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| Left behind yet again...; Uncle Eddie | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Sep 9 2011, 09:34 PM (375 Views) | |
| William Spencer | Sep 9 2011, 09:34 PM Post #1 |
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Lord Winchester (courtesy)
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The Viscount Dorchester had not long been back in England, and he was loathing it already. His grandfather had been fast to remind him of what life was like here. The best he could expect was to be ignored and ordered about in a mean sort of way, worse than the servants. William barely spoke around his grandfather. He had long ago learned that it was simply smarter not so say a word. Nod and bow and appropriate yeses and nos were really all that were needed. What's more was that his formal education was now considered over, and here he was now on his way to proper manhood with fourteen year old baronesses paraded in front of him for potential betrothals. His life was now spent far too close to his grandfather for his liking. He was either staying at court in his grandfather's rooms or at Steward House most all of the time. His grandfather had gotten him a position underneath him--as Master of Horse--as a page of honour. It would have been grand in Dorchester's eyes were it not for his grandfather. He worked with some of the grand horses, and he accompanied the hunting parties and other progressions, sometimes carrying the banner and such. If there was not Uncle Edward always there to help him get away from his grandfather, there was Sir John, when he wasn't otherwise busy. It wasn't always possible though, as evidenced by both William's discomfort and the fact that he had been left behind. Lady Willoughby had not been impressed with him the day previously; he had been to teach her daughter a riding lesson, and she had mistaken him as a common servant and ordered him about despite the fact that he was seeing to an injured horse of His Majesty's. Despite the fact that was far more important than a little girl, his grandfather had not been pleased that he had angered the lady with his tone and words. So on the hunt that day, he had been left with the least favoured job amongst the pages: the sending off and receiving. He stayed back with the Gentleman of Horse and made sure that everything was in preparation for the large influx of horses returning. Instead of riding off, he got to hold horses and stirrups. Grand. In his green livery, he was in the interior courtyard working with one of the horses in the meantime. At least his backside had been saved for this infraction which instead took its toll on his back instead. It smarted fiercely, but there was no such thing as begging off and riding was a better pass of the time than standing about watching stable-boys clean stalls. The horse reared just a bit and then jumped a bit forward and fussed, but Dorchester pushed him through, collecting him back up as he cantered around the circle. He didn't notice the other presence in the courtyard there outside the stables. |
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| Edward Spencer | Sep 9 2011, 10:10 PM Post #2 |
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Earl of Berkshire/Baron Denbigh
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The Baron Denbigh had never been so terribly fond of court--he actually tried to stay away as much as possible--but there were times when it was absolutely necessary to be there, as he was a peer. In truth, he was more of one to spend his time practicing his sword skills whenever possible, hunting, riding, or raising his hunting dogs. Or even spending time with his children. Henry was starting to grow like a weed, Matthew was intensely curious, and little Rose was starting to walk and talk. In spite of tragic circumstances, his daughter was truly the light of his life, with the way she so resembled her late mother. It had been a year since he had lost his wife, a year in which Edward had become a bit more solemn, and certainly more responsible. Lines had begun to etch themselves into his face, evidence of his past year's trials, and his countenance was perhaps a bit harder. He found solace in laughter, and he was aware that perhaps he should remarry, but he certainly wasn't in any hurry to do so. And there was no lady at court who had caught his eye. Today, however, he was on a mission, one that he found trivial. His father had been complaining yet again about the young Dorchester; the boy was now regarded as slow for speaking very little. Which Edward found rather ridiculous. Of course, there were also the usual complaints: Wills couldn't be trusted, nor was he useful, and apparently he played cards. Again, Edward found these complaints to be rather ridiculous; after all, he himself was known to play cards. And his youth was certainly far more misspent than his nephew's, yet he hadn't suffered quite the same consequences. True, the Lord Wilmington could be harsh, but really ... there was such a thing as going too far. Moving with a lope that echoed his warrior's grace, he left the palace and headed for the stables, where he was quite sure he could find Wills. At least the Lord Wilmington had one compliment for the young viscount, which was almost astonishing. Edward had begun to wonder over the years if his father would be able to find anything good to say about the heir to Wilmington. The boy was easy enough to locate, in the interior courtyard. Edward stayed to the edge, watching whilst Wills put the horse through its paces. He smiled a bit as he watched, frowned slightly when the horse reared slightly. But Wills managed to collect the horse, which made Edward smile again. "Well. 'Twould seem that your grandfather is right, your arse is useful in a saddle, my Lord nephew," he said with a small chuckle. He took a step forward, and peered at his nephew's hands. "Although, I admit to being puzzled as to where your cards are at, as word has it that you are gambling constantly. Or have you affixed them to your saddle?" He grinned impishly, and let out another chuckle. |
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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 | Sep 9 2011, 11:19 PM Post #3 |
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Lord Winchester (courtesy)
