So Many Girls, So Little Time

"Where to now?" Spinning on his heels, Sir Percy was filled with a new energy. He just got a much needed revenge on the low life he once called fiance. "Bah! Forget a fight! I say you teach me more of this fine art of women crooning, as you do so well Your Highness." His face was absolutely a spirit of youth. Invigorated and inspired, he looked at George with near a child's curiosity. "Do tell that you are up for such a thing. Why a little wine or Brandy, and the world is ours!" He gave a little hop hop down the front steps in almost a dance, then turned to happily look upon his new mentor once more.

George laughed at loud at the man who, two years his elder, was now dancing around as happy and content and curious and as a young boy. "Congratulations Percy!" He cried smiling. "You passed with flying colors. Good God did you see Mary's face?!" He paused briefly to call for the carriage before resuming his glee. " You are now the toast of England Sir, how does it feel? And as a reward for your performance we can indeed skip the fight if you wish. Truthfully I just wanted to leave. If a new assortment of women and wine and brandy or what have you is what you wish then so shall it be. I leave the course of the evening up to you!"

"Better to be the toast than the stale bread!" He went into another fit of laughter and moved near the Prince. "Bring on the females Your Highness! Your pupil is more than ready for phase two!" With a smile, he looked boldly and proudly at the Prince. Now, his only problem... he had no idea where to go. "Sire, the course I wish to take leaves me lacking in certain placement locations. Might I be so bold to ask our countries grandest Prince to offer a secret favorite female viewing spot or meeting place?" He broke into a sheepish sort of smile. Sometimes being abroad certainly dampered one's social life.

Percy was as puffed up as a young rooster in a henhouse. Allowing Percy to enter the carriage first George stood back and thought. "Percy.." He began climbing in. " One of the greatest advantages to this trade, if you will, is to be able to stand on your own. Outshine the competition. You have to know the who, what, why, and where. Therefore, since it is your lesson as you've named it, you must choose our destination. Name a place off the top of your head or we can drive around for a bit until you find a spot you like. But I cannot help you improve if I don't know what you are naturally prone to do now can I?" George was enjoying this little game the two men had created. it was far more amusing then sitting in the card room of some strangers home all night.

The new found friendship the two young men seemed to share struck Sir Percy oddly. He had made friends at the school where Sir Algernon sent him. He, of course, had his best friend Ffoulkes for most of his life when he was in England. Kept away from most royalty, he had never in his wildest imaginations expected to befriend the Prince of Wales. In fact, he was just as fine to keep to himself when it came around those of higher class then he, save a few Lords.

His reputation for clothes had begun during his younger schooling years. Most boys enjoyed the find art of boxing, as did Sir Percy. When it came to strutting, however, thanks to the exposure to so many different cultures and lands, Sir Percy would add that little extra something to his own clothes. The neatness had been beaten into his skull since a child. Wrinkles and proper ways to press and tie were the most attention the other students gave. These were mere secondary habits to Sir Percy who had been lectured on these things since a small youth.

Now upon entering the Prince's carriage, Percy beamed with a new found pride. Why, the Prince viewed him as good enough to ride and have conversation with. Percy could only guess it was due to his entertaining nature and he was quick to keep up the facade he offered to most. Even Sir Andrew was blessed with a large dose of foppishness and foolish Sir Percy over the years, however if anyone person could see the man for what he once was, it would have been Sir Andrew.

"How about that patch of road most refer to as Common Lane?" Sir Percy had heard of it. It seemed like a lower sort of place, but surely the Prince knew of it. The reputation of the Prince of Wales was more popular that his own stupid donned one.

"The Commone Lane eh?" George asked raising an eye. "I'm surprised you know of it Percy." He smiled. He, of course , was more then a little familiar with the area but the Baronet did not strike him as a man who took to that type of environment. "You know, the advantage to that area of town is that your presence there is rarely disclosed. For in order to say you were seen there a man would have to admit to being there himself! And I know of few men who would be willing to spot their name in such a way on purpose. And those who would dare such a thing are never ones that hold enough clout to be believable." Leaning forward he gave a few quick directions to the driver and then men were on their way. "So would you rather try to use your wits to catch a woman or....go were your wits are the last thing a woman would care about? Or did you have a particular place in mind?"

It was safe to say that Percy had not visited such a place before. Hearing the tales from drunken sailors during his youth, he was much the curious for it. Men of all status and age went for the females of lower status however, varied in age. The stories he had heard roused his curiosity.

The way the Prince was going on about it, he seemed to have as much knowledge about Commoner's Lane as the sailors who bragged about how many visits they had paid on their last trip home. The young Baronet smiled. Surely it would not do to point that part out. George the Fourth seemed quite comfortable in talking about such things, so Percy matched his style and ease as best he could.

"I have no particular place in mind.....," the numerous stories running about in his head. The sailors stories seemed to speak upon money purchasing women, not wits. The Prince of Wales always could smooth talk a female. It mattered not her looks, age, or creed. Was it status alone that commanded such authority and attention from the females? He was no Prince, but he was a wealthy aristocrat. What did that ever get him?

Mary.

No. Percy did not wish to purchase some female attentions, nor did he wish to flaunt his wealth to attract some sly silver princess. "I daresay I wish to learn some of your wits, Sire, if you think I am an ample student for such things." The Baronet of Richmond smiled. He was young, but as always, eager. "Perhaps the north end of the street to wine and watch Your Highness, whot?" Sailors rarely went to the north end of Commoner's Lane. 'Too much work', they used to tell the young white-haired boy of the sea. He did not understand them then, but they were as clear as crystal now.

