There was nothing amiss with her midnight blue velvet dress, which was cut to perfection and within the realm of recent style. Yet the beaded flowers and vines sparkling on the bodice and underskirt were quite simple and would not cost much, even if the design was quite pretty. Her shoes were black, as were her stockings. Her hair was arranged in a neat up-do, with little braids giving shape and texture, and a few slightly windswept curls hung around her face. There was nothing particularly noteworthy about her simple jewellery: a matching necklace and bracelet in gold chain with small amethysts and pearls alternating.

"Good morning," Joanna said, her smile as friendly as her tone. "I am Joanna Craven of Yorkshire and, as you will no doubt realise very soon, I am quite the court novice. Might I steal the seat next to you, as well as a few moments of your excellent company?"

After a slight pause, she added: "I fear I have not the ability to admire your embroidery, not having the use of my eyes, but I am told the work is very fine indeed."

[Davina Wellsley]

Her sharp glance had seen the way the elder woman seemed to 'guide' the younger and so concluded rightly that she was blind. She had never been in the actual presence of one afflicted by the loss of sight - but judging by the way in which she moved and style of dress - saw no problems. That there were she could only imagine.

She set her needlework to the side and rose to move closer to where the other girl stood. "Davina Wellsley, from Hampshire ....." She replied back. "Good morrow to you both. I would be most pleased to offer you the seat beside me .... There is room aplenty and the large pillow can be set aside ....." She had by now come within touching distance but hesitated not knowning the proper way of behaviors.

At last her own natural sense of warmth prevailed and she placed her right hand upon Joanna's arm adding ...."I am most pleased to meet you and shall ask that you forgive me if I trespass upon what is Proper ......" Her blue eyes then went to the elder woman's meeting them directly as if she were asking for an indication that it was well.

"Will you come then and sit awhile ..... We shall look quite well seated together mind you! I am dark and you are fair and we both wear Blue ....." She stepped back and waited unsure if she should seat herself again or wait.

[Isabeau Everhart]

Sweeping into the room, a veritable vision in Aqua, Isabeau surveyed the room with practised finesse. Recognised as the leader of fashion, the Baroness came to enjoy these little moments when she stepped away from the humdrum of yesterdays fashions to present a new idea. The neckline of her gown had moved from dangerously low of last season, to nothing short of modest. An elegant collar, reminiscent of a gentleman's coat, swept from the shoulders and all around the back. Whilst a double row of neat little buttons ran smartly down the front of the bodice. Gentle swirls of white piping, adorned every edge, giving a very feminine look to the ensemble which Isabeau regarded as one of understated daytime elegance. Upon each button a flower had been picked out in silver thread and seed pearls, allowing for the subtle sparkle that every lady desired.

It was complimented by the quintessential item of the season, the short tapered jacket with in the exact same shade, with its long sleeves and little buttoned cuffs. The skirts followed the same design, though even here she had stepped away from the norm of having underskirts in a different shade to her dress, and kept them both in the same shade. The only allowance made was the elaborate white piping on the underskirts so that they might stand apart. Pure white, she had been duly informed, took longer than anything to embroider for the needlewomen had to pause regularly and wash their hand lest the thread turn grey.

There was no doubting in her own mind that she had outdone herself this time. The shape allowed the very subtle bulge of her stomach to be observed without drawing away from the general elegance of her shape and form elsewhere, whilst the novel use of layers ensured no cloak would be needed when venturing outdoors. Being such a vain creature it was imperative, that even if pregnant, she appeared nothing less than her best.

Seeing no one she recognised on first glance Isabeau did not let that dissuade her at all. Lack of acquaintances was never a problem, it merely provided ample opportunity to form new ones. Besides, it was whispers of some much deserved fun and games that had drawn her forth. Flashing a friendly smile at both Davina and Joanna as they sat together on a sofa, and quite unaware that one of the ladies was unable to see her, Isabeau moved to regard the view from the window.

[Joanna Craven]

Joanna was exceedingly pleased by the especially friendly response. She bestowed a fine smile on her newest acquaintance when she touched her arm. Briefly, Joanna placed her other hand atop Davina's, just to indicate that she didn't mind the familiar gesture in the slightest.

"My own etiquette is far from perfect, I assure you," Joanna said with a cheerful smile. "Yet I must declare that I do not detect so much as a wisp out of place in yours! I am most grateful for your kindness and would be very pleased to sit awhile and know you better."

