But I'm here to discuss you, my dear, not your lovely husband. Although we've yet to reach Wintersend, as a clerk I am duty bound to maintain a certain level of fiscal responsibility and in assessing the state of my affairs going into the new year I've arrived at the conclusion that should your dear gentleman and his lovely partner indeed retain their positions this spring that I may find myself rather hard up indeed. So I thought I might come to you early and make an offer to call in the debt early with the stipulation that it be fulfilled in the form of, oh, personal favors or errands run as opposed to coin. You get the guarantee of earning a little something regardless of how the dice fall in Spring, and I keep a little money in my pockets. How would that suit you?
Lad? Madame, I could never consider you old enough to use such language.
[ Sidony settles down all the same, tucking her skirts around herself before she leans forward, smile on her lips. ]
Oh, my dear lady, you know I made that bet in the heart of supporting my dear spouse, not to gain coin from you? I would be more than content to allow you to keep your gold. This seems a more than suitable trade for me.
[She smiles; it's one of those indulgent 'you flatter me' looks more than it is anything else.]
Just so. In that case, you must think of me when you need something done. This may surprise you, but a woman my age [more than old enough to call Rutyer 'lad', thank you] can be very resourceful indeed.
I've been taught well enough to know that sometimes it is the women with your grace that have the most merit. [ It's a coy, gentle smile; it's not necessarily supposed to be idle flattery. It's clear that Sidony does believe in it. ] I would be glad to have you aid me in the future.
Dinner would be delightful. I'm certain you both have opinions, but I know an excellent kitchen in Hightown; say the word, and I will make the arrangements.
[She's straightening now, pulling her soft gloves back on with the clear intent to be on her way. She would hate to keep the lovely young lady occupied, et cetera et cetera.]
Well, [Fitcher tucks the books back in the space where it belongs. She rises with a sweep of skirts, all cheer.] I look forward to entertaining you both. In the mean time, I'll leave you to your work shall I?
[It's a metaphorical question. With a tip of the head, Fitcher slides by the younger woman and makes for the door. It's only when she's nearly clear of it that she pauses, turning halfway back as if she's only just remembered something.]
You weren't by any chance familiar with the mage Anders by any chance, were you? Other than for the obvious reasons, I suppose.
[ Sidony, prepared to settle down in her chair and begin her notes again, pauses. There's a touch of tension in her shoulders before she speaks again. ]
Yes, we worked closely together. Despite our differences, we were rather good friends.
I assisted briefly in the clinic he oversaw in Darktown - not medically, of course. No, I was offering transcription services to a few of the patients there, and made one or two friends out of it. Specifically young boy - oh what is his proper name? I've been calling him Bertie. Bartholomew? Bernard? Something far too stodgy for a boy his age - who I've been tutoring on the side since he left the clinic. The other day he asked me if I knew how he might write Anders. The child is penning his own thank you notes these days, you see. I don't suppose you have any clue as to where a such a letter might be sent, do you?
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Esteemed? I should think not. [ Even if she does look a little smug. ] What did you have in mind?
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[On Riftwatch's sliding scale of respectability, the lady in question must fall rather higher on the scale than most.]
You of course recall our earlier bet, do you not? Regarding your husband's longevity as Division Head.
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[ She’s still a lady, even if she’s married a scoundrel. Her family haven’t disowned her yet - not as far as she’s aware, at least. ]
I do remember. He’s performed admirably.
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[She closes the book and sets it aside.]
But I'm here to discuss you, my dear, not your lovely husband. Although we've yet to reach Wintersend, as a clerk I am duty bound to maintain a certain level of fiscal responsibility and in assessing the state of my affairs going into the new year I've arrived at the conclusion that should your dear gentleman and his lovely partner indeed retain their positions this spring that I may find myself rather hard up indeed. So I thought I might come to you early and make an offer to call in the debt early with the stipulation that it be fulfilled in the form of, oh, personal favors or errands run as opposed to coin. You get the guarantee of earning a little something regardless of how the dice fall in Spring, and I keep a little money in my pockets. How would that suit you?
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[ Sidony settles down all the same, tucking her skirts around herself before she leans forward, smile on her lips. ]
Oh, my dear lady, you know I made that bet in the heart of supporting my dear spouse, not to gain coin from you? I would be more than content to allow you to keep your gold. This seems a more than suitable trade for me.
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Just so. In that case, you must think of me when you need something done. This may surprise you, but a woman my age [more than old enough to call Rutyer 'lad', thank you] can be very resourceful indeed.
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[Cheerfully, Fitcher offers her hand to shake on it.]
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You have my sincerest thanks.
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Don't thank me, dear girl. This is a highly mercenary move on my part.
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[She's straightening now, pulling her soft gloves back on with the clear intent to be on her way. She would hate to keep the lovely young lady occupied, et cetera et cetera.]
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[It's a metaphorical question. With a tip of the head, Fitcher slides by the younger woman and makes for the door. It's only when she's nearly clear of it that she pauses, turning halfway back as if she's only just remembered something.]
You weren't by any chance familiar with the mage Anders by any chance, were you? Other than for the obvious reasons, I suppose.
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Yes, we worked closely together. Despite our differences, we were rather good friends.
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I assisted briefly in the clinic he oversaw in Darktown - not medically, of course. No, I was offering transcription services to a few of the patients there, and made one or two friends out of it. Specifically young boy - oh what is his proper name? I've been calling him Bertie. Bartholomew? Bernard? Something far too stodgy for a boy his age - who I've been tutoring on the side since he left the clinic. The other day he asked me if I knew how he might write Anders. The child is penning his own thank you notes these days, you see. I don't suppose you have any clue as to where a such a letter might be sent, do you?
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[ Sidony hesitates for a moment before she turns to some papers - her own letters - and nods. ]
I am sure I could pass some along, should someone wish to contact him. I would be glad to.
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Lovely! I'll inform the lad and have something along to you directly. Have a pleasant morning, Lady Rutyer.
[With a tip of the head and an easy gesture of her lovely long hand, Fitcher dismisses herself from the clinic.]