Lovely to meet you. (Daniel, Lane, Tessa) « Thread Started on May 25, 2008, 6:13pm »
Who: Daniel, Lane, Tessa
What: Daniel meets Tessa, a lovely young Frenchwoman, who is having a bit of a situation with her household butler. The two hit it off and go get coffee, briefly.
***
The afternoon is young, and the sun is shining cheerily on the shoppers below. A perfectly enchanting day. Lane, however, is not happy in the least, despite the weather. He is haggling with a merchant and has been doing so for the past twenty minutes. The seller absolutely refuses to be reasonable, and the butler is starting to become quite frustrated. He /knows/ he is being overcharged. "Sir, forgive me, but please check your calculations again. I am quite certain that you have added at least one sovereign to my total." The man's tone is barely controlled, and his daemon growls quietly with teeth bared. He just wants to take his bags of groceries and go home, but not before this merchant fixes his mistake. However, the merchant seems unimpressed and simply shakes his head. Lane is unsure how much more of this he can take.
Tessa is enjoying a far more frivolous afternoon, also shopping, but of the much more enjoyable sort. A couple of discreet bags from high end shops swing from her fingers as she makes her way along the street, her magpie daemon scouting ahead before coming back to settle on her shoulder. He murmurs something to her and she alters course a little, heading for a stand displaying delicate figurines, coincidentally near to the shop where Lane haggles, though she hasn't yet noticed her butler. She picks up a glass ballerina, discussing it with Phrixus in her native French.
The fellow known as Daniel can be found trying to open a folded map with one hand, his monkey daemon sitting on his shoulder with her tail curved protectively around his neck. He has a white bowler hat on his head to keep the sun from his eyes, and a leather briefcase that he keeps a firm hand on, no matter how hard it is to do things single-handedly. He has happened to stop just a few feet from Tessa's windowshopping, and on hearing French, makes a course for her. << Pardon moi, madamoiselle, >> he asks in perfect French with a Parisian accent, << do you know the way to the museum? >> The situation with the haggling cannot have been noticed by him, although his daemon has raised her amber eyes and seems to be watching the situation while all his attention is on the pretty lady.
At yet another refusal, Lane explodes, "/Listen/, you-!" He splutters momentarily, trying to keep his word choice civil. There are ladies perusing the stores afterall. "Just take a look at my purchases! They don't match the total! Can't you see that?" Tacita's growl increases in volume and duration, her ears pinning back. The butler is not a violent man and he is running out of options. He's tried being nice and if he doesn't get some sort of positive reaction from the other man, he doesn't know what he'll do. The merchant continues to look unmoved by Lane's display. The servant is too focused on obtaining his groceries for a fair price to notice his employer nearby, or the man that has approached her.
Tessa's face positively lights up at the sound of hearing such a civilized language, even in London. Setting down the ballerina, she turns to look at the gentleman with a smile, though it falters slightly as she pauses to actually consider the question. "Ah, hm, peut-etre," she replies, her brow furrowing as she touches a finger to her chin to think, looking around at the various options and trying to reorient herself. <<I think that it is perhaps that way.>> She points at least in the right general sort of direction. <<I'm new to to London myself, I'm sorry.>> She seems about to perhaps add something more, when the disturbance at the nearby shop at least causes her to look over with a frown, though she doesn't really look closely enough to pick out what's going on there, or who is involved.
Daniel's eyebrows shoot up, and he tucks the map away into a back trouser pocket, then shifts his briefcase to his left hand so that he might be able to offer her a hand. << No matter, lovely to meet you. J'appelle Daniel d'Arsinoe, Comte de Rocambole, et voici Circe. Et tu? What brings such a lovely lass to exile on this island? >> Circe does flick her tail against the collar of his blazer, and then, in a broad German, // You should perhaps, pay attention to the situation two stalls down, Daniel. // Certainly she is.
Lane sighs with exasperation. "Mrs.Lamport is not going to be pleased, Tass." Which is worse, causing a scene or overpaying a gouging vendor? At first he thought it was a simple error but now he is convinced that the merchant is deliberately trying to take his money. Paying him such fees will only encourage the practice. The butler quite likes his wares, but this is /ridiculous/. The canine daemon's lip is still curled in a snarl. Sighing again, the man runs his hand through his hair. "Fine. Take your sovereign, then. Good day, sir." Disgusted, he throws down the amount owed and storms out of the stall with his purchases, a couple bags worth. The vendor's smug smile is etched in his mind, quickening his step. After a few agitated strides, he realizes that Mrs.Lamport is only a little ways in front of him; the sight of the magpie of her shoulder confirms that it is she. Paling, he hopes that she did not overhear his exchange a moment ago.
