Marguerite had watched as the Royal carriage made its way onto the
grounds. As it nears the door she dashed down the stairs. Dressed in a
dark purple dress, she entered the foyer to meet the Prince. She arrived
ahead of Percy just as Thomas had opened the door. "Your Highness,
George, Percy and I are so glad you could come to dine with us this
evening." Marguerite greeted him happily, giving a slight graceful bow.
George was suspiciously surprised at how polite and well..happy to see
him she was. What kind of game was this? Or was this a game at all? This was
more than the Prince cared to consider at the moment so throwing caution to
the wind for the time being he returned the bow.. " And likewise, I am
pleased as always to dine in your home Marguerite. I have been looking
forward to a wonderful meal for ages."
"Well we are pleased to have you. Percy should be down any moment, and my
brother may be joining us, though I'm not sure if he plans on going to
visit the latest interest of his heart or not tonight. Would you like to
sit down before we eat, I'm not sure if the meal is quite ready
yet." Marguerite happily answered as she lead the Prince into some of the
side rooms and out of the foyer.
"You have a brother?" he asked. "I don't think I knew that. And no need
to rush-I can tell my stomach to cease it's grumblings long enough to have a
pleasant chat with friends." He sincerely hoped THIS chat would be a pleasant
one. George was not prepared to suffer through another tirade of any kind
again. It would be best to change the subject to something safe. "So how did
Percy fare on his excursion?"
"Why yes I have a brother, Armand, I'm sorry you did not meet him at the
ball last week. I assume Percy's trip went well, although he hasn't said
much other then the food was bad. I trust your ride out from the place
was pleasurable." Marguerite said making small talk.
He was enjoying the conversation from his vantage point. He
actually snuck behind a door upstairs, hidden in darkness and
observing the two of them through the seam and crack where door
hinged wall. He had heard various different stories of the heated
argument between the two of them. He was hoping to learn something
or catch some insight.
For now Blakeney stood fully dressed in a small space between were
door meet wall. He vied them through the crack from the upstairs to
them downstairs in the Foyer. And it was there he waited.
Armand lay on his bed, remembering the night when he'd met Percy. The man
had teased him endlessly, drove him insane, and downright made him mad. On
his way there, Armand had had it set in his mind that he would never trust
Percy... yet here the boy way, pledging his life to him.
How ironic.
There was something going on between his sister and Percy, though. Armand
was not sure what it was, but he would bet that it was the reason Percy
wouldn't tell Marguerite. Not that Armand wanted Marguerite to know; he
didn't. For one, she would surely put a stop to it. Second, if she didn't,
she'd want to get involved, which would risk her life. Armand could never
live if he saw his sister go to the guillotine.
He shuddered, thinking how close Helene and Louise had been to being
guillotined.
It had been late that day when the post rider had carried the letter from
Helene to Armand. It revealed nothing that he didn't know, and it mentioned
nothing about the rescue or the trip from Paris. Armand didn't know how to
reply to it. He picked up the sheet of paper and reread it yet again:
He couldn't tell her how they were. Marguerite seemed fine today; no sign of
the illness that she had the night before. And how was he? He didn't even
know how HE was ... what business did he have telling how others were? 'That
will be decided later,' he told himself.
But something had changed between the lady of the house and the Baronet.
Percy was colder, more formal to her. He tried to stay out of her way as much
as possible; sat his seat far from hers at the table; was dismayed when she
moved next to him ... the list went on. What had happened to the loving pair
that Armand had been so horrified to find out about? Where had they gone?
Armand rolled over on his side. Marguerite had told him that the Prince of
Wales was coming to dinner tonight. "Be on you best behavior" had been
inferred. He laughed to himself. The last time she had told him that...He'd
done everything he could to try and *politely* get Percy to leave them alone.
It hadn't worked then, and thank God that it hadn't...
"Percy, what would I do without you?" Armand whispered as he got dressed. He
decided plain but elegant was the way to go, as the Prince and Percy seemed
to have a bit of a fashion war going -- each insisted that they were the
better-dressed. Plain blues and whites, little lace...
"Nice," He muttered, and headed downstairs to the foyer.
Well, it seemed there would be nothing more gained by standing in the
darkness behind the door. The Prince and the Vixen did not chit chat
long in the foyer and soon Blakeney could hear no more of their
words. He swore in his head a good Brit Damn and was just about to
exit when he heard a voice muttering upstairs. A smile formed on the
Baronet's lips. Oh... this was too good to be true.
Like a demon, the whole face of the Baronet changed. The little
impish boy of his youth washed over him worse than any memory and
Blakeney's sharp lazy blue eyes watched Armand pass by his hiding
space without even a hint of recognition. The only thing missing off
his twisted and ghoulish grin was a moronic laugh. Instead, there was
silence.
Quietly, the Baronet slid out from behind the door and even more
quietly he followed Armand as he headed down the steps. Perhaps
being all cooped up inside from Marguerite caused this sudden
outburst of playfulness. Being serious and foppish takes its toll on
one that is normally so full of life and spirit.
Without warning from behind, Blakeney suddenly grabbed Armand by the
arm with one hand pulling the sprout back into his own tall chest.
At the same time, with the other arm, he wrapped his gloved hand
around the boy's eyes and tipped the head back making Armand reveal
his throat. Dropping his voice good and low, the Baronet leaned over
and whispered into the Frenchman's ear with a sadistic
hiss "Reveeeeal my naaaaaaame".
What the hell...? The only thing missing was the knife at his
throat... Was this the man that he had saved Amelia from? How had he
gotten INSIDE? Percy needed to know ab-- Percy! "Percy Blakeney, let
go! What the hell are you doing, anyway?" Armand hissed.
