The duke had to be more subtle about the way he admired his young intended here in the ballroom, but his eyes were still drawn to her as he stood beside the divan. There was no doubt as to the young baroness' beauty and he could no more ignore her allure than a starving man could ignore his hunger. Her answer made him smile and her question even more so. He elegantly took her hand and lifted it to his lips, once more letting his lips dance feather light across the back of her delicate hand even as his fingers subtly and deftly stroked her slender wrist. His voice was rich and magical as he answered her, "I am rather fond of it mon cherie, though I am certain it will pale beside your beauty. You truly are a vision Baroness, and if people say my home is beautiful it is only because they have not seen a room where you resided." he chuckled a bit and placed another soft kiss upon her hand.
Across the hall the king had of course heard Camilla's comments, and his eyes had of course followed Babbette as she and the duke danced. He was sorely tempted to say the least but was also hesitant. There was something about the duke that even he could not quite put his finger on. He knew that his friend wielded far more power than he let on but his agents had not been able to determine what that power was or where it lay. He did notice the more than ample bosom of the young woman as she danced, but the way she looked at the duke gave him a moments pause... he did find her quite desirable but he had just gave his blessing. He could not shake the image of the young beauty though and so found himself rather deep in thought.
Meanwhile a new figure had entered the ball, he was clad in simple blacks including a long coat and his hair was neatly slicked back. His eyes were fierce though and the guards and nobles alike smiled and nodded to him. As he lowered the hood of his traveling cloak fully and removed it the reason became all to apparent. He wore the collar of the clergy though he was surprisingly young or at least young in appearance. Even in these troubled times he was a welcome sight, outside the isles the inquisition struck fear into the masses but the Church of England appointed its own and this was one of their chosen. He smiled and made his way through the crowd surveying those gathered there, and was rather surprised to see the Duke of Scotts entertaining a buxom young beauty. He smirked and promised himself to make inquiries about that to his old friend. He knew it would have to wait though as he was not a noble and so such discussions could not be conducted in public. An elderly priest ran up to the dark haired figure seemingly quite flustered, "Father Simon I have been trying to find you for days.... did you not receive word from the his eminence the Archbishop of Canterbury?" As the light revealed him more fully there were clearly the lines of age on his face though they were far from obvious, they were a little more evident as he smiled and answered, "No I had not received any word from his eminence." the elder priest looked truly shocked and motioned him over to the corner, "They are talking of naming you Bishop of London Father, the current Bishop has fallen deathly ill while you were away in whales." The man known as Father Simon, one of many names he had taken, raised an eyebrow at this given a rather surprised look... it was of course a feigned look as he had expected just such a welcome upon his return.
Even as the priests retreated to speak in private, the king decided to remove himself from the festivities to think... taking his dogs for a walk in the garden as an excuse to leave then making his way to his chambers. Meanwhile the Duke of Scots and his newly blessed companion spent the evening dancing and laughing the night away till it was time to retire.... the Duke had much to see to for the following night when she would visit.
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When the next night began to blossom and the Duke rose from his slumber to dress, his manor was already awash with activity. Servants bustled about making sure it was pristine and beautiful even as the the Duke's butler came to ensure he was well and preparing for his visitor. The house was awash with talk of the lovely young woman who would be visiting their master this evening. The well muscled gypsy who had drove the dukes carriage the night before was in the stables seeing to the many prized Arabian horses that they housed there as his master had mentioned he might take the Baroness riding at some point in the evening. The duke was just finishing donning his finery as the elderly head of house spoke in soft wise tones, "You look fit to woo a queen master, I sent Gerard to ensure the horses were ready in case you should indeed decide to go for a ride with your intended.... though if I might trouble you for a moment, I know I must soon train a replacement to serve you and had wondered if you had considered Gerard... he is my son after all and has served the household his entire life." The Duke Dragonasi turned his lavender gaze to his most trusted servant. It was true that he had served for many years and would need to train a replacement soon while he could. So it was that Mythrand nodded his head a bit before speaking in his own rich tones, "That is a wise suggestion, and he is among the most trusted here... and as you say it is the life he has always lived... yes I think that would work well, he already knows the Chateau as well as the lands and guests who visit. You may inform the other servants and begin his training tomorrow." The head of house bowed and smiled, a sign of his gratitude and then made sure the last touches of his masters attire were in place before leaving to inform the other servants and see to it that the estate was perfect for the visit of his masters intended.