**** BEGIN LOGGING AT Mon Mar 21 19:39:13 2022 Mar 21 19:39:13 * MollyK (~igloo@CrystabllesiPad.lan) has joined Mar 21 19:41:00 *the hours pass slowly, and he sees almost nothing of his wife. It's a far cry from riding the great south road at the end of August with the warm days and sneaking off to be intimate against a tree or beside a stream* Mar 21 19:41:25 * Morgan watches the treelike as he rides Mar 21 19:44:59 *everything looks peaceful. They stop briefly to swap around, Molly and Edward riding in the carriage with Varick, HH and Inga taking their horses. They pass in to the Grafdom of Gottkirchen, which is signposted. They are still several hours from Kiev. Claudia is riding quietly, HH and Inga are chatting an Mar 21 19:45:08 and flirting Mar 21 19:47:52 * Morgan rides ahead a little bit, scouting the road Mar 21 19:49:40 *the land around looks good, though not as fertile as Sudlachenburg. They pass several small villages along the way, and eat on the journey. HH and Inga swap back and Varick takes his nap. They're about two hours from Kiev when Molly rides up to him "are you well, my love?" Mar 21 19:50:30 * Morgan nods Mar 21 19:50:32 Aye love Mar 21 19:52:07 * MollyK smiles Mar 21 19:52:13 I am glad Mar 21 19:52:36 * MollyK looks around. It's a mix of farmland and light forest Mar 21 19:52:46 and you? Mar 21 19:52:55 * MollyK nods Mar 21 19:53:22 Well enough. Does it seem strange to be in this Grafdom now? Mar 21 19:58:59 * Morgan shrugs Mar 21 19:59:07 Not especially... I've travelled quite a bit Mar 21 20:00:16 I mean now that you know that within three years you will be Graf here Mar 21 20:00:42 _that_ is a bit... peculiar Mar 21 20:01:12 I suppose you have always had that in Sudlachenburg but without the time frame? Mar 21 20:04:34 * Morgan nods Mar 21 20:04:41 well... yes... Mar 21 20:05:34 * MollyK smiles Mar 21 20:05:51 This is special though, because it was earned? Mar 21 20:07:17 * Morgan nods Mar 21 20:07:27 I'm anticipating antagonism from Maubourg Mar 21 20:08:58 * MollyK nods Mar 21 20:09:14 It must be a disappointment to him Mar 21 20:09:27 * Morgan nods Mar 21 20:09:30 I would imagine so Mar 21 20:11:47 No man wants to leave him land with no son to take over, does he? Mar 21 20:12:04 No, I wouldn't think so Mar 21 20:14:01 * MollyK nods, smiling to herself Mar 21 20:15:04 Must we go to see him? Mar 21 20:15:56 I should at the very least Mar 21 20:16:11 You do not wish me to be with you? Mar 21 20:19:20 I didn't wish you to feel you have to be Mar 21 20:21:18 * MollyK has quit (Read error: EOF from client) Mar 21 20:23:28 * MollyK (~igloo@CrystabllesiPad.lan) has joined Mar 21 20:23:48 [20:14:48] MollyK: I like being with you Mar 21 20:26:24 * Morgan nods Mar 21 20:26:43 We'll send the others on while we visit Maubourg then... Mar 21 20:26:53 * MollyK smiles Mar 21 20:27:22 Alright, my love. We can easily find out own way to Hafenlohr Mar 21 20:27:29 Our* Mar 21 20:28:16 * Morgan nods Mar 21 20:30:20 *That is what they do some time later, leaving the others right by the turning for Maubourg's estate. Edward seems happy enough taken Claudia, HH, Inga and Varick five miles further south to the home of his friends. Molly watches them go. Mar 21 20:30:42 I am making progress with Edward, I think Mar 21 20:31:11 yes? Mar 21 20:31:37 Mmhmm. *she urges her horse east at the turning* Mar 21 20:33:42 you do not wish to elaborate on that? Mar 21 20:35:03 * MollyK fidgets in the saddle, getting comfortable "I think at the very root of it, your brother is scared." Mar 21 20:36:22 * Morgan frowns Mar 21 20:36:23 scared? Mar 21 20:37:00 Of not having any control over it all Mar 21 20:37:19 * Morgan nods slowly Mar 21 20:38:17 If he marries Alice, she and Florrie could not choose to reject his presence. If he leaves Mina, he does not have to face pleading with her, or having her turn him away. Mar 21 20:38:50 * Morgan nods slowly Mar 21 20:38:52 I see Mar 21 20:39:01 which he is convinced father will do Mar 21 20:39:12 * MollyK nods Mar 21 20:39:43 Your Father wields a great deal of power over Edward, for fear of his further disapproval Mar 21 20:39:55 * Morgan nods Mar 21 20:40:02 thats going to make things unpleasant for a while Mar 21 20:40:07 * MollyK nods Mar 21 20:41:49 Your Father could disown him, and if he does, it would bring shame on Mina. If Edward sets her aside, marries Alice and leaves Eisen anyway, he doesn't have to be publicly at odds with your father, nor face her Father trying to pull out Mar 21 20:42:25 * Morgan sighs Mar 21 20:42:43 I'm going to have to get a grip on them fast, aren't I Mar 21 20:43:38 Your Father, at the very least... Mina's Father signed a contract agreeing not to object to their betrothal... Mar 21 20:44:26 * Morgan nods Mar 21 20:45:03 It seemed a little mercenary at the time, but with hindsight I am glad we did it. Mar 21 20:47:36 * Morgan nods Mar 21 20:47:44 He got his pound of flesh for it Mar 21 20:50:16 * MollyK nods Mar 21 20:51:27 He certainly did. I have laid out for Edward the many reasons I think he should be with Mina, and not be with Alice. Now I am going to leave him to think on it for the evening, but be extra attentive to him without mentioning it Mar 21 20:52:05 * Morgan frowns Mar 21 20:52:12 So he keeps thinking about it? Mar 21 20:53:21 * MollyK nods Mar 21 20:54:27 He must not feel that I am pressuring him to do what I want. He must see that I act out of love, that I will support him no matter how he decides, and that I trust him. Mar 21 20:56:20 * Morgan nods briefly Mar 21 20:56:26 and the note you left for Alice? Mar 21 20:59:22 Asking her to think what she would advise Florrie to do if she were in this situation, and whether she wants to be married to a man who is always going to love the woman he had to call it off with, or whether she would prefer to be free to find love herself Mar 21 21:03:06 * Morgan nods slowly Mar 21 21:03:49 You do not approve? Mar 21 21:04:21 I don't know it'll work Mar 21 21:05:13 * MollyK nods Mar 21 21:05:29 I cannot make miracles, I am afraid Mar 21 21:05:36 Just the impossible Mar 21 21:05:38 * Morgan smiles slightly Mar 21 21:05:50 * MollyK shakes her head Mar 21 21:06:00 The improbable, on occassion Mar 21 21:07:44 You don't give yourself enough credit Mar 21 21:08:00 * MollyK smiles Mar 21 21:08:16 Perhaps you give me more than I deserve Mar 21 21:08:21 * Morgan shakes his head Mar 21 21:09:29 I cannot think of any more to say to Alice and Edward. I think perhaps it is time to pray on it! Mar 21 21:09:42 * Morgan nods Mar 21 21:11:58 Though perhaps there are things you wish to say to each of them? Mar 21 21:17:38 * Morgan sighs Mar 21 21:17:58 I've said everything I can think of... I don't wish them to feel forced... Mar 21 21:18:15 * MollyK nods Mar 21 21:19:04 It is like watching an out of control carriage. There is nothing you can do to stop it, and you know the consequences will be dreaful Mar 21 21:21:42 * Morgan nods Mar 21 21:21:51 Is this similar to your feelings watching my approaching practical marriage to Curtis? Mar 21 21:22:13 Not exactly Mar 21 21:22:59 But you must have foreseen that being a disaster, given his and my personalities? Mar 21 21:24:36 I was busy thinking he did not deserve you Mar 21 21:24:59 * MollyK smiles Mar 21 21:25:26 Does that mean you have finally