He released Armand with not exactly a harsh shove but not a gentle
one either. He was playing. The Baronet was playing and having such
a fun time at feeling Armand go completely tense upon first being
grabbed. When Armand hissed out his name, Blakeney saw the
expression on the younger man's face and just laughed and chortled,
echoing in the grand staircase to the large empty foyer. His voice
boomed so jovially, that the servants in the kitchen smiled, catching
the familiar sounds of the odd behavior of their master.
He gave the shorter man a good hearty slap on the back and
chided, "You are going to have to pay more attention my little
brother-in-law, less someone else sneak up on you to 'do you in'."
Blakeney was dressed from head to toe in a light green chiffon and
lace ensemble on top of a dead yellow satin suit and looked absolutely
silly with the hunting grin upon his face. He draped a lazy arm
across Armand's shoulder and back and leaned onto him.
Armand staggered under Percy's tall form and pulled himself out from
underneath. He was still annoyed at Percy for scaring him. As he took a good, long look at Percy, he started to laugh: the Baronet was anything but the man in black.
"I'm sorry, Percy..." He said between laughs, "I was just t-trying to...
picture you trying to..." He gasped for breath "...'do me in' and... Good
Lord, you're anything but!" He leaned against the wall, regaining his sanity.
"So Mon Ami... shall we go and enjoy a meal with our every luxious
guest?" The lazy eyes slowly slipped back into his life less manner
and his lips pursed together gently forming a thin smile across his
face. Sir Percy gave a yawn and then slowly made his way towards the
dinning hall.
"Of course. Just don't expect me to take your arm, Sir Percy." Armand
grinned.
Marguerite nearly bounced out of her seat on the soft sofa when Percy's
unmistakable laugh echoed through the house. Marguerite herself could not
help but to giggle herself. "Well, there is my husband announcing his
coming presence." She said as she stood up and went to the entrance of
the sitting room to see Percy and Armand coming down the stairs. "Oh
Armand, I'm glad you're joining us too for dinner. Come, our guest is
waiting in here with me, I believe it will be a few more minutes yet
before dinner is served."
The Prince allowed himself a knowing laugh. Not only because the gesture
was very much Percy's nature but because he was relieved to add another
person to converse with in the hallway.
"Now Lady Blakeney!" Sir Percy's jovial voice boomed as he neared
and entered the dinning hall, "What is this new found love affair
that is forming between you and Georgie over here?"
George drew in a breath and smiled politely back at his friend. If Percy
only had an idea of how far off the mark he was...
Stopping to give
the back of her hand a brief kiss, he stood and left her side,
heading towards the Prince of Wales. "You could not be after him
for his fashion, that much is clear." Sir Percy gave a languid smile
and looked over at the Prince and eyed his attire in a goading
manner.
At this George raised an eyebrow, now all ears. Out of all the things he
was unsure of at this moment awkwardly standing there in the Blakeney house,
his taste in fashion was not one of them.
"I dare say Sire! If I did not know any better, I would think you
need to go to France yourself and find your own goods to import
back. You can't have mine." He gave George's hand a hearty shake
and filled the room with his laughter again. Blakeney observed the
lot of them, standing around to look for discomfort between any of
them..
"And a welcome home to you too dear Sir" George remarked wryly as he
shook Percy's hand, joining in on the joke. "Gad, one day I'll be greeted
with a kind word in this house!" Although he was laughing, alarms went off in
his head. He had slipped up, referring in his mind to his previous visit. He
prayed that Percy assumed the comment was directed at him and his antics and
that Marguerite was too involved with her brother to notice.
It would be impolite to even question the Prince on that. Blakeney
already played his card to see the Prince's reaction and got a
desired result. No, Sir Percy just laughed absurdly at the joke, as
it had been on him all along. All the more fun to play the part of
the fool.
Trying to cover
up his mistake he quickly moved on. "And why pray tell would I desire any of
your old rags Blakeney? I do quite nicely on my own thank you." George
checked over his attire. For the evening he had chosen a rich tan suit,
embroidered in a yellow/gold, with a cream vest. He was very pleased with his
outfit-it was only too bad that there weren't any eligible ladies around to
enjoy it. "Which is more than I can say for you" George smirked. With a mock
air of superiority he reached out and straightened Percy's cravat.
They had been friends. Friends for a long time. One of the reasons
they were friends was Percy would take those quick small little jabs
at the Prince good naturedly, and then quit. He was a Baronet. The
other man was the Prince of Wales. He was severely outranked in the
social order of things. No matter how his own fine tastes of
clothing could be far superior over all of England, it mattered not.
He let the Prince win.
The Prince took to fussing over Blakeney's cravat, which the latter
hated with a passion, so he bit his tongue and kept Sir Percy's
small little look on his face. Standing still with his hands behind
his back, the Baronet waited until this demeaning ritual was over.
George was surprised that Percy dare let him fiddle with his cravat as he
was. But it was all in fun, or so the Prince thought, so he continued until
he finished, laughing throughout.
"Rumor has it that your lovely wife is the one who consults with the tailor and that any
fashion sense you attempt to have is due all to her. You have done a
remarkable job Marguerite," he said turning toward her, smiling." considering
what awfulness you had to work." he gestured to Percy's blonde figure before
him.
Marguerite smiled as she moved closer to Percy and slid her arm inside
his. "Right now Percy could be dressed in dirty torn rags and I would
still find him to be of the handsomest of men."
"I don't think Percy would have less then the best." the Prince replied
smiling at his friend. It was a compliment-Percy had wonderful taste in
everything and high opinions to match which was one reason George enjoyed his
company.
