The Georgian Route

[Carlotta]

The boy was young.. Juvenile in believing no harm could have reached him no matter the protection of leather pads he wore. As a result of his ignorance he founded himself pierced in the abdomen by the very thing he and his companion practiced with.. An arrow. The pain seared through out his body and caused a labored breath to spill between thin lips of pale discoloration. Shouts from his comrade were lost in the sea of his own panic while depth of the sky watched other boys race over to him and offer assistance. Then came the calls of the young man groomed to be King..Henry leapt immediately off his horse when he realized who had been wounded. "Andrew. Your Grace can you hear me?!" Heavy lashes fluttered for but a moment as the Duke realized he was day dreaming right there in the center of the most public halls within the castle of Henry..With a clear of his throat he gave a nod. "Of course I can" Brows pressed tightly together as a sweep of annoyance came over him. Lengthy legs flexed between the tight breeches as he moved onward with a casual pace so that the shorter man at his side would not have to run to catch up with him. Hands curled backward while long digits inner locked at the lower cord of his back. Though they were not at all alone Andrew paid little attention to the women and lesser lords that discussed there affairs of Henry's reign. "I do not trust Henry's Clergy..The Cardinal is a snake in the court of our King!" Words were hissed as he confessed to the man.. After all how could this man repeat the Duke's words..He was a mute.

Once again, the coming of the dawn would find her within the vast confines of the library. The King's own words had spurned her on, to learn all she could to be the best able. She'd not wish any to claim her incompetent. Again the waning light would bring to close her day of research. Her idea was becoming fruitful, it was plausible to say the least. The only thing she couldn't figure out, was how the transition could take place without a great upset, without coming to an all out war. Shadows cast heavily over the dark wood of shelves, tables and leather bounds. Those three special, would be stacked and bound only to have their weight handed over to the Paige that awaited her request. "Take these to my carriage, place them upon the seat and cover them with the blanket." A pause before she'd add. "It's to keep the leather from getting too cold and splitting." Good enough reasoning to offer the boy, who probably didn't care one way or another. Spectacles plucked from bridge of nose to be placed within it's velvet holder then slipped into the pocket of skirt. This evening she wore the colors of the earth. Forest greens laid over that of rich browns. Accented with ebon and gold brocade. Long black mane drawn back into a bun rested at the base of skull and covered with a white pearl encrusted net. The boy was quickly off to do her bidding, and she would exit the library to stroll down the hall. At least this time she wasn't nose buried in a book as she moved. Notes she made were clenched tightly in hand, the question now was, whom could she possibly speak to of this? Who could she trust? When it came to the matters of the Court, but most of all the Church, one had to be very careful.

Perched like an ornament of masculinity upon one of the arches etched into the stone of the Georgian Route was the Duke of Cornwall, Titus Jasper. One long leg propped precariously atop the stone, back resting against the outcropping of stone and his opposite leg was stretched completely out so that the tip of his boot touched the opposite wall. His right arm rested upon his bent knee and he was currently entertaining a beautiful blonde. Likely one of the Queen's ladies. His words were muted but the look in his eye and the way his lips moved in sensuous ways, let alone the maiden's laughter could clearly denote one thing.... he was not speaking politics. His hand lifted and reached for hers about to draw her in when he saw someone coming. Unable to tell from a distance who it was he quickly released her and sat up a bit straighter just in case it was the Queen. Henry posed no threat, nor did Andrew but Katherine had long viewed him as supremely uncouth and the epitome of evil. It actually amused Titus and there were times he actually sought to be just as outrageous as he possibly could to get under her skin. Though he always held respect for her, whether she liked him or not. The afternoon sun was just departing and it had served to warm the day just enough to melt a bit of the newly fallen snow. Though no doubt, there would be more tonight. The glint of rays passed upon his doublet causing the gold and red threading to stand out for a moment as he turned bringing both legs down until booted feet touched the stone floor of the passage, then stood. "I must bid you farewell my lady." The girl looked crestfallen but gave the proper respects as she turned to leave. His gaze focused upon the two that were approaching quite fast.

