[ After dinner, after a few drinks, Richard found himself nearly strapped to the instrument. While he finds no fault in drunkenness, with limits and especially on such rare occasions, he does not like to partake in such action himself. The piano is an excellent distraction.
No, young man, he will not be playing a song quite that profane. He will, however, play something in line with the Christmas spirit for them to sing along. The charming voice distracts him. Thankfully, he has memorized this enough to not need the music. A wide - by default - and sincere smile is given in return. ]
You flatter me. ... And have discovered the truth, Lieutenant Andre.
[ Of course he knows who this is. There are few with such rank that do not. The lack of wig but with one long thin braid makes him unmistakable. ]
[John's eyebrows lift together, before a smile slips over his expression. Anyone who can return his jests without a nervous laugh is worthy of his full attention. He slides over to the pianoforte, smiling charmingly at the young soldier there who was just in the midst of arguing with the ... major? Yes, Major.
The young soldier flushed and stuttered. Jonathan asked him to fetch them all some punch, like a good lad. And now, he had the pianist all to himself.]
Well, you have the better of me, Major Mozart. It appears I have only heard of you by reputation, while you know me on sight.
[ And he means that sincerely, his friendly smile staying. ]
Richard Hewlett.
[ He introduces himself, looking slightly bashful? Possibly dreading the inevitable teasing? It's another reason why he's kept himself to the piano. No more snide remarks about gunpowder. The official report might have blamed the rebels, but. He could hardly lie. ]
A reputation is such a dangerous thing. When it is good, then you are lauded -- but it can turn on you in a second.
[He offered and easy smile in turn, before tipping a respectful salute.] Soon to be Captain, I have heard. Perhaps after that Major. I hope to be your peer soon...
[That charming smile did not falter, but the curiosity in his blue eyes flickered on.]
Yes, the man who held off the rebel invaders with only moment's notice, and a small garrison. Quite the feat, that.
[He leaned on the piano, waving it off.]
I would much rather watch those hands in their natural element. You truly have the gift, Hewlett. I only ... dabble.
[ Hm... Quite the flatterer... Hewlett may have to watch him. Although, part of him does enjoy the compliments, the attention. Part of him will always be quite vain. Still, he is no fool. Not entirely. ]
As do I, Mister Andre.
[ As one song ends, he shifts into another. This one much more light so that he might better hear his companion. That is one his vanity cannot ignore. He truly does bashfully smile. ]
Then you must have a keen ear. Shall I play you a request?
[Jonathan's smile widened and his eyes brightened with keen appreciation as the other man continued to play. He could see how cautious the other man was to accept the compliments and that made him like him all the more.]
Why, thank you, Mister Hewlett.
[He hums along, resting one hand on the pianoforte, moving closer to the other man.]
Have we heard anything particularly ... of the festive spirit lately? I would not mind accompanying you by voice.
[Now that was a delightful smile to pursue, although he had to wonder what the corners looked like when they were not rehearsed. Jonathan usually liked to use his modesty ... but he would take a moment to simply show off one of the few talents he did not simply 'dabble' in.]
[He found the tune, before he let his tenor rise high into the lyrics of 'Hark, The Herald Angels Sing.']
Hark the herald angels sing "Glory to the newborn King! Peace on earth and mercy mild God and sinners reconciled" Joyful, all ye nations rise Join the triumph of the skies With the angelic host proclaim: "Christ is born in Bethlehem" Hark! The herald angels sing "Glory to the newborn King!"
that's why i was fudgin' it. i had enough fun the last time they sang together
[ Hewlett almost loses himself in awe. The man, needless to say, is quite talented at singing. It is the type of voice that would tempt a ship to rocks, to spill secrets without realizing.
His thoughts are not hidden. Hewlett is hardly one for censorship of the self unless absolutely necessary. ]
Splendid!
[ He joins in for the next verse, humming lightly. A few of the soldiers around them have as well, but none linger too long. ]
[He smiles broadly, before leaning on the umbrella to go through the next verse, then standing straight again as they have others singing along with them now.
He lifts his finger to conduct them like a symphony, his eyes twinkling mischief, before he finishes with a flourish and takes a bow. Then he very solemnly bows to Richard in turn, before giving him his most brilliant smile.]
