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Possibilities; tag; eleanor berkeley
Topic Started: Oct 23 2010, 10:00 PM (415 Views)
Charles Brandon
Unregistered

Day in, day out, they seemed to blend together. Which wasn’t to say that court wasn’t interesting – it was – but nevertheless weeks could go by with Charles struggling to keep up and keep track of them. He was attentive, he knew the inner workings of the court and he was fully aware of what needed to be done, what needed to be seen to, what his responsibilities were. And he took those responsibilities seriously, though in his younger years he never would have suspected himself to do such a thing. Having grown up the friend of a young prince, the man who was, even now, King of England, Charles knew his place. And then, having been made a Duke, he was granted all sorts of blessings and burdens. He hadn’t been expecting it, hadn’t really thought... Nevertheless, he enjoyed his lot in life.

He enjoyed a lot of the benefits that his position brought about. And he enjoyed, probably more than almost anything else, the female attention. Something of a womanizer (or very much of one, depending on who was asked), he liked the company of women a tad more, perhaps, than he should have. It was no secret. But he was also selective, thinking that not just anyone should have the honour of his particular attention. Being a Duke had made him more arrogant than he had been otherwise, but he didn’t see that as a detriment. Not at all.

At the moment, it was difficult to say who exactly his attention was most firmly focused on. He was, as he had been for quite some time, quite amorous of the Princess Mary – though doubtful that such affection could ever, would ever, go anywhere or bear any fruit. It was a secret love that he carried, and though there were a few who knew about it, they were sworn to the utmost of secrecy. It would simply have to stay that way, he supposed. He didn’t wish to run the risk of ruining his place in the court, his friendship with the king. He was very comfortable where he was.

He had noticed the Countess Eleanor Berkeley on a few occasions, though had not yet had the pleasure of a private conversation with her. She was a lovely young woman and he had heard enough about her story to be interested, curious. And he had decided that should he spot her again he would certainly make a point of approaching her. As a widow and having conceived a child – though unfortunately for her she had lost it – she was obviously no innocent girl. And Charles, though not above bedding an innocent, preferred those who had some experience, even if it was limited. And to be frank, Charles had decided that, for some fun, he was going to attempt to get her into bed. As far as he knew she was not otherwise attached, which meant he did not have to compete.

With she being his most recent goal, he set off to find her, having well made up his mind.

ooc; sorry if this is shoddy; it’s 1am, and I’m sleepy. –yawns- But it’s a post, anyway. xD
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Eleanor Berkeley
Unregistered

It was getting easier, for Eleanor, to walk through Court as if it were her very Longford home and not just the place of a temporary vacation. Initially she'd kept herself from becoming too comfortable, for the fear of being called back to Wiltshire was enough to deter her from getting too attached. But Eleanor could no longer help it. The grand suppers, masques, beautiful gardens and hundreds of charming courtiers had become routine for the Countess. The thought of returning back to her Earldom seemed almost frightening, for believe it or not, Eleanor had grown to love living in Hampton Court. Her two ladies, as well, had happily settled in.

Now, Eleanor could only hope a husband wouldn't be found for her. If being husbandless and overlooked by superiors meant staying at Court, then she would embrace that welcomingly. She didn't need a man. No, not Eleanor. Court could be what kept her days busy and happy, not a man. This seemed to be all the Countess could think abut as she floated quietly through the corridors, her two ladies miraculously in attendance behind her. A soft, proud smirk touched her full, coral lips as the turned the redbrick corner and into the promising, cool expanse of Clock Court.

There, walking towards her, was the Duke of Suffolk. She'd seen him immediately, his broad shoulders, his dark curls and that attentive glint in his eye that told the Countess he was, presumably, on his way to whatever duties called for him. But as the distance between them closed, Eleanor could see his eyes were on her, as if she'd been the very one to call his name. Briefly she glanced around her, just to see that perhaps it was someone else he was heading towards. But just as she turned her head back to look at him, Charles Brandon was standing right in front of her.