"The North End? Ah, the upper level of the lower class." George said in an almost reminiscent tone of voice. "But are you sure watching me is all you care to do? You don't want to try out any style of your own sir? I daresay it's exceedingly easier there then in everyday society but work nonetheless. But if wining and dining is what you want...." The Prince left the sentence hanging to give Percy room to change his mind.

The statement made his face feel hot and he turned his chin to glance the other way. Sir Percy did not know how to explain that he had no "style" per say. The Baronet was dry to most women due to his insecure nature when around members of the opposite sex. His boyhood schoolmates shared stories of things come and gone and he had listened. His simple charm would get him only so far with the women and when it was time to move onto "make the kill", as his mates had stated it, he found himself at a loss of words. Instead of advancing, he would stand there and continue the only method he knew. That of a stoic gentleman.

He was considered boring. Stupid. Without an original thought in his head. Society had the foolish Baronet pegged incorrectly. He had many thoughts running through his head, however he knew not how to express them to others. In addition, the needed words never were found to the Baronet's lips. He would stand there silently, thinking of many different things to say, however not a single phrase would pass his lips. Therefore the reputation from childhood as the village idiot remained forever his.

Not turning to face the future King, Sir Percy boldly headed north himself as if he knew where he was going. Trying to shield his reddening face from Prince George, he boldly bragged with full knowledge of its falsehood, "I will let Your Highness begin the games, say? Surely it would be bad form for me to take a pick of one that you might fancy first Sire. I would hate to impose myself and without meaning to, sway the most prettiest maiden present." He read the wooden signs and entered the first bar he saw to his left. The lights inside were a mixture of low yellows and many had been covered with a transparent glass of red to force the dingy little hole in the wall to appear almost as it if were some medieval dungeon. This made the Baronet relax as his own face would blend in and not be of notice. He hoped.

George did not reply, only nodded and hoped that the dim lighting of the building his guest had picked hid the growing grin on his face. Take the prettiest maiden away from *him* indeed. Percy had better worry that George did not unintentionally take them all.

He stood for only a moment, to not appear to disrespect the Prince too much with his quick tongue and equally quick feet. Towering over George the fourth, he gestured to the bar across the room and then continued the wave of his arm as it headed towards the back of the furthest wall of small dark tables and women with wicked smiles. "I picked the place Your Highness and I hope it meets with your approval. Now, shall we act like weak mice and step up to the bar, or would you rather take first pick and I shall follow suit?" He stood there and felt his chest pound while waiting for the Prince to answer. Without a doubt, to date with women, this was the single most daring stunt he had pulled.

"Weak mice? Far from it sir! We would not want to saunter over to the ladies so quickly as to make ourselves look desperate. A man must always take his time Blakeney, remember that. Besides a drink or so at the bar will give us the valuable time we need to take in what sort of company there is to be found here." He chuckled and placing a hand on his companion's shoulder, led him to the bar. "This isn't a horse race, no need to jump in right away. Just observe Percy. Just observe."

At not even realizing his near committing faux paus, Percy gave a small grin and felt his face redden more. Thankful, as he knew he was going to be, for those red covered lights. 'Blend Blakeney, Blend.' he told himself inside his head. Being tall often meant blending in was near impossible, and trying to forget he stook out like a limping horse was not easy. Now to boot, he was showing more and more how he had no idea what to do or what he was doing.

'Confidence.' he tried to talk himself into this like the Prince had begun. "Did I say saunter? Dear me I must be growing faint. Of course we should have a drink, sink me, less I pass out from ignorance that much faster."

'What in the bloody hell am I saying?' Percy asked himself. He was far too nervous being schooled by the master of rumors himself and just decided to go quiet again for now. With his foolish mouth shut, he was going to sit here and observe alright. "Brandy. Tall." He told the bar keep. He was going to calm down one way or another while he observed His Highness.

"Actually I said saunter." George said smiling. "Hurry up with that brandy there Sir." He demanded the bar keep. "Percy. . relax. This was your idea remember. Loosen up! You shall get nowhere if it's obvious how uncomfortable and unwilling you are." Taking a swig of the drink before him he nonchalantly looked around the room, taking in the other occupants. "Percy see that brunette in the corner? What do you make of her?" It was probably a little in poor taste to quiz the fellow so soon at a game he was apparently very new at but the men could not afford to waste the whole night going over basics. George had to assume Percy could catch on quickly and pray he was right.

If it was that obvious that he was a stiff, tall, boring Englishman, he would further his reputation as to how Mary perceived him. He grabbed for his Brandy and nodded, hearing the Prince. The younger man had to tell him to relax. This was not starting out well.

Imitating the Prince, he too partook in a long drink of the brandy. He did not feel any better at the moment. The Prince started asking him questions. Bugger! He had no idea how to make her out accept to see that she was some dark haired woman who was eyeing His Highness. 'Come on Blakeney. Who knows this stuff? Who?' Coaching himself in his head, the mind raced over the people he had come across and spoken with in his life. The only one that fit this situation were the sailors in ports. 'Okay.', he told himself, 'I can play a seaman.'

Taking in a deep breath, the Baronet slowly began a slight transition as he exhaled. His role: A rich seaman, who still would have to answer like Percival Blakeney. He could pull this off. He HAD too.

"Well, Sire, in my vast array of experiences, I would make of her a pretty little thing who seems already taken to your looks. I would guess she wouldn't be the challenge you set out for tonight?" He turned his head and calmly drank some more brandy. This time, his drink was not done in desperate hastiness.

