< 04Molly > * Molly laughs < 04Molly > I have to wonder quite what Lord Jaeger would make of her suggestion < 08@Morgan > no doubt he would be distraught beyond measure... until the next time < 08@Morgan > then his upset would find even higher heights < 04Molly > I must confess, I have had suspicions that once she knew the standing you truly have, she would attemp to win your attentions * Molly sips her wine with a soft smile * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > it doesn't particularly surprise me, I'll admit * Molly bites her lip < 04Molly > she is an avalon woman of good birth, it makes sense that she attempts to win the heart of a noble gentleman * @Morgan sniffs < 08@Morgan > tough < 04Molly > I am surprised she has not set her hat at the Colonel... he has in the past made it known that he will retire from the company and seek a companion for the future < 08@Morgan > she seems very protective of him, strangely enough < 04Molly > but she does not seem to try to allure him... it puzzles me < 08@Morgan > confuses the hell out of me * Molly smiles playfully < 04Molly > Perhaps because she has found someone who appeals to her more? * @Morgan shrugs < 08@Morgan > I wouldn't know < 04Molly > I can see how that is possible... I think she is wise to not try to win the Lieutenant. After my time with him earlier, I havent learnt enough to know that he is not likely to take a wife < 08@Morgan > time with him? < 04Molly > After the Colonel left, I went up on deck, where I bumped into him. As I only had one glass of brandy with me, w returned to my study to find another < 08@Morgan > I see * Molly smiles < 04Molly > It allowed me to discover that Evie setting her hat at him would do no good < 08@Morgan > even if he were looking for a wife, she is nowhere near ladylike enough to tempt him < 04Molly > I doubt any woman would be ladylike or beautiful enough to break his resolve < 08@Morgan > I think he's... easily amused * Molly nods, sipping her wine < 04Molly > And there is always a risk that a girl like Evie would misinterpret these easy affections with love < 08@Morgan > again... * Molly looks away < 04Molly > yes. Better that I advise her to set her hat at the Colonel, or Captain Helbrecht instead.... or possibly Lord Torrington, though I doubt he has an interest in her < 08@Morgan > I think... the Colonel would be unwise... and Lord Torrington... I will not allow her to try * Molly looks intrigued < 04Molly > Because...? < 08@Morgan > because it his not _his_ reputation that could be damaged * Molly looks at him a moment < 04Molly > And before I was given my title, would you have intervened had I set my hat at him? * @Morgan looks pained < 08@Morgan > yes < 08@Morgan > Though... your standing before your title was not "Mace wielding common girl" < 08@Morgan > with little or no manners < 04Molly > My standing was only a little better. Still, it is your job to protect Lady Catherine o he best of your ability, be it her person or reputation. Though I would have been upset, I would have understood < 08@Morgan > the main issue, to my mind... is that even with us standing behind her, Eiblinn cannot keep herself from insulting the gentry and being aggressive and uncouth... < 08@Morgan > I would not have had that worry were you to... woo his lordship * Molly smiles softly < 04Molly > I do not believe I would have been succesful even if I had tried < 08@Morgan > oh I dont know... though, from what I've observed, he was rather interested in Lady Sophia < 04Molly > Oh definately... I have to wonder what happened to his affections for her < 08@Morgan > sense, perhaps < 04Molly > Had things been different, I might have been thrilled by his new found attentiveness to me * Molly sips her wine, blushing slightly < 08@Morgan > quite possibly * Molly looks thoughtful < 04Molly > Perhaps... perhaps Lady Rebecca might be inclined to chase him next? < 08@Morgan > depends how long it takes her to get the message from me, I suppose * Molly frowns a little < 04Molly > It could be a good while... * @Morgan shrugs < 08@Morgan > I dont know... perhaps she'll have figured it out before we sail for freiburg * Molly smiles < 04Molly > Perhaps... though I fail to see how it is so dificult to understand, that you do not _want_ to be with anyone. This was a logical conclusion to my mind as soon as I knew of your loss * @Morgan takes a drink < 04Molly > Perhaps I think differently to many women. No doubt these women will assume that I shall be looking to marry the Colonel now that I am no longer marrying Lord Jaeger! * Molly laughs softly < 08@Morgan > perhaps... < 04Molly > I think Evie still believes I shall marry some day. She mentioned the idea of visiting me and our children playing together in a few years from now < 08@Morgan > I dont think she has enough of a survival instinct for that, if I'm honest < 04Molly > I believe she needs to battle her demons before she can move on * Molly sips her wine * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > probably right < 04Molly > She ought to lower her sights I think, for winning the heart of a noble man will always be a challenge, to any girl born common, and I am unsure that she will ever temper her personality enough to ddo so < 08@Morgan > I rather suspect she'll not be able to... she seems to think she has the right to treat those of 'higher' birth as equals... * Molly smiles < 04Molly > I would not change my heritage... Though it puts me at a distinct disadvantage, there are many things about being born common that are positives. < 08@Morgan > not having rediculous expectations made of you? * Molly shakes her head < 04Molly > The people, the community spirit... The way people