And all the Countess had to do was meet his gaze to unsettle her from her previous seat of comfort. Seeing him seemed to have removed all certainty and confidence, reminding her of her true, desperate need for the warm, gentle touch of a good man. Who had she been trying to fool? Herself, obviously. She blinked, maybe a little surprised that, out of her fit of self-delusion, it had been the Duke of Suffolk to rein her back in to the now undeniable truth.

Nonetheless, she lowered into a deep, smooth curtsy, her ladies following suit behind her. "Your Grace," she spoke softly, her lips taking great care of the two, heavy syllables. Very subtlety she fluttered an elegant hand behind her, silently dismissing her maids but still keeping her odd hue of oceanic eyes firm, but cautious, on the tall man in front of her. "You look as if you're in search of something.." she remarked, her tone light and feminine through the cold November air. "How can I be of assistance, Your Grace? Surely two heads are better than one when it comes to finding whatever it is you've lost." She smiled, gently, as the blood in her veins began to warm and flow quickly with such unexpected company approaching her.
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Charles Brandon
Unregistered

Charles wasn’t quite sure just where he should look for the countess, but he decided that even if he did not find her this afternoon, he could, at the very least, enjoy a walk along the elaborate clock court. However, his thoughts were quite set on his goal and though he did not expect her to be easily and immediately found, it did not take long for him to grow impatient. Luckily, only a few moments later she came into view, followed by two of her ladies and Charles couldn’t help but let a smile lift the corners of his lips. Success – that he’d found her at all, and in such a short time, was an accomplishment in and of itself. The castle was a large one, the corridors were many and the places to hide away from prying eyes were just as numerous. He knew that first had – he had taken advantage of them on many occasions.

Settling his gaze on her, his stride purposeful, he bridged the gap between them before too long. He bowed a well practiced sort of bow as she dropped to a deep curtsey and he noticed that she sent her ladies away. Discreet, perhaps, but they wouldn’t have taken it upon themselves to leave her unless she had directed them to do so. Excellent; he hadn’t wanted their company. Just hers. He straightened and, with a nod, let his gaze flicker only briefly to her departing ladies before he returned his full attention to her. “Yes,” he said lightly, “I was in search of someone and now I’ve found her.” Standing tall and proud, Charles knew he was a pleasant sight and his influence among the court didn’t hurt one bit. In fact, he would admit there were plenty of women who would be honoured at his company – he did not view this as arrogance, just simple truth.

“How can you be of assistance?” He repeated, as though he was mulling over the question. “You could ease the current monotony of my day, perhaps, by accompanying me for a walk.” He offered her his arm, smiling warmly. “Unless, of course, you do not wish to walk with me. Although I must admit, I greatly hope that not to be the case.”

There weren’t too many people around, with the slight chill in the air. Though Charles did miss the summer weather, he did not completely hate the winter. It meant that though the indoors were often crowded, the outdoors were not. Many people decided to stay inside where the fires could warm them and they could easily partake in warm, spiced drinks. But Charles, who often found a need to take a few moments to himself every now and again, would be grateful for the quiet. “Although if I am interrupting you on your way to something important, I apologize.”
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Eleanor Berkeley
Unregistered

"...and now I've found her." He was so confident in this answer, his tone easy and without pause. Self-consciously Eleanor again glanced around her, questioning her own bearings. No, there was no denying it had been her he approached, and seeing how his eyes never seemed to leave her lightly-flushed face, Eleanor could only be convinced of it further. Her delicate jaw unhinged, if only by the slightest, and her thin eyebrows lifted quickly over her frozen stare. She took a tiny step backwards, as if the very wisp of his breath threatened her balance.

"Me, Your Grace?" She asked, meekly and quietly. Eleanor was stunned, but was yet incredibly grateful as he extended his arm in gentle confirmation. Yes, you. Fool, she thought to herself. A slow smile touched her pink lips as she returned the step she'd taken, her gaze alight and bemused as she drew closer. Her expression was held with gentle composure, but there was no mistaking the peculiar light in her smile, cheeks and eyes that exposed this sort of guilty, innocent pleasure.

