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Aimé Laurent ([info]tigersatthegate) wrote in [info]toujoursliberer,
@ 2008-04-22 13:53:00

Previous Entry  Add to memories!  Tell a Friend!  Next Entry
Entry tags:advertisement, aime_laurent

Aimé Laurent: Advertisement for manservant
Item: An Advertisement in the Times.
Warnings: None.
Open to: All.

Advertisement



(Post a new comment)


[info]mercedes_dupont
2008-04-22 01:12 pm UTC (link)
Mercedes looks back over his shoulder, smiling widely as he lets the newspaper drop back onto the table, "Doesn't your father or brother have a manservant you can borrow? Or are you worried you won't be able to tell them your secrets?" He asks, turning back to the young man.

(Reply to this) (Thread)


[info]tigersatthegate
2008-04-22 01:21 pm UTC (link)
Aimé lounges in a large, rather ornate chair that had made the escape from France with them. He shrugged at Mercedes' question.
"Why should I have to be leant a manservant? Do I not deserve one of my own." He asked, pushing himself up from the chair. "Besides, there are certain things - like you and your visits - that I want to keep secret from my family."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]mercedes_dupont
2008-04-22 01:26 pm UTC (link)
"Of course you deserve your own. But some of us manage without." Mercedes teases. "Some of us know how to dress- and undress- ourselves." He says, closing the distance between them, fingers moving over Aimé's carefully arranged necktie.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]tigersatthegate
2008-04-22 01:30 pm UTC (link)
Aimé laughs, batting his fingers away. "That is not all I advertised for. I want someone who can take letters for me, and help organise my day, and lie to my brother if necessary." His smile fades a little. "And besides, I would like someone to confide in. I have not heard from any of my friends in France. I believe the worst."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]mercedes_dupont
2008-04-22 01:40 pm UTC (link)
"I don't imagine it should be all that difficult to find someone to do that. Organising your day is hardly a challenging task. Wake up, look attractive, write letters, read, engage in intelligent conversations with myself, go to bed." He says, settling down in the chair Amié had just vacated.

"Your friends are probably having difficulty contacting you. They hardly have you address, they may not know how to contact you. Perhaps they think that you have been arrested. I would not worry so much, you will hear." He says, leaning forward, leaning his arms on his legs.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]tigersatthegate
2008-04-22 01:47 pm UTC (link)
Aimé glanced down at the newspaper, tracing over the advertisement and then looked back at Mercedes.
"You are very funny. Perhaps you should be on the stage?" He suggested dryly. "But do you think anyone will apply?"

He nodded, although he did not look any happier.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]mercedes_dupont
2008-04-23 10:07 am UTC (link)
"Perhaps I should." Mercedes agreed, "But then wouldn't your father think even less of me?" He asks, watching the young man move about his room to retrieve his newspaper.

"I think they will. It's a good advertisement." He reassures, "I'm sure you'll have replies."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]tigersatthegate
2008-04-23 11:08 am UTC (link)
"Oh, I'm not sure father's opinion could be lowered much more." Aimé said, although he smiled. "He found you utterly reprehensible when you stopped being a useful party piece and instead persused your own interests - namely me."

"I hope so. It is getting harder to hide our meetings without help."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]mercedes_dupont
2008-04-23 11:12 am UTC (link)
"That could not be helped. Besides, he would be more horrified to find out what happened in my cabin, would he not?"

Mercedes shakes his head, thinking. "We must meet more accidentally, I think. Your brother can not attend everywhere with you, and I do not think it would be hard for you to slip away from whatever servant he sends along."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

(no subject) - [info]tigersatthegate, 2008-04-23 11:18 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]mercedes_dupont, 2008-04-23 01:05 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]tigersatthegate, 2008-04-23 02:40 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]mercedes_dupont, 2008-04-23 09:26 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]tigersatthegate, 2008-04-23 09:33 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]mercedes_dupont, 2008-04-23 10:31 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]tigersatthegate, 2008-04-23 10:41 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]mercedes_dupont, 2008-04-24 06:57 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]tigersatthegate, 2008-04-24 08:32 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]mercedes_dupont, 2008-04-28 02:15 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]tigersatthegate, 2008-04-28 04:36 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]mercedes_dupont, 2008-04-28 04:50 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]tigersatthegate, 2008-04-28 05:07 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]mercedes_dupont, 2008-04-28 05:14 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]tigersatthegate, 2008-04-28 05:21 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]mercedes_dupont, 2008-04-30 04:54 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]tigersatthegate, 2008-04-30 05:48 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]mercedes_dupont, 2008-05-06 01:21 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]tigersatthegate, 2008-05-06 01:26 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]mercedes_dupont, 2008-05-06 01:29 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]tigersatthegate, 2008-05-06 01:33 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]mercedes_dupont, 2008-05-06 03:39 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]tigersatthegate, 2008-05-06 03:47 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]mercedes_dupont, 2008-05-06 03:51 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]tigersatthegate, 2008-05-06 04:02 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]tigersatthegate, 2008-05-06 04:04 pm UTC