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William was concentrated on the horse, so when his uncle's voice rang out, he was rather surprised. He slowed the horse down and then trotted over, moving easily with the stride of the horse until he stopped in front of his uncle. He gave the man a short bow, a small smile on his face. "My Lord," he greeted, "A..surprise...to see you at court." His head tilted and his eyebrow lifted as the baron made comment on his arse in the saddle. William blinked. "Did he say that, Uncle?" William said, with a healthy dose of incredulity. "I would not think him feeling so kind to me..." What hung in the sentence was the obvious end which he kept in his mind: feeling so kind to me after being so angry last night. The Baron knew, though, William was sure. His grandfather did not particularly hide that he thought William very worthy of whippings and displeasure. "Cards? One needs money to play at cards, my Lord," he chuckled. "Even if I sneak to play to perhaps acquire the amount of money one would expect of my station, my purse is raided or it does not make it past the table." He reached down at pat the horse's neck before dismounting and handing off the reins to a stableboy. "Are you to chastise me more? For a woman mistaking me for a stable boy? And then being offended that I corrected her?" He allowed a half-smile. |
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| Edward Spencer | Sep 9 2011, 11:57 PM Post #4 |
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Earl of Berkshire/Baron Denbigh
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Edward raised a brow whilst he attempted a stern countenance for his nephew, but the half-smile rather gave him away. "Indeed, my Lord nephew, there are simply times when I am unable to stay away from all the gossip and intrigue of court," he replied, bowing slightly. It was the gossip--plus the standing about--that got to him more than anything. Edward, who had been raised to be a soldier, greatly preferred a far more direct approach in his discussions. He knew how to plan and strategize, not dance about with words. He saw no point in the whispers of promises never meant to be kept. He nearly laughed out loud at Wills' reaction to his comment about the arse in the saddle. "But of course. I believe his exact words were, 'at least his arse is useful in a saddle'." He had no doubt that Wills had never heard that; after all, the Lord Wilmington was not given to compliments when it came to the young Viscount Dorchester. "Why is why I believe he has spared your arse in favour of your back," he scowled. Really, Wills didn't deserve half the beatings that he received. Truly there was merit in preventing the spoiling of children--Edward was all for that--but to be beaten for any infraction, no matter how small, that was going too far. Not that the Baron was going to actually voice that to his father, you understand. He'd attempted to do so once, with less than desirable consequences. So he'd circumvented by finding excuses to take the boy away from to time, as much as was allowed. Sword skills always required practice, which was essentially Edward's excuse, although that probably occurred only half the time. He chuckled along with Wills as the boy dismounted. "Perhaps you are hiding the money in your sleeves," he quipped. "Or so your grandfather would think. He seems to think that you do naught but gamble constantly." How in God's name the boy was supposed to gamble whilst attending to horses was beyond Edward, but he'd merely nodded at his father at the time. No sense in arguing with a stubborn old man of such ill temperament. Nor did it surprise him to hear that Wills' purse was raided. "Perhaps the mice have acquired a taste for cards," he grinned, clearly jesting. "Or are you teaching the horses how to gamble?" It was truly difficult to keep a straight face now. Oh yes. The Lady Willoughby. Or rather, a she-demon, as far as Edward was concerned; he made it a point to stay away as far as possible from the likes of her. "Perhaps," he smiled back at his nephew. "Or have you never been told that 'tis not wise to cross a Harpie? One could suffer dastardly consequences," he grinned. "Although I am unsure as to whether there is truth to what a Harpie might do to such a poor soul, however I do not wish to find out for some time." He clasped his hands behind him, letting out another small chuckle. "And such is your chastisement for this latest complaint." |
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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 | Sep 10 2011, 11:09 AM Post #5 |
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Lord Winchester (courtesy)
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William let out a soft snort of derision when his uncle made a comment about the gossip of court; he personally thought it rather hysterical. If one listened to everyone, what fanciful tales there must be. If half of it were true, there were traitors behind every tapestry right next to supposed ladies who were whoring favour with their legs spread wide. William had known from a small boy that anything spoken about in the open was not worth hearing or listening to; it was what was behind closed doors that was important. He had served wine and held water basins or carried trays of food behind enough of those closed doors to know. It was one thing that was the same about every court. "The pages and various grooms hear more things of truth and importance than any of the courtiers who repeat such gossip where others can hear it, my Lord," he replied, "And if they take their vows seriously, they are not repeating it. I would wager only about a quarter do." He shrugged. There were not that many positions which allowed you close to the King, and those who had them had strong powerful relations who had gotten them there. Those strong powerful relations wanted to reap the rewards of having placed you there and wanted to know every detail of what was supposed to be private. William had heard a thing or two or very little import doing what he was doing, but when his grandfather asked, he was also very willing to believe William stupid or slow. His lack of any coherent answer was no problem to explain. His grandfather's feelings about him did have it's uses. Not that his grandfather could have beaten anything out of him anyway. It was not in his character, and he was not ten and seven and for the first time at court; He had spent most of his life at one court or another. The presence of His Majesty or other high personages did not cow William in the least. For all that he had experienced or learned, the only thing he was used for now was what his uncle was now speaking of: riding and training horses. His grandfather likely explained that away as some sort of blood inheritance that William's own person had nothing to do with. Perhaps the man thought a crazy horse would kill him one days whilst he was breaking it to ride. "You are likely entirely correct, Uncle, but that too will come to purpose before long. My inconvenience has no weight on what he might use me for," he said sullenly as he dismounted. No life and duties went on no matter what part of him took his grandfather's abuse (or rather abuse ordered by his grandfather, who couldn't be bothered with the base task on his own and when he was, the result was worse than any birching). At the very least, he had the consolation that he