Broad shoulders dipped as the man following him issued a small, but irritating poke to his forearm. "Wait" That single word spoke volumes to the temper that began to burn inside of him. Then came another, more intense poke. "What!" Head turned while blues were cast higher above the man..Why did they naturally shift there he had truly no idea. But, for a split second he took note of Jane prancing out of one room and into another..Just what the hell was she up to this time? Boots still moved even though his focus was upon the upper level and, with a small bump he founded himself literally directly face to face with Titus. Jaw tensed as he turned on the breaks before completely colliding with the man. Quickly looking at his companion a faint but distinct grin of deviousness spilled across his visage. "Good evening, Titus" Heels rolled his posture backwards as he tried to cover up this rather clumsy act. "Are the ladies entertaining enough this night?"

"You're one to talk, I saw who just left the parlor and crossed your path nearly causing you to set us both upon the floor on our asses. I thought you said she caused you headaches and stomach pains, last we spoke you told me you had rather sit in a pan of hot ash newly taken from the grates before even thinking about her... so what's changed?" Curiosity played on his visage and caused his brow to furrow as he removed his hand from the wall that he'd used to steady himself from what could have proven a nasty fall. Though he'd not forget he was seeking an answer, he did glance past Andrew's shoulder to see another lady wandering down toward them. Dark haired, even from far away he could see the beauty she possessed and felt his loins stir, brunettes.. his favorite. Though he maintained his present position and looked back to Andrew imploringly. "Come man... out with it, your eyes actually followed her this time and perhaps moved beyond just the view of the back of her head." He had a feeling Andrew would deny the entire thing and with such passion it would likely leave a welts if he did not move back a few steps... which was exactly what he did.

Blasted all saint shrines within the church! Titus had caught him and, of course brought attention to the matter. That grin down graded dramatically and was replaced by a frown in it's Stead. Chest extended forward while nostrils flexed a sharp breath deep into his lungs. "That woman causes me far worse than a headache I would categorize it more along the lines of a strong migraine." If there were at all any shimmer of affection then it was for certain out of his gaze now as cold depths washed over the man. "I do not trust her, Titus..Even for a moment. She came to be but a fortnight ago in the Renaissance Room. Her antics proved to me her hidden agenda's..I only wonder what Wosley will ask of her next" Hands came to rest against the thin slop of his hips as he shifted sidelong to look at the woman approaching. "You mistake annoyance for affection..You always have" Though Andrew was irritated he knew Titus spoke only the truth..There was something about Jane that allured him to her..This of course would NEVER be admitted to anyone.

Soon enough the distance would be closed and those ahead recognized. At least one, the Duke, the others not so. Could he ...? No, maybe not. Friends he may very well be with the King, but where did his loyalties truly lie? Many times she had seen where friends had become the worse of enemies. The facade hidden behind for ulterior motives. As she neared, that polite smile would appear upon the surface of natural mauve twins. Moving to skirt around the men to pass, though a greeting to be offered none the less. "Fair evening Milord’s." Voice soft, no need to bellow. The men did a good enough job of that without her adding any herself. She had no intention on disrupting their topic of discussion, that would be down right rude of her.

"You're attracted to her... I can tell." Dawning surprise on his face as he chose to continue to badger Andrew a moment longer. "Trust me.. just f**k her.. get it over with then you can forget her and get on with your life. " There was a maniacal light in his eyes as his words fell just at the appropriate time as not to be heard by the passing lady. The smile that quickly gathered upon his lips turned to a full grin as she spoke her greeting and bowing at the waist he returned the sentiment. "An extremely fair evening when one of such beauty and grace decides to pass our way." He'd not let her get away that easily. "You looked somewhat puzzled or perhaps in need of service." Moving in beside Andrew he placed an arm around the Duke of Buckingham's shoulders and turned his body fully so that his eyes could feast upon the back of her.. at least until she decided to turn back... if she did. "Could we be of service my lady?" He didn't remember having seen her at court before and so came the well mannered side of him that hid the more playful side. "I am Titus Jasper, Duke of Cornwall and this is Andrew Wallace, Duck of Buckingham, I mean... Duke... " Ah, well so much for that playful side staying hidden.