She gave Percy a bright
smile, happy to see him in such high spirits. "And I'll have no more
bragging of fashion tonight. I will say this, I must be one of the
luckiest women in England to be in the company of the three best dressed
men in the country, and we shall leave it at that.
"Here Here! "George was incredibly relieved. marguerite had not caught on
to the comment he made earlier and here he was joking and laughing with the
rest of them. This might not be so bad after all...
Three men? Ah yes. The quiet young man that acted as Percy's shadow for the
last few minutes. "You are Armand I take it?" George inquired offering his
hand.
Hearing the compliment from Marguerite almost threw him. She neared
and took his arm and instinctual return, he reached up and patted her
hand in his. At times, he swore they were back in France sharing
meat and cheese for the first time. He had to remind himself how
good she was. He had to remind himself that this was all for show.
Sir Percy smiled and languidly gestured to the dinning hall. "Who
can argue with the far higher wisdom of the two of you. Come Armand,
it seems whilst we were away the Prince and Lady Blakeney have formed
some sort of strange alliance against me. At least I know you will
not side with the Prince over me, say?"
Armand had been watching, somewhat amused, at the little battle going on
between Percy and the Prince. Of course, the Prince was the victor. Even
Armand knew enough about English high society to know that it would be highly
unacceptable for Percy to win. Even if Percy was richer than the Prince, he
was far lower on the pyramid.
At Percy's sudden remark to him, Armand seemed to snap back into
consciousness. "Well, I don't know, Percy. His Highness seems to have gotten his colors
down a little better than you did, I'm afraid." He grinned impishly at the
Baronet. He was in for it, later, perhaps, but if Percy could have a bit of
fun, why shouldn't he?
George turned to the young man, amused. "Why, what an astute observer
you are Sir. You've chosen your houseguests well Percy. They have such good
taste!" Grinning he stuck his hand out. " You must be Armand."
"I am, Highness. It is a pleasure to finally meet you, after missing you at
the ball last week." Armand shook the prince's hand quickly. He felt suddenly
awkward, talking to the prince directly. "And then, of course, should I side with you, Sir Percy, why-- I face the wrath of my charming sister. And I daresay--Highness, could you second me on this?-- I don't want that!" Armand laughed. He had felt a little tension in the room, and even the joking of Percy hadn't seemed to break it. He decided to try. Now he waited.
George froze. Damn! Could Armand have picked anything more
inappropriate to say? What was he to answer? Did the men know about the
afternoon tea? He did not have long to consider his possibilities. If he took
too much time in answering, it would be obvious as to just how familiar he
was with the lady's "wrath". Trying to regain his composure he attempted a
smile for the boy. " I wouldn't dare and try upset my gracious hostess. But
as for her wrath...you would know much more about Marguerite in that area
seeing as you are her brother, eh whot?"
Now what was that supposed to mean? Armand knew that the prince had paid a
visit while he and Percy had been in France, but did the other man's comment
mean that Marguerite had gotten mad at him? Armand swallowed, remembering how
Marguerite could get so angry... it was extremely intimidating, But would she
really have the nerve...?
Yes, she would.
"Egad! Just remember under what roof your brown nose lives Armand!"
Blakeney laughed good naturedly at the stab at himself. He had
reached his limit of Princely rebuttal and smiled in his jovial manner
at once more being the butt end of London's laughter.
At least he still had his charm.
"Certainly, Percy." Armand gave the Baronet a little grin. "So," He said,
perkily, "when do we eat?" Childish, yes, but he was the youngest member of this little quartet by far. Why not be naïve and childish?
"You must excuse my brother George, he's still at that age where he lets
his stomach do a fair amount of his thinking." Marguerite mused.
"I do not blame him Madame." George replied politely. "The wonderful
aroma from the kitchen is enough to make a man forget all else." Oh if only
that were true...
Blakeney did a double take as they walked. 'At an age where he let's
his WHAT do the thinking?' Blakeney remembered being that young. It certainly wasn't the stomach that most men that age used for thinking. He shook his head and decided this topic would not be one for Sir Percy's unguarded humor. No, this trifle thing he kept to himself.
'I don't see what's so bad about that, Margot," Armand said, not upset at his
sister's discreet attempt to insult him
Marguerite, in her mocking yet motherly manor replied, "You'll understand
when you're older I suppose."
"Yes, but, as I'm young, I might as well enjoy myself, right, Percy?" He
beamed childishly at Marguerite.
He glanced over his shoulder again and then looked at the Prince and
Marguerite. "Don't come running to me to run interference between
you and your sister. Even my small brain can comprehend to not go
against Lady Blakeney."
Armand laughed to himself. Though it was rather funny--Percy making fun of
himself and everyone else along the way-- Armand couldn't help thinking that
the way Percy described himself was so far from the truth, yet everyone
believed him... Even Armand had.
Sir Percy gave a jovial laugh and glanced at
the hallway floor clock. "I'm starved. Where is that demmed meal?
I can smell it cooking and it is enough to make a man blind in
hunger." Glancing at Armand he added, "Or a young, childish brown
nosed imp!" He grinned at his brother-in-law and then called for
Thomas.
"Now, see, Marguerite, I'm not the ONLY person here thinking with my
stomach!" Armand teased, hoping Percy wouldn't hate him for this second crack.
Marguerite giggled as she reached over and rubbed Percy's stomach,
"Alright then, I suppose I've lost this time a small pack of men with
demanding stomachs."
He shivered at her touch and his throat became dry. With a gulp he
blinked, but it was a long blink. The type of blink that came
dangerously near to being him closing his eyes and enjoying her touch.
