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Two guys, a girl, and a...bookcase; tag JDuds & JGuild
Topic Started: Oct 8 2011, 05:58 PM (447 Views)
Andrew Dudley
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*December 1512*

Andrew was excited and he didn’t know why. But then why shouldn’t he be? He was proving himself to be more of a gentleman than he had ever been before. He had a purpose here at court helping with his brother’s finances, or at least his mother’s, and his brother actually liked him! It was good to have a brother he could turn to, but that would never be for Andrew’s selfish gain. And despite feeling a little upset that it was likely that his own daughter will never grow up with his niece or nephew, Andrew was excited that his sister-in-law was with child. She deserved it after losing her first child. Andrew though wouldn’t care whether it would be a girl or boy either and he suspected John wouldn’t either. John’s reaction, he knew, would be the only bad thing about Catherine giving Warwick a child. John was hopeless when it came to things like that, who else talked to his animals, like John did? Perhaps, Andrew should go on a trip just so he wouldn’t have to bother with his over zealous brother.

Andrew however, had not heard yet if Catherine had had her child, but he knew that he would be the one of the first to find out, Andrew wouldn’t be surprised if John attempted to tell the whole world! But Andrew wasn’t seeing his brother for this reason, though he was curious about any news of the matter, he was here for books. Andrew would only step inside the library and the chapel for a woman, so he wasn’t going to the library for books, he would just go annoy his dear older brother. So he was announced, purely for John to be warned (but at least now he stopped pestering his brother for money), and waltzed in with open arms as if he was some missionary. “Brother! Aren’t you glad to see me?” Actually, Andrew used to greet his brother in the very same way when he did want money, but he strode straight to John’s bookcase and began examining the titles. “No, I haven’t come for my pay like I used to, I came for a book…or books.”

He looked back over his shoulder at his brother. “Do you have anything on French? Elizabeth Spencer is teaching me, and I want to be prepared. Her brother might kill me if I say something…scrutinising to her.” Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted something that looked French, plucked it from the bookcase and flicked through the pages. His attention was fully on John though, despite glancing down at the text every now and then to see if it was good enough for him to understand. He glanced up from the book and asked. “How’s Catherine, any news yet?”
[align=center]PLOT: :BIO: :TRACKER[/align]
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John Dudley
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It was far too quiet without Catherine. One might even say that everything had reverted back to John's bachelor days with Catherine gone, but that wasn't entirely true. He wasn't up all night drinking ale and talking with friends, nor was he staying abed all day. So many things had changed since he had married Catherine. They were definitely for the better, and besides that, John had more responsibilities now. Even without Catherine, John stayed to the same routine as when she was here -- it just seemed somewhat more empty and hollow, even with Cuthbert flitting about.

John was sitting at a chair by the window, the book in his lap lit well by the candelabra with the fat tapers that sat in the window, acting as a sort of barrier against him and the frost and snow from outside. As happened with most of his visitors, he heard them enter before he actually saw them and it was... Andrew that was announced? He wasn't displeased at all, and only a hint of the nausea that used to fill his stomach remained as he closed his book. He and Andrew had come a long way in only a few short months!

There was an almost undetectable wince at Andrew's question, but then John laughed, rising from his chair. "In that case, I am most happy to see you." The elder brother almost asked if their childhood tutoring hadn't stuck with Andrew, but he then remembered that he had been the only one taught French, being the eldest. Instead, John kept his lips sealed.

It was brotherly concern and knowledge of Andrew's past that caused John to say what he did next. "I only say this because of your sterling reputation thus far, brother, but make sure that mistaken scrutiny is the only thing you might chance upon to make Lord Wilmington want to kill you." His eyes twinkled, and he laughed a little. "If Lady Spencer teaches well, perhaps you'll be our next ambassador." One never knew, and perhaps France would sit well John's younger brother.

"Nothing so far. It's not surprising, with the snow and whatnot..." John set his own book on his desk once he crossed to it. "I suspect I won't know until days, hopefully not weeks, after the babe is born -- And then it's off to the frigid north!" A wolfish grin was given to Andrew, and John added, "Care to join me? Cuthbert is absolutely thrilled at the prospect."
[align=center]John is currently in 6 threads! He can have 1-2 more!

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Jane Guildford
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Jane was walking through the corridors when the silence was disrupted, voices boomed down the hallways. Both were masculine, she noted starting towards them. The door to a chamber was standing wide open and she peered in. Jane supposed this act could've turned out disasterous, the things she could've come face-to-face with were rather indecent. She could see the back of one man(who looked awfully familiar..) looking through a bookshelf, another must've been hidden away elsewhere in the chamber. The name 'Catherine' caught Jane's attention, but she shrugged it off, deeming it Court gossip.