<<C'est un plaisir.>> Tessa replies, as she pulls part of her attention back from the disturbance to offer a charming smile and her hand. <<Mrs. Contessa de la Mater Lamport, et il est Phrixus.>> The daemon in question is keeping an eye on things at the other store still, and as Lane emerges, Phrixus leans down to murmur something quietly in Tessa's ear. <<I am here because of my husband, his business,>> she's in the middle of explaining when she gets the message and looks over with some surprise. <<Excusez-moi,>> she bids apologetically to Daniel, before turning to call out to her butler: "Monsieur Lane, qu'est-ce que c'est? Est-ce que... Is everything all right?" she asks with a mix of concern and embarrassment, particularly in front of the current company.
Daniel does his best to charm, and takes her hand to kiss it briefly, with a little sweep, even after she tells him he's married. Once she pulls away to speak to the fellow making the scene, he turns his eyes onto his daemon, who flicks her tail superiorly. She /did/ tell him to pay attention, didn't she. He hangs a few steps back, out of kindness, but the tilt of his ear is such that he's almost certainly listening to the conversation.
Lane's face reddens slightly with embarrassment, and Tacita's ears slick back as she looks down. "Of course, ma'am. Everything is sorted out. My apologies if I disturbed your-" he glances to the stranger, "-conversation. That vendor was /most/ uncooperative." The sun beats down on the butler, making him start to sweat. He shifts his bags of food nervously, hoping that Mrs.Lamport is not overly displeased with him. "On the bright side, ma'am, our pantry should now be well prepared to entertain guests." The butler is nervous, and it makes him babble slightly.
Tessa's expression is a mix of a few differing emotions, and it's enough to say she's not exactly /thrilled/ with this. But as Phrixus glances at Daniel and then lightly nips her ear, she opts not to make a bad situation worse, and just gives a nod of understanding - though her expression remains a little cool. "Very well then," she replies in haughty if heavily accented English. "You may return home and begin stocking it." She gives both butler and daemon a final look before turning back to Daniel with an apologetic smile. <<Je m'excuse. It is hard sometimes, the bridging of households. I hope I am not keeping you from business at the Museum,>> she segues smoothly, as Phrixus settles back on her shoulder to study Circe.
<< No, no! >> Daniel says, looking a bit like he got caught with his hand in the cookie jar. He offers a big grin to cover for it. << It can be difficult, dealing with new staff. >> He says, in an understanding tone. << Don't worry, the person I'm meeting doesn't know I'm here yet. So he won't know if I'm late. >>
Tessa still looks a little embarrassed about the whole thing, but smiles sweetly at his understanding. <<There are always ... growing pains, oui?>> She and Daniel stand outside the food market, conversing in French. She considers this logic of not being late, tilting her head to one side and then giving a little nod. <<There is some logic to that, yes. As long as it isn't pressing. Is it this business that brings you to London?>>
Daniel bobs his head a yes, and from his inner blazer pocket produces a calling card. It says, in English, his name and title followed by 'alethiometrist by appointment'. << I'm here on a consulting matter, but I am thinking of staying. Should you have anything you would like divined for you, I would be happy to do a reading. >>
<<Bien, merci.>> Tessa takes the card gracefully between her fingers, giving it a quick scan before handing it to Phrixus who sees to tucking it away safely for her, all in one smooth movement. <<Divination. That's a rare art, non? Perhaps my husband, he would find it useful in his business.>> She punctuates that with a demure smile: matters of divination and business are surely far beyond her, it means to say.
He nods, bobs his head. << It is a very difficult skill, but one which has run in my family for generations. If you feel it might be of help, would it not be a wife's place to mention such things? >> Daniel's daemon smooths out the shoulder of his blazer, apparently quite neat about his clothing.
