A Gay Presence Room [9/10 Eve]

[Heather O`Roarke]

The King's Presence Room

In medieval times one could not pass without invitation to the presence room or the privy or audience room, but persons of nobility and those with business of the King now passed unhindered and crowded around in groups softly discussing politics and the latest business of the Kingdom while one awaited an invitation to the Withdrawing or for short Drawing Room.

The light of the candles was reflected in the four large silver mirrors, one for each wall. Seating had been provided in small groups of a few chairs, a side table and a loveseat, three groupings in all. The ceiling was painted with Mercury presenting a portrait of Charles II to the four corners of the world.

Perhaps she would look into the limerick evening later that night. For now Heather needed a place to be seen in public, gay and pleasant, while allowed enough time to recover from that very sad moment at the royal nursery. She floated into King's Presence room wearing a stunningly expensive burgundy evening gown. Her dearest friend had complained the neckline was too low to be fashionable, but Heather liked putting one of her best assets on show. A large ruby choker, one gifted by the Duke of Buckingham was clasped around her neck, matched by a snake bangle around her wrist.

Her green eyes went through the room, and she settled herself near some lords gambling, while accepting a glass of claret. "Come now, put your best leg forward," the redhead teased "Or I will feel forced to write you a poem with my poisoned pen. Let those dice roll. Coins are there to be spend."

[Blackguard]

The Cavendishes were there. Lord Mansfield was standing, as was his son Lord Ogle. Frances, his daughter was seated behind, looking every inch the proper young lady. Mansfield was waiting to see the King in private; but so were many. In this season of royal wedding, many lords took it upon themselves to petition the King for a favor, in the spirit of his wedding. Some said that a man about to marry could deny no request. That was clearly a myth, but people liked to believe it was true. Yet, the King loved playing matchmaker and Mansfield had made it no secret that he wanted to secure the Percy heiress for his son. The girl was too young to wed, but Mansfield hoped a betrothal could be secured with the King. The King had been stalling Mansfield, knowing that the Percy heiress was own of his most valuable assets. He was in no hurry to give her away, even to the Cavendish scion.

Mansfield was annoyed. He was annoyed at the delay. He was annoyed that Peregrine Osborne was sitting across the room signaling for his son to come join him. Everyone knew that Peregrine was Danby's black sheep. He wanted his son to have little to do with that troublemaker. Worse, Mansfield was annoyed that Edith Habersham was standing in front of him, yammering away like he had nothing better to do. Yet, Mansfield was a perfect gentleman and pretended to be interested, even as his eyes searched an saw Heather walking about gaily. He had no problem with Heather, but his daughter Elizabeth disliked her intensely ... and, truth be told, he wanted his daughter Frances to have nothing to do with her. Heather was a bad example, just as Peregrine was a bad example to young Henry.

"... I cannot imagine that the King would abide knowing that the invitation had been misplaced. Really, my late husband would be rolling in his grave to know that they have no apartment for us here. Really. I've written a dozen letters if I have written one. I don't think you can trust anyone to deliver the mail these days Lord Mansfield," she complained. "The King is not well-served I tell you. Your daughter knows this. Men claiming to misplace things indeed. If you want to have anything done in this kingdom you have to complain all the way to the top. I've no time for Stewards and assistant stewards, and chamberlains and assistant Chamberlain's. Did you know a chamberlain to good King Charles the First stole the royal seal once? They cut his hand off and sent him on his way. Well, it wasn't the Chamberlain but it was one of the assistant chamberlains as I recall. Never trust anyone with the title assistant Lord Mansfield. All that means is that they don't have the ability for the job themselves ... " she rambled.

"Do you really think you need trouble the King over your housing situation?" Mansfield asked politely, hoping she would realize the capriciousness of her request.

"I've been here all day and he's sure to see me when he knows the wrong that has been done to me," she insisted. Others had assured her that would be the case ... or at least had not disputed that view.

[Heather O`Roarke]

Heather couldn't possibly be less interested in Lord Mansfield. She knew him to be the son of her cousins ex-lover. It was a connection of sorts, but hardly one to warm her to the man. He was also a competitor with this Cavendish horse stable. She rose her glass in greeting as she caught him looking at her, before once again concentrating on the spectacle before her. " Come on then, throw the dice again" she encouraged, sipping her wine while regarding for a moment Peregrine. He had once enticed her, after a ball, but it never was more than some playful dittering.