Lips shifted to speak but, as the man began his badgering Andrew thought it best to say nothing and allow Titus the pleasure to say the entirety of his speech without interruption. Then, when he grew silent a brow was lifted, very much in the "Are you quite through yet?" Manner. "Hear I beg of you what you are saying!" Though he shouted it was low and contained so that no one else would become alarmed. Gods breath had they not been around so many Titus would find himself punched onto his ass about now. "She..Serves the very man I despise! How then could I, even for a moment have a fiber in be that desires her..Even in---" But his words were silenced as heels dug firmly against the glossy tiles and he founded himself twirling an about fact by the guide of Titus hands to face the lovely brunette. "Forgive us, M'lady you have interrupted nothing at all." He would say no more other than firing Titus a certain death glare that refused to be ignored by both accounts. They would speak more later on this matter..Come hell or high water. "Titus believes of himself to be comedic when truly all he brings is insanity." Throat cleared as he nudged the man by his left elbow and straight into the ribcage.

Having meant to pass without interruption, it would seem such would not be the case. Pause in motion as she'd turn to face them, that smile still in place. "I was just contemplating my latest studies is all." Keeping that scroll tucked protectively behind her as she responded to the Duke, Titus. "I am Lady Carlotta Basinstoke, newly appointed Barrister to the King's court." She'd not mention the plantation, no need to expose herself completely to these men. Again she'd dip her head in a nod of acknowledgement. "Well met Duke Titus ..." Attention then shifted to Andrew. "...as well as you, Duke Andrew. I'm sorry I was unable to congratulate you on your win within the court the other night." Referring the arm wrestling contest he had with the playwright. "If I may be permitted, such I offer upon you now." Smile would warm slightly, though it's polite appearance to return. Attention drifted between the two men, there was one way to gain some questions answered in a round about way. "My studies are quite detailed about the laws of Church and State. Quite confusing they can be at times when so many contradict each other." Here she'd watch their faces for reaction, as well as listen closely to any response. An ally she needed to help shape what she was working on, someone she could trust. She knew fully well if the wrong individual learned of what she worked on, it could ultimately end with her death, if not imprisonment.

Looking at Andrew a bit strangely he muttered, the Cheshire grin still firmly implanted upon his features. "Of course she hasn't... nothing at all." His arm left Andrew's shoulders and as it came down his hand flew back lightly catching Andrew in the gut right in the spot where he'd caught him with an arrow when they had been no more than ten. It was only just reward for the rib jolt he'd just given him. As the Lady Carlotta introduced herself Titus moved forward just slightly so that he could listen more intently. "Win? Another one?" His brow raised he glanced back to Andrew yet again. "Who did you put down this time?" Notorious for his challenges or being challenged it was an everyday thing for the Buckingham Duke to have yet another notch placed upon his belt. A belt that by now Titus would think was getting too big. His question would go unnoticed and even forgotten by him as he turned his attention back to Carlotta. Titus nearly winced as she mentioned the Church and State, right now the two were not getting along so very well and it was a sore subject. Better she ask them than Henry though, he was never in a mood to discuss such at this time. His request of annulment from Katherine still in denial and mostly on behalf of the recent victory of her brother Charles. He'd taken the Pope prisoner to an extent, having him locked in the Vatican in order to help maintain his sister's place a bit longer. Glancing again at Andrew he decided to be quiet and let him take this matter.

A small puff of air was exhaled upon the impact of Titus hand to his stomach and with a small grin Andrew stepped forward and out of the Duke of Cornwall's reach. His face would, however turn sour when Carlotta brought mention to the Church and State. His expression could have easily matched that of Titus but, unlike his counterpart it was Buckingham that issued a reply. "Yes well.. Both are currently on thin ice with one another and, for your own personal safety I advise that you keep your theories away from the ear shot of our King." Her congratulations of his victory was his safety cushion to quickly change the subject..And so, without hesitation he did so. "Thank you..Your phrase means much, Lady Carlotta." Chin lowered as he offered her a respectful nod. His gaze lifted from her to favor his comrade. "His majesty thought it would be entertaining the other night if I were to arm wrestle our newest playwright" Giving a nod while he completed his statement. "And, like a few other times in the past I tried to lose and yet still won." A smile slowly crept it's way along the edges of his lips..It was more Cheshire than sincere.

