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| Welcome to your new home; Wills/Eddie/John | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Apr 1 2011, 10:04 PM (365 Views) | |
| Edward Spencer | Apr 7 2011, 06:55 PM Post #16 |
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Earl of Berkshire/Baron Denbigh
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Edward laughed at John's words. "Brother, you sound as though you have spoken too often with my opponents," he remarked casually, almost flippantly. The corners of his eyes crinkled with his laughter whilst he returned his brother's conspiratorial look. His face took on a more youthful, impish appearance as he turned to William. "Indeed, our sons shan't be ready for combat training until about the time that we would be finished with you." Such good timing for them, yes? "And fear not, for we shall be using the very same tactics with you that we plan to use for our own sons. We'll make a man of you yet, Dancing Lord Dorchester," Edward grinned at his nephew. He was starting to warm to the boy, and in reality felt a bit sorry for him. The elder Spencer seemed to hate William for no reason other than he happened to be half French, seemingly forgetting that the boy was also half English. He nodded in agreement with his brother, his face now more serious in its expression. "Yes, we Spencers have little tolerance for such foolishness," he added solemnly. "As one never knows when they might be asked--no, demanded--to prove that which they brag of." Arrogance to a certain degree was tolerated--after all, there was a difference between being somewhat humble and being meek--but too much of it was certainly a good way to get killed. Down a slightly wooded path they went, and Edward soon rode ahead to keep abreast with his brother. "At least he has some good qualities, so perhaps all is not lost," he commented. "But the sooner he loses that French accent, the better. I believe he will have many painful years ahead of him, ere he takes over as Earl of Wilmington." Meaning that their father was bound to be giving a lot of whippings. Oh, Edward was certain that he would be giving his fair share as well, but at least the whippings would be warranted. They would be doled out for whatever it was the boy had done, as opposed to who he was. "But at least it will be worth it in the end for him, yes?" Edward said this as more of a statement rather than a question. Young Lord Dorchester was going to be incredibly wealthy someday, far more titled and wealthy than either of them. In a way, it was almost right that he should suffer a bit before then, although the Baron had a feeling that the boy would suffer more than was necessary. As they rode along, Edward watched the boy closely. William seemed to possess a natural ease in the saddle, which pleased him. "I daresay he rides much like Henry did," he remarked to John. "At least that is one less thing we will have to work with him on." Ah ... and now the question du jour, as the French would say. Edward paused a moment, mulling this over. "For today, this shall be all. However, I believe soon we must take you to court, to see how you act there," he finally replied. He silently made a note that William had spoken French, which was bound to earn him a whipping. But for the moment, he was willing to overlook it. As for the other question ... well, unfortunately, Edward really couldn't say. He frowned slightly as he said with a shrug, "Perhaps, perhaps not. He may leave the task to John and myself. About all I can say for certain is that you will be spending a great deal of time with either myself at Denbigh, or with my brother. And that you must learn to master English as soon as possible, for you shall be expected to forget your French ways." He cast his brother a meaningful glance at this, as if to say that the boy was going to be in for a lot of whippings. |
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[align=center]Bio :: Plot Edward is now Jure Uxoris ("By right of his wife") Earl of Berkshire, or Lord Berkshire [/align] | |
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| William Spencer | Apr 7 2011, 07:42 PM Post #17 |
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Lord Winchester (courtesy)
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William could appreciate his uncle joke about calling him Dancing Dorchester. This time he could see the jest on the man's face a bit clearer. He might yet grow to stomach all of this, but only time would tell. They both seemed to smile enough for how much they threatened. It was not unlike his uncle de Guise. Although, having known him his entire life, there was far more warmth with his French uncle. "I do not brag," he replied, furrowing his brows. "Bragging is something people do when they lack self-confidence and they are trying to convince themselves of their worth." He shrugged and gave a small smile. He had a very expensive education in France, and he was wondering how he was expected to continue here. He assumed he was going to have tutors, and he would have never thought that he was going to miss Monsieur Bude as much as he would miss the man. This was a lot of change for a boy who had led a fairly stable life. Sir John looked at the boy as Edward rode up to him, keeping stride. He sighed, "I do not think father will