Deedee gently rotated Joanna, moving her backwards until the back of the lady's legs just brushed against the front of the couch. With the manner of one who had performed a similar action many times, Joanna lowered herself onto the sumptuous embroidered cushion, Deedee on hand in case she faltered—luckily, she did not. The servant waited for Davina to sit as well and then quickly angled her mistress towards the black-haired woman. Unfortunately, this meant that Deedee did not witness Isabeau's smile.

"I am told that your gown is simply gorgeous," Joanna said, her smile warm. That she could not see it herself did not mean she was absolved from paying a compliment. "You must be one of those talented women with an eye for fashion trends. Not to mention a skilled hand for embroidery! How wonderful it must be to create such beauty with your own fingers!" There was no regret to speak of, nor any attention purposefully drawn to the fact that she was not equipped to excel at either skill. Joanna was simply marvelling.

"Will you frame the finished work or display it on a cushion or something else entirely?" she asked, sounding genuinely interested. "My younger sisters—a precocious set of twins—both excel at the art. My mother jokes that three-quarters of our home is covered with their many creations."

[Davina Wellsley]

She gave a small chuckle at the description adding "Yes, I can well imagine! I do sometimes take up a 'commission' from others about Court or if one of the Nun's has a need ......" She unwittingly gave away her own Religion before continuing on "And as I am hopeless at things musical found in stitchery some rewards for what I lack in the other. Ah ...." She broke off and then leaned in a bit closer to Joanna to whisper "Another face has arrived ....." She nodded her own greeting as the Countess' gaze met hers before it moved on.

"Shall you hear of her .... I believe her to be Countess Whittington, newly widowed after some three months wed. Sad really. She is quite tall for one of our sex, dark haired like me. She is beautiful and is one of those at Court that will Set a Fashion and even now appears dressed in what can only be some new style ...."

Davina let her own eyes appraise the other woman's attire but did not comment.

"She moves in what is rather a "Libertine" Set .... Not in mine own sphere at all! In all truth I have little occasion to even speak to her. You are here alone?" She asked straight out concerned for this new acquaintance and her appearance at Windsor. "Have you no male relative to protect you? No relation perhaps to offer guidance ....." Her protecting nature was to the front as she knew how perilous Court could be to those without any impediment.

[Heather O`Roarke]

For evening wear Heather had always favoured green and red, no matter the season. It suited her complexion and frankly, she looked stunning in it so why change into something else. Day wear often had her in light blues, after she had sworn off the champagne colour wardrobe she had designed to wear specifically for the King. For this autumn's wardrobe she had once again turned to her dearest friend, and in the field of fashion definitely her mentor. Clearly, it was the Lady Lismire who had her dressing, she but a follower of such magnificent taste. Thus, it had been established that there were to be amber & chocolate brown tones in her ensembles in additions to her favourites, which suited autumn so well.

The Countess Atherstone arrived in a richly embroidered dress of amber colouring, with brown piping and white Flemish point lace. Her golden red curls had been done up in contemporary fashion, ringlets framing her face. While she didn't flaunt her usual array of rubies, she had one of those trademark jewels in her hair on golden combs. There was a very tight corset that reigned in her voluptuous body and called attention to her well trained waist, while allowing her generous bosom to nearly spill out of her bodice, an unspoken promise. There was too, the military style tapered jacket, while not as brilliant as that of Isabeau, it was certainly stylish. From under her gown, red ladies booths peeped out scandalously, the edges laced. Her neck, of the palest white, was naked, for Heather intended to call attention to the fact that it urgently needed a new necklace to dress her properly and lay claim for all to see.

She briefly halted in the dooropening to see who had arrived... and to be admired of course.

OOC: edited colours upon correction by Isabeau because I misremembered.

[Temperance]

There were murmurs and laughter rising here and there in the room, the people spread around the room sending glances towards the others as they awaited the game to start. And start the game would. Heather had barely entered into the room when an elderly gentleman moved towards the center of the room, tapping the end of a long stick against the floor a couple of times to call for everyone’s attention.

“Ladies. Gentlemen. I’m glad to see you all here. Without further ado let me explain the rules. Now the gentlemen will be doing the hiding and the ladies the seeking. The hiding place must be within the castle itself and there shall be no hiding in any private living quarters. You may ask for help in hiding and help in seeking from any passer-bys or other courtiers.” The elderly clerk administering the game paused and waited for an agreeing murmur from the gentlemen within the room before continuing. “Now each gentleman will have three ribbons to hand as proof once they are found and the lady who shall find the most people shall receive a small prize. The prize shall be revealed once the game is over back in this very same room. When the clock strikes 11 that is a sign for everyone to return. Now if the gentlemen would gather their ribbons and go and hide themselves.” All the gentlemen were handed three red ribbons each.

