*Th expected hour to prepare for dinner has passed, and it is now a quarter before seven. The may evening sunshine streams through the windows in the ante-room that is before the dining room. reinhardt stands watch by the door. The room, like most of those in the house exudes good taste and wealth.
* @Morgan walks around the room, looking carefully at the places that are set
< 04Molly > **none of them are marked, but it is laid for 7 people
* @Morgan finds the seat he would normally use and stands behind it
< 04Molly > **The oval table has had its extensions removed, and therefore there is no 'head' of the table. As he is stood there, Adalabrecht enters
< 04Molly > AD: *he inclines his head* You have completed your business?
< 08@Morgan > I have
< 04Molly > AD: *he goes to his chair, one away from Morgan* There is a meeting of the tenant farmers tomorrow. It will take all morning, but you will benefit from attending
* @Morgan nods
< 08@Morgan > yes sir
< 04Molly > I shall ensure your afternoon is free to spend as you wish
< 08@Morgan > thank you
< 04Molly > *reinhardt steps in, used to the expected formal dinner announcements* My Lords, Lady Koertig... *verity enters in pale green silk dress. She smiles at her husband and eldest son* Good evening, I trust you are well
< 04Molly > AD: *he goes to her, slipping his arm around her waist. It is a reserved gesture of affection, but it was these little intimacies that Morgan often saw as a child* I am well lady-wife *he looks to Morgan as he pulls out her chair, gently easing it in as she sits*
* @Morgan waits for his father to stop speaking before he begins
< 08@Morgan > I'm fine thank you mother
< 04Molly > VE: And your guests, dear boy, are they well?
< 08@Morgan > yes mother. I think they are a little awed by the house
< 04Molly > VE: *she smiles, looking at Morgan, then Adalbrecht* As was I, coming here as a bride to be
< 08@Morgan > I think even Lady Torrington would be a little impressed at it
< 04Molly > VE: I hope they enjoy their stay.
< 08@Morgan > I'm sure they will
< 04Molly > AD: *he looks to Morgan* Is this to be another short visit?
< 08@Morgan > to a point, yes... obviously there will be a honeymoon, then time spent to ensure the good running of the ship
< 04Molly > AD: *he looks suprised* You intend to wed here?
* @Morgan nods
< 08@Morgan > unless... you have an issue with that?
< 04Molly > AD *he shakes his head* I would like to see it done properly
* @Morgan nods
< 04Molly > VE: *she looks at Morgan* It would be nice to be involved in your wedding
* @Morgan nods
< 08@Morgan > I believe that Molly and Martha are hoping to spend some time with you to discuss it
< 04Molly > VE: *she smiles* I would be very glad to help
< 04Molly > AD: *he pours them drinks, and just as he is about to speak, he is interrupted*
< 04Molly > reinhardt: My Lords and Lady, Herr and Frau Forrester *they enter, the butler conducting them to their seats*
< 04Molly > *though they are not richly dressed, their formal wear is stylish and well cared for, bowing and curtseying to their hosts*
< 04Molly > *the usual pleasentaries are exchanged, assurances they they are well, the rooms are wonderful*
< 04Molly > AD: We were discussing the upcoming wedding, and its planning. *the forresters nod*
< 04Molly > * reinhardt opens the door, his entrance causing silence* My Lords and Ladies, the Lady Molly Forrester
* Molly enters the room, an air of collected calmness that she does not feel trailing her. She wears her brown and gold Eisen style dress, deep red hair is loose, curled tendrils tantilisingly caressing her bare shoulders and framing her face. she looks wonderful, happy. She smiles at them all, blue eyes lingering finally on Morgan, as if somehow seeking his approval
* @Morgan runs his gaze over her dress, smiling broadly
* Molly feels the world contract a little, aware only of his attention. She blushes a little
* @Morgan pulls out a chair for her
< 04Molly > **a look passes between both sets of parents, amused smiles at the young couple*
* Molly sits, careful of her skirts
< 04Molly > VE: It is nice to see Eisen fashion has finally spread to other parts of Theah
* Molly nods
< 04Molly > Yes, my Lady, it was a gift. Your son has good taste.