Sometimes the Baronet Sir Percival Blakeney hated being him.....
"So now Percy, being the subject is dinner, do you know what is on the
menu, or will it be a surprise to us all?" Marguerite said, still smiling
and probably the happiest she had been since she had arrived at Richmond.
He did not pull himself away from her, even though he knew he
should. There was a comfortness in the air tonight by having his
friend the Prince over. Having scared Armand in the hallway, he was
full of life and energy. Although he felt about as young as he had
in the past few weeks, he still remained Sir Percy and kept the
languid air about him.
Upon hearing Marguerite compliment him so, he practically blushed and
remained quiet. For the moment, he allowed himself to become weak
and stayed at her side. He would make up for it later. For now,
Blakeney glanced down at his wife and smiled. "I haven't the first
idea what it could be. Did you instruct them Maeeeeeadame?
Marguerite was taken aback by the fact that it sounded as though Percy
nearly called her by her pet name. The fact that he called her
"Madame" still bothered her though. Jokingly she started to answer, "My
name is Marguerite dear Percy, lest you've forgotten during your absence
to the North, and I though you had decided on the menu. Well, I'm sure it
will be find, after all, the staff was aware of the fact we were having a
guest this evening."
He just nodded now, listening to the Prince and Armand go back and
forth with Marguerite. Flustered he was, over almost calling her
Maeve and even more flustered because the scent of her perfume had
his senses acute. So badly he wanted to lean over and kiss her, just
like he did at the ball. Yearningly, he bowed and gestured
Marguerite first into the dinning hall. "After you Madame. I hear
the dinner bell announcing its arrival." His heart ached for her
affections once more, but knew it could never be.
Marguerite's smile dropped just slightly as Percy once more referred to her
as 'Madame' instead of Marguerite. More then anything right now she
yearned to hear Percy speak her name in his thick British accent.
Marguerite entered to dinning hall ahead of Percy and the others. She
watched as several members of the kitchen staff entered with the meal
prepared. Though Percy had ushered her through first ,she did not step
more then a few feet inside and waited until Percy entered, once again
stepping near and wrapping her arm around his.
Glancing around, George realized he was the first in the dining room.
Armand was not far behind, and further searching found Marguerite cuddling up
to her husband in the doorway. "At least they seem to get on well." he
thought to himself. "Better then we did the other day at any rate." George
hoped the couple never had to go through such an argument. He noticed the
two entering and still trying to start off on a good foot with Marguerite, he
walked over to the dark oak chair and pulled it out for her. "Lady
Blakeney.." he said offering her the seat.
Marguerite smiled as she walked with Percy to the table. Seeing that the
Prince had offered her a seat, Marguerite nodded at him and sat
down. After helping her in the Prince took his own seat at the head of
the table. Marguerite waited to see if Percy would choose to sit next to
her or away from her again, on the other side of the Prince.
Watching the Prince act as the proper gentleman for his wife,
Blakeney pondered their heated argument he had heard about. He was
seeing things so much clearer now. Marguerite has insulted and
yelled at the Prince, enough for most of the Blakeney Manor staff to
hear, and now, she had him too wrapped around her little finger. For
the harsh tones he recalled hearing the Prince receive, this
surprised him greatly.
Watching her sit, he viewed Marguerite as he would an oil painting or
a Greek statue. Her beauty was indeed, far surpassing most English
women. Her grace and the way she carried herself spoke nothing of
the allies she had back with the French guillotine. It just all was
coming together in his mind. The woman was an actress, and men were
her prey.
She was eyeing him and he knew he must act normally as he was. Sir
Percy sat next to Marguerite and smiled at her. "I say, shall we
begin? I am just famished!" He looked at Armand, the Prince and then
Marguerite with his lazy eyes and carefree expression.
"I agree!" the Prince replied heartily. George was smiling and teasing his companions all in an effort to mask his discomfort. Discomfort at being around Marguerite so soon after their argument and worry that he would slip about it again-he already had twice
and the evening was still young. Unbeknownst to each other the Prince and Percy each played roles while inwardly minds were racing. And so far, both were doing very well. Friends though Percy and George were, it was not an everyday occurrence that the Prince should show up at Blakeney Manor. Someone was bound to ask about his last visit and that was something George was not eager to discuss. Mindless chatter was better than questions so he turned to his tall blonde friend to continue conversation. "So where did you run off to this last time dear fellow?"
The blushed wine that was served beckoned to the Baronet and mid sip,
he nearly choked hearing the Prince's question. Knowing his actions
were not subtle enough to be passed off as nothing, Sir Percy pushed
his chair back and pounded his chest coughing. When all eyes widened
on him, he straighten up and lifted a single index finger, as if to
say, "give me a moment, will you?" Inside, the breath he had been
withholding was slowly turning his face pink.
Sir Percy turned from them in a fit of coughs and then finally gasped
for breath. Taking out his handkerchief, he dabbed at his mouth and
forehead in an embarrassed manner. Turning around, he leaned into
the wall behind him and looked at the dinner group. With all the
marking of a man feeling foolish, he croaked weakly, "Mother always
said use the right pipe." Giving a sorrowful look at them all, Sir
Percy waved his handkerchief. "I say, that taste is sour wine.
Thomas. Remove it at once!"
In alarm Marguerite sat up and leaned towards her husband, gently patting
his back while he suffered through the sudden fit. She rubbed a smoothing
hand over him just as her mother would do to her and Armand when they
suffered such a fit, "Percy are you alright." she said before addressing
Thomas, "Thomas, if you would, please bring a glass of water for Percy, it
would be better then wine for him."
