< 04Molly > I shall remember that... * @Morgan takes a sip of coffee * Molly 10 /me 10smiles softly < 04Molly > Did you know that unil I came to the estate, I'd never had coffee < 08@Morgan > no? I would've thought a man such as your father would have procured it especially < 04Molly > No, he was far more interested in investing in the businesses of those whose favour he sought than in household luxuries. * Molly sips her coffee < 08@Morgan > I see < 08@Morgan > I rather thought he would have acquired it to display his taste and respectability < 04Molly > What little we had was oft used in such a way... I think perhaps now he probably does... * Molly looks away, slightly ashamed * @Morgan shrugs slightly < 08@Morgan > little men and their little kingdoms < 04Molly > It must have been very different for you, having coffee and chocolate and fruit from far off lands must have been the norm < 08@Morgan > strangely enough, once I was married, I had very little of it... < 04Molly > But you always had the choice to? < 08@Morgan > I suppose I could have... but, as I've said before, good honest food suited me better... though, I had rather a taste for coffee < 04Molly > Is there much difference between coffee in Eisen and in Avalon? Or is just in how well each cup is made? < 08@Morgan > the coffee in Eisen is... richer, I think < 04Molly > I shall ensure I try some... I assume there are also coffee shops there? * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > there are a few < 04Molly > Good, I shall take a little walk and discover one! * Molly smiles < 08@Morgan > at least... there were before I left < 04Molly > I doubt they have wandered off in your absense, dear heart < 08@Morgan > most likely not < 04Molly > I have been warned against going in to the city without an escort though... < 08@Morgan > oh? < 04Molly > Yes, the Colonel was advising me so... I told him that having an escort at all times would be easier said than done, and he asked if that was because of you... < 08@Morgan > oh really? * Molly looks puzzled, and pouts as she remembers < 04Molly > When I called him upon it, he said that he had assumed you would be returning with us on the Rose, and when I explained that it could not be so, he described it as 'interesting' * @Morgan frowns < 08@Morgan > that man bothers me * Molly looks down at the table < 04Molly > I was unsure what I ought to have said on the matter, though I thought that no harm could come from simply saying you would not be coming back with us.. < 08@Morgan > I wonder if perhaps he thinks that rather than accompany you by your wish, I... will not let you alone... * Molly smiles slightly < 04Molly > I think once you have left, he will quickly realise that is not the case < 08@Morgan > quite possibly < 04Molly > Perhaps he assumes that you insist upon me being on your arm, and were that not the case, I would be on his? * Molly laughs, her eyes sparkling * @Morgan considers this < 08@Morgan > you might be right < 04Molly > I think he will quickly realise _this_ is not the case either... * @Morgan smiles < 04Molly > I must confess, I did have the same thought, that perhaps he made assumptions regarding the sway you have over me, and that was why I insisted upon asking why he'd asked... * Molly 's face is serious as she sips her coffee * @Morgan sighs < 08@Morgan > I rather suspect that he knows more of me than I'd hoped... < 04Molly > I believe that to be likely, for although it is to my mind highly dishonourable, I would imagine your secret was already told by the lieutenant the moment it met his ears * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > I would not be surprised < 08@Morgan > but then, such is military life < 04Molly > I think, dear heart, it was inevitable that it would become known. You have been fortunate, given how many of us knew, that you were able to tell Lady Catherine yourself. And also that you should arrive in your homelands to tell your parents also. * Molly 10smiles softly < 08@Morgan > it could not remain a secret forever, I suppose < 04Molly > The moment the first of us discovered it, it became inevitable I'm afraid. * @Morgan nods < 04Molly > Therin lies the hinderance with secrets, that they rarely remain so for long... Though my own has surpringly held fast, at least for now. * Molly looks at the table < 08@Morgan > it certainly wont pass my lips... *he sighs* I suppose I've always said that I didn't want to be found, rather than didn't want to be found _out_ * Molly nods < 04Molly > All you can truly do is decide how to react when it occurs. I would suspect that most might know of it by the time of your return * @Morgan looks at the table < 08@Morgan > I suspect you're right * Molly takes his hand < 04Molly > Just because they know your name does not mean they have to know everything... < 08@Morgan > no, true enough < 04Molly > I am here for you, as always, and will do exacly as you bid me, you can rest assured of that < 08@Morgan > thank you... I do not hold out any hope at all that my name and true identity will not be widely known by the time I return < 04Molly > I will refuse to be drawn on the matter, but even so, I think that may be the case. But I might be wrong, and they might not tell it widely, I could not say with certainty * Molly lets go of his hand, and picks up her coffee < 08@Morgan > perhaps they will try to gain leverage over me * Molly 's eyes darken briefly < 04Molly > I dearly hope not. I would whole-heartedly recommend revealing your hand before bowing to their whims to keep such hidden * @Morgan smiles < 08@Morgan > despite my wish to keep my identity hidden, I am not ashamed of who I am, and they will have no leverage over me * Molly smiles back < 04Molly > Nor should you be... 'That which we call a rose < 04Molly > By any other name would smell as sweet. < 08@Morgan > perhaps we should be getting back... we dont want Jaeger taking exception to Eiblinn doing that breathing thing she does so much < 04Molly > I am in truth unsure as to why he dislikes her so greatly where once she had his attentions... * Molly finishes her coffee < 08@Morgan > because the mans an idiot * Molly giggles < 04Molly > His attenions for me were also easily changed... < 08@Morgan > as I said, the man is an idiot, and a contemptable one at that < 04Molly > I believe you were right that it was not truly love at all < 08@Morgan > I doubt he could ever truly love... his emotions run to the fanatic < 04Molly > It is a shame, for I would wish him to love, and love well < 08@Morgan > I dont think its in his nature < 08@Morgan > he'll likely become infatuated with almost every woman he meets... for a time < 04Molly > Thinkest you then, that some are naturally inclined to love, and others not? < 08@Morgan > I think some are... more inclined not to... < 04Molly > That is sad, for surely it would be better were all destined to know love. I do hope that Evie finds love, though I fear it will always be far less than she imagines < 08@Morgan > she has a childs expectation of what love will be < 04Molly > As young girls, we were all told stories of a prince who would ride up, lift us high upon his white steed, and whisk us away to his palace, there to embrace us and love us with burning passion and tenderness. We were not taught that love is not always so. Evie just lives a little longer with her dreams than most... < 08@Morgan > she lives in a fantasy... I fear before long many will be dispelled < 04Molly > Once she realises that she is more likely to be mistress than wife, yes. Or the first time her affections are idly toyed with < 08@Morgan > I dont think she'll ever be happy being a mistress < 04Molly > Aye, quite possibly not, though it depends on how she finds the rewards! * Molly blushes, having not meant it to be rude < 08@Morgan > I think if thats the case, she might just find those rewards in as many places as possible < 04Molly > She needn't think such wanton behaviour will be tolerated aboard the Rose! < 08@Morgan > indeed, and I shall _not_ have that in the house < 04Molly > So if she wishes to bed men without being recognised as their mistress, she shall have to find somewhere of her own to sneak off to < 08@Morgan > I'm glad that we have such similar thoughts on the matter < 04Molly > In truth, I had not believed any woman would go to a man's bed without being either his mistress or wife... * Molly sighs softly < 04Molly > I oft feel like sister or mother to that girl... < 08@Morgan > I despair of her, I really do < 04Molly > I hope that somehow, she finds happiness. I hope we all do < 08@Morgan > I'm sure she will, eventually * Molly smiles < 04Molly > I still rather like the idea of her marrying Captain Singhen < 08@Morgan > I think he may be a little... course, for her tastes < 08@Morgan > coarse* < 04Molly > Ah but who knows what truly lies in the hearts of men? He might beneath his steely plated breast be loving and temperate! < 08@Morgan > it wouldn't surprise me in the least, but his language and manner will not change miraculously over night... not unless he's a lord in disguise * Molly laughs and her eyes sparkle < 04Molly > Aye, then he would be a real danger to her heart! < 08@Morgan > quite < 04Molly > Though it would please me, I do know that the hearts of my friends are not mine to match as I see fit, though I wonder that