The Appalling Strangeness of the Mercy of God [M - Hannelorian x DuchessLivilla]

[Hannelorian]

Alice had never been given permission to walk on the red carpet. This was something of a surprise that Alice did not quite how to handle. Stepping down her feet rested upon it, it was plush and smelled of wild flowers, it seemed as though it had recently been cleaned. Alice would recognize that anywhere. But even still it bore the appearance of something new, or something that had so seldom been used. This was the truth and the previous Duke rarely entertained but on a few occasions had received a visit from Christian I.

It felt so wild and different beneath her feet even clad in shoes she could feel the pile and the support it offered. It was strange how something so little could have such an impact on one such as Alice. These small facets of Royal life that would never apply to her, but by the grace of her own position she would be allowed to experience even just once. The estate was beautiful, far different from Suffolk or Marlborough House, at least in her own opinion. The atmosphere however did remind her closely of Marlborough where things were often more informal, relaxed. Not as at all like Suffolk which was drenched in rules, etiquette and protocol.

It also marked the very first occasion on which Alice was announced upon entry. Even if it wasn't actually her name or her title, it was something to marvel out, something that she had never once expected to receive. Alice remembered the first time she had seen such a thing at Suffolk, from the back of the room when Arabella and Richard were announced or their countless guests ever last one bearing some sort of noble title. Now here she was, even though the group was small she was permitted to make her entrance and to feel special, even if she was merely 'also in attendance.'

Arthur rested easy knowing Alexandra had told the Duke he was doing well for his first major occasion and hosting Royals. It was rather refreshing he found to see such a splendid location and a small crowd of people, most of whom he had known at least casually in passing. He often preferred to remain on the arm of Alexandra and let her dazzle those who she encountered, even if they would not admit it, or even if they disagreed it was the most pleasurable thing for Arthur to watch, she was a natural, everything Alexandra did, she did so with grace and humour, always a smile on her face. It was an artform and in and of itself.

When the Duke had taken Alice's hand into his own, she could feel a slight warmth radiating, and as he kissed her hand she blushed and bowed her head to hide it dropping into a curtsy. He was after all her superior. "It is an honor to be your desk, your Grace." Alice was attempting to run through every last rule in her head, had she done everything she should have? She was genuinely grateful to be there and her hear fluttered just being near the man. It was everything she could have wanted, but she was most definitely afraid of making a mistake.

He told her she looked beautiful, and regardless of stumbling or a clumsy comment after Alice felt herself enamored and enthralled. "Thank you, you are looking quite dashing if I may say so." Alice was able to get her words out and for that she was thankful. She was drawn to him in a way she could not express, and she was thankful to Alexandra for allowing her such an opportunity, to the Prince as well, be really Alexandra was the one who had set the wheels into motion.

[DuchessLivilla]

The young Duke smiled shyly and tugged at his suit-jacket while his footmen stepped forward to help the arrivals remove cloaks and coats and the like. "It's not my usual attire, I confess, but Mrs Oldham, my housekeeper, took me in hand along with a friend from Oxford. I fear I wear it like a boy playing at being a man but as no one shall be looking at me with you beside me, I will not dwell on it."

He smiled again. From another, more confident man, this might have come across as fishing for a compliment, but much like Alexandra on that first ball where she met Arthur, it was clear, like her, the Duke was unsure and not used to wearing these clothes. He felt, himself, as if he was playing a game.

As such, Alex, who was near enough to hear, just smiled but said nothing. This was not her game to play. With his back to her though, she knew Alice could see her and hoped that would help any nerves.

The Duke glanced towards the door and sighed. "Ah, I fear my other guests are arriving..." Carriages were coming up the drive and the servants removed the red carpet with skill and speed that belied the lack of use it had had. Clearly they had practiced.

Naturally, the host could not vanish right now, so he glanced at the Princess then said, to the three of, "Not knowing much of such events, I am told guest normally go into the drawing room for drinks and talk before dinner...I...Ah," he flushed. It was clear he wasn't sure if he should come with the three of them -two being royals...ddi that affect the rules?- or if he should stay to greet guests, or if the Prince of Wales should do the greeting...