Slightly alarmed at Percy's unceasing coughing fit, George pushed back
his seat and was halfway standing by the time Percy recovered. "Gad man!" he
cried, returning to his seat. " Scaring us all half to death. Don't croak
just yet-Father is losing friends quickly these days so I need to keep hold
of all the ones I have!"
Hearing George so, Blakeney glanced up and smiled. He felt
Marguerite's gentle touch on his back and nodded. Still slightly
holding his breath to pull off the reddened face for the entire
affair. So far, it had worked and the conversation diverted, buying
him some time to remember what exactly he had told Marguerite they
had been. North. that is right. Some business north.
"Thank you my dear." Sir Percy smiled and patted Marguerite's
hand. "Some water will do the trick." He moved back to the table
and sat down, not looking at Armand, so the young man would have no
indication it had all been an act. Better to keep some things in
reserve.
Taking out his handkerchief again, he dabbed his brow and gave a
large sigh of relief. "Whew! Glad that one was a false alarm. Can
you even imagine Sire, the world without Sir Percy Blakeney? Who
would you ever discuss the finer things of life with?" He leaned
back in his chair and dabbed some more. Sir Percy made eye contact
with no one, letting his heart beat calm and his embarrassment slowly
cease.
Armand had watched, a little alarmed, as Percy choked on his wine, coughed,
moved from the table... and did he detect a little annoyance when Marguerite
went to him?
He noticed that Percy did not look at him--or ANYONE, for that matter-- as
he moved back to his seat. Confused at what exactly had just passed, Armand went back to eating.
"A world without Sir Percy? Hmm..."George pondered such a proposition.
"Then I would have no competition. Say now-that isn't such a bad idea! Thomas
where did that wine go to?! He turned to his host, a wicked grin spreading
across his features.
Blakeney laughed good naturedly at the Prince's joking comment. If
only the world of France could get rid of him so easily. "Here here,
there will be none of that Sire. Please, isn't it awful enough I am
practically poisoning myself?"
Marguerite laughed, "Oh no George, we mustn't have that now. What would I
do here in England without Percy? I would have little here and have to go
back to France, would you really wish me to leave your lovely country?"
"Don't worry Marguerite-I wouldn't dare try and do away with this man."
George smiled good-naturedly. "Besides, he's doing well enough of his own!"
he said gesturing towards Percy's wine glass.
The meal was served and carefully, Sir Percy touched and chewed his
food. He glanced around the table as he did this very delicate
procedure. During breaks, he would dab his mouth and fluff the lace
that came out from his jacket. Finally, after much of his own
silence, he asked, "So Sire, when will you host a ball so all of
England can attend? Surely your father hasn't chopped you off at the
knees for parties, say?"
"You just gave one not so long ago Percy, are you that anxious to get out
and about already? And if I were to give one.....who says your name would be
on guest list, eh whot?" George grinned yet again. He was enjoying himself
this visit. "All kidding aside-if there is an interest for one I am all for a
friendly get-together. But you still haven't answered my question Percy:
where did you run off to?"
"Any chance to get out and be stylishly seen, I am all for Sire!"
Sir Percy laughed and chuckled. "I say, the blows to my dignity have
been quite deep amongst you all this evening. If I didn't know any
better, I would think I was not a well liked man."
"Oh Sire, Armand and I had the most splendid time. I showed him all
around the properties up North. Made him ever ride a horse too. Now
that was a good show. Eh Armand?" Sir Percy sipped his water and
glanced over at the boy.
"Hmm?" Armand snapped out of the daze he was in. He wasn't paying much
attention to the conversation, listening idly and thinking of the note from
the stranger that was following Amelia... then Percy had to go and say
something to him. Now, after having paid almost no attention to the conversation, Armand struggled to think of what Percy had been saying. Something about properties
up north...
"Uh ... yes, Percy... they were ... lovely." God, he sounded like a woman. "All very interesting. You'll have to excuse me, Sire... I seem to have quite a bit on my mind." Armand apologized with a small smile.
"Think nothing of it Armand." George replied kindly. "But might I suggest
forgetting about whatever it is that is taking up so much thought, at least
for the next few days? Might as well enjoy your visit while you can my young
friend! Although it appeared to me at the ball that you already were." The
Prince threw Armand a wink. "Didn't I see you with some charming young
redhead most of the evening?
Armand smiled weakly, dropped his head to hide the blush. "Aye, Sire, you did. In fact--" He looked up again "--it has to do with her, what I am thinking about.
George smiled knowingly, anticipating Armand's next words to be a
declaration of his feelings for the redhead.
There seems to be a French agent who is following her around. He showed up last week, at Percy's ball. That was why I came inside shortly after our... discussion--" Here, Armand blushed furiously, remembering why exactly he had been IN Percy's room instead of downstairs. The fury of the Baronet had not left his mind yet "--all... well, I was a sight." Armand smiled weakly.
"He has... left a note on her door. It was rather... disturbing. He seems
to... I don't know, but I think she's in danger. But there seems to be no
sanctuary! Not even here." He sighed. "I just wish there was SOMETHING I
could do." He looked at Percy, trying to catch his eye.
George was slightly taken aback. This was not the sort of reply he was
expecting. But what would a French agent want with a young girl? "Armand.."
George began slowly. " Why would he have any business with this lady friend
of yours?" The relaxed, teasing air George had moments before was gone.
French agents would not sneak around England without a reason. "And what
business would a French agent have here? The Court isn't expecting anyone,
ambassadors or otherwise."
