Dinner with the Prince

Blakeney himself had felt how Armand looked many a day lately when left alone with the vixen. She had a way to wear out a man verbally.

In his mind, the thought passed to quickly challenge the Prince to some sort of game, ANY game and quickly. However, they were spotted and as he made his way over, Blakeney wondered how long it would take for the burden to unhook her claws from her brother and instantly re- suction herself upon his own arm.

Sir Percy smiled over at them as his long lanky legs closed the distance.

Marguerite smiled brightened as she saw Percy and George coming down the hallway. After about half the distance had been cut between the two pairs, Marguerite broke from Armand and stepped ahead to meet the other pair. Placing a simple and modest kiss on his cheek and taking his arm she looked up at him through her bloodshot eyes, "So, who won the round of cards. I hope if it was you George that you were kind enough to leave Percy with enough money so that I would not have to go back to a threatre to work. I am enjoying the time off."

"Actually my dear, your husband won. He had quite a hand." George said forlornly , offering a slight nod to the Baronet. The card game had almost been immediately forgotten at the start of their conversation but by far Blakeney had him beat. Not just in a fictional card game, but in life. To him Blakeney had what George could no longer attain: a woman he truly cared for and peace to live as he chose.

Right away, his keen observation noted her reddened eyes. In another lifetime, his gloved fingers would brush gently against her cheek and ask her what could possibly have upset her. He would have attacked it whatever it was.

Instead, he accepted her kiss and said nothing. Offered none back. He had "proven his love" earlier with the teasing and grand presentation of the gifts from up north and London done in the manner of Sir Percy. He nodded hearing Marguerite, wondering what it would take to get her to work in England theatres.

Becoming distracted, he blinked hard and brought his mind back to the conversation before him. Hearing George, he smiled and laughed. "Right Oh! Such a hand I had. You would think I dealt the cards, yes Sire?" Sir Percy laughed and slapped at his torso, glancing over at Armand while the mind of Blakeney churned.

"Actually I believe you did." George stated, forcing out a chuckle. "But I daresay, losing was not my fault but Marguerite's." He turned to his hostess in mock accusation. " Lud madam, with the promise you made earlier of dessert I could think of nothing else the entire time!"

He too could play games, mask his emotions. The seriousness hanging over his conversation with Percy fading George was pleased with his ability to slip so quickly back into the jovial guest he was expected to be though the pleasure in this feat was bittersweet. Perhaps, after an hour or so he would start to believe the act himself.

"Ah yes, then we must hurry to the dinning hall and to the deserts. I have no idea who it is but someone on Percy's staff makes the softest pastries I've ever tasted, and being French, that is a very high complement." Marguerite giggled as she ran her hand lovingly over Percy's arm.

"Well then I can't wait." George responded graciously.

He fell back into the quietness and stupor of Sir Percy and escorted his wife into one of the smaller receiving rooms. He helped her sit and then took to a large sofa chair and leaned back. With a hand covering his mouth, he yawned and nodded, listening to both George and Marguerite. His eyes scanned over the room, watching the very quiet Armand.

"I second that. They are some of the best. Far be it from me to have His Highness not use them as an excuse for the card game." He propped a pillow behind his head and waved his hand in the air. "Thomas? Thomas, confound it man! Where are those deserts? Please, serve them at once before I fall asleep from the laziness caused by the evening meal." Sir Percy's half closed eyes matched the languid smile, as he glanced over at the three.

A retort was on the tip of his tongue about the "excuse" remark but the Prince thought the better of it. Besides, he was far too worn out from their conversation to joke more than was necessary.

Marguerite giggled at her silly husband, though he did seem to be in an unusually odd mood. "Now George, I know you let Percy win, but did you have to wear him down so in the process. From the looks of it I might be forced to carry him to bed tonight." she said with a gay chuckle, before got up from her seat and moved to the sofa near Percy.

"Wear HIM down? Why it took almost all my energy to loose that card game. I couldn't beat my host now could I? I honestly don't know what caused him to be so exhausted but it was no fault of mine Marguerite." This light atmosphere Marguerite had created in her teasing was slowly loosening George up. The front was still going strong but he could tell that his good natured, interested attitude was becoming less forced as the course of the conversation progressed.

