Christmas Eve at the Jackdaw’s

[Mrs K. Saunders]

Katherine follows the voices to the library.

“Ah there you are Christine. I am sorry if events have not been to your liking. Things have not turned out as I would have expected this evening. Please forgive me, I have failed you in being a proper hostess. Can I get you anything?”

She turns to Jerome, “Thank you for the suggestion of a game. I fear that things got a little carried away though.”

[Jerome Price]

Jerome raise an eyebrow slightly at Katherine's comments, "It will be a memorable evening Katherine and one I shall treasure for many years. As for getting carried away, it is Christmas and a time for us to enjoy ourselves. I sense you enjoyed the game and learnt a little more about yourself in the process."

Jerome will pause for a moment before then being struck by a thought, looking around the room he will ask, "Ah yes, speaking of which I had meant to ask whether you might have anything here with a shared connection between yourself and the spirit that was called during our seance in Bristol? I know that you had one or two further questions you were hoping to have answered and I had hoped to use the winter season to perform a little research. Perhaps if you would be able to lend me an item before I take my leave this evening, something from your past, then it could prove invaluable in finding the answers you seek."

Turning back to Christine again Jerome will pull a small book and pencil from his pocket and jot something down while saying, "I would be delighted to hear Bach's Oratorio again, it has been years since I heard it in full. And I will of course find a guest, hopefully someone who won't mind us illuminating them on the difference between an aria and a recitative and will also enjoy engaging with us in your more... technical topic." Finishing his note with a flourish and a stab of his writing instrument he then carefully puts both back in his pocket.

[Mrs K. Saunders]

Katherine thinks for sometime and finally says, “No I have nothing here that would be of use to you. I have some personal things that reside in the House on the Hill currently, but I am unsure when I will return there. Thank you very much for the offer though, it was kind of you to think of it.”

She smiles at him, as if the subject is closed.

[Jerome Price]

Jerome will nod in a business like manner toward Katherine, "Of course."

[Christine Daye]

Christine waves a hand negligently at Katherine's comments, but there is an aura of fragility about her.

"...oh... do not fret on my account! ... um... you will look after the baby properly... won't you? ... oh... of course you will... "

She blinks, humming quietly to herself for a moment.

...comfort ye... comfort ye my people...

Then, with a smile to Jerome.

"I very much look forward to listening to the Oratorio with you, Mr Price. And our discussions afterwards! I shall see if Maestra is interested... though she might be busy with other matters... we shall see... Regardless, I am sure it will be glorious!"

[Jerome Price]

Jerome smiles back at Christine, "Indeed it will be glorious, and it would be delightful if your Maestra can join us for the evening too. I look forward to seeing you then."

"And Katherine," he says turning to her noting her guarded stance and glances at the clock. "I think it is about time that I was on my way. Thank you for everything, you and your husband have been the most gracious of hosts all evening. I have to say this is by far this best Christmas party I have been to in years."

Nodding to the ladies one final time, Jerome will move for the door calling for Ellen to retrieve his coat and other items.

[Christine Daye]

"Until then, Mr Price."

Christine smiles warmly at him, raising one gloved hand in farewell.

Then she turns to Katherine.

"Thank you for the party, Katherine... I too should probably be on my way..."

[Jerome Price]

Jerome emerged into the drawing room with a grin, his spirits lifted high by the alcohol laced drinks, seasons cheer and evening's entertainment. He stops to once again taking in the devastation of Helen and Katherine's exchange and then begins donning coat, hat and gloves as he makes his farewells.

"Lady Forestcue, it has been a pleasure to make your acquaintance if only briefly. Elder Jackdaw, thank you for the kind hospitality it has been a delightful evening. And your Majesty, I hope we might have a chance to enjoy some more of this season's musical masterpieces before we break in the new year."

Retrieving his small suitcase from Ellen's proffered arms Jerome will casting a final "Merry Christmas one and all" from the hallway before leaving the house and wending a route towards the calling bells of the Abbey.

[Mrs K. Saunders]

She nods kindly at Christine. Then Katherine helps Mr Price collect his belongings, allows him to say his goodbyes and escorts him to the front door.

“Thank you so much for coming Mr Price. I do hope you have a delightful Christmastide.”

She then returns to the Drawing room, to her remaining guests. Of course the party can never truly be over until the Prince has departed. She glances at the clock again, it would be Christmas Day soon. It would be nice if Jack and her could see it in alone.