"Has the King been seen tonight," the redhead inquired to know. All she heard all over the place was that the King was entertaining privately. Heather couldn't help but wonder how many women that entailed and if his bride knew. Darlene had encouraged her to be a positive force in Karoline's life and she was wondering how to do that.

[Blackguard]

The two lords casting dice might have been unknown to most. Perhaps Heather recognized the young Earl of Sussex, Thomas Lennard, son-in-law of the KIng and a known gambler. The man with him was another young man who was being convince to throw the dice while they waited. Peregrine looked on.

Thomas looked up as Heather goaded. "The good Captain refuses to cast dice with me," he lamented, hoping the redhead could convince Edward to gamble with him. The Captain replied "I know better than to throw dice with the Earl of Sussex." He was a man known to win often at dice.

With disdain, Thomas looked away from the man beside him and replied to Heather. "His Majesty is in private meetings. He always seems to be so." Then, with an inviting smile he asked "perhaps the Countess would like to try her luck with the dice?"

Baptist May slipped into the room from the King's audience room and moved over to Lord Mansfield. They spoke in low voices and Mansfield seemed unhappy. "Tomorrow then," he replied and summoned his son and daughter to follow him out of the Presence Room.

Lady Habersham began speaking with May in earnest, only to have the Privy Purse tell her that she should take up her request with the Earl of Arlington. "But, I have been here all day," she insisted. "Best then that you are not here all night madam," came the reply.

[Heather O`Roarke]

"Come on then Captain, will you at least gamble with me? Be sportive now," Heather teased and picked up the dice to throw them for a nice little spin. She thought nothing of the money she spent liberally this way. It was the thrill of the moment that was important, not the gain to be had from it.

"Meetings?" the Countess arched an eyebrow at Lennard, while noticing that May was sending away all that might want to have serious talk with their monarch "Is that how he calls them now?" It was the voice of experience. She had been 'something important that We have to finish' and 'urgent business upon the table' and any other euphemism the King could come up with to hide his antics from all of his other mistresses as he had his wicked way with her.

"Does the story tell who is with him in these.. uhm.. private meetings," she teased the Earl, curious as to who was counted as a Royal favourite these days.

[Blackguard]

"I would far prefer to wager with a lady," the Captain replied. He watched her cast dice in eagerness. "But, I believe we should be introduced first. I am Captain Edward Russell of the Royal Navy."

Baptist May noted Heather's position between two men, smiled and then tried to escort Edith Habersham from the room.

Thomas was pleased to see that Heather was intrigued about the King's evening companions. He knew something of what had transpired between the redhead and his father-in-law. He knew even more of her affair with the King's brother. "What sort of gentleman would I be if my lips were so loose?" he declared with feigned hurt.

"Wager your snake wrist bangle. If you win the dice, high roll, then I tell you who is with him right now. If you lose, I get your bracelet ... for my wife." He picked up the dice and offered them to Heather.

[Heather O`Roarke]

"If you insist," the redhead laughed, offering her hand to be kissed in the formal way, though her attention was at the dice, as curious as the captain as to the result "Lady Heather O'Roarke, Countess Atherstone." It was really quite considered of Lloyd Jr. not to have married yet, even though he was past thirty. It prevented Heather from being a dowager at nearly 22. She had grown quite used to her title and would only replace it with Countess O' Roarke (though half of court was already calling her that, so it was almost becoming a moot point).

"Are you a recent arrival at court captain Russell?" she inquired "Please, the dice are yours. It is your throw. Though we have not yet settled on an amount."

To the Sussex Heather teased "Come now, you'd be a normal courtier. Who speaks of gentlemen in our merry age? We all share our gossip. It is the national pass time. Unless of course it is all pretence to hide you know nothing."

Heather nodded at his offer of the wager without a moment's hesitation "I accept." Her snake came off her wrist and was put on the table. Accepting the dice back she threw again. " Come on then, Sussex, lets see you beat that."

[Blackguard]

"I've come here for the wedding," Russell admitted. "All we Captains were invited. T'was lucky I was in port and able to come."

"So, he thought he'd come sit in the audience chamber and gawk at all the important courtiers coming and going," Thomas teased. "None more important than the Lord of Sussex," Edward replied with feigned deference. "Well put," came Lennard's response.

