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miss_emilie_ash ([info]miss_emilie_ash) wrote in [info]toujoursliberer,
@ 2008-04-30 16:04:00

Previous Entry  Add to memories!  Tell a Friend!  Next Entry
Entry tags:emilie_ashford, mercedes_dupont

A Bit of a Bother
Subject: A Bit of a Bother
Where: Vauxhall Gardens, London
Who: Miss Emilie Ashford
Warnings: None
Open to: whomever Emilie may run into in her attempts to get away from her father's annoying chaperon

Emilie had enjoyed herself immensely at Vauxhall, the Spring Gardens had been divine and several young gentlemen had given her ices and champagne, mostly champagne. She would have had more but Mrs O'Riley, the woman her father had sent as a chaperon, had poured out several glasses that had been given to Emilie. Emilie now found herself hiding behind the Chinese Pavilion, hoping Mrs. O'Riley would give up on finding her as the darkness gathered and go home, so she could enjoy the orchestra that was setting up to play and, hopefully, more champagne.


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[info]mercedes_dupont
2008-04-30 11:42 pm UTC (link)
Mercedes was lost. Not unpleasantly so, but he had wandered for half the day about the city already, and in and out of coffee houses, a bookshop, and a counting house. he had enjoyed it, for the most part. But walking for so long on a surface that did not rise and fall with the waves, one that was not restrictive as the decks he had grown used to, had made him feel slightly uncomfortable. His wanderings, at least, had brought him into a large, tree-lined avenue within a lush park, and before him, at the end of the avenue filled with strolling people and children zig-zagging across his path, was a fountain. The running water, caged, trapped and controlled until the ocean, but the sound made him feel better.

He wandered for only a little longer, circling the water, before glancing towards the pavilion, where the sounds of the tuning orchestra suggested an enjoyable hour or so was to be had.

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[info]miss_emilie_ash
2008-05-01 12:13 am UTC (link)
Emilie was admiring a particularly handsome young musician when she heard Mrs. O'Riley's Irish brogue calling her name loudly above the park revelers.
Emilie made a mad dash from behind the Pavilion.
"Ma Foi!" she muttered under her breath, just as she tripped over her own hem and nearly tumbled into a gentleman admiring the gardens and Pavilion.
"My apologies!" Emilie gasped, cringing as she heard her hem rip again as she raised shakily from a small curtsy. Her eyes darted from left to right, looking for the persistent Mrs. O'Riley.

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[info]mercedes_dupont
2008-05-01 08:31 am UTC (link)
Mercedes at least had the quick reaction to catch the girl and prevent her from falling on top of him, his balance thrown off at the unexpected collision.

"La qualité, sont vous bien, mademoiselle?" He asked, and then chastised himself. In England, they spoke English. It was a pity his was not particularly good. "Are you unhurt?" He asked again, looking to check she had not cut herself. She had not, and probably the only damage was done to her dress. "Mademoiselle, your dress! Forgive me, I am so sorry. Would you like to sit down?"

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[info]miss_emilie_ash
2008-05-01 03:34 pm UTC (link)
"Merci, Monsiuer" She paused, wondering if she should attempt to converse in French. His accent was strong, but her French was poor. She had refused to pay much attention to her French tutor when, at 16, her father had wanted her to marry a Vicomte 40 years her senior. She realised her mind was wandering again.
"Je ne suis pas blessé" she attempted. She thought better of it and continued in English "Yes, perhaps I should sit down."
She smiled up at the gentleman then looked furtively over his shoulder for Mrs. O'Riley.

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[info]mercedes_dupont
2008-05-01 03:43 pm UTC (link)
Ah, it seemed her French was as poor as his English, from the embarrassed look on her face. But at least they would be more sympathetic to each others difficulties. But then she spoke, and it was not half as mangled has he had experienced earlier that day. "I am glad, Mademoiselle. Let me help you to a chair?" He asked, offering her his hand to led her to the seats arranged before the orchestra. "Are you hiding from someone, Mademoiselle?"