He popped open one lazy blue eye and glanced over at the Prince and Marguerite. "Mmmm. I told you George. Clever girl my wife. I can't hold even a candle to her charm and wit." Sir Percy smiled lazily and shifted into the sofa. Seeing Marguerite move over to sit next to him, he moved his feet off the end and draped them lazily over the side.

The sofa chair was not long enough to accommodate six feet plus three of Sir Percy, and his long legs draped over the other arm rest in a funny fashion. Refixing the pillow behind his head, he crossed his arms across his chest and reclosed his eyes. Resting comfortably until the desert came.

Marguerite sat next to Percy in the small space he made for her near his legs. She slide one hand back and out of the sight of Armand and the Prince and rubbed it daintily along his calf muscles. "I don't think I've ever seen a man so worn down by a card game."

Sir Percy's yawned and hearing her voice replied. "Lud. I blame the languish dinner that now fills my belly. It can hardly be said that I had to work at that game." He kept his eyes closed.

"Mmmmmmmm" George grunted in protest, rolling his eyes. He continuously poked fun at his friend, it was time Percy was allowed his turn.

Inside, Blakeney's every senses were acute. Part of him loved what she did to his leg, and another part loathed it. He had already decided, to save face, to let her do these things to him. Within reason of course. This was something he would not stop, but rather he gave no reaction to her touch. Not a smile nor secret gaze. He laid there like the lazy man everyone rumored him for.

Marguerite watched Percy as he appeared to doze off, right in front of company. She wished in vain that Armand and George weren't there. How she would have loved to lean over and blanket his body with her own in sweet slumber. Her sweet and gentle thoughts were interrupted as she heard the footsteps of several servants bringing tea and desert, but Percy didn't stir. She motioned to the Prince and Armand to stay silent as she slid off the sofa and looked over the trays. Seeing a few glasses of cool water included, she picked one up and stepped to the spot behind the sofa. Much like a mischievous child, she gave a silly little, in some ways Percy like, grin to her guests before dipping her fingertips into the water and sprinkling little droplets over Percy's face.

His acute ears had pin pointed her footfalls as she got up off the sofa. When you have been trained all your life to listen for Sir Algernon or his valet, when you sneak off into the middle of the night, you tend to train your ears very well. When your eyes are closed, sometimes the hearing becomes more focused.

This is what Blakeney did when Marguerite stood off from the sofa couch. He was listening, half in his mind wondering if he would lower his legs back to where they originated. He heard her move over near the chair, and then her footfalls were joined by many as trays clattered, tea cups clinked, water swished and forks chimed on the china plates.

As trained as his ears were, they became dysfunctional due to so many sounds and he lost the location of his wife. He did not stir, happy to take advantage of this rest. Then it happened. He felt a small sprinkle and thought perhaps it his imagination and rubbed his nose. Then it came again. And again, more in force until he opened his blues, looking upward as many tiny drops fell down.

"What the devil?!" He sat up quickly, rubbing at his eyes. With an annoyed look, he looked at Lady Blakeney. "I dare say, you'll ruin the velvet furniture with that demmed water." She could pull her little teasing games, but he would not fall victim to her web once more. "I'm up. I'm up." He added quickly, making sure his attitude of non-love did not spill over into the eyes of Armand or the Prince.

Armand laughed, the first thing he had said since finishing his brief conversation with Percy. He saw none of the contempt that Percy felt for his wife, only Marguerite's playfulness.

Mocking his serious manner, Marguerite looked down at him, "Not nearly as much damage as it did to your nap."

Standing and stretching, he moved over to Marguerite and rested his elbow on her shoulder, making contact and being a good husband. "Shall I take it that now would be a good time to eat?"

She carefully moved her body to slide under Percy's arm and against his body, "I think is now is as good a time as any. After all, you seem so eager to bed that you seem reluctant to prolong the evening."

"I have to agree, Margot..." Armand said, yawning a little. "I'm rather tired myself. And there is something I have to do tomorrow-- nothing of importance, just a little favor I promised to a friend, don't worry." He moved in his seat a little. "Now where ARE those pastries you were mentioning, Margot?"

George was startled. Armand had been so quiet, he had almost forgotten the young man was present at all.

"Goodness, I should have sent you both straight to bed after super! I do hope you'll be able to stay awake through dessert George, I hate to take it myself with a group of sleeping zombies." Marguerite mused.

"For dessert Madam, I could walk on hot coals." George grinned at the Frenchwoman. " Have no fear I shall not be napping quite so soon."

