Coming from Dover/Breakfast with Blakeney


Armand had been woken up early that morning when he'd heard a horse leaving the manor. He'd looked out his window, but he had seen nothing. Exhausted, he was asleep before he had hit the pillows.

The next morning, he was up late. It was nearly noon when he was outside finally. With no appetite, he went wandering through the gardens. It had to have been Percy he'd heard leave last night. When he'd woken up, the baronet was gone.

It had been past noon. The sun shone high in the sky and Blakeney took off his black gloves and cloak, stuffing them into a tree on one of the many stops he had along the way in the woods near Blakeney Manor. He had been riding to Dover all night, spoke with Ayden, learned of Paul's news, and turned right around to ride back to Richmond. He laughed to himself. All of London wondered why he yawned and acted lazy so often.

It occurred to him that giving the excuse of an early ride on Sultan, one that had him gone all morning, was not going to satisfy his question asking wife. It took Blakeney a while to figure out the perfect plan, for his mind was sleep deprived. Never faltering to come up with a scheme when pressed, the idea finally came to him and it was the inane laugh of Sir Percy that sounded on the trail.,

One stop was made. Just one.

As he approached the lands of his inheritance, Blakeney slowed Sultan down, and held close to him the "present" he was bringing back. The tired lazy blues searched out the Manor in the distance. He was not sure, but he swore he could make out Marguerite and her brother towards the side of the house. As he neared, the figures moved to the back and out of his vision. The Baronet was tired; the forms could have easily been part of his staff.

He stuck his fingers in his mouth and gave a sharp whistle and then Sir Percy called merrily, "Armand! Marguerite!" As he moved around to the side of the house, Sir Percy was seen in a dark riding outfit on top of a weary Sultan. Coming along behind them was a dark black steed with two white front socks. The yearling was young but the swiftest steed promised to Blakeney from his favorite ranching source. When you pay well, they tend to serve you on quick notice.

Bringing Sultan and the young horse into a prance across the stable yards, Sir Percy laughed and looked for Armand. "I swear, the demmed thing just followed me home. I said "Shoo. Shoo. Go away you beast." but it did not listen. I will look for you to care for it Armand as it has the personality of a young sprout." Sitting still high on Sultan, Sir Percy laughed and brought the reins of the black horse about to pass on. He tried to steal a quick glance at Marguerite, for she knew of his plans prior.

Percy spoke when he saw Armand, and the boy was aghast. "For me?" He stammered. The horse was beautiful-- black with white legs... It was young, but full grown and obviously swift, from the looks of it. "Percy, I... I don't know what to say... I..." He smiled shyly. "Thank you. He rubbed the horse's nose. "What's its name?"

Sir Percy handed over the reins to Armand and covered his mouth in a languid yawn. "Well, now," he swung his leg over Sultan's back and dismounted. He nodded at a nearby stable boy, who took Sultan's reins so he could be properly watered and fed. "When I was not shooing him away, I tried to strike up a conversation. I do not speak horse very well, so he never told me his name that I could understand."

Armand laughed. "Well, I suppose that's one reason." He began to think of names.

Blakeney stood there and watched boy and horse. His lazy blues stole a glance at Marguerite, and then quickly he looked back to Armand. "Well don't just stand there. Name the beast so it knows what its going to be called." Blakeney called for a saddle to be given and stepped back to watch, leaning again a fence post.

Armand had never named a horse before. But he'd always liked the name Lawrence, and he decided on that. He asked Percy what he thought. "It.. it's not very horse-like, I don't think. But I've always liked it..." He shrugged.

"Lawrence?!?" Sir Percy laughed and grabbed at his sides. "Lawrence? Bless your little brain, I've heard better names on horses that were long deceased." Bringing about his handkerchief, the lack of sleep and the funniness of the demmed name Armand picked out was nearly making Blakeney's eyes water.

"He's your horse Sprout. Call him Lucifer it if suits you." Sir Percy still giggled at the name and kept repeating it under his breath which caused him to only go into more fits of laughter. The handkerchief he dabbed at his eyes.

"Maybe I will," Armand said, annoyed. All right, so maybe not Lawrence... "Percival works, but we seem to have surplus of those." Armand cast an annoyed look at Percy, who was nearly on the ground he was laughing so hard. "Oh, be quiet and stop antagonizing me. I really should name him after you, but I wouldn't saddle such poor, innocent creature with a name like 'Percival'."

Well, what in the hell was he going to name it?

"Julien."

The tired eyes teared up harder and Sir Percy had to lean into the wooden ranch post to keep from falling on his pampered British arse. "Percival is a fine name. Devilishly handsome and striking. Like the front end of that horse." If Armand was going to try and use his name against him, at least he was going to direct which end.

