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| You're not my sister!; WillS | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Jan 10 2011, 04:21 PM (173 Views) | |
| Alice Browne | Jan 10 2011, 04:21 PM Post #1 |
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"Well, I don't understand why, exactly, he would have-" Alice was cut short mid sentence when the door to the room was opened. She had been settled in, talking with one of her good friends at court. She had met Elizabeth Spencer almost as soon as she had come to court. The two of them had been made Ladies-In-Waiting to the Queen around the same time. Alice found herself spending more time with Ellie and anyone else, really, and she was more than comfortable with that fact. She found Elizabeth Spencer to be a breath of fresh air. She was kind, compassionate and was generally a good friend. She was one of the few people at court that Alice felt safe around. She had gone with Ellie to her rooms to continue a conversation they had started on their way to her room. Alice was perched on the edge of a chair in the room, her legs tucked beside her, and her embroidery in her hands as her needle deftly worked in and out of the fabric before her. She was finishing up a shirt for her eldest brother whom she expected to be making an appearance at court any time now. Their chatter, however, was cut short by the knock at the door, followed by the door being abruptly opened. "Excuse me, but I am looking for Elizabeth Spencer, Lady-in-waiting to Her Majesty?" Another female voice called. Alice and Ellie exchanged looks a moment before Ellie stood up. "You were asked for, My Lady." The serving girl prompted. Alice shrugged a dainty shoulder and then nodded towards the door. "No worries. I'll stay a while and close the door behind me once I leave, should you be gone too long." She said, offering a smile to her friend. Ellie gave a bright smile back and ducked out of the room to tend to whatever it was she needed to. Alice sat there a moment, sighing to herself as she fed the needle through the fabric again. She just wanted to finish this section of the embroidery before she packed up and headed off for the time being. She was startled even more when the door creaked open once more. "Lord William Spencer of Wilmington." Alice poked herself with the needle as she was so startled by whom it was attending the room. She gave a small gasp and stuck her blinked down at her finger dumbly a moment before a tall man entered the room. Her eyes widened a moment before she remembered herself, discarded the needlework on the table and curtsied to him. "My Lord, you must forgive me, but your sister only just stepped out but a moment ago." She murmured. She looked up at William Spencer through the thick layer of her lashes as she straightened out. She had never met Ellie's brother before, but now that she was face to face with him she wished her friend was there in the moment to keep her grounded. He was quite handsome, if not a wee bit intimidating. Alice blushed as the thought crossed her mind. What ever was wrong with her!? She would certainly be attending confession at the first available moment. |
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| William Spencer | Jan 10 2011, 06:14 PM Post #2 |
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Lord Winchester (courtesy)
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William had not seen his sister in a few days, so after seeing to some business that morning at his house on the Thames, he set about going to see his sister. He needed to keep an eye on Ellie, because she was very emotional and also very innocent. William was a very dutiful brother. In fact, nobody could ever accuse him of having shirked those duties ever in his life. He would do anything for Ellie and tried to be the most kind and attentive of brothers. He would not just give her to any man, and he assuredly wished her happiness. Still wearing his tall black leather riding boots from that morning (only freshly clean from his groom) and a blue doublet with gold and black embroidery showing through his black jerkin, William made his way down the corridors to where his sister had a room. Once he was announced, he walked into the room with his usual grace only to stop very abruptly when he realize that his sister was not there. He quirked an eyebrow, but the girl was quick to hop up with wide eyes and curtsy to him. He gave her a nod and a bit of a confused smile, before she explained that his sister had stepped out. "Ah, good good. For a moment I thought I had created a scandal by introducing myself to the wrong chambers," he said with a soft smile, a bit of that french undertone to his voice. Not enough to be an accent and yet somehow not wholly English. "Do you---," he paused, "I'm sorry miss, but I do not seem to know your name...Do you anticipate her being gone long, perhaps I shall wait for her?" He moved his hands out from behind his back and seated himself with a soft, somewhat hesitant smile at the girl. My but she seemed delicate. "Oh, please sit and resume your task," he offered, smiling a bit more widely and invitingly. He was hardly out to frighten young women, and her eyes had assuredly gone wide when he'd entered. "Unless you would care to entertain me while I await my sister?" Of course, he had something more in the mind of conversation, singing, or an instrument than anything indecent. After all, he was expecting his sister, and he would never dream of Ellie witnessing such a thing. Ellie was a beacon of perfect, angelic innocence to William, and he wished her to remain that way until marriage. |