< 04Molly > AD: Now that we are almost all here, let us continue to discuss the wedding plans
< 04Molly > *david, martha and verity all nod, and a serving boy is sent for, getting wine for everyone*
< 04Molly > AD: Where do you intend to wed?
< 08@Morgan > I was thinking in the chapel here
< 04Molly > AD *he nods* That can be arranged with ease. It would be best to do it before harvest, we will all be at our best before we must consider the hay-making
< 04Molly > VE: The last saturday n august, perhaps?
* Molly looks briefly to Morgan, waiting for his reaction
< 08@Morgan > I was hoping for sooner
< 04Molly > AD: When?
< 08@Morgan > Four weeks
< 04Molly > AD: Four weeks?! Have you taken leave of your senses?! No-one could arrange such a large wedding in such a time! *he looks thoughtul* Is there a reason for such haste?
* @Morgan looks at adalbrecht thoughtfully
* Molly blushes, and wills her parents not to react, shooting them a warning look with a slight shake of her head
< 08@Morgan > speak your mind. There is no room for misunderstanding here
< 04Molly > *Davids hand tightens on the bck of the mahogany chair his wife s sat on, knuckles pale, trying to remain calm*
< 04Molly > AD: such hasty marriages are usually made to ensure the legitimacy of an already conceived heir *he looks completely unashamed, no apologies for his opinions*
< 04Molly > *Martha lays a gentle, steadying hand on her husbands arm as his grip on the wood tightens*
* Molly bites her lip, holding back her reaction
< 08@Morgan > I see...
< 04Molly > AD: Is there something we ought to be aware of?
< 08@Morgan > Aside from a slow degeneration of a mans honour in this country?
< 04Molly > AD: *he looks at his son intently* Meaning?
< 08@Morgan > meaning you dishonour and disrespect me and my betrothed by your implications.
< 04Molly > *he continues to watch, not breaking the eye contact, voice becoming lower* I ask the reason for your haste, given that this union comes out of the blue. Until you present me an answer, what else am I to think?
< 08@Morgan > perhaps you should believe better of your son... or has the infleunce of the other brought your faith in your offspring aground
< 04Molly > VE: *she looks at both men, clearly distressed* Please, this is not a fit conversation, and I am sure neither of you wish to pain us more than you have.
< 04Molly > AD: *he lays a hand on her shoulder* Come now, lady-wife, do not be hurt. I have obviously jumped to the wrong conclusion, and I apologise for making such an assumption about the virtues of our son, or Lady Forrester... *he looks to Morgan for his reaction*
* @Morgan holds his eyes a moment longer, before looking to his mother
< 08@Morgan > I am sorry mother
< 04Molly > VE: *she smiles softly, and takes a hand of each of them in hers* Perhaps, dear boy, you would tell us why you wish to wed so soon?
< 08@Morgan > I have spent too long alone... I do not wish to spend a moment longer than is necessary in that state
< 04Molly > VE: *she nods* That is understandable, is it not?
< 04Molly > AD: *he nods, looking at Morgan* Yes. The last saturday in June?
* @Morgan nods
< 04Molly > AD: Then we must begin to dispatch invitations on the morrow, many will have a long way to travel
* Molly looks around, breathing once more now that the worst of their tempers seem to have passed. Her parents remain quiet, watchful, close together. She feels for them, so out of their depth in this house, in a situation where they have to behave appropritely. She then looks to Morgan with a gentle smile*
< 04Molly > AD: *he looks back to Morgan* What other plans have you made?
< 08@Morgan > none so far... a new dress must be made since our... incident
< 04Molly > AD: Incident?
< 08@Morgan > I did tell you.