"I was leaning more towards the back end." He was really starting to get on his nerves.

"Julien Mmmm? Well, doesn't that just sound delightful. A black horse with two with feet things named Julien. I suppose that will do Armand, although really, the demmed creature just might like to be Sprout. In fact, maybe that IS what he tried to tell me when I was not shooing him about. Sprout just very well might be his name." Blakeney dabbed at his eyes, leaning into the post giggling inanely.

That was it. "All right, Percy, you've had your fun. Stop already." He didn't mention that the name Julien was the name of his best friend, who had been guillotined a few months before. That was when Armand's support for the Revolution had begun to falter.

Still dabbing his eyes, he glanced over at Marguerite, giving in. "My Jove. Sprout really is getting a little too upset over this, now isn't he?" Straightening up, the Baronet shook his head and calmed his laughter.

"I'm glad you two like one another there Sprout. Anyway, I know thanked me somewhere amongst all my silly laughter and rightfully for a response, you are welcome." He straighten out his riding coat and tucked the handkerchief away. "Damn me, I've been riding all morning. I could use with a spot to eat."

Marguerite smiled watching Armand with his new horse. For a while she herself had been practicing, learning how to ride a horse herself. In fact, she was going to the stable to see if Jonas was there this morning when they had met Percy, but now that he was home, her lesson would have to wait. She put one arm through his and looked back towards the manor. "Let's go inside then Percy, and we'll see about some breakfast for you."

"Did you and Armand already have a bite to eat or am I the only fool who gets up and rides about on an empty belly?" She took his arm and he strided lazily towards the back of the Manor. If given the choice, Blakeney would rather have gone straight upstairs for sleep instead of eating. Given the fact that he had "only been gone this morning in order to purchase a horse", Sir Percy gave a languid chuckle and walked alongside the woman who took his arm.

Words of recently past conversations filled his head and he did not even hear her rambling on. At least, he thought she had said something. Maybe it was just in his tired mind that he was conjuring up words that came from her, but really did not. With a slight inane laugh, Sir Percy looked down at Marguerite. "Say whot? Did you just say something Madame?" He opened the door to the back of the Manor and waited for her to pass in his gentleman manner.

"I just said it looks like it will be a lovely day today Percy. Perhaps once Armand becomes acquainted with his new horse the two of you should take a ride together, let him get a feel for the horse. If the horse is as swift as you said you were going to get him, I'd feel much better if you were with him first time out." Marguerite said as she entered the door Percy held open for her. She had let go of Percy's arm as she passed by and took a moment to stretch and yawn a bit. "How did you sleep last night Percy? I had rather unusual dream, had me rather puzzled most of the early morning today."

"Oh, I suppose that will be fine. I've seen him take to such a beast before and he has done alright. But if it pleases your ladyship, I will go with him." Sir Percy followed her inside and stretched again, as Marguerite's yawn got the better of him and forced itself into his throat. He near echoed her and lazily sat down at the table, where the servants quickly took to bringing him his morning meal.

"I suppose I slept as well last night as I do any other." Oh how to cover the truth with but a few carefully chosen words. He wasn't lying to her. He just was not offering everything. "Tell me of your strange sleep Milady." He was glad to always change the subject away from him.

"It was quiet odd," Marguerite started as she sat down to have some breakfast with Percy. "I was laying down on something soft, a bed perhaps, and everything around me was dark and I couldn't see a thing. I remember feeling as if I was in some sort of a daze, and not entirely sure of what was going on around me. I had no idea where I was and it felt uncomfortable but safe at the same time.

He took to a bowl of oatmeal and munched on the fruit laid out before him. This, without a doubt, was Blakeney's favorite breakfast. So many years on that ship. It wasn't as if there was a gourmet cook on board. Sir Algernon kept his wife and growing son's lifestyle very simple. Very grounded. Perhaps one of the reasons Sir Percy was seen as a fool was due to his lack of arrogance to rise into his place as an aristo. Often the servants mused amongst themselves how the master ate plain oatmeal and fruit. He spooned another mouthful into his mouth, nodding to his wife as her voice rambled on.

And then, even though I couldn't see anything, I knew I wasn't alone, someone was there, it was as if I could feel their presence. I knew someone was there, but I couldn't see who it was or even where they were. I wanted to greet them, but then it felt empty, as if they just left as quickly as they came. A most dream peculiar I think."