put up with his sounding like this and missing words for very long. I give it four or five fortnights at best before he thinks to leave Althorp back to court. He will either take the boy with to Steward House in London and make me assist looking after him or he will send the boy with you. Although, I wager he will want his hands on Dorchester, making sure he is...satisfying. You will be the blessed one who gets Dorchester when he's so incensed, he does not want to lay eyes on the boy, which will be often. I pity you all of that," Sir John did not anticipate this going very well. The boy being so French was going to grate on their father, who already did not like the boy a bit, and it was going to be painful turning a boy who had been French for thirteen years into being properly English with just a scant three years. Not to mention the boy was going to have studies and that as well. "Well, we can push much of it off on his tutors and such, although we have a responsibility to him to make this pass very quickly. Father will be long gone and we will have many years to deal with this William, and I certainly do not wish him to hate me." With Dorchester inheriting Wilmington, their father was not going to just ignore the boy, as much as he disliked him. He was going to ensure that boy was a Spencer. John and Edward both knew that sort of diligence with their father. "Let us hope he learns quickly, because or else he will be learning often...He needs to be disciplined and make his adjustments early or this will be miserable for him." John said that a bit grimly. He would do what he had to do, though. It was his duty to his family to do what he could to make sure Dorchester sounded like an Englishman by the time he was Wilmington. "That it will be. I have an investment in him. After father dies, who else would I trust to make sure I get my children into good positions and marriages, you?" He laughed. Edward was about as good with politics and court as a horse was good at chess. "He rides admirably well, that's a strong headed horse. I will claim him as a Spencer, the moment that horrid accent is gone. Not to have to hear that French will motivate me to give whippings on its own." They sounded like they were talking underwater or while trying to drink something. It was horribly annoying. Not to mention leaving parts off words and the miscellaneous French words thrown in when the boy could not figure out the English words. "To Court, oh please, Edward. The boy's tall, but not more than three and ten. I recall I was about ten when he was born. Do you think father wants anyone to hear his accent? Ho! I think not." He shook his head, negatively. "I trust it will be much similar to what you did in France before coming here, tutors and certain duties when they are asked of you." John knew very little of the boy. He had no idea that the boy had spent his entire life at court and had most every single minute of his day quite tightly scripted. There would be somewhat more autonomy here. William listened intently to the two as they spoke to him about what was to happen with him. They did not even know. His grandfather did not even care enough to discuss his plans for William with his sons beyond generalities? Should he not know what time he was expected to be up and what things he would expected to do in a day? It was quite foreign to him, indeed. He had very rarely had a moment where he did not know what he was supposed to be doing when he was in France. "Of course, My Lord, I will try very hard and will sound very silly for some very long time," he said, deflating a bit at the realism of it all. He would feel silly and he would be whipped for the way he sounded. It was a crime to sound like he did to them, apparently. If he did not know what was expected of him because he was not told, he'd be whipped for that too, and that was no fault of his own with nothing he could do about it as well. As they turned around to head back (or at least William assumed that is what they were doing), William looked over his shoulder, "My Lord, I had always heard how grand the Spencer horses were here, surely you do not mind if I let him out and see what he has on the way back?" He did not much wait for a response, instead setting in his spurs and taking off down the path now that he had an idea what was in said path. It was never a good idea to go too fast your first time down a road or path. At least the speed and need for him to concentrate and react quickly took his mind away from everything he had been thinking about. |
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| Edward Spencer | Apr 8 2011, 07:20 PM Post #18 |
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Earl of Berkshire/Baron Denbigh