<<Of course. I will bear that in mind.>> Tessa gives another smile to that, inclining her head slightly. Having returned from his job of securing the card, Phrixus resumes his perch and resumes watching Daniel's daemon with an absent sort of curiosity. <<You must be very learned. Me, I know hardly anything about such arts. Only how they must prove ... useful, oui? I would think there's a great call for it.>>
Daniel smiles again, and says, << Madame, my alethiometer is but one of six in the world. There are only a handful of people at any time who can read one, let alone possess such a thing. Although I suppose there are those who read the cards, or tea leaves, but those are not true divinations. >> His daemon flicks the tip of her tail at being observed, turning her tawny eyes directly onto the bird daemon to let him know she doesn't enjoy being stared at, absently or otherwise. << But enough about myself! Perhaps we could take coffee and you could tell me more about how you married an Englishman? >>
<<Right, of course. I'm sure those other methods are nothing more than chicanery and guesswork. Not that I've had much call to duck down the alleys or into the tents where they are typically practised,>> Tessa says with a demure smile. Phrixus seems to get the message, ruffling slightly before settling back down on his person's shoulder and focussing now over Daniel's shoulder, where a young child is crying after dropping his sweets on the ground. <<I would like that, yes. If you're certain I would not be keeping you from more important business.>>
<< What more important business? >> Daniel says, dismissing the museum and all it entails with a slight wave of his free hand. He crooks his arm and offers it to the lady, as he looks around for such a place as they might sit down and be served. Circe is her useful self, sitting upright primly so as not to be anywhere near Madam Lamport. She crooks a pale finger in a certain direction and then Daniel is off that-a-way.
Tessa gives a winning smile at that answer, taking Daniel's arm as it's offered, as Phrixus takes smoothly to the air to follow along closely behind them. She leaves Daniel to lead, quite willing to go with his choice of establishment. <<So have you just arrived in town then? And already you're thinking you might stay. Is the business so much better here?>> For that, and the bonds of matrimony, are apparently the only reasons she can think of for sticking it out in London. Though she might be biased, of course.
<< It just might be, you never know. I am a bit of a wanderer. I left on l'Grand Tour and never came home, >> Daniel tells her, with an inviting smile. << Sometimes you just like the look of a place. >> His daemon stays in her stuffy spot on his shoulder, her tail stretching out behind her to keep her balance on the small patch of shoulder. There is indeed, a block or two up, a little cafe with sidewalk tables. Were it not for the thick chairs and the different menu items, and all the ways that London is subtly different from Paris (and anywhere else in this world), it could be just like home. The waiter with his terrier daemon seats them outdoors.
Tessa settles herself in primly with a nod for the waiter before she returns to Daniel. Phrixus settles himself on the back of the chair, surveying the terrace and those who pass by on the street. <<That must be exciting, to travel so freely. Is there anywhere you would pick as a favourite amongst the others?>> Daintily, she picks up the menu and begins perusing the options, though only briefly before she sets it back down again to look over at him once more.
Daniel says, << Well. I am of course, fond of Paris. And Venice. Prague's quite lovely this time of year, would you believe. >> He doesn't look at the menu, keeping his eyes on her. Like Phrixus, Circe keeps her eyes on the street, watching the passers-by with a mild interest. Her eyes half-lid. << Have you never had the opportunity to travel? >>
<<Not nearly so much as you have,>> Tessa non-answers. <<But my husband has given me my own airship for a wedding present, so perhaps I'll have to try some of these places you recommend so glowingly. Though there is so much to do, getting a household in order.>> She gives a confiding smile with that as she sits back in her chair, though her posture remains rather stiff.
<< An airship, how delightful! >> Daniel says clasping his hands together. If the non-answer bothers him, he's already interested in the airship. << He must love you very much, to give you such a freedom. >> The waiter approaches and Daniel orders a coffee, black, then waves a hand to the lady for her to order next.
Tessa just gives a demure smile to this, taking advantage of the waiter's appearance to avoid addressing that matter. She orders a coffee as well, black but with sugar, and seems to have decided against anything to eat from the menu. <<It is a beautiful airship. I look forward to using it when I have the time. I'll have to return to Paris to update my wardrobe soon. The fashion here simply doesn't compare.>> Which isn't exactly expanding her horizons, but hey.