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[info]miss_emilie_ash
2008-05-01 03:51 pm UTC (link)
Emilie looked at his hand for a moment, then placed hers in it. She steadied herself and walked with him to the seats.
"Oui," she answered "Mon père has sent the most annoying chaperon as my geôlier today. I might have to run up Snow Hill pour la fuite." She sprinkled her speech with some of the French she knew, hoping to better communicate with this kind man. She was startled into silence when she realised most of the words she had just spoken in French indicated imprisonment and how to get out of it. She fumbled with her pocket and took out a small silver and enamel snuff case.

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[info]mercedes_dupont
2008-05-01 04:23 pm UTC (link)
"Another English caged bird?" He asked, and patted her hand, "Should you wish, I shall ask as your chaperon the rest of the afternoon? I would greatly appreciate your company, Mademoiselle." He added, gesturing her to a seat. "I am sure your survéillant would not mind a few hours to enjoy the sunshine themselves, no?"

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[info]miss_emilie_ash
2008-05-01 04:45 pm UTC (link)
Emilie did not hesitate in her response.
"Oh, Mrs. O'Riley would never agree to that. I suppose we could try to elude her, but Papa would be angry with her if she lost me and she really is a dear. But if you and I knew each other... Perhaps she would just follow along at a discrete distance!"
Emilie's face brightened at the thought!
"Quick! I am Miss Emilie Ashford of Devon, Daughter of Charles Richard Ashford of Ashford Global Trading Companies. Most delighted to know you, sir!"
She could see Mrs. O'Riley heading their way, her hair untidy and her kerchief half out of her bosom. She turned back to the gentleman and opened her snuffbox to reveal 3 coffee beans dusted in cinnamon. She offered them up to him.

(

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[info]jacques_belmont
2008-05-01 09:16 pm UTC (link)
Jacques felt the full rudeness of his actions as he approached the couple talking behind the Pavillion. If had done as he ought to and gone to the Embassy before dinner instead of wandering around London with an out-of-date guidebook, he wouldn't be in this mess to begin with. He couldn't do anything right-

Pah. These sorts of thoughts led nowhere except a migrane.

He shook his head to clear it, then forced himself to approach the two and bow. In fluent, though careful English, he said, "Forgive me for intruding, but, ah... where... are we?"

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[info]miss_emilie_ash
2008-05-01 09:32 pm UTC (link)
Emilie looked up at the sound of the newcomer's voice. Another Frenchman? Perhaps the champagne was making all men sound French today? But no, he was lost and most decidedly French... and most decidedly handsome.
"Bonsoir!" she said politely "You are in Vauxhall Gardens at dusk, just in time for the lighting of the glass laterns!"
Mrs. O'Riley came up and stood by her charge disapprovingly, but didn't speak as she was unsure the station of the gentlemen her lady was in the company of. They looked genteel enough, to be sure, but one never knew who might be in the Gardens at night.

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[info]jacques_belmont
2008-05-01 10:50 pm UTC (link)
((ooc; Eeek! Sorry! I had this all typed up in the window and I didn't realize I'd never hit 'Post'! *facepalm*)

Jacques smiled at the sound of French. Ever an ardent nationalist, the sound of his own language never failed to put him at ease. "I thank you very sincerely, Mademoiselle. I have but recently come to London to work-" with a possible traitor to the republic and a sad excuse for a representative of France? "-at the Embassy." He bowed. "I am Jacques Belmont."

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[info]miss_emilie_ash
2008-05-01 10:58 pm UTC (link)
(ooc: no worries! )

Emilie returned his smile with a dazzling one of her own.
"Miss Emilie Ashford, Monsieur Belmont." She was tempted to ask if she should have said 'Citizen Belmont' but she wasn't quite tipsy enough to be THAT bold.
"Well," she continued "You have found the most non work related place in the city. It is not considered as respectable as Ranelagh Gardens, but they only serve tea and coffee there, with bread and butter. What fun is THAT I ask you?"
She gestured with her hand that he was free to sit if he wished it.

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[info]jacques_belmont
2008-05-01 11:24 pm UTC (link)
"It is a pleasure, Miss Ashford," Jacques replied dutifully. He looked uncertainly at the elder woman and the still unknown man. "I hope I do not intrude...?"

He had been walking for nearly an hour, however, and so sat down. Vauxhall? Disrespectable? Oh dear. He was not off to an excatly promising start to his London career. "Forgive my curiosity, Miss Ashford, but... Vauxhall Gardens? What... sort of reputation does this place enjoy, if it is... not as repspectable?"