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| Alice Browne | Jan 10 2011, 06:40 PM Post #3 |
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"Ah, good good. For a moment I thought I had created a scandal by introducing myself to the wrong chambers," Alice couldn't help but smile at his humor. What a scandal that would have been indeed! Alice didn't even want to think about the repercussions should that have been the case and the state her brother would have been in had he have but found out about it. She nearly winced at the thought of that alone but caught herself before she did. "I'm sorry miss, but I do not seem to know your name...Do you anticipate her being gone long, perhaps I shall wait for her?" Alice paused a moment. "I am Alice Browne, another Lady to Her Majesty," she explained. "As far as when Elizabeth will return... I can't be certain. She was only just called away but a few moments ago. I am sad that you missed her by such a short amount of time." She offered him with a small sympathetic smile. She watched a moment as he sat himself down and asked her to resume her task. Needlework seemed rather bland when faced with the man in front of her, but she at least took a seat for a moment. "Unless you would care to entertain me while I await my sister?" She eyed him a moment, her head tilted to the head slightly before she nodded slowly. "Well, I'm afraid I'm not so talented as to be able to play and procure an instrument when I'm not in my own rooms." She said with a mischievous little smile. "However, I can sing, if it would please you." She said, offering a half-smile. She was teasing at the moment, but she wouldn't mind singing for him. She often did when she was on her own, taking care of tasks. She had sung several times for Elizabeth while they had been busying themselves with sewing. She picked up her needlework again and set it in her lap, glancing at him out of the corner of her eye. She wasn't yet sure whether she was anticipating Ellie's return, or looking forward to the company of her brother for a few moments. |
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| William Spencer | Jan 10 2011, 08:30 PM Post #4 |
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Lord Winchester (courtesy)
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William would be lying if he said that he had ever heard of her. She did not say that she was Lady Alice Browne, so he assumed that she was not, like Ellie was, the daughter of a peer worth any note. Not that it coloured the way he looked at her, because it really rather did not. William was given to be more about blood with men than he was inclined to with women. He was not looking for marriage prospects yet, so a young lady was simply a young lady. Either meant to entertain him or satisfy him in other ways. At least at the simplest level. "A pleasure," he replied, "I take it you are a friend of my sister then?" He paused for a moment, "I hope you bring her much happiness, I worry about her." His smile was a bit sad at that, but it was still there. He could have very well sent his young cousin who attended him to find his sister or could have left instruction for her to come to him when she returned, but he was already there and did not mind waiting a short while if Mistress Alice Browne proved interesting enough to hold his attention. He sat gracefully and yet appeared rather relaxed as he crossed an ankle up over his knee and brushed a small bit of hair from his horse off his boot anally. His blue eyes went back to her as she sat. He suggested entertaining him so that she would not think he expected her to sit there awkwardly and silently. "Well, I'm afraid I'm not so talented as to be able to play and procure an instrument when I'm not in my own rooms." She said with a mischievous little smile. "However, I can sing, if it would please you." What had seemed a bit shy now had a mischievous sort of glint as she seemed to jest with him. William was not sure what to make of that. He fingered his lower lip for a second, eying her with half-smile. "Are you really that bad of a singer that you would make such a jest as if I would be a complete fool to sit through such a thing?" he asked, with chuckles sliding underneath his words just slightly. "Conversation pleases me almost as well as angelic singing. Are not women supposed to like showcasing their talents, especially to available gentlemen?" His tone was also teasing, but held a bit of truth to it as well. Many young women jumped at opportunities to do such things for a man. She seemed a bit modest with a hint of...some life behind those eyes and vivacious hair. He liked that small spark and wondered what it would be like if she knew him and was more at ease. "I am sure Ellie has spoken of her brothers before," he commented, not saying it as a particular question, yet meaning it that way. He figured this young woman to know enough about him to find him interesting, especially if she would have to earn an advantageous marriage. He had no heard of her which made him think that was the case. |
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| Alice Browne | Jan 10 2011, 09:20 PM Post #5 |