Very nicely done, Mr. Hewlett, yourself. You have a fine ear and sensitivity.
[ Hewlett, of course, must provide applause for such a performance. He is not the only one and gives a small bow for himself. Any apprehension toward Andre is slowly beginning to fade... It's very difficult not to enjoy his presence. ]
I do believe you were the star of the show, Lieutenant Andre.
[ He removes himself from the piano before he's hounded again by a soldier for another rendition of a carol. ]
[As was his habit, he waved off the applause with a modest little headtilt acknowledging it all the same. Then he turned to Hewlett, leading a round of applause for the man.]
Poppycock. I believe we made a fine duet, Major Hewlett.
[Both eyebrows tilted up at that, but the brilliant smile makes a return.]
I would be delighted.
[He dips his head, allowing the other man to go first. Senior officer, all that.]
[Andre gave him a curious look at the forced smile - dear me, the man did rather run like Cornish winters.
He followed after the other man, his lips curving up at the corners.]
Oh yes ... I do like a busy city. Mostly for the art, and the culture, but there is something to be said for the people. You get to meet so many interesting new folk.
[He sipped from his own, a quiet smile on his face as they walked.]
Now that is a shame -- the Good Book is many things, but it does lack the poetry of Chaucer.
[On the contrary, Andre would have to say he was fascinated. What a strange man - charming yet closed off. Literate, yet he was in the boonies of New York. Curious.]
Well, it is an effort but one does what one must. I do miss riding however... New York truly has no place to really open up one's steed.
[ Lips pushed to the side as he has to properly consider this. All are quite good in their messages, their meanings. ]
The Knight's Tale, as common of an answer as that may be. The perils of love are not to be forgot. [ He points out with an actual point of his finger before another gentle sip of his drink. ]
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No, young man, he will not be playing a song quite that profane. He will, however, play something in line with the Christmas spirit for them to sing along. The charming voice distracts him. Thankfully, he has memorized this enough to not need the music. A wide - by default - and sincere smile is given in return. ]
You flatter me. ... And have discovered the truth, Lieutenant Andre.
[ Of course he knows who this is. There are few with such rank that do not. The lack of wig but with one long thin braid makes him unmistakable. ]
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The young soldier flushed and stuttered. Jonathan asked him to fetch them all some punch, like a good lad. And now, he had the pianist all to himself.]
Well, you have the better of me, Major Mozart. It appears I have only heard of you by reputation, while you know me on sight.
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[ And he means that sincerely, his friendly smile staying. ]
Richard Hewlett.
[ He introduces himself, looking slightly bashful? Possibly dreading the inevitable teasing? It's another reason why he's kept himself to the piano. No more snide remarks about gunpowder. The official report might have blamed the rebels, but. He could hardly lie. ]
Do forgive me for not shaking your hand.
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[He offered and easy smile in turn, before tipping a respectful salute.] Soon to be Captain, I have heard. Perhaps after that Major. I hope to be your peer soon...
[That charming smile did not falter, but the curiosity in his blue eyes flickered on.]
Yes, the man who held off the rebel invaders with only moment's notice, and a small garrison. Quite the feat, that.
[He leaned on the piano, waving it off.]
I would much rather watch those hands in their natural element. You truly have the gift, Hewlett. I only ... dabble.
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As do I, Mister Andre.
[ As one song ends, he shifts into another. This one much more light so that he might better hear his companion. That is one his vanity cannot ignore. He truly does bashfully smile. ]
Then you must have a keen ear. Shall I play you a request?
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Why, thank you, Mister Hewlett.
[He hums along, resting one hand on the pianoforte, moving closer to the other man.]
Have we heard anything particularly ... of the festive spirit lately? I would not mind accompanying you by voice.
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[ And now Andre truly does have Richard's interest. He has always been fond of talent.
Hewlett begins to play a wholesome tune for him to sing along. Nothing too exciting or the whole room will join in and then he couldn't be heard. ]
Please, do so.
[ Another fine smile, polite. ]
seriously do you know how hard it is to find a carol that is definitively written before the 1800's?