Sliding her arm through his, Eleanor was warmed immediately. Not only physically, but there was something about the kind Duke that calmed the Countess, comforted her, even. That for once in a long while, the solidity of the Duke's arm was enough to sober Eleanor of all her troubles, predicaments and aches of the sort. She expelled a contented sigh through her nostrils as she began in-stride beside him, her smile still remaining. "Although if I am interrupting you on your way to something important, I apologize." "Quite the contrary, Your Grace," she replied, turning her head to look at him if only for a moment. "During this time of day, I have nothing more to do than I did in Wiltshire." Eleanor smirked and chuckled breathlessly. "I welcome your invitation probably more than you think."

Her eyes on the ground in front of them, Eleanor drifted mindlessly closer to the Duke, the heat he emanated from his side beckoning to her subconscious. Her stride was just a bit shorter than his, but their pace matched if not perfectly. Much to her surprise, the Countess found herself indulging in the Duke's company more than she had initially expected. But this realization, instead of deterring her, only strengthened her gentle smile. "Your Grace has impeccable timing," she mused lightly, lifting her gaze to look ahead of them. She was so compelled to question him, to inquire why it was her he'd wanted, at least for the time being, on his arm. But the thought, the fact itself, was enough to silence her speculations and instead enjoy this unexpected, though welcomed company.

"You look well, Your Grace. A little tired, perhaps?" She turned to look at him again, her eyes soft but curious as they implored his features. "I assume Court keeps you busy?" She inquired, returning her gaze elsewhere ahead of them. "Surely you could be enjoying a small nap than out here in the cold with me?"
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Charles Brandon
Unregistered

It seemed to Charles that she was utterly unaware of why he might wish to walk with her. As though, perhaps, she was unaware of her appeal. But it was of no matter, really, as she would find out soon enough. At the moment, he was content to walk and innocently enjoy her company. He smiled encouragingly at her as she took his arm; her confusion was evident but so too was her pleasure at the invitation. She assured him that he wasn’t interrupting anything and told him with a laugh and a grin that she welcomed his invite a good deal. This was cheery news to him, because he would have hated to be rebuffed – not that it happened often. It was rare for one to turn down an offer of conversation or company from Charles Brandon, the Duke of Suffolk. Not that there wasn’t anyone adverse to his company. He was sure that even though he did nothing to intentionally make enemies, he had a good deal of them. But because of Charles’ place in the court, and with the king, it wouldn’t have been wise to turn him down. It seemed most at court knew this – though there were some who would probably take great pleasure in an opportunity to embarrass or even humiliate the Duke.

“I have impeccable timing, do I?” He repeated, his smile warm and genuine, albeit amused. “I am glad to hear it. I would have hated to interrupt something important, or otherwise prove to be a bother.”

She inquired as to how court was treating him, saying that he looked well, though tired. Charles chuckled, glancing down at the lovely woman on his arm. “I admit, I am busy and often forget to sleep. However it is quite safe to say that I would much prefer being out here, walking with you, than wasting the day asleep.” He hated to sleep during daylight hours, only doing so when it was absolutely necessary. Like when he was utterly unable to function without sleep. At the moment though, while he was a little worn from everything that had been going on, sleep wasn’t very high on his list of priorities.

“And you look well yourself,” he added, looking her over rather shamelessly. He did enjoy the attention he got whenever he was walking in the open with a young woman, particularly when his interest in said woman was obvious. Though the day wasn’t a particularly warm day, there were others out of doors, though not as many as one would run into on a summer’s day. And Charles, who as a child had been something of an introvert, seemed to thrive on attention more and more with each passing day. He was aware of eyes on him wherever he went, and he enjoyed every moment of it. “Have you been enjoying your time at court, Countess? I hope you’ve been made to feel welcome; when no one is of a mind to destroy you, King Henry’s court can offer a good time.” He grinned, his tone teasing though there was truth to his words. The court could be a dangerous place to be, but it could also be home to the most excitement and fun one could find anywhere in England. You simply had to play your cards right.
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Eleanor Berkeley
Unregistered

"I would have hated to interrupt something important, or otherwise prove to be a bother." He was so polite, so considerate. That, or the Duke of Suffolk had fancied himself an expert in feigning such specific chivalry. Nonetheless, Eleanor's smile across her coral lips were pleased with not only his company, but the words he offered. It was, she thought, kind of him enough to at least put forth the effort. Even if bottomless. But how naive the Countess could be, how naive she could be, indeed..