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"I take it you are a friend of my sister then?" She gave a nod and a brief smile flitted over her lips. Ellie and Alice had become quick friends. They were kindred spirits in a lot of ways and quite agreeable in most things. They kept an eye out for one another, even if they could not necessarily spot the danger for themselves. Alice genuinely liked Ellie and didn't see herself losing sight of her friendship with the other girl anytime soon. She was thankful to have someone of similar age and personality in the company of the Queen's ladies. "I hope you bring her much happiness, I worry about her." That comment in and of itself worried her a little, but instead, she commented on the first part of the statement. "I hope I am able to bring her the same happiness she brings me. It's nice to have someone to confide in at court. It's nice to be able to simply be myself in her company." She admitted with a shy sort of smile. There were very few people that one could depend on at court like this. "Are you really that bad of a singer that you would make such a jest as if I would be a complete fool to sit through such a thing?" She smiled at that and sighed. "I should hope I'm not that terrible of a singer," she replied. "But there are very few, truthfully, who ever hear me and those I do sing for I'm usually comfortable with, for the most part." She admitted. It didn't really need to be said that she wasn't comfortable with the man she was in the room with at the moment for the simple reason that she scarcely knew him, save for what it was that Ellie had told her about her brothers. The two girls had often spent time talking of their families. Their brothers were both popular topics of conversation as they were constants in their lives. While Ellie's brothers were fairly close on hand, it wasn't the same case for Alice. Though she expected to see her elder brother fairly soon, Lord only knew when she'd get the chance to see her other brother. "Conversation pleases me almost as well as angelic singing. Are not women supposed to like showcasing their talents, especially to available gentlemen?" She gave a sheepish look at that. "Perhaps I should start showcasing my modesty as a skill then." She said on a wistful sigh before nodding at him. "Conversation I can certainly handle, My Lord." She replied. "I am sure Ellie has spoken of her brothers before," She gave a nod at the statement though it wasn't really required. "She has, of course. You are the Earl of Wilmington, are you not?" It was rhetorical more than anything, but it was a basis for conversation between the two. She paused again and blinked at him, remembering another fact she had garnered from Ellie. "Horses! Your family is quite renowned for your horse breeding." She gave another wistful sigh at that. She had not her own horse on grounds at the moment and longed to be able to ride again. It had been far too long as far as Alice was concerned. "I used to spend hours riding in Kent just for the thrill of it," she murmured. She gave a fond little smile. "The mare my father gave me before he died was quite spirited. My brother, Sir Weston, hated it. He claimed it was no beast for a woman," she shrugged a shoulder. "Personally, I think the distaste between the two was more mutual than Weston thought." She realized, suddenly, that she was prattling and cast her eyes to the ground once more. Horses and riding were two things that Alice had a passion for. She could easily speak of them and often let herself run away with her thoughts as she had clearly displayed just then. |
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| William Spencer | Jan 10 2011, 10:29 PM Post #6 |
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Lord Winchester (courtesy)
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She was so polite and sweet when she confessed that only few people had heard her sing and that she was comfortable around them. He was not insulted. She did not know him. She was being a bit shy. Many women who did not know him were far more forward about wanting to please and impress him. William of course, rather enjoyed being fawned over by playing and singing, so he had carefully played along, praising their skills. William found it endearing that she was shy in wanting to show off herself for him. When might she ever be in private with him again to do such a thing, but the opportunity was missed. He found amusement in the entire exchange, honestly. The prime of his amusement that he was not necessarily looking for a wife or interested in hurrying a marriage, but the women could now know that so they all tried to impress him to gain his interest. At least the ones whose brothers had not made comments about staying away from him because he was half french. "I am not offended, but then again if you would not wish to, why offer to begin with? Seems cruel to tempt," he commented with a small smirk. He enjoyed playing with words and logic. William examined another area of his boot and then looked back up as she said she would showcase her modesty. William was not so certain how exactly effective that was going to be to snag a man with a title to marry, but it assuredly did not hurt in many cases. William had no feelings about modesty in particular, as he had his own pride, so it would be hypocritical for him to be otherwise. He would rather intelligence with discretion. Modesty was overrated in many cases. At least to William, when you had blood like his there was little reason for modesty at all. "I prefer intelligence with discretion, but modesty is quite irresistibly attractive to some men." It was the sort of thing that men looking for simple, obedient wives who would be nothing but nuisances and child farms wanted. Most men were that way. "Yes, you seem to be doing amicably well thus far," he teased her gently about conversation. A few moments later he nodded as she said his title, pausing to push hair that had been tickling his ear. He had been so distracted by that little sensation that he was nearly surprised as she excitedly came out with talking on horses. He visibly brightened. Horses were William's passion, his hobby. Breeding them was