Armand nodded, yawning again. "Oh Margot, you know Percy and I won't fall asleep. Well, actually..." He nodded at Percy. "...he might. But you never know." He stifled a yawn.

Marguerite giggled, "well then I shall be forced to splash him with more water to wake him up, even at the expense of all the couches and sofas in the house.' she said as she playfully run her hand, still damp and cool from the water, over Percy's face.

Having to endure more of the lovers' playfulness was almost more then George could take just then. He had confessed to Percy how watching the them had brought back memories of Maria but moments before in the study. Now he was dragged through it all over again. Swallowing hard he thought that maybe leaving wouldn't be such a bad idea. "If everyone is so eager to retire, perhaps I should take my departure and save the promise of pastries fro another visit hmm?" George suggested.

"Oh don't you dare think such a thing, after all, our dessert has finally been brought to us, and we shall all sit and enjoy it before you leave us, and don't you even consider leaving us until after every crumb is gone." Marguerite said, ushering the men over to the small table where the food was being set. "If these two can't stay up past the sunset tonight no doubt it's their own fault for staying up till the dawn last night."

Then there was no getting out of this mess. He would have to remain to watch Marguerite's showy affections toward her husband. Mentally George prepared himself to do what he did best: grin and bear it.

Armand shot a look at his sister. "It wasn't dawn! It was midnight!" He protested, knowing she was joking. He laughed, thinking about what he was going to say next. "Besides, as you both know, monsignor et ma sourer, Percy and I are growing boys who need there sleep!"

"Percy..a growing boy eh, Armand?" George questioned. "Well that is news to my ears!"

Glancing lazily over at the Prince, Sir Percy smiled. "You don't think I am still growing Sire? Why, I think this old Blakeney could perhaps pull of another foot or two." He saw the uncomfortablness of the Prince and based on their previous conversation, moved away from Marguerite and sat down in the one vacant chair between George and Armand.

George noticed Percy's move and taking it as a personal favor nodded almost imperceptibly in thanks. "Another foot or two? My my I would love to see that." George mused

Blakeney noted the Prince's appreciation and gave a very small smile. He did nothing further to bring attention to the ulterior motive.

Since no one had begun, he leaned forward and began to help himself to a plate of desert. "Come come now, join me. I'm awake enough to eat. Please delve in before I reprimand myself for bad manners of eating first in front of a guest." With plate and fork in hand, he glanced at them almost with an urgency for want to eat.

"Far be it from me to waste time away from such lovely pastries!" George exclaimed mustering up enthusiasm. Taking fork in hand he took the first taste of the delicious concoction on his plate. A rich, flaky bread overwhelmed his taste buds as he indulged in the creamy dessert. Swallowing, he said surprised "Why Lady Blakeney....it almost takes one's breath away! It's wonderful. Dear woman if you continue to feed me like this then you shall have a hard time getting me to leave! My compliments."

"Well then George, I shall pass your compliment's on to those whose hands worked to bake the fine foods for you." Marguerite plainly stated, perhaps as a sort of note relating to their last conversation.

George slightly stiffened. Not because what Marguerite had said was false, but because he could tell she was alluding to their argument. " Please do, they did a marvelous job." he said simply. The Prince was not going to provoke her further but he thought it in poor taste to have thrown the battle back in his face so unexpectedly. Having turned his attention to his immediate visit, he was caught off guard with the relation to the previous.

Blakeney had no idea of the underlying conversation between them. He knew not the topic of the blow out, only of the loud words from them both on some random topic. He listened to George and Marguerite have a pleasant conversation and smiled at them both. Nodding his approval with a mouth full of pastry.

Sitting there still, he glanced at Armand and Marguerite. Although Marguerite arranged for this visit, he was the male and technically the host. He had to wait for them all to have a plate in hand and did not touch his fork. Watching the Prince indulge and compliment his wife, the Baronet had to admit he was rather hungry for the fine English pastries. He had not had them, well, in a very long time! Since before his marriage. Since before he left for France to get himself a wife. Sometimes his ideas and upbringing turned around and bit him in the arse.

