Taking Tea (Invite Only)

[Valentina Audley]

Valentina has noticed Angelina's reaction. Well, no time like the present and with a little judicious gossip she could hopefully surprise Meredith as well.

So, she smiles sweetly across to Meredith as she neatly spears a corner of cake on her fork and holds it poised just above the plate as though she were about to eat when finished talking.

"Well I was surprised at Mr Calico Jack and Mr... Oh what is his name?" She frowns and the fork wavers for a moment. "Mr Septimus? I don't know him at all but it struck me as a curious pairing..." She keeps her voice discreetly low as she talks.

"And of course Miss Fontaine, I thought your choice of partner surprising. Indeed, I was surprised to see you take a partner at all..." She raises an eyebrow as she talks then waits, patiently, watching them both for a reaction.

[Bronwyn93]

Angelina watched as Valentina started, and the names that were mentioned made her relax slightly. Another couple. That was fine, interesting even, as she had been far too distracted that evening to notice who had paired off for the cup. She almost smiled at the focus being on something else from that night. But the smile vanished very suddenly and she looked down at her plate when her name was mentioned. She swallowed thickly, trying to form a socially appropriate answer for such a statement,

"I had no intention of participating in the cup, and truly, prior to the evening itself I was not eligible to participate. However, as I'm sure others have also learned, rejecting an elder who has decided that you are suitable for his requirements is not really something a young neonate can truly do. Once he had settled on that decision, my opinion on the matter was a moot point."

She said without looking up from fiddling with her cake. But after a moment she forced smile that didn't come close to her eyes.

"But, yes, I am sure it was a rather surprising pairing. He is in such a higher standing than I am."

[Meredith Llewelyn]

Meredith watched the pair converse as questions bounded across her mind. Calico Jack and Septimus? How could they possibly? Is that right? Surely Valentina got that wrong...Septimus was with Hermina.

"I thought Septimus was with Elder Hermina that night Valentina? How could Calico Jack and Septimus be 'courting' it just doesn't work that way? I know he is an Elder but they are both men...right?" She looks to Valentina with very clear confusion and some slight concern, though that is mostly directed to Angelina.

"But Angelina, you were so shaken and upset that night. I don't wish to make the memories come stirring to the surface but you were visibly shocked that night. Surely, you could have gone to someone for help? I know we do not have the right to say no to someone who is higher status than ourselves. And of course, it is an honour to be chosen but if you did not want it. Surely they is a way for you to refuse him while still keeping your position and respect. Perhaps you should speak to another Elder." She pauses and looks fondly at Angelina, "Truth be told dear one, I do not like how he treats you. I know I shouldn't speak so openly but in this matter I will gladly take a telling off. No one deserves to be pushed around or forced to do something...you weren't ...forced where you?" Her voice goes very quiet as she looks with intent towards Angelina

[Valentina Audley]

"Madam Zaragoza enjoyed herself immensely with a great many people, some of whom may cause her issues later..." Valentina answers slightly absently, her attention mainly on Angelina.

The question about how they courted gets a little more of her attention though. "It can work that way, though perhaps here is not the place for such a discussion? Maybe after our tea we should retire to the Thimble? I can show you the lace collars and... Explain a few things?"

She overlooks the comment about a telling off, her desire for information about Lucius' behaviour stronger than her desire to maintain decorum at this current time and instead turns her attention to Angelina.

"Have you spoken with Mr Verity, Miss Fontaine?" Is her only question.

[Bronwyn93]

Angelina looked back down at her plate when they didn't move onto another subject.

"No, I haven't seen Mr Verity since before travelling to Reading. I did not wish to worry him. I am quite fine." She said quietly. "May we shift the conversation? I do not feel this is the place to discuss such matters. It is almost as crass as a doll demonstration." She commented, giving a smile to try and lighten the mood that had settled over the table.

She picked up her tea cup to mime taking a sip. "how are you both enjoying your tea?"

[Valentina Audley]

"I will accept a deferment until such time as we are not in public. So I do hope you didn't have any plans post tea beyond attending the Thimble." It's said quietly, but it's also clearly not negotiable.

Reggie, now would be a wonderful time to drop by.... She thinks sadly, her aura swirling with irritation and sadness, before calm settles over her once more.

She mimes drinking her own tea.

"As you appear acquainted with the gentleman, perhaps you can tell us more about Mr Septimus, Lady Lewellyn?" It's clearly a polite change of topic.

[Meredith Llewelyn]

Meredith blinks in shock at Valentina, she was not expecting the conversation to push her way and so suddenly. "Oh well, I only met him at our last gathering and I was always with another when we were speaking. I know very little about him truly, just that he is a reasonable gentleman and holds conversation well. He appeared to have no partner that night and I think he thought that we could perhaps court."

Pushing her hair back over her ear, Meredith says with a slight coyness. "He appears to be quite vigorous with courting...passing from one to another. Yet, came alone to the ball...I think he may be one to watch for he handles himself well. But I fear he has too many fingers in too many pies."

She coughs awkwardly unsure how to continue the conversation. "As I say we met a few times that night and held brief conversation."

[Bronwyn93]

Angelina relaxed slightly when her request to change the subjects was accepted. Though she knew she would still have to address this she would have time to form her answer at least.

She looked over at the other neonate and tilted her head slightly.
"Was this the gentleman who you were speaking with about the spirit of your husband?" She asked carefully, remembering snippets of their conversation from that night.

[Meredith Llewelyn]

Merediths eyes seemed to flick to the corner of the room and back to Angelina at the mention of her husband, "Well yes and no. Many people know about my Husband you see. It's not something I try to hide because I am still very much loyal to him, even in the state he is."

She touches the gold chain around her neck - the pendent hidden from view, "So many of our friends were curious as to why I was not participating that night so for me that is the ...easiest explanation. Then when the 'unexpected friends' arrived I found myself discussing him with someone who seemed a bit more concerned." Meredith looks uneasy for a moment, as if the happy self was merely just a mask but as soon as it appears it is gone.

"As for Septimus I think he was more interested in finding someone to exchange a necklace with so I'm sure I bored him when I mentioned I would not be exchanging anything with anyone. Apparently this is strange for a Rose." She laughed lightly looking at the remains of her disintegrated tart.

[Valentina Audley]

"Yes well, our family does have something of a reputation. It can be a hinderance, but it also causes people to underestimate us. A clever Rose can use that." And she gives them bth a small, sly smile.

She ignores mention of Meredith's sire, deeming it a fruitless topic for the tea room.

"I feel we have perhaps exhausted our treats. Will both both join me in returning to the Thimble?" It's politely phrased, but perhaps not as much of a question as it seems.