The Duke of Buckingham's words would have her gaze settle upon for a long moment, then her soft response. "Yes, I know. It's the basis behind my studies." Leaving it at that. If the man is true to the King and his wants, her words might be cryptic, but offered a volume of information to any who picked up on them. That topic now passed over as the Duke spoke about his victory. "It was close on several occasions." Even if the playwright did make a bit of a spectacle of himself with facial features and all. "For one who tried to lose, you won quite competently." A bit of a tease of her own, daring it was towards a man of such station. Smile ebbed into a bit of a grin, then fully recovered as that smile was back in play. "He nearly broke the man's arm." Informing Titus, even if that wasn't so, it was how the playwright made it seem. "Had the poor man begging for mercy, he did!"

The topic changed he felt a bit more comfortable and decided now would be as good a time as any to poke fun at Andrew. "Yes, he enjoys breaking arms... in fact I have seen times he has jumped from his horse even in jousts and attacked the poor man while still upon the ground... grasping his arm with intent to break it on purpose. " He leaned forward playfully and spoke close to her ear. "He enjoys inflicting pain... " With a nod he moved back again and glanced at Andrew giving him narrowed eyes. He'd just hugely exaggerated of course and now he only needed wait for Andrew to save his good name. A game they played? Titus thought he detected some interest the lady had in the Duke of Buckingham and so was doing as he always did, trying to push it further. Andrew was often far too serious, to the point that it actually pissed Titus off. There were times you could all but sit a woman upon his lap and he'd still pretend she wasn't there at all. Suddenly too he had an infatuation with Jane? That had to be changed and quickly, so yes, Titus would forego his own exploits and charms on this one allowing Andrew to take the spotlight. However, his own eyes roamed the halls for one in particular that seemed to be absent from court or hiding from him.... the Marchioness of Suffolk, Rebecca.

It had come to be this night as though the general theme was to attack the Duke of Buckingham! There teases were met head on by that still planted Cheshire grin along with a small but distinct blush creeping it's way along the sharp bone of his cheeks. He would not boast about his accomplishments, unlike his companion and thus as Carlotta spoke of his competence he merely shook his head with but a small chuckle to offer proof to his humor. "I did not. Almost break his arm..But I would have been very tempted had my opponent been Titus and not the playwright!" With the speed of a panther upon the hunt Andrew tossed his right arm across Titus shoulders and drew him inward for a headlock. Andrew had height on the man and thus his movement was agile and swift. "Whatever he says to you" Blues looked straight at the woman while Titus whispered into her ear. "Don't believe a word" This statement was, of course almost mouthed than spoken out loud. "And you should talk..Inflicting pain upon others is your expertice..It's right up there with your ..Lame jokes and lack alcohol intake!" Ah a challenge perhaps? For the first time in a while Andrew was finding himself contented by such badgering and even issued his own acts of playfulness. Titus was such a BAD influence!

Titus would be way off base, by a thousand miles in thinking the young Barrister held any interest. They were men of the court, and even though she was as well, she had no interest in those she called peathingys behind their backs. Such outbursts within her home when she and her parents argued, usually had the house staff giggling and tittering behind hands. She listened to Titus' words and a glance spared in his direction before Andrew's move would only solidify the man's comment. Her smile never wavered, it remained perfectly in place. "By what I've witnessed here between the two of you, I'd say it's a mutual act." Glint of amusement did appear within chestnut pools. "I should be on my way, I have obligations I must see to." She still had the books of the plantation to go over before she found her bed this night. Soon enough taxes would be due, and she had to ensure no errors so that her father didn't pay too much, nor too little. "It was a pleasure to make both your acquaintances, and I do hope you don't bruise each other too much." This time she couldn't hide that grin of amusement and a forward tip of her head offered in respect. "A fair evening I bid to you both." She'd turn then, shifting of hands to bring that scroll to her front, keeping it from open view of the two. Still unsure if trust could be placed, and she wasn't going to make any mistakes. Down the hall she'd now make her way, to eventually find her carriage and be taken home.