"A bother, Your Grace?" A light, breathless chuckle passed from her elegant throat and carved even deeper dimples into either of her pink cheeks. She shook her head in disagreement, still bemused, as they walked casually alongside each other. "Never." Eleanor finally said, glancing over at him with nothing short of subtle defiance in her odd colored eyes. She lifted her other hand and placed it lightly against his forearm, almost as if she were trying to assure him with this simple gesture. "...much prefer being out here, walking with you, than wasting the day asleep." It seemed all the Countess could do was smile at him, pleased more and more as each word passed through his lips. "And you are most gracious for that, Your Grace. I feel as if I should thank you, for distracting me from the dizzying boredom with my ladies." Eleanor smirked, a brief, frosty breeze fluttering a lock of hair from her gentle gaze.

There was no ignoring his eyes on her, though, shameless as they were. Her cheeks rose with an unnoticeable flush, a cold sort of sensation hardening her stomach and quickening the even thrum of her heart. It had been a long, long time since a man.. any man.. had set eyes upon her the way the Duke was now, as if he was looking for something, as if he was pleased with what he'd found. Of course, that had been clarified earlier.. so why was it so surprising to her? Though only his arm was around her, Eleanor could feel the weight of his gaze on her, appraising her, sparking shy, bashful fears within her. "Have you been enjoying your time at court, Countess? ...when no one is of a mind to destroy you, King Henry’s court can offer a good time."

His humorous grin comforted her, and she could do no less but mimic it with one of her own. For only a few short moments she pondered quietly, remembering her point of arrival to Court and the short time between there and now. She breathed through her nostrils, turning her head to look before them. "It's only been a few months, Your Grace," she began, her tone soft but clear, firm. "And in only such a short time, I've begun to consider it my home." Eleanor said this proudly, perhaps a little naive of the ambitious demons lurking behind every corner of this home of hers. But that wasn't a concern of the Countess'... widowed, unmarried, childless, she had none other ambitions than the ones of her future husband.

Eleanor just wanted to be happy.

"And how is it, Your Grace, being such an exalted Duke? Despite the frivolity it may bring you, I think I would have collapsed from exhaustion by now." And that was why women never ruled, women were not what their husbands were, did not have their physical strengths or mental shrapnel devoted only to pierce the hearts of others. Thank The Lord for women. "But I can only imagine the faith of England you have earned. I know you have earned mine, Your Grace.." the little corners of her mouth curled slowly upwards, her eyes too carefully making their way to the ones of the tall, broad man holding her beside him.
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Charles Brandon
Unregistered

They walked together, making pleasant conversation and Charles found himself pleased that he had found her. It had been by fluke, really, that they had met up today – though he’d been looking for her, he’d been failing dismally – but he wasn’t going to question fate. If anyone asked, it had been coincidence that had brought them together, a story he would stick to.

She seemed quite eager to continue with the open-ended conversation, something that Charles was more than happy to oblige her with. He held no great hatred towards small talk, though generally he made certain it led to a more productive end. Some sort of gain. He wasn’t one to waste time talking when, either in the long run, or something more short term, he could see no potential achievements in it. Too, he would much rather listen than talk, which he had found suited his time in court quite nicely – women liked to talk, and when he didn’t mind that they do so, when he listened with something akin to interest, they seemed to appreciate it very much.

The countess said that perhaps she should be thanking him for distracting her from the boredom of her ladies, something that brought a wry smile to Charles’ lips. “I am most glad to be of assistance, then,” he said cheerily, “I would hate for someone such as yourself to suffer the day away in a state of boredom.”

Her smile was a lovely one, something that he’d noted before on occasion, and noted again now. She seemed comfortable here, talking with him – something that encouraged him on. She stated that though she’d only been at court a few short months, she’d already begun to consider it her home. At this, Charles nodded. It was easy to make this place one’s home; he had residence elsewhere, but he preferred the king’s castle to his own estate. Court was an ever-changing creature, fraught with trouble, scandal and on occasion, danger. Yet there was a great deal of fun and excitement to be had here as well, particular for one with a title as lofty as that of the king’s close friend, Charles Brandon, the charming Duke of Suffolk.

