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Lord Tobias Hurst, Duke of Devon ([info]lord_hurst) wrote in [info]toujoursliberer,
@ 2008-08-08 21:41:00

Previous Entry  Add to memories!  Tell a Friend!  Next Entry
Entry tags:aime_laurent, antoine_laurent, beatrice_stanley, beth_downing, constance_mosley, demetri_blake, georgina_rochester, gwendolyn_linley, harry_fisher, jacques_belmont, katerina_ashcroft, marie_hardwick, melisande_auclair, nell_abbot, patience_hurst, piper, plot, rupert_aveline, sergius_petrov, slater, thaddeus_chadwick, theodore_berteaut, thérèse_du_labarre, tobias_hurst, vivian_thorpe

Lord Hurst: A Ball In His Honour
Item: An invitation sent out by Lord Hurst to many of those in the upper portion of society
Who: Lord Hurst on behalf of Sergius Petrov
Warnings: TBA
Open to: All of the nobility, friends of the Hurst family, those being blackmailed by Sergius, plus Constance, Slater, and Harry.



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[info]conmosley
2008-08-10 06:46 pm UTC (link)
Constance was fashionably late of course but she always was unless the party was her own. She was glad of the invitation but was going in wary. After everything that had happened lately, she was cautious. But a party was a party and she would never refuse the Duke.

In a vision of blue and gold, Constance walked into the ballroom. She had planned perfectly. Not as extravagant as a season ball or a court event but there would be enough of the nobility around undoubtedly that it would be worthwhile and Constance knew how to work a crowd. She was stunning and sparkling, her red hair pulled up and cascading down her back, laced with pearls and crystals that matched her dress.

She looked around and saw many a familiar face including Slater and Harry. That would be interesting. And she smiled when she saw Nell as well, looking particularly beatiful as well. She would try and speak to him later if the opportunity presented itself.

Constance tried not to roll her eyes when she saw the guest of honour. She wouldn't insult Lord Hurst in such a way but she didn't have to be happy about it either. She did notice there were a number of people she merely recognised, and some not at all. It was a party yes, but Constance always looked for opportunities for business as well.

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[info]jacques_belmont
2008-08-10 07:58 pm UTC (link)
Ah, there was a woman! And a woman who looked upper class! Or at least, to Jacques's untrained eye. All he knew was he ought to make a good impression on anyone who had managed to finagle a seat in the House of Lords. Damn bicameral system of government. It made everything unduly slow and complicated.

"Ah... bonjour, citoyenne?" He bowed, taking the moment to form the phrases in English before he spoke. "They are lining up for the, euh, the minuet. If you are not previously engaged it would be my pleasure to ask you to stand up wiz, ahem,with me."

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[info]conmosley
2008-08-10 08:41 pm UTC (link)
Constance smiled and turned at the voice beside her. She curtesied to the young man and sensing he was not so comfortable in English, switched to French herself. "Thank you Monseiur. I have only arrived but I would be most pleased to join you in the minuet." She offered him her hand. "I'm sorry I haven't had the pleasure...."

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[info]jacques_belmont
2008-08-10 10:15 pm UTC (link)
"You speak French!" Jacques exclaimed greatfully, taking her hand and bowing over it. "Citoyen Jacques Belmont, citoyenne. I am extremely glad you speak French- and so much better than my English! I am from the Embassy, but I suppose you would not guess it from the horrors of my accent, no?"

He led her to the end of the line and he began to feel self-conscious again. He was babbling out of relief, he ought to stop and- and say something sensible.

Of course, he was at a ball, so that might be against some sort of social more. What's more, he had forgotten to ask the name of his partner. "Might I have the pleasure of your name, citoyenne?"

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[info]conmosley
2008-08-11 08:34 am UTC (link)
She laughed a little. "Indeed I do. And I am very glad to meet you sir, and more than happy to speak French with you. Though your English is not that terrible," Constance continued in French.

They moved into the dance and she smiled at everyone and then back to her young partner. "My name is Constance. Constance Mosley good sir." He was charming to be sure and Constance couldn't deny he was handsome either. And Belmont. She wondered if he was related to the French ambassador. She would have to find out at some point. But first there was dancing.

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[info]jacques_belmont
2008-08-11 11:05 am UTC (link)
Jacques made a face. "I am sure you are being more kind than truthful, Citoyenne Mosley. I have been here months now, and I still cannot wrap my tongue around all the consonants. Is is the, euh... 'th'. Engish does not flow very smoothly; there are always consonants to trip up the vowel."

