| Tea and Honey |
| Summary: | Cherise and Ceinlys discuss a new addition to the Charlton household |
| Date: | 17th January 2011 |
| Related Logs: | Asking Favors |
| Players: |
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| Guest Room - Crane's Crossing Inn |
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| The rooms at Crane's Crossing are of the finest quality to be found at any guest quarters among the Riverlands, though not as finely done as those in the castles — by far. The rooms are spacious with plenty of room for not just a noble but a small entourage to gather in. The sprawling beds are finished with fine sheets and goosedown-stuffed pillows. Rugs are lain about except nearest the door with a few couches placed to one corner for guests of the room holder. Chambermaidens are on call at all hours to clean and refill the wash basins or provide new washclothes - or to even take sullied clothing for cleaning. The windows are set out a bit from the wall to provide bench seating that overlooks the sprawling green of meadows, distant forests, and bubbling creeks. |
| 17th January 289 A.L. |
In the early hours of the morning where most of those beneath the upturned noses of blue nobility were out and about, moving along to the daily rhythm of their lives Cherise was wide awake. Wide being the imperative word for little sleep had taken her from the previous night. Though there was another reason she was up, an invitation for a meeting with the Lady Erenford for breakfast of all things. Currently she was seated at the small table, large enough to sit for comfortably and granting elbow room for those whom should need it. Aliester had already left the inn shortly after first light, leaving the lady to share her breakfast with the expectant noblewoman. Within two her hand maids stood nearby, one preparing a tea from the burning hearth as another began setting the table arrangements. They spoke very little while Cherise held both arms folded before her, shoulders wrapped in a pale green shawl. "Is the tea not ready yet?" She pointedly asked, staring to the polished wood surface first sanded then lacquered to a shine. "A few more moments m'lady." The middle aged woman responded quietly, careful not to have her voice raise too loud.
*
The Crane's Crossing, while perhaps not quite so lavish as the Lady Erenford is accustomed to, is still a vast improvement upon the Army Camp. No more dusty travelling attire, for one thing. Comfortable beds, hot food and prompt servants. For the time being, the situation is perfectly acceptable and gratefully received. Clad in a fine hooded dress of rich gold velvet, with her dark locks neatly swept back at the temples by matching combs, Ceinlys is certainly more presentable - by her own standards - than she has been these past weeks and carries herself with a palpable air of calm to her countenance. With her hands clasped loosely against her snugly bodiced midsection, the young lady makes her way to the door of the Charlton household, having responded to the invitation the night before with pleasure. It's only a short distance from her own chambers, but Ceinlys is accompanied all the same by her chaperone; a sour-faced older woman by the name of Brigid who lingers in her mistress' wake, stoic and silent. She steps forward only to knock upon the door when it is reached, then withdraws to the shadow again.
For her part, Ceinlys draws a soft, steadying breath, a last sweeping glance cast over her demure, elegant appearance. A hint of anxiety, in the always collected noblewoman? How curious.
*
It may just have been that squire or another hunting for the Ser's attention. Whomever, the expected or not expected, their knock onto the door would be answered by the middle-aged woman, a slight olive complexion to her coloring and amber freckled face. She had dark hair, upswept into two tight braids coiling around her crown. Simple and most importantly out of the way. When she had opened the door Ceinlys was greeted with a smile, the middle-age woman's frame dipping in greeting. "M'lady Erenford." She says, parting the door wider for the woman's entrance as her open palm motioned to the table used for dining. The table Cherise currently occupied, the mask dawned, a warm smile for the guest and the woman stands from her seat. Her rich green taffeta gown, embroidered with gold and red threads, was tailored for an expecting female as it hugged the bust and draped loosely in widen pleats over her form.
"Lady Ceinlys Erenford." Cherise recites, the across her table was previously offered from one of her handmaidens. When and after her guest would cross into her chambers the door was closed. Powders concealed the truth of her lack of sleep, "A pleasure to finally make your acquaintance."