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"Well said, young Dorchester," Edward replied with a grin that slowly widened until it fair threatened to split his face in two. William was fast growing on him, and he was now of the opinion that the boy had tremendous potential. Oh yes, there was certainly Spencer blood running through his nephew's veins. It was a thought that he had to keep in the back of his mind whilst his brother pointed out the grim realities. Two months, and their father would be leaving Althorp for court. Which meant two months until he was likely stuck with the boy for a little while, as Edward could see already that he would likely be spending a great deal of quality time with William. Might as well make sure that a bedchamber was ready at Denbigh for the boy to claim as his, yes? And perhaps while he was at it, he would stop somewhere and pick up a pretty bauble of some sort to appease his wife so that she would not be so upset at the notion of a long-term guest. "And I shall wager that he leaves within the month," Eddie replied, snorting with amusement. "And if he takes the boy with him, then surely it will be no more than a fortnight--if that--before the boy is sent to stay with me for a while." On second thought, perhaps he'd best make it a very nice bauble. A jeweled necklace, perhaps? Edward rode along in relative silence as he mulled this over. "True, the boy will likely take his education with the others, so we are at least relieved of that duty outright, save for checking on his progress incessantly. However, I daresay that the boy's combat skills training will be left up to us, more likely me." And how did he get so lucky? Because he wasn't the one with several children already. He was beginning to think that he was likely getting the short end of the stick, here. He let out a laboured sigh. "I am quite certain, brother, that it will be miserable for him. You know as well as I, that Father will remind the boy that he dislikes the French greatly." Not that Edward was looking forward to "beating the French" out of the boy, for something that really wasn't his fault. But he would do so, because it was expected of him. "What? You do not think me capable to arrange good positions and marriages for your children?" Edward laughed out loud, the sound carrying far in the air. "I think it should be quite simple ... you tell me what arrangements you wish made, and I--along with my sword--could close the deal." In the Baron's eyes, there was nothing more convincing than a man holding you at swordpoint. Oh, so John didn't think that William would be taken to court? "Who said that Father would be the one taking the boy to court? I believe I implied that it would be one of us--most likely me--who takes him to court." Oh yes, he could see his father dumping that responsibility on him as well as the rest. In fact, Edward could see his father dumping quite a bit on him, when it came to Dorchester. He nodded as John speculated to the boy what his life might be like. How tactful of him to leave out what would surely be daily whippings, yes? And of course, the boy stated that he would try very hard. "Do not try, do so," he said to the boy a bit sternly, "For I can tell you right now that my father will find that sounding silly for some very long time will be unacceptable. Merely trying is not good enough." However, he merely shrugged as the boy took off down the path. "He is nearly as reckless as Henry," he remarked to John as he watched the boy and horse disappear down the path. "Well, come along brother, let us see if he manages to handle the horse the entire way back." He set in his spurs, urging his horse into a gallop as he took off after his nephew. He finally caught up with the boy as they neared the Althorp stable, pleased to note that the horse hadn't thrown him off. "Well? Are Spencer horses as grand as they have been made out to be?" |
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[align=center]Bio :: Plot Edward is now Jure Uxoris ("By right of his wife") Earl of Berkshire, or Lord Berkshire [/align] | |
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| William Spencer | Apr 9 2011, 02:13 PM Post #19 |
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Lord Winchester (courtesy)
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John tilted his head to the side and shrugged a shoulder. He was not going to contest that it was highly likely their father would be headed back to court sooner rather than later. "I will not contest that such a thing is likely." He heaved a sigh. They would all bear this burden somewhat, but Edward was at disadvantage, because he did not hold a position at court and seemed to have little interest. That meant, in their father's eyes, he had far more time to deal with the boy personally. "Who knows what it is that he is planning. I am sure we will find out soon, once he has taken a moment to assess the boy, but I do not disagree with you; although, Edward, it really is your own fault. Not finding court appeasing has left you with the overseeing of the familial governing duties. Everyone has a purpose, I suppose," he joked. Honestly, John rather liked being at court. He liked the activity, and he liked being places where he could be noticed. He was, admittedly, a bit jealous of Edward. Besides being older, there was little in John's mind that made Edward such his better to have deserved a title. He had his own suspicions that it had much to do with both Henry and Charles' deaths and any problems that might arise from Dorchester inheriting Wilmington. It was suspicious that Edward was granted it after Charles died. "We should not plant any delusions on that for him, our hesitance will not help him, and you know we will be incessantly asked about it by our lord and father. If we report not seeing cause to bring birch to back or backside, or have someone else do so, you know he will think us a grand combination of daft, soft, and