Alexandra smiled again and came forward, saying quietly, "We shall go through and I am sure your footman shall take care of us. You greet your guests and join us when all are assembled."

"Ah...Right, thank you," he chuckled shyly and turned back to take Alice's hand again, kissing her gloved hand. "My Lady," he said, turning sideways to gesture to the door to the drawing room which was opened by the two servants outside it. "If you would like to join their Highnesses in some refreshments before dinner."

[Hannelorian]

Whilst Alice had this thought before, it rang louder and louder within her mind, she had done this so many times as an attendant to the Princess, and to the former Duchess. It seemed odd that suddenly she found herself unsure and forgetful. Protocol had not changed a great deal, nor was it likely any time soon. Thankfully the Duke himself also seemed equally out of sorts, though she had to confess he looked quite the picture of a gentleman. He was handsome in his modern suit. He wasn't comfortable in such outfits and nor was she. It was dreadfully uncomfortable. But if great Lords and Ladies made themselves comfortable in such attire Alice was determined to make herself feel the same.

"You needn't fear, my Lord. I have no doubt you'll greet them all as excellently as you have greeted us." Alice managed to force out of herself. Naturally he only meant that he somewhat resented the fact his other guests were arriving as it would take his attention away from her, from the Royal couple. Arthur rather enjoyed the fluster of the young man, not out of cruelty but because it served point out how absurd many of their rituals were, and how things could very much be simplified in the future. All of this fuss or something as simple as a greeting. It was the kind of fanfare that he knew Arabella adored, and his father for that matter. Naturally he detested it.

Alice's cheeks flushed bright with colour, the warmth swelling inside her, her heart racing ever faster when the Duke went to kiss her gloved hand for a second time to gently dismiss them into the drawing room. "I shall see you shortly." Alice expressed almost breathless in all of her finery as the Prince and Princess made their way toward the doors to the drawing room, Alice shuffled behind, looking back over her shoulder to the Duke as he attended his guests, and she could not help but smile brightly, it was everything she wanted.

"I think he's doing rather well." Alice mentioned as she looked toward her friends, still odd, to refer to them as friends but that is undoubtedly what the Royals were to. "Splendid job indeed. He'll lose those nerves in no time." Arthur smiled and nodded, keeping an arm outstretched and around his wife's waist, pulling Alexandra closer to him. "We were none so different once, he and I." Arthur chuckled and cast his eyes about the well adorned room.

[DuchessLivilla]

Alexandra smiled and kissed her husband's cheek before she took a glass of champagne from the waiting servant and handed it to Alice before taking one for the Prince and then herself. "He is doing perfectly," she agreed, sipping her drink, "And," she dropped her voice and nudged Alice, "is clearly smitten." They moved about the room, admiring certain paintings and such, and chatting, until guests began to trickle in.

They fell into a similar pattern of most small gatherings; though this time, rather by chance, the Princess found herself as hostess. The Duke had no wife, nor sister and his mother, God Rest her, was already dead, and so as the highest ranking female, it fell to her, even if this house was not hers.

Contrary to what Bella had always said at Suffolk, Alex was well suited to the task; able to charm easily with smiles and light talk, she had her almost perfect memory and thus could remember the names of dogs, servants, parrots and the like, asking guests charming little questions to put them at ease.

The Princess, perhaps listening to the Dowager Duchess who had sponsored her before her marriage, had discovered quickly that if one wished to win hearts...It was not to the men, old or young, that one looked, but to women, and the older women at that. 'Society' may have forgotten the older ladies but in that forgetting, it had also freed them and given them a great deal of power. Old ladies could make and unmake a young one's reputation in a heartbeat. Left alone with pets and maids, invited to but then ignored at balls, they could watch, listen, learn things, overhear gossip, and then, just as easily, spread it...real or false, around said balls.

As such, Alex made sure, at least once or twice a week, to pay a visit to some old dowager, a countess, a duchess etc and spend many hours with them, taking a genuine -they could all smell fakery she knew- interest in them and their lives. She doted on their old pugs, laughed with their parrots, and was kind to the servants. It might come to nothing, but it might, on the other side of the coin, save her and her family one day. She therefore would do it.