He nearly gagged right then and there on his breakfast. Good god! That was no dream.... that was a direct response to his carelessness last night. He coughed and swallowed nearly at the same time, which caused his tired eyes to water again. "Damn me!" He snarled inside his head. Reaching for the freshly squeezed juice, Blakeney polished off the glass as if it was the needed Brandy. The coughing stopped and the gentleman quickly took to dabbing the corner of his mouth with his lap cloth.

Marguerite quickly hopped to her feet, nearly knocking over her own glass of juice, and went to Percy's side. She gently patted his back until his short fit was over. Once he had calmed down she retook her seat, place her own glass of juice in front of him in case he needed it.

"Demmed wrong pipe I say." He covered. "Odd dream for you to have Milady. Perhaps it was an angel to watch over you." He had no idea where he was going with this. All he knew is that it was HE that she spoke off. At all costs, he would have to steer her mind away from the truth.

Marguerite gave a soft, but sad smile at the thought, "Perhaps an angel." she said softly, though in a way she hoped it wasn't. There were so many other people she knew that needed angels now. Good people like Paul needed them. "Whatever it was, I wasn't afraid. That's a nice thing to feel, safe and secure." She stop and broke a bit from her slight daze, "Are you sure you're alright Percy?"

He nodded and went back to his oatmeal. A servant quickly filled his juice, having witnessed the entire scene from a far. Blakeney offered her the glass back and remained quiet as he continued to eat. Where was that damn Armand anyway? He looked over his shoulder, and out towards the open stable yards. He needed a relief before he gave up some information he hadn't meant too.

"Have you seen Sir Andrew yet Milady? I wasn't even sure if he was still about." Quickly changing the subject, he even glanced at the nearby Thomas to find out. A rarity for Blakeney to even speak to Thomas, unless he absolutely had too.

"No Percy, I have not seen him yet today." Marguerite said as she looked to see what Percy was looking at. "Percy, are you alright? You seem unnerved."

He sat there and silently chewed, hearing Marguerite begin the questions. He pretended to have more in his mouth than he did and gave a few hand gestures and smiles that all was well. Saved by the bell, he heard Armand.

With his hand on the horse's back, Armand walked out of the stall and up to the manor. He washed his hands and found Percy and Marguerite in the dining hall. "Well... I brushed and fed him..." He couldn't think of anything else to say, so he sat down and was nearly hugging himself with happiness.

Swallowing, Sir Percy lazily turned around in his chair to smile hearing the younger brother of the St. Just family. "Well, did you now? I'm glad you are finding Julien to your liking Sprout." He winked at Marguerite, always finding a soft spot for Armand. He never had a younger brother to kid, so for him, this was a fun daily activity.

Percy calling him "Sprout" didn't even bother him today. He just nodded and helped himself to his fruit, chewing absentmindedly. When Percy asked for Thomas to find Sir Andrew, Armand sat up. Andrew was still there? He didn't know that. He swallowed. "Sir Andrew is still here?"

Looking over at Thomas, Sir Percy covered his mouth in a yawn and motioned the older man over. "Would you be so kind to find Sir Andrew if he is still about the place and send him in?" He dabbed his napkin across his face and looked back and forth between the two St. Justs. "Damn me, am I the only one eating today?"

Thomas went out to find Sir Andrew and bring him to the Blakeney's late afternoon Brunch.

Andrew was still wandering the halls when he ran smack into Thomas, one of Percy's servants. Slightly startled, Andrew looked up at him, trying to regain his senses. "Sorry, I didn't see you standing there." Andrew blurted out, feeling ridiculous.

Leaning back, he felt another tired wave pass over him and brought his hand to his face to cover his yawn. Glancing down at his thumb and index finger, they were still slightly blackened where the match from earlier this morning blistered his skin. Blakeney dipped them quickly in the fingerbowl and underneath the table felt the sting as he scrubbed them against the cloth napkin to clean. He kept this up until he felt both blisters burst and then pressed the cloth tightly into them for a few moments.

Yawning again, he saw Sir Andrew come about the corner, from the direction of Thomas. "Well now. There is a bat in my belfry, say?" The Baronet smiled as his best friend and loyal leaguer entered the dinning hall. "Have a little something to eat, eh Andrew? So far, I seem to be the only one partaking in such an action as both the St. Justs in this room seem content to watch me stuff my face."

He brought his hands up and about, seeing he did a good job on taking care of the blisters. Barely noticeable unless you knew there were there and took a good look. Glancing over at Marguerite and Armand, he lazily mused, "So what do you two have planned for the afternoon? Should Sir Andrew and I take you out on that new steed Sprout?" His languid gaze shifted over to Marguerite. It was her idea, after all.