Pleased, too, to find Heather in a sporting mood, he nodded his agreement as she threw the two dice ... six. That would not be too difficult to beat. The odds favored Thomas. Collecting the dice and then shaking them in his hand for a long moment, he let the dice roll free ... eight!

"Ha," Sussex announced with glee. "What else have you to bet if we try again? His eyes moved to the ruby at Heather's throat.

[Heather O`Roarke]

"How was Paris, my lord Sussex," Heather purred "Are you not bored to have returned to the English Court after witnessing the Sun King? So much excitement to be had with the French, or the Italians for that matter." She had heard the stories of his wife in scandalous relations with the Duchess Mancini and wondered how he lived that down.

Alas, her teasing did not distract him enough. His throw was enough to beat her. Gah! Exasperated Heather leaned back. Now there went a very fine piece. "I hope your wife enjoys snakes," she sighed, trying not to be a sour loser.

"My ruby choker is of great sentimental value. A gift of the Duke of Buckingham upon the annulment of my third marriage. I won't gamble that on a whim," Heather tutted , a hand flying to her neck in protection "for the occasion was the reason for my fortune. Ask for something else."

She had a lovely ivory item that would suit Anne Lennard very well, but with Baptist May so close by she didn't dare utter that insult. It would go the Kings ear rather swiftly. Heather decided to stay classy, a novel experience. "The snake has a matching necklace, will that suit? I have brought it to Windsor, it is in my room. Naturally the wager is now the information and the return of my bracelet. Double or nothing, for the necklace is by far more expensive. "

The redhead already held the dice, shaking them in her fist as she waited on the reply of the Earl.

[Blackguard]

"Paris was entertaining," Thomas was forced to admit. "But, the Sun King has nothing on our good King Charles," he boasted while looking to see if Heather would agree loudly. Baptist May was nearby, as she observed.

Heather's teasing had not distracted Sussex for it sought the sort of information that she was willing to win with gambling. Yet, he readily agreed to the idea of double or nothing since she mentioned that the snake necklace was more valuable. As for the ruby choker, Thomas observed drily "how kind of the Duke to take such an interest in your annulment. My wife is not overly fond of snakes," he observed in reply to her sore observation.

Heather cast the dice and rolled a four (3+1). Lennard laughed and rolled the dice, happy to envision
the necklace matching the bracelet. He too rolled a 4 (2+2) and cursed under his breath. It was a tie, so they would need to roll again. This time Heather rolled a 6 again (5+1). The odds still favored him. The curse became louder as he rolled a 3. "Gads! The dice are cold tonight. It seems your bracelet is safe tonight."

With a sigh Thomas moved back in his chair and made good on his bet. "The last two that went in to see the King were Cumberland and the Northern Secretary. Hardly entertaining company."

[Heather O`Roarke]

"His Grace the Duke of Buckingham is a very generous man," Heather smiled knowingly. It had been quite the scandal, having been found in flagrante delicto with George just weeks before her confinement, causing her third husband to finally abandon his wayward wife in disgust, leaving her poverty stricken. It had been the Duke's way to compensate for her suddenly lack of income until her clever brothers had manipulated the Archbishop of Canterbury in annulling her marriage on account of incest and declare her widow of his brother instead, stealing a fortune. "Though without His Grace the late bishop of Canterbury's merciful declaration, God Bless His Soul, I doubt I would have made such a swift recovery. I have much to be grateful for."

Heather laughed merrily when Thomas was quick to declare that Charles was the bigger man. "I do not know the Sun King well enough to make an honest comparison," the former royal mistress smirked, well aware of May's potential eaves dropping "Though certainly there are few men in England who could best the English royal sceptre, for truly he is a King among men. A family trait, so to speak."

"Ha!" the redhead cried triumphantly as she rewon her snakish ruby bracelet, which in truth was dreadfully expensive, but the sense of victory was worth taking that risk. She put it on her slender porcelain wrist and admired it by holding it up high, allowing it to catch the candlelight, sighing contently. The information the Earl gave her though was unexpected. She thought to learn of some girl or other entertaining the King, not business. Usually the King wearied of business far earlier. A red eyebrow arched as she observed Sussex "Cumberland and Williamson? At this hour? How curious."

It would have to be serious news for the King to be distracted from his favourite hobby, something unexpected and urgent that could not wait till the following day. Heather threw a speculating glance at the closed doors.

