[D2 EE] Gentleman(?) Caller

[Geoffrey of Tournemine]

Geoffrey, for all intents and purposes, was an eligible and perfectly acceptable match for any man's daughter. Though rumor about Geoffrey's energetic nature likely had made rounds, it was not as though he was known to be a disrespectful or womanizing boor, just... very likeable.

He called upon the head of the house of Aubigny, in respectful finery.

[Earl William d'Aubigny]

The guards show you into the pavilion, where the Earl, a man of early middle age, lean and with a close-trimmed beard, stands, having just risen from a table at which his spitting image (if younger) is sitting.

"<Hm>. I am Arundel. My son, William." He says, gesturing at the lad of 21. "How can I help you, Lord...?"

[Geoffrey of Tournemine]

He offers a respectful bow. "It is an honor to meet you Earl Arundel. I am Baron Geoffrey of Crahen, of the house Tournemine."

Rising to his feet, he offers a proper expression of happiness at the meeting.

"I come to you to seek permission regarding the Ladies Nichole and Matilda, to escort them during a visit to the city."

[Earl William d'Aubigny]

The Earl blinked. Twice.

"Urm...well, this is not precisely what I had expected..."

Seated at the table, William's expression is bemused. The Earl clears his throat and speaks again.

"London. How do you even know my daughters?"

[Geoffrey of Tournemine]

"I happened upon them yesterday and conversed for a bit," he admits. "Lady Nichole suggested she was interested in taking in the sights of London, and her dutiful sister Lady Matilda suggested she attend her sister in any such endeavor. I offered my experience and protection of them in such an adventure, as I am familiar with the city. But I also promised that before I did so I would speak with you regarding permission."

He at least seemed respectful enough to seek permission for any intentional meeting. That was something, even if he drew the conclusion that rumors about the garden flirtations were between some handsome cousin of the king and his beautiful daughters.

[Earl William d'Aubigny]

It seems that Lord d'Aubigny is uncomfortable with this situation, because he has this tell where he grimaces like a man with an ulcer. His son is eating this up, smiling brilliantly.

"Ah, well, you know, London. It's not...well...." He shakes his head to clear out the cobwebs. "Look, you're a gentleman. Are you going to bring them back safely and un-...you know..." He waved his hand in the vaguest of ways. "...Touched?"

[Geoffrey of Tournemine]

"Earl Arundel, my intent is to keep them unharmed and virtue intact, while introducing them to the sights and sounds of the city. Lunch, a show, maybe two, and perhaps a dinner party if they are not exhausted with everything else. The party would be hosted by a friend of mine, Reginald de Blanc, a respected stained glass artist who is quite happily married. And then finally safely back home into your care," he says bowing his head.

[Earl William d'Aubigny]

Arundel nods. "Alright, then."

William laughs.

Arundel grunts. "Watch it, young man. Now, Crehen, since you've given me your solemn word, I'm inclined to let this happen." He paused. "So...that's how it's going to be."

William pipes up. "If you're wise, Crehen, you'll be careful with Nichole. She talks a good game, but she's still a kid, really. I wouldn't cater to her every whim."

Arundel frowns and adds. "And she'll have many."

[Geoffrey of Tournemine]

"I've known a few strong willed ladies in my time," he says with a nod. "Constance of Brittany is my sister after all. I may dote on her now, but there was a time when mother expected me to be a more stoic influence. Skills not forgotten."

[Earl William d'Aubigny]

The Earl of Arundel nods with some relief. "That has the ring of truth, and does much to set my mind at ease." He looks around to gesture to a servant to bring forth cups and then moves to take a seat. "Perhaps you'll take some refreshment with us, Crehen, and tell me more of your situation. Is Crehen a large estate?"

[Geoffrey of Tournemine]

He moves to join. "Thank you for the offer. Crehen is a town of fishermen and farmers on the north coast of Brittany that has some strategic value. My home there, Chateau de Guildo, was built a century ago, initially just as a manor, but It has undergone extensive renovations to add a stone castle to the construction. I've continued to further develop it, adding stained glass to the chapel which is how I know my friend here in London."

"This is thanks to proper administration, which my mother demanded I learn, and for which I thank her. I tend towards frugal because I hope to ensure that my estate is well appointed and comfortable for my eventual wife and heirs. Just as my parent's forward thinking saw that both my brother and I were set up well."

[Cearnach]

"So your brother also has an estate?" This is the younger William, curious about this development for perhaps obvious reasons. Inheritance law can be a sore spot for elder sons.

[Geoffrey of Tournemine]

"He does, as he is the Lord Tournemine and the Viscount of Dieppe," he says with a nod. "But my mother kept me with her after my father's passing. There was a whole complex mess that went with things with my father's passing, my mother's remarriage, and her relocation back to Brittany. He has significantly more lands than I do, but also has three sons," he says with a shrug.