Marguerite inwardly giggled as the three men dove into their desserts, restraining herself only to a cup of warm tea. Apparently the pastries must have been quite good being none of them dared to speak because it would mean removing the food from their mouths

Was it just him, or did everyone seem a little tense? The prince was making hidden inferences, he could tell, and Percy was busying himself by keeping his mouth full and Marguerite hadn't really said anything except that she would thank the pastry chef. Armand's favorite pastry, pain au chocolate, though Armand never really understood THAT, as it was a croissant and chocolate>, had him occupied for a moment as he savored the buttery, flaky croissant and the sweet taste of the creamy chocolate. He noticed Marguerite, and, around the dessert in his mouth, said, "Aren't you going to have any, Marguerite?" He winked at her, something he did rarely. "After all, it was YOU who insisted on dessert!"

Blakeney winced a little, as he just happened to glance up and over at Armand. The young sprout had his entire mouth full of desert as he talked. Yes, the Baronet was raised with the most proper of manners, but they were for Sir Percy to use. Blakeney enjoyed his little acts and the acting off color when he could. However, one manner, above all, churned his stomach, and Armand found it.

Normally, family members acted that way at the dinner table and never noticed it from one another because everyone was chomping away like cows. Use the improper fork. Clash colors if you had to, but never, NEVER eat with your mouth full. Why, for Blakeney it was like nails on a chalk board.

He turned his gaze elsewhere, and staring now at Marguerite, studied how she ate. Did she do the same thing? Surely he would have noticed it before, if she did..... Ugh. He shivered at the thought and stared at her. Inside, he watched her mouth like most study a map. He never paid attention before, but then again, he once thought she loved him too.

"Armand, mine your manners, we have company." she said, as he tried to talk with his mouth full of the pastry. "And I am too full from that dinner to even manage a bite of such tempting food."

Blakeney was near disappointed, as Marguerite did not give him the answer he so desperately craved at the moment. He was relieved however to hear the older sister scold the brother about manners. Thank God! He shivered inside. The Baronet has thought it before, and he'll think it again: Clash colors with your attire if you must, but never, NEVER talk with your mouth full. It just was not right.

"No fear Armand." George said graciously. " I shall pretend I didn't notice eh?" He grinned at the young man, amused by his eagerness and lack of thought towards his company. "As long as you are enjoying the scrumptious dessert, why that is all that counts, say?"

Swallowing sheepishly and grinning his thanks at the Prince's cover for him, Armand took another bite of his dessert, taking exaggerated care to chew slowly and keep his mouth closed.

Blakeney popped open one eye, glancing over at the Prince as he said this. HE noticed. The very idea made his blood curl and he re- closed his eye, resting back into his seat trying to ignore the visual image before him.

He finished his plate and leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes, patting his thin stomach. Being tall and lanky had always served him well to eat like a horse and it never caught up with him. With luck, this trait would remain throughout his years.

He covered his mouth in a yawn and still with eyes closed asked gaily, "Have you ever wondered why they don't fill desert with something like a meat? Would that be too close to a meal? Mincemeat pie is using meat and its a desert. I guess I just answered my own question, didn't I? I wonder why Mincemeat pie is the only one." He gave a foppish little giggle and left the question out there, to see if Sir Percy had any takers.

Marguerite gave Percy a funny, teasing, look by scrunching up her nose. "Honestly Percy, the things you come up with sometimes."

He kept his eyes shut but a smile crossed his handsome features. Sir Percy was most pleased with the results.

Marguerite giggled as Percy sat there with a silly grin and his eyes shut. She leaned over the planted a quick kiss on his lips and sat back down before he opened his eyes.

He heard her approach and just prepared to remain still. Even when she kissed him, he lied there as if asleep or dead or uninterested. Part of him thought of George and how uncomfortable it made him feel. Was the rest of the room blind or did he only see because he knew the truth? No matter. Sir Percy covered his face with a languid yawn and turned his head to rest once more. Not once did he open his eyes. Not even when she planted her tender kiss.

George saw Marguerite move in, but there was nothing he could do about it. So he remained where he was and watched painfully as she graced her husband with a sweet affectionate kiss. Inwardly George cringed as thoughts of his Maria once more invaded his thoughts, his stomach knotting into a tight ball. Outwardly, his expression remained unchanged. What else could he do?

"Perhaps it is a good thing our evening is winding down, much longer and I fear I would have to carry everyone to bed, and I'm not sure if my back could take that." she mused as she watched George and Armand finish their dessert.

