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Post by Caraf Tewar on Dec 15, 2006 21:07:22 GMT -5
Bundled warmly against the chill winter air, I stepped out of the carriage. I knew I probably should have sent a note asking Jess if she was busy, but I'd had the most irresistible urge to get out of the house and I wanted to see her. I knew she would forgive me for dropping in unannounced, and hopefully I wouldn't be interrupting anything.
Once at the door, I knocked. A servant answered and I gave my name, asking if Jess was in. I was shown to a side room to wait.
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Post by Jessamine de Mornay on Dec 15, 2006 22:28:22 GMT -5
One of the older maids informed me that Caraf had arrived and I hurried into the sitting room, , a gown of sea-green with edgings of small, dark beads on for the moment, though my hands were currently an interesting shade of purple from the faded ink. "Caraf," I said with a smile. "Good to see you again. I was wondering if you'd moved away. "I'm throwing a party for Longest Night, you and yours are invited of course. It's a 'come without your pretentions' theme." My eyes blazed slightly in mirth at the idea. "No uncomfortable clothes or shoes allowed."
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Post by Caraf Tewar on Dec 15, 2006 22:33:38 GMT -5
I laughed at Jess's river of words.
"You know, I've heard that the streets from your house to mine as well as from mine to yours," I teased. "You could have come to see me."
Going to her, I hugged her.
"And I would love to come to your party, and so will Elliot. Though no uncomfortable clothes means he'll come swathed in so much fabric you won't be able to tell it's him."
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Post by Jessamine de Mornay on Dec 15, 2006 23:21:08 GMT -5
"I'm getting pulled every which way trying to arrange this event," I protested. "Otherwise I would have braved the fancy servants to visit. As to Eliot, let him wear all of the layers he wants- it's better than him appearing naked."
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Post by Caraf Tewar on Dec 16, 2006 0:15:17 GMT -5
"That's what you think," I countered, winking. "I rather like the idea of him coming naked…."
Laughing, I shook my head slightly.
"Do you need help with your party or have you got your own little army of helpers jumping at your every word?"
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Post by Jessamine de Mornay on Dec 16, 2006 23:35:13 GMT -5
"No army of helpers, but it's easy enough- good, simple foods on a sideboard, a variety of drinks, and hopefully everyone will be having such loud fun that music isn't a problem." Smiling, I sat down and pulled Caraf down to sit next to me. "Evangeline can also come if she wants, though I don't know if it's exactly the type of scene she enjoys- but I think I can convince Jaynx to show himself, so watching the two of them may provide its own amusement."
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Post by Caraf Tewar on Dec 16, 2006 23:39:49 GMT -5
"I haven't seen much of Evangeline lately, I don't know if I would be able to pass on an invitation or not. You might have more luck through Janyx," I told her, arranging my skirt as I sat.
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Post by Jessamine de Mornay on Dec 17, 2006 0:21:51 GMT -5
"I'll make sure to mention it to him then," I told her as I go more comfortable.
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Post by Caraf Tewar on Dec 17, 2006 10:14:29 GMT -5
"So, what have you been up to besides planning your party?" I asked with a smile. It was always so good to see Jess, she was so much fun.
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Post by Jessamine de Mornay on Dec 17, 2006 22:14:00 GMT -5
"Keeping out of trouble and doing some simple brainstorming- I can't get much further than that I'm afraid," I said, letting a little of the irritation I'd been feeling at my fickle creativity seep into my voice. "I think I'm going to push up my trip so I leave just after Longest Night- a change of scene would do me good. Then, I'd get a good deal of time in Eire and still make it back cheerful and full of stories for your wedding."
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Post by Caraf Tewar on Dec 18, 2006 9:43:56 GMT -5
"We've set the date for the first day of spring, will you be back by then?" I asked, taking her hand and squeezing it. "It just won't be the same if you aren't there."
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Post by Jessamine de Mornay on Dec 18, 2006 16:35:46 GMT -5
"Of course- even if I have to walk on water to do it," I replied with a toss of my head and a grin. "Who else could, by themselves, counteract all of the nobility and refinement that will be flooding the place- and unintentionally at that? Weddings should be fun, after all."
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Post by Caraf Tewar on Dec 18, 2006 17:59:36 GMT -5
"Yes, they should," I agreed, smiling. Then, I sighed and leaned back. "If I had my way, it would be a small affair in the garden of the estate or something like that. As it is, Elliot has promised no more than five hundred people."