[Carlotta]

"HEY!" As he was jerked into that headlock he actually made to give a few playful punches to his ribs that would cause no pain nor harm. "No sparring in the halls, King's orders!" As he was released he turned a deaf ear... well almost. As he stood, straightening his doublet and gathering himself to full height he spoke against Andrew's accusations, like two siblings bantering one another. "I stopped drinking I have you know!" Turning slightly he frowned. "It was the worst ten minutes of my life." What? She was leaving? So soon... well. "The pleasure was mine dear lady, and I do hope to see you again... yes definitely." Still the wolf he watched her begin to walk away his topaz gaze taking in every curve, tracing over them and retracing as though committing them to memory. Turning finally to Andrew he nodded. "Yes... I think she likes you." Little did he know of course.

The celebration following his last visit to court had taken some time for Eolus to recover from. In fact, his stomach had just recovered, and his head quieted to a softer sort of pounding. Nonetheless, his step was brisk, healthy, and his smile to the guards was rather brighter than they were accustomed to receiving. And, really, he had cause to be in such a fine mood. The King's own playwright! For a wrestling match! Somewhere in the back of his mind, the impulsiveness with which the King had bestowed this title troubled him. Impulsiveness was impulsiveness: it could work either to ones favor, or against it. Still, he did not doubt his own ability to amuse, to entertain, to entrance. After all, it was his profession. So it was that the playwright, Eolus Blunt, stepped lightly into the court of King Henry, casting an assessing look over the crowd of courtiers, and lowering his lashes over his eyes to conceal the giddy gleam of triumph in them.

Titus statement actually got Andrew to laugh! How shocking indeed. Heavy lashes fluttered upward as he watched Carlotta make her departure. "Be well, M'lady and it was a pleasure" Another incline of his head was sent in her direction..Then, as she grew a considerable distance away he leaned closer to Titus and whispered a heated breath into the crown of his ear. "Definitely nude and waiting for you upon your bed you mean" Withdrawing he issued the man a stoic expression though blues betrayed his complete sour gaze. "You think every woman that looks at you or I for a moment longer than required that they have developed as if by magic an infatuation. Nae..She does not like me and if I were her I would equal my opinion more so on you!" Only then did another chuckle escape his mouth. "Foolish bastard that you are!"

"Hardly, she seems to be the type that desires a man that can inflict pain. Notice how she was the one brought up the ordeal about you almost breaking the guys arm and..." Just then he realized they were no longer alone and he quickly turned his attention to the approaching playwright. Actually a man he had yet to meet as he'd not been present the other night at court when the infamous arm wrestle had taken place. Nudging Andrew in the side he tried to gain his attention so that he realized as well they were being fast approached once again. Titus suddenly grew a bit more serious usually saving his wit for his closest friends and of course the ladies. A slight bow was already being executed in the general direction of the man before he had gotten within a few feet of them. "My Lord... " This time he'd wait for Andrew to issue the introductions.

Eolus hung onto his small smile with the gameness of a bulldog closing its jaws when the man not only bowed to him, a commoner, but was even so courteous as to address him as a Lord. He rather hoped that the man would not be vindictive if he came to realize his error. He returned the bowed precisely, rather more deeply than the other had executed his own. On another level, of course, he was pleased; he did carry himself with the grace of one noble-born, though this was a result of acting the part, rather than being born to it. He bowed also to the Duke, carefully low there, too, and then like, following the protocol, he awaited for his social betters to speak first.

