01/18/02

"It is good breeding alone that can prepossess people in your favour at first sight, more time being necessary to discover greater talents."-- Lord Chesterfield,
Letters to His Son

256-1123.

And now, for someone completely different. Captain Phillip Clayton Stroud MacKenzie, Baron. "On the beach" currently, in Albion, and in search of a valet. Able Seaman Rupert Mortimer Tupper, late of the Kanaidian Royal Navy, is in search of employment and has a splendid letter of recommendation, describing him as "enthusiastic, without any major vices", and the like. There have been a sizeable number of people discharged from the navy, as the hostilities between Fredonia and Albion have calmed down quite a bit.

Phillip, out of a job for being on the bottom half of the seniority list, goes to the officers club to see if any of the other officers have recommendations for a gentleman's gentleman. He gets lots of advice - doesn't want someone too old, or too young, and so on and so forth. Captain Murdock: "I had a splendid fellow in service. Enthusiastic, no bad habits, if anything too earnest. Perhaps the Navy was not his best calling, but I have no doubt that he would do well in service. If you call upon my boatswain, he could probably direct you to the chap. Rafe, or Rupert. Something like that." Phillip: "Thank you." Murdock: "He may still be with his old ship."

A tiny handful of discharged men, a whopping four to be exact, are not rushing off to the ale house or the bordello. Rupert is one of them. He and his stalwart companions are not sure where to go now. Maybe if they pool their funds, they can get a room to share in a decent boarding house, Rupert and the other decent young men go off in search of lodgings.

About a half hour or so after they leave, Phillip arrives, having been directed to the correct ship. He inquires after Rupert Tupper, and a seaman tells him they've only just left, less than an hour earlier. Seaman: "I believe, given the character of the men involved, that you would be best off to not search in Strumpet Lane, but to stick to boarding houses of good repute, sir." Phillip inquires of a police officer, who tells him that yes, he saw four such young men, clean and of good aspects, at Mrs. Brown's. Cop: "Down the street there, the third one on the right, sir." Phillip thanks the mean and heads that way.

Phillip goes to the boarding house, and is received enthusiastically by the proprietress. As befits his station as an officer and a gentleman, of course. Phillip inquires about the four young men. Mrs. Brown: "Not anyone in trouble, sir?" Phillip: "No, no. Not at all. I was hoping to employ one of them. A young man named Tupper." Mrs. Brown: "Oh, that's lovely, sir. I'll just go and tell him you're here." She leaves Captain MacKenzie in the salon while she goes upstairs and raps on the door.

Mrs. Brown is let into her new boarders' room. Mrs. Brown: "Which one of you young men is Rupert?" Rupert: "I am, ma'am." Mrs. Brown: "There is a distinguished officer downstairs seeking after you." Rupert: "Really? I'll go down and inquire, chaps." Rupert goes downstairs to find Captain MacKenzie standing in the salon, looking all tan and fit. Rupert is a younger man, leaner, with muddy green eyes. Rupert draws himself up to attention by reflex, but is put at his ease. Phillip introduces himself. Rupert: "Excuse me for being so bold, sir, but are you of the MacKenzie family of Kanaida?" Phillip: "Yes, I am. And I'm looking for a valet and travelling companion." Rupert: "I can give you a few recommendations, and I would be willing myself, although I believe I am a bit young to be a gentleman's gentleman." Phillip: "You came recommended very highly by your former captain." Rupert: "Oh, well. Thank you sir. I would certainly be willing to try." They agree on a three month trial relationship, after which if either one of them decides to terminate the service, then they'll shake hands and part. A guinea a month (a pound and a shilling) is the agreed upon wage, after the probationary period which will be paid at a pound a month.

Phillip has Rupert call down his three friends so he can vet them out. He decides to recommend them to the Star of Albion (the ship of which he is a co-owner) as "men of good quality and service, and come highly recommended. Would appreciate you giving them consideration." Signed, Captain Lord MacKenzie. He seals and signs it, giving it to the older of the three. Phillip: "Good luck, lads."

