Seeking out an Archery Contest (2 pm 9/10)

[Charles Whitehurst]

THE LITTLE PARK


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


Charles knew there was to be a competition at 2 pm. Some of his men had been ordered to bring targets and bows, and to provide protection for the King himself. Usually, Charles was the one competing. Today he would be cheering on any lady that might choose to compete.

Already his eyes scanned the growing crowd for ladies he admired -- Sybilla, Catriona, Davina, Alexandra, Heather, Darlene, Maureen, Frances Cavendish, Catherine Sedley, Angelina, and even he wondered if Meg Tressider would be in the crowd.

[Alexandra Neuville]

After the Mews and her discovery, Alexandra had wrote a letter to Charlie and decided to lay down for a moment to sulk. A headache had started to take ahold and she felt it was best to take a bit of a rest while crying a little feeling sorry for herself. It was perhaps why she had decidedly drank a flask of wine to calm herself and the blasted pain.

A cool compress scented with chamomile was placed upon her forehead as she rested and after that bit of self-loathing, Alexandra refreshened up and decided to trudge on.

Once the swelling had lowered in her face, and the dress was shook out for wrinkles, Alexandra was put back into it and set off again. She needed to make the most of being here in Windsor for soon she would be confined with no one to keep her company.

There were whispers that a competition was to be held in the Little Park. She did not know anything of archery, but figured that there would be an interesting gathering of courtiers to mingle with and enjoy.

Finally, making it down those flights of stairs, she had walked to what they called the Little Park and it was the first time she smiled since having arrived in her apartments.

"Good afternoon, Major." Alexandra called out to Charles as she was within hearing distance. She did not rush to be by his side, but walked at an even pace before giving a curtsy and offered her hand for a kiss. "How are you doing this lovely day, Charles?" She asked sweetly as she was close enough to speak with a bit more familiarity at least for the moment.

[Charles Whitehurst]

There seemed, as of yet, to be no large crowd forming. Nevertheless, Charles waited patiently for the guards to set up the targets and await the arrival of competitors and spectators. It was then that he noticed the arrival of Alexandra. Giving her a smile and a bow as she curtseyed, he was happy to kiss the offered hand.

"It is a grand day," he remarked, "made only grander by your arrival." A bit of flattery was never amiss. "You are looking brilliant today, leaving me with the thought that married life must agree with you. Are you here to compete or watch?" he asked casually.

[Alexandra Neuville]

Earlier in the morning there was a slight chill and a mist, but as the sun broke through the mist, it had become clearer and a lovely bright day. It was perfect to be outdoors and exploring Windsor more fully. She had been glad enough to have freshened up and to bring out her parasol before having set off on the next set of events that she hoped to participate in or observe.

Laughter was met with flattery as she gave a dimpled grin, "I have never took an archery lesson, but I had hoped to observe and see if it is something I wish to pursue. And do you compete as well or watch, Charles?" She imagined he would just watch and if it was a horse race to participate.

"I am so glad to see you. There is something I wished to discuss with you in a more private setting Charles and I am feeling a bit guilty that I did not disclose the information sooner." She whispered softly for his ears only.

[Charles Whitehurst]

"I am not a skilled archer," he confessed. He had used a bow before. What man had not? "But I am here to watch. His Majesty might be attendance," he revealed. "I had heard that a number of ladies were archers and I had thought to come watch a sport for a change." He offered a smile knowing that his mention of watching ladies would likely bring an acknowledgement and smile in return.

It was noted that she said nothing of her marriage with the Frenchman. Perhaps there was another matter on her mind.

"Oh?" Charles became interested as she whispered knowledge of something interesting. "Maybe we should walk a distance together," he suggested. "You can tell me what you wish. None shall hear us." In fact, he would choose a path that would not have anyone near; but, would be a path with ambient noise that could interfere with others listening. He extended his arm and offered to move her away from others.

[Alexandra Neuville]

Alexandra blinked, "He is?" Twice in one day to see the King at an event and she shook her head. "I would imagine there were be quite the gathering if that is the case." She replied as she looked about for these lady archers.

"Lady archers though, how lovely. I do hope they show up and shoot some targets to impress." She said happily. "I would imagine, I would just end up embarrasing myself if I tried."

She had not addressed marriage feeling that there were not that great of a change that had occurred since that fateful day, but she smiled, "I was glad to have seen you at my wedding, Charles. I do hope you had fun. Of course, I have not really felt a dramatic change in my life since my marriage." She shrugged.