Speaking of triumph and defeat here comes now the playwright himself with brisk speed! The majority of Titus' jab was caught by his forearm however the bone of the man's elbow penetrated against his mid section. d**n these people poking him! Body shuddered for but a moment as indication of being uncomfortable and then he stepped forward to greet the man. "Good evening, Eolus and welcome back to the court" Titus' comment of the man being a lord brought yet another grin to the Duke of Buckingham's lips. "This is the man Lady Carlotta was speaking of!" Left arm extended outward as his hand softly clapped Eolus shoulder to bring him closer to his comrade. "And see his arm is still in tact." Blues ping ponged between the two for but a half second longer before he completed the introduction. "Titus this is our newest playwright, Eolus Blunt.. Eolus this is Titus, The DUCK of Cornwall." Oh he could contain it no longer..He laughed quite heartedly while the back of his left hand rose to his lips as a means to recompose himself. "Duke rather..Nevermind us, playwright We have known one another since we were boys" His attention then moved upon Eolus. "How has this day been to you anyway?" Had he known the man suffered stomach aches he would have almost believed it to be by his own cause! Make a man sick..What a way to welcome him to court..But, after all it Was the king's demand. He only complied.

Hell! He didn't know better to be safe than sorry right? Merely having chosen to use his good sense in the matter. Upon realizing that he was not an actual noble he did relax slightly though he did not show any ill will or vindiction in fact he was still in possession of the smile he'd held the entire time. That which broadened into laughter as Andrew did the introductions and used his own anomaly from earlier. Paybacks... he nodded his head to Eolus and then spoke to Andrew. "Ha! Good one.. you're getting better... very good indeed." Jesting as though he was in the process of training the man, in fact at times he felt he was. He practically had to turn flips and put on a hat with bells in order to get Andrew to even remotely begin to show his amusing side at times. "A pleasure to meet you Eolus, perhaps you should ask Andrew here for a rematch I'm almost sure second time around you could take him. Though make him use his left arm." He gave the man a wry wink and laughed yet again. "So... a playwright. That should be interesting."

"Ah, pity he's not a duck in truth, for it would make the distinguishing of you the easier. As stands, I shall say 'Your Grace,' and not know which I address, for doubtless you are peers in grace." He rolled a hapless look toward the ceiling, as if in appeal to God, and then leveled a look back on the pair of Dukes. He grinned slightly and wiggled the fingers of his arm that he'd wrestled Buckingham with. "Alas, my poor arm has been sapped of all its strength by that furious contest. It's fit only for writing plays, now." He affected a woebegone expression. "It is delight itself to meet you, your Grace of Cornwall," he added solicitously. For all his eyes were lowered in the semblance of politeness, he studied the both of them closely. Childhood friend, hmn? That showed, all right. And remarkably, both seemed to possess friendly dispositions. He smiled. "I am well. Indeed, I am excellent. And I shall endeavor, heart and soul, mind and body, to be interesting, for what other use are plays? And how are you gentlemen?"

The castle served as a fortress against the freezing temperature outdoors where, it seemed to Thomas, it was growing colder by the second. The companion at his elbow, his personal secretary, leaned into him and spoke in a raspy whisper which was quickly followed by an almost feminine giggle. The Marquis of Winchester, Thomas Kent to most, also offered a sign of his mirth, doubling slightly and laughing into his palm. It was usually noted, by his peers, how the man kept in such excellent fashion, often times sporting finer attire then his lovely wife. He took great care with his coiffure, and as a result, the dewy brown locks hung in limp waves, crowning a slightly protruding forehead. His gut, he believed, was concealed beneath the flamboyantly bejeweled, yellow doublet that clashed with his pale flesh. Clearing his throat, he slid his hand from his mouth, onto the shoulder of his compatriot. The perch was maintained for only a moment, as the man gave a secretive smile and smoothed his fingers over the fabric of his Secretary's coat, passed the shoulder - where they briefly brushed at exposed skin. Without obvious concern, the two man continued their leisurely stroll, headed straight for the trio of Nobles, and playwright.