[Blackguard]

"Yes, God Bless his soul," Thomas repeated mechanically. He knew something of the scandal, being friendly with Frances Stuart.

"I've no doubt that my father-in-law would prefer to be discussing anything but business; but, with half the crowned heads of Europe here in person or in proxy, as well as a horde of unruly well-wishers all trying to get the best lodgings and a chance to see the King, it is a powder keg."

The door opened from the King's study and Joseph Wiliamson stepped forth. Rupert was not with him. The Northern Secretary gave polite nods to those he passed as he moved from the audience chamber. He was not one to dally much with other courtiers. He preferred conversing with foreign dignitaries, and those in his spy network, it was said.

Thomas noted the departure and turned to Heather. "A hundred pounds says the next one in to see the King is a lady."

[Heather O`Roarke]

Heather laughed out loud "Oh no, I'm not betting against such unfavourable odds. You are almost guaranteed a win. Though perhaps the lady that gains His Majesty's full attention tonight might come in through less obvious means then walking into the Presence Room. He can be discrete, if he wishes to be." The redhead had occasion to know only too well. Yet, as long as Prince Rupert was still with His Majesty, it seemed those eager for the Royal Bed would have to wait.

She turned towards Russell who had grown quiet as she conversed with Sussex. Perhaps she was too brash for his tastes. Her green eyes sparkled with mischief for a moment, but she took pity on the man, biting her tongue not to embarrass him, instead attempting to draw him into the conversation again "Well, the public entertainment seems to be about done for tonight, in this room at least. Perchance we three should find a new locale. I hear whispers the Earl of Middlesex is sharpening his tongue upon limericks somewhere around here."

[Blackguard]

The Earl of Sussex laughed at Heather's reluctance. "You are correct of course. This season especially, I should not think that the evening ladies would come through the Presence Room doors. There are likely a catacomb of secret passages here."

Captain Russell was listening to all that was being said between heather and Sussex. As the redhead turned to address him about limericks, the man smiled. "I was hoping that His Majesty might come out of his chamber and mingle with us. I'm still willing to take my chances, or speak with Rupert." He had come with a purpose, but did not all?

"I'd rather find a good game of cards or dice," Sussex admitted. The Earl was a clever enough fellow, but had never sought to ingratiate himself with the Marry Gang. They were wits and wastrels with different tastes than Thomas Lennard. Each to their own vices. "Do you want to go then?" he asked Heather.


OOC~ Apologies. I overlooked this thread far too long.

[Heather O`Roarke]

Heather smiled knowingly at the mention of secret tunnels. "I couldn't possibly comment," she observed neutrally to Sussex but her green eyes twinkled. Yes, she had occasion to know secret tunnels, and would learn more of them tomorrow. There was so much more than met the eye in all of the Royal palaces.

The redhead threw a glance around the room to see if May was still about. "I'm loath the abandon you to an almost empty room, Captain Russell. Though perhaps master May will be kind enough to indicate if your hopes are in vain tonight?"

Heather picked up her glass and sipped as she considered her options. Neither the Captain nor the Earl expressed any degree of enthusiasm about the limericks, the question voiced in such a way that suggested she could get her way if she wanted but the gentlemen were just being gallant and she thought better of the idea. "I can not blame you, my lords, for I don't have a great hunkering for the antics of the Earl of Littlesex I do confess," the Countess dismissed the idea she herself had offered "He thinks himself witty but it is a cruel kind of wit at the expense of others." Catherine Sedley had been his target, as she had been herself.

[Blackguard]

"I would expect no less," Lennard chuckled as he cast the dice loosely about in his right hand.

Baptist May had just escorted Edith Habersham from the room. That was an accomplishment of great significance. He returned to pass by the courtiers with a small triumphant smile. Several petitioners had been dismissed.

"You all are not awaiting the King are you" May asked in a way that hoped for a negative answer. "I'm not here just to throw dice," Sussex replied. May knew that Thomas would not get to see the King alone anytime soon. The man had the audacity of asking the King to pay the promised dowry for his daughter's hand when anyone with any sense would know that it would never happen. Thomas would get it just as soon as Portugal made good completely on the dead Queen's dowry. Never.

Captain Russell piped up, "I had thought to discuss a naval matter ... though in the hope that he might be in a more relaxed attitude in the evening."