Relief flooded her features to belay the anxiety that she had begun to feel, but knew that this had become a bit more than just her. She nodded as he suggested a walk and accepted his arm. "Thank you, Charles." She murmured as they were led away from others and walked a bit before she said, "What I have to share might cause your ire to grow and I would like to admit that I do not know what I was thinking...or perhaps that I was not thinking. I would need for you to allow me to start and finish though and to find a way to forgive me for my behaviour."

Of course, any conversation that begins with you might become angry or upset was usually not a good conversation, but Alexandra needed to relieve herself of this particular burden. She did not say anything further to allow Charles to adjust and make sure he kept himself in check just in case, but there was really no turning back with such an introduction.

[Charles Whitehurst]

The small talk was forgotten when she focused on the other matter to discuss. The thanks for attending her wedding were met with a friendly enough nod.

"Why would I be mad?" he asked needlessly as his mind began to search for possible topics. They had been together in a compromising position once or twice. He could not imagine it had anything to do with that. There seemed to be few other topics that could engender much angst ... unless it was about Noni. He suddenly recalled that Alexandra was instrumental in that. "Is this about Noni?"

Regardless of topic, he urged the redhead to continue. She was correct in surmising that there would be no going back once she introduced the topic in such a fashion. There was a level of anxiety building.

[Alexandra Neuville]

Alexandra already managed to make her conversation a shamble before having even started and she winced as she exhaled and tried again. She did not inform him why he would get mad and left that up for him to react to, but she shook her head, "No, not about Noni. She is happy with her doctor husband and for that I would not apologise for."

Then she tried again, "Awhile back...I had met a man that was stabbed and found bleeding out in the Walled Garden. I had happened upon him and well he basically fell into my lap but died in my arms. I did not know how to really help him, but he whispered the strangest words like a dying wish or confession."

She looked abashed as she whispered, "I did not have the courage to say anything to the Life Guard that had found us. I did not know who to trust, and the man just got stabbed. Since then the moment had passed and the words could not be found when I was asked directly."

"Due to my guilt, I...well I started an investigation on my own as if I had a head for such things and with an escort, I had made a discovery." Blue-green eyes looked over at Charles trying to gauge his reaction as she continued on. "With this discovery, I had discovered quite a few things and it has since gone over my head. I would have told you sooner, but I did not know who to trust." Her story was not completely fleshed out, including what she discovered and what it involved, but one hurdle at a time.

[Darlene Hamilton]

Arriving with Thomas, seeing Alexandra and Charles moving away

Bonneted, Darlene wore one of her new dresses, what a lovely treat that was, more so for she was accompanied by her husband, so that all in all she felt a wonderful dignity around her person.

The day dress was of quite different style to those she'd worn in seasons passed, it's russet linen draped in an asymmetric sculptural style. Her bodice was a weaving of maroon and russet ribbon, while the fastening were decorated with a row of maroon tassels down the centre. Further tassels trimmed the lower v shaped cuff of each sleeve. The neckline was daringly low cut, though a lace trim made a little effort to preserve modesty, mostly Darlene hoped to attract her husbands admiring eyes - and was happy to imagine that any other gentlemen who's eyes might stray would receive a cold glare from her husband.

With her arm curled through Thomas' arm and her finger tucked into his sleeve near his wrist, she moved with a content smile upon her face as she ask Thomas of his morning out riding.

As she saw Alexandra she gave a wave, she was delighted that Alexandra had taken up her invitation. Ah, but the lady looked rather deep in conversation at the moment. "I didn't know they were close." She murmured to Thomas of Alexandra and Charles. As she did, she remembered the advice she'd given Charles last spring, and suddenly wondered if he thought to see the crop of newly married ladies as a fresh playing field. "Thomas, we really should help Major Langdon find himself a good wife, he does like ladies company after all, but it's hardly right that he keeps the company of other men's wives." Thomas and her both knew what that sort of thing led to.

[Charles Whitehurst]

Even though she thought no apology was necessary for the Noni affair, Charles felt otherwise. He was stubborn about such things, as was Alexandra apparently.

Out of the corner of his eye he saw Darlene and Thomas arriving. He lifted his hand and waved in greeting as he moved further away.