"Don't assume a woman's attitude Percy, that is one area no man has ever second guessed well. Observe." Without turning around to take another look at the woman in question George spouted off his own observations." She's wearing an awful lot of rouge, makeup, even for a woman in this environment which we can gather means she has something she'd like to hide. Looks, age, doesn't matter. Furthermore she is sitting alone. Also a bad sign. Any woman who can't find company even in a sordid place like this isn't worth our time. Most likely we'd walk over to find she's old enough to be our grandmother and has the mumps to boot."

Facing the bar with the Prince, Percy's mouth near dropped open hearing him. He got all that from one look? "Bugger!" he swore under this breath. The role of the knowledgeable seaman wasn't working out. He would have to try another and quickly.

A policeman to detect these things? No. His persona would change too much for the Prince to notice. Take on a air of confidence like the Prince and act royal? No. He would be found out in a second. Knowing nothing else that would work, he purposefully slipped heavily into the happy go lucky role of Sir Percy Blakeney, Baronet fool. At least there was a stupid sort of dim confidence he could pull from.

"I say, bravo Sire!" Percy put on a smile and drank at his brandy. "You pegged that women better than a piratical man walks." Yes, better to be calm and stupid than thinking and nervous. "I certainly think to find the mumps would be, shall we say, a little less than what any man should wish for. For you know, mumps are not a man's best friend like a dog, say whot?" He chuckled in his inane laugh and smiled at the Prince, again taking his drink.

George raised an eyebrow and cast a sidelong glance Percy's way. Perhaps the Baronet did not handle alcohol as well as George.... Either way he wanted to see how Percy viewed those who took up space in the odd excuse for a tavern they now found themselves in. " Who would you suggest we...made "friends" with Percy?"

Not sure how to respond to that question, the foolish Baronet turned and glanced about. In the dark red corner, there was a group of girls, and even to the young 20 and 22 year old, they looked like girls. Across the room, some men and woman sat in pairs, close together and whispering. There was the dark haired woman who now Percy could only view as having the mumps, the pox and God knew what other diseases. Probably a plague carrier.

There was the bartender, whom Percy really wanted to say to make friends with. He now wished he never went to the gala tonight. He would have been better off just sitting at home with a book in his normal lonely state. Still, he asked for this. Better make the best of it.

"Well if it were up to me, I would say those little things over there look as if they could use a couple of handsome fellows such as us, hmmm Sire?" Percy nodded at the group of young girls in the corner. "It is an awful cold night and the way those poor things are dressed, we might block the air from the door and perhaps make their acquaintance."

George glanced in the direction of the girls Percy spoke of. "I suppose you are right, they are our best bet for this outing. They certainly are inviting company they way they are dressed and I dare not speculate on just how old those "little things" are but there are some things a man does not need to know. That is your choice then eh Sir Percy?"

"Yes Sire. That is the best choice my poor little mind can come up with at the moment." He finished his brandy, glad that his body had relaxed with the help from the liquid. Turning to the bar keep, he ordered another round and took out his satchel from his inner coat pocket and paid for both he and the Prince before George could.

With a full tall glass in his hand, Percy smiled at the Prince. "Observe away time!" His voice was a little sing songy, and the smile was welcoming. He would get through this. He would.

George nodded in polite thanks as Percy paid for another round of drinks. "I think it's safe to say that we've sat here long enough unless you care to find out more about our young friends over there. Though I dare say the more we find out the less we might want to make friends."

"I hear you Sire, and when I hear you, I mean not only does the very words from your lips meet my ears, I have full comprehension as well." Percy stood and adjusted the collar of his fine coat. "Lead on! I follow!" He whispered this last part with much energy.

"I should hope so" George thought to himself. That settled it. Either Percy could not hold brandy well (but damnation every Englishman he knew did!) or else the man was more nervous then George had first gathered. Plastering on a smile and picking up his glass George began to make his way to the table of young (young) ladies. "Percy..anything you have to say, pointless or not, say it boldly and with purpose eh whot?" He said under his breath without moving his gaze from their destination. Stopping a foot or so away from the table he smiled broadly and greeted them with a loud, "Ladies!" nodding to each of them in turn.

Hearing the Prince, he nodded and sipped at his Brandy. Following George in turn, he opened out one arm and chimed in, "Ladies!" His voice was strong and his limb long now that it was outstretched more. He wasn't sure what else to say, so he added, "What a fine place to meet a bunch of beautiful women, say?" He did not look at George, and he quickly sipped at his drink again. At least he got the bold part correct.

Smiling coquettishly she laughed lightly and brushed her blonde curls back with a flirty glint in her eye. "And it is not often we have the pleasure of such the company of two such gentlemen as yours.

Sarah giggled as well and smiled at the two gentleman. "Not often at all," she said, eying the tall one, "What brings you two here tonight?"

Good, at least one of them was taken with Percy and solved a potential problem or two. "Nothing but the desire for good company such as yours." He said smiling down at them. "Can we buy you two a drink?"

Percy chimed in, "Yes, I say, didn't you have a few friends here just a moment ago. Drinks for all I say." He toasted the air to no one in particular and drank down some more brandy. This talking to ladies was getting easier by the passing moment.

Sarah winked at her friend and giggled. "Drinks sounds good to me." She said, "What is it you're drinking?" she asked the tall one as she took her glass and took a sip. "Brandy?"

"Realize what you are flaunting and the kind of environment you are flaunting it in dear sir. Don't give it all away at once you will draw far too much attention to yourself and have it seem as though you needed it." George whispered while he continued to smile at the young women. "May I venture to inquire your names? Or will the men you are with be cross with us I we were to be so bold?" George knew very well it was unlikely that they came with someone, but pretending to have more manners then he did never hurt.