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[info]miss_emilie_ash
2008-05-01 11:35 pm UTC (link)
Mrs. O'Riley bid him a deep curtsy and moved so he could sit beside Emilie.
Emilie said, in a whisper as though they were conspirators, "Do not worry, sir, the only people who truly think this place disreputable is the Tonde, and that is because the masses can afford to come here and are allowed to do so!"
She covered her full lips with a tiny hand in mock horror.
She then remembered he was working for the French Embassy and may not be as open to to the general citizens as some.
"où essayiez-vous d'aller, monsieur ? Perhaps I can help you with directions?"

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[info]jacques_belmont
2008-05-02 12:21 am UTC (link)
Jacques laughed, relaxing at last. "That is why it is disreputable? That is hardly grounds for such a slander. In my experience- though it is, euh, rather limited- excessive riches encourage disreputable behavior. The common man is often more virtuous than his lord."

Rather ruefully, he pulled his guidebook out of his waistcoat pocket. "You must forgive me; I meant to see some of London before dinner. I had meant only to walk a few blocks, but this book-" he waved it "-assured me I should find my inn again if I walked on for five blocks further than I had planned."

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[info]miss_emilie_ash
2008-05-02 12:33 am UTC (link)
Emilie smiled again. So he was a Citizen, and working at the Embassy. What an interesting man. She took the book from his hand, the tips of her long elegant fingers brushing his as she did so.

"Let us see if I can help you then. I know there is an Inn about 3 city blocks on the other side of the garden..."
She wrinkled her brow as she studied the out-dated pamphlet.

(ooc; shall we wait for mercedes dupont to come back before going further?)

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[info]mercedes_dupont
2008-05-02 07:44 pm UTC (link)
Forgive me! Although I see you have been very busy since I've been gone!
"Mercedes Dupont, citizen." Mercedes greeted, with a small smile. Belmont? A relation of the Ambassadors, then. Interesting. His son, perhaps? Mercedes knew he had one, of course. Any Frenchmen in England knew that. But he had not been expecting him to arrive here. Another snake to watch out for. But there was no harm making polite, and careful, conversation. "You are the Ambassadors son, are you not? Forgive me. I was at the Ball, but I did not have the opportunity to make acquaintances with all the other guests."

"I believe there is an inn, albeit tumbledown, not far from here. But I too have heard... stories about the Pleasure Gardens after dark. They are no place for a young lady. Perhaps your chaperon would be less displeased if were were, perhaps, to move our conversation to a Coffee House? And then Monsieur Belmont could partake in his dinner?"

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[info]miss_emilie_ash
2008-05-02 08:05 pm UTC (link)
Mrs. O'Riley spoke up decidedly.
"Miss cannot go into a coffee house! And myself, being Irish! With Frenchmen? No disrespect sirs, but they would cart me away for treason as sure as the sun will rise in the morning!"
Mrs. O'Riley was shaking, and very out of breath.
"I am afraid my chaperon is correct. It would be a bad idea, indeed, for us to accompany even gentlemen as genteel as you two are into a coffee house." Emilie said, disappointment and a little bit of envy showing on her face. Then her eyes took on a dreamy look.
"But to go into Will's and perhaps see where Dryden sat, or Button's!" She shook her head and smiled "or would either of you prefer Johnathon's?" She arched an eyebrow and looked at Msr Belmont.
"In any case, ladies are not allowed in but, if you wish, there is a tea garden with sandwiches just outside the garden." She smiled again, and patted Mrs. O'Riley's hand gently.

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[info]mercedes_dupont
2008-05-02 09:50 pm UTC (link)
"Will's? Buttons?" Mercedes replies, a grin on his face but his tone shows that he is lost in the conversation, confused. "I have no been to London before, mademoiselle. Who is... Buttons?" He asks, embarrassedly.

And then he looks at the chaperon, flashing another apologetic smile. "Forgive me, Madam. I did not know it was... inappropriate for English women to enjoy an evening café. I hope I did not cause undue offence?"

