[b][u]Lady Eliza Percival[/u][/b]

"What just happened there?"

The hiss in her ear brought her back to reality as Jessica re-appeared by her side. "He kissed your hand."

"He is the King, he kisses a great deal of hands."

"Not like that he doesn't."

Was that true? Eliza cast her eyes to her friend in curiosity, "What do you mean?" Of course the young Lady had felt some sort of tension in the Court over the past month or so, but she hadn't expected the rumours to be true. Jessica downed the remnants of her wine before she responded, "He didn't take his eyes off of you, and that wasn't just a polite kiss on the hand." The girl rolled her eyes at her friends somewhat oblivious demeanour. "You shall be the talk of the Court."

Talk of the Court? That didn't sound appealing at all. In actual fact, it was quite unnerving. Eliza unlike many, had no ruthless desire for family advancement. No scheming nature. She was what some might call a purist. Of course she wasn't totally absolved of sin. The blonde was quite mischievous once you got to know her.

"Lady Eliza, how lovely you look this evening."

Eliza had been so wrapped up in thought, that she hadn't seen the approach of Sir Walter. He was a handsome chap, and some anticipated the announcement of an arrangement between the families some point in the near future. That said, other than a pleasant liking for him, Eliza had no real emotion toward the man, and to be rather honest, the man had roaming eyes that made her alarmingly uncomfortable. 

"Ah, Sir Walter. You flatter me." Was the polite response. "How are you this evening?"

Sir Walter stood next to the young woman and took a sip from his goblet, "Very well, very well indeed." He smiled and gave the blonde a once over, which caused her to take a subtle step away.

"I'm so sorry Sir Walter, but I'm needed outside." Of course she wasn't, but there was no time for the crestfallen male to reply as she made her way out to the courtyard. The roses smelt beautiful mingling with the fresh evening air, and Eliza took a seat on the low wall and enjoyed the serene silence.


[b][u]Sir Thomas Percival[/u][/b]

"You assume I care little M'lady as your family dislikes my own. That is not my rivalry, that is yours." He answered cleverly. "Besides, you are friends with my sister - are you not?" 

He took the afore mentioned wine and glanced his gaze towards his sister. A small chuckle escaping his lips at the question. "Eliza is very likable as we both know. She is both humble and humorous. There is probably no better pairing for a dance partner." Yes, dance partner. He would not openly discuss the meaning behind the dance with a Holloway. No matter how pretty they might be.

"The meeting was tedious if you ask me. An hour of my life that I shall never get back." A smirk crossed his features as he eyed Lady Cassandra. "I admire your spirit though," And that was a true enough statement. The Tudor Court wasn't the easiest place to for women. Especially women that took a keen role in their families agenda.

"Is your father well?"

The old goat.. Thomas thought silently to himself - such a sour man. That's when a devilish thought overcame him. "Would you care to dance?"