Smiling alternately at each of the two men in turn Nancy laughed and let her curls shake down her back. "I'm Nancy. Those men are just a few of the regulars who sometimes talk to us. But a drink sounds simply lovely, thank you."

Percy took to his drink quietly, not sure what to do now. He thought he was being bold and with purpose, like the Prince had said. Now he wasn't so confident and took rather to standing next to the Prince like a tall weed that would blow over in the wind. He waited to hear what the bar maidens had to say.

Sarah reached over the bar to take the man's hand. "Come now, just ignore him," she said as she nodded in the direction of his friend, "what does he know anyway? My name's Sarah, what's yours?"

She took his hand and he was not quite dragged, but certainly confused on what to do or where to go. He looked back at George near for help for a moment, but then put on a false sort of confidence. "Well, he.. he tends to know a thing or two. But don't we all?"

He gave a sort of a chuckle, but wasn't sure what to do with it. When she asked him his name, he wasn't sure if he was to give a real one or not. What would the Prince do? Be bold of course. "Percival" he muttered as she lead him to the bar keep. Percy nodded at the barkeep and took out his satchel from his inner coat pocket. "Whatever the lady would like and another brandy for me." He had a feeling he shouldn't be doing this after what the Prince had just said, but he couldn't help himself.

Having a woman so near, he could only think of Mary and how he seeked an odd sort of revenge upon her. He would have the time of his life thanks to Mary and now this Sarah. George did tell him to do that... didn't he?

Sarah noted she wanted a brandy as well and sat again next to him. She took a bit of her brandy before moving closer to him. He seemed tense and nervous, though she didn't know why. She took one hand and hand it up his chest to his shoulder and gently let it rub his neck, "So then Percival, I don't believe I've seen you around. Have you been here before?"

He had to quickly rest his drink on the counter of the bar. Never in his entire life had he been pawed so by one of these girls. He heard stories, it was true. He knew what sailors did behind closed doors, and here he was.... after all the years of imagining and wondering... he was with one of them.

Her touch felt good and he leaned his neck forward a little, as she rubbed at the back of his short hair and neck. "I have been around these parts a few times before." He outwardly lied, but what did it matter? Isn't that what men and women did in Commoner's Lane? He turned slightly and looked back at her. He smiled.

Sarah smiled as he leaned into her a bit. "Too bad we haven't met before." she said as she let her hand rub the side of his neck. She could tell he wasn't the same as most of the men that came through here, and that made her curious. "So Percival, tell me about yourself."

"Oh, ho. There isn't much to tell really." He reached for his brandy and took a drink. Before turning his gaze back to Sarah, he looked across the room for the Prince. "Just a traveling merchant." The young 22 year old leaned back into the hands of this woman a little more. His body feeling more and more relaxed.

"Ah, a merchant?" Sarah said, pausing to take some more of her own brandy before returning her one hand again to his shoulder, "so what is it you sell?"

He was feeling a lot more relaxed and could not pull himself away from her touch. "Oh, clothes and imports mostly. What is it *you* sell?" he laughed a little and reached for his drink. What on earth had he just said?

Sarah sat back and pulled her hand away from him, "And who says I'm selling something?" she asked.

He had said it, hadn't he? All those stories filling up a young white-blond haired boys mind. The sailors told too many stories and he believed them after hearing the Prince talk. Hadn't he pegged her right? Maybe not.

Quickly trying to make amends, he turned and smiled charmingly. "Everyone tries to sell something I suppose. A story. A tale. Perhaps even materialistic things, such as jewels or tobacco. You just struck me as a level headed business woman." Wow, he sure pulled that one out and quick. He took to his brandy again. He was going to need more of this.

Sarah giggled, he really was tense. She let her hand run over his chest again before resting on his should, giving a slight laugh, "Am I really that obvious?"

"No, I'm just that observant." He wasn't sure what it was she did now, but her touch intrigued him. With a smile, the Baronet of Richmond sat still and then slowly reached his hand out and touched his finger against her cheek. It was a warm cheek.

Sarah smiled and took his hand and led a few more cautious fingers to brush her cheek. "You have nice, smooth hands for a merchant Percival, although I guess that would be needed if you dealt with fabrics."

"Yes, in my field of work, it is better to give the orders than carry them out." What was he saying anyway? Give orders? He was a young man who looked nothing like a merchant, did he? Who knew. From what he could tell, Percy could tell this girl he was a cattle farmer and she would believe him. He squeezed this girl's hand and then reached with his free hand to take another drink.

"We may need to limit your brandy Percival," Sarah said as he took another drink, "much more and you won't be able to stand much less walk away from here tonight. Although," she said as she leaned in and whispered in his ear, "not may not be such a bad thing."

"Really?" He whispered back and set the drink down. It was only, what? His third since he entered the bar. That wasn't a lot. Shoot, he used to drink up with Andrew back in school. Now there was some Englishmen drinking. Still, he leaned into her a little and continued to whisper. "What wouldn't be such a bad thing?"

She let one hand slide down from his neck to rub a bit against his chest, "If you had to stay here, with me." Sarah whispered, "After all, so long as you could get upstairs, I would make sure you were well taken care of."

He knew it! She was *that* sort of woman and now he glanced around the small dungeon looking place and saw all sorts of pairs of men and women in dark corners. He could barely make out the Prince. George was in amongst that mess, wasn't he? Percy hadn't planned on doing much more than flirting... an offer to go upstairs? He reached for his brandy and took a few more swallows. He already wasn't thinking straight and he needed to relax. Fast.

To Sarah, he hadn't even replied or said a word. His feeble mind on such matters racing and his eyes still scanning for George.