< 04Molly > AD: I do not recall anything about a dress
< 08@Morgan > no... the conversation was diverted. The trunk containing the wedding items was stolen
< 04Molly > VE: Oh no, how awful! *she looks to Molly* Four weeks will be enough time to make a new dress, do not worry
* Molly nods
< 04Molly > AD: It is irretrievable?
< 08@Morgan > I could not follow the trail... alternates had already been laid
< 04Molly > AD: *he shakes his head in disgust*
< 04Molly > *reinhardt opens the door* My Lords and Ladies, the Baroness Eldreich *alarice enters, slightly flustered in pale blue, blonde hair shining* sorry uncle Addie, Varick would not settle, and then- *she stops, spotting the others. She curtsies casting a long glance over the three visitors*.*
< 04Molly > AD: Morgan, make the introductions please. *he goes over, speaking to the butler*
Session Time: Sun Oct 11 00:00:00 2009
< 08@Morgan > Baroness Alarice Eldreich, I present Lady Molly Forrester and Herr and Frau Forrester, Lady Forresters parents
< 04Molly > **all parties make their bows and curtsies**
< 04Molly > AL: *noting Molly's title as highest, she addresses her. She turns that charming smile on them, though they do not seem to notice the slight fakeness he did* I am pleased to meet you. I am Lord Koertig's niece... *she looks to Morgan, smile broadening* and Morgan's cousin. Lady Forrester and her parent's are your guests? *she goes to her seat next to adalbrecht, who pulls out her chair, seating her. Now the party s complete, the men sit also*
< 04Molly > the men sit also*
< 08@Morgan > indeed they are
< 04Molly >  AL: *she nods as her glass is filled* Will you be staying in Sudlachenburg long, Lady Forrester?
* Molly looks to Morgan, wondering if this is the cousin they wanted him to marry
< 04Molly > We shall be staying in Eisen until the end of august, if things go to plan
< 04Molly > AL: Is this a social visit, or a business one? *she watches Molly and her parents closely in the hope of establishing who they are, and why they are there. That strange manipultov charm remins*
< 04Molly > /me looks awkwardly at
* Molly looks awkwardly at Morgan
* @Morgan sips his wine
* Molly looks at her own glass
< 04Molly > a little of both.
< 04Molly > AL: *she nods. The first course is served* I came to escape some enthusiastic suitors!
* Molly laughs
< 04Molly > Many would count themselves lucky to have suitors at all, let alone ethusiastic ones
< 04Molly > AL: *she looks to Morgan, gaze lingering* It is all about having the right suitor...
* @Morgan nods, sipping his wine
< 08@Morgan > indeed.
< 04Molly > AD: *he coughs a little* Herr Forrester, do you like to hunt?
< 04Molly > David *he nods* I have joined the hunt on occasion, it was very enjoyable
< 04Molly > **they begin to discuss the idea of hunting whilst they are staying in Sudlachenburg. Molly, alarice, verity and martha discuss fashion and the balls they have been to, the usual feminine gossip as the first and second courses pass. The plum pudding arrives*
< 04Molly > Alarice: have you considered a business in dress making, Lady Forrester? *she looks at Molly before letting her gaze wander to Morgan*
* Molly looks uncomfortable
< 04Molly > No, Baroness, though a dear friend has opened and emporium in Carleon, she made all my underclothes for the wedding but-
* @Morgan places his spoon down quietly and gently, looking at Alarice
* Molly goes very pale, realising her error. adalbrecht and david do not notice
< 04Molly > *verity and martha watch quietly*
< 04Molly > AL: You are betrothed, Lady Forrester?
* Molly looks quickly to Morgan, and then nods to Alarice
< 04Molly > AL: Congratulations. Is your bethrothed also Avalonian?
* Molly fidgets with her glass
< 04Molly > Half Avalonian, yes
< 04Molly > *adalbrecht and davids conversationfades, thier attention on the others*
< 04Molly > AL *smiles* when are you to wed?