an amazingly calculated and slightly academic task. His smile widened, his eyes crinkling around the corners a bit. "Ahh yes," he replied, "Many, many generations of Spencers have been breeding horses at Althorpe." He had over two hundred head at his family estate in Northampton. He had stables at all of his residences with horses in addition to those. His eyes had a new sort of warmth to them for her as she confessed to riding a lot as a child in Kent. "I have spent a grand portion of my life on horses and pouring over pedigrees and breeding. It is a nice momentary diversion from many things for me. My first memories of life have me on a horse. I have been to some of the finest riding schools on the continent as a boy and youth." The thought that she enjoyed a spirited mare made William wonder about his assessment of her. Perhaps there was something fiery to red-haired women. There seemed to be something deep within this girl, buried under what the world expected a woman to be and show. He felt a bit badly when she looked down. "You have not offended me with your exuberance for life and the joy you find in horses, do not worry yourself," he said kindly and softly, the corner of one lip curling up. "You do not have a horse here, do you?" He did not suppose she would, it was rather an expensive thing for one mere woman especially of her standing. There were horses for general use in the stables, but William thought that no consolation really. "I have a few here and a dozen at my house on the Thames in London." |
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| Alice Browne | Jan 11 2011, 07:52 PM Post #7 |
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"I am not offended, but then again if you would not wish to, why offer to begin with? Seems cruel to tempt," Alice smiled at the statement. Somehow that alone calmed her some. Perhaps it was the fact that, while William Spencer was perfectly appropriate, he wasn't ridiculously and uncomfortably formal. She appreciated the fact, actually. After spending a goodly portion of her days in the eye of formality, it was nice to be able to simply... relax. "Sometimes all a lady needs is a little push, Lord Wilmington. A mockingbird may sometimes sit quiet unless coaxed into song." She said gently. "I prefer intelligence with discretion, but modesty is quite irresistibly attractive to some men." The statement was true enough, she supposed. "If it weren't for my ability to learn modesty at a young age, I fear my brothers and father may have done me an injustice by making me egotistical instead." She paused a moment, flashing pale eyes at him through a thick layer of lashes. "I'd like to imagine that modesty is the lesser of two evils when, instead, I could have turned out shrewish and harsh." She said with a small smile. "Yes, you seem to be doing amicably well thus far," She gave a light laugh at that. "Shall I endeavor to be ever bolder then, My Lord?" "I have spent a grand portion of my life on horses and pouring over pedigrees and breeding. It is a nice momentary diversion from many things for me. My first memories of life have me on a horse. I have been to some of the finest riding schools on the continent as a boy and youth." She smiled at those words. "I could only imagine. My father kept good stock in Kent though I'm sure it was not even comparable to that in which you see on a daily basis. I could only imagine..." She said almost wistfully. She couldn't seem to help herself, not when riding was the one pleasure afforded her in the world. "You have not offended me with your exuberance for life and the joy you find in horses, do not worry yourself," She was glad of that and yet she couldn't help but feel a little embarassed at the way she had been carried away with her chatter. She was only glad that she had found something to prattle on about that Lord Wilmington was not only familiar with, but appreciated. "You do not have a horse here, do you?" She shook her head. "No, My Lord." Getting Alice here had taken a goodly portion of funding on her brother's behalf, for which she was eternally grateful. It was one of the reasons that she tried her best to be a good Lady, remain obedient and steadfast and keep her head clear of the clouds when she was maintaining her duties. It was for that same reason that there was no chance to afford stabling a horse at court. "I have a few here and a dozen at my house on the Thames in London." She could only imagine the sight of them. Oh but Elizabeth was lucky to have such a brother! "Perhaps, if it is not to forward of me, I could see them sometime?" She asked him, her head tilted to the side ever so slightly to show her genuine interest. |
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| William Spencer | Jan 11 2011, 11:50 PM Post #8 |
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Lord Winchester (courtesy)
