[Val, suddenly all cheer and business, grabs his glass, clinks it against hers, then quaffs a huge quaff of wine. He grabs up his pencil once more and flips to a new page.]
I shall make a list. There are a great many requirements. Do not be afraid, dearest mademoiselle, most are very small requirements. I am sure that you will be able to manage them admirably. I well and fondly recall the fundraising event that you planned for the project. It was nicely conducted for what it was. Of course it must be outdone, given the nature of this event, but I cannot imagine that needs to be said, yes? And of course you must include your own desperate requirements--such is the nature of this thing!
[Once, what feels like a very long time ago now but surely is only removed by a few minutes, she had been quite certain she held the reins on this thing. Now, she has the distinct impression of someone who has been holding a piece of rope and all this time merely reassured that Yes, of course you're steering the wagon. And look at what a fine job you're doing with it!
She drains her clinked and only very recently refilled glass and pours herself another straight away.]
Happily, whereas I had never before been to a fundraiser of the kind I--we--arranged, I may report that I have been to a great number of weddings and the parties which usually follow and so believe I know a thing or two about how they ought to proceed. Make sure, if you would Monsieur, to include your list of guests there.
Oh, I can tell my guests to you right now. Are you ready?
[He straightens up, take a big breath--a man about to launch into an oration--]
Freddie and Jehan.
[There. He relaxes again, sitting back normally in his chair, and taking his wine glass with him so that he might sip contentedly from it.]
Of course, their standards for such events are quite high, though Jeannot, at least, is inclined toward charity--but I am sure you will manage most excellently. As you have said, you have attended such things as a guest. Not in Orlais, of course, but the thing cannot be very different.
Oh come now, de Foncé--Valentine. That cannot possibly be the whole of your list. If you mean for this to be some kind of extravagant event, there must be people in attendance. You can't expect me to--
[Her eyes narrow on him, recalling a certain grubby piece of paper which had constituted as his last 'guest list.']
I see. Well, since the guests themselves are of so little consequence, then you will not be opposed if I simply make the invitation an open one.
Of course I did not say that the guests are of little consequence, ma rein. What I mean is this: that there are only two guests who matter at all to me. These are Freddie and Jehan. Should their presence be lacking, no one will be convinced that the thing is at all genuine. They must be there, just as I must be there, as soundly as if we were joined the three together. Others may be in attendance, good and fine. I leave this to you. Surely you have acquaintances enough? Your friends, the one living in your mansion--others, I am sure...
There is no one--[No, that point is a lost cause. She will simply have to sacrifice matters of spiritual hauntings for the time being. With a small scoff of irritation, Wysteria proceeds heroically onward.] I can think of only eight people I might on my own and under more ordinary circumstances wish to invite. And truly only four of those are really so vital. But my four and your two hardly a convincing wedding party make, sir.
[Is that somehow the first time she has deployed the W-word in this conversation?]
[With great and hardly-concealed obnoxiousness, Val raises his eyebrows but
somehow
manages not to say anything about the w-word. Instead, he holds up one finger.]
A point. We shall, instead, think of those to be invited whose invitation might not be a necessity, but an obligation. Is this not the usual way when one is engaging in such a partnership? Of course, I would not know, never having entered into such a thing. But I have observed.
[It is good he manages so much restraint, for Wysteria's expression had for just a moment grown very thin indeed - drawn to a point so sharp that it's only use can have been to take a piece out of him had he done otherwise. She is still recovering from the impulse, and so says automatically and without much consideration answers:]
Yes of course. As have I. Observed, I mean. In Kalvad such a list would naturally include a great deal of familial relations, but naturally I am somewhat short on those at present. So my question, de Fo--Valentine, is who would you feel obligated to include?
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no subject
[Val, suddenly all cheer and business, grabs his glass, clinks it against hers, then quaffs a huge quaff of wine. He grabs up his pencil once more and flips to a new page.]
I shall make a list. There are a great many requirements. Do not be afraid, dearest mademoiselle, most are very small requirements. I am sure that you will be able to manage them admirably. I well and fondly recall the fundraising event that you planned for the project. It was nicely conducted for what it was. Of course it must be outdone, given the nature of this event, but I cannot imagine that needs to be said, yes? And of course you must include your own desperate requirements--such is the nature of this thing!
no subject
She drains her clinked and only very recently refilled glass and pours herself another straight away.]
Happily, whereas I had never before been to a fundraiser of the kind I--we--arranged, I may report that I have been to a great number of weddings and the parties which usually follow and so believe I know a thing or two about how they ought to proceed. Make sure, if you would Monsieur, to include your list of guests there.
no subject
[He straightens up, take a big breath--a man about to launch into an oration--]
Freddie and Jehan.
[There. He relaxes again, sitting back normally in his chair, and taking his wine glass with him so that he might sip contentedly from it.]
Of course, their standards for such events are quite high, though Jeannot, at least, is inclined toward charity--but I am sure you will manage most excellently. As you have said, you have attended such things as a guest. Not in Orlais, of course, but the thing cannot be very different.
no subject
[Her eyes narrow on him, recalling a certain grubby piece of paper which had constituted as his last 'guest list.']
I see. Well, since the guests themselves are of so little consequence, then you will not be opposed if I simply make the invitation an open one.
no subject
Of course I did not say that the guests are of little consequence, ma rein. What I mean is this: that there are only two guests who matter at all to me. These are Freddie and Jehan. Should their presence be lacking, no one will be convinced that the thing is at all genuine. They must be there, just as I must be there, as soundly as if we were joined the three together. Others may be in attendance, good and fine. I leave this to you. Surely you have acquaintances enough? Your friends, the one living in your mansion--others, I am sure...
no subject
[Is that somehow the first time she has deployed the W-word in this conversation?]
no subject
somehow
manages not to say anything about the w-word. Instead, he holds up one finger.]
A point. We shall, instead, think of those to be invited whose invitation might not be a necessity, but an obligation. Is this not the usual way when one is engaging in such a partnership? Of course, I would not know, never having entered into such a thing. But I have observed.
no subject
Yes of course. As have I. Observed, I mean. In Kalvad such a list would naturally include a great deal of familial relations, but naturally I am somewhat short on those at present. So my question, de Fo--Valentine, is who would you feel obligated to include?