"I have no idea, Sire... that's what she is wondering, too." Armand resisted
the urge to tell his friends EVERYTHING Amelia had told him, but he knew she
would hate him for it. It had taken so much for her to tell him, and he knew
she wouldn't want him blabbing it to just anyone. And now Armand regretted
saying anything, as there was an uncomfortable silence growing around the
table.
George leaned back and linking his hands, placed them against his chest.
He was the first to break the growing silence among the four. "Unannounced
French agents in England" he muttered. " I don't like it, don't like it at
all."
"I'm sorry, Marguerite, for putting a damper on the lightness of the
evening," Armand said with a meek smile to his sister.
"It's not your fault Armand." George consoled, distracted by this new
information. "Actually I'm glad you mentioned that. I'll just have some new
work to do when I get back." With a wry smile he shrugged and downed the rest
of his wine.
"Well, I..." Armand started to say that it was his fault the cheerful
attitude had disappeared, but he closed his mouth. It probably wasn't good
to contradict the prince. So Armand just shrugged. What else was there to
say? "Glad I could help you, Highness," He said, absently.
He did not know what to say. Sir Percy had to sit there and listen
and not even give a hint of a reaction. What was Armand doing?!? If
there were problems with French on England soil, a girl in trouble,
why didn't Armand come to him now that he knew who he was?!
Blakeney could not utter a word, as he fought the inside battle of
Blakeney vs. Sir Percy. He had to force himself to sit there, give
no reaction of shock, anger, worry, nothing! Sir Percy's smile did
disappear and Blakeney felt a burning rage inside.
Of all things! Armand was telling it to the PRINCE!
Reaching for his wine, Blakeney saw his hand was shaking and he
quickly put it down before anyone else would notice. What the hell
was Armand thinking!? Obvious about a lot of things from the
confession he just offered the Prince.
Finally, when he recouped enough inside to even speak, Sir Percy took
out his handkerchief and waved it about his face. In reality,
Blakeney needed the air and fast. "Dreadful." Was all he could
manage to say, listening to George and Armand.
"I do hope things work themselves out with that woman friend of yours
Armand." George said, his eyes narrowing in thought. " But it doesn't make
sense for a French agent to come to England with any intent other-" He
stopped. Taking in his companions he apologized-this was not the time for
talk of government. " Beg your pardon. I tend to get carried away with any
mention of politics.
Armand shrugged. "It's no matter, highness."
What we were discussing? Oh yes your trip! Lud, Percy
must have shown you the North backwards and forwards for the amount of time
you two were gone!"
"Sink me Sire!" Sir Percy managed, as Blakeney forces it out
there. "I had to give the lad a true view of England! We aren't all
about London you know. Egad! I did not mention we went down that
way, now did I?" Sir Percy smiled and looked over at Marguerite.
Armand didn't have a chance to answer. Lucky, too, because he had no clue
what to say. In reality, Armand knew next to NOTHING about the country he was
in. What would he have said? Armand frowned, trying to imagine.... He almost
started to laugh, thinking about it: 'Uh... well we went to... um... to... I
don't remember... PERCY?????!!!'
"Sink me! Sink me Twice!" Sir Percy stood and got the most excited
look on his face. Blakeney had to admit, he was a clever chap. He
went around behind Marguerite's chair and put his hands on the chair
rail. "You're wonderful brain just reminded me Sire. Oh, close your
eyes Madame! Have I ever got a surprise for you."
Laughing in his excited way, not making eye contact with Armand, Sir
Percy turned and like a gay little kid, exited the room.
Marguerite had been listening in shock, unsure of what to say, to the
whole conversation, until it once more turned to the subject of Percy's
trip. "A surprise for me?" she asked, finally coming out of her
silence. With company it had to harmless so she went along with Percy and
closed her eyes as she waited for him to return.
"Well now!" the Prince exclaimed chuckling. "He certainly can work himself
up into a stir now can't he?" This was what he missed at court. The fun and
care-free air the seemed to radiate from Blakeney Manor. Spontaneous
excursions, secret gifts-it was a shame the palace was so far away.
Armand turned and watched Percy go. He started to sweat a little. What if
the Prince asked him about the trip some more. He started to breathe a little
quicker. What was Percy up to? Surprise? Had he brought Helene and Louise
here? It was likely, as Armand had slept most of the day. He wouldn't have
noticed if Chauvelin had come in and stuck candles in his ears. Crossing his fingers that the Prince wouldn't say anything, Armand waited for Percy.
He giggled and laughed out loud, the voice echoing all the way down
the hallway to the main foyer. Thomas had been in one of the smaller
rooms and peeked his head out to watch the Baronet's foppish ways.
The whole household had been dealing with the man since he was a boy
and were used to such odd behavior. No matter how outlandish his
behavior, they got paid to perform tasks, not pass judgment, so
Thomas nodded to his master and went back to work in the room without
another glance or word.
After waiting for a bit, Marguerite grew impatient and reopened her eyes
to look at her other two guests. Percy's footsteps had disappeared down
the hallway and she figured she would be safe peaking until he returned.
The Baronet noted the very surprised voice of Marguerite when she
gave her response and he did a small dance in front of the main foyer
mirror. "Blakeney, you just kill me.... GRRrrrrrrrrr." Taking a
gloved hand, he wisped it over and across his fallen bangs and
laughed again in his outlandish manner. Turning, something
youthful filled the Baronet's soul and he raced, raced, raced towards
the main staircase, and began to take the steps up in leaps, three at
a time. By the time he reached the top, he found himself winded and
stood there a moment, catching his breath. Glancing down, he saw
Thomas had peeked his head out again and was watching him. "GRRrrrrrrrrrr" Was the reply Thomas received, and the older man quickly retreated back into the room.