did not get it as badly as Henry Percy. A sly smile came over Dorchester's face at the talk of hiding money. William did hide any coin that he did have, and he hid it everywhere. He had already asked his relations in France that if they send him anything to sent it to Edward or John's residences. The ones his grandfather did not ever visit. "Your codpiece is a much better place for hiding coin, my Lord, but perhaps that is simply something the French could teach the English. Plus, the ladies like when it comes spilling out," he joked, jauntily. "Although then they wish to keep it, pity that, eh?" He folded his hands behind him as he stood there, nearly as tall now as his uncle. He let out a huff of derision, "No, he simply takes it right in front of me." As if his grandfather would be covert about taking any of his extra money. The man literally shook him to make sure he did not jingle half the time. "And even I know better than to try and play at cards here, my Lord; one cannot play at cards when liveried. That is not to say that I do not...place a wager or two on other sorts of matters." Half his mouth curled higher, his blue eyes lighting in a way that said he was surely no dummy. Even when he had no money, different favours were often currency enough. "Well I was not aware she was a Harpie, but she assuredly informed me she was Her Majesty's principle Lady and that she would complain of me. It might have been more of a threat if Her Majesty were not so keen on Sir John and if--at the time--I was notseeing to His Majesty's prized stallion's injury. I do not think anyone would find much other than His Majesty's presence itself as more important than that...The lady obviously did not agree." He shrugged, it was of little consequence to him. He was whipped all the time; the threat of one more or a particularly harsh one for this or that did not alter his course much if at all. He did what he thought he should as he saw it, trusting his own conscience, and simply took his life and his consequences as they came. God could do worse, he supposed. |
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| Edward Spencer | Sep 10 2011, 08:05 PM Post #6 |
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Earl of Berkshire/Baron Denbigh
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Edward let out a derisive snort of his own. "Truly, my Lord nephew, do you think me to actually enjoy such foolishness? I am but a man of war, trained to fight and plan strategies. My strengths lie not in pretty words and empty flatteries, but in the use of my sword and armor." He shook his head slowly. "And I do not wish to get tangled in such webs." Such was his point of view on court. Why in God's name court and lawmaking could not be conducted like a war strategy, was beyond the Baron's comprehension; to him, life would be so much simpler. Then again, he'd never been much suited to the life of a courtier. A soldier, a hunter, a gambler ... such was more to his liking. But Wills ... he would be more suited for court, which had a lot to do with why Edward had no desire to contest the passing of Wilmington to his nephew when the current Lord finally passed on. "And such knowledge is why you shall do well as Wilmington," he nodded, in regard to the information concerning servants and such. He watched keenly as his nephew dismounted from the horse. "Your grandfather is an old and bitter man," he shrugged. "He has naught but a few years left of his life." If that, really. The old man had certainly held on longer than Edward had expected. "And 'tis also likely that you are growing too large to be whipped on the arse." This was accompanied by a small smile; Edward himself had stopped receiving whippings when he was ... gah. Actually, he had been a bit younger than Wills currently was, when the whippings had stopped. "If naught else, you've only a few more years to endure, and then you shall be rewarded with your grandfather's riches," he chuckled. "Whether he likes it or not." And speaking of riches ... the Baron laughed out loud, a rich, hearty sound filling the air at the mention of hiding coin in the codpiece. "Ah, I suppose that is one way to attract the ladies," he grinned, "Impress them with size, and distract them with coin when the truth comes to light." He chuckled a little further. "Myself, I would have to order a much larger codpiece if I were to accomplish that. As it is, I've no room for such in my current attire, and I've no desire to give ladies such a fright." Another grin came over his face, this one much more impish. Slowly beginning to pace back and forth, he nodded grimly as Wills pointed out that he could not play cards whilst liveried. "I wouldn't think as much," he replied, "But I was sent to investigate, so here I am ..." Edward shrugged slightly. "Perhaps he is perplexed as to why he rarely finds any coin on you." This was accompanied by a sly wink; the Baron was no complete and utter fool. He was aware of the parcels that arrived at Denbigh, marked for Wills, and it wasn't difficult to figure out what the parcels were. But as for other wagers .... Edward laughed again. "Sometimes the best gambling takes place without coin," he replied, and then he laughed again. "Harpie ... she-demon ... 'tis all the same, the Lady Willoughby is a self-important hag who thinks naught of others," he shrugged. "I for one shan't miss her when she finally leaves this world, straight for the gates of hell." Which was very much the truth. And then an impish gleam came to his eyes. "So ... as I am conducting an investigation, I suppose I must be thorough in my efforts," he grinned. "Shall we test your knowledge of cards, my Lord nephew?" |
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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 | Sep 10 2011, 09:35 PM Post #7 |
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Lord Winchester (courtesy)
