orbis non sufficit

the lady sarah talbot of shrewsbury. the world is not enough.

[sarahtalbot]

e-lot‌:

Elliot only hummed at her words, suddenly in thought about the King’s health. But as quickly as they came, he pushed them away. It would not be polite, nor wise, to allow allow himself to ponder such things, like the health of the King, and the many possible outcomes that might occur. “I have,” he nodded, keeping the fact that he had also been hiding from his elder brother to himself. “It would be such a waste not too.” He straightened his back, taking a deep breath. “And of you, My lady?” He inquired with a light smile. “Have you come to enjoy the sun as well?”

“Of course. To enjoy the sun, to escape the Palace. It seems like such an odd thing to say, but I find that in the winter months, the air grows stale, and the dismal atmosphere hasn’t helped.” Sarah was nothing if not honest - something which could perhaps get into her trouble if she didn’t more carefully guard her tongue, but she simply couldn’t help herself. “The fresh air does much to clear one’s head, I should think. It is refreshing, too, to find myself in good company, but I should find it better if I knew your name, sir.” She held out her hand, as if bidding him to kiss it, though his station was almost certainly above hers. “I am Lady Sarah Talbot, my Lord.”

[sarahtalbot]

phillipofwarwick‌:

  “If there is ever to be a divisive action between Lord Somerset and I, it is always by his own hand. Our friendship is spurred by turmoil.“ She would not concede to honesty, and Phillip could do nothing by yield to her privacy. It pained him to lack intimacy with any dealings of the court, and the nature of the black feelings between Lady Talbot and Lord Somerset were entirely foreign. “You may enjoy secrecy for the time being, but consider it short lived - I am famed for sticking my nose into matters where I am not desired.” 

 Phillip wished that her suspensions were well founded. He would have paid dearly to possess the treasures she described to him. If his mind sought out a salacious truth from his own dealings, it was left sorely disappointed. "On the vague, and pitiful chance you shall claim victory, I hope to posses a worthy secret to be unearthed.” Did he underestimate his own intrigue? Phillip could only hope to have ownership over a life of interest, entirely unbeknownst to him. “Does the height of a Mountbatten man inspire notoriety? My dear brother shall be saddened by this fact; possessing only a fraction of my height.” Phillip grinned in a self-satisfactory nature, thinking gladly of his brother’s disapproving frown over his height (to only be scoffed at in comparison to Phillip’s) being disparaged. “No doubt enters my mind that whatever children you bring into this world, shall be a grand reflection of your own triumphs. And if my will is set forth, they shall be fine companions, and cousins, to our trio.” Bold claims were once at home on the Duke’s lips; though he wished to speak into existence his desires, rather then unceremoniously foist them onto Sarah. “Little Elizabeth follows him next - sunny, a tiny bit devilish in only the best of ways. I imagine she resembles your disposition as a child - but I cannot remember, are you the oldest child or the youngest? I hope a complex does not develop, from her status as middle child. “

“Truly, I think there is no better pastime at court than what you have just mentioned. To attempt to learn all the secrets of court is one of its greatest delights. Heaven knows I would never have dared engage in this game with you. I think that must be something the three of us share - you, me, and Joanna. To indulge in mysteries “ Blue eyes flicked up yet again from her hand as she offered him something of a coy smile - relieved to let her mind drift away from the other Duke who had loomed over their conversation thus far.

At his next words, Sarah scoffed in mock annoyance. “You insult me, Lord Warwick, with your certainty that I will lose. I am nothing if not a woman who can hold her own. Surely you know that I spent several years in the household of the Princess Mary, and learned many skills.” she hummed, surveying her cards as if in deep thought, rearranging them  subtly in her hand. The remark about height only made Sarah smirk, but she was caught off guard by his next proclamation, which distracted her greatly, making his words about his daughter bounce right off of her ears. “I am neither oldest nor youngest, truly, unless you count that I am the youngest child of my mother - though not my father.” She paused, clearing her throat. “You say you should like your children to be cousins of mine - you mean to suggest they should also be your brother’s children? And yet you have scarcely told me a thing about him.”

[sarahtalbot]

e-lot‌:

The stresses of court lead Elliot to sneak off, seeking out peace in a quiet place and away from prying eyes, and his brother’s ever watchful eye. He found such a place in the garden, hoping the maze would deter people from bothering him as he carried out a favourite past time, reading. 