That reminded her of a certain Catherine Dudley.. a certain Lady Warwick. That should've been her! Her eyes flashed with annoyance, and anger. If only her father hadn't annulled the marriage! She could've been married to John! She could've had a title! Jane sighed quietly again. Jelousy was not a suitable trait for a proper lady.

It seemed that neither of the two had noticed her lurking in the hallway and she gave an inaudible sigh of relief. How would it have looked if they'd caught her listening to their conversation, no matter how interesting. She made a move to continue down the corridor in search of her good friend Andrew. And just as quickly, she stopped again. That was who the man was! The one looking through the bookshelf, it was Andrew! She knocked quietly on the doorframe, announcing her presence. A smile spread across her face. "Andrew..?" she said the name tentativly, praying it was him. She'd been at Court for only a few short days and her first task had been to seek out her childhood friend.

Oh how terribly embarassing it would be if the man turned out to be another! No matter, if it was the wrong person, she would just apologise and continue looking for him. Earlier in the day she'd been directed towards the Courtier's rooms. Jane hoped, if this was indeed Andrew, that John wasn't nearby. Although the chances of that were very slim, she didn't want to deal with the awkwardness that was sure to come with an encounter. Atleast, not today.
[align=center]Jane is in 1 thread and can have more.[/align]
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Andrew Dudley
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Andrew gave his brother a knowing smile. Oh how good it was to not be at the end of John’s rage. It was one of the reasons Andrew stuck to fixing his reputation. It was less stressful, loads more fun and finally he could do things for himself for once. John inherited much of his wealth, but Andrew would earn his, at least that was the plan. He still wasn’t quite sure what exactly he wanted to do, but there would be something out there with his name on it, maybe even more than one something. He laughed at John’s words of warning and nodded. “Oh, I have already found out how much he loves his precious poupée. I think though that I shall write him a letter to put forth my true intentions with his sister have nothing to do what I used to. Otherwise I dare say you will kill me first.” He grinned at his brother and then said seriously. “I truly don’t want to go down that road with you John or with Lord Wilmington, I hope though I can prove to him as well that I have changed. I don’t want to cause anymore dishonour and strife than I already have.”

He paused and then chuckled at John’s comment and nodded with a light shrug. “Who knows? Lady Spencer has already proved in being a formidable teacher. Though I actually feel the sea calling me, I might look into joining the Navy as outrageous as that sounds for me. But I have no idea how, if you have the time, would you be able to help me?” He flicked through more pages of the book in his hand, but was hardly looking at the pages at all. He had ignored much of his tutoring, never in his right mind believing he could be next in line to inherit John’s title. But now that he wanted nothing to do with stealing John’s title, he wanted to do things for himself and he actually wanted to learn.

After selecting a couple of more books from the shelf, Andrew looked up and chuckled at John’s invitation. He again tried not to feel worthless at the thought of not being able to tell people that he was already a father. If Christina had been any other girl, he would have married her, but because of whom she was, it most certainly had not been allowed. He had to thank her though, because of her he had already started to straighten himself out and despite the events that happened, he did not regret being with her. Andrew nodded, agreeing to the invitation, but then paused. “I would love to brother, but that dragon-in-law of yours freaks me out. If you manage to drive her out of her lair, send word and I’ll certainly come and join you, for I have a gift for my niece or nephew, you and Catherine will certainly enjoy!”

He chuckled and paused again. He heard his name being asked in question, and it being a woman’s voice he first panicked that it was one of his old mistresses come to find him. But when he turned and saw that it was Jane Guildford being announced. He gave her a mad grin and he set the books down on John’s desk before turning to greet his childhood friend. At least with this one he hadn’t slept with her and made a mess of things. The thought of course had crossed his mind upon many occasions, especially when she had been betrothed to his brother, but because of that same reason it never happened. And he being a man was ignorant of the awkwardness that may follow with all three of them in the same room. “Jane! What a gorgeous sight you are.” Instead he just gave her that grin and actually embraced her before leading her further into the room. “Were you looking for me? I was just here stealing some books from John, I am going to learn French! How funny is that?”
[align=center]PLOT: :BIO: :TRACKER[/align]
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John Dudley
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It was a comfort beyond measure to know that Andrew was finally... a man. He wasn't an immature boy simply looking for the next conquest, the next maiden to warm his bed. And his endeavor to learn French, well -- he was trying to better himself! John's heart warmed at the thought, and he vaguely wondered if this is what it felt to be a father. Which was silly -- he was and always would be Andrew's big brother, he would never be their father. But even so, John basked in warm pride for his little brother and again reflected on how thankful he was for the events that gave Andrew sense and honor.

"In that case, I wish you nothing but well in your endeavor, and writing to Lord Wilmington wouldn't be such a bad idea. French is slippery, much like eels... And the people." Warwick chuckled softly at himself and looked at his brother, the warm pride he felt inside glowing in his eyes. "I really hope you enjoy it, Andrew, and it suits you. I do know that I loathed our French lessons as a child. Un, deux, mon Dieu!!" John then let out a snort. "Has Lady Spencer begun calling you Andre? I think the name has an amount of charm that suits you!"