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William smiled at the small compliment and bowed his head thankfully. He was not that used to compliments of that serious a nature here. The accompanying thoughts were quite morbid in more than one way, and he felt immediately guilty for thinking them. He would have to remember to say extra prayers and to repent of them and confess of them. Thinking of his grandfather's death eagerly was sinful. He would have rather circumstances left him in France, but that was a sin against his own father and God, who had put these circumstances themselves to purpose. When his uncle spoke of being whipped on his back, William pursed his lips and nodded again, looking down briefly and licking his lips. "It is fine, my Lord, I'd rather that than the alternative, and I do not think he cares about my dignity, size, or anything else. My back makes a small target with my lameness, and the damage inflicted there might be dire if there were not other targets." He trailed off for a moment. He had very little dignity left in that sort of a way. "If he abandoned it entirely as way of correction, I might not be here the subsequent day..." Whenever his grandfather sought to use fists and that walking stick on him, he fared far worse. He was afraid that he might lose use of his arm one day and his grandfather knew it was an especially simple and excruciating attack. "I shall either be rewarded with that or Heaven, God willing, Uncle," he said, quietly. He wished more than anything else to go back to the continent. Anywhere on the continent. This feeling had only grown now that it would be difficult to escape his grandfather for long. Coupled with being of an age where a young man was often scrutinized, he was apprehensive of those coming years. Thankfully, the joke about the codpiece was a welcome diversion. "I will confess it in not a convenient way for me either, as I have no need for added bulk lest it have the opposite effect. However, my Lord, when you are poor Dorchester who gets the meanest allowance heard of, three coins hidden anywhere goes a long way." His sly smile came back at this confession. It was more covert than a purse, and he had no large sum to carry around. "And there are other ways to make a bit of coin, more honestly, but I doubt My Lord Grandfather would be pleased with that. He'd rather loan my services out for free, to his grandiosity, like with the Lady Harpie." Dorchester smiled, "How shall you test them, Uncle? Unless you wish to get me whipped again--I should hope not--I cannot be seen to be shirking my duties when I was left here in Lord Wilmington's displeasure to begin with. The hunting party should be back soon, and I am sure that if my Lord queries the right way, I might be at liberty to be put to task by you afterward." His smile was sly and mischievous, knowing what bent truths needed to be told to assuage the old man that hated him. "His Majesty took out some ten gentlemen and various attendants and such this morning. My Lord Grandfather is along and may dismiss me after if he is so disposed." William looked at his uncle rather hopefully. |
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| Edward Spencer | Sep 10 2011, 11:23 PM Post #8 |
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Earl of Berkshire/Baron Denbigh
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It was a shame, Edward thought to himself as he watched Wills bow his head slightly, when a boy would become so grateful for any sort of compliment, no matter how small. Truly, he had administered his share of whippings to his nephew, but he had always kept them to a minimum and had also tried to temper the situation with occasional praise. Anything to soften the hatred that his father Lord Wilmington exuded in waves for the young Dorchester. Edward had even taken the boy with him as much as possible, although he knew that these days, those times were limited. The best he could do, for the most part, was pray that Wills survived the torment. The Baron nodded, his face grim as his nephew spoke of his shoulder. "Ah, I had forgotten of that," he said with a sigh. He had worked with Wills for so long on his sword skills using his left arm, that it was easy to forget that the boy had a bad shoulder. "Then let us hope that 'tis your lower back he aims for, that he becomes too weak to lift his cane very high." A small, rueful smile came over his face. "And I shall do extra repentance for such thoughts." Edward was certainly no stranger to repenting. Between his youth and the past year, he had done more than his share of repenting. However, he couldn't help but think that his father had a large amount of repenting to do, as well. "Then let us pray that Heaven is not what God has in store for you," the Baron said. He grinned widely as talk turned to codpieces. "Well then, you are truly a Spencer in that regard," he laughed. "No need to pad the codpiece." Although, he had to admit, hiding a coin or two in that area was genius. "And now I shall be wary of accepting any coin from you, my Lord nephew," he added with another laugh. Edward paced slowly, hands clasped behind his back, as talk then turned to Lady Willoughby. "True," he nodded, his face growing serious for a moment. The Lord Wilmington seemed determined that Wills live a life of poverty. "I know not what to tell you there ... unless it is, perhaps, to order a larger codpiece and conduct your earnings on the sly?" The impish grin returned. He paced in one direction for about five or six steps before turning to pace in the other direction. "No, I am not trying to get you whipped. However ..." The grin turned sly in response to Wills' own sly grin, and he nodded slowly. "I believe it shall be necessary for me to put you to task after His Majesty's return," he commented, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "After all, I've an investigation to conduct, and matters to attend to that require assistance. I believe we must think on what matters require assistance," he added with a small chuckle. |
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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 | Sep 11 2011, 12:11 AM Post #9 |
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Lord Winchester (courtesy)
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William could not help but notice the obvious faux pas in his uncle words and he battled for a moment about whether to make joke of them. He had spent much time with both his uncles by now, and he had far more liberties with them; as such, they actually heard him speak. "Well let us hope that is what He has in store for me eventually, my Lord." He chuckled, and it seemed that most of the rest of their conversation would hold much of that, and he was thankful for it. He had nothing to attend to other than literally standing around waiting to receive people. "None at all," he confirmed, with a boyish grin. "There was a small bit of rumour circulating among young ladies." Only the rumour wasn't a small bit of a rumour at all, considering what it was about. More than one brazen lady had taken hold of him under a table to see, and many a young lady was...right fearful of it. "Well, my Lord, I wrap it, or else it would jingle,' he confessed, sheepishly. "Not to mention I do not think that would feel good on cold days." Not good in the least. Although if William had to suffer it to not look like he came from some sort of poor family, that is what he would do. One would think he came from a bankrupt family for his grandfather's hording of coin! The man insisted it was to keep him from trouble and to keep him to honest dealings, but if this were any indication, it was sowing the devil's seeds of dishonesty in him. Quite the opposite intention. He swallowed, his mind being brought to such thoughts and again having a pang on conscience. William was not sure what to think of the times his