He hands Rupert a one pound note as his first months pay, as is traditional. Rupert: "Thank you sir." Phillip: "Well, now we just have to decide how to spend our life of leisure." Actually, he's been thinking of going back to Kanaida and looking up his cousin, Marguerite, whose picture he carries with him always. Phillip: "Your first job is to find us lodgings." Rupert: "Yes sir."

245-1123.

[Backing up a bit to get the timelines in synch.] Geoff is eager to set the date for the wedding with Sophie. It will be in at least four weeks, as arrangements must be made, invitations sent, etc. One thing that's bothering Samantha is the fact that while Sophie and Clarice know Geoff and Sam are from off-world, Franz does not. The Emperor did make it clear he doesn't want Geoff or Samantha to tell anyone about where they're from, including Franz. Emperor: "He has a simple view of the world. Why complicate it unnecessarily?" Geoff: "He's going to think it's a bit weird when she doesn't recognize anything in Kanaida, and doesn't know anyone." Samantha is very deliberately non-committal. She's still thinking about this.

Now that the banns have been posted, Franz has been thinking ahead. Franz: <to Sam> "I was thinking of travelling first to Albion, and inviting Colonel Thompson and Lady Sophie along. Then we can continue on to Kanaida so I can meet your family. I'm sure they'll want to make sure I'm an appropriate husband." There are a number of servants in the room, doing servant stuff and being ignored by Franz. Samantha really doesn't want to have this delicate a conversation while Franz is having a suit tailored. Franz: "Don't you agree? Then you'll have a fellow Kanaidian to speak with, and after all, Lady Sophie could use the advice of an experienced woman." Samantha: "Um, Franz. When you have a-" Franz: <to servant> "No, a bit longer in the cuff I think. <to Sam> Yes? In any case, I don't mean to rush you, but an answer would be helpful as soon as possible. I have a matter to attend to, it seems, so I'll be departing briefly to Konisberg to see the Emperor, but we'll be departing upon my return. <to servant> Yes, that's fine. <to Sam> And you can see to the fitting for your gown while I'm absent." Samantha: "Oh, right. Details." Franz: "And you still haven't made a selection as to your personal servants. Unless you have someone from outside you'd like to bring into the household? Perhaps someone from home?" Yeah, right! Samantha: "Well, I do have Lisette." Franz: "That's true. But one would hate to overwork poor Lisette." Samantha: "Of course. Perhaps Heinrich could recommend someone." Franz: "Yes, I'll speak with Heinrich." He's only ten feet away right now, but that's another issue. Samantha: "When will you be leaving?" Franz: "Tomorrow morning. Much earlier than I think you'll care to rise. The train is being prepared as we speak. I trust that won't inconvenience you, but the rider arrived only today, and when the emperor calls, one must attend." Samantha: "Do you know long will you be gone?" Franz: "No more than two weeks at the most, I should think. No doubt he wants another loan. Perhaps I'll ask him for Fredonia as a guarantee." He laughs. Samantha: "But what if he lets you have it?" Franz: "True. But the emperor must learn economy." Samantha: "I think it's a good idea to travel north with Sophie and Geoff." Franz: "Excellent. You should invite them, then." Not hard, since Geoff and Sophie are upstairs. It's a comfortable, quiet place mostly (now, at least). While Franz is doing his thing, Samantha will go look for Geoff and Sophie.

The happy couple is in the hothouse, shopping for lunch so to speak. It's very large and the perfect place to pluck a pear or banana while looking out at the snow falling. There are many odd fruits in here, thanks to Franz and Dr. Jurgen's little trips. Samantha finds a servant who knows where they are. Servant: "Yes, your ladyship, I believe they are in the hothouse. Would you like me to send for a servant to take you?" Samantha: "Yes, please." She needs to be guided the twenty feet or so, in a coat of course, between the residence and the hothouse. Another servant inside the hothouse takes Samantha's coat. It's hot and humid, and smells of oranges and other things. Sam goes in search of Geoff and Sophie. They're holding hands and sitting on a bench. Sophie turns bright red when she sees Samantha, as she caught them snuggling.