I might make better choices than they would themselves < 08@Morgan > men must follow their own hearts, not the desires of those around them < 04Molly > Men's hearts are far harder to predict and influence than women's... < 08@Morgan > you think? < 04Molly > Oh most definately! A woman's affections and attentions are clear to see, a man's far less so < 08@Morgan > really? tell me then of Captain Tsaylurs affections... * Molly looks at the table, her shoulders falling slightly < 08@Morgan > not so easy as you say... < 04Molly > I do not understand her affections at all, for she has spoken little to me of them. < 08@Morgan > she's very,... complex < 08@Morgan > I think she is more wrapped in illusion and deception than I < 04Molly > Yes, the sort of woman whose mystique holds the attentions of men for many many years. The sort of woman that other women envy < 08@Morgan > I think she goes beyond plain mystique... * Molly nods < 04Molly > I for one would be very interested to know who she is, where she came from, how she got a ship, and how she has quite so much knowledge ab... * Molly trails off, going pink < 08@Morgan > indeed... she seems to find herself in posession of coded transcripts remarkably often for a simple ships captain < 04Molly > Now that _is_ something I did not know... < 08@Morgan > she was remarkably... unsurprised when I told her who I am * Molly 's face becomes quickly neutral < 04Molly > That is also news to me < 08@Morgan > what? < 04Molly > That she was unsurprised... I did not know that < 08@Morgan > she affected surprise, but as I've said before... a liar spots a liar * Molly nods < 04Molly > There has always been something about her I've found mildly unsettling... much as I like her, I have always wondered how much of her friendship with me has been cultivated because it suits her purpose, rather than from genuine affection < 08@Morgan > I've wondered that myself < 08@Morgan > though I see truth in her eyes when we speak < 04Molly > I don't believe her friendship with you is forced... < 08@Morgan > but it is not completely truthful, either < 04Molly > Tell me, if you will, how many friendships have you ever had that _were_ completely truthful? < 08@Morgan > very few, I suppose < 04Molly > Friendships aren't easy, and I can honestly say that you are the only friend I have that I have not lied to in a long time... < 08@Morgan > indeed... though, most of my lies are by omission < 04Molly > Mine also, but unfortunately, some people have failed to realise that I dislike being cornered upon subjects, and thus their insistance has result in my outright lie < 08@Morgan > some people will have to be dissuaded of such action before long, I fear < 04Molly > Or perhaps I need to toughen up a little? < 08@Morgan > perhaps... though, I wonder if some people require a little lesson in manners regardless < 04Molly > Most of my lies have been told to Evie... The Colonel's pushing has only ventured upon things I would not discuss a few times, and I am adept at subverting the flow where I must < 08@Morgan > Eiblinn can be a little bullheaded when she gets something in her mind < 04Molly > In truth, it has rarely been her fault, for often she has asked idle questions without thinking it could be awkward < 08@Morgan > she has little concept thast anything _could_ be awkward * Molly nods, cheeks flushed < 04Molly > I wonder though, how different things may have been had she not come to the house < 08@Morgan > oh? < 04Molly > Well, you and she would never have courted... * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > true enough < 04Molly > and then I might not have courted Lord Jaeger... < 08@Morgan > also true < 04Molly > and I would not have been marrying him, so I would not have the Rose, and we would not be sat in this wonderful little coffee shop in Carleon.. * Molly 10smiles softly * @Morgan sips his coffee < 04Molly > But I suppose you could argue what would happen if anything was changed... had I not come to the house that day, for example... * @Morgan nods < 04Molly > Or had Horatio never left... * Molly 's eyes become soft, thoughtful < 04Molly > I wonder what would happen were he to return... < 08@Morgan > he'd receive a sharp smack to the back of the head * Molly laughs < 04Molly > Would you not be pleased to see him? * @Morgan sighs < 08@Morgan > I dont know... he sent me to that island, and ran before I could return < 04Molly > I would hope he would at least return with an explanation and apology for all the hurt he caused... * Molly looks down at her cup < 08@Morgan > who knows... I expect he would be very sorry... he certainly seemed it when he told me of his breaking into