With some laughter amonst themselves the young lords headed out the door, Damien merrily waving at Heather in passing only to be pounced on by a friend also in a scarlet lifeguard coat to be ribbed about his familiarity with the countess. “We shall give the lords three minutes to find hiding places!” The clerk clicked open a pocket watch to time the period as the door closed behind the last gentleman.

[Joanna Craven]

A Catholic! Oh, how very interesting, that! Joanna was ever the dutiful Anglican, though she felt no especial love for the God, nor excitement in extolling Him; rather, the church was another subject she needed to learn in order to better herself and to understand the world she lived in. Catholicism was no less worthy of her kindly inquisition. If Joanna had to judge another soul, it would not be for the particular way he or she found peace and hope.

Delighted by Davina's descriptions of the dashing countess, Joanna smiled and nodded attentively. Ah, how she longed for her eyes more than ever in this splendorous setting, filled to bursting with stylish men and women, who would no doubt drop her jaw! In the absence, she was immensely happy to have Davina at her side and also pleased that her new acquaintance—she dare not say "friend" yet, though Joanna certainly held such lofty hopes— seemed quite eager to describe the setting, which afforded the blonde some relief. To be a burden was not pleasant and she could usually detect even the most expertly false patience. There was none here.

"Three months and already a widow! Terribly sad indeed," she agreed earnestly.

At the mention of her lonely presence, one corner of Joanna's mouth rose a little higher than the other. "I was meant to have a trained companion who would see to letters and other arrangements, but she took ill just before departure and we could not fill her position," she said, appreciating the blunt question and happy to respond in kind. "So, yes, I fear I am rather alone at the moment. Yet, it is difficult to feel so when there are numerous warm and welcoming souls, foremost among them being you!" She reached out carefully and squeezed Davina's arm, smiling deeply.

Just as she was about to comment on the "sphere"s that Davina had mentioned, there was quite a startling (to Joanna) announcement. She listened in rather shocked silence, feeling like she had unwittingly wandered into the wrong room.

"I had no notion that we were signing up to play hide-and-seek!" she exclaimed quietly as the men hurried out in a cacophony of rustling fabric and stomping boots.

[Heather O`Roarke]

Heather grinned and gave a wink to Damien over her ivory fan as she watched both troopers, so splendid and handsome in their scarlet uniforms. It was a bit unexpected that the ladies were to find the gentlemen, that certainly gave unique challenges. The redhead wondered if she would have chosen more sensible clothing and shoes had she known. Ah, but what great excuse to nose around a bit.

Looking around she spied Isabeau, and she lowered her fan and gave a greeting smile. Ah, the hunt. It was something they both appreciated. Her gaze then included Joanna and Davina, giving them both a polite nod and swaying closer to them for some banter. "Alas, ribbons and not kisses," she teased the ladies as they were all waiting to rush after the gentlemen "What is the world coming to?"

[Davina Wellsley]

"But then you have no Relation here at Wind ......." The rather hard tap of a cane broke her sentence as she leaned to the side to peer around Joanna in surprise as she listened to his speech.

Oh Dear!

Sitting back she tried to offer some assurance to her saying "Well, I think the Game is all amusing but if I had known I'd not attired myself in such a manner! You can tell by the noise from those silly girls and the sound of boots that this announcement has been met with greater approval! I see that the Countess Whittington and now the Countess of Atherstone -who is but newly arrived to this assembly - would oblige .....Oh. That last Lady comes this way ...... My Lady Countess ...." Davina then offered her greeting. "How well you are looking this morn .... Might I offer introductions ....Mistress Joanna Craven newly arrived."

She shifted ever so slightly hoping that Joanna would sense the direction she must 'look'. "The Countess Atherstone." She smiled back at Heather.

"Yes, well I think me I shall pass. I am not given over to rustling about at the moment - although it would be of an interest to have the run of the Castle even for a short time ....." She would leave the decision to her new friend to make if she wished to participate. And if so, well, she would 'partner' her as best she was able to!

[Joanna Craven]

Joanna dipped her head respectfully. "Lady Atherstone, it is a great pleasure," she said, following Davina's voice as best she could. Hopefully, her bright smile and kind eyes made up for the likely misdirection. "Please forgive my inept gaze, for I do not see."