George chuckled softly to himself as he watched the "ladies" work their magic with ways and sayings their kind had long since perfected to an art. The first child, what was her name? Sarah? It was obvious she took to the taller, blonde Englishman then himself. Although he could have easily changed her mind George knew that Percy was more in need of their healing then he so had quietly slipped away not long after the conversation had begun. By that time a few more of the same "pretty young things" had made their way inside and George cozied up with them at another table all the while making sure to keep an eye out for Percy.

Sarah carefully took the brandy glass from his hand after watching him quickly down a few more gulps. She brought both hands up on either side of his neck and gently rubbed his shoulders, "Is something wrong Percival? You seem so nervous."

"Nervous? Wrong? Me? Never." The words flew from his mouth faster than any words should ever exit a man's lips. He tried to think of something clever, but had to admit he was at a loss. The Prince gave the advice of being bold. He felt like a cub in this obviously experienced woman's arms. What she was doing to his neck made him lower his head forward, enjoying the actions of her handiwork.

Percy was enjoying this far too much. But isn't that what men were supposed to do in places such as these? Enjoy themselves. Lifting his gaze up slightly, it became clear that he was in the most lighted part of the room. In the dark corners, he could make out the Prince with a few woman.

"Perhaps you would care to drink with me where it is...." Could he even bring himself to speak the words? "... a little more private?" He did not wish to stand and break off the hands of this woman, so he slowly slid off the bar stool and kept himself hunched over a bit. There was a couch sort of table across the room and Percy was very interested in seeing what fate would make of him if he ventured over.

"I think some place private is the best sort of place of theses types of things." Sarah said as she stood up from the stood. She let her hands slide once more down his chest before reaching over to grab his hand. Together they stepped away from the bar as he led her towards a booth in a darker part of the bar, but she had other ideas, "Come with me Percival, darkness does not equal privacy." she said as she pulled on his arm, hoping he would follow.

Hearing her, feeling her tug, he was undecided in what he wanted and his mind was clouded over as the spirits of the drink buzzed about in his head. With almost a look of despair, he gazed over at the Prince. Where to go from here?

Sarah kept moving a long and brought him up the back stairs to the end of a dark hallway. She held one finger up to her lips as she opened the door and stepped inside, motioning for him to follow.

He had decided that he deserved whatever was going to happen in this small room and followed her inside. His heart had ached earlier due to Mary at the ball and his pride was scorched. Now all too willing, Percy followed this 'occupational woman'.

Once inside, she stepped closer and put her arms around his neck and let her lips begin to run over his neck. "Isn't this nice, Percival?" she whispered, "Our own private place?"

In a matter of seconds, she was all over him and did not object. He felt a little light headed, but made it out to be due to the closeness and touch of a woman. A real woman. Not a fancy English Baroness or a Lady in Waiting who would not even let a man go beyond kissing their hand. This woman wanted to be with him because, well, because she found him good looking, he decided. As she touched and kissed his neck, Percy reached down and took hold of her chin and in his tipsy fashion, gave light kisses in return.

Sarah coyishly giggled as he tried to kiss her, pecking at her chin and cheek. She pulled back a bit and ran her hands up his chest and under his coat, beginning to slide it off his shoulders. One side felt heavier then the other, leading her to believe there was a pocket containing something there. "Don't you want to lay down Percival?"

"You know I do." He answered softly and helped her to take off the rest of his coat. He tossed it on the bed behind him and too drunk to care about wrinkles, he took to laying down on it. 'I can't believe what I'm about to do.' he said to himself. 'So many years of treated like a dumb boy. Ha! Who's your boy now Mary?!'

He reached up to the woman and smiled. He couldn't remember if she told him her name. He forgotten it already and in a way, he didn't want to know. Percy held on his face the most egotistical and vengeful grin he had ever worn to date in his young life. He could not wait to get her close to him.

Sarah led him to lean back a bit. She carefully pulled at the jacket he was laying on. "We don't want this to get in the way no do we?"

"Of course not." He smiled and turned a bit so his back was to her, and she could remove the item obstructing his soon to be workout.

Sarah put the coat on a chair near the main door before returning to his side. She ran each of her hands over his shoulders before letting her lips wonder back over his ear and neck. "Come now Percival, I'm sure all that work as a merchant has you very worn out. Why don't you just lay down here and I'll give you a nice backrub."

"Mmmmmm.... I can do that." Percy rolled over and stretched his arms in front of him. He glanced over his shoulder and looked up at her. "Is this the usual treatment you give to all roaming merchants?" He smiled.

She leaned in close and whispered in his ear, "No, just the ones I like." She began to let her hands rub and massage his shoulders and his back. "I bet you don't often get this kind of treatment while out traveling around do you?"

"No...." His voice droned on a little. Percy liked what she was doing, and he was curious if this was how it started out. So nice. So calm and peaceful. Slowly, he tried to turn over as he was curious to at least make an attempt to look at her in the darkness. If he lay on his stomach, how was he supposed to perform?

Sarah urged him wit her hands to remain still, "Just relax Percival, I won't hurt you." she breathed into his ear, "I like to make sure my men are taken care of first."

'My men'. The phrase sort of ran home to show him just how real the situation was. 'I am going to do this and enjoy myself.' Percy convinced his own mind that he had suffered greatly and somehow, just like everyone else, this was a solution and all would be better. "I'll relax." He finally answered and turned on his stomach with his arms outstretched in front of him on the bed.

Sarah smiled as he seemed to settle down, "Percival, have you ever done this before?" she asked, her curiosity getting the best of her.