*
Stepping quietly through the doorway, with a passing nod to the handmaid who draws it open for her, Ceinlys enters the chambers without fuss, hands still clasped before her in a formal posture. Only a few strides carry her forward toward the table before the young lady pauses, dipping a graceful curtsey to the Lady currently residing in the comfortable chambers. "M'lady." Her reply is soft-spoken, though with apparent warmth in kind. Following a proper downward flit of her gaze, she then settles it upon Cherise as she straightens back to her full height. "Likewise, I am sure. And my thanks for your invitation." Formalities seen to, she regards the noblewoman with a subtle smile lingering upon her lips. Brigid remains behind a short way, not far from the door.
Calmly continuing forward, the Lady Erenford comes to a gradual halt by the chair opposite her gracious hostess, not seating herself as yet. "My congratulations, m'lady. I had heard you were with child. May the Mother Above watch over you.. I trust the accomodations are comfortable enough for you?"
*
"The accommodations will do." Relayed as if made to practice the words. On her decent into the chair she received aid, not that it was wanted. "Still thank you for your kind well wishes." Cherise returns, motioning with a graceful hand towards the chair across from her. "I suppose as a mother yourself, you are familiar with the trials a babe exerts upon a woman." At the mention she unconsciously laid a hand atop of her stomach. "They tell you much is what to be expected though when it has arrived, when it is here all those preparations are practically tossed out the nearest window." Pale blue eyes turn towards the middle-aged woman, who was already preparing the morning teas.
*
Nodding gently, in both understanding and thanks, Ceinlys accepts the offer of a seat and lowers herself smoothly into the chair. "Indeed, m'lady.." she replies, easily; the topic of children evidently one she is perfectly comfortable with. "All the preparations in the world cannot have one truly ready for the changes that come with motherhood. Though, they do go some way to occupying the mind, at least." The young woman relents to a slight grin as she folds her hands in her lap. "Of course, it is entirely worth it, all told. Nothing compares. If there is anything I might offer to comfort or reassure m'lady, you need only ask. I similarly found myself heavy with child during a time of war, and I would not wish you to suffer undue stress or loneliness, in such days." She notes the maternal press of that palm to Cherise's rounded stomach and her icy blue eyes soften a little, vaguely wistful. Following this little monologue, however, she falls politely quiet, leaving it to the Lady to direct the conversation as she pleases.
*
Cherise resumes speaking once the tray carrying the tea has arrived. Two cups along with condiments according to their preference, the handmaid already begins preparing the Charlton woman's tea to her liking. "My husband has been more than a blessing through this. And when he is unable to be present my cousin Lady Danae and the Lady Cordeyla Flint are very warming. It will be comforting to have the wisdom bestowed from a woman who has already endured." Cherise reaches for the cup, embracing it with two hands rather than one for the warmth. "The most difficult trial thus far was maintaining a meal. Thankfully I can enjoy food once again." She smirks a touch, lifting her cup yet not drinking from it. "So Lady Erenford let us not be too estranged hmm? Why do you chose House Charlton? And most of all me?" Still eyeing the woman the lady drinks slowly from her cup.
*
Ceinlys doesn't reach immediately for her cup, choosing instead to answer the matters posed first of all. "I have not had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of your companions, I confess. Though Ser Anders seems to be a fine gentleman." Chuckling softly at the careful mention of a troubled stomach, the young lady inclines her head knowingly. "I recommend adding a little ginger to your tea, should such things trouble you again, m'lady. I found it most soothing, particularly when required to travel any distance. Ugh, one never notices quite how -bumpy- a carriage can be, until she is unwell, do you not agree?"