But that was not the case, and he was not exactly lucky, as a gentle voice broke through the once silent garden, and before he could answer the question, they had were already sitting down. “I would, my lady,” he agreed, closing the book he had currently been reading. “A much better change to the normally bleak weather that is usually upon us. Hopefully, it will ease some tension everyone has been feeling as of late.” He doubted it though. The people were far too wound up. Not that he was able to talk, but he’d like to think he was better at handling it. “It would sure make things easier to deal with.”

“Indeed. And perhaps a turn in the weather will be better for all of our health. The King’s above all, of course.” She tacked on the sentiment as an afterthought, lazy - something she was expected to say, but truly she was not overly invested in it. Looking up at the man beside her, Sarah found her lips quirking into a smile. He was attractive, to be certain, and moreover he didn’t seem terribly troubled at the interruption, so she took the opportunity to converse further. “What is it that brings you so far out into the gardens, unaccompanied?” She knew very well that he could ask her the same question, but posed the query nonetheless. “Have you come simply to enjoy the sunshine?”

[sarahtalbot]

louiseborgia‌:

When Louise had been told by her husband that they would be traveling to England where they would live at court, immediately her mind had started running over the prospects of what such a travel could achieve. And if her husband was occupied with whatever his reasoning had been behind the need of it, she’d be on her own and capable of doing whatever she desired. They were strangers to the court and to the people that lived there, leaving her currently unaware of whom it would benefit her the most to approach and whose company it would benefit her to avoid. Though that didn’t mean she hadn’t taken the time to look into the English customs and as to which people may or may not be roaming the halls of the castle, she just had no face to the name. But when they had arrived the tense atmosphere at court had not been the one she had expected and the rumors and whispers that she soon heard was also ones that disappointed her. The new young king hadn’t been walking amongst the court for weeks and it bothered her as she had quiet looked forward to meeting him. And so she stood amongst the many english men and women at court, watching and listening as they spoke to each other, studying the way in which the english court worked. 

The court seemed unbearably restless in Sarah’s eyes. No one quite seemed certain of what to do. The pastimes at court had grown few at the observance of Lent’s solemnities, and the King’s disappearance had done nothing more than foster gossip. The place was teeming with whispers and rumors, and while Sarah typically delighted in such things, she was struck only with a sense of vague malaise at the prospect of it all.

She hoped, at least, for some fresh entertainment from the newcomer she had encountered in Hampton’s halls, and she spoken unbidden - unaware of the young lady’s station nor her origins. “Have you ever encountered a crowd of such uselessly fretting people in your life? People walk as if the floors of the palace have suddenly become glass. I have absolutely no use for this tedium. I tire of attending mass and wringing my hands. The court seems in need of an awakening.”

[sarahtalbot]

@e-lot

If Sarah knew anything of the Lord of Warwick, it was only that his brother and his sister-in-law both had scarcely stopped singing the man’s praises. Sarah knew them both well enough at least to sense a scheme hidden up their sleeves, and while she would not pretend to be opposed to it, she was also simply curious as to the question of the truth about the young Lord - what he was really like in the flesh, considering she had not spoke to the man once that she could recall.

It only seemed fitting that her first encounter with the man in question would be unplanned, and indeed, unknowing. The tension in the court was thick and Sarah found herself exhausted by it, vying for an escape. With the weather warming, she had frequently escaped outdoors, and today was no exception, a rare day of sunshine which nearly felt warm on her skin as she stepped out into the courtyard to breathe. Her walk was long and meandering through the veritable maze of the gardens, and it was scarcely long before she grew tired, no less bored than she had been before. It was then that she set her sights on the only person anywhere in her vicinity, endeavoring to make conversation even though he seemed enraptured in the volume in his hand. 

“Might I sit beside you?” It was probably pointless for her to ask, considering she seated herself on the stone bench without waiting for any reply. “I feared the sun might never return to the English sky. It is the only blessing that I think this court has seen in weeks, wouldn’t you agree?”

[sarahtalbot]

phillipofwarwick‌:

Sarah was careful to avoid the shadow of any indication, and would take no step towards a confession which would seek to absolve Phillip of any lingering interest. “With each refusal to speak, you only further suit my design of knowing what has transpired; though it is Edward’s nature to filter any event through a lens which best suits himself.” The Duke could not claim universal popularity, and as such, Sarah’s deriding Edward could not be taken as further evidence towards their rift. “If he has earned your ire deeply, he in turn has earned mine.” The boldness in his stance was dampened by Phillip’s eagerness in loyalty to all those who deemed friends; and his relationship with Edward would collapse, if not supported by pillars of respect and dispute. 