The music began, and Jacques bowed to his partner before moving into the steps of the dance. They were familiar enough for him to do them without much thought. "How did you learn French, if you do not mind my asking?"

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[info]conmosley
2008-08-11 11:27 am UTC (link)
Constance smiled sweetly at him. "You speak it well enough especially for someone who is not native to England, Citoyen Belmont." He was rusty true, but at least he was trying which wasn't as much as could be said for some.

Soon they were moving through the moves of the dance and Constance laughed as it progressed. She never wanted to stop dancing; something that hadn't changed since she was little. "I was very fortunate to have generous tutors who taught me several languages in my studies," she replied.

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[info]jacques_belmont
2008-08-11 01:25 pm UTC (link)
"You do them much credit, citoyenne," Jacques said, in what he thought was a very nice piece of gallantry. He thought for a moment and came up with something that was, to his mind, one of the highest compliments he could pay. "You would not be out of place in Paris. Have you ever been there?"

There was a trace of wistfulness. Jacques loved his country deeply and Paris best of all. One of his chief sorrows was being away from Paris, particularly when it was changing so quickly and so wonderfully.

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[info]conmosley
2008-08-11 01:48 pm UTC (link)
"You flatter me greatly Citoyen," Constance said smiling and beaming. She was used to compliments but getting them was never a bad thing at all. She laughed as they continued to dance. "Sadly no, I have not yet made it to your fair city, though I hope to, someday."

He looked sad, just for a moment, and she couldn't blame him. "I for one am glad you are here but.... you miss it don't you? Miss Paris?"

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[info]jacques_belmont
2008-08-11 02:21 pm UTC (link)
"Desperately," Jacques replied, unthinkingly truthful. He colored at once, once he had realized what he had said, and tugged on his tricolor sash. "I- I would not have you believe I- I at all regret having been chosen to help represent France and her interests here in England. England is a- a very charming company. Its people are very charming too." Clumsy compliment, but he'd made the attempt. "Have you always been in London."

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[info]conmosley
2008-08-11 03:21 pm UTC (link)
Constance continued smiling at him. "Do not feel bad for saying that Monsieur. If I was away from my home, even doing good work, it would still not take away from the fact that I was not at home." She gently put her hand on his forearm. "I'm glad you enjoying it here; there is much to see and do in our fair country." She beamed at him but shook her head. "Recently, I have but I grew up in the Highlands of Scotland."

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[info]jacques_belmont
2008-08-11 04:58 pm UTC (link)
Jacques blushed at the hand on his arm. He cursed himself for it, but it did nothing to return his complexion to the proper hue. "France is France, and I shall never be as happy outside of my country as in it. I suppose it is something of an odd sentiment, but...." Jacques lifted a shoulder in a shrug.

"Scotland? I have not been there. Aside from a brief visit to find illegal emigres in Kent, I have been in London since arriving from Dover. It is... north, I believe? It must be very cold."

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[info]conmosley
2008-08-12 12:56 am UTC (link)
"No not odd at all. I am British but my home the place I love more than anything is our home in Scotland. I know it is not the same as you leaving France, but I think I understand something of it."

Constance smiled as the dance ended and they rounded around the floor." You should travel there if you get the chance. It is so different from London, so beautiful. Very north as far north as you can go on our island here. And oh my yes the winter's are windy and cold but it's part of the charm."

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(no subject) - [info]jacques_belmont, 2008-08-12 08:35 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]conmosley, 2008-08-12 08:58 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]jacques_belmont, 2008-08-12 10:19 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]conmosley, 2008-08-12 11:38 pm UTC

[info]social_climber
2008-08-12 03:10 pm UTC (link)
"I see you have noticed our host's confidant?" Harry Fisher murmured, sidling up besides her. "Slater is here too. Dressed in his Sunday best." He said dryly, taking a swallow from his glass. It was his fifth or sixth, but it seemed of little matter.

"Is there a private corner I may have a word in your ear, Miss Mosley?" He added, setting down his glass and offering her his hand. "Just for a moment, but I feel it might be important."

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[info]conmosley
2008-08-12 03:19 pm UTC (link)
Constance stiffened at the new voice, but only for a moment as she recognised Harry Fisher's voice. She smiled but for the sight of him not of the subject matter.

"Aye I have. Lord Hurst need better confidants. I haven't seen Slater yet though I figured with Vi- others in attendance, he wouldn't be far behind either." She sipped her own glass of champagne and turned to face Harry more.

She smiled for real at him and took his hand as she set the glass down with the other. "I'm sure we can find some corner suitable for our discussion, Mr. Fisher. And it happens that I am free at present."