Thinking he is not as young as he used to be in body, and giggling to
himself that in mind he was, Blakeney made his way into his bedroom
and moved over to the wainscot near his bed and tapped it twice.
When the trigger popped open, Blakeney pulled back the loose panel
carefully and reached in. He looked down at the brown paper wrapped
package and smiled. "Oh Blakeney, your just completely scary! You
should be outlawed." With a whistle and a laugh, he repositioned the
wainscot piece and set the trigger back in place.
Unwrapping the two boxes, he slipped the contents of the once wrapped
small package in his pants pocket. turning with an off-key whistle,
he swayed his head back and forth, heading back downstairs.
As Percy left the room became silent. As the awkward pause in
conversation grew, the Prince figured he would continue on without his host.
"So Armand..." George asked, stretching before settling back into a more
comfortable position. "What did you enjoy most about your little
expedition?"
Inwardly, the boy moaned. Why wasn't Percy back yet? And what in the
hell was he supposed to say????? Swallowing and deciding to go with the only city he knew the name of, Armand answered in what he hoped was a confident voice, "London. Definitely London. It's so big! Most of the buildings in Paris are small, but the Parliament
building... oh, trés bien! Very nice! And beautiful!" Armand had remembered
from his studies that there was a Parliament building, a palace
He was close to hyperventilating now, he was so anxious. He was sure that his
lie wasn't convincing... He crossed his fingers tighter, and stuffed his
right hand in his jacket pocket. Where the hell was Percy???
Then... that off-key whistle was the sweetest song he'd ever heard. Not
realizing he'd been holding his breath, Armand exhaled and grinned impishly
at his sister, who had opened her eyes and was watching him. "Oh Marguerite,
I think Percy is coming back! I think you ought to close your eyes again!"
Marguerite could not help herself but to laugh as she heard the familiar
off-key music that could only belong to her silly husband. She waited
until the footsteps neared the entrance to the dinning hall before closing
her eyes. "I wouldn't want him to think I tried to peak," she said the
George and Armand before addressing Percy a little louder, "Percy, is it
safe to open my eyes yet, or are you going to keep me in suspense
longer."
Smiling genuinely, Armand echoed his sister's call. "Yes, Percy, come on!
I'm just as anxious to see what you squandered up for my sister on our trip!"
One would think they had nothing better to do but wait all night long
on his every words. This amused Blakeney so and he switched from
his off-key whistle to a worsened off-key rendition, full voiced song
of "God save the King!" As he neared he peeked his head alone around
the corner in a fun and over-dramatic way, his blues resting on the
one he once called his wife. The awful noise of a song still
continued from his lips.
His eyes danced over her, making sure she had her eyes covered and he
glanced over at George as he finished the last stanza of the
song. "That was in honor of you Sire!" He laughed and tossed his
head back and once more became out of their view behind the wall.
Armand cringed at the song. The baronet was talented in many ways, but
singing was nowhere near that list. Now, Armand was close to jumping up and
throwing himself at Percy's feet, begging him to stop, and, at the same time,
he felt like laughing... However, when Percy dedicated the stanza to the Prince, the boy couldn't contain himself anymore. He started to giggle behind his hand, clapped the
other one over his mouth, but it didn't work. He started to laugh... and
laugh... and laugh.... He couldn't stop. It was physically impossible. He
buried his face in his arms and just kept laughing.
Laughing as hard as he could remember at his friend's antics George took
a small bow....or at least as much of a bow as was allowed in the dining room
chairs.
Somehow, he managed to gasp, "Percy.... please.... show her...!" It was
getting more and more difficult to breathe.
Slowly peering his head around the corner again, he giggled and
looked at Armand, the Prince and Marguerite's back. "So! Who still
better have their eyes shut and promises not to even THINK of
peeking?" He smiled wild and wickedly, as was Sir Percy's usual
teasing manner. He was having fun keeping them in their own suspense.
Marguerite laughed as she heard Percy reenter the room. "Percy, my eyes
are shut, I swear it, and I wouldn't dare think to open them until you
told me so." Percy was always full of surprises, but he didn't often
build up to them in such a way. "Although Percy I don't know how much
more of this I can take."
Wouldn't dare think of opening her eyes would she? A smile tugged at the
corners of his mouth as he witnessed Marguerite's small fib. But far be it
from him to contradict it.
Moving over in a slinking tip-toe type fashion, the Baronet reached
deep into his pants pocket and slowly withdrew the two smaller
boxes. He held one up and wiggled his eyebrows at Armand. In his
other hand he brought forth the second box and winked at the Prince.
Carefully, and painstakingly, he held his breath, moving about in
front of Marguerite and placed the two closed boxes in front of her.
Again, Sir Percy returned his smile and impish gaze to the other two
men.
Returning his hand to the back of her chair, he leaned in and
whispered softly. "Okay, NOW."
Marguerite, still giggling hearing all the ruckus around her, slowly opened
her eyes upon hearing Percy's command. She looked down to see the two
little boxes sitting on the table in front of her, she smiled excitedly
like a child at Christmas, "Oh, not just one but two surprises! Which one
should I open first Percy?"
He grinned and took to the seat next to her, on the other side of
Marguerite from Armand. "Oh it doesn't matter really." He waved his
hand around flippantly. "Which ever you like is good."
Marguerite smiled and reached for the box closest to Percy but stopped
when Percy grabbed her hand.
As she went to reach for it, he shot his hand out and stopped
her. "Oh wait!" His gloved hand rested on hers and he glanced at
her, and then at Armand and the Prince.