disobedient. To him there is cause enough clearly at any moment." John looked out down the path. "Father wants not a word of French, and we had best start on that. Dorchester can quickly learn to bite his tongue even if he cannot immediately rid himself of the accent. That, I suppose, is not as cruel. Not that, you understand me, I think some whipping will harm the boy, cruel reason or no, and I will do so. I would just rather...the first few wholly cruel ones come from father's lips...so we are not labeled as the cruel ones. I doubt, at least, you feel of similar mind about the boy as our father." Aside from being glaringly French and perhaps a bit too 'pretty' in his mannerisms (for John at least), the boy seemed a normal boy. Perhaps Dorchester communicated himself a bit poorly, but from exchanging few words, he could accept that William was Henry's son. "He seems to fit the mold of a usual Spencer boy, which means that whilst perhaps a bit headstrong and prideful, typical things of youth, he seems eager and obedient enough." Which was to say that Dorchester likely did not have any vices he could not see any of their boys growing up to have in some measure or another. There was no such things as perfect obedience in a child, that was why it was learned and taught and corrected, that by the time a boy came of age such things would be instinct and automatic. John shook his head at Edward. His brother bringing anyone to court was almost laughable to the younger man. Besides, there was nothing for a boy of just three and ten years there anyway. Edward really did not spend enough time there obviously. John would bet his father did not want their French abomination anywhere near court until at least two more years. There as no point to it. Unless their father wished Dorchester to serve as a page to someone with a position or office at court, the boy did not belong there. And again, to mention that would mean the boy would have to speak, with his accent. Highly unlikely. "I do not think you need worry about that. The last thing father would want is you teaching any of the boys anything about court," he said, with a snort. It was teasing, but there was some truth to it. Court was a game Edward did not play well. As they spoke more to Dorchester, John nodded at his brother's words. He opened his mouth to say something, but could hardly say anything as the boy asked to let the horse out and then spurred off. "Apparently," he said, taking off down the path as well. Dorchester ran his hands up the neck of the horse. Sang Dieu, he rather liked this horse. Perhaps he would get to keep it as his. They were all going to be his at some point anyway, right? Such a thing could almost make all of this worth it, because he could not see him enjoying himself much. The only company he had was his baby brother. Aside from pestering him at night and insisting on coming in his bed, that really was little consolation to a boy who had been quite popular and surrounded by people. He pulled his horse down to a walk and gave it a pat on the neck, as he hopped off, handing the reins to a waiting servant. "That one was fairly grand, My Lord, yes. I am much appreciative to you, Sir John, for picking me out a fresh horse." He smiled a bit genuinely for the first time as the servant led the horse off to walk it cool. "Would it be..." he trailed off, gesturing with his hand trying to figure out what word he was looking for. "Présomptueux...you know...the sort of thing that means expecting something, erm, impertinently...Presumptuous! Would it be presumptuous to ask if we might go inside for something to drink?" He had jumped around with a sword and then gone on a decently long ride, plus he had been traveling for days before that, so he found his body seemed to be recuperating from it. |
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| Edward Spencer | Apr 9 2011, 07:19 PM Post #20 |
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Earl of Berkshire/Baron Denbigh
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The fact that John remained silent, told Edward that he was on the right track. Their father would be leaving Althorp for court soon, probably much sooner than later. Now, as to whether or not Dorchester was taken along ... ah, that was the debate there, albeit a rather short one. What was almost disturbing was that John seemed to agree that Edward would likely be the one who spent the most time with the boy. It rankled the Baron somewhat that his brother would point out his shortcomings as far as courtly ways went; was it truly his fault that he'd spent most of his youth training for combat, and then much of his adult life actually fighting? In truth, Henry had been so much older than Edward, and Charles had been almost of an age with him, so the implication had always been that Edward would never be expected to be at court, save for the occasional visit on official business. His mouth set in a thin line before he spoke. "The battlefield is more direct in its matters," he said, trying to hide his sullenness. "And you know as well as I, that I cannot bear to stay still but for a short time." He had a purpose, dammit, and it wasn't merely overseeing of the familial governing duties. He had been groomed for great feats of war, and he fully intended to accomplish such, some day. "And besides, the boy