She, with Alice, did her rounds about the room, allowing her friend to watch and learn how it was done -how she may have to do it, if she became Duchess- and also strengthening links with allies she, and Arthur, might need. The guests tonight were all 'safe' as it were...There were not yet two camps in society but Alex had been careful in her choices and only invited those she knew were either on the fringes of courtlife and no overly concerned either way, or those who had been slighted by the King and therefore had little loyalty to him. And as it was a private event, not public, nothing could be said to be wrong about said choices.

She had, after all, with much laughter, invited several well known and very, very zealous courtiers who she knew hated anything different. Naturally they had ignored the invite, and not even sent an apology. How could she be blamed then for the fact that only certain 'undesirables' came? Truth be told, she knew the King would likely not care. Not yet anyway.

Finally, Thomas came back into the drawing room, his gaze seeking out Alice straight away, much to Arthur's, who was watching, amusement. Still, the young Duke looked unsure of what he was supposed to do now. He picked up a glass of champagne and sipped it, giving him a few moments to think. Everyone was talking, drinking and seemed content to remain so.

He chewed his lip and moved about the room, nodding and talking briefly to guests until he found himself standing by the fireplace. He glanced upwards at the towering portrait of his father, looking stern and distance, a hand resting on the back of the chair on which is beloved mother sat. She looked frail and rather lost. "I must have that changed, he mused. He was not vain and had no wish to have a giant portrait of himself displayed! But nor did he wish to have his father's eyes on him whenever he came into the room.

A nice landscape maybe. Anything but that.

Thomas glanced over at the Princess, and more importantly, Alice, as they chatted to an older couple across the room. He found himself unable to look away. It was hardly proper, to stare so openly at a lady who was not your wife, nor even your betrothed, but he could not help it. The way she held herself, the way she moved, and spoke. He knew she was not a Lady. But that hardly mattered. The Queen said she was a Lady, so she was. It was simple.

He could not say what it was that drew him to her. She was different, yes, that was true, but it was something else. Much like Arthur before him -not that he knew they shared it- he had seen a woman and knew that she was it for him. Whatever came after would not matter, as long as he had her.

The Duke was so busy watching Alice that he visibly jumped when his butler came to him and said softly that dinner was ready, if His Grace was.

"Oh, Um..." he swallowed and nodded, "Yes?" He said, blushing when he realised how like a question it sounded. "Yes. Yes, that is...yes."

Remembering what was the proper thing to do now, he made his way towards Alexandra and bowed. "Your Highness, if I may be so bold, might I escort you into dinner?"

Alexandra smiled and took his offered arm. "Thank you, Your Grace. I would be delighted to." She knew Arthur would come forward to escort Alice and so they set off to the grand dining room. As there were only twelve of them dining, it might have seemed silly, but a Duke had to put on a show, even for so few people.

Thomas, naturally, would sit at the head of the table, with Alexandra to his left, and Alice to his right, Arthur sat beside his wife. That allowed the Princess to reassure her friend from across it, and gave them the Duke the freedom to speak happily to Alice.

[Hannelorian]

Undoubtedly when the historians look back on this chapter of sister, there will be no two sisters in greater opposition. No two figures so polarizing. The two women were of the same blood and cut of the same cloth, yet they viewed and approached the world as though they had been raised in different households. Alexandra went out to carve her paths and her inroads, she made sure the forgotten amongst the nobility were not. Arabella commanded presence and held her court, people came to her. But such is the virtue of the positions of the two women, the two sisters standing back to back when perhaps they meant to stand shoulder to shoulder.

Alice was used to standing in the corner, or against an outer wall just watching the nobility mill around and drink their champagne, talking to one another in small groups or as individuals. They were all rather amusing, she would watch them like animals in a zoo or aquarium. They existed in a world apart and it seemed like no one who was not meant to break through could. Do not tap on the glass, do not feed the animals. They needed to kept there, at a distance almost entirely for their own safety. But here was Alice now stepping across the velvet ropes, taking a peek behind the curtain into another world that might one day be her own.

The Princess was gracious and kind, she seldom forgot a face or a single detail that once been disclosed. Alice dutifully made her way around the room at the sides of the two she cared for most. She was learning slowly what it meant to be one of them, what it meant to host, to conduct small talk, to laugh and smile when required. To never let your guard down even those the ones gathered in this room were friendlies.