Not knowing if the countess wished to speak to them, Joanna pursed her lips for a moment and then responded to Davina's thoughtful question that wasn't a question, though she kept her 'gaze' looking outward so as to include the other woman, if she wished to linger.

"While I am clearly at somewhat of a disadvantage, we shall look very dull indeed if we do not rise to the challenge! It simply will not do to be mocked for our inactivity," she joked merrily.

Indeed, Joanna found herself quite excited at the prospect of fun and games. It was not her usual fare, admittedly; her tendency would be to choose calm conversation over running to and fro after dashing gentlemen. Yet this diversion was akin to a dare, which is why Joanna was practically tingling with anticipation. What ways could she find to compensate for her lack of sight? What other senses might she tap into or what tricks could she think up on the spot? How could she not take the opportunity to test herself to the brink? Ah, it was moments like this that made life an incredible pleasure to live! Winning mattered not; indeed, it seemed an impossibility. All that mattered was the process itself: the chance to learn and grow.

"I do have rather good ears," she ventured modestly. "So if you will lend your excellent eyes and knowledge of the castle, then I believe we might fare passably well!"

[Davina Wellsley]

She was surprised at the words but admiring of the courage it would take to see it through. There was indeed more to this new arrival then what one saw at first glance.

"If your are sure and feel unafraid then I shall deem it an honor to partner you - Heaven help them if we two manage to win!" She answered back. She looked then to where the Countess stood wondering if she would be as receptive .... "The minutes tick away and soon it shall be our turn ......"

Her eyes were bright and a delicate pink tinged her cheeks at the daringness of this "Game" and how her own mind had been changed by the remarks from Joanna. It truly mattered not if they won for all her declarations as she realized that to even undertake such a scheme with the handicap the other girl possessed was victory enough.

"I think you are very Brave!" She leaned in to whisper to Joanna pressing her hand warmly.

[Heather O`Roarke]

"Enchanted lady Joanna, and I'm not quick to take offence," Heather hadn't noticed anything amiss about Joanna. What does one say in the face of such a dreadful handicap?

"That is the spirit," she gladly encouraged when the ladies decided to join in "For myself I just can't wait till I find a secret passage. I just bet that all these troopers who've had the run of the castle before know how to find them. It sounds so exciting." And very practical. Would there be a secret passage to nearly every important place in the castle? In storybooks there would be. "Do you think there is a passage here in the Crimson Room, " the redhead whispered sotto voice "Just near the hearth? I've heard tell there is one in the library. Well, together with the ghosts of course."

[Temperance]

The gentleman smiled indulgently as he observed the excitedly chattering girls. It was heart-warming to see young people so excitedly pursuing a spot of innocent fun. If only he were 20 years younger...
Keeping an eye on the watch, the lord closed it with a snap once the alloted time was over and thumped the wooden stick on the ground once more. "It is time ladies. Do your best. Once again, the one who finds the most gnetlemen and claims ribbons from them as proof shall receive a prize back in this very room once the game is over. Whent eh clock strikes eleven, it hsall be a sign to make your way back." With a smile the lord nodded to the servants at the end of the room to pull open the doors so that the ladies might set out on their quest.

[Joanna Craven]

Joanna laughed lightly at Davina's mention that they might win, which was delightfully silly and she did not believe it for one moment. But when the dark-haired woman whispered to her, putting affectionate pressure on her hand, Joanna blushed deeply, surprised by those words. Brave! She certainly had never thought of her eagerness as courage; after all, she was merely trying to live life in the same manner as everyone else. Still, she was touched by Davina's compliment and was quick to smile and squeeze her hand briefly.

"Secret passages!" Joanna exclaimed in response to Lady Atherstone, not having considered their existence until that very moment. "Oh, how terribly exciting! If you find one, you must be merciful and reveal the location once the game is finished," she added, her eyes drenched with curiosity.

She was about to ask about the ghosts, which she had only heard passing mention of, but then it was time to seek out the elusive ribbons. Joanna smiled over at Davina, ready to stand when her new acquaintance made the first move. Deedee was ready to hold her mistress' arm, though she was waiting to see if Davina would decide to lead the lady personally.

[Davina Wellsley]

Well that settled things then!

She turned to face Joanna directly asking quietly "You are sure of this? I would not see you placed in a manner that might be .... Difficult .... For you. I shall be honored to act as your partner - if your companion does not object ...." She looked then to the other woman aware that whilst others' would see her only as a 'servant' and thus invisible she did not. "I assure you that I shall take care to keep her free from harm - unless you wish to become apart of it and then we two shall be a trio! And might have a better chance of finding them ...."