"Mmmm?" He asked and closed his eyes. He moved his arms down at his sides and really let her hands take him to a place no other being had ever lead him too. Who gave this man tenderness and caring? Certainly not his half witted mother and definitely not Sir Algernon. Mary had rubbed up against him and let him kiss her hand, but nothing like this. Perhaps this girl really found him special. He wanted to believe that. "Sure." He answered, not really wanting to commit to either a 'yes' or a 'no'.

Sarah gave a soft giggle as she moved over him, placing one leg on either side of him. She was nearly letting her body rest on his as she ran her mouth and lips over his neck and behind his ear. She let her hands slide over the sides of his body, feeling how fast he was breathing, still stead, but slowing it seemed, 'good' she thought to herself.

He wasn't sure why he felt this way and could not even judge a proper response. The last thing he wanted to do was to turn over and let her see him in such a state. This was supposed to happen first, that much he knew, however she was sitting on top of him and Percy knew this wasn't how things worked. Maybe it was some new and exciting game played. He calmed himself and waited, closing his eyes and concentrating on how her lips nipped at him. How tender her hands felt just above his silken shirt. Maybe he could figure out a clever move to slip out of it. He started thinking of this, and at the same time, she was putting him completely at rest. At ease.

This was turning out to be easier then she expected. He didn't try anything. He was just letting her have her own way, but just in case she didn't want to arouse too much suspension. She reached up and pulled his hands back, placing each one so that it brushed against her legs before going back to her massage, working her hands farther down his back.

Percy was glad when she touched him and placed his hands upon her legs. He again, turned his shoulder, feeling sleepy lying here underneath her. "Come on, you would enjoy this a little more if I was turned at least, Mmmm?" He heard enough stories from his school mates to know what to do. Slowly, he placed his hands alongside him on the bed and began to turn around and move.

Sarah put on a little, pouting look, just in case he could see, "Awww, Percival, most people like my massages. Why are you so ready to be done with it, or are you just in a rush to be done with me and leave?"

He blinked and looked at her apologetically in the darkness. "I'm sorry." He could make out her small lips pursing forward in the candle light and the gentleman in his immediately obeyed to her wishes. Mary may have hurt and scored his heart, but this one was willing. He did not wish to leave her tender touch.

Turning back over, he replaced his hands on her legs and began to lightly rub up and down, as if he were touching the top of grain stalks lightly. "This good?" He asked her, wondering if he should even ask such a question less he seem completely inexperienced.

"It's perfect," she whispered in his ear. He seemed a bit more alert, and Sarah hoped the alcohol wasn't wearing off, although he seemed innocent enough and she guessed that he lied before and he wasn't so experienced, which would mean he's clean. It could just be a bit of a bonus for her.

He felt awkward and clumsy touching her now as his fingers became less and less attentive. Her hands were rubbing at his scapulas and shoulders. When she rubbed his neck, he let out a soft "Mmmm." And relaxed completely.

Sarah continued to let her hands run over his body, becoming slightly bored, as it seemed by his touch he was. Hopefully, that was just him getting drowsy.

He did not realize how drowsy he was becoming and no longer could Percy keep his eyelids open. His hands lay limply at his sides and part of him cried out "Hey nincompoop! You aren't supposed to be sleeping!" Never mind that voice, her touch lulled him like a mother rocking a baby. There were treasures to be discovered, but his attempts at finding them brought him back to this position. So she wanted to give him some rest first? The brandy made it impossible for him to fight the temptation and soon he no longer was awake.

Sarah gave a bit of a sigh of as he finally fell asleep. Slowly, not to disturb him, she moved off of him and away from the bed. She straightened her clothes as she crept towards the door. Carefully, she reached in and pulled out a small, but heavy, satchel. Almost too heavy for a merchant she thought. She dropped the coat and put the bag into one of her skirt pockets, and then, having a second thought, picked up his fine coat and put it on as she left the room, leaving Percival to peacefully sleep the night away.

He felt the bed move, but had not the energy to lift his eyelids or stir. Inside his mind, he pictured his mother holding his head in her lap and caressing his white blond hair. It was a memory or what was more of a dream. Rarely did Lady Blakeney ever 'awaken', as his father called it, and treat him as a son and little boy. The murky and moldy room reminded his senses of the smells on Sir Algernon's boat. Percy was having a wonderful dream as he turned over in the bed and did not wake from it. Not even when a door shut and he was left alone.

It was the muffled giggling outside his door that suddenly grew as the door flung itself open. "Oh!" some strange woman cried out when she saw him stir alone on the bed. There was a man hanging all over her, groping her in a manner that was most unbecoming of a gentleman. Percy quickly realized where he was and sat up hearing the female speak again. "This room's taken, luv." The woman turned and kissed her partner deeply and shut the door again to the room.

Reaching up to his short hair, he scratched his head and looked around the dark room. The candle had flickered down to a small nub and he wondered where the girl had gone too. 'Maybe she had to run to get something since I fell into a slight slumber.' He moved back on the bed and leaned into the wall, waiting.

Bringing his hand to his mouth, Percy covered a yawn as his eyes spied the lone chair in the room. It took him over a minute in a long stare to realize what was missing on the chair. Slowly, a most horrible idea dawned on him. "Damn me! My coat!" With a start, he bolted from the bed and patted down his pants. Getting down on his knees, the young Baronet reached under the bed to see if it slid underneath. The small room had no other outlets for things to hide. The expensive coat was gone.

Flinging the door open, Percy stuck his head out of the door and called out, "Hey! Where did you go?" No one answered but for a moment the rocking of the house halted, listening to him. He yelled down the hallway, "Where is my coat!?" Soon, the sounds began again mixed with muffled sounds of laughter from various rooms.

