[Thomas Sterne (Aida)]

The day had been a rather long one, during which Thomas had called on a couple of houses – including number 31 on Curzon Street and the Middleton estate – and visited quite a few shops in Bond Street. Indeed if this was an ordinary day, he would have preferred more than anything to spend the rest of his evening stretched on a long-chaise reading ‘The Rape of the Locke’ for the eight time and marveling in Alexander Pope’s genius while imagining the poet’s brilliant creatures floating in the midst of his cigar’s smoke. Nevertheless, Wednesday was definitely never an ordinary day, especially when one has not had a chance to dance with the fine ladies of London for too long a time; of course, in Spain dancing balls were held once in a while for the officers at certain occasions, but none of them could compare to the Almack’s.

After readjusting a certain crease in his necktie for the fifth time, Thomas finally broke the connection between his gaze and the looking glass and strode blithely towards the courtyard where a carriage with recently wiped windowpanes and a polished body awaited him. The joy of an upcoming opportunity for a fine evening of dancing always filled Thomas with a long-lasting energy which was now doubled with the help of a glass of vintage wine, the effect of which also raised his spirits to a level that left him humming a favorite tune of his all throughout the way to the destined club.

From the number of the carriages which kept showing up in front of the assembly rooms, and later on the sound of the variety of voices that were mingled with the music, it could be assumed that the grand hall might already be at least half-full by the time Thomas was about to pass through its large doors, which were held open by neatly attired servants, and enter the main ballroom. Satisfied with the time of his arrival, Thomas handed over his hat and his cane to a nearby footman, brushed a minor wrinkle out of his cream-colored breeches and stepped into the hall with a contented smile upon his face.

Once inside, immediately his eyes began roaming about the vast room in search of familiar faces, now and then pausing for a few seconds whenever the silhouette of a beautiful gown or an attractive face appeared among the ever-growing crowd. While slowly threading his way towards the centre of the ballroom, Thomas stopped every now and then in order to greet a couple of his acquaintances, until finally his eye caught a glimpse of a gentleman whom he had not seen for a rather long time and whose presence there came to him as a bit surprising, as he had not been aware of the gentleman’s return to England.

Coming into a halt a few steps away from the circle among which Viscount Selwyn was standing, Thomas bowed his head lightly towards him, waiting to see if he would recognize his acquaintance from Italy, and would be willing to rekindle old memories.

[George Hackett (Rose)]

After leaving the Fotherington brothers and the Countess of Carrington, George made his way directly to Captain Sterne and bowed.

"Captain Sterne, it has been several years."

He wondered what brought the Captain to London and assumed that his military career must have come to an end. Or perhaps he was merely on leave. He was sure he would find out during the course of the conversation.

[Thomas Sterne (Aida)]

“Lord Selwyn,” said Thomas, bowing in return, “indeed, it has been a long time,” a smile settled on his lips as he went on, “I have to admit it is quite a surprise to see your lordship here in England. After all, La Bella Italia is not a beauty one can easily part with…” having spoken the latter words, however, Thomas was reminded of his encounter with the Viscount’s charming friend in Florence and came to regret his statement about Italy, thinking that it might appear to be referring to certain subjects that better remained unspoken. Therefore, to make amends, he quickly added:

“Though I assume that my presence in London might be as equally unexpected. But tell me,” he continued in a more cheerful tone, “how is the Earl of Morven? And the Duchess of Leicester? I trust you are faring well yourself?”

(OOC: I think Thoma's phrase about Italy is grammatically incorrect; perhaps it should be L'Italia Bella, but his Italian is not very good, unlike what he likes to think! )

[George Hackett (Rose)]

George could not help stiffening at Captain Sterne's words, but he seemed to realise how they might be interpreted and went straight on with an enquiry after his father and sister's health. George did not know whether to be relieved or not- it was too much to hope that he might have forgotten about Patrizia.

He answered the polite inquiry first. "My sister is very well and has had a couple more children in the last few years, I thank you for asking. My father, however, I regret to say, is very unwell. I was in Dorset only last week." He hesitated. "A full recovery seems unlikely at this stage."

He struggled to remember Captain Sterne's relations. A brother and sister surely? He could recall whether his mother was living. "And the Earl? Is he well? And you sister?" Lady Julia was it? Or Jane perhaps.

((OOC: Actually, it is correct. Bello is one of the few adjectives that come before the noun! Though, there should be an ellision- La Bell' Italia.))