George had picked up his fork but instead of finishing the treat before him, he pushed it around the plate, his appetite gone. Upon hearing the comment from Lady Blakeney, he dropped the silverware and pushed back his chair. " I suppose I should be getting back then." he said, starting to stand.

He had finished his dessert by the time the Prince announced his departure. He stood respectively next to his sister and waited to see what to do. Best not follow Percy's example of acting like a ditz. That was never very impressive, though it made people laugh. Armand's opinion of Percy was high in all ways, but it always dropped a little when the fop surfaced. Especially now that Armand knew Percy really wasn't a complete idiot.

"It was a pleasure finally meeting you, your highness," Armand said, holding back a yawn.

"As it was meeting you Armand." George replied, with a nod of his head. Winking he started at the young man. "And watch out for that dessert."

Cue. He sat up and stretched, yawning loudly and covering his mouth. "Is it that time Sire." He glanced around, as if he been napping for hours. Sir Percy could fall asleep anywhere. It was a trait Blakeney had mastered long ago.

"I hope you had a good visit Your Highness. I promise to not whelp you at cards so badly next time, if you do decide to grace my house with your presence again." Sir Percy's body may have been tired, but his mouth never ceased with silliness. He smiled and winked at his friend. A hint of sorrow he secretly shared.

"If I end up throwing that ball you begged me for, I might get a rematch sooner then that eh?" George said, the shadow of a sad smile on his lips.

Marguerite stood as the prince stood and Percy stretched. Coming around behind Percy's chair, she nudged him to stand up as the two began to walk towards the main foyer. "Oh yes George, I do hope you enjoyed your little visit with us this evening."

George was not sure how to go about answering this question. He had enjoyed himself but the majority of the more enjoyable moments had lacked Lady Blakeney's presence. He was not in the mood to lie, fearing she would catch the untruth, but luckily Percy interjected before he had to answer her directly. He was sitting there, seemingly half awake when Marguerite nudged him to get up off his arse. "Mmm? Oh yes. Right O." He stood and began to fuddle with his waist coat, until he finally got it straightened up nice and tidy. Following Marguerite loyally, he walked his lanky self with his hands behind his back near the rest of the group. He smiled at George. "Do come again, say?"

"Trust me, I shall. And thank you both." Although his thanks was to both Blakeney's it was more directed Percy's way. The Prince was not normally an emotional, mushy man and did not often express his deeper feelings. But perhaps that was because he was not often given the opportunity. Percy had allowed him to pour out his heart and had not judged him-and for that the Prince was grateful. "It is only fair I return the favor. If any of you are ever up my way........"

"I think that sounds lovely, don't you Percy? And we shall look forward to seeing you again George." Marguerite said as she watched the Prince mount his carriage and head off towards London.

"Sink me, that will be just the thing. Now now, Your Highness. I will expect to be on that guest list somewhere near the top. Bahaaaaaha!" He giggled and laughed, tossing his hand up into the air near majestically.

Once the coach was out of sight, Marguerite turned playfully to her husband, "Now Percy, am I going to have to lift you over my little shoulders and carry you upstairs or do you think you could still manage the short walk?"

"Oh I think I can manage such an affair Madame." Without waiting, he went to prove it and quickly moved on ahead, up the foyer main staircase. He figured he would be followed like a shadow and headed straight into his bathing room. "I think I will take a little relax in the tub, say? Have a good night Madame." Sir Percy smiled at her, about to close the door.

Marguerite giggled and took chase after him, following Percy up the stairs and into his rooms. She slowed as he entered his bath and planned to wait if he was excusing himself for the moment, but then announced his intentions to take a hot bath and bid her goodnight. "Wait Percy." she said as she once again stepped closer, walking right up to him. She stepped up on her toes ands pressed her lips quickly to his. "Thank you Percy, for tonight, for the gifts, for the dinner, just for everything." She stepped back, eager herself to be out of the gown she was wearing and into more leisurely clothes, "I'll you to your bath now, and wish you the sweetest dreams."

As she kept following him, he dreaded the idea that she wished to join him in his bath. They had done that on their honeymoon, but thankfully, it was in a special bathing tub built for two. His bathing room tub barely fit him, as his long lanky legs and skinny knees always popped out of the top. Lucky for him, she did not think of it.

As part of the act, as part of the game, he took her kiss but offered none back. She did not mention it, so perhaps she did not notice it. No matter. The Baronet knew it would come up at another time. The Vixen St. Just never let anything lie cold for too long.