are in Lower Tawstock within their social group is lovely. There were many very enjoyable parties I went to when younger in the local barns after the harvest * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > I suppose I've an unrealistic view of what being gentry is in that respect < 04Molly > Do you? < 08@Morgan > indeed.... I was always involved with the harvests... < 08@Morgan > in fact, the main reason I ever met Dietlinde was because the maid that normally took the dress to the seamstress fell ill * @Morgan looks thoughtful < 08@Morgan > my brother said she'd eaten some of the pumpernickel bread... * Molly looks confused < 04Molly > I do not think I've ever heard of that < 08@Morgan > what? < 04Molly > pumpernickel bread < 08@Morgan > its not actually very nice.... its... < 08@Morgan > its an offering to the Schattenman that we make at the shadow fair * Molly shudders in rememberance < 04Molly > I can see how that would be an unwise thing to do < 04Molly > So, dear heart, how does a veissgraf become involved with harvesting? < 08@Morgan > always a fair shortage of men in the village... with hindsight, its easy to see it was the war... < 04Molly > I would imagine you enjoyed such work < 08@Morgan > Indeed... backbreaking though it was * Molly smiles < 04Molly > Often we were short handed on the farm, and between 13 and 17 I often had to help in the fields... No-one drinks or dances so eagerly as after such work * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > I must admit I found that, myself... though, the same is said of pretty much any day in avebury * Molly grins < 04Molly > I think I could live there quite happily < 08@Morgan > indeed... I suspect had I not felt so guilty, I could have < 04Molly > Lower Tawstock is not so different, not when you are part of that world * Molly sips her wine, eyes thoughtful < 08@Morgan > the people in Tawstock all see me a particular way... I'm afraid I could never be part of that life there * Molly nods < 04Molly > I have an awful feeling that will be the case for me... Enough has been said about me that i will not be fogotten quickly < 08@Morgan > aye, and if I ever meet the men that said it alone, there will be... issues * Molly smiles softly < 04Molly > I would no have you risk for health or reputation on my account * @Morgan smiles < 08@Morgan > reputation... my reputation is that of a foul tempered brute... my health is at little or no risk with them < 04Molly > I doubt I will be able to persuade you otherwise... Unfortunately, scandal seems to stick in small villages < 08@Morgan > thats ok... object lessons do, also < 04Molly > Funnily though, some scandal is allowed... You would be surprised how many hasty marriages are made two or three months afte the harvest parties < 08@Morgan > thats because... farmers cant count backwards * Molly shakes her head < 04Molly > Oh no, they realise... many of these marriages are made by the persuasion of a father's rifle or pitchfork! < 08@Morgan > yes, that'd probably persuade them < 04Molly > As I said, no-one drinks or dances quite so intensely aas at those parties... Most of the girls were allowed to go unsupervised, though I always had James watching over me. * Molly pouts slightly < 08@Morgan > I'd never actually danced quite as... well, in the same manner until I stayed at Avebury... < 04Molly > Me either, though I often saw the older girls doing so at those parties. James refused to let me dance so, though I always wanted to * Molly sips her wine, eyes thoughtful < 08@Morgan > slightly more energetic than I'm really inclined to be, realistically < 04Molly > I enjoy it immensely, though I can certainly understand why I was not allowed to do it at an erlier age < 08@Morgan > there is a level of intamacy involved that isn't always appropriate * Molly smiles, eyes sparkling < 04Molly > Oh most definately! I think they were afraid I would be swept away by it and my father would have to find his pitchfork * Molly laughs < 08@Morgan > and how different things would have been... * Molly nods < 04Molly > I would have been a farmer's wife, with many little ones no doubt... I might have loved who ever it was I married, I remember greatly like a few of the village boys at the time < 08@Morgan > perhaps that would have been the better option for you < 04Molly > In all honesty, I do not know... In temperament, I am suited to the quiet life, to raising a family. But the uncertainty of farming life does not appeal to me. Far better that I can work the Rose, and build myself enough fortune to live quietly with enough savings behind me to negate such relianace upon crops * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > I can understand tghat * Molly smiles < 04Molly > It is my plan, long term... As to where I will live, I could not say < 08@Morgan > a difficult choice... your options are fairly limitless < 04Molly > I should imagine, were I to request it, Lord Elementay would allow me to live in his lands, though I think perhaps it would be too far away < 08@Morgan > I think I would be pained were you so far away * Molly smiles softly < 04Molly > Dear heart, I think by the time I have built enough fortune to retire to my quiet life, you would no longer give me much thought at all < 08@Morgan > I think you're wrong < 04Molly > It will be many years from now < 08@Morgan > perhaps... you may find the Rose runs rampant on the oceans of Theah, turning a massive profit in short order < 04Molly > Possibly... Of course, were it a quick profit I searched for, I could sell her * @Morgan scratches his head < 08@Morgan > I could probably name several that would buy her < 04Molly > But then I would lose the opportunity to travel... And