Slowly the full knowledge of the situation crawled its way out of dimness and into the open. She was gone. A coat was missing. The money was stolen. His exciting night was denied to him and all that remained was the idiotic feeling of having a woman best him.

"DAMN!" Leaving the room, Percy made his way down the stairs and into the main bar. There were a few couples about, necking and touching in the dark corners. He looked around for the girl, his fists ready in a very ungentlemanly like manner, and as luck would have it tonight, she was no where to be found. What angered him more, loosing his best coat and money or being played for a fool by a prostitute, one could never say.

The bar keep was no where to be found and Percy did not see the Prince. 'Probably upstairs having the time of his life.' he swore to himself. Wanting to be anything but inside this dive of a hell hole, the true fool of England headed outside where the biting chill of the night sliced through his thin silk shirt. Looking around, Percy rubbed at his arms and tried to find the Prince's carriage.

The streets were bare as he was destined to be served nothing but trouble tonight.

George stretched lazily and with one last kiss for the wench he'd spent the evening with he headed downstairs, putting his jacket on as he went. Tonight had proved satisfying. The boring party beforehand had livened with the added tension of Mary and Percy in the same room and the Prince had amused himself with aiding Percy in his problems. The barmaid had been experienced, as he'd expected, and his short time upstairs had been immensely enjoyable. George stopped just inside the door of the bar when he saw Percy, coatless and in a bad temper, out on the street. He'd made arrangements to have his carriage placed in a back alley not far from here since such a fancy ride would no doubt no noticed. Probably the carriage, or himself, was what Percy was after. But Percy had asked the Prince to teach him and so he would. While downstairs amidst his own busy groping and chat George had kept an eye on the Baronet. Noticed that he'd had too much to drink, how eagerly and innocently he had gone upstairs. Obviously that Sarah girl had caught on to the man's naivite and taken advantage of it, judging from Percy's uneasy manner at the moment. Instead of making his presence known George stayed back and watched, waiting for Percy's next move.

The cold night air seemed to offer nothing but blankness. As chilly as his arms were, the head of the Baronet was hot, filled with anger. He looked north down the barren street, and saw the way back the carriage had come. It was a long line of more places such as the one he exited from. More prostitutes. More bar keeps and more 'gentlemen' from which could see his state and probably know his situation. That is, if an Englishman had ever allowed himself to be fooled so by a mere woman.

Heading south, he began the long walk towards a main street, and even longer, putting distance between himself and this place. He periodically would reach down and check his pockets for the money he knew was no longer there. Sir Percy Blakeney had no reputation at this point in his life for having money, so there was no credit from which to try and borrow upon. As the bitter night air sliced through him, he swore off women and their money hungry ways. His thoughts went back to his mother and slowly, his heart began to grow cold.

Sarah was sitting outside at another tavern, enjoying some laughs with a friend over drinks paid for by her loot from the evening, figuring the poor man to be passed out drunk still from all his brandy. A few men glance her way but she paid no attention, she had enough money to last her a while, and after that her new coat could probably bring in some extra money, although she would put of parting with it, it was a fine jacket, and very warm and comfortable.

George watched as Percy continued angrily down the street when his attention was distracted by loud laughter outside a nearby tavern. Turning his gaze he saw Sarah and.........Percy's good coat. A sly smile played on his lips as he made his way across the street. "Evening" George said grinning down at the barmaid and nodding at her company. She was caught and they both knew it.

He knew not that the Prince had follow his movements as he headed away from the other bars, prostitute's and his own humiliation. Not wishing to turn around, Sir Percy kept his arms in close and shook his head. How quickly he was sobering up to the situation at hand, and it did not take long for him to wish to be only in one place now: Richmond.

Sarah's eyes lit up as she saw Percy's friend standing over her. Could she really be so lucky tonight? "Well hello there sir, please, come and join us. I would have thought you'd be under the spell of Nancy's charms by now."

"Nancy? I thought she stuck around with Percy and yourself! But no matter" George said, taking a seat next to Sarah and sliding an arm across her shoulder. "I found good company none-the-less. Do you happen to know where my friend ran off to?"

"Oh, I thought she was with you, well, no matter, I'm sure she found some company for the night." Sarah said, as he put his arm around her. Sarah adjusted her seat a bit closer to his, "As for your friend Percival, I'm afraid he's unavailable at the moment, peacefully sleeping the night away." She moved her one hand up and let her fingers trail across his chin, "If you're in a rush to leave, I can tell you where he is, but if you can spare the time, I wouldn't mind such company."

Taking hold of her fingers George kissed the tips of them lightly. "Sleeping peacefully you say? Odd, he must sleepwalk and I didn't even know it for I same him walking down the street a moment ago in the most horrendous mood. I wonder what could have caused that hmm?" George said nonchalantly as kept hold of her wrist. "Maybe I should run along.........and take his jacket back with me."

"Oh, poor thing, I guess he wasn't as far out as I thought he was. Perhaps you had better find him, although . . ." she continued as she moved in closer and let her warm breath caress his neck and cheek, "I would miss your company."

"And I would bet he misses his jacket." George said simply as he let her go and slipped Percy's good coat off her shoulders. "Anything else he might miss Sarah?" George said, eyebrows raised.

Had the jacket only been draped over her shoulders he might have gotten it off her arms, but fortunately for Sarah, she had put the garment properly on. "This was payment for my services." Sarah remarked, as she squirmed and moved away from him.

"He gave you his good coat when he had a wallet full of money? " George said with obvious doubt. "I am not that ignorant Sarah. Unless you want to go meet him with me so he can verify it, darling........."