But Alice only had eyes for Thomas, and when he re-entered the room she would catch him looking at her, his deep gaze staring, as though he could see through her, or perhaps into her very own soul. Even so she kept her eyes open as he would move toward the portrait of his parents, or the figures that Alice had assumed were his parents. His face seemed to change when he caught view of it. It was a sadness. Alice was keen on the emotions of those around her, perhaps this is what made her such a good servant, she didn't miss a beat. She could see the smallest change in his expression and know what it meant.

But he brushed it off, and pulled himself back into the moment like nothing had happened. Alice was practically vibrating with excitement in waiting to talk with the man at dinner. Really, she had heard of his museum of sorts... Arthur had told her and a part of her just wished to pick his brain on the whole thing. To see all of it, to hear the stories behind each of the pieces and trinkets he had picked up. Alice wanted to know more about the world outside of the walls.

"I suppose if His Grace shall be taking my wife, I shall have to steal you." Arthur smirked and held out his arm for Alice to take hold as he would escort her into the dinning room and pull her chair out for her at her designated spot. A part of him had wondered if Alexandra had taken care of the place settings, they had been set out in such a way where the Duke could essentially be guaranteed uninterrupted discussion with Alice if that was what he wished. Alice, of course seemed rather nervous as she was seated.

This was now her second formal dinner and it was just as terrifying as the first, save for the fact that now she knew she wanted to impress the Duke, not for his title or his resources, but because she was genuinely interest and quite afraid to make a fool of herself. "Thank you." Alice would mutter quietly.

Arthur sat beside his wife and kept himself rather busy watching the pair which could soon be a couple. It was exciting, but ever so sensitive, they had to be careful. But not too careful, after all they were in a safe space with friends.

[DuchessLivilla]

Dinner ran along the same themes as most lavish affairs, and to all those but perhaps the host and Alice, it was nothing new. The Duke, for all his title, had been away from England for a good few years, and before that had been a child and not included in such meals...He, like all children of the upper classes, had eaten in the nursery with his nanny, not at the big table.

But there was a relaxed atmosphere to it all at least. It was not, thank heavens, the type of meal Christian would have held and Thomas was happy to let etiquette lapse a little. As such, he did not bother with the rules of talking to one side only then switching the next course, and took every chance he could to speak to Alice. Of course, he was careful to also speak to the Princess, but she too just smiled and gave short answers, so he could return to his true goal.

Husband and wife shared numerous looks when they could, smiling privately to see the scene unfolding before them.

As the meat course was served, Thomas said to Alice, smiling shyly as he did, "I do not suppose you hunt, my Lady? My mother never liked to follow the hunt herself, but my aunt on my father's side was a keen horsewoman who delighted in it. I do believe she was a better shot than my father, much to his irritation!"

It was rather ironic, given how strict a Lady's life was, that it was considered perfectly acceptable for a lady of rank to follow the hunt...Of course, 9/10 ladies who went did so just to sport a new riding habit and did not actually shoot, preferring to stay behind with the others to gossip and wait for their husbands. Still, a few notable society ladies did enjoy it to the full.

"The venison reminds me that I must make time this year to see to the hunting manor in Scotland," he smiled again. "It is a fine building, with great hunting lands...Scotland is truly the most wonderful place. Wild and untamed, yet full of such calm, tranquil beauty."

Alexandra shared a look with Arthur. One that said, quite clearly to a man who knew her well, "What a perfect idea for a honeymoon destination..." She smiled and resumed eating, one ear pinned to the right to make sure she did not miss Alice's response.

[Hannelorian]

Sometimes Alice wondered if Thomas really understood who she was. This was a question that had recurred to her several times though she thought little of it until moments like these. Then again there was the significant truth that the two had never really spent any time alone, nor would they really able to. As such they hardly knew one another, and while they had similarities they had come from two dramatically different worlds. He had asked her if she hunted. She had never seen anyone hunt. It was only something she had heard about in old stories.