     “She must resort to using the hood astride her head for safe-keeping all nefarious secrets she harbors.” Such a little woman to be in possession of grand beauty and personality, continued to entreat Phillip as a mundane fact. “I cannot refuse your sentiment that my request is bold, though I deem to be rather characteristically so; if I am to lose, I do hope I possess a secret that can satisfy your curiosity, though little will compare to my own success to gain one of yours.” The weight of the court affairs seemed to slide from his shoulders with a gentle shrug; lighter and happier then he had been in some time, a beaming expression remained fixated across his face. “I shall start with the smallest child, and work my way upwards in rank; our youngest, Phillip, who has crossed the first year mark. I confess we did not know for quite some time if he would survive his first days - but he has proven to be a worthy adversary against death. Phillip, my names sake, who has Joanna’s eyes; I can hope perhaps, for he to inherit my Mountbatten nose.” 

She could easily have divulged the truth, but it was his very friendship with the Duke, which Phillip readily admitted to, which kept Sarah’s lips sealed. She trusted him not to reveal the secret, doubting that Phillip would readily smear her reputation even if he knew the truth of the matter, but still she was hesitant and would remain so. Even his declaration of ire drew only a glance from Sarah, clearly disbelieving him. “My Lord, I should never wish to become a wedge or an obstacle in your friendship or other dealings with Lord Somerset.” The formality in her words was a defensive measure, leaving much hanging from it.

“Yes - undoubtedly.” Sarah smiled at the unspoken barb to Joanna’s stature - an everlasting, fond joke between the pair of them - and turned her attention to dealing the cards. “I am certain you have a great many secrets which are a mystery to me, entirely. In the course of our game, I shall have to ponder what it is I wish to know, for when I win.” Her self-assuredness was partially in jest, soft as he met Phillip’s gaze for a moment, the man’s happiness melting some of her own tension away. “Of course. He will find himself most in luck if he inherits your Mountbatten stature, for surely that alone will bring him notoriety.” She breathed a laugh, picking up her hand of cards and surveying it quietly. “I can only pray that when I have children to speak of, I take as much pride in them as you and Joanna do in yours, for your joy in them is contagious.” She laid down a card, making the first move in the game with no fanfare. “And next is the younger of your daughters?”

[sarahtalbot]

cfnorfolk‌:

    -    “ I prefer the title ‘well versed at courtly matters,’ though I would not find either choice offensive. ” There had been a time when Mary had championed Sarah and spoke highly of her to both her father and brother, though the latter never needed very much convincing, and to see how sour Lady Talbot’s attitude towards Mary had become over the years was saddening. And yet she persisted. She wanted to show her kindness still in the hopes it might bring a scenario where the two might speak in honesty one day, make way for an apology on her father’s behalf as if that would make anything better; she could only hope.

“ I did not mean that - we are all dispensable. Maid, Lady, Duke, King; some merely have further to fall than others, I meant no offense. ” With the brief glance she was offered, Mary attempted to capture all of the eye contact she could with the offer of a rather weak smile as if it were an olive branch in the mouth of a dove. “ The winter months were exactly that - chaotic - but I believe we have all come out the other side quite well. We must always carry on whether we like it or not, stronger for it and with an odd sense of togetherness, but I wonder how you are. You too appear very well, as beautiful as ever, and I do regret terribly that we do not speak more often. I hope you are as well as you appear? ”

“Perhaps we can consider it all three and leave it at that.” Her tone was still light - not as biting as it could have been, which might have been the closest Sarah Talbot could bring herself to come to kindness in the present moment. She wondered, of course, about the future she could have had. She and Mary could have been close - they would have been sisters. It seemed silly to think about, now, in the face of the forced, stiff politeness between them as Sarah lifted her eyes to Mary’s face, the other woman so painfully earnest. 