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[info]miss_emilie_ash
2008-05-02 10:12 pm UTC (link)
"None a'tall sir." Mrs O'Riley replied, stammering a bit.
Emilie looked at Msr Dupont sweetly and replied "Will's and Button's are some of London's most famous coffee houses. Supposedly many English révolutionnaires spend time at Jonathon's. Vous voyez, en Angleterre, on n'autorise pas aux Dames à entrer dans les Cafés. Les hommes ici pensent cela ... malséant."
She sighed. "But tea gardens, those are nécessaire for a ladies delicate sensibilities." She rolled her eyes and put her hand to her forehead, in a mock faint.
"Miss Emilie... PLEASE!!" Mrs. O'Riley hissed. She didn't know what her charge was saying, but it didn't sound fitting. "Perhaps we could give these gentlemen a ride in the carriage to a spot they like and you and me could get home before supper and before my head rolls!" She was abusing the handkerchief in her hands by brutally twisting it round and round.

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[info]ex_the_ambas216
2008-05-02 10:26 pm UTC (link)
"Ampèreheure, je vois Madame. Mais si votre surveillant n'était pas présent, peut-être voudriez-vous joindre moi et Monsieur Belmont pour un café?" He asks, grinning brightly at her, slowing down the babble of French when he realises she may not be following completely.

"If a coffee house is not the best place, perhaps some English tea would be better. When in Rome, as they say. And there Monsieur Belmont and myself may find some supper?" He asks, and then glanced to Miss O'Riley. "I would be delighted if you were to join us, Madam, for a tea? You must have had a tiring day looking after your young ward."

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[info]jacques_belmont
2008-05-02 11:52 pm UTC (link)
Jacques grimaced. "Yes. The Ambassador is my father."

He was very glad to see the conversation switch course, however. "Oui, je trouve cette solution très agreeable. Miss O'Riley, I hope you have no objections?"

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[info]mercedes_dupont
2008-05-03 07:46 am UTC (link)
My co-mod is discussing banning me from making comments after lectures. It seems my brain dies. Forgive me again! *dies in a hole*

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ooc
[info]miss_emilie_ash
2008-05-03 04:29 pm UTC (link)
it's ok! i sorted it out that it was you!

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[info]miss_emilie_ash
2008-05-03 04:29 pm UTC (link)
Mrs. O'Riley bowed again slightly. She puffed up a bit, realising she was being given the choice.
"I suppose one cuppa will not hurt anything. I will send the foot boy back to the house to tell the Mistress where we are." She looked at Emilie, who was being very quiet and staring at the younger of the two gentlemen.
"ONE cup!" She repeated emphatically.

Emilie's eyes returned to those of her chaperon as she clapped her hands together.
"That is perfect Mrs. O'Riley! Thank you for the suggestion!"
She then stood, replacing the snuff box to it's place in her very full pockets, smoothed her skirt and tucked one of her auburn curls back in place. Despite the small tear in her hem and a small bit of dirt on her right cheek, she was a breath taking sight, slightly rumpled like a luxurious, warm bed on a cold morning, cheeks aglow, like an inviting fire.

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[info]jacques_belmont
2008-05-03 10:14 pm UTC (link)
Jacques hid a grin. "Of course, madam. We shall obey your rules." He couldn't help noticing that Miss Ash seemed particularly lovely when she was pleased circumstances worked in her favor, but put the thought aside.

He stood and offered Miss Ash his arm. "I must beg you to lead the way, madam; I have no idea where we may find any of the places you mentioned."

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[info]miss_emilie_ash
2008-05-03 10:25 pm UTC (link)
Emilie put her small hand on Msr Belmont's arm, just where his cuffs met his wrist, fingers pressing gently on flesh, then looked over at Msr DuPont and said "There is a lovely spot just outside the Gates that serves the most wonderful poulet on their sandwiches, if your tastes run that way."
She beamed up at Msr Belmont, with genuine interest. "Do tell us of your new position, Msr Belmont. I feel Embassy work to be such an important thing, now more than ever...."
Mrs. O'Riley studied the young man. 'Oh, la,' she thought, 'This handsome Frenchman could be a huge basket of trouble' and Miss Emilie loved trouble of the less harmful sort.

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[info]jacques_belmont
2008-05-03 11:00 pm UTC (link)
His new position?