"I do not hunt, but I would quite like to learn." Alice wasn't sure how she felt about something like hunting, but she did know she wanted to grow closer to the Duke and so if he liked to hunt, she was fairly certain she could learn to enjoy it, at least a little bit. And, she did like horses, they were wonderfully majestic creatures. Oh and of course all the dogs, Alice did like dogs and was always somewhat perplexed that the Duchess had never had one. Alexandra would, in a past life, never have been given anything to bring her happiness so that had seemed out of the question.

"Scotland sounds wonderful, I can only hope to have the privilege to see such places one day." To Alice it might as well have been China, that's how far off a place like Scotland seemed to her. She supposed one day she might see it. If Arthur became King then surely he would go there sooner or later. Or if war would end up driving them apart... that at least seemed like something that could be within her grasp even if it wasn't something entirely meant for her.

"I take it that means you plan to stay for a while?" Alice asked rather politely, or as much as she could while making her way through the rather elaborate meal. Alice also never understood how the nobility ate their way through such things, it was so much food. At least it seemed to be overly much. The Princess, and even the Queen were generous about what was left, though not all in the realm were. "While I should one day love to see the world, I think there is so much beauty at home that we often overlook. The simplest things, like flowers in the sunshine, or walks along the river. Getting to know those closest to you, even if you've only passed them day in and day out." Strangers were everywhere, but there those who were less strange, neighbors, friends of friends, the person you passed at the same time each day in the hall. Or the handsome Duke who you happened to be seated across from at a party. That original gathering anyway.

Alice just watched the man as she ate, her eyes occasionally wandering to the Prince, who would sneak glances at his wife. It was adorable how much he loved her. Nothing could get in their way, it was often as though they were the only ones in a room. "We mustn't miss the forest for the trees." Alice spoke softly but firmly all the same. "And as for hunting, well I think a woman who put a man to shame is a woman worth admiring." Alice smirked lightly and withheld a soft laugh.

[DuchessLivilla]

Thomas smiled as Alice spoke. He got the impression she was half speaking honestly, and half saying what she hoped was the right thing. Still, he could not blame her on that score...He knew very little of what the world was like for a woman here -how could he?- but he knew enough about society to know that the poor girl, like his mother before her, had likely been told to just smile, nod and agree with whatever the man speaking to her had said.

Not now, given how many eyes and ears were about, but later, he resolved to tell Lady Alice she could be as open and honest with him as she liked and fear nothing.

"I confess, I should make a poor tutor for it. I had only gone along on a few before I left on my grand tour, and then, of course," he laughed, "I found I enjoyed it so much I returned only to leave again within weeks. And, I admit," he lowered his voice a little, "On the hunts I did go along on, I much preferred sketching the deer, duck and boars than shooting them. It seemed a finer way to preserve them than killing the beasts but I am in the minority in my thinking on that score. Shooting for food, yes, I understand, but shooting 200 animals just for sport seems cruel and unnecessary."

As he said though, in that he was definitely in the minority. Most of the nobility loved it. Each grand family had a hunting estate in Scotland or the country, and the whole of society, it seemed, would decamp for the so called 'glorious 12th' -that being of August- each year when the grouse season opened.

The Duke had a drink then nodded, setting the glass back down. "Yes. I think so," he smiled. "As the year is drawing towards its end, it is a poor time to travel...Though Russia at this time is most magical, I must admit; with ice-palaces being built and sledding tours and such. Still," he looked at her, a shy, rather boyish smile on his lips. "I find myself wishing to remain in England. Something, or rather someone, I find has my interest more than Russia."

Across from Alice, Alexandra smiled delightedly and looked to her husband. She could not have been more proud of the Duke had he been her son. For all his nerves, he was doing splendidly. Alice too was holding her own as though she had been born for this. She decided, there and then, to arrange some meetings for the couple, where they could be 'alone' as much as was allowed. Perhaps a gallery, where the Duke, who clearly admired art, could conduct Alice around, allowing them to speak more freely, while Alex and a maid, or perhaps the Duke's redoubtable housekeeper, kept chaperone a few paintings behind; far enough to not be eavesdropping but close enough so that there was no later talk of liberties being taken and such.

Not that she feared any of that...It was all about society. The Duke marrying an rather unknown lady would cause talk enough. None of them could risk any more scandal than that. Everything must be above reproach.