Turning his attention back to Alexandra, his face became more serious. In fact, he fought a frown as the redhead spun her tale. "Murder," he intoned gravely. "Was this man a lord?" He had heard of no lord being attacked within the confines of the palace. When she acknowledged it being a commoner, his first words were "sounds like a matter for the Sheriff." The Life Guard did not bother with common crimes, though his new regiment might.

"You can always trust the Guard; but, more importantly," he counseled, "you can trust me. I am not angry," he added in the most soothing voice he could muster. "What else have you discovered?" He was not expecting anything of great significance; but, he would direct Alexa to the correct law enforcement official.

[Mercy]

Rows of targets were laid out in small clusters, ensuring there was more than enough for everyone. Some, set further apart from the others, were garlanded with flowers.

A young clerk moved amongst those gathered, a green cap set on his head at a jaunty angle. Speaking with Charles, Alexandra, Darlene and any other who might make an appearance, he enquired whether they intended to partake, and encouraged each to do so. "The is something for everyone, we have a class for beginners in both the long and cross bows," he began with a smile, imagining there to be no excuse for anyone to refuse. "There shall be a contest of skill for those that feel well qualified, and for those who dare there shall be a contest of blind luck." Regardless of what some had heard, or believed to be true, the clerk assured everyone that the contest was open to both sexes.

[Alexandra Neuville]

Upon the young clerk's information of a class for beginners, Alexandra had made her interest known and that she was quite curious on how it all felt taking up the long bow or even a cross bow. It could not exert her too badly, would it? Of course, it was not an opportunity that she would let pass without partaking in it and asked to be alerted when the time came for the lesson to begin.

If it was any other subject, she would probably had tried her best to acquiesce but with it came to Noni and her actions she could not because she was not doing wrong, and it was what Noni wanted.

Having been too involved with the re-telling, she noticed Charles waving and followed him, noticing Darlene and waved as well in greeting, a smile appeared a natural reaction. Then being escorted further away to speak privately, she listened to Charles' explanation.

"It sounds like nothing at all, except I think the man was linked to the Archbishop of Canterbury's mur...err death." The smile from earlier had feel as she replied, "I had figured out that the dying man wished for me to go to his sister's home where I found the most peculiar objects. A pamphlet on teas, an address, poison and a gold Cromwell coin." She was worried that Charles would pass her off to someone else and she began to shake her head. "No, I will not speak to anyone else. I cannot. If they had killed someone like the Archbishop with arsenic, then I could very well be in danger as well."

[Charles Whitehurst]

There was little need for a beginner's class. Charles was beyond that; but, he did express interest to the clerk in a contest of blind luck. That sounded fun enough.

Back to the subject at hand, Alexa surprised him with mention of the death of the Archbishop. He had been expecting something more pedestrian. His frown returned. "The report was that the Archbishop died of natural causes. He was an old man, and sickly," he thought to mention aloud. "How do you know he was poisoned with arsenic? What are you not telling me?" Now that it was clear that it might be a matter for the Life Guard, Charles became more interested. "I will protect you," he pledged, "but I need the whole story ... not mere tidbits."

[Alexandra Neuville]

Alexandra would protect herself, and having Charles following her about to try to protect her or any other Life Guard for that matter would really put a kink in her lifestyle. It would also make it impossible to just go off on her own. Not to mention the questions that would crop up of the constant surveillance. Of course, she was not going to object just yet. She had hoped to just tell Charles, and he would act upon the information that she had already dug up and she could be sent on her little merry way.

He asked for more and so she exhaled and started from the beginning making sure to leave nothing out. She recounted the information that she had gleaned as Ben Toffer's last breath. Of course, it could all be circumstantial evidence, but there was nothing that she knew that pointed to someone in particular.

Then, she had discovered that Ben was a servant in the kitchens having inquired about him at the Office of the Chamberlain. The deceased had a sister by the name of Judith and an address was procured. From there, she had decided to at least make a point to protect herself and mentioned that Kane was sworn to secrecy as he made the trip with her to Judith's house.

She included the address to Judith's home on Bonny Lane Southwark and gave Charles all of the information she could. Her head was hurting a little as she mentioned that Ben was a Puritan as well as all of the items that Ben had kept in his own tin.

Alexandra even included how clever she tried to be on hiding all of the evidence to preserve it as well that Judith wished justice for her brother because she could not believe he would have ever done anyone harm.

The last bit of information she gave him was her visit to the address and the name Malcolm Bainbridge as well as discovering that he had fled the city and probably a part of the conspirators, as well as the one that provided the poison to Ben.