"You are welcome Madame. And thank you." He turned and retreated to his bath.

Marguerite turned and happily left Percy's rooms for her own, eager to change and rest. Light was coming through from under the door as he walked down the hall and expected to find at least one of her ladies waiting there for her.

Emma was waiting in Lady Blakeney's room hoping Lady Blakeney would come soon so she could go to sleep. Her sister Sarah was already a sleep. She had been awakened early this morning and had been working all day.

Marguerite smiled as she saw Emma there that night. After her episode with Candice, most of the girls seemed to keep their distance, but Emma never seemed to hold it against her. "Good Evening Emma, how are you this evening?"

"I'm fine." she replied getting out Lady Blakeney's nightgown. "Is there anything I can do for you?" she asked glad that Lady Blakeney had finally come.

Marguerite sat down in a chair and slid her shoes off. "I think I'm alright, if you just wouldn't mind drawing the shades." she replied, beginning to pulled at the buttons on the back of the bodice of her dress, struggling with some of the higher ones. "How is Sarah, I don't think I saw her bouncing about today."

"Sarah's fine," Emma replied drawing the shades, "I taught her how to sew and she has been working on a dress for her doll most of the day. Unfortunately the dress was two large so I am going to help her fix it tomorrow."

Marguerite laughed to herself, "She very attached to that doll isn't she? I don't think I've ever seen her without it." Marguerite turned, still struggling with one pesky button on her dress, "Emma, could you get this button, I can't reach that last one."

Emma unbuttoned the button. "Yes she is. I am planning on getting her another doll for her birthday that way if anything ever happens to this one she will have another one." She was a little worried about what would happen if Sarah lost her doll.

Marguerite breathed in a soft sigh as she was finally freed from the dress. "When I was little," marguerite reflected, "I had a stuffed kitten. When I was little I was lost with out it. I rarely went anywhere without that thing, even as I got older. I actually kept it in my dressing room at the theatre. Hmm, I know I put it in one of my trunks when I came over from France, I wonder where it is."

Marguerite continued to make easy small talk with Emma as she pulled off some of the layers of clothes that were under her dress. As she did so, she caught a glimpse of the dark, sickle shaped scar on the back of her shoulder blade in the mirror; a birthday present from a prison guard near three years ago. She absently brought one hand back to rub it, wishing that it would go away.

Emma noticed the scar on Lady Blakeney's shoulder blade and wondered how she got it. It was a little odd, but she new it was none of her business.

Marguerite finished pulling off the unneeded layers as Emma held out the nightgown for her. Pulling the cloth over her head and letting it drop to cover her body, Marguerite turned to face the mirror and began running a brush though her hair. "Emma, this might be slightly uncomfortable for you, so if you don't want to answer, you don't have to. Did you or Sarah ever have any sort of education."

"My mother taught me to write and I can read a little. My mother taught me to read some parts from the bible." She remembered fondly the times she had sat reading the bible with her Mother after dinner. She was planning on teaching Sarah to read but had not a chance to yet.

Marguerite smiled a bit to herself. "Sarah, I would like, with your permission of course, to speak to Percy about the possibility of hiring a tutor for Sarah. Each child should learn how to read and write and she's at an age where she can handle such work. If you'd to work with someone to work on your skills as well I'm sure I could persuade Percy to agree."

"I would like that very much, if it is not to much trouble, or to expensive." Sarah said, very surprised, "Sarah would love to learn to read."

"I thought she would like that, she always liked it when I read to her." Marguerite said as she brushed through her own hair. working on a stubborn knot she had trouble reaching on the back of her head. "I don't know if you know this, but Armand's and my parents died when we were still children just as I understand yours did. Our parents both thought that it was important for us to know how to read and right and do simple math, so we were fortunate enough to get some education at home."

"You must miss your parents very much," Emma said, helping Lady Blakeney with the knot in her hair, "is there any thing else you need me to do." She couldn't wait to talk to Sarah in the morning.

Marguerite gave a slight grunt from pain as the knot was finally worked out of her hair. "Thank you Emma." she looked at the brush with a small clump of her hair in it. "I do miss my parents, but it's been a while and Armand had at least always had each other." She could tell Emma seemed tired and stood up and stretched. "I think I'm fine now Emma. Good night, and I will speak to Percy in the morning about a tutor."

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