"He was very pleased with what he got, I can assure you, and is a very kind and charitable man, which more then what I can say for you." she snapped as she stood up and took a step back from him.

George reached out and took hold of her arm. Not roughly, just enough to keep her from running off. "Oh I couldn't argue with that. I don't doubt that he enjoyed himself immensely. And he *is* a kind man which is why he needs his jacket back love. " He said gently. This was how these people made money, it was one of the only ways they knew to receive any source of income-that at least, he could understand. Sarah hadn't done it out of malice, more out of habit. Though he wouldn't be surprised if a touch of greed had been involved. "No fair in taking advantage of the wishful thinkers Sarah."

"And who are you to say what's what's? Wishful thinkers my foot, he gave this jacket to me and I don't intend to give it to you." She twisted her arm to pull out of his grasp and began walking away at a quick pace.

George easily caught up with the girl and stepped in her way. "Sarah" His speech was slower as he was becoming slightly more agitated. "Don't play me for a fool. You probably took much more then the jacket but that is all I am asking you for." He knew very well that money he wouldn't get back, not from a prostitute-they weren't known for making change. But retrieving the jacket would restore at least *some* of the man's pride to prove to Percy he had not lost it all.

"I don't play you for a fool, so don't you call me a liar." Sarah said, she continued to walk faster, crossing her arms in front of her clutching protectively onto the jacket.

"Well I am, you should be more observant." George said sternly as he grabbed her shoulders from behind. "Give. Me. The Jacket." He whispered in her ear. "That is all I want. And believe me my dear, right now I could take a lot more"

Sarah began to shake when he touched her, "we're not so far from the crowded taverns and inns, let me go know or I'll scream."

"Hand over the jacket or I'll let you." George replied smartly. "Yelling is not that uncommon around here little girl."

Sarah opened her mouth and let a long, loud, ear-piercing shriek. At first wordless before flowing into a list of swears intermixed with things such as "let me go" and "get your hands off me." It wasn't long before she could see a set of shadows running their way.

Turning his head George could see a group of men heading in their general direction. "General" came to his mind because a closer look showed that it was a group of nearly drunk men who seemed to be having difficulty walking directly to the spot he and the girl occupied. But George was never one to be caught outnumbered, even by a few apparently harmless drunkards so he turned his attention back to Sarah. Since he had her by the shoulders from behind it was easier to remove the coat. Grabbing hold of the lapels he pulled it towards him, forcing her arms together and back allowing the jacket to slide off into his hands. It felt oddly heavy and a smile crossed his face when he realized that Percy's money was in the coat pocket. In a single smooth gesture George reached down, pulled out a couple coins, wrapped an arm around her waist and let them fall into her hands. Laughing loudly he took off down the street, jacket in hand.

Sarah grunted as she shoved the coins in her pocket and took off after the man. Screaming she leapt and jumped onto his back, grabbing at and tearing the fine stitching of the jacket.

He was quite a ways down the road, about to turn the corner when he heard a female scream as if attacked. He turned back to see a group of men in the shadows running towards some sort of action. The anger that burned in him near held him back about wishing to help out a woman, but even his scorned pride could overcome the gentleman that was raised deep inside. His walk became a jog and soon the Baronet found himself in a long legged run as he caught up to the group of men reaching for a single figure. He could not tell, but it appeared that a female was also brawling in the group.

As he came near, his run turned into a slot trot and the twenty two year old man wondered if these sort of strange group behavior were habitual to these parts of town.

George stumbled forward as the girl jumped on his back. What on earth was she doing? "Kindly remove yourself. NOW." He yelled, reaching back. Taking hold of the middle of the arm that held onto him so, he unwound himself from it's grasp. Hurriedly getting out another coin or two he threw them a feet away. "Leave me be girl." He said roughly.

Taking one last snipe before running away, Sarah grabbed onto a loose sleeve of the coat and took off in the other direction, leaving the man with a one sleeved coat

When the identity of the lone man and the female figures came into his head, the lips pulled back in disgust. What was going on? The Prince and this horrible urchin of a human female? He moved again slowly near, the men around in the group laughing as they realized the female was doing quite the job of taking care of herself.

Percy heard his coat rip and saw the girl make off with part of it. Out of pure hatred and anger, he moved over to George, removed the coat from his grasp and shook the coat above his head yelling at Sarah.

"You want this so bad? Take it Wretch!" Throwing what was left of his coat, feeling the weight of his money in the pocket and all, the coat made a toss of a good twelve feet towards the girl. Thoroughly embarrassed, angered and enraged, Sir Percy turned without a word and put great distance between himself and this disaster. He couldn't even face George the Fourth.

Grimacing for the obvious embarrassment of his friend, George strode over to where Percy had flung the coat and gingerly picked it up. Sarah had taken off but the coins where fast being divided among the drunken stragglers left on the street. Walking up behind the Baronet, George held out the one armed coat, looked thoughtfully at it and said quietly "You know, take off the other sleeve, hem the bottom and you'd have a damn fine vest."

While he appreciated the Prince's efforts to lighten his mood, Sir Percy found it best to remain saying as little as possible for the moment. 'Once a fool, always a fool.' the haunting phrase came into his mind. "I fear vests made from once fine coats will not be a likely fashion." He wanted to say that the very sight of the coat caused him discomfort, but kept quiet. He allowed George to lead him back to the carriage and then home.

'Once a fool....'

George did not say a word the remainder of the ride home, for what was there to say at such a time that would not worsen the situation. Nodding to Percy when they dropped him off at his doorstep, George gave a nod and an encouraging smile to his friend. They would talk tomorrow.

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