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Post by Jessamine de Mornay on Dec 18, 2006 18:30:34 GMT -5
"Well, it's better than a thousand, but it won't seem like much better," I told her as I rolled my eyes. "And you'll have to remember then forever, just for those instances where someone you haven't seen since walks up and says, 'Do you remember me? I was at your wedding.' I'm never getting married- just so I can avoid that entire scene."
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Post by Caraf Tewar on Dec 18, 2006 22:58:43 GMT -5
"We'll see," I teased. "You'll come back from your trip with a tale of love and plans on how to get everyone across the water for your fall nuptials."
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Post by Jessamine de Mornay on Dec 18, 2006 23:03:25 GMT -5
Grimacing, I shook my head. "If I do get married it'll be here- I wouldn't make everyone travel so far when they have other things that require their being here. I'm really much happier thinking my time will always be free when I'm not dealing with the estate. How will I write with a child pulling at me? It must be far in my future for me to feel no softness for such a life."
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Post by Caraf Tewar on Dec 18, 2006 23:26:43 GMT -5
"Well, if you start getting the urge, you can always come to visit and have one of our litter tug at you," I said, grinning.
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Post by Jessamine de Mornay on Dec 18, 2006 23:29:18 GMT -5
"That sounds like a good idea. Sometimes they can even stay the night, as long as I've managed the writing urge for the time being," I told her teasingly- really, if she needed help, I'd do whatever I could. "Have you spoken to anyone else interesting?"
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Post by Caraf Tewar on Dec 18, 2006 23:44:42 GMT -5
"Honestly, I think I'll be lucky to have private time with the kids," I said, smiling. "Nearly everyone in that house is looking forward to the pitter patter of tiny feet. I think it will only be worse once we get out to the estate."
"No, I haven't talked to anyone really new of late, I have been so busy trying to make wedding arrangements before we leave for the estate that I have barely had time to think."
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Post by Jessamine de Mornay on Dec 18, 2006 23:47:59 GMT -5
"You need time to relax, so your mind can rest," I told her firmly. "Tell those who know what's going what you expect, leave them to do it and then just watch from afar. I'm not saying make it a constant practice, but if you don't you're going to be upset all of the time and that's not a good way to be."
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Post by Caraf Tewar on Dec 18, 2006 23:52:58 GMT -5
"I'll relax once we're away from the City. It's just trying to get things done before we go," I assured her. "Besides, I just don't know how to sit back and have others do for me. You should see the looks I get when the girls come in to make the bed and I've already done it. I can't help it."
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Post by Jessamine de Mornay on Dec 19, 2006 0:02:04 GMT -5
"That's a little thing- but some big things can't be done alone."
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Post by Caraf Tewar on Dec 19, 2006 0:22:00 GMT -5
"I'd ask you for help, put your planning your own party," I teased, laughing. "What about you, have you talked to anyone interesting lately?"
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Post by Jessamine de Mornay on Dec 19, 2006 0:50:39 GMT -5
I thought for a moment, knowing there was something but unable to put my finger on it. "I can't remember at the moment, but as we talk more I'm sure it will come back to me," I said with a grin and melodramatic sigh. "My thoughts are all frazzled."
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Post by Caraf Tewar on Dec 19, 2006 12:37:52 GMT -5
"Ah yes, I do know how that feels," I said, chuckling. "Do have time to get out for a little bit? We could go have lunch or get some tea, just get away from things for a bit."
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Post by Jessamine de Mornay on Dec 19, 2006 16:25:37 GMT -5
"That sounds like a very good plan," I replied, a slight note of giddiness edging into my voice. "Let me grab a cloak and tie back my hair and I can leave right now. Where do you want to go?"
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Post by Caraf Tewar on Dec 19, 2006 20:15:48 GMT -5
"Anywhere is good with me," I told her, smiling happily. "You pick."
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Post by Jessamine de Mornay on Dec 19, 2006 20:19:19 GMT -5
"I'm bad at picking," I protested. ""But how about the Cockerel? Or will your shiny-new reputation suffer due to that?" I teased lightly, knowing she wouldn't take offense.
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Post by Caraf Tewar on Dec 19, 2006 20:28:29 GMT -5
"Anyone who cares about my new reputation, won't be at the Cockerel," I said with a laugh. "It sounds perfect."
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Post by Jessamine de Mornay on Dec 19, 2006 20:39:05 GMT -5
"Very well then," I told her with a mock regal air. "Come and speak with me as I gather a few things from my room and then we shall depart." Adding a dramatic flourish of my gown I spun on a heel, exposing my bare feet.
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