visiting you in Sudlachenburg would be almost impossible * Molly sips her wine, not meeting his eyes < 08@Morgan > if I return... * Molly turns to him, eyes intense < 04Molly > You will... you must. < 08@Morgan > must? * Molly drops her eyes, biting her lip < 04Molly > I am sorry, I spoke out of turn < 08@Morgan > no... you didn't < 08@Morgan > but I would have you explain your meaning < 04Molly > I...I would be greatly pained were you not to return, for I would sorely miss our friendship < 08@Morgan > I meant to Eisen * Molly goes bright red < 04Molly > Oh... I see... ummm... < 08@Morgan > however... your vehement expression of your desire for my return... will help when it comes time to leave Eisen to return to the estate * Molly looks at the glass in her hand intently, voice quiet < 04Molly > I am glad my awkwardness will be of some good * @Morgan takes a drink < 04Molly > As for returning to Eisen, is it not the only option, as the first born son? < 08@Morgan > assuming they still consider me their son... I could step aside and allow Edward to take my place * Molly looks up at him < 04Molly > Could you do such a thing? < 08@Morgan > I dont know... its an option * Molly looks thoughtful, allowing a pause in the conversation as she thinks < 04Molly > What would you do wih your future instead? < 08@Morgan > I haven't considered it < 04Molly > It might be wise to see how things stand when you arrive at your parent's house... Is it as big as Lady Catherine's estate? < 08@Morgan > no, though not far off it < 04Molly > I am sure it is very beautiful. The paintings I have seen in books on buildings show Eisen artchitecture to be stunning < 08@Morgan > its certainly... imposing, I'll give it that < 04Molly > I... ummm... had a thought, regarding the potential tour of Eisen... * Molly sips her wine, lookingout of the window < 08@Morgan > oh? < 04Molly > I would imagine many chaperones to be hired upon arrival in the country of destination, and then left behind once one returns home < 08@Morgan > indeed < 04Molly > It is quite possible that no-one would ever meet them, that they would simply be in stories told upon returning < 08@Morgan > your point being? < 04Molly > That providing it was widely known that there had been a chaperone, it would not matter whether or not there truly was. < 08@Morgan > true enough * Molly watches him, trying to read his reaction, biting the left side of her lip < 04Molly > Do you think that unwise? < 08@Morgan > tell me blossom... is this an observation or an idea? < 04Molly > It was an observation that led me to wonder whether it could be a solution < 08@Morgan > solution to what? < 04Molly > To the problem of me being able to go on a tour with you of Eisen without people thinking I was your mistress * Molly sips her wine < 08@Morgan > would it trouble you so much? < 04Molly > Only in so much as how it ight affect you < 08@Morgan > Do not let it bother you < 04Molly > Easier said than done, dear heart. I worry that it would hinder your healing < 08@Morgan > my... healing, as you put it... is mostly going to be achieved by a certain something that will not likely be affected very much by other things * Molly looks utterly confused < 04Molly > I confess, I do not understand, but I will not ask you to explain further < 08@Morgan > if you wish to know... ask * Molly speaks softly, quietly < 04Molly > What is it you think will help? < 08@Morgan > I am well aware of the fact that the biggest stumbling block in my healing... is forgiving myself. * Molly nods < 08@Morgan > if thats ever going to happen, time is the only thing that will allow it... < 04Molly > And the thoughts and assumptions of others will not make this forgiveness less likely. < 08@Morgan > the thoughts and assumptions of others, as you may have noticed, do not mean much to me < 08@Morgan > well... the thoughts and assumptions of most, anyway < 04Molly > Any thoughts and assumptions they may make for themselves regarding me being your mistress will have no negative effect upon my reputation either... Whose thoughts and assumptions are you concerned by? < 08@Morgan > yours... Lady Torringtons... < 04Molly > My thoughts and assumpions on this matter would be no trouble... Lady Catherine may warrant the notion of us having hired a chaperone... < 08@Morgan > true enough < 04Molly > It might be a wise move, if you still wish to take the journey? * @Morgan nods * Molly smiles broadly < 04Molly > Then it remains to discover if you can find the time to do so, for I shall make the time and utilise the Rose accordingly < 08@Morgan > I think that also depends on Lady Torrington, largely < 04Molly > I doubt she will deny you, especially if it is after Evie's return from Innismore * Molly frowns slightly < 08@Morgan > aye, most likely * Molly smiles < 04Molly > It will take a few weeks to see, will it not? < 08@Morgan > its a ways off yet... depends how long Eiblinn is away < 04Molly > Will you hire to replace her, if she does not return? < 08@Morgan > perhaps... though Eiblinn has caused more issues than she has solved < 04Molly > I doubt that is through being a body guard so much as being a common girl in a noble world * Molly smiles < 08@Morgan > perhaps < 04Molly > I think it does well for there to be others responsible for Lady catherine's welfare also, for i is a dangerous job < 08@Morgan > it certainly has its moments < 04Molly > Hopefully the problems will not recur, and you will be in harm's way a little less * Molly bites her lip < 08@Morgan > we can only wait and see * Molly nods < 04Molly > So, your conversation with the Colonel did not go well? < 08@Morgan > not particularly, no < 04Molly > In truth, I did not expect it to