hasn't proven himself to be unbearable, quite the contrary. I believe that I can deal with him easily enough, and he might even prove to be an amiable companion to my sons. I believe his younger brother is of an age with our firstborn sons as well, so that could prove to be a good thing." In truth, Edward rather liked children; he spent as much time as possible with his sons. His only regret was that he didn't have more children. But God willing, he would have a horde of them before it was all said and done, as long as Rose didn't have any problems. And he had his own title and property, regardless of the circumstances under which he'd received it. In truth, Denbigh was happy enough with what he had, as he had not expected to receive any title. At least he could say that it was his, fully earned by him, and his hope was to be self-sufficient enough someday, that he did not have to rely on his father's allowance to help sustain him. "Oh, make no mistake, brother, I will report seeing cause to bring birch," Edward stated rather emphatically. "You tell me nothing which I do not already know. I fully intend to carry out any necessary whippings." Perhaps what he viewed as necessary differed greatly from his father's, but he did plan to enforce the no-French rule. He nodded as John gave his overall assessment. "That he does," he agreed. "So there is hope yet. I just wish that Father could see that ... but that remains strictly between you and me." There were days when Edward wished that his father could merely name another heir, since he seemed to be so dead set against Dorchester. And if the elder Spencer thought that Edward had any designs on the title, then he would certainly be in for a surprise, as the Baron really didn't want it. But that was most likely because he'd literally heard all his life, that he was not destined for such. Well ... there was also the fact that Edward rather enjoyed the degree of freedom that knighthood afforded him, in terms of courtly manners and rituals and such. He had been the sort of boy who could not remain still, constantly fidgeting, and even now he was given to pacing when he grew restless. Which was quite often. "How charitable of you to place such faith in me," he groused, albeit good-naturedly. "You speak as though I am too direct in my dealings." Which he was, but that was beside the point. Once they returned, Edward dismounted and handed the reins over to one of the stableboys. He nodded at the boy's reply, but then frowned slightly. Damn, but there he went with the French again. "I suppose we could," he said with the slightest of smiles, "But promise me this first, before we go. If you cannot think of English for what you wish to say, then remain silent until you can think of it. Do you think you can do that?" |
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[align=center]Bio :: Plot Edward is now Jure Uxoris ("By right of his wife") Earl of Berkshire, or Lord Berkshire [/align] | |
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| William Spencer | Apr 9 2011, 08:38 PM Post #21 |
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Lord Winchester (courtesy)
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John dismounted right after his brother and leaned in, his deep voice in a whisper, "And you wound me by thinking what is between us is not simply between us." They had a bit of a pact since being boys about being able to speak about their father without being later blackmailed for it by the other. The only real caveat was that John was not about to lie for anyone. So long as no one directly asked him anything he had to lie about, he kept silent about everyone's business, and no one had his loyalty like his brother. "And with the French again, God's Blood," he muttered as Dorchester spoke. William's smile faded a bit when his Uncle Edward furrowed his brow and then looked at him, telling him not to speak if he did not speak in English. "Of course, My Lord, forgive me if I gave offense. I am just out of practice. I only spoke English regularly with my honored father before he died and with some of my tutors sometimes..." He gave the man a polite and respectful nod. John eyed the boy as he apologized. He was very proficient at that and seemed rather sincere, but he would rather not have to hear apologies, and he knew his father felt the same way. They would all grow tired of the begging of forgivenesses and apologies. "What my brother means, Dorchester..." He trailed off and cleared his throat, gesturing with his chin to where he could see his father was now emerging into the courtyard and coming their way. Best to call everyone's attention to it. "My Lord," he greeted his father with a smile and a short bow. It was Dorchester who was under scrutiny right now, not him, so he felt little pressure at all. Especially as Edward was there. If their father was displeased, it would likely be directed at the elder Spencer. "Ah, my sons," Wilmington said, walking up. The man was in his mid-fifties, dressed handsomely even while out in his country home and not at court. "I see you have taken out the boy, and I see one of you turned him into a pin cushion...Edward?" he commented, not even bothering to look at or acknowledge Dorchester. "And how did he fare? I trust you have had him whipped for any short-comings, of which there are plenty I am