[info]ofthemasses
2008-04-23 12:45 pm UTC (link)
It was always best to know when to lie low, and that was precisely what Bartholomew Heyward was doing. A narrow escape from a constable, and he was watching himself carefully. No more jobs right now, but money was running low. After all, his career did not lend itself to saving. Money was spent almost as soon as it was gotten.

But then he'd seen an advertisement in the Times, and an idea hit him. Perhaps it was time to change the game a little. Most would consider the need for references a difficulty, but Bartholomew knew something that, really, every capitalist should know. Everyone had their price. The last of his money spent, a few favors cashed in, a few favors owed, and he had four upstanding references who would swear on their lives that he had worked for them and been nearly flawless. He'd sent the glowing recommendations along with a messenger boy who owed him a favor.

Quite honestly, he had little idea how this worked, and he was actually waiting at the corner of the street, watching the messenger. The advertisement had said to send the references... So he had figured that he was not supposed to show up in person. But he was ready to go to the house if the messenger said he was wanted there. He'd never bothered with a proper job before, except on the ship, but his father had taken care of all of that.


OOC: I am so, so sorry it took me so long to reply. I spent most of yesterday sick.

(Reply to this) (Thread)


[info]tigersatthegate
2008-04-23 01:01 pm UTC (link)
Aimé had bid the messenger wait, laving him in the parlour with a penny for his trouble as he read over the references. They were quite spotless and although he could not place the names of the old employers that was not unusual. He had only been in England for three months, hardly enough time to learn the names of everyone he should know.

It was the most promising reply he had received. The others had been fine enough, but this one seemed simply too good to be true. It perhaps said a lot of Aimé that he did not consider that suspicious.

“Boy!” He called, heading out into the parlour, a hastily written letter in his hand. “Could you deliver this to the man who sent these references with you? There would be another penny in it.”
He saw the boy off at the door of the townhouse, confident that if the interview went as well as the references had promised he would soon have his own manservant.

That’s fine! I’m so sorry to hear you where sick! *gives soup* I have to run now though, I’m afraid, but should hopefully be back within the hour!

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]ofthemasses
2008-04-24 12:45 pm UTC (link)
After the messenger had brought him the letter and he had read it, Tolly had waited a slight amount of time before paying the boy and sending him off. He then walked the short distance between where he had been waiting and the house. He pulled the cord for the bell, adjusting his posture. He knew how those used to domestic work carried themselves, and he could carry himself in a very similar way.

He waited, mentally taking stock of everything the letters had said. He'd committed the dates and names to memory, so he could reference them if he was asked to and not completely ruin his act. He was not particularly fond of the idea of earning an "honest wage," but he was practical. There would be opportunity enough for him to help himself, so long as he knew what to take and what not to take from who.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]tigersatthegate
2008-04-24 06:19 pm UTC (link)
It was the maid who opened the door and escorted him through to the drawing room where Aimé sat, book in hand although it was rather obvious he was hardly paying attention to it.

He got to his feet as Tolly entered, leaving the book on a side table.
"Good Afternoon, monsieur Heyward." He said, offering his hand to shake. "I must say your references where quite perfect. Would you like to sit down?" He indicated to the chair across from him, sitting back down himself. "I thought you might like to discuss what your duties here would be, and of course pay and board and such things."

He glanced down at the references quickly to remind himself.
"Monsieur Harrington paid you a shilling a week I see. Would a shilling and five pence be enough? I see he had no need for your skills in French and I have."

Sorry for the double post. I used the wrong icon.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]ofthemasses
2008-04-25 04:19 pm UTC (link)
The young man extended his hand, shaking the Frenchman's with a smile. He seated himself when it was offered, and he watched the other, calm and attentive.

"That would be perfectly agreeable, sir," he replied, giving a slight nod. "I will confess that my knowledge of French is rather basic and has rather a lot of places where I am not terribly good, but I am in the process of polishing it." He still had to call upon the Ambassador about the offer the man had made, but he had figured it prudent to come here first, as he could fit the schedules together more easily that way.