Looking back to Heather she inquired "Shall you partner as well Madam or be solitary?" politely as she gathered her needlework to return it to its small bag which she then set aside not caring about its safety for it was not worth anything before she made a motion to stand, drawing Joanna with her in a simple movement, that she hoped would not compromise her balance.

"I am hoping that our "Hunt" Shall prove fruitful ..... Mayhap even a Ghost might present itself ...." And her blue eyes widened at the though ....

[Joanna Craven]

Joanna was positively tickled by Davina's ability to be caring without seeming overbearing. She expressed her concerns honestly, but respected Joanna's decisions without dawdling. It was a rare balance indeed and so Joanna found herself somewhat desperate to make a friend of this Catholic. Yet how she could ever hope to reciprocate? She would simply have to make her company as pleasant as she knew how.

"Oh, yes, I am quite certain," Joanna assured Davina with a winning smile and a decisive nod. "I am not the competitive type, so I shall have fun even if we only happen upon mice rather than men!"

Her eyes twinkled. "Of course, I attribute my attitude to the fact that I have your wonderful company to look forward to," she added warmly. "And, yes, it would be lovely to walk with you, if you truly do not mind. No doubt Deedee would be grateful for a break."

A brief pause and the decision was made. "You are dismissed, Deedee," Joanna told the brunette, her tone friendly rather than commanding. "We shall meet here again in an hour's time, yes?" A nod and reassurance that she would be there at eleven o'clock sharp and then Deedee was gone.

"You are certainly welcome to walk with us a while, should you wish," Joanna offered, turning her head in Lady Atherstone's direction once more. "I perfectly understand if you prefer lone adventures, of course!" Or perhaps she was the ambitious sort with an eye on the mysterious prize.

[Davina Wellsley]

Davina, glad that Joanna had the confidence to allow herself to be 'guided', stood patiently waiting to see if Heather would comment or simply move on herself .....

Time was a ticking and it would be at a pace slower that everyone's for the two of them. Now, just where did one look first ....

[Temperance]

OOC: Just pst directions where you head in this thread and I shall reveal te results who is where and who might be found.

[Isabeau Everhart]

Upon the arrival of her friend, Isabeau bowed her head at Heather, a broad smile playing over her lips just as the nature of the game was announced. Now this was more like the kind of good honest fun she could really throw herself into.

The door opened and closed as the men began claiming their ribbons and headed out in the broad expanse of the castle to claim their own domain for the duration of the game. Suddenly, the hairs on the back of her neck stood one end as if a familiar presence were close by. Sharply, turning her head, the dark eyes she was so famed for swept over the room seeking out the source of her disquiet. But there was no one present who might account for it, no ghostly presence to remind her of past mistakes, merely a door slowly swinging closed. Shaking her head at her own silliness, she grinned once more at Heather, wishing her luck in the game and set about the hunt.

[Heather O`Roarke]

"Thank you for your gracious offer," Heather smiled "but I fear the the lads will run out of ribbons too swiftly if they have to hand out three at a time. Rather, let me make the suggestion that we swap our tales of what we found at the end of the day, and thus double our fun. Bon chance ladies!"

With a grin and a wink for Isabeau the redheaded Countess followed in the footsteps of the Baroness but went into the opposite direction deliberately, taking a left and then a right while keeping her eyes out for an any secret servant entrances. Really this was the most wonderful opportunity to look for them in broad daylight.

[Joanna Craven]

Joanna smiled as Lady Atherstone declared her intention of going off on her own and then turned to her companion, whose arm was much smaller than Deedee's, but no less steady and sure. "I am ready when you are," she declared with a wide smile and an adventurous glint in her sightless eyes. "You know the castle much better than I, no doubt, so I am quite happy to follow where you lead. I am very excited at the prospect of knowing these halls and rooms better, I must admit. Oh, and I shall put my ears on high alert from henceforth!" she added.

As they walked, Joanna realised just how much she enjoyed the change in escort. She did not mind walking with Deedee or any of the family's servants, but to be arm-in-arm with a peer and a potential friend was much more rewarding. For the first time, she felt truly at home in this strange new land that was Windsor.

Belatedly, a thought occurred to her. "I think it only seems fair to ask for one ribbon for us both, does it not? That is, if you do not mind sharing the prize when we win!" she joked merrily.