"Yes, well you see, he's got an early morning and I expect he'll be retiring early. Best if you tried again later," May counseled.

[Heather O`Roarke]

Heather arched an eyebrow at May. "You can't be serious. The King has an early day every day.That has not stopped him before," she teased "He walks at 6 am every morning, even though he seldom sleeps before 1 am. Honestly, if you want to get rid of us come up with something more original. Tell me, has this early retirement have a name?" Not that she expected May to fess up who besides Cumberland would occupy the King in the coming hours, another flavour of the week no doubt.

With a shrug she rose and then standing downed the last of her wine "However, calm yourself, master May. I have no demands to make upon His Majesty this evening. Those days are passed and I am content with my lot. I just came looking for some general entertainment, hoping the Earl of Littlesex wasn't the only one providing it. I'm heartened to hear at least the King shan't be entertaining that particular gathering." Charles knew about her hatred for the Earl. Heather wondered if her words would be communicated verbatim. God, she hoped so.

"Come gentlemen, who shall escort a lady back to her room," Heather good naturedly asked, knowing she was saving May the trouble to get rid of them.

[Blackguard]

"Oh but I am serious," May replied seriously, though there seemed to be a winkle in his eye. "Give me an original idea then," May jested, "and I shall try it. If I said he was feeling under the weather, would that suffice?" It was always true that one was under the weather. Did it not come from the sky above?

When Heather referred to Sackville as Littlesex, May's eyes widened momentarily. "You may know that His Majesty might have preferred a night of bawdy limericks to ... more serious endeavors." The way he spoke, it suggested that Rupert's visit was of something serious.

As Heather fished for an escort, the Earl offered first Perhaps Captain Russel held out some hope of speaking with Rupert when he exited. "If you are chasing people from here Master May, then I think it high time to leave myself. Please tell my father-in-law that I should very much like to see him and I am less disposed to go on an early morning walk ... but will if necessary."

Turning to Heather, Thomas Lennard declared, "come Countess. I've seen happier times at a wagon overturning than what I've seen here tonight. I'll walk you back. Where are you staying?"

Captain Russel stood as Heather did. "It was a pleasure meeting you milady," he declared in a proper manner.

[Heather O`Roarke]

Heather shook her head at May, chuckling. "Nobody would believe that either, or if they did, they must think the end's near and you'd cause wide spread panic and not just among the Whigs," she laughed, suggesting instead with a little shrug "Honestly, why not tell people what they want to believe. It is easier than going against the grain and trying to convince people otherwise. You should simply maintain there is a girl entertaining His Majesty, even when there isn't. All would believe it due to his merry reputation and know their quest of seeing the King that night was going to be fruitless. " That it would also be dishonest didn't bother Heather in the slightest. Everyone knew the King to be a dissembler, why not this little white lie if it bought him comfort?

The redhead briefly arched an eyebrow at May's reaction, catching the nuance in what he was trying to say. So he is quite serious. I wonder what would cause it in a week dedicated to celebration. Politics no doubt. Heather hadn't involved herself previously so couldn't possibly guess what it was about, though anyone knew the agitation of the English against the thread of Catholics so that was likely at least partly the cause.

"At the Southern Tower, my Lord, in a very, very small room," Heather gave an exaggerated sigh as she revealed her location, rolling her eyes to indicate her dissatisfaction, a common issue for all the courtiers, having been forced to make due in favour of the foreign higher ranking guests "Though I suppose since the alternative is the nursery or, God forbid, the town, that one should be grateful even for such small favours." Had the King been about she might have wheedled a bigger room out of him with a bon motte*, but now she would have to remember asking York for it.

There was a haughty nod to Russel and May "Gentlemen, it was a pleasure." Heather allowed Lennard to draw her away.

OOC: shall we wrap it up here?
*a wit

[Blackguard]

May giggled at Heaqther's suggestion, knowing the humor and danger in it. "But ... the week of his marriage, I am certain that it shall not be said that he entertained ladies privately this week," he insisted with mock indignation. Just because it might not be said did not mean it was not true.

The handsome Captain Russell bid Heather farewell as Lennard tutted to Heather's protest. "My room is no bigger though it is designed for two, including the King's own daughter." Of course, every courtier thought their room too small. Off they went to find their way to the redhead's abode.



~fin