Marguerite nodded, "I think that's a lovely idea, the three of you taking a nice ride, and Armand," she turned to her brother, "I do up you take Percy up on his offer. I would feel much better if on your first time on your horse someone was with you." Marguerite knew Armand would be eager to take his horse out, and if Percy went with him, that would give her sometime for her own riding lesson.

Swallowing, Armand looked up at his sister.

"Wha...? Oh, oui, bein sur," He said, then blushed. His excitement was getting to him. Louise hadn't slipped with the French yet, and he had done it twice. "I mean... of course, Marguerite, if you think it best." He looked down, feeling foolish. "By the way, how are your lessons going, Margot?" Armand asked, finally.

Blakeney lazily looked back and forth from Armand, Marguerite and Andrew. It seems he would have to go riding today. If it were just the three of them, that actually would work out to his advantage. Already, his mind was plotting and planning. If all went well, he was going to have a most pleasant and relaxing afternoon. Sir Percy smiled and stretched.

Marguerite's face paled and she kicked Armand, hard, under the table. The riding lessons were a secret and Armand might have just let it slip. She looked over at Percy and smiled, it seemed as if he didn't notice.

Lady Blakeney was in luck. His mind preoccupied with the plans for this afternoon were running around in his head. They were making small talk and for the most part, Sir Percy wasn't paying a hint of attention. That only helped Blakeney make concrete the idleness and whimsicalness of Sir Percy. He never really meant it, but half the time he was thinking of other things and somewhere else.

He didn't even catch the "surprise" and started to move onto thinking about the note from Paul. Plotting, forever plotting.

"Riding sounds fine, but food, sounds even better." Andrew smiled over at Blakeney, who kept looking back and forth from Armand to Marguerite. The situation was actually becoming quite comical. "Only you forget, I have no horse." Andrew's blue eyes searched Percy's and he smiled, momentarily forgetting about Dewhurst. "I rode over in your carriage, remember? Not to worry, I didn't bring a shotgun." Andrew chuckled at the puzzled look on Armand's face. "That way, I won't accidentally shoot somebody's horse."

He was in the process of swallowing a bite of biscuit when Andrew spoke. He swallowed hastily.

"SHOOT someone's horse?" He saw the look Andrew exchanged with Percy and decided he didn't really want to know.

"It was an accident." Andrew quickly reassured. "I was about fifteen when it happened...Percy and I had gone out riding...he came up from behind me and I well, it was my own horse that I shot." He sighed, remembering the bay that had once been. "Demmed impudence, that."

Armand choked on the next bite he took. Coughing, he shoved his chair back, and, clutching his napkin to his mouth, he ran into the hall. He sank to the floor, coughing, laughing, and generally trying to breathe.

Once the food had been dislodged from his throat, Armand sat there gasping and trying to force away the laughter that threatened him again. But every time he thought about Andrew shooting his horse... well, it wasn't a pretty picture, but it was still rather humorous.

Wiping the tears of mirth that had run down his cheeks, the boy stood and brushed off his jacket and breeches, shook the coat by the lapels, and tried to rejoin the other three at the table. He couldn't eat though, for the continuous giggling that was sparked every time he saw Andrew.

He laughed hearing this old story and shook his head. "I will lend you a horse to ride Sir Andrew. And thankfully, you do not have a gun." He shook his head and flopped back into his chair. An almost tired slouch overcame him as he watched one of the servants offer Andrew some food.

Watching Armand shoot up like a fire rocket, the lazy blues followed and then looked over at Marguerite. "I dare say, does your brother always finish his breakfast like that? I can't say I've paid a bit of attention. Damn it all." He sat back up and reached for a hard boiled egg. Since it was going to be a while that he had to stay awake, he might as well stock up on some strength.

By the time Armand came back to the table, Blakeney had have a mind to tell the story, but instead looked at Sir Andrew to share if he wished to or not. He quietly ate his egg.

Andrew smirked in Armand's direction. "I'm glad you find me so humorous, Armand." Andrew chortled a bit. "Go ahead, Percy. Why not tell the young Sprout about what REALLY happened that day?" Andrew eyed Blakeney. "While we're at it, we might as well tell St Just about the time we stole your father's yacht in the dead of night and nearly ran it into a damned boulder."

"He has always eaten like that, except when I tried to feed him oatmeal." marguerite giggled remembering having to dash about the kitchen to avoid getting spoonfuls of oatmeal in her hair or on her dress when they were younger.

Andrew chuckled. It would be something to bug Armand about later. "I trust you don't have to spoon feed him now, milady?" Andrew tried to picture Armand fighting Marguerite over the oatmeal and wound up laughing.