< 04Molly > AD: They have decided upon the end of june, Alarice, so I have much work to do! *he laughs*
< 04Molly > AL: *her smile falters briefly before being resumed, but her eyes become more icy. She looks to Morgan* This is a great suprise, cousin, congratulations
* @Morgan holds her gaze calmly
< 08@Morgan > thank you
< 04Molly > AL: *she is quiet for a moment, studying his face intently. She appears to come to a conclusion, and then smiles sweetly at him* I hope I shall be invited this time!
* @Morgan nods
< 08@Morgan > I would imagine so... a shame your sister is away
< 04Molly > *a quick look passes between Molly and Martha*
< 04Molly > AL: Yes, Jarvie always enjoys a good wedding. It is a shame Edward is also missing
< 08@Morgan > I expect he's having far too much fun to be too concerned
< 04Molly > *Adalbrecht draws martha, david and verity in to a conversation regading the history of die dauerhaltigkeit, and Molly's attention becomes torn between the two
< 04Molly > AL: You were always the more sensible, reliable brother... *she smiles at him, eyes not so cool this time*
< 08@Morgan > ;er
< 08@Morgan > you think?
< 04Molly > AL: You were always my favourite...
< 08@Morgan > an interesting way of showing it, cousin...
* Molly starts to discuss the house with the others
< 04Molly > AL: what makes you speak so harshly of me? *she slowly sips her wine, eyes not leaving his*
< 08@Morgan > I belive throwing wooden toys at me was... while it mayy be normal to those of the female persuasion, I cant say I enjoyed dodging woodenware all that much
< 04Molly > AL: *she laughs* an expression of affection, of course
< 08@Morgan > no doubt
< 04Molly > VE: Oh yes, Lady Forrester, in the west wing there are many paintings of Morgan as a child. Pehaps tomorrow whilst the gentlemen are in the village, I might show you them?
* @Morgan lowers his voice and leans in towards Alarice
< 08@Morgan > and so the humiliation begins
* Molly nods, and looks at Morgan with her usual sweet guileless affection
< 04Molly > It is only fair, liebes herz
< 04Molly > AL: *she laughs* You have seen many paintings of Lady Forrester to compensate?
< 08@Morgan > not yet...
* Molly drops her eyes
< 04Molly > There is but one portrait of me, we... we did not have any done when I was a child.
* Molly feels her cheeks flush by the unwelcome reminder of not belonging to their world, and knows her parents must feel it also
< 04Molly > AL: *she looks at Molly, then her parents, as if appraising them* Oh, I see
* Molly smiles at Morgan, trying to overcome her awkwardness
< 04Molly > I hope that will not be the case from now on
< 08@Morgan > I shouldn't think so... the artists here can be quite... prolific at times.
* Molly nods
< 04Molly > AD: Perhaps we shall take port and cigars, and leave the ladies to their gossip?
* @Morgan looks to Molly
* Molly looks back with a gentle smile and a nod. She rises, as do the other women.
< 04Molly > VE: It has been a long day for our guests, perhaps the evenings entertainment would be better tomorrow? *adalbrecht nods in response as the ladies go towardsthe door*
* Molly allows her gaze to linger on morgan, back to the others. her voice is quiet
< 04Molly > Will you come to me in the morning? ((he has duties with adalbrecht))
< 08@Morgan > I cannot... I have duties I must attend to
* Molly smiles reassuringly
< 04Molly > perhaps another time
< 08@Morgan > I'm sorry blossom
* Molly shakes her head
< 04Molly > you must not be... I know you will seek me out when you can
* @Morgan nods
* Molly smiles, and whispers
< 04Molly > I shall dream of you, liebling
< 08@Morgan > and I of you
* Molly grins, and goes to her mother, following the women out in to the corridor.
< 04Molly > **port and cigars provide a background for simple, masculine talk.