the library < 04Molly > He is a good man... I wonder if he came back, whether he would have an interest in Evie... < 08@Morgan > I dont know... I think his overriding interest is in finding his daughter < 04Molly > It is possible that he has found her * Molly smiles broadly, having not thought of this before < 08@Morgan > possibly, I suppose < 04Molly > It would be nice for them to return to the estate, though it would mean giving up my idea of taking the schoolhouse * Molly frowns slightly < 08@Morgan > so many plans.... * Molly smiles < 04Molly > Me? * @Morgan nods, sipping his coffee * Molly 10laughs softly < 04Molly > I suppose you are right... I have so many options, but I do not know where my future lies, and what might happen to my heart that changes my mind! < 08@Morgan > as for the school house, I will speak to Lady Torrington on the matter < 04Molly > You think it better that you approach her rather than I? < 08@Morgan > well... perhaps... though, you're a lady in your own right now < 04Molly > I am pleased that you like the idea so well to end your weight to it though * Molly pulls her cloak closer around her, anticipating the chill of the outside < 04Molly > ((end = add*)) * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > I've seen your love of learning and can imagine how you'd love to share that with others < 04Molly > I could do such work in many other villages or towns if Lady Catherine is not amenable < 08@Morgan > you could, but I'd rather not have you so far away * Molly smiles cheekily < 04Molly > Then you had better hope you charm Lady Catherine as well as you charm me, dear heart! < 08@Morgan > in truth, I dont know if she will listen to me... I've lied to her many times < 04Molly > I think she would still value your opinion... Fear not, schoolhouse or none, I do not intend to be leaving you all * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > of that I'm glad * Molly smiles < 04Molly > Though you don't think it, you would all manage perfectly well without me < 08@Morgan > perhaps, but I do not _wish_ to < 04Molly > I promise, I shall stay close, as long as you wish for me to be so * Molly fiddles with the buttons on her cloak < 08@Morgan > make no promises to that effect, for I may hold you to it for a long while * Molly 10laughs softly < 04Molly > I can not imagine that you will want my closeness long enough for it to become a problem to me... < 08@Morgan > oh? < 08@Morgan > and how long do you anticipate that to be? * Molly 's eyes sparkle with mischief < 04Molly > how long do I anticipate that you would wish to have me for, or how long before it would become a problem? < 08@Morgan > either... both < 04Molly > I would quite imagine that you will have tired of me by the time you return from Eisen... and the latter would depend on whether I would still be free to one day be a mistress and bear children... * Molly looks at the table, feeling very out of her depth all of a sudden < 08@Morgan > you're wrong about me tiring of you < 04Molly > You believe so? < 08@Morgan > I do < 04Molly > I would say knowing that shall make me miss you less, but it would be a lie... I shall miss you desperately regardless < 08@Morgan > and I you * Molly blushes < 04Molly > I think we really ought to go, for the others will start to worry, or grow suspicious * @Morgan nods and finishes his coffee * Molly stands, shaking her skirt back to its fullness < 04Molly > Will the bill need settling? < 08@Morgan > I'll deal with it * Molly smiles < 04Molly > I would have no idea how much it ought to be... my grasp of money is still poor... why I even gave that strange man in the monestary a guilder to do my portrait! * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > it doesn't surprise me < 08@Morgan > if you'll excuse me, I'll settle the bill * @Morgan stands and walks to the counter, where he talks to the serving girl. Pressing coins into her hand, he walks to the door and holds it open for Molly * Molly goes through, taking something from her bag. It is thin, about 7 by 5 inches, and wrapped in pale blue tissue paper < 04Molly > Would you like to see it? < 08@Morgan > please * Molly hands it over * @Morgan looks it over < 08@Morgan > he's not bad < 08@Morgan > it does not compare to the real thing though < 04Molly > 4 It is done in pastels, and she wears the red dress, and it somehow captures her well, the sharpness of her mind visible in her eyes * Molly smiles at him < 04Molly > thank you, dear heart, I thought it rather good, and certainly an improvement < 08@Morgan > improvement? < 04Molly > upon real life... < 08@Morgan > no no no * Molly flushes < 04Molly > the problem with portraits