“You have not caused me any offense. I merely think ” She murmured quietly, keeping her head up, though there was a tension in her neck and shoulders, even as Mary seemed to try to offer her a truce - peace. Still, her compliments came almost as a surprise and Sarah’s resolve softened, which she was sure must have shown in her face as she stood silently for a moment, the early spring breeze catching a few loose strands of hair. “I am well. Bored, if I must tell the truth. I have not much to occupy my time. But your kind words are appreciated.” She steeled herself. In any other situation, she would have been biting, acidic, but she found she had not the energy for it, not knowing if it was the past relationship they shared or simply a change in her as the spring sun shone down on them both. “....You also look well. I think that the time since we last spoke has treated you kindly. Are you well? You and your husband, the Duke?” In truth, she hardly cared about Henry, but it was easier than to ask Mary about her other family. “I am certain the King’s death has been a difficult thing to endure.”

[sarahtalbot]

elizabethsblount‌:

“It is a pity I must echo your remark, having little worthwhile to share other then repetition of rumors started by others.” Lady Talbot inspired further mystery, but Elizabeth had no design to inflict inquires onto the courtier. “A great deal has transpired, indeed; and to think, we are merely privy to a fraction of the tale. I cannot recall a King’s life being threatened so quickly into his reigns infancy, in some time.”

  A smile and a wink seemed an aforementioned clause to the ladies conversation; although Sarah’s private doings could not be as well known as Elizabeth’s (as shameful as this notion once proved to be) they shared a kinship, born out of the commonality of being women at the court; a fact either bonding, or divisive. “Having no hand in shaping ones own destiny - there can hardly be little that rivals it in the dehumanization of oneself..” she did not wish to mar the conversation with gloomy observations, nor melancholic recollections of her past. “It is hard to describe the feeling in my breast - I am at once as removed from the affair as the rest of the court, yet I remain teetered to the crown for the rest of my life.” Elizabeth spared herself a moment to admire the features of the woman beside her; bestowed with a courtly grace and handsome features, it continued to be a surprise that she was not wed. “I would wish for you to have the blessing soon enough, but I have found it to be an unkind sentiment. Not all wish for the same ending - though I appreciate your words of kindness.” Sarah’s eloquence was so practiced, as to lend itself to describe Elizabeth’s time at court as experience, where she herself had begun to see it as a mark of her advancing years. “Indeed it was; my time to freely enjoy the grandeur, and intrigue, has been replaced with a reverence for my home outside the court. The late King’s court was a time of great beauty at its height - I have memories of your father taking part in festivities.” 

“Perhaps someone simply wished to take advantage of his....” Sarah hesitated, unsure of what word to use - to call the young King vulnerable would be a faux-pas, and eventually she just shrugged and let the topic slide away. “Well - anyway. I am not a student of history, in real sense. The late King is the only whose reign I have ever known anything of, except what stories my father has told me of his father.” Indeed, the King had been in the early years of his reign when she was born, and so she had never known any other way of life. She had grown up in the court, as one of many cogs in the royal machine, and her encounters with the King had been fleeting and superficial because of her youth through most of that time. Looking at Bessie, it made her wonder whether she really actually knew much of how this all worked at all, her confidence shaken.

“Soon enough.” Sarah mused - focusing on the statement regarding children, bypassing Bessie’s other words if only because she sensed the woman had no desire to dwell. “Perhaps. I clearly have other goals that must come to pass before I may join that happy group.” In reality, children appealed to her very little - the stress of pregnancy and then caring for an infant disinterested here, and yet she knew these were things she would undoubtedly be expected to do. Any husband worth marrying would likely be in need of a son, and that was what she was expected to provide. The mention of her father pulled Sarah out of her thoughts and she smiled gingerly. “Yes. He was here at court far more than ever he was in Shrewsbury. That, or else he was traveling for battle.” It was strange to imagine, that her father, who had seemed an old man since her youth, was once an accomplished young courtier and warrior. Looking at Bessie again, Sarah lifted her chin just a little, shivering as a cool wind blew - winter still clinging on even if spring was on their doorstep.”I don’t know what to hope for. With this new King. I think change is coming, but I don’t know if it’s for good or for naught.”

[marieduplessis]

To warn you in private that Haxby conspires against you. He summoned Lady Caroline to curb your spending.

[sarahtalbot]

phillipofwarwick‌:

“Awful crimes, there is no doubt.” He wished for his words to have a humorous affect, yet offered nothing in his tone or inclination, which would provide the necessary delivery for such. There was too much in Sarah’s tone that bothered, and intrigued him; Phillip straightened his form, astonished and indignant at himself for succumbing to the urge of nosiness. “Lady Talbot, I would never wish to act in a manner that would create ill ease between us, but your manner of speaking begs for further explanation. For I believe I have had more official matters with Seymour, yet afford him a far more genial personality. What has he done to inspire such scorn?” 

