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Lady Gwendolyn Linley ([info]lady_gwendolyn) wrote in [info]toujoursliberer,
@ 2008-05-10 17:25:00

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Entry tags:gwendolyn_linley

Lady Gwendolyn's Political Salon
Subject: A Whig Salon
Where: Lady Gwendolyn's salon in Mayfair
Who: Lady Gwendolyn Linley, Fox and Burke as NPCs to set the scene
Warnings: None
Open to: All

As always, the doors to her salon were open to anyone who could convince the footman to let them in. Lady Gwendolyn glided from group to group, serving up smiles and coffee, but always returning to the main group in the center of the salon. That group, comprised of the more influential Whig politicians, had been debating England's response to the French Revolution for the past ten minutes and had not agreed on anything but the excellence of Lady Gwendolyn's tea cakes.

"It is the greatest thing to happen this century," Fox argued. Charles Fox, the leader of the Whig opposition, was a great, shaggy bear of a man, who had stopped paying attention to his personal hygiene years ago. "It is the greatest thing to happen to Europe! How can we, the people's party, fail to support it and recognize it?"

"Because it has gone too far," exclaimed Burke in evident exasperation. Though also a Whig, he was a more outspoken critic of the French Revolution than any of the Tory majority in the House of Commons. "It may once have been about liverty, but look at France now! They have dismantled their entire society and anarchy springs up in its place!"

Lady Gwendolyn drifted away from the main group as the footman opened the door. Charming Smile Number One, Curtsy Number Three- "Welcome to my salon."

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[info]miss_emilie_ash
2008-05-11 08:45 am UTC (link)
"The chest is for you, my dear."Emilie replied, offering the chest and it's small, shiny, brass key to her friend. She looked around casually, then said, in a near whisper, "Oh, your cook has outdone himself, Gwendolyn! And your company is, as always, immensely interesting!"

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[info]lady_gwendolyn
2008-05-11 08:58 am UTC (link)
"Oh how kind you are!" She took the chest and the key with pleasure and, setting the chest on an end table, opened it. "Green tea! We haven't had that for what feels like an age. I expect you shall grow very tired of hearing this, but you do spoil me so."

Lady Gwendolyn motioned at a servant to take the chest and turned back to Emilie. "Oh, hasn't he? He's such a dab hand at pasteries. Would you care for anything?"

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[info]miss_emilie_ash
2008-05-11 01:20 pm UTC (link)
"A glass of wine would be just the thing! And as for spoiling you, I only give you as much as you deserve, you are such a dear friend."

"Mother has been trying to train our new cook. His pastries are so dry! But he is an expert at soups and sauces, and you know how poppa likes sauces. She is thinking of sending our youngest spit boy to Antoine Beauvilliers', in Paris, to learn cooking so I can take him to my new home once I am married. At least I will have decent food."

"So many handsome gentlemen, Gwendolyn! Do introduce me to a few, I have been away from London so long now I am quite behind on my names and faces!"
She smiled prettily, looking around for Msr Belmont, knowing against all hope he would not be in this crowd.

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[info]lady_gwendolyn
2008-05-11 01:51 pm UTC (link)
"A glass of wine for Miss Ashford," Lady Gwendolyn murmured to a passing servant. Raising her voice, she added, "Red, white, or rose? I think we have an open bottle of champagne somewhere."

"I wish you luck with the spit boy. Would you like some tea cakes to take home later? Father will insist on keeping all the trifle, but you may have your pick of the rest." She gestured vaguely to the table with all the refreshments. "And gentlemen? You must know Mr. Fox and Mr. Burke, arguing in the center there. Behind Mr. Fox is Mr. Fisher, one of my father's business associates... ah... oh, there is Lord Eward and Mr. Rochester."

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[info]miss_emilie_ash
2008-05-11 02:01 pm UTC (link)
"Champagne, if you please!" was Emilie's immediate response. "Oh! Yes I do see Mr. Fox! My head is not in best form for political talk today, but I have heard much of Mr. Fisher. I think I may have seen him here and there."

Emilie had been arguing with her father earlier in the day, mostly about the fact she was not more like her friend, and she wanted very little debate for the rest of the day. She would be content just to stand and drink champagne, but she knew her friend would pull her into some charming conversation or other. She headed in the direction of Mr. Fisher.

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[info]social_climber
2008-05-11 02:19 pm UTC (link)
[If Emilie wants to talk to Harry, she's more than welcome to! Would it be best to start a new thread, or should we continue here?]

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[info]miss_emilie_ash
2008-05-11 02:21 pm UTC (link)
(OOC) I wasn't sure and did not want to force myself on His talk with Gwendolyn. Here is grand, if it is good for you!

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[info]social_climber
2008-05-11 02:25 pm UTC (link)
Harry looked up from the remains of his second scone as the young lady approached, and he stood, smiling. "Would you like a seat? I don't think we've been introduced?"