"What would you require of me?" he asked politely, watching his prospective employer.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]tigersatthegate
2008-04-25 04:32 pm UTC (link)
Aimé’s broad simile faded somewhat at the knowledge his prospective employee was not terribly well-versed but he brightened at the last part. “You are taking lessons? I am sure then we shall have no problem.”

“The usually duties you have dealt with before. Lay out my clothes in the morning, light the fires in the bedroom, take down letters, act as my messenger and deal with tradesmen.” Aimé repeated the list from memory. “The only new duty you would have would be that some of the letters must be answered in French.”

He got to his feet, unable sit still now, nervous about the last of the duties he had considered for his manservant.

“Tell me, how do you feel about secrets? Can you keep them?”

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]ofthemasses
2008-04-25 04:50 pm UTC (link)
"My writing of French is quite above standard, I believe," the other was happy to supply, smiling a bit. Speaking it was more of a problem, but he could certainly read and write it well enough after the long while he'd spent writing to his friend!

He listened to his duties, nodding slightly. Then the other rose, and one eyebrow arched. Well now. This was curious. And very interesting. Then those words came, and he was even more interested. Secrets? "Oh, I am of the belief that every man has his secrets, and I would not wish mine to be revealed, so I would not reveal those of another."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]tigersatthegate
2008-04-25 04:59 pm UTC (link)
"Good! Good, I don't believe I will be asking you to converse in it - everyone in this household would understand." Aimé said, smiling.

"So you would not feel morally...what is the word...compromised if I asked you to provided a distraction and to help me keep my secret hidden?" He asked, fingering the back of the armchair, watching Tolly intently.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

(no subject) - [info]ofthemasses, 2008-04-25 05:03 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]tigersatthegate, 2008-04-25 05:15 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]ofthemasses, 2008-04-30 02:44 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]tigersatthegate, 2008-04-30 08:47 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]ofthemasses, 2008-05-03 04:23 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]tigersatthegate, 2008-05-06 07:55 am UTC

[info]antoine_laurent
2008-04-28 08:06 pm UTC (link)
Antoine had spent the morning much the way he spent every morning since their arrival in England. He'd met with his secretary and went over meetings that he felt would be prudent that he attend. He'd answered correspondence to people both here and back home in France.

When the time of day arrived in which he found himself sitting in his favorite armchair in the study that he'd claimed as his with the London Times spread out before him, he nursed a cup of coffee and read. It wasn't until he got to the section with the advertisements that he found himself jarred from routine. How dare his brother advertise without asking first? And, to be sure, it was the part about being discreet that stopped him most. What would his brother intend to be discreet about?

Rising from his chair and leaving the study, he was bombarded with servants telling him what his brother had been up to this morning. People coming and going, messengers arriving. And there was someone in with his brother now. Sighing, he walked to the room and listened at the door briefly. It wouldn't do for his brother to know that he'd heard so he made like he was arriving for the first time.

Walking into the room, he saw no need to be announced, he closed the door behind him and crossed to the other side of the room waiting. His eyes scanned the room and he sighed again. It seemed he did that more and more these days. He couldn't have people talking about how the eldest Laurent boy couldn't hold his temper so he bit his cheek and waited for his chance to speak to his brother.

(Reply to this) (Thread)


[info]tigersatthegate
2008-04-28 11:41 pm UTC (link)
Aimé got to his feet quickly, not having expected his brother back so soon nor the intrusion although he was growing used to those now. He reminded himself it could not be helped, the town house was small and Antoine had more than enough right to enter where he wished despite how much Aimé might wish for privacy.
More important now was to placate his brother. He had hoped to interview first and then broach the subject once he had found a suitable candidate, otherwise he knew Antoine would have requested either to sit in on the interviews or find a manservant himself but it seemed that would not be the case.

"Antoine..." He began, unsure what to say next.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]antoine_laurent
2008-04-29 12:37 am UTC (link)
It was one of the things that Antoine so loved about being the eldest - Amie tended to rush to him, worried about upsetting him. Selfish, yes. But perhaps that was why he was so focused on position. He wanted others to do the same. His brother could have requested that he leave - this was after all the sitting room that he allowed his brother to use. It showed good manners that he didn't - he was very proud, although he'd never say so.