sure, or will in due course?" After looking at his sons, he finally turned to Dorchester, "Go, boy, and see to your brother." William turned when Sir John stopped talking and gestured as if someone was coming up behind him. His heart beat a little faster when he saw his grandfather. His lesson from the night before had stuck with him, when he had accidentally addressed his Uncle Edward improperly. He said nothing other than, "Good day, My Lord," as he bowed to the man. He blinked when the man started asking about if he had been whipped yet, but he had been told by his uncles that such was the case. It looked to be the honest and real truth. Hardly any exchange took place before his grandfather unceremoniously dismissed him in a manner that made him feel like a common and unfavoured servant. Far from wishing to be labeled stupid or with common manners that would match the way he had just been treated, William bowed his assent and left, wordlessly. |
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| Edward Spencer | Apr 9 2011, 09:32 PM Post #22 |
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Earl of Berkshire/Baron Denbigh
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Edward smiled faintly. "Merely checking to see that you have not taken on any new mannerisms learned at court, brother," he replied innocently, and then he chuckled before his face grew solemn. "But of course I know that what passes between us, remains between us." He leaned in as well, speaking in a low voice. As much as John ribbed him for not being one for court, Edward liked to rib him for being more ... courtly. He said nothing, but merely smiled to himself as John muttered under his breath about Dorchester. In truth, it was likely a good thing that the boy was most likely to end up with Edward, as John was likely to lose patience with him quite quickly. Not that Edward was going to tolerate the French for very long, you understand. Nor was he going to tolerate the apologies for much longer; in fact, he was starting to tire of the apologies already. "The tally is ..." Edward started to warn the boy, but trailed off as John cleared his throat. He followed his brother's gesture and saw his father entering the courtyard. Ah, speak of the devil and he doeth appear. He smiled at his father in kind, giving a short bow as he greeted the man with, "My Lord." Sure enough, very little escaped the man. Nothing new, there. "Yes, my Lord, that would be me," he nodded, knowing that he was the one who was to speak now. "I thought to test the boy on his sword skills, to see what I had to work with. He is quick on his feet but it soon became clear that he needs work, as I not only nicked him but hit him with the flat of my blade several times." He spoke this in a matter-of-fact tone, giving a neutral assessment of the situation. Ah, of course, and there it was. The expectation that they would have whipped the boy already. It bothered Edward somewhat, that his father didn't even look at Dorchester or acknowledge him. Good God, the boy was to be his heir! Was he really that incapable of looking past the French heritage? "We are keeping a tally, my Lord," Edward replied, inclining his head slightly, "As we quickly discovered that we would be spending all day doing naught but having him whipped for his shortcomings." Was he going to admit that he was merely giving the boy a "free" day as it were, to observe him and see what he was in for? Not in so many words. "The tally has grown long, my Lord, and his whipping will come in due course." He watched with a neutral expression as his father finally addressed the boy, his heart sinking a little in the process. He could not even address Dorchester by name? At least the boy left without a word, otherwise he would have likely earned himself another whipping. This did not bode well for Dorchester at all. |
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[align=center]Bio :: Plot Edward is now Jure Uxoris ("By right of his wife") Earl of Berkshire, or Lord Berkshire [/align] | |
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| William Spencer | Apr 9 2011, 10:07 PM Post #23 |
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Lord Winchester (courtesy)
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Wilmington looked his sons over and then focused on Edward more specifically. He recounted the tales of Dorchester's prowess, or lack thereof, with a sword. There had been little dribbles of blood all over the boy's white linen shirt. Apparently, the little French boy had not much hope of being good for anything other than dancing. He was sure the boy would be quite good at that. "Tally? Well that is promising," he said sarcastically, "Although I do understand your point, Edward. By the time you got to the riding, there would not have been much point to it. I doubt Dorchester would have been as exuberant and reckless with his arse coming down in the saddle as he galloped in if you had not decided to keep tally." Of course his son promised that he would carry out his wishes on disciplining the boy. They had to make short time of turning this spawn of Henry's into an Englishman. "See that it does, Edward, John..." He looked at both of them in turn. "Come, let us talk about what you observed." CLOSED |
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6:26 AM Jul 11