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[info]social_climber
2008-08-12 03:42 pm UTC (link)
"Thank you, Constance." He said, before leading her out of the main ball-room, apologising as they made their way through groups of guests and dancers. "I hate Balls." He breathed as they reached the French windows, opening out onto a patio terrace over-looking the property's carefully kept garden. Privately, Harry was impressed. The next step up would be a house like this, with gardens as big as a row of Hackney houses. "Must be worth a mint." He said out loud, before turning back to her.

"You aren't cold, are you?" He asked, moving a little further from the doors. "An odd mix of guests, don't you think? Us three, Viv, Nell had his own personal invitation. Lord Hurst's chums, merchants..." He looks over at her, "It smells wrong to me."

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[info]conmosley
2008-08-12 03:58 pm UTC (link)
"Of course." She moved with him through the crowd, minding her gown as they swept through the others. She chuckled as though Harry Fisher at a Ball was not uncomfortable at its most basic. "But you look so handsome at them Harry," she said with a grin as they stepped outside onto the patio.

"Now this is a view. Sometimes I wouldn't mind a house like this, god knows my family has one bigger, but I like the house in the city and this is a bit to large for downtown London," Constance said and smiled. She shook her head, hands clasped in front of her. "After a room like that, the fresh air is good."

She stepped close to him. "It is, very odd. Not the usual sort found at Lord Hurst's parties that's for sure." Constance raised an eyebrow. "Does Nell get invites like that often?" She looked up at Harry, worried look on her face. "It does to me too. And Harry, I don't want to tell you your business, but Petrov was giving Nell more attention than seemed normal. I don't trust him. Just... just you two be careful okay?"

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[info]social_climber
2008-08-14 03:24 am UTC (link)
"Handsome as a stuffed suit." He replied to her, although it wasn't quite true. He wore well-tailored suites on a daily basis, but in an environment where he was perhaps the least peacock-looking for all the men there, he felt as if he was only wearing a sign that advertised his station to all the other guests. It wasn't true, of course. Lady Gwendolyn seemed as receptive to him as she usually did, until, of course, he had let his mouth run away with him.

"You mean it'd stick out like a sore thumb?" He smiled at her. "I know streets in Hackney smaller than this, and they'll be what, 150 people living there?" He said, shaking his head. "I like my place. It'll do, for the moment." Until he was married and then if there were children and more money and a title, well, then more space would be needed. And he'd need a nice place for Nell to stay too, somewhere the boy deserved, not too far away, although Nell would never want to live in with Harry's family. Although if Nell wanted anything to do with Harry like that at all was up in the air right now.

"Nell's always getting invitations to parties. Although normally ones with less female guests. Begging your pardon but you know what I mean." He said, offering a lop-sided smile. "And dressing up like that and going out with a gentleman friend to an opera party or something isn't rare. But..." He paused, looking back towards the party. "This one doesn't sit right with me." He told her frankly. "But right now I think Nell's under a table somewhere with a few empty bottles. I've not been letting him have anything at home. He's probably gone to town on it."

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[info]conmosley
2008-08-14 08:57 am UTC (link)
"Not at all true. You look handsome as ever my dear man. You just need to have more fun," Constance said, teasing him just a bit. She had grown up in balls like this, around all of the stuffy nonsense that came with it and had learned to be very comfortable. And true yes she loved a good party or ball, even she had her limits.

She laughed. "Perhaps just a bit. But I do know what you mean. I keep thinking I need to get a bigger place, but I like it and it's done me just fine all this time so for the time being, it'll do for now as well. But who knows, some day..."

Constance nodded, still smiling. "I think I do know what you mean yes. I have had cause for having parties with less female guest as well, on occasion. And Nell certainly seems to like dressing up so that is good too." She glanced back with him and then looked up at him, shaking her head. "Me neither. I have a bad feeling, and I've learned to trust those."

She laughed, just a little. "Harry.... you haven't let Nell turn into a lush have you? Perhaps we should try and find him? Rescue Lord Hurst's stock?" she said grinning at him.

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[info]social_climber
2008-08-14 10:52 am UTC (link)
"With Slater, Viv and that Russian here? I don't think I'll be having much fun at all. And if I do start laughing, they'll cart me away to a loony bin." He told her, shaking his head. "Not the most comfortable of evenings. I think the only person here who could make it worse is my mother." And god knew, with his luck like it was right now her carriage would just be pulling up.

"Space for the kids, right?" He smiled slightly. "I can't imagine that I'll ever need this sort of space. I wonder what Hurst does with all the rooms- aside from hold parties."