Samantha: "Good afternoon." Geoff: "Good afternoon." He doesn't seem at all embarrassed. A servant approaches. Servant: <to Sam> "Good afternoon, your ladyship, perhaps you and your guests would like some fruit and perhaps some tea?" Samantha: "That would be very nice, thank you." The servant bows and retreats carefully, only turning away at the last minute. This is going to take some getting used to. Samantha: "Franz is off to Konisberg on official business." The servant returns with the tea service for three. Servant: "Here you are, your ladyship. Will there be anything else?" Samantha: "No, thank you." The servant bows away and fades into the scenery (no doubt ready to spring into action should anything more be required of him, though). Geoff: <to Sam> "Well, I think the emperor wanted to see him. <to Sophie> Did you like Konisberg?" Sophie: "It was all right." She's a bit shy about it, but it's clear that Albion is superior, and more civilized. Samantha: "He'll be gone for two weeks at the outside, then he wants to leave immediately for Albion." Geoff: "Good! If we're going to have the wedding in a month, we've got to get going." Samantha: "The plan is for all of us to go together." Geoff: "The zeppelin would be the fastest way." Samantha: "I believe that's the idea, but you'll have to speak with Franz when he gets back."

Meanwhile, Samantha is in need of help with all these wedding plans. Sophie and Clarice are more than willing to help out. Oh, and Sophie is going to need a dress for her wedding as well. Clarice has a ball spending other peoples money, and Franz is happy to fund Sophie's gown, since she has no dowry of her own. The dressmakers will have two gowns to fit, while Clarice helps out with the plans. There's the question of material, and lace and everything, and that train thing. When one marries a Count, one must have a train on one's gown. Samantha does draw the line at frills - beading is fine, lace is fine, no really foofy frilly bits. In between fittings, Samantha can listen to the servants and the other women talk about the plans and all, hoping to pick up some information she's lacking - what with not being from around here. Clarice subjects Sophie some gentle teasing about Geoff and the whole wedding night thing. Sophie blushes brightly. Samantha: <to Clarice> "You are going to have a chat with her, right?" Clarice: "Yes, but there's no rush." Geoff doesn't have to be involved in any of the girl stuff, thank God. He does have to be fitted for his dress uniform, however. Much gold bullion, neat little hat with the feathers in it. And he'll need to think about the members of his wedding party as well.

251-1123.

After five days, Franz returns. Franz: <to Sam> "Well, how are things? Anything earth-shattering happen while I was gone?

" Samantha: "No. Not really. I would like a chance to speak with you later though." Franz: "Of course. I thought we'd take the train to the coast, give you a chance to see more of the country. We travelled mostly by air last time." Samantha: "That would be lovely." Franz: "We'll leave tomorrow morning, and have luncheon on the train then."

Geoff escorts Sophie to her room after dinner. He gets a kiss on the cheek, and a "soon, my dearest", before Sophie closes the door. Cold water. Geoff needs cold water. Clarice pokes her head out of the next door and gives Geoff a mischievous smile. Geoff will be locking his door tonight.