[Thomas Sterne (Aida)]

“I am most sorry to hear about the Earl’s misfortune,” Thomas frowned lightly, no doubt left to him as to the gravity of the father’s condition, which must have been in direct connection to his son’s return to England, “all I can say is that I sincerely hope there will be no suffering…” After a solemn pause, he took in a deep breath and continued in a lighter tone:

“Nephews and nieces, especially when they are little, are a joy to be around. Mine grew up too rapidly for my taste!” chuckling softly, he threw up his eyebrows, “why, Becky is nearly fifteen now; quite a lady, I should say.” Having initiated a speech about his relatives, Thomas now sought to answer the Viscount’s inquiry about his brother and sister; however, he still had not come to decide whether to laugh or be sorrowed beyond measure whenever his mentally retarded brother was referred to as the ‘Earl’. In truth, he had never come to make peace with the fact that he himself had to suffer the consequences of not having the desired title, while the one who possessed it could make no or little use of it and was not even aware of its advantages perhaps.

“The Earl couldn’t possibly be… jollier at the moment,” remarked Thomas while attempting not to sound sarcastic, yet the slight wrinkling at the left side of his nose betrayed his true feelings perhaps, “Lady Jane is quite well, thank you. In fact, I am expecting to meet her here today; you see, I’m afraid I have to make up for her husband’s lack of skill as a dance partner.” If Thomas did not see it appropriate to be cynical about his brother, he had no such reservations when it came to his brother-in-law, for whom he had no degree of tolerance whatsoever, and on whose name he did not like to linger much when engaged in a conversation.

“Speaking of which, have you had a chance to ask a lady for a dance yet? I am still looking to find a familiar face…”

(OOC: Alright, thanks for the explanation! )

[George Hackett (Rose)]

George could have kicked himself. How could he have forgotten that the Captain's brother was... not quite right? What a fool. And yet, even if he had remembered, wouldn't it have been good manners to enquire after him anyway? He was still the Earl, even if it was in name only. He sought to move away from his embarrassing slip by responding to the Captain's reply about his sister.

"I am glad to hear that Lady Middleton is well and will be in attendance tonight. Perhaps you would do me the honour of an introduction?" He had never actually met Sterne's sister, since their only acquaintance was from Italy.

As the Captain finished talking about dancing, George also looked round the room and noticed that Lady Julianne, his first partner had just joined the group he had left. He felt somewhat disappointed in his bad timing. Well, when the dancing started at least he knew where to find her.

"Yes," he replied. "I have asked several young ladies to dance though, like you, I do not have any acquaintance with the majority. One must start somewhere! My first partner is Lady Julianne Grafton whom I met at the theatre on Monday. The young lady over there with such brilliant red hair." He paused. "Are you waiting for anybody in particular or just hoping to see somebody you know?"

[Thomas Sterne (Aida)]

“I will be honored to introduce his lordship to my sister. I am certain she will be most delighted,” said Thomas with a little bow, then adding, “indeed, I daresay Lady Julianne Grafton appears to be the most admirable lady in the hall this evening,” he paused briefly, “that is, if we try not to take into consideration her sister, the Countess of Carrington, which I take it will be a very difficult task…” then realizing that perhaps he was taking too much liberty with his choice of words, he attempted to change the subject:

“Alas,” sighing deeply, he moved his gaze towards the Viscount, “the face that I would particularly look for is tinted with a feverish blush tonight, so I’m afraid no degree of pursuit in that regard would be fruitful; however,” letting his eyes roam further among the crowd, he continued, unaware of the rather roguish grin that was gradually forming upon his face, “I have determined not to remain idle when there are so many opportunities for a delightful dance. As for my dance partners…” turning towards where he had last noticed Miss Hampton to be standing, Thomas added:

“I am hoping to receive Miss Hampton’s approval in a round of dancing, as I have the pleasure of acquaintance with her family. And likewise Miss Pritchard, whom I believe I observed upon my arrival in the company of Lord Linley,” stating so, his eyes again began their search in the room until they found the latter gentleman, “another acquaintance of mine, who I trust will be kind enough to introduce me to a few ladies. A favor which I am also hoping to attain from Lord Gabriel Pritchard, who is a friend of mine from Oxford,” this time he had to turn about ninety degrees to spot the mentioned individual, “there he is! And if I am not mistaken, the lady with whom he is conversing is Lady Viola Fitzgerald.” Another lady who could easily be considered a rival of Lady Julianne Grafton in beauty, he thought to himself, “I have not had the pleasure of making her ladyship’s acquaintance yet, but I do remember that she plays the harp charmingly! Most definitely better than that Italian countess who claimed to have been taught by maestro Trobaldini himself! Surely, you do remember her?”