accepted that you do, mon petit chou? Mar 21 21:27:07 Don't be daft Mar 21 21:28:02 * MollyK smiles Mar 21 21:28:05 You do though Mar 21 21:28:36 * Morgan shrugs Mar 21 21:28:38 maybe Mar 21 21:29:13 I will take it Mar 21 21:29:53 * Morgan smiles slightly Mar 21 21:29:55 its progress Mar 21 21:31:01 * MollyK nods Mar 21 21:31:20 Every little piece of progress is very important Mar 21 21:32:06 * Morgan nods Mar 21 21:36:32 * MollyK rides on, passing through to the guardhouse of Maubourg's home. The same two guards are on duty, one of which had been unable to stop looking at Molly's revealed legs as she rode astride. Today her modified skirt means nothing is revealed, and so the guard is staring at her chest instead Mar 21 21:38:47 * Morgan pulls up beside him, staring at him hard Mar 21 21:40:23 Other guard: I remember you, I think. Veisgraf Koertig, isn't it, my Lord? Mar 21 21:44:01 * Morgan nods Mar 21 21:44:11 happen to remember me taking issue with this one staring at my wife's legs? Mar 21 21:45:51 *he looks at the guard, then tells him to pack it in. The guard looks at his own boots instead* Mar 21 21:46:07 OG: I do, my Lord Mar 21 21:46:56 * Morgan looks over at the other guard Mar 21 21:47:15 Is the Graf in residence at the moment? Mar 21 21:49:05 OG: Yes, my Lord. Shall I escort you and Veigrafin Koertig to the house? Mar 21 21:52:03 We can find our own way Mar 21 21:52:45 * MollyK rides on. Both guards watch Morgan warily Mar 21 21:53:05 * Morgan looks at the lecherous guard Mar 21 21:53:20 I catch you doing that again, you're in for a world of pain Mar 21 21:54:14 LG: Yes, my Lord Mar 21 21:54:29 * Morgan nods slightly before riding on Mar 21 21:57:16 *Maubourg's other staff have more manners. Molly is paying far more attention to the house itself than before. What was sweltering and oppressively warm when they were here in July is now frigid and unpleasant in December. Still the house is dated and gloomy, only the size to recommend it. They are shown into the same drawing room to wait for Mar 21 21:57:16 Maubourg. Mar 21 21:57:54 * MollyK goes to stand near the barely effective fire Mar 21 21:58:22 * Morgan wanders around the edge of the room, looking at things Mar 21 21:58:58 *the things are all expensive but very tacky or dated. The servants seem to be managing the dust well Mar 21 21:59:18 I should imagine that guard will have a different career in a few years Mar 21 21:59:45 Assuming I don't butcher him on the way out Mar 21 22:00:23 You cannot butcher every man who stares at a woman's bosom Mar 21 22:00:45 No, but he's been warned once already... Mar 21 22:03:53 It wouldn't do well to start off our time here with an execution *she smiles* Mar 21 22:08:06 I was thinking on the way out... Mar 21 22:09:39 I meant the long term future Mar 21 22:12:21 I know Mar 21 22:14:18 * MollyK is now known as Maubourg Mar 21 22:15:49 * Maubourg follows in a servant who gives them coffee before retreating to wait by the doors. He bows to them. He doesn't like pleased about it "Your Excellencies" Mar 21 22:16:30 Graf Maubourg Mar 21 22:17:36 * Maubourg offers them seats. Molly sits gently on a chair, quietly watching him Mar 21 22:17:50 * Morgan takes another chair Mar 21 22:18:34 Edward said you might pay a call here Mar 21 22:20:51 * Morgan nods Mar 21 22:21:01 We thought it... appropriate Mar 21 22:21:45 The Grafin and my daughter are away from home Mar 21 22:22:44 oh? Somewhere nice? Mar 21 22:23:50 They are taking an extended absence until after prophets mass at the house of my sister in law. My daughter has gotten it into her head to fall in love. Mar 21 22:24:15 You disapprove Mar 21 22:24:44 * Maubourg nods, his thin, proud face making almost a sneer Mar 21 22:24:49 He is unsuitable. Mar 21 22:25:02 She has someone in mind? Mar 21 22:25:20 Yes, that is why she has been taken away Mar 21 22:25:43 * Morgan frowns Mar 21 22:25:45 who is it? Mar 21 22:25:56 A priest. Mar 21 22:26:11 She has fallen in love with a priest? Mar 21 22:26:16 *Molly blows on her coffee* Mar 21 22:26:32 An _objectionist_ priest! Mar 21 22:26:39 * Maubourg looks cross Mar 21 22:26:43 Ah, so thats where your objection lies Mar 21 22:27:45 And he is just a priest, not even a gentleman. He has an income of just one hundred guilders a year Mar 21 22:28:08 Hardly enough to support you in your dotage... Mar 21 22:29:14 * Maubourg waves a hand "His Grace has dealt with that. But it is not enough to keep _her_ in the manner she is accustomed to" Mar 21 22:29:47 Perhaps she will adjust... Mar 21 22:31:35 That is a pittance. *It isn't great, but it is around what Morgan was earning at Catherine's, and reasonably good for a priest.* Mar 21 22:33:27 Actually, thats a decent wage for a priest Mar 21 22:35:20 M: And of course I am sure you will be giving your daughter a good dowry, which will help. No doubt a learned young woman will be capable of economising... Mar 21 22:35:35 * Maubourg looks at her, then Morgan Mar 21 22:35:54 Your wife is very outspoken for so young a woman. Mar 21 22:37:50 Challenging, I suppose Mar 21 22:39:01 It is easy to talk of economies when one wasn't born into not having to economise. Mar 21 22:40:54 The problem is, Graf Maubourg, you know nothing about what you speak... we, on the other hand, do... Mar 21 22:41:33 M: *she tilts her head* If I have the time, I will be happy to help your daughter understand how to not squander money on unnecessary purchases and vanities. Indeed, I would count it as a religious duty to aid a priest and his wife... Mar 21 22:42:12 * Maubourg watches her, then looks to Morgan Mar 21 22:43:55 I have no intention of allowing my daughter to marry such a man. It is a stupid idea that only came up when she discovered she was no longer going to be necessary for the future of my Grafdom. Suddenly she thought she was free to do whatever she chooses Mar 21 22:44:38 How dare she wishes for happiness... Mar 21 22:45:03 I would not expect _you_ to understand Mar 21 22:45:12 meaning? Mar 21 22:46:15 Marrying according to wants not sense Mar 21 22:47:03 M: *she sets her cup down, saying nothing* Mar 21 22:48:42 * Morgan fixes his gaze on Maubourg, slowly sipping his coffee before pulling a face Mar 21 22:50:18 No, of course... I would not understand duty or anything like that... Mar 21 22:50:41 You have a reputation for acting otherwise Mar 21 22:51:40 Some people do cling onto that... Mar 21 22:52:50 M: You should give her your blessing, if she loves him she will only wed him once you're dead anyway. If you insist on continuing on in this manner that will be far sooner than any of us negotiated for. Mar 21 22:53:20 [Are you threatening him on my behalf?] Mar 21 22:54:00 [Perhaps... perhaps not] Mar 21 22:54:40 * Maubourg frowns, watching Morgan Mar 21 22:54:57 Do you tolerate this behaviour everywhere? Mar 21 22:56:40 * Morgan tilts his head Mar 21 22:57:35 You, and I just want to be _absolutely_ certain about it, are criticising how a _duchess_ speaks? Mar 21 22:58:06 * Maubourg grinds his teeth "no, your Excellency" Mar 21 22:59:54 M: With your previous health scare when we visited last, I would suggest you work to remain calm and at ease over this development. Mar 21 23:01:11 I cannot let her marry an objectionist priest. She was baptised Vaticine and should stay that way Mar 