@mmthorne
It was a dreadful party and Ernest saw before him two possible options. The first was to leave and accept that the evening had been miserable and dull, the second, stir something up so it was more exciting. Of course he chose the second. There was a brief moment as he sipped on his wine that he considered the better, more gentlemanly first choice but it just didn’t appeal to him. It was a waste of an evening if he didn’t create at least some intrigue from it.
Unfortunately for observers, they were going to have to deal with Ernest’s less admirable side.
He knocked back the rest of his wine and then clapped his hands together, stepping towards the orchestra and politely waving for them to interrupt the music. “Thank you, thank you, you all play very well but thank you.” He said, clearly not a little bit drunk. Clearing his throat, he turned toward the many faces staring at him and seeing that he had the room’s attention, a grin crossed his features. “Forgive me for interrupting this - Well. . .” he couldn’t really call it a fine evening, now could he? “Evening.”
“Lord Pembroke, I beg you to stop whatever nonsense you are up to at once.” One of the men said, an older guest, likely somebody’s father but he had the good sense to catch a scandal about to occur.
“Oh patience, I haven’t even gotten to my point. May I have some wine?” He looked into the crowd and pouted a little when none was offered. “You don’t mind if I take yours, do you?” He took it from the older gent’s hands and gulped it down, smacking his lips when he was through. “Thank you. Thank you very much.” He grabbed his hand and gave it an emphatic shake. “That’s all from me, shall we resume our soiree?” He grinned, throwing a hand in the air for the musicians to continue. They gave each other uncertain looks but sure enough, the music resumed, and Ernest grinned seeing that he very much so did give everyone something to talk about. He got a good deal of scandalized glances, not least from the man whose wine he drank. He passed the cup to a servant and went searching for some more, listening to the whispers surrounding him about what an outrage he was.

