"Mmmmm." He nodded hearing both Andrew and Margot. Blakeney took to telling the tale of both stories, although he didn't recall saying aloud that he was even thinking about them. No matter, he first told the tale of the horse. Laughter filled his eyes and he slapped his knee at the memory. So youthful and fun. He downplayed his part in being so sneaky and playful. He did not wish to let his wife know he was such a man.

Wiping his eyes with the napkin, he sighed heavily and shook his head. "Ah, the good old days, eh Andrew?" Still with a chuckle, he stole a look at his wife. Would she suspect him at all?

"The good ol' days." Andrew was still wiping tears from his eyes and nearly choked himself. "That was demmed fun, eh what?" Andrew longed for the old times. "The poor yacht." He burst into giggles, remembering how Blakeney had led him on a wild goose chase.

Nodding and standing, he was ready to get on with the day. "So, shall we take the young Sprout out for a ride Sir Andrew?" With a gaze, he smiled over at Marguerite. "I take it you will not join us on a wild and swift ride, Mmm my dear?" Moving over to her chair, the gentleman helped to pull it out if she was ready.

"No Percy, being I still do not have the slightest clue on how to ride a horse, I doubt the wild ride you plan would be a good idea." she fibbed a bit to hide her surprise from him. As he pulled her chair out, she rose to stand beside him, stepping up on toes to kiss his cheek, "But you go and enjoy yourself and keep an eye on Armand and his new horse."

"Mare say, my dear," Blakeney smiled and hashed about the French language. He stood there looking to the other men. "Well gentlemen, shall we? There seems to be a horse with Sprouts name on it." He smiled cleverly and tossed his hand fluidly in the air. "Oh wait, no strike that. A horse with Julien's name on it." He gave a foppish laugh and turned to head out toward the stables.

Marguerite smiled and laced her arm through Percy's before he could step away. "Perhaps I'll at least take a walk with you out to the stables to see you off."

He offered his arm out of habit when she began to intermix hers. "Charming, say? We will all just go and watch Sprout make a show. Come, see us off." He was in an extraordinarily good mood on the outside. Inside, he tried very hard to push aside the news he received from Paul and Ayden. "It isn't the time to think of that yet," he reminded himself in his head.

Lazily, his long and lanky legs strolled out into the stable yards. Lady Blakeney on his arm.

Marguerite relished in the fact that Percy didn't pull away or remove her arm from his as they walked out the back doors towards the yard. This what she wanted her marriage to be, and it seemed as if it was all finally coming together. She was content to be by his side, and he seemed to once again accept her, and the fact that he was treating Armand so well only made her happier.

Percy wasn't the only one hiding something. Andrew stepped back a bit, allowing Percy and Marguerite to go first. He smiled sheepishly at Armand, before his thoughts turned back to poor Tony. And even worse. . poor Yvonne. Andrew was seething inside but somehow managed to keep his emotions bottled up, as he was taught to do. So far, Percy didn't suspect a thing. Didn't suspect a change in Ffoulk's attitude or his sudden silence.

With his wife on his arm, Blakeney was going through the motions. He had somewhere to be and the sooner they got on those horses the better. "Well now boys, are we ready to take to the beasts?"

Marguerite stepped a side from Percy as the group entered the stable. Just near the entrance was Sultan's stall. Marguerite took a handful of feed, which the horse willingly ate from her small hand and petted the creature's soft mane before Percy had him saddled for the ride.

He watched Marguerite immediately go to Sultan and he paused a moment. He hadn't planned on taking Sultan out after the long ride he forced the animal to do last night and this morning. Taking a chance, Blakeney moved over to one of the white steeds and took into singing God save the King in his off key manner.

"Go on now Andrew. Pick any of the lot here. That other black is a most temperamental fellow. Might suit your illness best, say?" He did not include Sultan in the gesturing of horses for Andrew, and went back to his whistling and saddling of the white beast.

Marguerite turned around as Percy went to another horse other then Sultan. That was odd, she thought to herself, knowing that Sultan was her favorite horse. "Percy, aren't you planning to take Sultan for a ride?"

Sir Percy glanced at Marguerite with a smile and a laugh. "Why Milady, I take that old horse near every day out. He is the fastest in the lot. I suppose the others might become a bit jealous of him as I neglect them." He squatted down and buckled up the saddle on the bottom on the white horse.

While still down there, Sir Percy grunted and continued, "Besides, with that new horse of Armand's I want to make him feel like it is the fastest one ever born. I surely can't do that if I use old Sultan, now can I?" He peeked out from underneath the horse and smiled. In this white horses stall was only him and Lady Blakeney. He made it seem he did not want Armand to hear the reason he was not using Sultan and Sir Percy smiled at Lady Blakeney.