Titus had begun to listlessly allow his eyes to wander about the area. The narrow walkway provided little to no cover for those that would come and go, still with high hopes that he'd see Rebecca tonight his eyes instead lit upon that anal trekking husband of hers. Already he was muttering under his breath and it would likely seem he was talking to himself giving the notion that he was indeed insane. How dare he! The man was little more than an ornament for the court as all knew Rebecca took care of both their assets. Glancing surreptitiously between Thomas Kent and the secretary at his side he recognized the boy as one of Thomas' favorites. No doubt he'd brought the youth along to hold onto his gun for him. There was a hunt this eve, the one that would hopefully change things for quite a few people. He could hardly contain his hope that Henry would be along soon to witness such a display and nearly felt his stomach turn as he took note of the affectionate displays between the two. Openly! He did this without thought to even save Rebecca's reputation he was incorrigible! Wanting badly to excuse himself in the hope that he'd not have to even so much as speak to the man he brought his eyes back to Eolus and Andrew as if to ignore him altogether... he had a feeling it would prove an impossible task as his eyes often even wandered over Titus himself with vaguely hidden desire.

Eolus was attentive; he followed Cornwall's gaze as it went to the colorfully dressed gentleman and the boy with him. His eyebrows lifted fractionally, and his pale hazel eyes lit in a moment of mirth. Yellow was a cheery enough color, but not when it cast the gentleman wearing it in a similarly lemon-y shade. He discerned that the two were approaching, however, and quickly swept his amusement from his face, instead gazing to the Duke - who appeared to be studiously pretending that they were not being approached. That was going to be awkward. With a philosophical shrug, he gave the man and his companion a courteous nod. He wasn't going to make enemies without knowing who they were.

"Oh yes, I await the evening most .. eagerly." Thomas murmured, glancing down his large nose toward his secretary. His adventurous grasp became bolder, as he curled his fingers affectionately along the base of Richard's neck. He sighed, feeling his lower garments tightened against his rising desire. Richard, apparently aware of his affect upon the Noble, risked a gaze downward and nearly tittered with his growing anticipation. Thomas, completely enthralled by the man at his side, seemed unaware of the Dukes and the playwright. Indeed, he nearly very missed the group altogether, but his companion had noted the three and stiffened in equal parts of anxiety and excitement. This spurred the Marquis' curiosity, and with a casual sweep, he lifted his eyes and surveyed those around him. Instantly, he recognized Buckingham and Cornwall, the latter having served in many of Thomas' fantasies. . . and what was this, they were playing host to some young buck? He stared, audaciously allowing his scrutiny to rake the two men, Buckingham was instantly discarded since he was .. such an uptight fellow. "Your Graces," He said, only to be echoed by Richard, who scraped in a low bow of unrepentant admiration. "You're both looking ... fiiine, this evening." He expressed, lowering his hand from it's momentary rest and swiping it down the length of his wet lips. He turned to Eolus expectantly, awaiting an introduction as he very nearly molested the man with his gaze.

Apparently Titus' luck was running out, he could only hope it held long enough later this evening to do what was necessary to the detriment of the King and the entire court. Hard as it was to maintain his decorum as his stomach threatened to lurch he issued a bow and fixed his lips into a smile that held nothing at all of warmth or welcome but pure malice. It was likely mistaken for something altogether different as to where Thomas was concerned. "Lord Kent... " There was nothing more of a sentiment tacked onto the end of it and he'd take note of the boys apparent upset as lips pouted at not having been acknowledged. "I trust you're ready for the hunt?" Bracing himself for the derogatory answer that would no doubt come, he could feel his hands tighten into fists at his sides. Where the hell was Rebecca, it would have done him much good to have seen her this night. Not that his will to do his task needed to be fed so much as it was to remind him once again just how right it was. "I presume your wife is well? We miss the Lady Rebecca here at court." It was more that he missed her, missed her terribly... but not for much longer... not if his shot was true and his planning perfection.