   It was easier to speak of Joanna, a topic of conversation that would never fail to inspire pleasantness in a room; especially with the presence of Sarah, who cared for his wife nearly as strongly as he. “I shall pretend to once more believe my wife has nothing to hide from me, though I would be heart-broken if there was not a small aspect of mystery she coveted.” As the years of marriage between them grew in size, their love would need intrigue as fodder, to keep the metaphorical fire lit. “Much the same as you are, Lady Talbot; though I cannot imagine you as anything less then a picture of sweetness, I would be delighted to envision a perfect match set of night and day with you two.” So much of Sarah he still did not know - although he enjoyed the slow unraveling of her inner world, moments such as this inspired a strange sadness in his breast. Phillip considered her a friend, yet denied himself a full understanding of her entire person. “Only well enough to steal your fortune from beneath your feet - let us make a bet, and then I shall wax on the subject of my daughters until the end of time. I’d like to you to make me your best offer - of anything, but a material item. I shall match whatever you may offer me. One of your many secrets, perhaps?”

“Perhaps he is the one you ought to question.” She commented simply, eyes down again. “Men seem to speak so much more freely amongst themselves, in my experience. Though perhaps his telling might be biased.” Blue eyes flickered up to Phillip’s gaze. “Lord Warwick, you have no need to worry about creating any ill ease between us two. Not from your own action, at the least.”

Speaking of Joanna was indeed easier and more pleasant, and she urged her mind in such a direction, allowing a faint smile to cross her lips. “She is so small herself, she could not maintain much more mystery.” She teased Phillip and his wife both in the same measure, huffing a breath of a laugh as he spoke of her sweetness. “My Lord Warwick, I fear that if you think me sweet in any sense, you do not truly know me at all.” She smiled - fully, properly, her eyes softened the slightest bit as she met his, placing the cards on the table between them. “You would ask a lady to gamble with one of her secrets? A bold suggestion, and yet I am too intrigued at the prospect of receiving one from you in return that I cannot deny it. The winner should be allowed to ask a question, then, and receive an honest answer to it.” She nodded, maintaining his blue gaze once more as she began to sort out the cards for their game. “And as promised, you shall tell me first of all of your children.”

[sarahtalbot]

elizabethsblount‌:

  By nature she was a feeler; over indulging in emotions, within her humor spread gentle mellowing of melancholy. She inclined her ear to Lady Talbot, a creature foreign to her beyond the regard kept in the court for the lady’s fairness and wit; Elizabeth coveted female company, and sought to anew a friendship with the woman. “You speak with confidence on such matters; I will not press you to reveal yourself in plots, but you offer much intrigue with your words.” 

  She did not wish to speculate, to the lady, or to herself, the nature of what exploits intrigued Lady Talbot; her ears were to accustomed to the sensation of burning, as the result of idle gossip. “I second your thoughts on pray; forgive me for not arguing vehemently in favor of them, as a good natured woman is dictated to do so. I am too well acquainted with having no control over events, and I detest such a plight.” The sky relieved of dour winter hues, lay naked and pale; the barren trees made a great show of displaying small buds, to cover their shame while spring delayed its arrival. “I welcome my age, if only to benefit from the grace of experience. Little can trouble me, on the matters of the court; whether this is foolish or an act of bravado, we shall not know.” Talk of her son brought Elizabeth a melancholy bliss; talk of him brought her a satisfaction, twinged with a secret desire to see all devious plots against the King enacted; so that her Henry would sit astride the throne. “There is no need to offer your pardon, for it is as fair a question I can imagine. I find it to be incredibly personal, to a troubling degree; my connection often renders matters….complicated. Our hearts as women possess startling degrees of conviction - I know not if you have harbored such sentiments in your own breast.” 

“I have no intrigue to offer, really.” Sarah demurred, even if she knew that wasn’t precisely true. “Merely general experience, from what I understand of our little world at court. And thinking of what has already happened, even in the King’s short reign - one never knows.”