Raising his eyebrow, he made sure that his face showed no emotions. He had plenty going on under the surface and thus it was important that no one know that. Gesturing with his hand, he made a motion to let his brother know that he should go on. He was sure that if he spoke now, his anger would show. He couldn't believe that his brother had sunk to advertising in the Times. And, he hadn't even asked permission first.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]tigersatthegate
2008-04-29 10:25 am UTC (link)
A frown flickers across Aimé's face quickly, only for a moment. This was what Antoine always did, made him admit rather than force a confession. It wasn't as if he should be ashamed, but no doubt it would sound that way now.

"I thought I should have a manservant." He said, although he didn't look directly at his brother. "And I did not want to trouble you or father. After all, I am more than old enough to acquire my own servants."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]antoine_laurent
2008-04-29 02:53 pm UTC (link)
Nodding, Antoine continued to carry the slight smirk across his lips that now seemed to be a permanent feature. He could not understand why his brother thought he needed a manservant - there were plenty of servants abound in their house. There was no need to hire another. However, he wouldn't deny him this - he'd just make it seem like he was going out of his way to agree with him.

"Old enough to acquire your own servants, eh?" He waited until his brother looked at him before speaking. "You may not have wanted to trouble me, but you still should have asked. There are plenty of servants in this house who would love the opportunity. Be loyal to your own, Amie." It was something he was trying to teach him. How well it would ever work, he knew not. "Imagine how I felt opening the Times this morning and seeing an advert for people to send resumes to this house."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]tigersatthegate
2008-04-29 03:03 pm UTC (link)
Aimé nodded, biting his lip. Of course, his brother would know the reason he had not asked him or requested one of their own servants – they all reported back to Antoine and their father and Aimé could not risk that.

“I would have asked but they all have such important jobs already.” He said, trying to keep his face expressionless. “I wanted to take on an English servant. I thought they might be useful to us especially if they came with good references and had served under a number of families like the ones we wish to befriend.” He took a breath, hoping he could appeal to his brother’s desire to entrench the family in the English upperclasses. “I am sorry. I had no other idea how I would approach the subject of gaining a servant, but Antoine I think I have found someone. He came with impeccable references and reads and writes in French.”

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]antoine_laurent
2008-04-29 03:35 pm UTC (link)
No matter how expressionless Amie tried to keep his face, Antoine knew what to look for. He was hiding something - there was more of a reason that his brother didn't want him involved in this than he was saying. There was something he didn't want reported back to him.

He couldn't fault his argument, however. It would be a good idea to use an Englishman. They'd have ties to the families that they needed to be around - they knew the important people. He felt a surge of pride that his brother had picked up on the ideals he'd been trying to teach. "Does he speak the language?" While he was doing his best to entrench them as firmly English, French was the language of his family - his mother's language - and he wouldn't have it ignored in his home. "I shall consider all of this. I still believe that you should have spoken to Father or I first, but I suppose it shows initiative. I should like to speak to him, oui? Before I decide if the man is trustworthy enough to be left in our home. And did you check his references?"

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]tigersatthegate
2008-04-29 04:27 pm UTC (link)
Aimé nods, relieved his brother had not dismissed the idea out of hand.
“He speaks a little, he says, but he is taking lessons and I could help him. Besides, it would not be so strenuous for me to practise my English.” He says, considering this for a moment and then offering. “Although, what better way to learn than to be immersed? I am sure he would soon learn from ourselves and the other servants.”

“Of course, it is your prerogative.” He agreed, quietly confident the young man would impress his brother as he had impressed him. “I hadn’t checked them yet, no, but I thought it would be better to see the man for myself and deem if he would be acceptable before I took the matter further.”

In fact he had not planned to at all. Tolly had seemed so perfect and had been willing to keep his secret, Aimé had been planning on offering him a job so he could introduce him to his family later. “Besides, I wanted to move quickly before we are away with the Duke at his summer lodgings. I thought it might be prudent to have a servant with me then, and that he be discreet.” He mentioned the word, knowing it would have been the one in the advertisement his brother would have wondered about. Mentioning the Duke, his newest companion whom Antoine had introduced him too, should hopefully silence that question and it had been something he had considered – it would hardly do to have a servant who would be disgusted by those sorts of goings on or might be willing for the right amount to sell the information or use it for blackmail.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

(no subject) - [info]antoine_laurent, 2008-04-29 05:30 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]tigersatthegate, 2008-04-29 05:39 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]antoine_laurent, 2008-04-30 01:53 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]tigersatthegate, 2008-04-30 08:48 am UTC


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