"While I have yet to have an heir myself." The way he says that suggests he has a mind toward that end now, where he may have not been so worried before. So that hangs in the air for a little bit allowing the father and son to chew on it.

[Earl William d'Aubigny]

The Earl nods sagely. "A son can be a comfort to a father. When he has a mind to be."

His son grins. "So history tells us."

The Earl's expression darkness. "Yeah... Well, there've been worse matches, if that's what you're looking for, Crehen. Connections between Brittany and this Island are in vogue."

[Geoffrey of Tournemine]

"Right now? I'm just looking to be a proper host for your daughters. Connections and friendships are a two way street though, and I would not broach the subject without my own lord being involved and aware. I am not trying to upset the apple cart as it were," he offers, bowing his head. "Such things take consideration and time."

[Earl William d'Aubigny]

"Yes, that sounds right. Your lord is Duchess Constance, then? Or are you a direct vassal of the King's?"

[Geoffrey of Tournemine]

"Duchess Constance," he says with a nod. Which likely had it's own implications being the mother of the current heir.

[Earl William d'Aubigny]

He nods. "A fine woman. A fighter."

William nods his agreement. "That's true. It's easy to see why there's so much tension between her and the Queen; they're cut from the same cloth." He looks over to you. "I wonder how the Earl of Chester is finding his marriage to the Duchess? We all thought it a curious match, a boy asked to lead a powerful woman like that. Of course, King Henry had some strange ideas in his old age."

[Geoffrey of Tournemine]

It was an uncomfortable subject because he knew how she felt, but at the same time there was the expectation of presenting public unity for the benefit of the children. "I think that more than anything, the Earl feels a strong sense of responsibility for his family just like the Duchess. Truly, nothing is more important than that."

[Earl William d'Aubigny]

The Earl replies with firm agreement. William takes in a breath as though he means to speak, a question forming on his lips, but then thinks better of it.

"Yes, family first," he concurs instead, conceding the conversational initiative. It seems he has lost stomach for the gambit.

[Geoffrey of Tournemine]

Geoffrey looks to him, his eyes suggesting that he should just say what he wished, he paused for a moment so he could take back that initiative if he wished to.

[Earl William d'Aubigny]

His eyes flick to his father, and the back to you. It seems this might not be the time or place, but for what specific reason, it is difficult to be sure. Instead, he says... "So, Crehen, have you met any interesting people here in camp? Father's had me in meetings with Crusaders for ages."

Arundel grunts. "Those are good men, boy. There's worse company!"

William chuckles, "I'm sure," and turns his attention back to you. "So what of it, Crehen? Swapping ales with the Marshal, perhaps?"

[Geoffrey of Tournemine]

"Was mostly chatting with the other men signing up for the jousts earlier, met one of your vassals there, Giles. Not signing up, just having a bite to eat in the tavern. He seems a good sort," Geoffrey replied. "But I've mostly been getting myself situated with the registration coronation and of course, having met Ladies Nichole and Matilda. Apparently I have been meeting the good people of d'Aubigny. So yes, plenty of interesting people." He smiled at that.

[Earl William d'Aubigny]

"Ha!" William laughs. "Clever! But I already know all of us, so rather less useful an answer than I might have hoped."

Arundel looks across the table and shakes his head slowly. "My son is a transactional kind of lad. Sometimes, anyway."

[Geoffrey of Tournemine]

"Well then," he says with a nod to William. "I have been introduced to your sisters, and given opportunity to spend some time with them. Perhaps you might appreciate the favor returned?" he offers. Not that he couldn't just approach her at court, but a personal introduction through family tended to be at least a little less formal and more friendly on average.

[Cearnach]

William considered that. "It might be a good thing. Yes, I don't see why not. Thank you, sir."

[Geoffrey of Tournemine]

Geoffrey nodded, then looked to the Earl. "Since you are kind enough to trust me with so precious a thing as your family, I will endeavor to return the favor someday. I may not be of great means, but I would like to be a friend. Please don't hesitate to call on me if you think I may be able to be of help in endeavors that might be mutually beneficial."

[Earl William d'Aubigny]

The Earl nods. "I think that's a fine idea, Crehen. You've shown us a good side of yourself here today, and I hope that, when our friendship is tested, we will all demonstrate the sincerity of what we have shared today."

[Geoffrey of Tournemine]

"If you have any further questions for me, I would be glad to answer," he offers. He clearly has no more agenda to pursue, but is open to anything the other men might wish to discuss.

[Earl William d'Aubigny]

"Oh, I'm sure we've bent your ear long enough. There's the matter of the Offices of State, but...well, I don't suppose you've spoken with the Earl or Duchess about that?"