He blinked then looking back at her, "A lush, Constance? I'm afraid you've lost me there."

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[info]conmosley
2008-08-14 11:30 am UTC (link)
"I know. It's rather difficult to have fun when one has to be on their guard and watch their back. Just have to find the fun where we can while still keeping an eye on the lot of them." She pat Harry on the arm. "Don't worry; if they do, I'll come visit you," Constance said grinning at him. But she couldn't help scrunching up her face a bit at the mention of his mother. "Please don't take offense if I agree with you on that. Mothers don't tend to like me."

"Oh yes, all the kids. I am such the mothering type, aren't I?" Constance had the girls but that was far different than her own children. Once upon a time yes she dreamed of it but the right man for the job sadly had not appeared. "This kind of space, I think people who do have it, have it because they can."

She smiled, not wishing to confuse him. "I may have spoken out of turn. I should stop listening to the Irishmen and Ann's place."

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[info]social_climber
2008-08-14 11:54 am UTC (link)
"I could hardly take offence, Constance. She might have birthed me but I don't think she did much passed that." He told her, smiling, and then moved to sit down on the edge of the steps which led down to the grassy lawn. "And my mother likes no one but herself."

Harry shrugged then. "I don't know, are you? Maybe not little ones, but you do a good job of looking after your lot. I mean, aside from the work, which for your girls is hardly unsafe, and the rest of it, you do a good job." He said, gesturing for her to sit with him. "To have things just because you can. I used to dream of that when I was younger."

"Do you mean a drunk?" Harry said, almost ignoring her last few words, although he knew she meant no harm. "No, I didn't do that. His father was like that. It's how he lost the Theatre. I just don't want Nell to end up the same way."

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[info]conmosley
2008-08-14 12:22 pm UTC (link)
he smiled back at him. "Then it is to your credit alone that you turned out so well. But still, I can't imagine it was easy." She turned as he moved to the steps and grinned. "My grandmother was like that as well. It was a wonder my father turned out sane I have often thought," she said, laughing softly.

Constance moved to his side and carefully sat beside him, tucking her gown around her with practiced ease. She was glad for the almost darkness so he didn't see her blush a little. "You flatter me Harry, but I do thank you. I'd do anything for those girls, no matter what. And you, you take good care of your boys too you know. I know it can't be easy." She smiled, tucking a stray lock of hair back behind her ear. "What a pair the two of us make," she said laughing softly, and looked up to the sky for a moment. "I had that when I was young; I always dreamed of being free to be myself, proper or not."

She realised the error of her words. "Oh Harry! Present company was not included in that. Cor, I do have a way of quite thoroughly making myself sound the fool. I am sorry. And I'm sorry for Nell too. He's very lucky he has you to take care of him. and the Theatre. I don't think he'll end up like that at all."

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[info]social_climber
2008-08-16 08:10 am UTC (link)
"I ran away before she could make me crazy." Harry said with a faint smile, "And prison was better then home. And more useful." He added, although he knew if he'd spent any longer in there, locked away in the dark and the damp, he probably would have gone far crazier then anything Anna could have done to him.

"Well, I wouldn't be very successful if I didn't look after them. If I let them get hurt and well, by the end of it, I wouldn't have many of them working for me, would I?" He said, looking back over the lawn and flower beds. "Too much stick and none of them will be around to enjoy the carrot."

"You're hardly anything but proper. I mean, you're girls aren't wandering the streets, you know more Lords then Pitt himself, and Isabel's House is hardly a ruin, neither is it in a bloody dump like Hackney. And, if you don't mind me saying it, Constance, you're hardly under anyone's thumb."

He laughed then, gently patting her hand to show that no harm had been done. "You've never sounded like a fool. Least-wise, not to me."

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[info]conmosley
2008-08-16 08:44 am UTC (link)
Constance laughed. "I ran away too, well kind of." Her feature saddened. She knew about Harry and prison but it still wasn't easy to hear. "It's in the past right? And look at you now."

"Too true, but at least they aren't leaving and getting married. Or are they?" she grinned. "I think sometimes I can be too hard on the girls, but I've seen the bad side of things, and I'd rather be tough on them than the alternative."

"Too kind, Harry, truly. And honestly, I think I'm a better dancer, and look a damn sight better in a dress," Constance laughed. "But no, thank you. And you too, your boys are well kept and not causing trouble, and the Theatre could have fallen to ruin if you hadn't stepped in, and look at it now. You should be quite pleased with yourself Harry Fisher," she said with a smile.

Grinning, she put her hand over his. "Well that's good. I do have my moments and you are quite the gentlemen to say that."

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