She pressed her fingers to her forehead. "Charles, that is all I know. I tried to be as thorough as I could. I can give you the items that were in Ben's tin. I do not want them anymore." She replied as she did not wish this responsibility any longer, but deferred to the major assuming he probably had a lot more knowledge on handling such dangerous situations. Confessing was a lot more difficult than she would imagine and her temples were throbbing.

[Charles Whitehurst]

Fortunately for Alexandra, Charles' idea of protection did not include following her around. He was intending something less overt, such as being available when needed (or placing soldiers at her disposal).

"Most curious," he had to admit. It was certainly easier to believe the official version of the Archbishop's death. Fortunately, Charles had been part of several sinister plots already, so the naivete had been washed away. It was surprising to learn that Kane had been part of the plot. There was her protection, to date.

"I should like the evidence," he declared at last. "I suppose we need to look further into this." It came to mind that the London Coroner was charged with investigations such as this. Though their last meeting had been far from satisfying, perhaps the man might be discreet. Was he not investigating the death of the Papal Legate? Might they be related? Now he wished he had someone like FitzJames or another Lieutenant to run this to ground. Gillis was too valuable to Charles to assign to some likely dead end as this.

"If you come by any further evidence, do let me know. I want you taking no more chances. It could be dangerous. Have you noticed anything strange like someone following you?" he asked just to make sure there were not signs that foulplay was seeking her out.

[Alexandra Neuville]

The fiery red-haired girl nodded as Charles asked for the evidence. "I do not feel that it is safe to send it by way of a servant and shall deliver it myself at a designated time. It is not that I do not trust my servants, but even they do not know of this. No one does except for you, Kane, Doctor Winchester, who was the one that tested the powder and now you. I would also like to add that Doctor Winchester had felt that this should all be handed over to the Life Guard much sooner." She did not want the people that she had taken into her confidence to get in trouble with the authorities, and knowing that Charles was still rather upset with Noni having married a mere physician.

She nodded emphatically and replied, "Of course, but it was all I had, I felt that I ran into a sort of dead end." Then blushed, "Thank you, Charles for listening."

At the inquiry of any strange event or of someone following, Alexandra frowned for a moment and shook her head. "Not that I recall." Then she looked at her friend and sighed, "Of course, I am not as observant as I wish to be but nothing felt dangerous or off."

"I have been trying my best to always be with someone, and have even stopped my morning jaunts." Mainly because of being with child, but she did not include that. She finally smiled, "When will you be available to accept the evidence?" Wanting it gone from her possessions and into more capable hands.

[Catriona MacGregor]

After her rides, Cat had started getting the informal sitting room ready for her wake for Adam. His sword was laid across a window sill and a couple of his handkerchiefs were laid next to the chair where she expected to sit. There were to be refreshments, along with the whiskey Heather sent, to be laid out as well, but her personal maid, Collette was overseeing that while Cat made an appearance. She had told Darlene she would come, but she planned for only a few minutes before slipping away.

Walking with a purpose in a gown of midnight blue with black embroidery and lace, the Scot made her way towards where the small crowd was beginning to form. She saw two couples, both of whom she recognized. She waved at Alexandra and Charles as she kept her direction on Darlene and Thomas. "Darlene," she said as she leaned in to kiss the air over her friend's cheeks. "Milord," she added with a nod. "You look exceptionally well today," she said to the pair with a smile on her face.

[Heather O`Roarke]

The Countess Atherstone arrived in a richly embroidered dress of amber colouring, with chocolate 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. A parasol of Flemish lace and a pair of gloves in the same style had been added at the last moment to provide some cover from the sun. Though it was autumn, it could still get warm at days like this.

Heather took a deep breath and looked around. Alexandra and Charles seemed to have a rather serious conversation. Was that Thomas and Darlene. Her heart thrilled, till she noticed that Catriona was with them, talking softly. Oh. The redhead, who had every intention of attending Adam's wake later on, did not yet feel strong enough to confront two ghosts of her past quite like that. Thus, with gratefulness she attended to the man who was making inquiries "I'd like a beginner's class for myself, " she smiled "I think it is high time I learned."

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

[Mirtel Hardwick]

With Leo faithfully by her side as always Mirtel strolled, her pace uneven as always, towards the park where the archery competition was to take place. The skirts of her elaborate seagreen gown, carefully nipped and tucked to best display her naturally slender waist along with a couple of tactically attached ribbons, rustled softly, pale underskirts with silver embroidery displayed as she moved, while the occasional breeze playfully rustled the frothy silver lace adorning the modest neckline and elbow length sleeves. Humming a cheerful little tune, Mirtel Christabel glanced around wondering if Lord Ogle might already be there.