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William found this young lady really rather endearing. She had that sweet tone of voice and what she said was actually quite worthwhile. Many women could not talk about a thing with a man but would just smile at him demurely. He found his smile fairly well fixed to his features. "You are so gentle in the way that you read me such a lesson," he commented, chuckling. He ran his upper lip over his bottom lip as if he was thinking and about to say something of great importance. "You should take care inviting a gentleman to coax you." He chuckled a bit more. Really, he was not much concerned with what he said because she was of little consequence and they were in private. He could be a bit more who he typically was before having the added burdens of seeing after a family. A large family. "If it weren't for my ability to learn modesty at a young age, I fear my brothers and father may have done me an injustice by making me egotistical instead...I'd like to imagine that modesty is the lesser of two evils when, instead, I could have turned out shrewish and harsh." William was definitely being entertained. Who would have thought someone who appeared so soft and simply sweet would have such...intelligent honesty. Quite a rarity. At the least, she was bringing him into very good spirits. "Well that would have been most unfortunate," he said, conspiratorially, leaning forward a bit. "You think bold pleases me then?" Most times it rather did. There was a fine line between bold for a woman and rude. It was one difficult to master. William did not like ornamental women. He liked women to have some life and some mind. Most would call that boldness. William just simply found the alternative rather boring. A key was that she did not bore him, and while she might think her exuberance inappropriate, he did not mind at all. Happiness was not a crime, and it seemed the King liked a happy Court. William liked companions, even temporary ones, who were pleased with life. It helped to distract him from his own problems. She had him completely concentrated on horses; a topic he enjoyed above most others. He could tell from her voice that her enjoyment of horses was genuine, and she seemed to rather like the idea of having horses around daily. She obviously did not have her own here. A fact which she confirmed. "That is a shame. It is something I do not think I could give up." He was silent for a few moments, and just when he opened his mouth to offer to have her come riding with he and his sister, she asked if she could see his horses sometime. William nodded, still smiling. "Certainly you may." He pushed a strand of hair away from his ear again. "You may even come on a ride with Ellie and I if you wish," he offered. It was the very least he could do for someone who was his sister's friend. His sister who had lived her entire life in France until this year. "I am putting together a hawking party with a few gentlemen at my house down river, and I was going to have Elizabeth come with us for a few days to get away, with a few young ladies to keep her company. Perhaps she would like for you to come? Then you can see those stabled there as well." William prided himself on being a good and generous brother. He had enough sins against him and had no desire to spend three hours a day doing penance, so some good deeds were always useful in addition to a few other things a good, Catholic man strove to be. |
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| Alice Browne | Jan 12 2011, 07:52 PM Post #9 |
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"You are so gentle in the way that you read me such a lesson," She gave a small smile at that. She took the compliment to heart, as she did each and every one that she recieved. Of course, the downside to that was the fact that she took each criticism to heart most of the time as well, a habit that she would surely need to learn to shake while at court. "You should take care inviting a gentleman to coax you." That comment, however, made her cheeks flame red and her eyes widen a degree. "I..." She breathed a sigh when she heard him chuckle. He had flustered her whether it was what he intended or not. "You think bold pleases me then?" She considered him a moment at that question. "I think a woman of substance pleases you, My Lord." She answered honestly. "One not so shy as to be nearly unseen or unheard and not so bold as to be inappropriate," She paused a moment and smiled. "But instead spirited." That was her summation thus far. He himself seemed confident, bold and honorable so it would stand to reason that any woman in the company of the Lord of Wilmington would need to be just as so. "That is a shame. It is something I do not think I could give up." Her lips quirked into a brief smile at that. "And I did not give it up so easily," she commented, remembering her 'quite reasonable' argument she had held with her brother in regards to the matter. In the end, she wasn't quite so spoiled as to not realize that his own reasoning was correct. She also had not realized just how much effort her brother had put into securing her a spot at court so that she might marry off to a good and honorable man rather than someone of common blood. How she loved her brother! "Certainly you may. You may even come on a ride with Ellie and I if you wish," Alice's eyes brightened up at the prospect of it. "I would be most appreciative, My Lord." She smiled at him. No doubt Ellie, being the woman she was, would have invited Alice along herself, but to hear that she was welcomed by Ellie's brother just as well made her feel even a little less alone at court than she was. That in and of itself was a gift that she was thankful for. "I am putting together a hawking party with a few gentlemen at my house down river, and I was going to have Elizabeth come with us for a few days to get away, with a few young ladies to keep her company. Perhaps she would like for you to come? Then you can see those stabled there as well." She smiled again at the offer. "I would be delighted to keep Ellie company and take the opportunity to see those you have stabled, My Lord. I'm sure it would do both Ellie and I good to spend some time out and about. You are most generous and kind," she offered. |
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| William Spencer | Jan 12 2011, 11:59 PM Post #10 |