“I am honoured and humbled by my upwards position,” he replied dutifully, a wry smile playing at his features. “Although, truthfully, it is no great inconvenience. I think perhaps I was made for such a role; I enjoy it immensely, despite its oftentimes difficulties. His majesty has been, as he’s always been, most gracious with me. It is undoubtedly more than I deserve.” This was probably true. The reason he was even worth note was because he’d grown up alongside the king, who was then only meant to be prince, second always to his older brother. Charles had been brought to court because his parents had both passed on – his own father having died in the service and defence of King Henry’s father. If his father had not died in that particular battle, it was likely that Charles would not have been presented with the opportunities he’d been granted and thus would not be where he was today.

He glanced down at her, finding that her eyes sought his. Charles knew he’d made a good move in seeking her out; a pretty picture she would make on his arm. Charles was not one for permanent relationships; temporary flings, affairs and the like were more his preference. Whether or not she would be receptive to such, he was not yet sure. But he would find out in good enough time.

“And how do you plan on spending the rest of your day, Countess?” He asked, his eyes lingering still upon her face, taking in the sight of her. “Have you many plans? Many people to see, many things to discuss with those of influence among the court?” His tone was teasing as he continued to walk, wondering at how she might respond. He was in fact curious as to her plans – merely so he might find a way to interrupt them.
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Eleanor Berkeley
Unregistered

“I would hate for someone such as yourself to suffer the day away in a state of boredom.” Eleanor was, to say the least, appreciative of the Duke's kindness. She had seen him a number of times through Court, mostly at the King's side, but had not once pictured herself here on his arm, his warm, muscular arm. Even then, Eleanor hadn't the slightest idea as to what sort of person the Duke of Suffolk was, how he treated women, his comrades and His Majesty. But she assumed, as all would, that he had a warm soul. So warm that it had been enough to comfort the King's, bringing the Duke to unbelievable heights. In the odd-hued depths of her eyes, Eleanor saw that enough to befit any noble, born that way or not. In fact, she often felt that was all England needed... warmth, individually and as a whole.

"As long as you present worthy conversation, Your Grace." A playful smirk tugged at the corners of her mouth, carving dimples into either side of her cheeks. Though the Countess was, obviously, a woman, she was not a woman that could idle aimlessly for long. As a child this had been an acceptable trait, for who ever wanted a child that couldn't stop chatting? But then as a married woman, it had been almost a bother. The nights where Robert only wanted calm, Eleanor had prodded him for conversation. Something more than the usual "Yes, love," and "Mmmhm." Oh how Eleanor longed for someone with such a mind to unlock what she had yet to find through simple words, thoughts and expressions.

Their steps were nearly in sync, and were quiet but nonetheless rhythmic on the gravel as they journeyed idly through Clock Court. "I think perhaps I was made for such a role; I enjoy it immensely, despite its oftentimes difficulties." Eleanor grinned in humor, turning her head to beam amusingly at him. "Think, Your Grace? Surely you cannot be so humble.." a single eyebrow arched and hovered over an inquisitive eye. Suddenly her expression seemed to melt, her eyebrow falling and a more calm, warm smile overtaking her lips. "I'm sure there are many that know you were meant for it. His Majesty is a perfect example."

“And how do you plan on spending the rest of your day, Countess?” For a moment, Eleanor wasn't sure how to answer him. Briefly she glanced about them, feeling that her stomach would soon begin to growl for their midday dinner. She then remembered her ladies, the two women that had been by her side since she was a mere child with a rotten attitude. There was no telling where they had wandered off to, perhaps to their own more.. personal encounters with whatever it was they'd found during time at Court. Eleanor smiled softly at the thought; at first, the Countess had been boiled to a simmering rage that her maids had begun to flaunt about. But time had passed and she herself found a comfort within the palace that her ladies had just so happened to find before her. Now, it seemed to be a relief that they finally seemed to leave her alone every once in awhile.