Jacques winced, scarce noticing her touch now that he was plunged back into unpleasant thoughts of his father. "It is... euh, I am... I am an aide and a secretary to my father." He shook his head. "It lasts only until I have enough to start my own law firm, back in Paris. And you, Citizen Dupont? How do you occupy yourself, here in England?"

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[info]miss_emilie_ash
2008-05-03 11:08 pm UTC (link)
Emilie noticed the change in Msr Belmont's face and moved her hand back onto his sleeve.
"I am sure you will be a fine lawyer and London will be lesser for your having left it, when you do go." she said gently, with sympathy at what appeared to be his discomfort at speaking of his father. She then became quiet, waiting on Msr DuPont's reply.

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[info]mercedes_dupont
2008-05-05 02:51 pm UTC (link)
Mercedes managed a small smile, although he hardly felt like smiling at the Ambassador's son. He couldn't help but wonder if the son would be as eager to see Mercedes guillotined as his father was.

"I am afraid I am rarely in England. I am here only while my ship undergoes a much needed refit, and then I sail back to France and then to India." He smiles apologetically at the pair, "I am only here, I am afraid, to see the sights for the next week."

"Perhaps, Monsieur Belmont, we should move our conversation to the warmth? Dusk is falling and there is no need to allow the ladies to grow cold. Will you lead the way, Mademoiselles?"

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[info]miss_emilie_ash
2008-05-06 12:55 am UTC (link)
Emilie was still troubled at having cause Msr Belmont unease and was grateful for the change of conversation.
"Oh yes! This way. I would love to hear your tales of India. My father goes often, as well as other exotic locales, but he says the things he sees aren't fitting for my ears. I told him he would probably hear far worse if he went calling with me, but he wouldn't budge!" She laughed softly, a warm sound like a fine silver spoon hitting a port filled crystal glass.
"Miss Emilie!" Mrs. O'Riley had her oft worn scandalised expression on her face again.

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[info]jacques_belmont
2008-05-06 05:12 am UTC (link)
"That is very kind of you to say, madam," Jacques replied, smiling, "but I fear Europe in general shall always be plagued with an over-abundance of lawyers. It seems to be a universal constant."

He listened with interest to Mercedes's description of his business. "You must have had fascinating travels, Citizen Dupont." He did not know exactly how to act in response to Emilie's next comment (he blamed the fact that the only women he saw with any regularity were his mother and a friend who shared his Jacobin tendencies) and smiled again instead.

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[info]miss_emilie_ash
2008-05-06 12:16 pm UTC (link)
"But each person who chooses such a profession must do it for their own reasons, thus their ability varies from man to man. And while we may be plagued with an ample supply of the profession, it does not automatically follow that there is an adequate supply of capable and honourable practitioners" She replied to Msr Belmont's very modest answer.
Then she, too, turned to Msr Dupont to await his descriptions of his travels. She had been caught several times, when she was much younger, trying to stow away on her favourite of her father's flute ships he had brought over from Holland for his import business.

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OOC
[info]miss_emilie_ash
2008-05-10 04:06 pm UTC (link)
Did you want Emilie and Msr Belmont to continue on before your answer? :)

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OOC
[info]miss_emilie_ash
2008-05-02 08:15 pm UTC (link)
yes we have :) and no worries on not being here. I tend to be at my comp a lot as I am writing a novel

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[info]ex_the_ambas216
2008-05-01 08:23 am UTC (link)
Hiya! Just a quick one, can you put your post behind an LJ cut? Everything other than the Where/Who/Warnings stuff, please!

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OOC
[info]miss_emilie_ash
2008-05-01 03:18 pm UTC (link)
Hi! Surely!
I did the cut with an IJ instead of LJ, I did not realise the same codes work here! That is good, as it cuts down on new learning of html

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Re: OOC
[info]ex_the_ambas216
2008-05-01 03:20 pm UTC (link)
I agree! I made the same mistake too, when I first started. ^^

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Re: OOC
[info]ex_the_ambas216
2008-05-02 09:02 pm UTC (link)
Also, I'm sorry I forgot this earlier, but can you tag your entries in the community with your characters name? Her tag would be: "emilie_ashford". If you could do this for all your posts? It makes searching through the community easier at a latter date.

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