Elizabeth words brought a sort of smile - a blend of understanding and amusement - to Sarah’s pink lips as she nodded at her. “I shall not tell anyone of such impieties, if you will not tell anyone of mine.” She knew already that she liked her, the two of them moving through the gardens together now, in slow, measured steps. “It is very difficult a thing, to leave events in the hands of others.” She wondered, really, if that was almost redundant to say to someone like Elizabeth Blount, who knew what that was all too well, she was sure. “I can scarcely imagine such a feeling as it must be for you. Closeness to the crown seems.... fraught with dangers.” She was careful of her words, always - not wishing to be misunderstood by any nearby ears. “Perhaps in different ways. I cannot say I understand, entirely. I have no children of my own to claim, so perhaps the conviction is not very much the same.” She hesitated, looking toward a cluster of white rosebuds, taking them in - so fragile and yet resilient, not unlike the positions of many women among them. “I confess I should be intrigued to hear more of your court experience. I think much of your brightest time at court came before my arrival here. I have been in court only ten years, or near such.”

[sarahtalbot]

phillipofwarwick‌:

   He thought little of rashly exhibiting his friendly disdain for Somerset; though he took great care to notice the elicit reaction his words earned from Lady Talbot. “There is no cause for alarm, on the behalf of earning retribution from Somerset’s group of admirers; I belong chiefly in his group of compatriots, if only because the man cannot find the means to challenge my height, that do not involve the heightening of his heels.” Phillip could claim a quiet compromise between the pair, twinged with notes of friendship and antipathy. For as much as he detested the  man, he could not claim with any verity a hatred, or lack of respect.

  “Although I shall never spend a moment of my life underestimating the schemes of my little wife, the depth of her knowledge on court dealings renders me surprised; she had declined to share these dealings in our home.” Joanna flourished as his informant on political dealings, yet he now yearned for her to extend the gossip allocated to Sarah, onto his own eager ears. “You will not think my sister a Mountbatten, due to her gentleness and sweet nature; she favors the arts and sweetness, though I can claim not influence in such a pretty humor. I would wish my daughters to be the same as she, though I would mourn them if they did not mirror their mother in all aspects.” 

It was clear that Phillip betrayed no inkling of understanding as to her harsh feelings toward Edward Seymour, and she merely pursed her lips, lifting her shoulders in an attempt at a shrug. “I find him to be a snake amongst the grasses.” She offered, lips turning downward. “He plots for the best time to strike, always in his own best interests. One could say as much of half the court, but the point stands.” Sarah picked up the deck of cards that sat on the table before her, shuffling them slowly, eyes lowered to the paper pieces - something to do with her hands once her teacup had been discarded.

“I did not intend to imply that your wife hides things from you, Your Grace. Only that she is so well-connected, I should be shocked to hear of any news that she did not know of.” She glanced up again, blue eyes sharp. “Not to mention, I think that the tales she shares with the women in her life may differ. Not all things are the same to all people.” Looking down again, she hummed lowly. “It seems your sister must be enviable. I should be delighted to make her acquaintance, though I think that my own humor is not inclined toward sweetness in any way, so we must be like night and day.” The cards still in hand, she held them out toward him. “Do you play, Lord Warwick? Indulge me, but tell me too how your daughters fare, since you mentioned them.”

[sarahtalbot]

henriofvalois‌:

   Henri’s brow raised at her comment. Always eager to test her skills. No doubt, that referred to much more than a round of cards. He followed her to the table, moving to lower himself in the chair. He sat comfortably, his posture not the perfect stiffness that he was supposed to utilize. He didn’t see the point in it, he was permitted to be comfortable when he was just playing cards, wasn’t he? “Kind of you, Sarah Talbot, daughter of the Earl of Shrewsbury.” He smirked, repeating her name and station back to her. He was being playful, but it also helped him to commit the details to memory. 

     “I’ve no certain fondness for a particular game. Imperial will do appropriately.” He reassured, gesturing for her to ready the cards for them. “We needn’t trouble anyone else to witness my besting you at cards.” He chuckled, youthful in his competitiveness and his snark. “As you ready the cards, won’t you tell me of Shrewsbury? I have not had the privilege of traveling oft in these lands.” 

She was conscious of every moment, considering where his eyes might land as she seated herself - if she took extra care to adjust her necklace so that its pendant guided the eye to her neckline, then it was purposeful, but hopefully not so much to be noticed. She kept blue eyes down, though, on the cards, picking them up to begin preparing them. “I am glad to hear that you think so, Your Highness - Henri, son of the King of France.” She mirrored the way he spoke, using it, in a way, to try and camouflage the nerves that threatened at the corner of her mind - because what was she doing, really?