His eyes flickered over the titles Andrew selected from amongst his books -- not with suspicion, merely curiosity. He wasn't worried about his little brother damaging them or not returning them -- John merely had the mind that, if he could find similar books, perhaps he could gift them to his brother. Truly, he was willing to do much to encourage Andrew to stay on this path, but his younger brother caught him by surprise when he spoke of joining the Navy. "Do you fancy yourself to be an admiral some day?" He asked, only the slightest hint of teasing in his words. "Admiral Dudley -- I quite like the sound of that! And imagine the medals you would sport!"

And then Andrew called Lady Willoughby something that made John laugh so hard tears began to form in his eyes. Doubling over, John gasped for air, wagging a hand at his brother as though beseeching him to stop through his laughter. "By God! Oh, oh, I shall have to start calling her such!" He gasped enough air to catch his breath and righted himself. "Ah... Ahem. Not in front of her face, of course. She has a scornful look that could curdle milk before it reached the udder!" What gift could Andrew have?

Warwick's thoughts were interrupted by a call so soft it almost sounded as though it came from a mouse. John looked when Andrew did and was taken by surprise. Jane Guildford! He had not seen her since... Well, he knew not how long! It was surely before he married Catherine... And suddenly he felt skittish, unsure, and awkward. How should he act in such a situation?

Andrew greeted her quite exuberantly, but John gave a sheepish grin and bowed at the waist. "My lady." He greeted, his head bowed. Andrew was obviously more comfortable around her -- little wonder -- and John flushed slightly. "I have suggested his teacher call him Andre..." He mentioned, a grin fighting its way onto his lips. "But I am not sure it will stick."
[align=center]John is currently in 6 threads! He can have 1-2 more!

App! | Plot![/align]John Dudley: Minor League Whore

*BEARDY BEARDS*
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Jane Guildford
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It was him! Jane was immensly relieved she wouldn't have to explain herself to an unknown stranger. Similar to Andrew's, a wide grin spread across her face. It was comforting to embrace Andrew again, after the events that had taken place through out the past few months, it was nice to be hugging someone."It's been ages since we last saw eachother!" she exclaimed. "It's like you disappeared, didn't even bother to write, did you?" Feigning hurt, Jane clutched her heart with a pout.

"What's this? Andrew Dudley, reading? I never thought I'd see the day!" Jane's tone was teasing, although, she was half serious. Through there childhood, she'd only seen Andrew reading only when he had too. She froze when she heard John's voice, her muscles went uncomfortably stiff, and Jane turned slowly to face him. He must've been the other voice she'd heard in the room. "Hello Lord Warwick." The greeting was accompanied with a curtsy and a tight-lipped smile. The formal greeting left a sour taste in her mouth. She was so used to calling him John; but it seemed wrong now. Her nose wrinkled in distaste. "Perhaps it will, the name does suit him." "How is Lady Warwick faring? I haven't seen her yet, although that may be because I haven't ventured much farther then my chamber until now.." Although John was now grinning, her face wouldn't go farther then a rather awkward looking smile.

It would be her blasted luck! The one person she really would've rather not seen today would be standing in the room. She took a short breath which came out more of a huff. Jane wasn't opposed to him being there, of course not! But the recent events brought about a weird atmosphere. Her previously tense muscles began to relax again. This wasn't too bad..

"You're joining the Navy too then?" Jane glanced back at Andrew, and then returned her questioning gaze to John. She may have been stating the obvious, having overheard it moments ago, but she wanted them to confirm it. A frown creased her face with the thought of him dying at battle. She shuddered, no, one must not think those thoughts.

Andrew was different it seemed. There weren't many times she'd seen him pick up a book out of his own free will, much less undertake the tedious job of learning an entire language! "Who's the lucky fellow that's going to be burdened with the task of teaching you French?" A playful smirk weasled it's way onto her face. She would keep away from topics that would make her think such ghastly things.
[align=center]Jane is in 1 thread and can have more.[/align]
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Andrew Dudley
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Andrew felt oddly strange about this…he felt good being able to talk about things brothers should. For too long he had hated his brother for simply being the first born. It was only now that Andrew finally understood the weight John had on his shoulders, all his responsibilities he had to undergo for his King and family. Andrew may still feel left out that John got everything, but he was slowly realising that John had earned much of it, well to an extent. He inherited much of his wealth from marrying Catherine, but he was paying for it every day he had to put up with that dragon-in-law. Andrew would never have married someone if it meant having to put up with someone like that woman. And with his past, he sure wasn’t going to rush into any marriage anytime soon, which is why he thought joining the navy might be good for him. At least out there he might stay out of trouble, with a ship full of men there’s no temptations there.