Marguerite stepped over to the stall with the white horse and rub it's mane as Percy set the saddle on. She could help but to laugh as the horse began to sniff around her, looking for food probably. She took a handful and let the horse take some out of her hand. She wondered what Percy would think if he knew she was learning how to ride. She decided to test the waters a bit, "One day, I'm going to learn how to ride a horse Percy, so that I can come with you on your trips and rides."

Raising a brow, his lazy blue eyes looked amusingly at her. "Really my dear?" He was buying time to think that one over. "come with him on his trips". Blakeney did not like that at all, but Sir Percy never gave wind of it. "Well, if you need help in learning my dear, I have the best stable hands. Why Jonas alone is the best on this side of the country." He looked at her and wondered how to handle this. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Blakeney added, "and if it helps, once you get the basics down, I would be at your service to help assist you further, should you desire it."

Marguerite had to work to hide her excitement. Percy was ok with the idea of her learning how to ride a horse! Not only that, but he offered to help her. Well, she had most of the basics down, so she knew the next time he left her behind, she would have a surprise for when he came home. Reaching up, he grabbed hold of the saddle and hoisted himself up, swinging his leg abroad and over the horse. Patting its strong and solid neck, Sir Percy gave a few clicks of his tongue and a slight nudge/kick with his heels into the back of the animal. "If you will excuse me my dear." His languid and very tired eyes squinted as the horse left the stable and walked out into the bright sun.

Marguerite followed Percy and the horse out of the stable into the bright sun. "how long do you expect to be Percy?"

He looked down at her and adjusted his cap so the felt rim shielded his eyes. "Oh, a few hours I suppose. However long it takes. I didn't plan on putting a limit, damn me." He smiled at her. He knew what he had to get done once out there.

"Well then, you may miss lunch time since having the late breakfast. I should expect you'll be back for dinner, and after a long day out I'm sure Andrew will want to join us. Would you like to arrange anything in particular for dinner for the four of us?"

He looked down at his wife and chuckled merrily. Taking out his pocket watch, he flipped it open, glanced at it, then shut and tucked it away. "Seeing how it is well after lunch time, that is a fair thing to bet on. Too bad no one will take me up on that gamble. I'm not particular for food at the moment. Something light will be fine."

"Is it that late already Percy, I hadn't realized the time." Marguerite said as she walked along side the tall horse. "But you will return tonight won't you Percy?" Marguerite looked up sadly, hoping his answer would be yes.

He looked down at her from a top the white stallion and then glanced across the yard for Sir Andrew and Armand. Where had they gone off too? Perhaps Armand was showing off to Sir Andrew his new steed.

Coughing into his glove, he looked back to Marguerite. "Of course my dear. You are asking me as if we have plans this evening. Last I checked the evening was rather open, whot?" The white horse was anxious to be taken out by its master and began to paw at the ground, causing Blakeney to turn the reins and move the animal in a circle around his wife.

Finding this sort of amusing, Sir Percy smiled and laughed. "You never did tell me when your Helen friend and that child were coming. What ever was decided?"

"Oh yes Percy," Marguerite's eyes lit up as he mentioned her friend. "Perhaps tonight we can discuss that further. I told her that we would seen a coach at the end of the week, that way she would have a few days to settle any affairs should would have in town."

"That would be find Madame." The white horse jolted his head around and snorted. Blakeney pulled back on the reins. "Easy now Sir!" He laughed and looked back down at Marguerite. "Anxious bugger, isn't he?"

That gave her another idea. "Percy, do you have any plans for tomorrow? Perhaps we could see about getting supplies for her too. That would be such a wonderful surprise to have workbooks for the girls, and maybe some simple books on history and an atlas. Could we do that Percy?"

She made him blink. "Actually my dear, make a list and give it to Thomas to take care of. Write on it whatever you like. That is what the servants are for you realize. I am not sure I will be available tomorrow. Business you know." He still hadn't figured out exactly what to do about Paul's note. For now, he would take the few hours he had to plot and plan.

"I can't do that Percy. Helene is so excited about coming here and teaching the girls. I'm sure Thomas or any of the others would do a fine job choosing books for the girls, but I want it to be special, so I think we should do it. If you have business that might take you to a town with a nice book shop, couldn't I come? I can run the errands while you attend to business, maybe at night we can go out to dinner or if there's a theatre see a performance. Couldn't we spend the day together?"

"Lud! Heavens no Madame. English society isn't as forgiving as France. My reputation would falter and take a great harm if you were to accompany me. What sort of man is a man who can't handle his own affairs? No... no nono. I'm afraid that just will not do."