Daniel will expand them for her, << You should stretch your legs, and try Milan. They make the most wonderful shoes. My own mother was very partial, in her time. >> Circe turns her head to follow the waiter with her eyes, but mostly seems content not to do much of anything. << Or perhaps Rome. I know a corsetter there who would make you the envy of all the ladies. >>
<<Vraiment?>> Tessa sounds intrigued as she leans in a little closer, making mental notes of these suggestions. <<I suppose with an airship at my disposal, it would be a crime not to shop around, yes.>> Not that she's quite willing to admit yet that anywhere might be better than her native land for these things. She mulls this over for a moment, before making an attempt to turn the conversation back over to him. <<So do you have any plans for your stay here? Anything you'd care to see or do? Other than this meeting you're in no hurry to attend,>> she adds in light jest.
<< I do not. If we're to be strangers in a strange land together, perhaps you'd be so kind as to be my guide? >> Daniel asks, raising an eyebrow in her direction. << What is there to see and do? Surely you must know. >>
Tessa gives a light, if slightly self-concious chuckle at that. <<I'm afraid that might be like the blind leading the blind.>> But she does put her mind to actually considering the task. <<There's the library, if you're into such scholarly pursuits. And the park is enjoyable this time of year. But I'm afraid beyond that, I just know the shops along the streets here, and not so well at that. I am still exploring myself.>>
The waiter brings their coffees. << Then we'll have to explore together, >> Daniel suggests, even as he picks his coffee up and tips his head to their waiter. << I hear there is theater. We could see Shakespeare in his native tongue. >> Daniel puts the cup to his lips and takes a sip.
Tessa smiles agreeably, nodding once. <<I would like that. It isn't often here that I am free to talk in my own language. And it sounds to me like you must have some experience in exploring. Perhaps it's you who will be the guide.>> She sits back again as the waiter sets her drink in front of her, Phrixus studying the man before returning to his survey of the street. <<And the theatre, yes. Are you a fan of the arts?>>
Daniel answers, << Oh, I am. Theatre, dancing, painting... a woman of your culture must surely have a talent or two hiding away for parties, hm? >> He says, and then, << It is the price we pay for living outside our proper homes. Perhaps you should teach your husband. >> He punctuates that statement with a sip from his cup, while his daemon curls her tail tightly around his neck.
Tessa gives another little laugh at that, this one in faux-earnestness about her talent for parties. <<Oh, I have had a few lessons,>> she says demurely, shaking her head as she brings a hand up to rest alongside her neck. <<My father felt that music and art were good to keep the mind sharp and the fingers nimble.>> The idea of teaching her husband to speak French, gets a wan smile. <<Oh, he's so terribly busy. And it is, as you say, the price we pay. I only wish that English was not such an unwieldy language, no?>>
<< It has an unpleasant ring in the mouth, which picks it up from the German. Shame that French didn't have more of a cultivating influence. >> Daniel leans back in his chair, getting comfortable. Perhaps far too comfortable. His daemon irritably swats him with her tail and then says, in the same German as before, // As entertaining as this is, we really /should/ get to the museum. // He gives her a frown, the first that's shadowed his face the entire conversation. He takes a gulp of his coffee in response.
<<Yes, the German, exactement. It tries so hard to be as practical as the German, but it lacks the precision. Though I ... do not know much German to judge,>> she adds, perhaps coincidentally as Circe speaks up in that language - for Tessa does not show any indication that she's heard the private conversation, even if she wouldn't understand it. <<It's a sham that the French didn't have more of an influence on more than just the language.>> But she cuts herself off and shakes her head with an apologetic smile. <<But don't let me get started.>> So instead she works on drinking her coffee.
Circe flicks an ear in the lady's direction at the comment. Daniel drains his cup, and then shuffles in his pocket for appropriate coinage, to pay for their beverage and a generous tip. << I'm fluent. >> He acknowledges, only politely. << In many different tongues, but I'm afraid that is a subject for another time. My better half wishes for me to find the museum, and so I must stop entertaining you and do my best to indulge her.>> He picks up his briefcase and stands from the table. << Where should I look for you next, madame? >>
<<Ah oui. Of course. I won't keep you any longer. And do apologize to Circe for my detaining you.>> Tessa remains seated as he rises, apparently figuring on at least finishing her coffee before heading home. <<If you are free Tuesday morning, I will be taking breakfast at the little patisserie along the way there. You are most welcome to join me. Good luck with your business at the Museum.>>
<< Then I will be at the patisserie on Tuesday morning. >> Daniel lifts his hat in her direction briefly. Circe also nods her head, before doing a bit of composure grooming of the end of her tail. And then he's gone, back to wander in the direction of the museum.
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