"I could not agree more," Alexandra said, nodding to Alice with a smile. "A Lady can do all a man can, if allowed to."

The Duke grinned. "Do you shoot, Your Highness? With your husband's known skill at the sport, and his command of a regiment, you must, I am sure! And my housekeeper tells me your father was a gifted marksman himself."

The Princess laughed, "No. No, I do not. My father, I fear, was too worried about the windows of our home to allow myself nor my beloved sister projectile weapons! We were menances enough with snowballs in winter. As for my husband," she looked at arthur and smiled, "He has never mentioned it...Then again, we have been much concerned with our duties to God, that done..." she touched her stomach, "Perhaps we might have time for lessons in shooting."

Everyone laughed at her jest and toasted, "To the blessings of God," and so on.

[Hannelorian]

Arthur listened to the conversation and found himself thinking that perhaps the Duke of Kent was right. Maybe it was time for Alexandra to learn to hunt, to shoot. In a grave sense, it would be good in case she ever had to defend herself if this war he was so afraid of should come to pass in the coming months. Alexandra should be prepared for the worst, and learning to shoot, well. That would be the least he could do. "I could teach the both of you. It would be my pleasure." Arthur spoke a smile spread across his face. Though he certainly would have time for intimate lessons with his beloved wife. Those might best come sooner rather than later. The Duke flattered him with his talk of skills.

The Prince hadn't known Alexandra's father terribly well though he had met the man on a number of occasions. He always seemed rather disinterested in his youngest, instead preferring to spend all of his time doting on Arabella, his precious first daughter, his eldest surviving child. The one he had put all of his hopes and dreams into. Was he a good shot? Maybe, probably. That was how one made connections on the field of the hunt, chasing behind the dogs and the others of the gang who all went out looking. Certainly Alexandra was correct, their father would have never dreamed to teach either of his daughters how to hunt or shoot. That seemed most counterproductive to him.

"Even if we caught nothing, I believe you both would agree that simply being on the land is thrill enough. There's something about the atmosphere it is absolutely phenomenal. Perhaps it really is that finally we all get to spend time together and put our minds far away from the business of state or the world at hand. It's just us and the land, and all of God's creatures. What could one ask for?" Arthur all the while ran through the image of his wife in his head holding a gun, pointing it toward the sky. That precious look she had on her face when she concentrated, truly focusing on something. The way her eyes sort of narrowed and when she finally cracked it, the biggest upturn in the corners of her mouth, she was so incredibly proud. Hell, Arthur was the proudest husband in the entire kingdom, if not the entire world.

"My father taught me. I should think if I survived that, I ought to be able to pass that knowledge on with little to no pain." Arthur chuckled as he spoke and continued his dinner.

Alice all the while had to stop herself from just staring at Thomas. But she didn't want to. He was charming, appealing, so smart. Could this really be her life? Could Alice be such a great lady? Would she be any good at being a Duchess? She had no idea, not really. "I should think that would be wonderful. We could even pack a lunch!" The idea of a packed lunch was something mostly limited to the servants. They would pack simple foods in small bags or little boxes to be taken to allow them to eat, of course once everyone else had on such trips and well out of view. But it reminded her of childhood and picnics. Nothing so lavish as what the royals or the upper echelons would have. But Alice would be content to sit on a small blanket and pick at a sandwich and a bit of fruit.

"I am glad you've returned and allow us all to revel in your hospitality my Lord. I do believe we all take great comfort in being in your company." Alice had picked up on a great deal from those around her and her time in service and the more she relaxed the more she felt came back to mind. Things that only moments ago she struggled to remember or had forgotten entirely. "What has been the most surprising find for you since returning to our shores?" Alice in the way she had just spoken found herself somewhat surprised she had sounded just a bit like Arabella. Those were the kinds of things she would ask. But Alice was inclined to hear his response. Desperately hoping in some way he might allude to her.

[DuchessLivilla]

Alexandra laughed softly and looked to her husband. "What a risk you take, sir. We must bring doctor Thomas along with us if you are to teach me to shoo!" she joked, her eyes mischievous. "It sounds lovely though," she added, nodding to Alice. "We must arrange it, before the weather cools entirely and we are in danger of freezing to death."