[George Hackett (Rose)]

George followed Captain Sterne's gaze. He did not quite agree with the Captain's assessment of Lady Julianne's chances being harmed by her sister's misfortune. Of course, perhaps if he had been in Town when it had happened he might care more. He was not of course surprised that the Captain should have examined the myriad of other ladies. He did not know Miss Hampton or Miss Pritchard though he remembered Lord Linley mentioning spending time with her. And so they were together again. He studied the lady briefly- dark, attractive, lively expression and from her expressions, had Linley well in her grasp. George smiled to himself and could not decide whether his friend needed rescuing (he had said he was not looking forward to Almack's) or leaving him with the lady.

He also noticed Lady Viola and tried to hide his wince. He had found himself asking her to dance at the theatre with the gaze of her chaperone boring into him, but he had found her too reserved and superior to interest. "I do know Lady Viola slightly and I am quite sure her harp playing is excellent- I imagine everything she does is excellent," he finished drily, then smiled as he recalled the lady in question. "Contessa Alessandra Veronese, was it not? How could I forget! She played and sang exquisitely." And no doubt did other things equally exquisitely, though George had not been in a position to take advantage of her offers. He wondered if the Captain had and acknowledged that it was probable.

"Tell me, have you left your regiment or are you merely on leave?" asked George, changing the subject. However, in his mind- memory of Italy and their meeting there led naturally to the subject of his companion's military profession.

[Thomas Sterne (Aida)]

Thomas could not tell whether it he had been imagining thus or if Lord Selwyn had truly seemed to be ever so slightly unenthusiastic when speaking of Lady Viola. If indeed this had been the case, he could not help but wonder what might have been the source of such a sentiment; nevertheless, he did not contemplate on the notion much, as there might have been numerous reasons as to why a person might not view another in a favorable light. Then again, it all may have been a miscomprehension on his part, which could not be out of ordinary when there were so many distractions present in the ballroom.

“I am on leave, at the moment,” replied Thomas, answering Lord Selwyn’s question, “and fortunately too, I should add,” then to explain his latter statement, he went on, “I do not like to think that I should relinquish the military life so soon; you see, I find that all the thrill and the ‘carpe-diem’ atmosphere that surrounds the battlefield rather suits my personality; or perhaps I have altered my personality to suit the battlefield! Hehe…” yet suddenly acquiring a more somber air, he clasped his hands behind his back and continued, “the last one – the battle of Barrosa, that is – you should have seen what our men did. As for General Graham, I don’t think there is any doubt left as to that man’s brilliance by now; the way he acted, the rapidity of his decision taken in the last moment and when in the midst of utter confusion he issued the attack order…” from the ablaze look in his eyes and the ever-rising liveliness in his voice, Thomas’ excitement was evident as he looked at his companion, “we only had half the Spanish troop’s number, yet I daresay double their competence or perhaps more! You should have seen how their cavalry drifted from one point to another! And they say that La Pena…” at this point, however, as if coming into a realization, he calmed himself down by taking a deep breath, “do forgive my enthusiasm, Lord Selwyn. I am sure you have heard the news about that battle by now.” Casting a sideway glance towards the sauntering ladies and gentlemen that surrounded them, Thomas smiled brightly, saying:

“To think of it, this ballroom is no less than a battlefield! Only, the enemy … no, not the enemy, rather the fair opponents here take care to aim solely for the heart.” Turning his gaze once again towards the Viscount, he added in a rather casual tone which even so veiled a degree of curiosity, “but what have you been doing all these years? You seem to have managed not to fall victim to unsuspecting arrows.”

(OOC: sorry it took so long Rose! I realized that the battle of Albuera has not happened yet, so I had to change it to Barrosa and research a bit! )

[George Hackett (Rose)]

George felt no surprise at Captain Sterne's enthusiasm for the military- he always had been a dedicated soldier- only some discomfort. For his point, he hated war and its bloodshed. An education dedicated to studying the conflicts of the past and the subsequent realisation that nothing ever changed and that people went to war for the same things over and over again with the same human and cultural cost, gave him no appreciation of war. He was profoundly grateful that he was not a second son. He would take meetings with a bank manager and estate management and responsibility over being a soldier any day.

"Indeed, I did hear the news of that battle," nodded George, trying not to sound too grave, though aware that his general demeanor was so often grave that fortunately he would not come over any different from normal.

"Myself... I am only just returned from Italy," he replied slowly, "where I remained much as you saw me. The illness of my father provided me with a necessity to leave, but I think there is a time in every man's life when he must return home and take charge of his life." He hesitated. "I wish to get married, Captain. It seems a logical thing to do at this stage." He thought of his conversation earlier in the week with Lord Linley and wondered if he was actually going to be alone in this desire. Had not Arthur and his friend Lord Emerson made some sort of pact to avoid all marriageable women? He imagined that Sterne was the same. It was an odd state of affairs for the London season. He had imagined that everyone was there for the sole reason of finding a spouse.

((Sorry in return, Aida! Real life snuck up from behind...))