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"I think a woman of substance pleases you, My Lord." How did such a young woman have that figured out that fast? Perhaps women were sometimes taught very well how to anticipate what an individual man wanted and adjust accordingly! He supposed their one duty as a maid was to find a husband and adjusting to a man the prime skill of said duty. However, he was still rather surprised, especially as she continued. His eyebrow went up as his lips parted in a bit of wonder. "One not so shy as to be nearly unseen or unheard and not so bold as to be inappropriate...But instead spirited." William chuckled as soon as he was done being surprised. My but she was quite good at this. To be deduced so simply! She had him boxed with gold ribbon! "I am either that transparent or you are a very astute observer of behavior, Mistress Browne. I feel as if I am receiving a most interesting education from you." He shook his head smiling as he teased. William had lost all of the anxieties he had from his mission of checking on his sister by Mistress Browne's engaging conversation. He was simply rather enjoying himself, and he had no need to make himself seem overly important by taking his leave after a few paltry minutes. "And I did not give it up so easily..." William smiled at her with a slight undertone of sadness. "Duty sometimes requires sacrifices. Most often it does. Sacrifices for a greater purpose bring us closer to God," he commented. William had made many sacrifices over the course of his life, and he had been forced to deal with a lot of adjustments and changes at a very young age. At seven he had lost his father and basically been abandoned to the patronage and graces of his french grandfather and uncle, as he had not then been heir to his english family. It had been duties and studies. Duties in the near some six years younger Duke of Valois' household and in his own uncle's, the Comte de Guise. That had been his life, with the expectation that he might practice law or simply keep in the future Francois I's graces as a childhood friend. At least it had been until his elder half-brother died, making him heir to Wilmington and many other things. At thirteen he had been packed off to England, where he had only visited, to finish his education under the eyes of his grandfather. Twice his life had unexpectedly and drastically changed course. It was a mentally heavy burden and inheriting with the current anti-french sentiment and with his half-french blood...well, it certainly was not the most opportune time to become the patriarch of a very large, old family. So large that he had cousins he was not sure he had even heard of asking him for his expected patronage. He winked at her, "Life was not quite so glamourous when I was simply Monsieur Spencer or Monsieur Guillaume or even Monsieur Dorchester, but it was certainly much more merry in many ways." Being Lord Wilmington had benefits and burdens. If he could give her something in return for her sacrifices, he would do so. It seemed fitting. He was hoping God blessed him with some sort of reprieve and fortune, and what better way to endeavor to deserve it but to be generous to someone? "I would be delighted to keep Ellie company and take the opportunity to see those you have stabled, My Lord. I'm sure it would do both Ellie and I good to spend some time out and about. You are most generous and kind." He chuckled. She perceived him as he wished to be perceived on two basic levels. He did try to meet perfection but lately he had not always been the most kind of men. "I will speak to her about it, and I am sure she will be most excited for the privacy and relaxation." He smiled softly again, leaning back in the chair and draping an arm over it. "So tell me, do you prefer a spirited mount? What sort of horse is it that you like?" |
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| Alice Browne | Jan 15 2011, 07:29 PM Post #11 |
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Alice gave a shy smile the moment he chuckled at her and her comments. Had she missed the mark? She wasn't sure, but she was making an educated guess based on what she had already seen of the man thus far and what she had heard from Ellie. But it was the words that he said next that eased her mind a little. "I am either that transparent or you are a very astute observer of behavior, Mistress Browne. I feel as if I am receiving a most interesting education from you." She smiled brightly at that. "I assure you, My Lord, you are not so transparent." She said. At least he was not transparent when compared to other men. "A woman must learn to pay attention at court for her understanding can be a most advantageous key." She admitted to him. Alice had to admit that, despite her previous nervous disposition, she was growing to enjoy the company of Ellie's eldest brother by this point. He was charming in his own way and quite riveting in conversation. She could certainly appreciate all of those things and much more. But then, before she knew it, they were back on sader topics, at least as far as she was concerned. She would have so liked to have been able to stable a horse nearby, but it just wasn't feasible given their current circumstances. "Duty sometimes requires sacrifices. Most often it does. Sacrifices for a greater purpose bring us closer to God." She couldn't help but give him a sheepish smile at that. She knew he was right, but that didn't make it any more applicable in this situation, really. Somehow she didn't think that her sacrifice of giving up the ability to stable a horse at court so that she could attend court in the first place was all that noble of an act. She credited her brother for everything he had given her and done for her more than