She thought too that soon she'd likely not be able to get up easily from a blanket on the floor! The Princess glanced down at herself and smiled. The doctor had told her she was a little larger than he'd expect, this far along, but it was nothing to be concerned about. It just suggested the baby was a robust little master or miss. He leant towards it being a boy, given the size.

Arthur had, upon hearing this, smirked and quipped that maybe it was a girl, and she would be a Amazon of a Lady! Both parents, genuinely and completely, did not care what the baby was. Alex knew that nine times out of ten, men, from peasants to nobles and Kings, wished for boys, especially for their first child. But she knew too that Arthur really did not mind. He was not hiding secret desires from her. He would not be disappointed if it was a girl. She wondered, when she watched him with Beatrix, if he would be secretly thrilled if it was a little girl. He doted so on his 'niece'.

They had already spoken names, settling on Victoria, for a girl. They had spoken of Elizabeth, for the Prince's late mother, but Arthur had, with a sigh, reasoned that would be seen as a direct insult to the current Queen. Not that they would be allowed to name her Arabella either. The Prince had vetoed that anyway. He, far more than his beloved wife, distrusted the Queen...He had no blood-ties to mar his thoughts of her. He took her for what he saw and heard.

A boy's name was more tricky. Neither had any desire to name their child for the King -not that His Majesty would have wanted it either, anymore than Arabella for a girl!- and the Prince was not so vain as to wish to name the boy for himself, though Alex had expressed happiness at that. It was as well they had some months yet. It was only August, and the doctor said he though, with the dates, that the Princess would be due sometime in mid January.

Alex blinked and came back to the conversation which had continued without her. She blushed. She had been so lost in thoughts of babies and names, she had quite tuned out everything else. She smiled, slightly ruefully, when Alice asked the Duke what he found most surprising about England, now he had returned.

"That we are in a dystopian nightmare that grips tighter everyday, most likely," she thought but held her tongue. Such were ideas she, as a woman and supposed loyal subject, should keep to herself.

The Duke chuckled and sipped his claret. "Oh, now there is a question..." he took his time setting the glass back down, clearly pondering the question truly, rather than just giving a plain answer. Thomas, unlike many men, was taking Alice and her questions and views seriously. "I suppose what most surprised me is that, unlike so many times before, I do not find myself already packing to leave again, and without a strong desire to do so either. I confess, I do wish to return to travel," he chuckled again. "But I also wish to explore England and take my time to get to know my estate and home, as I have not before...I suppose, as my father wished, it is time I took my role seriously and set about my duties."

He smiled again and glanced at Alice.

A lady down the table smirked and said, "Ah, does this mean you shall enter next season in search of your Duchess, your Grace?"

The social season, nearly at an end, was the time when most society men and women found their matches. Some love matches, yes, but most arranged by anxious mama's and eager father's to secure the 'best' -in terms of breeding, wealth, looks and titles- for their children.

Thomas looked down the table to the lady who had spoken and smiled again. "I am not sure, Lady Mary. I think, perhaps, by next season, I shall have already found my Duchess. But, if I have, I shall attend with my bride, you have no doubt. Unless we have gone travelling."

Alexandra toyed with the largest gem on her necklace and met Alice's gaze with a coy smirk. He was getting better, every moment, as he found his feet and confidence.

"Oh?" Lady Mary, perhaps with daughters she wished to place in marriage, beamed. "So a Lady has caught your eye? Well, I shall pry no more but I am eager to hear all when you can speak freely!"

The Duke laughed. "You shall be the first, aside from said Lady in question, to know, madam, I promise on my honour!" He turned back to Alice and blushed slightly. "If I may, Lady Alice," he said, dropping his voice to more close levels, as opposed to speaking to the table, "Might I ask you the same thing? What has been most surprising for you, in joining society?"

This was a perfectly suitable question, on the surface. Alice, as a young Lady, had just newly 'come out' into society. Of course, it had the double meaning that Thomas suspected -and did not care- that she was newer to society than anyone could imagine. He was interested to know what she found about it, now she was inside, rather than outside, as it were.