A keen sense of observation usually served a playwright well. One needed to be keenly aware of the subtleties and nuances of expression and emotion in order to compose plays of suitable honesty. Presently, Eolus had cause to regret his perspicacity. The man - Lord Kent - at least seemed occupied with the youth, which suggested that he was important. Who else but someone important would feel so free to make an ass of himself in the King's court? Morally, Eolus could not have cared less. However, when Lord Kent fixed such a hungry regard on him, his eyebrows lifted slightly, and his expression cooled to one of ambivalent courtesy. As he was not introduced, he made no presumption to introduce himself, only dipped his respectfully at Lord Kent's title and focused on the Duke Cornwall. For all that he played at courtesy, his attitude was rather dismissive toward Kent.

"Indeed, indeed." Thomas nodded in response to Cornwall. He continued to stare at the playwright, while he spoke. "It is my erstwhile hope, that I catch a stag square in the rear." And, as though the words did not convey a subtle meaning on their own, the man actually flashed Eolus - what he believed was- a devilish grin. Alas, time had stained and crooked most of the Marquis' teeth and his smile lacked the warmth of goodwill. He waited until Eolus met his gaze, before sliding the tip of his tongue across his already moist tiers. And then, Cornwall mentioned Rebecca..his wife. . . the lingering symbol of his father's vehemence. His grin lost some volume as he finally looked to the Duke. "She is well," He said, noticing how his secretary all but gave into a fit of tears upon mention of the woman. With delight and cruelty dancing in his blue eyes, he continued. "She prepares to leave for Winchester on the morrow." A fact unconfirmed, still. But Thomas spoke with confidence as he delivered the blow to the Duke. Did the man think him a fool? Word had circled back to him, about the two of them..their late night rendezvous in the alehouse, that very *friendly* person of a wife hanging on Titus' every word. Well, if Thomas could not have him..then his wife sure wouldn't. With great effort, he stilled the urge to reach for his bruised nose, which had taken quite a pummeling earlier in the day, when he'd made his demand for Rebecca to return to Winchester.

Titus gave an apologetic look to Eolus as though to let him know that the miss of introduction was purposeful but not toward him. If there was one thing Titus would do it was to protect others from this man's roving eyes. He kept a steady facade and never once did his visage show apathy as he listened to Kent's words about Rebecca returning to Winchester. "Really? Well, perhaps I shall offer my escort so that you can stay a while longer and enjoy the hospitality of the court." Titus had no doubt that Kent knew of his feelings for Rebecca and that they were indeed linked in more than just a friendly way. So his own blow would be delivered and it was actually a glancing one that would no doubt cause the man to suffer a malady to the point he'd have to take his leave early from their presence. The smile that whispered its way upon his features was both charming and wicked. Glancing again to Eolus he just knew the man was gathering much information for a possible play and a d**ned interesting one at that. (d)

He listened to the two. Indeed, he listened very attentively, following Lord Kent's lewd gesture, the subtlest of smiles turning his own mouth. It was the sort of smile a cat considering a particularly insolent mouse might smile. Only his carefully lidded eyes concealed his amusement. He was not afraid. He had spent entirely too much time manipulating the lives of men and women to think that this crude, obese saphead had the slightest chance against him. However, intelligence demanded patience.He did not know the situation, and presently, that was a dangerous disadvantage. No doubt the Duke of Cornwall would be willing to fill him in. Rare was the man who would not denounce his enemies, and plainly, the Duke had no love for this Lord. Later, he promised himself, and interjected lightly. "My Lord, my good Duke, I do believe that that lovely lady just offered me a smile," he gestured vaguely to the crowd, "and it would be churlish of me to refuse her. If you would be so kind as to excuse me?"

Titus' response hit it's mark. The Marquis flushed brightly, as the tables were so quickly turned on him. "So kind of you to offer." He grunted, narrowing the gaze that was fixed upon Cornwall. There was an awkward silence that fell between them, hampered only by Thomas' heavy breathing, before the playwright spoke. He was excused with the slightest incline of the Lord's jiggling chin, as Winchester eased his hands behind his back, thrusting out the girth of his rotund midsection as he did so. "Well then, I don't see the point of withholding you boys any longer. As you were, and good eve." As he often did, Thomas bowed out of socially uncomfortable situations and keep to tradition, he gestured for Richard to follow behind him, only glancing back once to aim one, last, longing glance toward the playwright's backside.