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[info]miss_emilie_ash
2008-05-11 02:49 pm UTC (link)
Emilie gave a slight dip of a curtsy and looked up at the gentleman through thick, dark lashes. "Miss Emilie Ashford, sir. Yes a seat would be lovely. I spent most of my morning a the ex..." She had begun to say Exchange, but caught herself in time. "exercise pool and am a bit tired." It wasn't a complete lie, she had taken a swim earlier and the Royal Exchange was quite tiring, especially for a young lady, but her iron stocks had gone up quite a bit and she was well pleased.
She sat down in the chair and arranged her skirts prettily, just letting the tips of her new dark green slippers peek out from under them.

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[info]social_climber
2008-05-11 03:01 pm UTC (link)
"Miss Ashford." He smiles, holding the chair out for her, and moving to his own when she was comfortably sat. "My name is Harry Fisher, although I have a feeling you already know that, and that for some reason you have sought me out..."

He smiled slightly, wondering exactly what this young lady wanted from him. He seemed oddly popular with the young women of London this past week and a half, although he had no idea why. It would be interesting to find out.

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[info]miss_emilie_ash
2008-05-11 03:06 pm UTC (link)
Emilie did not know how to broach the subject, as it would give away not only her secret, but would let him in on the fact she knew one of his. She had no intention of telling anyone. She needed his help. She started slowly.
"Have I not seen you at the Bridge Theatre in the past? I am sorry we were not introduced there."

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[info]social_climber
2008-05-11 03:09 pm UTC (link)
Harry couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, having picked up his tea-cup to take a sip he set it down again, the china clinking together. "You may have, it's possible. I have business interests in Lower Pitt Street."

And now he was even more interested. Wary, but very interested. "Is there a matter I can help you with, Miss Ashford?"

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[info]miss_emilie_ash
2008-05-11 03:13 pm UTC (link)
"Perhaps we should take a breath of air on the balcony? The vantage point over the greens is exceptional from it and" she lowered her voice "it may afford a bit of solitude for our conversation."
She sipped her champagne daintily while she waited to see if Mr. Fisher was open to the idea.

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[info]social_climber
2008-05-11 03:17 pm UTC (link)
"A very wise suggestion, Miss Ashford." He agrees, getting back to his feet. "I think some fresh air away from political discussion would do me some good." He offers her his hand, and smiles, "You will have to lead the way, Miss Ashford, I am unfamiliar with Lady Gwendolyn's salon..."

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[info]miss_emilie_ash
2008-05-11 03:25 pm UTC (link)
Emilie placed her tiny hand in his and got to her feet.
"With pleasure." She moved her hand to his arm and picked up a fresh glass of champagne with the other. She led Mr. Fisher through the party, smiling and nodding to several people, all the while her knees shaking. Was this wise? She had heard from her brother that Mr. Fisher was a ruthless man in business, but had some sort of obligation to young people of hard circumstances. What if her brother had been wrong?
She stepped onto the balcony and turned, no coyness in her face, only an expression of earnest need and trust. She could tell he was one to get straight to the heart of a thing.
"I suppose I shall just get straight to my object of seeking you out. I have heard you offer protection to certain members of our society who have fallen on hard times."

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[info]social_climber
2008-05-11 03:29 pm UTC (link)
That was what this was all about then. No brother or father entrapped by sinful vices, no little sister with a child she couldn't care for, or acknowledge. "That all depends on the situation, Miss." He said, leaning back against the railing, his arms crossed over his chest. "I'm not a charity."

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[info]miss_emilie_ash
2008-05-11 03:38 pm UTC (link)
"No," Emilie said guardedly "The young lady in question is an excellent seamstress and housekeeper, if your theater requires one. She was lately in the employee of a Lord who saw fit to teach her other... skills... as well. She has since been unable to find suitable employment other than what those skills will bring. Her current protector is no protection at all..." She paused. She was not going to let this get above her head. She continued in a matter of fact manner tone."He beats her and starves her. I am not asking you to change her profession, Mr.Fisher. Just take care of her, for the fee you ask of her earnings. I can offer 10 shillings a week for her room and board until you decide if the situation is to your benefit, and until I decide if it is to hers."
Emilie did not tell him the Lord in question was her betrothed, nor about the guilt she felt for all the suffering that was put upon the girl due to her refusal to bed her fiance before marriage.

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[info]social_climber
2008-05-11 04:00 pm UTC (link)
Harry listened, keeping his face guarded. He did not usually involve himself with things like this, no matter what Miss Ashford had heard. He was not a charity, and unless it was one of him employees, or one of his clients, like the elderly ladies who paid him t'penny a week to keep them and their families safe from muggers and burglars. Rescuing abuse victims was not his usual fare.