"Many people to see, many things to discuss with those of influence among the court?” There was no mistaking the teasing light in the Duke's grin, the playful humor held about his warm expression. She smiled back, modestly shaking her head. "I often wish that were the case," she replied smoothly, lightly despite the peculiar weight of the words. "But it seems my only purpose, as any woman's, is to be a good wife. A good mother, if God blesses me with that chance again. My late husband would have not stood for having me kept up in the castle, away from sociability.." she lingered off, perhaps not solemnly but nonetheless memorially. "Not so that I could learn the more... spoiled ways of Court, but so that I could be happy in the lighter ones. Though.. my family, in every way, is hoping my stay here will result in a new Earl." The Countess rolled her eyes then, maybe a little unamused with the idea or her family altogether.

"I trust, though, that Your Grace has many plans? T'would only be expected, no?" It was then she wondered again just why the Duke of Suffolk had been in search for her, had wanted her on his arm and her company beside him as they strolled through the ground levels of Hampton Court. Surely with the duties, the responsibilities of a Duke, there was only little time for womanly pleasures? Eleanor was completely naive of the idea, but continued to refrain from questioning it. "Should I be expecting your leave soon? Or have I been honored with a more.." she paused, glancing at him. "Prominent stay of your company?"
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Charles Brandon
Unregistered

Charles chuckled. She was pleasant company, though he’d grown to appreciate the presence of women in his many years now at court. There were plenty of men who saw them and their chatter as a nuisance, and while there was the odd occasion where Charles wanted nothing more than silence, all in all he had no real dislike of conversation. It was better than silent, sullen walking. He’d always thought as much. She said surely he could not be so humble as to only think he had been made for such a position as he’d been given, that there were many he knew he was suited to it. “I suppose that may be true,” Charles said wryly, “I am privileged to hold the confidence of many.” Or perhaps only the king – it was more than possible that very few others actually thought him suitable. It was difficult to know the true feelings of the court and its courtiers, when one was favoured of the king.

Her comments were honest and Charles wondered how to best respond to them. She said that while she wished she had important things to do, people to see and talk to, it seemed her only purpose was to be a good wife. A good mother, if she was so blessed with the opportunity. This was true, he supposed. That was certainly how the world worked. Sometimes the system seemed a little unfair, he supposed, but all in all it was a good system. It worked, it had worked for decades and so it would continue to do so. It did not surprise him that her family would hope her stay at court would result in a husband for her, that was typically how such things worked.

“Does the search for an earl go well, by the way, Countess?” He teased, amusement written across his face as the corners of his lips lifted in a smile. “I should think there would be plenty young men clamouring for the title and the privilege of having you on their arm.” Which was quite possibly why the Countess had been so difficult to locate. The thought threw a bit of a problem into his plans – if she did have some attention already, no man interested in her and her title would wish to share her. Charles did not wish to marry her – although being an Earl, as well as a Duke, would be no shameful thing – because he did not wish to marry yet. He had no intention of marrying in the near future, or even the somewhat distant future. No, he had no desire to pursue the Countess and make her his wife. He had other, less honourable, purposes in mind. But then, when had anyone ever accused Charles Brandon of being honourable?

“Many plans?” He grinned. “Of course. What Duke does have many plans? For future days. But for today, none.” He wondered if she hoped he would stay longer, or if she was eager to part ways with him. He supposed the former was more likely, as she did not seem eager to be away from him. “I have no intention of taking my leave just yet. Or even remotely soon, Countess, for I must admit that I find your company most appealing. Forgive me,” he said then with a half grin, “if that is too forward. However I see no point in playing games, masking intentions, beating around the bush. ” He was talented in courtly games, if he found them necessary. In the wooing of pretty women, in the proper steps to take before showing actual interest. However, he wasn’t in the mood for games.

So he walked along beside the Countess, grateful for her company and contemplating his next words. When they parted ways, he did not wish weeks to pass before he caught a glimpse of her again. Days, even. Now that he’d had the privilege of speaking with her, now that he’d been able to walk with her, admire her, his resolve had strengthened. What he really wanted was the countess in his bed, although he couldn’t exactly say that flat out. She was a beautiful woman, a powerful woman, and a woman who could carry on a conversation without sounding dimwitted and flighty. And for those reasons, and more, Charles found her most intriguing. “I’m sure a woman such as yourself, having been once married and so no naive maiden, might take some offense at such games.”