Franz and Dr. Jurgen retired to the library after dinner. Samantha comes in, Franz and the doctor of course stand. Dr. Jurgen: "Would you like some sherry, Lady Telford?" Samantha: "Not really, I'm fine, thank you." Franz: "How may I be of service?" Samantha: "There's something I need to discuss with you." Dr. Jurgen suddenly remembers an experiment he needs to check on, and leaves quickly. Franz goes over an pokes the fire with a poker a few times. Samantha: "There's something I need to tell you. I don't mean to upset things but -" Franz: "You don't need to tell me anything. All I ever need to know about you I already do. Nothing else matters." Samantha: "And I love you for that. But it's going to be difficult for you to speak with my relatives in Kanaida, as I don't have any. I've never been to Kanaida." That gets a raised eyebrow. Franz: "Ah, I see. <pause> Well that's not important. I don't care where you came from, I love you whoever you are. As for where you're from, you're from Fredonia now. And as to who, soon you'll be the Countess von Hollenstein." Samantha: "Thank you." Franz: "We'll speak of this no more." She kisses him on the cheek. Franz: "I don't want to cancel the trip to Albion. I would like to see Colonel Thompson and Lady Sophie off properly. And I'm sure my trip to Albion will shake a few trees, elicit some interesting reactions, judging from my last trip there. Again, another reason for travelling by rail. I shouldn't like to lose my remaining zeppelin. Perhaps... Well, we'll discuss it later. For now, I'm sure you'll want to supervise your packing." Samantha leaves, rather relieved. What Franz has assumed (a "natural" child of a noble, perhaps?) is a mystery, especially given that she still has no clue what she said in front of him when she was intoxicated and delirious. None of that seems to matter right now.

252 to 256-1123.

Four days by train and steamer to Whitehaven, Albion. There's been talk about some highwaymen about in Albion, and Franz and Dr. Jurgen are of the opinion that they're just too soft on their criminals here. Franz: "We'll stay at the Carlisle again, I think. We can relive old memories... <to Sam> What do you think - shall we stay there, for old times sake?" Samantha: "Absolutely."

Speaking of the Carlisle, (now that everyone's on the same timeline) Rupert gets a room for his new master in the Carlisle. When Franz and his party arrives, Franz wants the entire floor, but there's already one gentleman staying in a room there. Heinrich is sent to see if he can't work something out with the servant the desk clerk points out. Heinrich: <to Rupert> "Excuse me. My master wishes to retain the whole of the second floor, but one of the rooms has been taken for yourself. My master asks me to inquire if you would prefer another room, a suite, at my master's expense of course." Rupert: "I'm sure my master would be amenable to this." Terribly civilized.

A lot of servants come in while Rupert is getting the key and other information, carrying much baggage. Then three gentlemen and three ladies. One of the bellhops notices Rupert looking, and decides to demonstrate his knowledge. Bellman: "Do you know who that man is, there? That foreign gentleman?" Rupert: "No, I don't." Bellman: "That, I believe, is Count von Hollenstein, rumored to be one of the richest men in the world. And I think that is Colonel Thompson, who stopped a vicious plot against the queen. It's all very hush-hush, but it was Vargrs you know." Rupert: "Well, you can't trust them, of course."

Rupert goes upstairs and lays out Captain MacKenzie's dinnerwear and uniform, not knowing which he'll want. He makes sure the shoes are polished to a high gloss, and sets out pen and paper with the Count's name.

Phillip arrives to see the foreign gentleman in the dark clothing being fussed over by the hotel manager. He's with several women, and a huge mountain of a man! Good heavens he's big. And with a very tall young woman. Phillip inquires and will be shown to his room. Clerk: "Yes sir, your servant arrived earlier. I'll have one of the bellman take you up." He's escorted upstairs to find that Rupert has done well for them, and has chosen a suite. Well, Phillip wasn't specific about what type of room to get. Rupert: "I'd like to take credit sir, but as it happens, there was a foreign gentleman who wanted the floor our first room was on, and he offered a suite on another floor in exchange, and at his expense. I didn't think you'd mind." Phillip: "Foreign gentleman? The Count von Hollenstein?" Rupert: "I believe so. And the tall gentleman with him is Colonel Thompson a fellow Kanaidian. Although I don't remember the Thompsons I've known being that tall." Phillip: "I don't remember any of the Thompsons ever being that tall. I think I'll write the Count a letter." Rupert: "I've laid out the particulars on the table for you, sir, as well as your evening wear." Phillip dashes off a note, thanking the Count, and inviting him and his party to dinner as his guests. Rupert: "I'll take the message personally, sir." Phillip: "No, that's what the hotel staff is for. If I want you to take a message personally, I'll ask you to take a message personally." Rupert: "Yes, Captain." Rupert draws a bath for Phillip while they're waiting for a man to come take the message.