But 10 shillings? It was a small fortune. "A woman as talented as you say would no doubt be able to find employment. There are a good number of people in the city who can not sow for themselves. Nor have the time to clear house for themselves. I'm sure she would not have to resort to any other sort of employment. But if you feel it best, I would be more than happy to provide her with shelter and protection, Miss Ashford."

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[info]miss_emilie_ash
2008-05-11 04:31 pm UTC (link)
"Unfortunately, the Lord in question has seen fit to make sure no reputable house employs her. She also seems to think a sort of independence comes from this line of work." Emilie was not judging the girl, she felt herself about to be put into a form of that profession when she was married off to Lord ____.

She looked him in the eye and continued "I shall give you five shillings now" she discreetly pulled the coins out of her pocket and hid them behind a calling card she handed him "and five more when I bring the girl round to the theater."

"Now," Her face changed completely, it brightened and took on the proper politeness of a genteel young lady as she looped her arm through his "I hear you are investing in stocks...."

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[info]social_climber
2008-05-12 03:16 am UTC (link)
Harry can't help but smile, "There are certain households, Miss Ashford, where my influence will be much stronger than his. But if your young lady would like a different role, that is her choice." A grown woman, after all, would understand the dangers of such a career choice.

He took the card, and the coins, examining the card for a moment before slipping both it and his payment into his pocket. "Will you tell me when the young lady is to be brought? If not a specific time, then at least a day?" He asks, after all, the only time he spent there himself was the evenings, and only those which there was no dog-fight scheduled, or those he did not have other matters to attend to.

He tried not to look surprised as she took his arm, the young lady shifting from business to seemingly casual conversation in a blink of an eye. Impressive, especially for an upper-class lady. "Investing might be the wrong word, Miss Ashford, but I am certainly involved with the market."

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[info]miss_emilie_ash
2008-05-12 02:19 pm UTC (link)
Emilie looked at Mr. Fisher and said softly "That you had more influence in my father's house than he did." There was something quite handsome and enticing about this man. She had the feeling his regard was not easily won, but once a person had done so, he would protect them till death. There she went, being overly romantic again.
She laughed "Would you really wait all day for me, Mr. Fisher? I think you flatter me. If Tuesday next is agreeable to you, I shall bring her round for the 7:30 play."

"I have just started in stocks, Copper, Iron and Coal, mostly. I was thinking of purchasing in on some of the new roadworks they have been doing around Brighton..." She glossed over his reference to illicit money activities. She thought she might be better off not knowing everything he was involved in. She also did not mind his knowing she was in the unladylike position of business person. She had a feeling that, now they were in a sort of business together, he would make sure to find out much more about her than he otherwise would have.

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[info]social_climber
2008-05-13 10:00 pm UTC (link)
"I would wait all day," for ten shillings, "for a contact such as yourself." He said, with another bow of his head. "I don't often have charming young women promise to visit me." He explains, guiding her back inside.

"Stocks, my dear?" He said, raising his eyebrow, a smile pulling at his lips. "That's something of an usual past-time for a young lady?" He said, "Tell me, do you go to Coffee-Houses as well?" He teases gently, "I wouldn't invest too much in the railway, if I could say so miss. But Strongham and Co. The musket makers. Invest in the army, Miss Ashford, and you'll always get a good return. A sad, but true fact."

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[info]miss_emilie_ash
2008-05-15 03:42 am UTC (link)
Emilie let him lead the way, listening intently to his advice.
"Not very usual, I will admit, but I cannot always depend on the men in my life having my real best interest at heart, whether they know it or not. Best to have a bit of my own pin money, just in case I take leave of my senses." She gave him a truly mischievous grin "I would love to go to Johnathon's, or Button's, one day but I fear my betrothed" she paused, nearly choking the word out "would attempt to duel the whole place for soiling my good name. It would never occur to him that I would have brains enough to find the places on my own."
She grabbed another glass of champagne from a passing tray.

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[info]social_climber
2008-05-15 08:13 am UTC (link)
"Buttons!" Harry grins, "You have fine taste, Miss Ashford. Perhaps I would risk your fiancée's anger in order to buy you a cup of something?" Harry said, eyes bright. "I promise you, he wouldn't cause a problem."

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[info]miss_emilie_ash
2008-05-15 04:24 pm UTC (link)
"If I were to meet you there, could I try tobacco?" she said slyly, but sweetly. She had tried the stuff when young, and disliked it, but she thought the smell was heavenly. "Then I would take you to a tea garden and show you my embroidery work. I am sure you would like it." She laughed prettily and continued, with a snippet of Pope "Here thou, great Anna, whom three realms obey, Dost sometimes counsel take and sometimes tea." She paused "I would not have you think I am completely without ladylike sensibilities."

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(no subject) - [info]social_climber, 2008-05-15 07:07 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]miss_emilie_ash, 2008-05-15 07:17 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]social_climber, 2008-05-15 08:29 pm UTC

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