[size0]((This is still taking place before he found out about his impending marriage, because he’s blissfully unaware that he’s soon to marry Catherine Howard. xD))
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Eleanor Berkeley
Unregistered

Whatever the Duke decided, whether to stay or leave soon, Eleanor would be left pleased either way. Pleased for the time spent or for the time still going. There was a kind, approachable light about the handsome Charles Brandon, something the Countess took silent joy in. Her steps alongside his were strong, consistent, proving that she had no intention of stopping any time soon. If the Duke should have to take his leave, then he would surely let her know. But for the time being, Eleanor went onwards without pause.

She smirked in humor as he inquired on the "search for an Earl." One would think, as the Countess of Wiltshire and heiress to another earldom, Eleanor's bare finger would be jeweled in the blink of an eye. But her father had been tied up in extra-county affairs that he'd grown to expect his adult daughter would find her own suitable husband that he could approve of later. But, much to his ignorance, Eleanor had hardly given an effort in handing over the promise of her two earldoms. "Well, Your Grace.." she began lightly, a playful smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Suppose it is only you that has had such a privilege, for the promise of an Earl is about as vague as one of England's cloudiest days."

Eleanor had withheld quite the modest and quiet reputation at Court, known simply as the widowed Countess of Wiltshire. She smiled pleasantly as she heard of the promised vacancy of his day, lifting her hopes that she would be enjoying his company for time to come. "Forgive me, if that is too forward." Eleanor would have lifted a single hand to wave him off if she didn't know any better. Instead, to prove her bemusement from such a comment, Eleanor turned to grin playfully bright at him. "Nonsense!" She exclaimed, her aquamarine eyes wide with entertainment. "I urge you to say whatever you wish." Her cheeks flushed and she turned away. "I am so very glad you enjoy my company, Your Grace. T'is all I could ask for, no?"

"As for games..." she smirked, eying him from her peripherals. "I'm not a woman for trivial things. Well-mannered frivolity, perhaps... but I applaud Your Grace for assuming correctly." Her thin eyebrows furrowed for a moment, carving light lines into the expanse of her otherwise smooth forehead. "Perhaps I wouldn't be offended, but you would definitely be heading nowhere with games." She laughed quietly, breathlessly, as her free hand squeezed his forearm comfortably. "Though maybe I could use the humor of such a fool." She shook her head and laughed again, thoroughly enjoying -if not shamelessly- her time with the Duke of Suffolk. How his company seemed to be exactly what the doctor ordered.

"I'm very glad, though, that Your Grace is no such fool.." her smile fell just a bit, softening with the decrease in size. "For I, too, find your company most appealing. Again, I feel most obliged to thank you for finding me today.." she dropped her eyes to the passing ground below her feet, first watching her skits over her legs then the gravel that spread from her soles. "If I may be so bold," she began, her breath a little hesitant in her elegant throat. "But I sincerely hope I am given the honor of more days to come with you."
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Charles Brandon
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Charles found that she was playful and bright, two things he found most appealing. She urged him to say whatever he wished, something he probably would have done anyway, and assured him that she was quite glad he enjoyed her company. A smile settled across his lips, his expression warm and cheerful. Life was good; he lacked nothing, he needed nothing, and he had on his arm this pretty company. Company that promised to be particularly pleasant, as she seemed flattered by his attentions and content that he meant to stay and talk with her longer. The countess was a beautiful woman, intelligent as far as he could tell, and was easy to talk to. Charles had sought her out on a whim, having heard excellent things about her and had decided to find out for himself if they were true. If first impressions were any indication, he could say that they were in fact very true; it would not be a wasted conversation.

Eleanor agreed that she was not one for trivial things, for games, and while she might not be offended, it would certainly get him nowhere. This he had guessed early on – some women were easily amused by games, by teasing, by pretty words. With some, that method could be relied on alone to win their interests and attentions. However, it hadn’t been difficult to realize that Eleanor was not one such woman. Perhaps he had all the more respect for her for it, or perhaps it only intrigued him. He’d hardly been talking with her long enough to draw a definitive conclusion but either way, he was intrigued.