Ah, onto the cruz of the matter. Pausing briefly, Ceinlys gathers her thoughts before offering as simple a response as she is able. "Your House, m'lady, is the most loyal of the Frey vassals. As the child of Lord Walder's eldest daughter, that is of course of some import to me.. and my mother." Her lips are tugged to a faint smirk. "She desired that I find a place in a worthy household. Which rather swiftly sets aside -most-.. I have no desire to offer my companionship to a lady of Erenford or -Nayland-. No, m'lady, your house is the finest choice that I could hope to have. And as to the matter of you, yourself.." She casts Cherise a contemplative look across the table, her head tilting a little. "..the wife of Ser Aleister must truly be as intelligent as she is elegant. I would be glad to serve as a companion in your household, and to aid you in any way you require. That may sound rather paltry but.." Finally, she reaches to draw her teacup closer, adding a healthy dollop of honey and stirring the contents slowly. ".. I believe you -deserving- of your position, Lady Cherise. Which is more than I would say of others of similar standing. Those, I would not deign to assist."
*
In listening the Charlton woman drinks from her tea once before wholly dedicating her ears to the woman's reply. At the end the woman receives a nod of her head. "You most certainly have a way with words Lady Erenford." She says before sliding both hands onto her lap. "They are kind and flattering. Perhaps words that I do not deserve. And yet thank you." There's a small pause. "In truth Lady Erenford I see no reason to deny your companionship, serving in House Charlton or no. I would be foolish not to considering the amount of experience and wisdom you may be able to bestow upon me. Especially when distant from Hollyholt." Before Cherise reaches for her tea, she also adds. "From all these houses considered I could very well, and possibly, understand the reason of your approach to House Charlton." Inwardly she smiled, a bit of humors to herself.
*
Blowing across the surface of her tea, then taking a tentative sip, Ceinlys seems to find it to her liking, smiling faintly as she rests the cup lightly upon one palm. "Thank you, m'lady." she murmurs, in response to the compliments. "At best, I can easily see to the tasks you may yourself wish to set aside, as your time nears. Dictation and the like. At worst, well.." She cannot help but chuckle a little, her next breath across her tea a little halting with the exhale. "..you may find me opinionated to the point of blunt, when the occasion calls for it. But I value honesty, Lady Cherise. I would rather displease you with truth than pacify you with falsehoods." She doesn't elaborate at the moment, though, falling to a companionable silence as she sips her tea and merely enjoying the presence, it seems, of another noblewoman.
*
Particulars in her tea would flavor it a touch bitter while remarkably sweet. An odd reflection of the ladies from Hollyholt. In waiting for the liquid to cool, a faint white cloud of vapors seductively rose for the ceilings, Cherise listened while nodding accordingly. "Naturally Lady Ceinlys honesty is a rare gem found the further we ascend. Your sharp tongue and wit will be appreciated along with the truths you will unleash. Otherwise I would agree that it would place you no different than a hand maid." Not to offend but it is an example. Some ladies hung on every word while others provided real companionship. "From how I understand it, we may reside here for quite some time." A small look of displeasure is given to the room, not her personal chambers, not her lavish chambers and certainly not Hollyholt. "However your company shall make the best of it." A faint smile is offered on her thin lips, drawing the cup closer yet still not drinking from it. "In the mean time, I understand you had arrived with your brother? Ah.. Lord Ser Aron yes? Had I not cared for your companionship Lady Ceinlys which path would you have chosen then?"
*
"Somehow, my lady, I imagine your own tongue is capable of just such humorous endeavours, also." Ceinlys cannot help but smile a little, nehind the delicate rim of her teacup, seeming to warm to the noblewoman she speaks with. Apparently she not only understands the difference between maid and companion - she approves of it. At least, that's the impression given as the curve lingers about her lips. Taking another careful sip of her hot tea, the dark-haired young woman follows that wandering glance about the chambers, looking similarly unimpressed. Presumably her own are not much different and this is most certainly a case of 'make-do' rather than 'enjoy'. "It does hearten me, the notion of having -something- with which to occupy my thoughts, my lady, while the distant battles play out. There's only so much needlework one can attend to, without finding they become more fascinated with pricking their fingertips." Tilting her head a little askance, Ceinlys lowers her cup to the table, for now, lending genuine contemplation to her lady's question for several beats. "I arrived with the numbers dispatched from Broadmoor, indeed. My closest brother, in age, Harlyn, was already arrived here in Stonebridge, so it seemed a timely opportunity for my own journey here. What could be safer than a dozen knights to accompany? Aron, yes…" She pauses, choosing her words carefully enough not to sound dismissive. "He is perhaps the most difficult of us, my lady. But a successful tourney knight, if you take enjoyment of such things. Many tales to tell." Regarding Cherise with her vivid blue eyes, she relents to a slight grin. "If you had no interest in my companionship, my lady… I would content myself with my own household. Certainly, as I said, I would never seek to attend the houses of Nayland or Erenford. Vapid wastrels, the lot of them." A gentle shake of her head, and she returns to her tea, adding a little more honey. Because no, she's -not- particularly sweet.
