"Oh-- My Lord--" Ember gasped in well rehearsed mock flattering tones.  Thankfully, he had an extensive repertoire of cheap noble clients that had reneged on payment for service that he could throw under the carriage.

"I am Lilly.  Lilly de Rochechouart de Mortemart, my lord.  I boarded this quaint little barque to visit my dear cousin, Yolande. I heard she was to attend a wedding. I did not receive an invitation, and would never go uninvited, but I wanted to surprise her with a visit after her return."

The notion that this would cause a massive spiral of political intrigue brought color to his cheeks, along with a dirty smile, which he seamlessly incorporated into the performance.  Of course, there was no Lilly de Rochechoart de Mortemart. There WAS however, a Yolande de Polastron, a female noble favored by the queen, and a Gabrielle de Rocheoart de Mortemart, who had a younger sister, who was at royal court. The latter of which, had lodged an order for a gown for a ball that then never took place, and had reneged on payment. Ember considered the great deal of consternation this would cause for the woman to be payment for services rendered, long overdue. This pompous ass will assuredly know of these people, being an attache to local royalty, and putting on airs as he was. The story was just believable enough to be true, and royals did visit each other like this with alarming frequency. A lesser known cousin of a prominent lady at court with an affluent family would largely go unnoticed, but what he intended to do to this man would make the inquiries flow like water later. The idea was delicious.

"--But it would be my pleasure to join you for dinner, my lord. I shall have Alice freshen up before then as well, since it pleases you."

Ember really did not want to get Vivian involved this deeply, this quickly.  He had really wanted her there as background color, and as a passive participant in the assassination of this man's pride, and nothing else. He would have to discuss the idea with her more fully later. It would be a difficult trick, but he could possibly make an entirely illusory "Alice" that could attend, if Vivian refused. He would think no less of her for doing so. 

Just then, another, more wicked thought crossed his mind-- perhaps this later, 'dinner date' could be derailed before it even began.

"--In the mean time, would Sir Gaensburg wish to join me for morning tea?"