Christmas Eve at the Jackdaw’s

[Elisabeth.BasireDuP]

At Helen's request, Elisabeth stands, presuming that she intends to give the new parents some privacy. "Of course Helen, there is much to discuss". Following Toby's query she adds, "If you are not familiar with it, the main duty of a Godparent is to be responsible for the child's soul, until they are old enough to take up that fight for themselves."

She then follows Helen out of the room.

[annabelle]

Helen’s gaze is focused on Elisabeth but on Jerome’s comments she turns her head to look at him and chuckles “Oh Mr Price! You are too charming and you know it.” And the chuckle turns into laughter. He definitely was a smooth talker and she was finding this highly entertaining.

“Perhaps you can deliver some smooth-talking workshops in the Saint Valentine’s party. Many men and women in this court definitely need a skill as such.”

Upon Elisabeth’s response she says “Let’s hear the lullaby for one minute please” and she stays there with a big smile on her face. Hearing Jerome’s beautiful voice and appreciating the newfound atmosphere in this room that he created. But unfortunately, she had to leave the room for a while.

So with a clap, a courtesy, a wide smile and “Will be back.” to both Jerome, Christine and the others she takes Elisabeth and together they leave to find some privacy to talk.

[Mrs K. Saunders]

Katherine looks about her uncomfortably, avoiding eye contact with Jackdaw.

“Perhaps we ought to return to the party? We can take the boy with us?”

Internally she was building up stronger and stronger mental walls against him.

[Trevor Jackdaw]

''I would not suggest growing too attached until we are sure the poor thing doesn't have a family we'll need to return it to. Ellen.'' He turns to Ellen.''Would you mind watching the child for the remainder of the evening?'' He puts a hand on Kathrine's cheek. ''Don't worry. We will have plenty of that to do after tonight.''

[Mrs K. Saunders]

Ellen has been astonished by the events of the evening. Who gifts a baby? And was Master Jackdaw really looking to care for it? His track record with his wife was rather lax after all. Hoping to please her Mistress after the incident earlier, she decides not to voice her opinions on that matter:

“Of course Master Jackdaw, I will take good care of the poor mite. Please go back to your guests.” She takes the babe from Katherine’s arns and gives her mistress a reassuring smile.

Katherine gets up and takes hold of Jack’s hand. “Come let’s get this over with. I cannot pretend much more.”

She leads him back to drawing room.

“Everyone, please if you have not already received your gift, feel free to collect them from under the tree. They are all named. There are a few for unexpected guests too.”

[CFlaubert]

"Oh for God's sake" said the nurse, removing the child from Helen's grasp. "This infant is barely more than 3 weeks old. It's only memories are of it's mother's face and the difference between darkness and light. It has NO cognitive ability, it doesn't recall what happened to it ten minutes ago, let alone longer than that. Believe me, I have delivered and cared for enough of them."

She turns to Katherine, "you can't be serious about raising this child? how on earth would you do so? you're not even awake during the day! It needs a wet nurse at the very least, it's own mother preferably. It doesn't need someone responsible for it's soul, it needs someone responsible for it's mortal life."

"Your husband is the voice of reason here. Simply ask Matthias where he obtained it from and determine if it can be returned."

She stops suddenly in the middle of her rant

"Thank you for the gift" she says stiltedly. "It's much appreciated. I cannot say that I have brought one for you. I did not know that was the custom." she bows her head.

[Mrs K. Saunders]

“Constance give me some credit please. I would not pretend to be the child’s mother; the boy would be my ward. They would have everything it needs.”

She stares at Constance, (Constance, I am well aware that I am not the best placed at present, but I have to do to carry on).

“I hope you like the present. I am not in the least offended that you have not brought one, so please do not concern yourself.”

She looks at Constance with a varying array of emotions before finally snapping at her.

“NO! NO!! You can’t.”

[CFlaubert]

Constance looks surprised.

"Erm...its ok Katherine. I won't be doing anything. I rather think I should be leaving. It's clear I'm not helping you despite my best intentions"

Constance steps back from Katherine and says "do contact me if I can help you at all" she says and moves towards the door.

[annabelle]

Helen opens the back door with Elisabeth next to her. The two Ventrues enter the house again.

“Elisabeth I am going to find the boy, feel free to enjoy the party I suppose. You can always come with me. Whatever makes you feel more comfortable.” She says casually, looking more relaxed next to her fellow Ventrue than previously.

There is a smile on her face. A slight indication of happiness and relief. When she enters the kitchen she salutes the rest and asks Jackdaw.

“Can I have a look in the baby’s mind again? I had some opium in my bloodstream and couldn’t use my powers at the fullest. I had a walk with Elisabeth and some fresh air and I feel the substance is almost gone from my system. Thank gods I didn’t drink much of it...”

[Trevor Jackdaw]

He looks from the infant to Helen. ''We can look into this matter tomorrow. I would rather not disturb the child any moor tonight.''