uncle validated dishonesty in him, or encouraged it, but the youthful part of him could not help but be thankful for it. In turn, in led to him being very honest with his uncle, and not because he got away with anything, but because he trusted in his uncle's discretion; he trusted that only what deserved punished would be punished and should be punished, and he did not have one iota of that respectful trust for his grandfather. In France, he would have happily laid out his misdeeds for measure to one of his uncles or his grandfather--whomever had care of him at the time--and then do his duty of asking for their blessing and gratefully taking any chastisement. There was no such thing here. If he did something, he confessed it to John or Edward eagerly and let them correct it, rather than his grandfather. "I already do, my Lord...but one can hardly ask a man to not mention the service to his master, so it is only a matter of time before he finds out that method of financing myself." He knew that would be very bad when it happened, but he was a youth and did not have a concrete scale to weigh the risk and reward. Nor did he think that might lead said personages to question his character when they found out that his grandfather had not been aware that he was working with their horses. A smile returned and grew wider as his uncle went on, obviously keen on the sinful scheme. "Perhaps there is a matter that I can assist you with as well, my Lord?" William was only too eager to volunteer himself for such duties. "Surely from traveling you will have things that need cleaned?" He would rather it be as honest as possible. It was about at that moment that the hoofbeats could be heard of the returning party. Entering the great archway at the other end was the hunting party, His Majesty in front. He gave his uncle a short bow and trotted off that way as other seemed to materialize from doorways to take the spent horses from the nobles. William was as invisible in the action of holding the King's horse as he dismounted as he was any other time. Nobody paid him much mind and that was an improvement from what happened when he was paid attention, so he was content to bow and lead the horse away wordlessly as a line of grand horses were led into the stables. By the time he emerged, the party had disappeared and his grandfather remained, speaking to his uncle. "My Lords," he greeted, with another bow, wondering if he would indeed be allowed to go with Edward tonight. |
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| Edward Spencer | Sep 11 2011, 01:07 AM Post #10 |
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Earl of Berkshire/Baron Denbigh
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See, this was why he was so ill-suited for court, Edward thought to himself as Wills corrected his statement about Heaven. He smiled a bit sheepishly. "But of course," he nodded with a small huff of amusement. He nearly added that surely receiving Wilmington would be a step closer in that direction, but he had already had enough sinful thoughts that he would be spending a good deal of time in confession, repenting his sins. As it was, he was looking to spend nearly half the day in confession, next time he went. The Baron laughed and clapped Wills on his good shoulder. "Only a small rumour? You do know that many a rumour has a basis in truth, yes?" He grinned and chuckled; there was no doubt in his mind that Wills had partaken of the company of many a young lady. Much as he had, come to think of it, when he was that age. And he laughed yet again at the confession that the coin was wrapped. "Indeed, likely not," he agreed. "Wouldn't want to make the ladies laugh for the wrong reason, now would we? After all, we must ensure that there is truth in the ... small rumour." Another sly wink was slipped in the boy's direction. As far as Edward was concerned, Wills was merely acting in a manner that boys would. He certainly wasn't doing anything worse than Edward himself had done at that age. (Although, to be honest, Edward had pulled a great deal of misdoings in his youth, probably more than the average boy.) He was also of the opinion that his father was becoming quite mad in his old age, which was why he had no qualms about deceiving the man. His face became grim again as Wills mentioned that he earned a coin or two on the sly. "Then I pray that you take the utmost of care in that regard," he replied, pausing in his slow pacing. That was the last thing the boy needed, yet another whipping for trying to earn a little coin for himself. Yet he was certain that his father would do just that, beat the boy. And for what? For taking a matter or two into his own hands? He smiled mischievously at his nephew. "Indeed, the road has been quite ... muddy," he grinned at Wills. "I am certain that I can convince your grandfather that I have need of your services for the rest of the day." Was it sinful to deceive the elder Spencer like that? Yes, in a manner of speaking. But he also believed that it was righteous on behalf of the boy, to beat the old man at his own game. And Edward had been quite good at that, a time or two. It was then that the hunting party returned, and Edward stepped back to allow his nephew to do his duties. Within a matter of minutes, his own father had seen him and called to him, and of course the Baron heeded the call. A few minutes of light conversation passed, and then of course, the talk turned to Wills. Naturally, the old man's mood--which had been quite jovial--changed considerably, and he spoke with disdain as he asked Edward what he'd found out. "Nothing of use, Father," Edward replied. "I have yet to see any hidden coin on the boy, and he was working with the horses when I came to question him a short while ago." Which was very much the truth; no lying there. "He will need more watching ere I can find out anything more." Which was ... more or less the truth. "Perhaps I should take him to task for the rest of the day, so that I might keep an eye on him? It should give me the time that I need, and it would keep him out of any mischief that he might get up to." All right ... not so much the truth. Which was about the time that Wills approached. Edward bowed slightly. "Dorchester," he greeted his nephew. |
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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 | Sep 11 2011, 05:21 PM Post #11 |
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Lord Winchester (courtesy)
