Jacques Smythe of the Uppington Smythes. Maybe he wasn’t your favorite character in Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox, but Uncle Jackie is here to stay. Lord Mettlebright’s Man will probably hang around for several hundred (admittedly short) chapters, skimming through the backdrop of the series, giving you glimpses of life at Stately House from the point of view of an ordinary, unendowed, freeloading gentleman’s gentleman.
Connoisseur | art by FoxOfTwilight
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He was still sulking in his linen cupboard when the younger Starmark tapped lightly and proffered a dainty crystal goblet. “My father sends his compliments and would like your opinion of his gift.”
“Why?”
“Argent spoke highly of your palate.”
“Naturellement.” Jacques lifted, tilted, swirled, and sniffed with patent hauteur. Thick amber, bedizened by tiny galaxies. Holding the first sip in his mouth, he closed his eyes and knew bliss. “What is this?” he sighed.
“Star wine.”
—Lord Mettlebright’s Man, Chapter 59: “Discerning Palate”
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Who else has high hopes for Jacques? ::twinkle::
Lord Mettlebright’s Man begins here.
FORTHRIGHT 
YOU KNOW I DO. my darling boy – I admit bc of his family I was like BUDDY BACK OFF but he’s proven himself again and again, more than worthy of praise and admiration.
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My high hopes began with his apology ❤️❤️ they’ve continued as he has begun to learn about the Amaranthine outside of his family’s grasping. And now he’s gaining friends and I can’t help but feel warm and fuzzy with every step he takes! ❤️❤️
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Jacques, you have earned our love. He started off haughty but has learned (well almost) some humility and has reaped so much for it in return. Silly boy. Love his portrait.
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I was looking at this a bit closer and noticed the lovely ginkgo leaves on his lapel. What a nice touch.
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