she credited herself. She owed it to Weston to play the part of the charming, intelligent young woman she was. But there had been a lot of sacrifices made throughout her life simply for her. She repaid each family member in turn by living up to the standards set out for her. She was eternally grateful for the sacrifice her mother made in giving her life. She was grateful for her father's affections that helped shape the woman she was today. She was grateful to each of her brothers for having offered her the protection and solace they had. "Life was not quite so glamourous when I was simply Monsieur Spencer or Monsieur Guillaume or even Monsieur Dorchester, but it was certainly much more merry in many ways." She tilted her head to the side curiosly at that statement, but didn't remark on it for the time being. She was sure he'd had his own trials and tribulations through life to be sure. There was no use in dwelling on such morose topics upon first meeting. They still scarcely knew one another and she doubted that he wanted to go spouting off the more intimate miseries in his life to a woman he barely knew. "I will speak to her about it, and I am sure she will be most excited for the privacy and relaxation." She smiled at that. "I'm sure we both will, quite honestly." She remarked. "So tell me, do you prefer a spirited mount? What sort of horse is it that you like?" She smiled at that. "Quite honestly, I prefer the thrill of a more spirited horse, but as you can well imagine, there's a number of gentlemen that would call that... unseemly for a lady." She said with a small smirk. "I should hope that you, of all people, My Lord, could appreciate my sentiments in saying that a spirited horse is far more enjoyable than a boorish oaf." She teased gently. She recalled the previous rides she had accompanied her brother on who had always insisted that she be seen astride one of the most gentle mounts they had at their home. Alice had bore it all with stoicism as was expected of her, but she had always managed to sneak away to the open land with one of the younger mares they had acquired a few years before. |
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| William Spencer | Jan 16 2011, 10:55 AM Post #12 |
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Lord Winchester (courtesy)
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William chuckled and nodded. "Well anticipating a man and his particular tastes is assuredly helpful in finding a husband which is a young maiden's primary task, is it not?" Her shy, sheepish smile as he commented about God and sacrifices was, again, rather endearing. He almost sought to hold her hand as he would his sister's. He felt an affection for this sweet girl. His sister surely had found a perfect friend. William could thank God for answering his prayers in that respect. "God has surely answered many prayers for me to find you as a friend to my beloved sister, Mistress Browne. I would be happy to see to both of your enjoyment." Despite the fact that his family did not show him the obedience he felt he deserved, he showed them his unwavering grace and love. Being a bad brother would not be on his conscience. Surely, he had his limits of indulgence, but he prayed it would never come to that. Francis must find occupation, and Ellie must cease acting so French. She could at least, keep in what she felt just as everyone else had to do so over some matter or another. William could not inflict his feelings and thoughts all over. He saw to a level of decorum in public, and he expected his siblings to do the same. It was not too much to ask. He felt they did not appreciate or honour him as a gracious, generous, and gentle family patriarch. He had never done what either of the two of them had done to him to his elders, betters, or masters and been silly enough to be argumentative about it once discovered. He did not understand the behaviour at all. Her comments on a spirited horse, brought William a chuckle that whisked him away from morose thoughts of his siblings. Solely Mary Katherine was sane in his mind. She was a feisty, educated woman but a proper one. Well, and his young cousin Thomas was dutiful to him in his household, but the boy would be quite daft not to be as his future was by William's grace along. A fact the boy well-understood despite the loving and affectionate relation between them. "Unseemly. I hardly see someone indulging in their skills as unseemly. Having a untrained or misbehaving animal might be unseemly. Indeed it is preferable for a woman to have a calmer mount merely for her safety and shows a gentleman's care in a woman's well-being in his charge, even for a time, but when a woman can handle a spirited mount safely... Well, let us just say I see no reason for her to not have what she wishes. All of my horses as quite well-trained and safe, regardless of their various dispositions and energy levels. I will help you choose a horse that you will enjoy." By William's estimation a skilled rider made a spirited horse look like an appropriate and controlled mount, so he had no issue allowing Mistress Browne that freedom. Besides, who was that concerned over what William did to even notice what horse a woman rode when on a ride with he and his sister? And Mistress Browne was not of enough consequence that people would be hawking them because of her. "Well, I do believe I must take my leave as it appears my sister must be seeing to some duties to Her Majesty. Please do let her know that I wish to see her?" He stood up and gave her a nod with a "It was a pleasure" before seeing himself out. (OUT) " |
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10:54 AM Jul 11