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His uncle slowed in his pacing, and William knew it was because Denbigh knew what he was risking; although the way Dorchester looked at it, it was something he risked just by breathing and existing. There was not much rhyme or reason to the consequences inflicted by his grandfather and even he was aware he had little to lose since he was likely to get whipped anyway. He nearly had little incentive to behave other than his own conscience and the memory of his father. He nodded his assent that he should take care in doing that, pursing his lips just a bit. Really, he knew he'd eventually be found out. He felt guilty for thinking that if he was properly seen to, he would not be inspired to be deceitful or to do wrongly. The youth knew that he should not care what others thought and that he should do as told, but it was a small consolation to his life to be able to have some sort of enjoyment among his peers and cousins at court. Perhaps it was vanity. Dorchester knew that it was not any justification that, by his measure, his grandfather's sins against him were worse. His mind had not blasphemed so badly in his entire life than it had in the last four years. Soon William did his meager duties. Once in the stables, he had one of the stable-boys hold the animal for him so that he could run his hand over all four of its legs to check for any signs of injury. Satisfied in the animal's health, he let the boy take off the equippage so that the stallion could be walked cool. His uncle greeted him again when he return, but he made eye contact with neither. It was his general posture around his grandfather to look down and be submissive. Lord Wilmington made him feel quite small. He bowed gracefully and quite low as he greeted them in turn. Wilmington eyed the youth with suspicion and disdain as he walked toward them. Edward had not found coin on him, and he had found the boy riding which is what he had been told to do. A whipping did the boy well, curbing his erratic behaviour into proper obedience for at least a few days. It was the only way with Dorchester. The boy was slow and would quickly grow to arrogance without reminders of who his betters were. "Have you see to the injured stud, Dorchester?" William nodded, his eyes still downcast. "Yes, my Lord." "And? Speak up you stupid boy." He did not move other than to say, "The swelling has not moved up and the excretions from it are relatively clear and lack smell." "Very well. Shall I receive any complaints?" He had been quite careful to do everything the Gentleman of Horse, his grandfather's deputy for lack of better term, had asked for him to do. William had a strong feeling the man precisely understood and sympathized with him. There was little to do about the entire scenario. He had to obey. William generally was not the sort to have many problems with that, as he had been in service to someone since he was a very small boy. His grandfather purposefully ordered him to things he should not have to do at his station and in his position. There was nothing to do about that either, but to obey. "No, my Lord, I did precisely as I was asked." Wilmington's grey eyebrow raised as he looked at his grandson for any sign of deception. He could believe the boy might have done his duties and no more or less, but only because the birching his steward had laid on the boy the previous night had tempered his impulsivity and stupidity for a day or so. "Your uncle wishes for you to attend him tonight, at Steward House, to see to his garments from his trip." There were servants and other pages and grooms to do such things, a plethora really, but Wilmington wished the boy to revere his uncles and not be arrogant about his place as heir. Were it not for his love for Henry and several complications which could arise in two countries by attempting to declare the boy a bastard or disinheriting him, Wilmington would have left the abomination in France where he belonged. "Yes, my Lord, I will do as you and my Lord Uncle ask," he replied, not wanting to do or say anything which might tip the man off that he was more than pleased to subjugate himself to Edward by any means possible, if only for a reprieve from mistreatment. "See to your clothing, then, and ready both of your horses." Dorchester bowed and trotted off at his dismissal, happily leaving his grandfather and his uncle. "He has been insufferable since coming back from the continent. Be prepared for the boy to test you and do not hesitate to stripe him up soundly if he does. I wish for him to remember he is back in England again and where his obedience should be in deference to his proper family." He paused and gave Edward a proud and confident look. His son was a man any father could be proud of and in comparison to all three of Wilmington's sons, Dorchester did not measure up in the least. "Now I must prepare to receive Lord Dacre. I will look forward to your report upon the morrow." It did not take William long to go back to his grandfather's chambers and take off the rich livery that marked His Majesty's servants under the Master of Horse and to clean it in preparation for the next day. By the time he had saddle his horse and Edward's horse, his grandfather had gone which automatically put a smile on William's face as he led the horses out. "Uncle," he greeted again, with a bow of his head. "I am grateful to you..." His smile quirked on one side and he looked at Edward's horse for a moment before his eyes flickered down, "If it were not for you, my Lord, and Sir John, I should not wish to be here at all..." His uncles had been very good at taking on more than they had to in order to keep him away from staying too long with his grandfather. They had imagined every pretense to place him for a time in the household of every aunt, uncle, cousin, close friend and ally that they or the family had. Even his time with his friend Henry had led him to believe the large, loud, regal, and powerful Duke of Buckingham was more benevolent than his own grandfather. "I shall make sure everything from your travels is in good order, lest Lord Wilmington checks...and now, my Lord, if you wish to gauge my gambling prowess, I am at your command." His duties were over, his livery gone, and his grandfather thought he was under the presence of a taskmaster. Dorchester, in an simple blackwork shirt sent to him from his sister and dark brown leather jerkin, was like a different boy altogether. |
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| Edward Spencer | Sep 15 2011, 08:07 PM Post #12 |
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Earl of Berkshire/Baron Denbigh