Franz's party moves into familiar rooms on the second floor. Geoff asks to have a word privately with Franz. Geoff: "Since we've crashed a zeppelin together, and fought pirates together, I feel we've bonded enough for me to ask something of you. I'd like you to be my best man." Franz: "What became of you're constant companion, Mr. Ezbeki?" Geoff: "They eloped." Franz: "Yes, I recall that. But where did they go? Retired to a quiet life in the country?" Geoff: "Not exactly. I think it's more like travelling in search of adventure. I'm not sure where they are right now." Franz: "Well, certainly sir, it would never be my intention to leave a gentleman in the lurch, shall we say. I accept." Do people in Fredonia and Albion have the bachelor party tradition? Geoff is lucky Ezbeki isn't here for that.

A message is delivered for Franz. He reads it, then asks for Geoff's opinion. Franz: "Geoffrey, what do you make of this?" He hands Geoff the letter from Captain Lord MacKenzie. Franz: "A friend of yours, perhaps?" Geoff: "Not mine." Franz: "Shall we find out who he is, or would you prefer a quiet dinner in?" Geoff: "Oh, I don't know. Why not? A bit of adventure, even here, should be entertaining." Franz: "Very well. I admit my curiosity is piqued. MacKenzie sounds like an Albion name, or perhaps Kanaidian. Heinrich, take a letter..."

Phillip receives a note from the Count, on silvered paper, in exquisite handwriting. Except for the signature, which is large and less tidy. Any way, the Count accepts. Rupert: "Shall I get a menu sent up, sir?" Phillip: "Yes." Rupert goes downstairs to make the arrangements - private dining room, menu, etc. No problem. All the details will be arranged.

At the appropriate time, Phillip is there to receive his guests. He introduces himself to the Count, while Rupert hangs outside the room with Heinrich. The latter offers Rupert a cigarette. Rupert: "It must be very enlightening to be with a man of science like the Count." Heinrich: "It is interesting, yes." Rupert: "But you must have gone on adventures with him?" Heinrich: "Yes, I've gone on adventures..." He rubs his forehead. He has quite the scar there. " Heinrich: "Who are you with?" Rupert: "Captain MacKenzie, of Kanaida. He's the grand-nephew of the Archduke." Heinrich: "Ah, he must be that naval gentleman. How is he?" Rupert: "Well, I've only just been hired, but he has a fine reputation with his crew. Stern, but fair." Heinrich: " That's good. I heard about this one Albion gentleman - no offense..."

Franz: "Lord MacKenzie, I would like to thank you on behalf of myself and my companions for your hospitality, not only for this meal, but for understanding about the room." Phillip: "My pleasure, sir." Franz: "I'm travelling, as you can imagine, with quite a party." Phillip: "Yes, I saw that as I arrived." Franz: "So, what brings you to Albion? I noticed the lilt of a Kanaidian." Phillip: "I'm recently discharged from the Albion Royal Navy." Franz: "Yes, the wind and the sun have marked you as a man who spends much time on the sea. You'll forgive me, I've spent a great deal of time travelling, and can't help but take notice of the accents of the people I encounter." Phillip: "Where have your travels taken you, may I ask?" Franz: "Other continents, the Hinterlands." Phillip: "The Hinterlands?" Franz: "Yes, many interesting things there. Being a navy man, perhaps you can help me. I was originally intending to travel directly to Kanaida from here, but now I thought I might travel to the small islands between here and the Dark Continent. I was wondering if perhaps you could recommend someone with a ship who could take us out there? I have inquired about several ships, and if it would not be too much trouble, perhaps you would be so kind as to check out the ships and captains, give me your opinion? If it's not an imposition." Phillip: "Not at all."

The first course of the meal arrives. <To be continued.>