It really was amazing just how many familiar faces there were already to be seen around court though. Mirtel Christabel smiled and nodded to Major Langdon and [/b]Lady Neuville[/b] who were strolling together. Lady Oakham received a bright smile and a nod as well, even as Mirtel quietly wondered who the man with her was. There was also a happy little wave to dear Heather. Before Mirtel Christabel had the time to approach anyone she was intercepted by the clerk. Listening to his assurances, Mirtel Christabel laughed after a moment of consideration and inclined her head. “La! Very well. I shall participate in the beginners class. I would prefer using a crossbow, they are lighter and thus a bit easier to work with,” she decided with a small smile, bsently ruffling the fur on top of Leo's head. She had ridden in a couple of hunts before and held both a bow and a crossbow so she wasn’t a complete stranger to shooting, but she certainly held no great skill in the sport.

[Charles Whitehurst]

Alexandra and Charles

"Perhaps we meet at noon tomorrow, at the Life Guard barracks?" he suggested in response. "You could give me the evidence then. You are wise to take precautions. Keep safe."

As Cat arrived, he nodded to her. She joined Darlene and Thomas. Likewise, a nod was offered to Heather and then to Mirtel. It was beginning to look like he had chosen the right event of the day. He was the only rooster surrounded by a flock of hens. He had hoped that the event would draw a number of ladies, since archery was a sport which did not discriminate against them.

"Everyone is arriving, it seems," he noted quietly to Alexandra. "Who should we join?"

[Darlene Hamilton]

Darlene waved to Charles too as he waved their way, and was pleased as she saw more and more persons arriving, Catriona. "Darling..." she smiled as they exchanged air kisses, to explain, "I misunderstood the time of the wake, we shall certainly attend it." It had been fortunate that she'd written Cat, or she might not have realised. She saw Mirtel arriving next, and was impressed as the lady took a crossbow.

The clerk invited them to join in the sport. Looking at him, his green cap so jauntily perched, his offer was oh so tempting. Looking to Thomas in a moments hesitation, she didn't want him to think her a barbarian to take to sporting while with child even though she felt perfectly fine, and barely showed, she then looked to Cat again. "It doesnt look very strenuous... I would really like to have a try, at the beginners target perhaps."

[Catriona MacGregor]

Cat smiled at Darlene, though a momentary look of confusion passed over her eyes at the use of the word 'we'. She had meant this to be just Heather, Darlene and herself, but she couldn't very well exclude Thomas now. Her expression cleared, though the reminder of what was to come tinted her blue eyes with a hint of sadness. Looking over at the archery set up, she pondered. She had used bows before when on hunts back home in Scotland, though she preferred firearms. "Archery isn't quite that demanding of a sport physically, but I wonder if perhaps a crossbow might not be less demanding," she said, before laughing. "Of course, I prefer less elegant sports as you know, so I wouldn't be the right person to ask."

[Darlene Hamilton]

Misunderstandings and forgetfulness; all a part of what makes a life interesting. Darlene had thought the invitation at tea time was for the evening, while Cat did not recall inviting Thomas. Yet between friends such are minor, no offence being taken either way.

"A cross bow then." Darlene agreed happily, "Oh but surely you have time to try your hand at it too, look Heather looks to be game for it." Darlene knew that Heather was to attend the tea too.

[Catriona MacGregor]

Cat nodded. "I suppose I could try a quiver before I have to get back to make sure the black bun doesn't burn," she said before adding, "though I'm not so certain how good at this I'll be. I suppose it takes the same calm and understanding of your surroundings that are required for being accurate when knife-throwing." And she was quite talented with that.

[Alexandra Neuville]

Alexandra and Charles


The young lady nodded as she repeated when they were to meet, "Tomorrow at noon." She smiled and nodded again before whispering, "Thank you, Charles. I knew I could count on you."

At the mention of everyone having arrived, Alexandra looked at Charles and then about at all the ladies which brought out a chuckle. "A perfect event it seems, Major." Her eyes light up as she teased him. "I will leave that one up to you, my lord, but I wonder when the archery lesson is to begin."

A hand was placed back upon the Major's arm to be escorted towards the other arrivals.