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Edward remained silent during the exchange between his father and his nephew; however, his thoughts were quite active as he witnessed the conversation. 'Twas almost odd, really, how the two of them acted so differently around each other as opposed to others. For example, Edward had always known a stern but otherwise loving father, yet the very same man showed no love whatsoever toward Wills. And as for his nephew ... well, the boy was certainly now very quiet. 'Twould seem as though Wills had taken Edward's advice to heart, which was to say as little as possible. And he had acquired a new habit, that of perpetually looking down at the ground. What he had a difficult time with, though, was reconciling the cold and nigh hateful man in front of him now with the man he'd known all his life. He kept his expression blank as Wilmington referred to Wills as a stupid boy; as far as he was concerned, Wills was anything but stupid. But far be it from Edward to openly disagree with his father. His face remained void of expression whilst his father informed Wills that he would be attending to Edward that evening. Indeed, it was deceitful to take advantage of an old man's edict that the boy revere his uncles, but it was a greater sin to beat the boy nigh to death nearly every day simply because he was half French. He turned toward his father as soon as Wills left, nodding gravely. "I shall be sure to watch for such signs of insolence, and to punish him as appropriate should the need arise, Father," he replied smoothly, his face serious. He wasn't lying; it was simply that he saw an entirely different boy from the one that Wilmington apparently saw. It still struck him as odd, how his father became an entirely different person when Wills was away. Here was the man that Edward knew and loved with reverence, one that actually smiled a little. The Baron smiled slightly at his father. "I look forward to seeing you on the morrow, then." Not long afterward, Wills returned. Edward smiled slightly and clapped him on the left shoulder. "'Tis family loyalty," he replied simply. There was no need to beat a boy simply because of his parentage. "And very well, I shall give you an hour's time to check on my clothes." Which were quite clean, actually; the Baron had already had them cleaned that morning. "As for checking your gambling prowess ... I believe such a task is in order," he grinned impishly. "Come, let us hie ourselves to the nearest tavern, as I am quite parched. 'Twill also be a good place to conduct a gambling ... investigation." He prepared to mount his horse, ready for the evening's activities to begin. |
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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 | Sep 15 2011, 10:28 PM Post #13 |
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Lord Winchester (courtesy)
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Over the years William had learned to depend upon his uncles to help him by whatever measure they could, and they did so without any fuss. He felt a good measure of guilt that he was the cause of his uncles sinning against their father, but he had never asked them to do it. They seemed to dislike the business as much as he did. His grandfather seemed to bring out everything wicked inside of him. Dorchester saw how the other grandsons were treated and how Edward and John were treated, and he was...jealous. And sad. William did not like this game, and except for rare occasions, he did not like England. He did not like being dishonest or disobedient. It was not the way he was taught by his other relations. He was too young to think about it too much, preferring not to dwell on his own sins and what he knew was wrong. Part of him could think that it was God's punishment for what had happened to his father and that he was circumventing it, but an equal part of him wished to think that Lord Denbigh and Sir John were the way that they were for a reason. He mounted his horse after his uncle, a smile on his face for the thought of a night full of the freedoms that his uncle was presenting to him. "Indeed, my Lord," he agreed. "But I am not a very good player, admittedly. but there are other things I am rather good at that you could test me on." The statement was said impishly. In a way that Edward might say it himself. He could drink, and he could bed a woman. As he gathered up his reins to leave the Palace, his uncle's earlier words came back to him. William was family to him and that was his reasoning, but there were some inherent flaws to that logic, and if ever there were a time to ask in more detail, now seemed to be the time. "My Lord...is it not disloyal to your father?" he queried, softly. "He is greater family to you than me, and God decrees our obedience to our parents..." William blinked, a bit hesitant to ask such a question that he had no much voiced before. "Why..." He licked his lips. "Why would you do that for me, Uncle? You do not need to do it for concern over what I might do when I am Wilmington, because I...I would treat you and Sir John the same in the future either way." Vengeance, pride, vindictiveness...they were all sins William would not aspire to regardless of how he was treated. At least he would like to think not. Besides, he could not fault them for obeying their father instead of tangling themselves in this web of deception. Tangling themselves and him, because he felt validated for being dishonest and righteous, and he was not sure that was a good thing. If there was one thing about Dorchester that was true, it was that he did not set out to do wrong with a clear conscience. He did wrong, assuredly, but not with a purpose to do so. Sometimes he found his judgment lacking or his reverence to his faith faltering enough to allow it to happen. He did not wake up with intentions of disregarding everything. |
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| Edward Spencer | Sep 15 2011, 11:45 PM Post #14 |
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Earl of Berkshire/Baron Denbigh
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Edward smiled wryly at Wills' offer to have him "tested" in other ... activities. "Perhaps. But the accusation was that you were playing cards, therefore cards is what I shall test you on." He shrugged. Oh, there would certainly be drinking involved, and likely some wenching ... but first, there would be cards. After all, the Baron was an avid gambler who was known to win quite frequently. He gathered up the reins and began to ride for the tavern, pausing when his nephew asked him about loyalty to his father. Edward's face took on a rather severe, harsh countenance. "The man I saw interacting with you was not the man I know to be my father," he replied, his voice almost curt. "'Twas akin to watching a stranger, a fool who lets pride and hatred blind him to the fact that you are of his blood. Who your mother was, should be of no consequence." Almost as quickly, however, a small grin returned to his face. "And besides ... I am following my father's orders. He wishes me to gather information on your habits, so that is what I am doing. And you are attending to me, such as he has ordered. He simply didn't specify how I am to gather the information, nor did he tell me how I am to have you attend to me." Was he being deceitful? Perhaps so. He simply preferred to think of it as outmaneuvering the enemy. Or rather, a fool. He paused again when Wills asked why he would do that for him. "I am aware of that, Wills," he replied