"Percy, I'm not suggesting that I come with you to any type of business meeting you have, I was suggesting company for the journey, perhaps going out together, doing something together, perhaps letting me see some of England."

"Nay Madame. Another time perhaps, but not whilst I am on business. I can not allow that to be and it is not up for discussion." His grip on the reins tightened, and hearing his master's voice tense, the white steed whinnied a little and pawed at the ground lightly.

"But when will this other time be? We spent seven weeks hardly leaving each others side, but since we've come to Richmond I hardly see you. I know you're a busy man with your business dealings but don't forget you also have a wife now too Percy."

"Oh ho! Don't you think for even a small minute that I could ever forget that." Sir Percy smiled down at her cordially enough. "Just make a list and write down some book titles. Scan through the library, heaven knows there are enough books there to suit anyone's needs." He kicked the back end of the white steed and moved his way over to Sir Andrew and Armand. Calling over his shoulder, he exclaimed, "Make a list Madame! Thomas or Frank will take care of the rest."

"But I don't know of any good book for teaching that are in English, all my schooling was in French Percy. Percy!" she followed him to here he had lead his horse near Armand and Andrew, "Percy please, I need your help."

For God's sake, she was rambling on so. "I am sure since it will be your friend Helen doing the teaching, she will know which books are proper and which are not." Egad. Every single time he went to leave it was like this. This demmed riding lesson was her idea to boot and he could not leave the stable yards.

Snapping his gloved hand, which didn't hardly make a sound at all, Sir Percy smiled and laughed, "When she arrives, why don't the two of you go off and do that 'woman' thing that you women like to do so much? Shopping and eating and the like. I say, that is a far better idea than me going and dragging you down with my tired ideas." Blakeney smiled and brought the horse around in a small circle. Like he, the horse was ready to get started and out of the stable yard.

Andrew looked the horses over carefully. There were so many choices. Finally, he spotted one that looked...almost like the bay he had shot. A flush came to Drew's face. "Would you mind very much if I rode that one?"

Hearing Andrew still in the stable, he pulled gently on the reins and steered the white horse a little that way. He called, "Take whatever one you want Andrew. And for God's sake, it will be dinner by the time you and Armand saddle up."

Her questions were making him impatient

He hurried to Julien and rubbed the horse's nose in greeting. "Tiens, mon garçon," he murmured. He saddled the horse himself and led him by hand out of the stables. Percy was on a white horse talking to Marguerite as he walked the creature over to where he was. He didn't look happy either. Percy's behavior was a little odd to the Frenchman.

Mounting, Armand gave Julien a light kick, and the horse moved forward at a trot. After a few moments of that, Armand's touch eased Julien into a smooth canter.

Moving swiftly in a wide circle, Armand gently halted the horse next to Percy's white steed. He grinned.

"Percy, I want this to be a gift, and Helene's schooling was probably mostly in French anyway and why are you being like this. All I want is to arrange for some things for Helene before she comes. I don't want to hand it off to someone else to do, I don't want it to be just another chore, I want to do it to welcome her to the manor, and I need your help. Please Percy, won't you help me?"

Blinking in that very real shocked manner, Blakeney had to wonder if she had even tried to take a breath throughout all that. Lord help him. He married a murdering myna bird. "What do you want me to do? I have no taste except in fashion. Pick her out a book? Lud, I am not an account master or a tutor. You have picked the wrong person to help other than I can direct you to an acquaintance I have in London who I go to for such things. Really my dear. Welcome her with a fruit basket."

Seeing Armand come over, he seemed damn well relieved. Gracious, finally. Armand, what type of books do French girls like as presents? Your sister is inclined to think I am suddenly a demmed scholar."

"Coming, I'm coming." Andrew quickly saddled the horse and swung his legs up. He grinned, and gave the horse a gentle kick. Soon, Andrew was next to Blakeney and the young snip of a St Just, who was proudly riding his new horse. He looked like a little kid on Christmas day.

"I don't know. I never gave a girl a book, and seeing as I am not one --neither girl nor book-- and that your wife is before you, maybe you ought to ask her," Armand answered, unknowingly putting the conversation right back where it started.

Marguerite shot Armand a look, "Don't pull him into this Percy. What is so difficult about this Percy? All I want is for you to accompany while I try to find something suitable for Helene. Is my company suddenly so detestable that you refuse to even escort me into town for a few hours?"

"Lud Madame!" His face was fighting very hard to not get upset. She was backing him up against the wall and now both Armand and Sir Andrew were here to witness. At least THEY knew the reason he couldn't just commit to any given time or date. Why did he ever think this would work out and get married!