Andrew then caught sight of the pride glowing in his brother’s eyes and his heart leapt. How long has he wanted his brother to look at him like that, or their father or anyone for that matter? He smiled and stepped towards John and patted his shoulder, once, then twice. “Thanks brother.” He chuckled softly and then paused, raising a brow. Andre? Um…no, well not yet anyway. The pet names she and her family have for one another, I shouldn’t be surprised should I? I let her at least name my dog…did you know I had one? It grew attached to me when I was with you in Windsor, but I never gave it a name.” He mildly returned to the books in his hands, only to grin at his brother at the mention of him becoming an Admiral. “Yeah, it does have a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?” Andrew didn’t want to have any false hopes, but if he could make his family proud with such a thing, reaching so far might do him good. “Now, we just have to think of something to do with Jerome, maybe we can marry him off to...”

Andrew paused then when John burst out with laughter to his mention of John’s mother-in-law. For a moment Andrew didn’t know what to make of seeing his brother actually laughing, for too long he had seen his brother being the serious man he needed to be that suited well with his title, but now Andrew was starting to see John in another light, one that he used to when they were young boys and Andrew looked up to John. Finally, he sported a grin. “I dare you to…” Andrew never got to finish daring John to call the Dowager Baroness de Eresby ‘dragon-in-law’ to her face as Jane entered the room and he went to greet her.

Andrew gave Jane a guilty look, but he didn’t say anything except a shrug. “Well you know me.” And she obviously did if she was surprised that he would actually pick up a book and he chuckled. “I’m changing, Jane, to be a good little boy like John always was, or at least pretending to.” He gave John a wink to signify that he was only teasing and stepped to the side to allow pleasantries be past between Lord Warwick and Jane, only to chuckle again at Jane’s question, he nodded. “I’m thinking about it at least, it might be good for me, right John?” But at Jane’s next question, he shook his head. “Not a fellow per se, but a lady…Lady Elizabeth Spencer, the Earl of Wilmington’s sister.” He then paused and pouted. “I’m really not a burden am I?” Well at least not anymore, Andrew was planning to change that.
[align=center]PLOT: :BIO: :TRACKER[/align]
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John Dudley
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John let out a snigger. He would have to be an ass of an older brother and now call Andrew ‘Andre’ simply because he did not favor it. Such a thing would build character, would it not? His eyebrows arched deviously and John grinned to himself. No doubt Andrew would have an inkling concerning the thoughts he was having – but he would have to wait and see what fruit they would bare. Andrew was going to hate the Hell out of him – but in a good way. His thoughts were halted, however, when Andrew informed him that he had his own dog.

“I did not know! Why have Samson and Gardening Puppy not met their cousin yet?” John tsked and wagged a finger at his little brother. “For shame, Uncle Andy. For shame.” Such banter was immensely enjoyable. “Admiral Andre Dudley, scourge of the Channel!” John sincerely wanted his brother to make something great of himself – even if he surpassed Warwick. Perhaps that’s what he had needed all along. Jerome, John had almost forgotten. “Sir John Spencer has incited an interest in me in which I wish to form a legion of Dudleys. If both you and he marry, we shall have our legion soon enough – And be invincible!” John had to restrain gleeful giggles. What an amusing thought, he and his brothers and their children crawling all over Hampton Court…

Andrew’s words petered out upon Jane’s reappearance, and John stood my, listening politely. Even with his little bit of humor, he was still uncertain how to act with the woman that had once been destined to be his wife. He gave a chuckle at Jane’s incredulous statement of Andrew reading and rolling his eyes to his brother. Even with the awkwardness, they were soon lapsing into a childhood attitude of comfort, even when Jane asked after John’s wife. “She is well, I thank you for your consideration, my lady. She’s in Lincolnshire for her lying in – which, God willing, will not be fore too much longer.” John hoped the degree of affinity he had for his wife in his voice did not wound Jane.

Andrew’s wink was received with a chuckle and a “What can you do?” shrug of the shoulders. Warwick stayed in his spot as Andrew moved closer to Jane, and he could not help but add in proudly, “He shall do a fine job of whatever he sets his mind to.” And how John believed it. He continued to watch their exchange until Andrew asked his question, looking rather like a puppy that hoped he did well. It might have been very unmanly, but John’s heart melted at the query. “Not at all, Andrew! Look at you… unburdening my bookcase! You are the opposite of a burden, would you not think the same my lady?”
[align=center]John is currently in 6 threads! He can have 1-2 more!

App! | Plot![/align]John Dudley: Minor League Whore

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Isabel Leigh
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Virtue alone is invincible.
This thread has been archived either due to forwarding of board timeline or because of a month of inactivity. If you would like to continue, please PM an Admin!
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