“Your besting me.” She laughed, then tilted her head as she shuffled the cards in her hands. “We shall see who has the better hand. I fear that I must be honest with you now and admit that I have never been the sort to sacrifice at any sort of game or sport, no matter who my opponent.” That seemed, in itself, a gamble to say, but Sarah had never shied away from toeing the line. “My Lord, I fear there is not much to tell of Shrewsbury - at least not much that my memory serves me. I have scarcely been there since I was 13 years old. My preference lies with court, as it is far more interesting than any part of the country that you might encounter, at least in my humble thoughts.” She paused, setting the cards down and offering the deck toward him. “Shall we so who has the lucky  card to deal?”

[sarahtalbot]

elizabethsblount‌:

 The season of lent, lent itself to instill a renewed sense of faith in Elizabeth’s person. Easily she slipped into religious sentiments during the winter months, but the joys of Christmas celebrations overtook any notions of the Lord, which were brought forth by lent. In a time of piety and meekness, Elizabeth favored her usual dress and manners; all acts of devotion she made in the spirit of the holiday, were exhibited in frequenting of chapels, along with the forgoing  of all activities which could dare to be linked to sin. For a woman whose person had remained synonymous with ungodly actions, this time of year renewed thoughts of shame that that the present, were usually suppressed under the weight of her recent accomplishments. 

    Nature had provided a supernatural allure to Elizabeth from her youngest days; and so she returned to the gardens at the first threat of spring, if only to be close to green buds, fighting to be reckoned with amongst the fleeing frost. She spoke to no one, until the sweet tones of the lady beside her broached socialization. Lady Talbot’s musings brought a agreeable smile to Elizabeth’s face; her countenance was flush, with a redness that hinted at the depth of her knowledge at such matters. “I am never more uneasy, then when the English court has settled into a content rut; it only means that a plot requires more time, in order to come to fruition.” The newest scandal had yet to bloom in Henry’s court - but the wave, to rock the proverbial boat, was moments away. “”Tis sadly the fate of a ruler; to be plotted against, and for a new ruler, there shall be years worth’s of attempts to unseat the him. The Tudors have managed for a time now, and I have no doubts our King shall survive this period; though I fear for what is to come.”

Sarah could not claim entirely to mirror the nature that rested in Elizabeth Blount’s person - she had never had the fortune, good or bad, to be noticed by a King, that was certain. Yet recent events had left her understanding, at least a bit more, the reputation that proceeded the golden-haired woman. Though Sarah feared oncoming age (scarcely a thing she probably needed to worry about at her own youth), Elizabeth was the proof that one could bear age with  some grace. They had never spoken before, and that was why Sarah had scarcely recognized her until she took the time to more properly study the woman’s face.

Head held high, she nodded, taking in Lady Clinton’s flushed features. “And there are many here who might conduct plots of their own. I could not begin to guess. One such thing has already unfolded.” Her thoughts wandered again to Edward, who always seemed to be hiding something - a mistress had been the least of it, that she was sure of. Taking a few more steps, Sarah stopped where she stood and breathed in the cool air deeply - relieved that the sharp sting of winter was not in the air as of now. “Perhaps we must simply pray for the King.” She offered, something which seemed in the spirit of things. “Though I find that when I pray, I lose track of what is appropriate to say. I am more fond of more direct action.” She paused and looked up from one of the nearby buds, which she had reached out to touch, to take in the lady beside her again. “You have far more experience in court than I. It does bring some peace to see you unworried, Lady Clinton. If you may pardon the impertinence in the question - do you find it a personal matter? When your own blood sits so closely to the crown?”

[sarahtalbot]

cfnorfolk‌:

    -    “ I fear that I am suspicious of court at all times, mistress Talbot. ” The voice which responded belonged to none other than the young Mary Fitzroy, dressed as modest as the season commanded with the only jewels upon her person being a necklace resting against the pale skin of her chest and a ring on her finger; appearing the ever-devout catholic even with the gold woven into the fabric of her gown. Her address offered a sense of propriety whilst her honesty ran of familiarity with Sarah Talbot since she was, after all, once close to becoming kin.