21 23:04:48 M: *she shrugs, picking up her coffee* Mar 21 23:05:23 So don't... she'll just pine for him and be with him once you're dead Mar 21 23:07:06 What is the reason for your visit? Mar 21 23:07:41 I thought we should discuss the smooth handover of Gottkirchen Mar 21 23:09:01 * Maubourg nods Mar 21 23:09:07 Proceed Mar 21 23:09:56 Despite our clear antagonism toward eachother... I do not wish for there to be any issues going forward Mar 21 23:11:14 Nor do I. I do not want the final legacy of the Maubourg Grafdom to be harm to the people. Mar 21 23:11:30 * Morgan nods Mar 21 23:11:46 How much do you know about my plans for the future? Mar 21 23:14:02 That you are going to make the official religion of the Grafdom Objectionist, but allow the people to worship as they wish, and to ensure the support given by the holy mother church is still provided Mar 21 23:15:42 not so much allow, but encourage them to worship as they wish... Support will not be withheld because of their faith. Mar 21 23:16:08 * Maubourg nods Mar 21 23:16:17 I can tolerate that. Mar 21 23:17:51 I want to make... to continue making Gottkirchen successful and stable. Mar 21 23:18:50 * Maubourg nods "I have done well to protect and repair the Grafdom throughout the War" Mar 21 23:19:49 It certainly stands in a better place than an awful lot of places. Mar 21 23:20:19 * Maubourg nods Mar 21 23:20:38 It would have been a fine Grafdom for a grandson to inherit Mar 21 23:25:10 * Morgan nods slightly, sipping his coffee again Mar 21 23:26:06 His Grace has an overseer put in place here. He is away in one of the towns today Mar 21 23:26:45 * Morgan nods Mar 21 23:26:55 How are you finding working with him? Mar 21 23:27:37 He is intelligent and experienced, and a fair man Mar 21 23:27:57 * Morgan nods Mar 21 23:27:59 good Mar 21 23:29:05 He will want to write to you. Are you travelling to Sudlachenburg in anticipation of your brother's wedding?" Mar 21 23:29:29 We are heading that way, aye Mar 21 23:30:26 I will have him send in a few days Mar 21 23:30:51 * Morgan nods Mar 21 23:31:09 Is there anything you want of me, now or when I assume the Grafdom? Mar 21 23:32:19 My wife and daughter are to keep the dower house. Mar 21 23:33:44 * Morgan nods Mar 21 23:33:51 They are also to retain their burial spots in the family graveyard Mar 21 23:33:57 * Morgan frowns Mar 21 23:34:07 of course. I would not take them from their family Mar 21 23:34:34 There are not many plots remaining. I assume you will be living here Mar 21 23:35:10 Kiev? Or this house? Mar 21 23:35:16 Both Mar 21 23:36:08 Kiev, most likely... We were considering finding somewhere ourselves... new start... Mar 21 23:38:32 M: You need not worry we will take spaces in the graveyard. Morgan and I will be buried at Die Dauerhaftigkeit with his late wife and daughter, where we belong. Mar 21 23:44:33 * Maubourg nods "When will a decision have been made about this house?" Mar 21 23:45:40 I'm not sure yet... Would you wish to remain here if we choose not to? Mar 21 23:47:00 Most likely we would, though the Grafin has expressed a desire to return to live nearer her sister Mar 21 23:47:13 Where is that? Mar 21 23:48:22 Heimrun, close to the Wische border Mar 21 23:48:32 * Morgan nods Mar 21 23:51:27 The people will like to know we are being treated well Mar 21 23:51:42 I'm sure Mar 21 23:53:21 Correspondence sent to you in Sudlachenburg will find you? Mar 21 23:55:43 Until we go searching for land, aye Mar 21 23:55:57 * Maubourg nods Mar 21 23:56:05 Very well Mar 21 23:59:20 *the coffee is consumed quite quickly, and Molly is the first to suggest they should press on and catch up the others*