is that so much is missed, there is no movement, no scent of perfume, no touch of skin... * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > indeed.... they miss what is the very essence of a person < 04Molly > a poor substitute... * Molly starts the walk towards the docks * @Morgan follows on * Molly drops her pace to ensure she walks beside him rather than in front < 04Molly > I...ummm... If you wish to, you can have the portrait... *her voice is quiet, unsure* < 08@Morgan > would you not rather keep it? < 04Molly > I have me all the time, I could easily have another done, or sit before my mirror, but I thought that perhaps it might cheer you a little whilst you are away... I'm sorry, it was a silly notion... < 08@Morgan > no, it was thoughtful and touching and I'd be very grateful to have it * Molly smiles broadly < 04Molly > You can take it now, or I can hold on to it until the day of your departure, it is your choice... < 08@Morgan > hold on to it, but dont let me forget it... < 04Molly > Oh you can be assured I will make a special effort to seek you out before you leave... * Molly smiles innocently, put her eyes are full of mischief < 08@Morgan > I should truly hope so < 04Molly > do you honestly think I could let you go without a proper good bye, dear heart? < 08@Morgan > perhaps * Molly slips her hand into his tentaively < 04Molly > Then you underestimate me... < 08@Morgan > perhaps < 04Molly > I think it will take me the better part of a day to remake every bed upon the Rose! I've never seen so many beds in my life * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > I've had a thought on something, but I'd like to get a better look at the Rose first * Molly smiles < 04Molly > Intriguing... < 04Molly > I wonder though, that it might have been more prudent for some of the two berth rooms to have double beds instead < 08@Morgan > most likely < 04Molly > it seems that single beds seem to be made for children, travellers and servants! * Molly laughs < 04Molly > My bed upon the Rose will be the first four poster bed I have slept in, and the fourth double bed I've slept in... It will take some getting used to * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > even in the house I had a double bed < 04Molly > I can't say I understand the appeal, it is far colder than a single bed < 08@Morgan > I suppose its an acquired taste < 08@Morgan > things couples do cannot be easily done in a single bed < 04Molly > I suppose if there is two of you, you'd have to sleep one on top of the other! * Molly goes red, having not quite realised what he'd said * @Morgan laughs < 04Molly > I...ummmm...yes, I can imagine that a bigger bed would be more practical... * Molly closes her eyes a moment, trying to clear her mind before looking up from the ground < 04Molly > I think I shall have a look in the stores and see if I can find extra blankets * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > probably wisew < 04Molly > I think it will look a little silly if I move to one of the guest rooms simply to have a smaller bed < 08@Morgan > indeed... you need to show your ownership and authority < 04Molly > Even if it does mean shivering all night! * Molly laughs < 08@Morgan > even if < 04Molly > It was a novelty, in bridgewater and avebury, to have such a huge bed to stretch out in... until then, I had never slept in anything but a single bed < 08@Morgan > I can imagine * Molly blushes, looking away quickly < 04Molly > Did you have a bed as nice as the one I have on the Rose while you grew up? < 08@Morgan > indeed... it was soft and warm... < 04Molly > As all the best th... beds are.... < 04Molly > I would have liked to grow up in such a life... < 08@Morgan > I dont know... it would not have made you who you are now < 04Molly > That is true... yes, I think I would rather be me, right now, than anyone else * Molly smiles < 08@Morgan > indeed * Molly squeezes his hand gently < 04Molly > Well, dear heart, I enjoyed our little trip in the city immensely, but now we are back on the docks, it is time to work... < 08@Morgan > indeed it is * Molly stops walking, and turns to him with a soft smile < 04Molly > unfortunately, we can no longer hold hands, for no doubt the others will be watching for us... < 08@Morgan > no doubt... < 08@Morgan > perhaps one day there will be no need for subterfuge * Molly looks surprised for a moment, before smiling. she doesn't let go < 04Molly > Aye... * Molly sighs softly, loosening her grip on his hand < 04Molly > Perhaps later this afternoon or this evening, there will be time to hold hands... We shall see < 08@Morgan > perhaps... * Molly squeezes his hand softly before letting go