“ With a new King upon the throne, scheming and ‘activity’ is surely imminent. Though I cannot help but sense that you are excited by the sound of such activity? The last time it occurred death came for one of our own, ” it was a man who often sent a shiver down Mary’s spine and a look of disgust upon her features, but he was a courtier none the less and also her cousin. “ You are not afraid of such a thing occurring again? We are all rather dispensable at the end of the day, see how quickly Francis Bryan’s place was filled once more. ”

Mary Fitzroy. Sarah knew very well that the woman before her was hardly to blame for her father’s actions, and yet her stubborn nature had caused Sarah only to avoid her presence as much as possible. In actuality, Mary herself had never shown her anything but kindness, but it was very much a painful reminder of when she might have been raised high, and perhaps even dared to claim happiness, and neither of these had come to fruition. 

“My Lady Richmond, I am not sure if I ought consider you wise or overly mistrustful.” She kept her tone light, her eyes down on the bushes that would soon bloom brightly with roses in order to avoid meeting the woman’s gaze. “Excited, perhaps, is the wrong word. I take no delight in the dangers. I only hope for something more.... I do not know. More stimulating, to occur.” Finally, she dared spare Mary a brief glance. “You are right, of course. Though some are clearly more dispensable than others. Between you and I, for instance?” She glanced away again, not finishing the sentence but letting it hang in the air. “At any rate. You look very well, Your Grace. I trust the winter months have not treated you harshly, despite all the chaos of the court?”

[sarahtalbot]

francisweston‌:

    -    “ It is a time for somber contemplation, is it not? ” He asked with an expression of mild surprise at the blunt outburst, yet he also managed to hold back any sign of irritation which was more to do with his current mood than the company in which he found himself. Francis was indeed guilty in not having conversed with his current companion as much as he perhaps could or should have, given their paths crossing in several ways, but the circles in which he found himself were always carefully chosen and trusted with good cause. There was little to no room for letting in anyone without careful thought beforehand. “ Forgive me, my Lady, these months past have brought a great deal to be somber about and for that I feel deserves much contemplation. That and having a new child screaming in adjoining chambers at all hours does not exactly offer much rest; how do you fare? Is this somber contemplation boring you terribly? ”

“So they say." Sarah had never seen the purpose in debasing her spirit for a month at a time when so many other pursuits could yield more interesting results - though of course she would never speak such words out loud, stilling her tongue with a sip from her cup. “You need not apologise. I overreached in my question.” She pointed out, heaving a sigh as she settled in her seat. “It is, my Lord, but I understand it is for the glory of God, as all things must be.” She took him in for a moment, intent. “What somber things have occurred - if I may ask? The death of their Majesties, of course, naturally - but is it something more personal? I have had my own upsetting tidings, but perhaps not quite so serious in the face of yours.” In all honesty, her curiosity was only for something to drag her mind away from her own mood - a propensity for gossip rearing its head.

[sarahtalbot]

eleanorbrandon‌:

Eleanor could tell that she hadn’t convinced Sarah with her protest of not being too mild, but decided to keep from protesting once again.— perhaps there will be a day where she would believe her. “ Not when you’re able to become so much more than what you would settle with. ” She wasn’t sure of where all these thoughts had come from, as she was slowly beginning to think that it was more than just a topic of casual conversation. “ As would I, but I’m sure something exciting will happen soon enough despite it. From what I know, court is never quiet for long. ” A frown formed on her lips. A broken heart. Was that what was bothering her friend? Eleanor truly hoped it was not and even though she had yet to experience true heartbreak, she could imagine it to be difficult.   “ I fear not, but if I were, I would have a friend to help me and we’d find a way to do so. ” Hopefully it would let Sarah know that she wanted to help if that was what she needed.

“That seems so easy for you to say. Your mother was a princess who had the luxury to marry whomever she wanted. I think I am not so lucky.” It always left her a bit despondent to remember that so many of the people whose company she valued were far higher in status than she was. How could she hope to compete with such women? Her expression pinched as she thought of it all, glancing at Eleanor as she breathed in deep. “I do not know how I might find any help.” Her frown deepened. “I had thought, perhaps, that I had something tolerable, and yet just as I was grown accustomed to it, I was denied any further pleasure.” She looked into hr tea, not divulging all of the details - certainly not where others could hear. “I ought not be angry, but I have every desire to crush the gentleman’s head.”