To think we should have finished off the Queen of Huns?

[Hullygully]

Hully? Can it be...? I am surely in heaven, for here is your angelic countenance gazing down on me! Though in heaven, I did not imagine my rear would throb so, as though I have been dropped. And my stutter is gone! This truly must be the afterlife, and I shall spend it with you, Hully!

I have been much preoccupied with life outside Mr Whatsits computering machine and will return as soon as I am able.

I have sorely missed this company.

Fair enough Hully. Poor Abercrombie- sad, sorry, silent chap

Shakes head sadly> You are not so endearing without your sweet little stutter, Beaulieu. I've gone off you.

But! But!

B-b-b-b-but!!

Are they all like this, Sir? Is this why I really prefer the company of chaps?

Ah poor little Maiden me, am I neve to find happiness? Yet another crushing disappointment has befell me. How I long for those far off days when Mr Rochester and I danced and whirled, sometimes stumbling on teh crunchy hamster bones, but always happy...

And you can keep Abercrombie
It would appear my virtue has been sullied. I believe someone poisoned my wine last night with a druf of sorts that made me behave in a manner quite unlike me

(RL giggle @ "MAIDEN JUICE saved my life! I was about to be MURDERED in a DUEL when MAIDEN JUICE dissolved the bullet in mid-flight. MAIDEN JUICE - for all you defensive and offensive needs. MAIDEN JUICE.")

(for those that didn't know druf is a little known victorian term for drug)

(or I could be making it up)

Hully, dearest, I do think you may have to resign yourself to spinsterhood. Why you have just seen off two suitors in less than an hour! I think, my dear, it is either time to don the mouldering, ragged, somewhat anachronistic wedding dress, or you should lower your standards and perhaps widen your search to include those of the more deserving sex, as I have. We can't all expect to find a love-match, as Gibbon did with the Ambassador.

I believe, Gibbon dear, that you must marry Abercrombie now. I espy a suspicious swelling neath your bustle that is eerily reminiscent of that which produced Nigel.

Where is the lovely prodigy this morn? Sleeps he still?

Widow, such harsh words pierce my very bosom and make it heave most violently. I cannot, nay, will not, believe it. Somewhere my prince pines for me, and we WILL find each other...

Aye me, it appears as though I may have to find another husband. I feel Abercrombie may need me to finance another of his offspring. Hmmm, we are to see the Prince Regent at the ball...

And do you insinuate, Widow dear, that you now dance up the other end of the ballroom?

Hmm, I shall have to sabotage the Widow, she is a most cunning vixen and may plot to steal my deserved spouse to be..

I am sorry to hurt you thusly Hully, but it must be said. Yet you are still young, perhaps there is still time. Yes, a little jugged hare will restore us after the stressful events of the dawn, and then perhaps we can begin our preparations for the ball? I wonder if Mimi knows what gentlemen will be in attendance there?

I dance all over the ballroom my dear. Especially with Pag.

I wonder, Widow dear, would you care to inspect the ice house with me? We were so diverted yesterday, we quite forgot.

I cannot marry a man who robbed me of my innocence Hully dear.

I have committed to memory the vile acts he performed on us, lest you forget you were there too and doing a pretty fine job as I recall.

No I need a new man and preferably one I can converse with over a light supper.

What say you Hully and widow to some parlour games later?

Yes, Beaulieu, females are, on the whole, much like that one. Devious, conniving little creatures with not a shred of pity in their cold, cold hearts. But damn, they are pleasant to look at and bewitching to hold. I find the best thing to do is to find one who reminds you of your Mama, and then just do whatever she tells you to. 'Tis the easiest way.

Come on now, man, get up and stop being so wet. Let us away to the local tavern and find a comely wench to make a man of you.

So kind, Hully, but I fancy there is nothing to interest me in the ice house. Was not Mimi going to help you in there? No, I feel I had best stay here and polish my accomplishments.

I have heard that the Prince Regent, excuse my language, pisses his fortune away like water, so I think that he may not be the man for me. Perhaps, if I am very lucky, I might catch the eye of a lesser noble. I really shall have to disguise myself when we go though. Some people might think it odd that the Duchess of Northumberland, so lately widowed and then mysteriously vanished, should be dancing at a ball in Brighton with no care in the world.

Oooh, Gibbon, parlour games!

I love parlour games! Shall we play that one where you pass the inflated pigs bladder from person to person between your thighs?

Gibbon dear, I do feel that I must point out that I may have unwittingly been present, but my bloomers were firmly sewn. You, dear, have been married and given birth to dear little Nigel. I really don't feel you can lay claim to innocence with any great conviction. No, I really feel it's best you marry Abercrombie and give Nigel a father.

Parlour games say you? How very diverting, twill while away an hour or so before it is time to dress for the ball.

Has the seamstress arrived yet?

Perfect Widow!

I feel it is time we got back to more civilised pursuits. I fear our travels brought out the base side of our nature.

I will not marry a man who can neither tell me I am beautiful on a daily basis or keep his manhood to the marital bed.

To be honest Hully I am quite hurt you would want such a match for me?

I can only imagine you have motive.

Gibbon I am shcoked, I do believe you are both mutist and monogamist, neither trait becoming in a lady.

But if youre really so set against Abercrombie, so be it. I suppose you still pine for the Ambassador? He was a lovely Frenchie man.

Mayhap he will be at the ball? I hear tis an international and colourful affair...there is to be entente cordial and stirrup cup, too.