"I daresay I can't just guess how long business takes. It could be fast, or it could lead me into other problems that need my attention. If it were as simple as you wished it to be, I would be here to be yours to command."

"I find it quite upsetting and rather appalling that you can so easily commit to your business dealings but you can not commit so much as an afternoon with your own newly-wedded bride." Marguerite snipped, keeping her tone in check but her voice loud enough the nearby Andrew and Armand could hear.

The biggest fool in all of England tossed his hand about. "I have been far longer committed to these things Madame which if my dim memory serves me, and I know I do not keep track to date such as you so forgive me, it was seven full weeks I committed to you prior. Surely you do not think for me dealings in business would be caught up so in a matter of weeks after so long. For shame and damn me twice, if only I was that good."

"I find it hard to believe that you could put of business for nearly seven weeks to remain with me, but as soon as I agree to marry you and come to your home, suddenly business is so pressing that you can not even bare to break away from it to spend an afternoon with your wife." Marguerite said, her anger beginning to grow.

Armand was a little worried now. It did seem a little odd that Percy wasn't spending time with Marguerite. The whole seven weeks of postponing work did seem a little odd, but then there was the whole trip to France....

"Marguerite," Armand said, softly, trying to be the peacemaker. "Perhaps that is the reason he cannot spend time with you. Postponing work for seven weeks must have put him behind at some point. Lost time must be made up for, I think."

"I can only ask for your forgiveness Madame. I have done what I thought best those seven weeks. Now I pay the penalty." He slapped the reins on the horse. This entire line of conversation was, as usual, going no where. He looked over at Sir Andrew and Armand for help.

Marguerite's anger continue to grow and she fought to contain herself in front of Armand. "And I have to pay the penalty as well? Is this what married life to be? Me sitting her, all alone, wasting away the time wondering when you'll return and how long before you put me off again?"

He glanced around at the house and then the land beyond. "I only can speak on experience from other Lords and Barons that have been married Madame. They do not seem as tortured as you make it out to be. If you like, I can ask around at Club Black's and find out what the woman's groups are like. Beyond that, I can't change who I am."

"Women's group? A women's group Percy?" Marguerite fumed. "Why would you want to place me as a member of some sort of social gathering of that sort. Do you know what would happen to me? I know. They would look down their noses at me because of my low birth. They would whisper behind my back, wondering about my past and if I lived up to the reputations of a common actress. They would look at me and say 'She's one of them, one of those blood thirsty Frenchies that goes around randomly selecting aristocrats to murder. I am not worthless because my parents struggled when it came to money, my experiences as an actress is none of their business, and I am not a radical Republican who chops off any aristo head they please. I did not come here to be part of some such women's group! I did not come hear to become a target for their gossip!"

"Percy, maybe Armand and I should ride on ahead. . it seems as if you two have things to work out." Andrew felt a little uneasy as the argument persisted. Now what was he to do? Stand up for Percy and be little Lady Blakeney or say what he felt? That perhaps Marguerite was right? Other people's feelings should come before his own. Andrew discovered that when he met Suzanne. Now he didn't know what to do.

He had about enough of this. Time to regroup. "I can only apologize at the suggestion Madame. It seemed like a nice enough thing to suggest." He turned his attention to Sir Andrew. "No need for that Andrew. This is a topic that is getting out of hand and try as I may, I am not intelligent enough to please Lady Blakeney."

He turned the white horse around and had it face towards the gates to the pasture. "Forgive me for my small vision to your needs Madame. I pray I can only try better in the future."

"Then Percy, please say you'll give me a few hours of your time tomorrow. that's all I wish for, a few hours of my husband's time."

He sat on that white horse and stared straight on ahead. One minute she is comparing herself as the murdering person she was of the St. Cyrs. The next, she was saying she does not believe in the beheadings of France. Overall, this conversation was exhausting.

"As you wish." He said like the good defeated Sir Percy he was. He needed help and support and he knew he would never get it from the woman he married. Armand had tried. Andrew, in his way, tried to help even though it did not help. "In the morning, early." He turned and looked at his wife. He was already so tired. Couldn't she see her constant talking was killing him inside? Probably not. Sir Percy was just too good at acting languid. What did it matter.

"Might I take your brother out now Madame?" Like a whipped pup, he looked at her and waited. He refused at the moment to call her Marguerite.

"My name is not 'Madame' Sir Percy." marguerite snapped and stormed off towards the manor, forgetting her plans for her secret ridding lesson.

His languid blues followed her until she was safe out of ear shot. He had heard Sir Andrew and now glanced over at him and Armand. Lowly, he spoke. "I need to speak with you both. Now." He did not wait for a response and slapped the reins against the thick neck of the poor white horse.

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