“I assure you, it isn’t bold at all,” he said, smiling down at her. He was glad to hear she found his company favourable, that she hoped for more days spent with him. “I hope for the same, Countess. I find your company quite enjoyable and the thought of more time spent together is a cheery one.” It was true; he enjoyed his time discussing courtly matters with the men, talking with the king and the other lords. He liked the responsibilities of being a Duke and the work that it required. But sometimes, all of that grew tiresome. Sometimes all he wanted was some pretty company and a chance to not have to worry about his responsibilities, his duties. Charles Brandon was not, by nature, a responsible sort of man. He would rather a good time, a good conversation, and a little fun, over work. He’d changed some, having had to adapt to the new responsibilities he’d had given him, but that didn’t change the fact that at the core, he was still Charles Brandon. Young man of the Tudor court, lover of things exciting, adventurous, and often wandering off the path of the “straight and narrow”.

He contemplated, and then glanced down at her, smiling. “I don’t suppose you’d care to humour me a little? Tomorrow afternoon, Countess, would you care to go riding?” It was an open enough sort of invitation, specific enough as to have some sort of purpose, general enough that going riding could evolve into pretty much anything, should their moods shift and they wish to cut it short – or extend the day.

“Of course if you have other obligations...” he said, chuckling, “I wouldn’t wish to keep you from them.”
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Eleanor Berkeley
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From God's good graces, Charles Brandon seemed to be enjoying the Eleanor Berkeley's company. She would study him briefly every now and then, his handsome features, his chiseled jaw and sun-touched skin from the days on the field or on a hunt. Either or, the thought brought a small smile to her apricot lips. Her stride, just a bit shorter than his, still matched with equal purpose.. despite their particular lack of destination. To the outside eye, Eleanor would seem as if it was in her every intention -and Charles', too- to be on his arm. Not in a way that seemed clingy, but perhaps dignified. As if her company was as equally worthy as his. But she remained polite, gently nonchalant as they progressed through the outside of Court.

"Very cheery, Your Grace." She mused, dimples still carved into either sides of her pink cheeks. They walked on, sharing admirable glances and innocent smiles, all while their bodies touched and brushed against each other with every step. Eleanor felt solid beside him, perhaps brought down a bit back to Earth, to the soil and rock beneath her heels. "Humor you?" Her eyebrows lifted with excitement, anticipating what he seemed to be presenting as a sort of challenge. Oh how she was up to any. "...tomorrow afternoon, Countess, would you care to go riding?" If Eleanor had been any other woman, her cheeks would have probably flushed red and her breath hitched with a coquettish giggle. But, being Eleanor, her eyes simply implored his own, testing him and his words and how they seemed to ring pleasurably through her head.

"My only obligation is to wait for your summon tomorrow afternoon." She finally smiled in acceptance, her aquamarine gaze bright and wide with the pleasurable thought. The Duke of Suffolk had proved to be a kind gentleman, and whether or not it was a thin mask of ulterior motives, Eleanor felt as if she could reap whatever affection she could from the Charles Brandon. After all, what was the harm in it? He was handsome, knew how to please a woman (hopefully,) and had offered nothing but friendly -though interested- conversation. Not only that, but she had been the supposed target of his attentions, and who was she to deny him her very presence? Eleanor could think nothing of it as she remained steady by his side.

"Perhaps it is I that should be worried over your obligations." Again, as the Duke of Suffolk, the Countess imagined "free time" did not come easy. But at the very least, she had been doubly grateful for the time he seemed to be able to find and offer her. "Though to say the least," she smirked playfully, eying him waywardly. "I'm pleased to hear what you've decided to do with your time, Your Grace." Irresistibly, Eleanor flashed him a quick wink from the corner of her eye and gave his arm a gentle, playful squeeze. Oh, Charles Brandon... hopefully his eye was smaller than his stomach, for the last thing Eleanor wanted was a man of incapability.

But the Duke of Suffolk? Incapable? Never.

END.
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