"Maybe it does matter which you open first. Hmmm. I dare say. I
may have forgotten which box is which." In a very obvious teasing
manner, Sir Percy slowly began to recall one of the boxes, looking at
Marguerite the entire time.
George was enjoying playing audience to this little show before him. He
watched Marguerite's eager face as Percy toyed with her
Marguerite watched as Percy in a painfully slow manor took one of the boxes
back from her. She watched him and guessed it was a bit of a farce she
was putting on, "Oh you know very well which box is which, you just ant to
tease me and make me wait."
He laughed and pulled his hand back. "Oh bother! You really are the
cleverest woman in Europe." Without missing a beat, he turned to the
Prince and kept babbling. "Isn't she just the smartest though? I
say Sire, I have no idea how a bloke like me ever fancied her eye. The cleverest, my wife! The cleverest woman indeed!" He leaned back
in his chair and smiled at her in his self-amusing Sir Percy manner.
"By being the sweetest, funniest, handsomest, and on some occasions
smartest man to come my way." Marguerite said as she leaned over and gave
Percy a soft kiss on his cheek.
"Well go on now! What on earth are you waiting for?" He said
accusingly at her. It was obvious in jest. He had enjoyed making
her wait so. Blakeney watched as Marguerite took the first box and
began to open it. He opened his mouth to tease her again and speak,
but thought the better of it. No need to over do things.
"Alright, alright Percy, I'm opening it." she said as she smiled and
turned towards the other company. "I'm not sure who's more excited, me or
him."
When in London, purchasing clothes and small tokens of jewelry for
Helene and Louise, Blakeney happened to glance over at the display
and saw a remarkable work of jewelry imported by an English artist up
in the far North. Next to it, was more elegant necklaces by a local
London jeweler. As he was taking out his pounds, to pay for the
clothes, he spoke to the merchant about the cost of the fine pieces.
Now the costs were astronomically high, and Blakeney only had the
small amount of travel money with him. He had not the cash funds for
the fine jewels. He smiled and told the merchant his idea however.
That the man, on the name of the Prince, could trust him as he was
Sir Percy Blakeney, Bart. of Richmond and he wished to purchase the
jewels and he would send the payment by carrier the very next day
plus a little extra for the trust and trouble.
In London, Sir Percy Blakeney was known by name to this merchant, but
not by sight. Upon seeing his fine clothes and the intricate details
done to even the pockets, the man quickly agreed. That day, Sir
Percy Blakeney walked out of his store with three packages. One
large, that contained clothes and items for Helene. The other two
were smaller packages. One containing the clothes and items for
Louise and the other containing the wrapped boxes of jewelry for
Marguerite.
As she opened those boxes now, Blakeney was reminded that he would
have to later ask Armand if he had heard from Helene at all. The
small amount of pocket change Blakeney had left her with surely would
be gone very soon and he would have to see into how she was doing.
Unfortunately, he could not just take to horse and ride up to her
inn. He needed Armand as a connection. He blinked back his thoughts
as he returned his thoughts to the action at hand. Watching
Marguerite, Sir Percy smiled.
In the first box opened, was a simple, yet elegant diamond necklace,
bracelet and earring set. The diamonds were plentiful, going fully
around both necklace and bracelet, and the cut of the gold
surrounding them were detailed in small thin lines around each link.
In the second box, Marguerite would find a less ornate in the link
work, however this set contained rubies and emeralds, again, fully
around both necklace and bracelet.
Marguerite gasped as she opened the first box and saw the diamond
jewelry. Numerous diamonds set in gold and fashioned into a necklace,
bracelet and a pair of earrings. She looked at him and noticed him look at
the other box, which she picked up and opened. The second contained
another jeweled bracelet and necklace set with deep red rubies and dark
green emeralds.
Seeing her reaction, Sir Percy smiled. "I thought the second one
would go well with your eyes and hair." Blakeney watched her and
glanced over at the Prince. "See, the fine jewels of London and of
the North? Ha. Was ever a man as me so lucky to be able to
purchase these finely made goods." Blakeney looked back at
Marguerite. If things were different, he would be giving them to her
with his heart. As it were, the quick purchase was made for a story
cover up that they had been to London and up North all that time.
Or... at least to say, that is what Blakeney kept trying to make
himself believe inside his head.
The Prince took in the lavish gifts. They really were quite exquisite." You always did have good taste Percy. It's good to know some things never change!"
Marguerite's eyes kept dashing back and forth between the two
boxes. "Percy they're beautiful." she said as she ran her fingers over
them. The pieces of jewelry in front of her were probably worth more then
she made her entire time at the Comedie Francaise. She leaned over again
to give Percy a kiss, but not the soft peck like before, this time she
pushed her lips over his. She knew it was probably improper, at the
dinner table and in front of company, but she did not care.
George politely averted his eyes. How happy, how in love they were. His
mind wandered back to the only time he had ever experienced such feelings for
a woman. Maria. It was over seven years ago since they had secretly wed. It
had also been seven years since he had last seen her. A sharp pang of longing resounded
deep within him. God he missed her. Her laugh, the way her fingers would
caress his cheek after a long day, how she- George was pulled abruptly out of
his recollections as he realized he was being watched.
Watching Marguerite with the jewels, it reminded him of a child with
a new gift. Money and decormental objects meant nothing to him
anymore. Just another humdrum routine in his day. Seeing Marguerite
appreciate these things, why, it brought a smile to Blakeney's face.
When she kissed him, not once, but the second time on the lips, he
returned the kiss softly, wishing he could give more. His mind was
made up however. Let her do as she wished. He would feel nothing.
Again, he tried to make himself believe this.