quietly. "We do not do this to ensure any sort of deference to me when you take Wilmington and hold more lands and coin than either of us. We do this out of deference to our brother, your father. I did not know him well, but I am certain that he would not stand for this. There are times when your uncle and I think our father quite mad, and from what we can see, he has given you no true direction on how to be a proper English noble. And who is to say that my father's beatings would stop with you? He might very well strike my own sons in the same manner someday. Indeed, I vow loyalty to my father, but I also vow loyalty to you. I refuse to be so selective in my family loyalties." He paused for a moment. "And I cannot, in good faith, pledge blind loyalty to a madman. If that makes me deceitful and a sinner, then so be it. There are worse sins in the world than trying to make a sure a boy--family, no less--lives to manhood." He continued forward, riding in relative silence. "We shall reach the tavern soon," he said to Wills. "And we should have no trouble finding a card player or two." Which was quite true; Edward knew a number of the patrons, many of whom were knights that he had served with before. |
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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 | Sep 17 2011, 12:32 AM Post #15 |
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Lord Winchester (courtesy)
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Dorchester almost felt that he could breathe anew. His uncles were no pushovers, but they played a much more familiar sort of role to his uncles in France. They gave him that steady guidance and discipline that he knew they wanted him to do well, to be a proper man. His grandfather he never got that sense from; the only sense he got was that the man would like to kill him or torture him in hopes it would cleanse him for his inheritance. "My Lord, I will not hide that you will likely hear about that next...Gambling is my Lord Grandfather's highest concern because it involves coin and me having it." His grandfather had no issues with flaunting his wealth by clothing Dorchester expensively, but he would not allow William any wealth he could control. The thoughts of going to the nearest tavern with Edward, who was the more hedonistic of his two uncles, was a rare treat to him. His grandfather should have figured out that there was a very simple recipe to Dorchester revering anyone: clear consistency tempered with some care. William did not need much other than that to be very eagerly obedient. So as his uncle informed William of the way that he saw things, it was eye-opening for William only to hear it spoken aloud. He knew that the man cared for Edward and for John and for every grandchild he had seen the man interact with but he and Francis. The earl was different with them, far more cruel master than relation of any kind. "I do not wish to be the cause of problems," he replied, quietly. "That would end badly for me as well." It was true that he did fear that if his grandfather knew exactly what his uncles strove to do on their own accord, it would be blamed on him. "And you are right, my Lord, on the surface we are assuredly heeding his wishes." And the man would never be the wiser. It was not that which really bothered William, it was that God would know it was deceitful, but there was always forgiveness and penance. He was a boy, and he hoped God would forgive. It was what he had been taught and what had been modeled for him; a parent was supposed to model the relationship, and William was quite convinced that there were a few things he could expect from his Heavenly Father...strong punishment but forgiveness at the end, because there was supposed to be care there. They were God's children, were they not? Which made another sinful thought about his grandfather enter his mind: the man was disobedient to God's will, but that was not for him to decide. He listened to Edward carefully, and he could see some of his father in the man. Loyalty to family was very important. It was not until the man himself confessed that if what he was doing was sinful, he was fine with that notion, that William felt a sort of relief. He also felt that loyalty swell in himself for his uncle. The man would sin of his own accord just to make sure that William survived. It might have seemed a silly notion to others who had not seen what his grandfather could and would order and do himself, but it was a reality for Dorchester. His shoulder was an easy target and because of the damage already there, he could succumb to fever and die rather easily after injury there. "I pray your conscience and judgment and protection of me is rewarded in the end, my Lord. Most of my life here is wrought between the same sorts of choices, and I feel very guilty for it," he replied, candidly. "And confused. Nothing is simple here." His life in France was very obvious and simple. Everything very predictably structured and scripted. If he did wrongly, he was punished strongly; if he did very well, he was praised. As he rode next to his uncle, he looked at the passing trees, his mind drifting off to think of his father. Even ten years later, he missed his father, probably because of what the man's death had subjected him to. "I am only here for my father, my Lord. My grandfather Nemours would have fought to keep me, as your father laid guardianship of me with he and my Godfather many years ago; I am his heir too. I am here because I think it is what would have pleased my father, but I do not know anymore..." He had no idea why he was still doing this. For as much as Wilmington had demanded him, it was clear he did not care one bit about William. He likely would have been happy to see him not come back. He was sure there was plenty political behind it for Wilmington, and William understood none of it other than to think that he was stuck in a pissing contest between two great men, one of whom loved him and the other who did not. Whatever the political reasons each had, that information was enough for William. He had tried to show his grandfather here the willingness to give that dutiful sort of love and respect that God demanded, but the man did not even want it. His mind turned easily to his rare trip to a tavern...unless he sneaked...and he was not a good sneaker. If he went to one, he went with the knowledge that he was getting thrashed good when he returned, but again, that wasn't much of a deterrent considering he got thrashed regularly for little reason. This time he had permission, and he would enjoy it; his grandfather had not said what Edward could or could not do with him that he heard. "I do not have any money, my Lord Uncle, are you going to stake me?" he asked. "I will lose it, I warn you...but I would make it up in other ways if you wished." |
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6:26 AM Jul 11