[Now that was a delightful smile to pursue, although he had to wonder what the corners looked like when they were not rehearsed. Jonathan usually liked to use his modesty ... but he would take a moment to simply show off one of the few talents he did not simply 'dabble' in.]
[He found the tune, before he let his tenor rise high into the lyrics of 'Hark, The Herald Angels Sing.']
Hark the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With the angelic host proclaim:
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"
that's why i was fudgin' it. i had enough fun the last time they sang together
His thoughts are not hidden. Hewlett is hardly one for censorship of the self unless absolutely necessary. ]
Splendid!
[ He joins in for the next verse, humming lightly. A few of the soldiers around them have as well, but none linger too long. ]
Frigging seriously
He lifts his finger to conduct them like a symphony, his eyes twinkling mischief, before he finishes with a flourish and takes a bow. Then he very solemnly bows to Richard in turn, before giving him his most brilliant smile.]
Very nicely done, Mr. Hewlett, yourself. You have a fine ear and sensitivity.
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I do believe you were the star of the show, Lieutenant Andre.
[ He removes himself from the piano before he's hounded again by a soldier for another rendition of a carol. ]
Would you care to join me for a drink?
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Poppycock. I believe we made a fine duet, Major Hewlett.
[Both eyebrows tilted up at that, but the brilliant smile makes a return.]
I would be delighted.
[He dips his head, allowing the other man to go first. Senior officer, all that.]
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Is there a blasted quiet corner in this manor? ]
You must enjoy it here in New York. So much hustling and bustling.
[ Completely the opposite of his little Setauket. ]
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He followed after the other man, his lips curving up at the corners.]
Oh yes ... I do like a busy city. Mostly for the art, and the culture, but there is something to be said for the people. You get to meet so many interesting new folk.
[He tilted his head.]
You prefer the serenity of the country, yes?
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[ A swirl of his glass. ]
Charming really, but none have any interest in the humanities save for the Good Book itself.
[ He doesn't seem disingenuous... ]
Do you find it easy to get along? Despite that.
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[He sipped from his own, a quiet smile on his face as they walked.]
Now that is a shame -- the Good Book is many things, but it does lack the poetry of Chaucer.
[On the contrary, Andre would have to say he was fascinated. What a strange man - charming yet closed off. Literate, yet he was in the boonies of New York. Curious.]
Well, it is an effort but one does what one must. I do miss riding however... New York truly has no place to really open up one's steed.
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Do you enjoy riding, Mr. Andre? You should see my fine Beucephalus.
[ He's like a different man now. Every smile sincere, as if he were talking about a very dear child.
]
Unlike any other.
[ Chest out, lips pressed together, a proud father indeed. ]
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I adore it.
[He smiled in turn, encouraged by that smile. Also that proud attitude.]
I should very much like to. Do you have him stabled here, or is he back in Setauket?
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Unfortunately, my companion had to stay in Setauket.
[ A pause, a look over of the... very fine young man. ]
Perhaps if you ever find yourself near there... We could take advantage of the open country air.
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Ah, that is a shame. I was hoping to take a tour of the stables, with him as the central attraction.
[He swirled his glass again, sipping his wine, before his blue eyes glanced over at the other man.]
Why, thank you for the invitation. I shall be delighted to take you up on it.
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[ Which it could hardly be called even that. By God, there really were so few people that could appreciate culture. Even his soldiers. ]
You mentioned Chaucer?
[ Odd how he finds himself wanting to keep conversation with this young man. ]
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[Because now he is intrigued enough to make it his business to go to Seuktaket. A cultured man like this, stuck out there? He had to know why.]
Indeed I did. One of my favorite writers.
[He offered a quiet smile.] Which Tale was your favorite?
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[ Lips pushed to the side as he has to properly consider this. All are quite good in their messages, their meanings. ]
The Knight's Tale, as common of an answer as that may be. The perils of love are not to be forgot. [ He points out with an actual point of his finger before another gentle sip of his drink. ]
Your own?
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Well, it is the answer because it is considered the best, naturally. [He watches that finger as well, and then smiles into the drink.]
The Nun's Priest's tale. Pride and wit should not mix.
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[ And one that he frequently forgets about. He supposes some of it must come along with the job title.
Hewlett still slides him a wide grin. ]
And certainly wit.
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