*
As the dark haired noblewoman sat across from her table, speaking, Cherise took this opportunity to cautiously sample her tea. The handmaid knew her best, prepared rightly so to her liking. Made evident through the softening of her shoulders. "I abhor needlework or truly any craft with these fingers." Anemic blue eyes lower in brief examination of those hands of hers, the boring activity engaged only when absolutely necessary. Cherise carefully drinks from her cup once more before drawing it away from her lips, responding to the latter of Ceinlys' answer. "Nothing safer of course. I do enjoy watching the tournaments, when I may. I am quite fond of them truth be told. So all male siblings cannot be perfect. I have three male elders myself and I can relate to their charming qualities. Still I would not trade them for anything no matter how challenging they become at times. Males will be males. They should be grateful we are here to temper their prowess." Amused, there's a soft burst of laughter escaping her lips. "Ah yes the Naylands. Quite a livelihood in these part of the Riverlands. The Terricks.. the Oldstones… the fallen Camdens…" When she briefly shakes her head the blonde lengths from her crown are disturbed and the lady is swift to correct them by motion of a gentle hand. "Tell me of your daughter Lady Ceinlys, when you have last laid eyes upon her and more importantly do you wish to return to her?"
*
A soft 'hmm' of obvious agreement is Ceinlys' response on the matter of tourneys, accompanied by a firm nod, seeing as she has just taken a sip of honeyed tea. "I enjoy them myself." she admits, when she is able, studying the woman opposite with the subtle arch of one brow, perhaps surprised to find her not quite such a wallflower as one would have expected. Grinning in kind after a moment, she offers, "Aron is complaining bitterly that the Ironborn are ruining the season for him. He does so enjoy the lists." And on to the matter of her daughter, the child that House Erenford refuse to offer any sanctuary to. "Her name is Hafwen, my lady.. and she recently turned six. A clever and beautiful child, according to her Septa, with the grace to please her dancing tutor and the wits to keep out of my father's path before noon." There's a fondness playing across Ceinlys' austere features, this topic plainly one of ease and pride for the young lady. "For the nonce, she remains in the care of my mother, the Lady Perriane. It is the safest place for her, under the circumstances." A brief pause evidences her weighing the question posed. "Do I wish to hear news often, and set eyes upon her when I may? Of course, my lady. But do I wish to return to the Keep." She shakes her head slowly, holding Cherise' gaze with a warm smile. "No. I spent the past five years there.. that ought to do for a while yet. The Lady Haigh keeps me well informed, despite now being heavy with yet another sibling… Mother Above, let it be a -girl-, this time!" She chuckles quietly, idly swirling her tea in its cup.
*
For her part, Ceinlys listens with interest to the description of the Lady's cousin, grinning and inclining her head a little in understanding. "Every one of my brothers, it seems, tend toward their own qualities and ideals, while still bound by kinship and love for one another. Family is a curious thing - I find we forgive them so easily their trespasses. Harlyn, for example… he is so different to Aron. He seems content in his shadow. But I've little doubt they would deal swiftly with any man who threatened the wellbeing of either one, of any of us." Her smirk, now is a little wry. "Despite the claims of one particular barefoot pretender to the contrary." A soft exhale, not quite a sigh, betrays amused indifference to that matter, upon which she doesn't elaborate quite yet, moving on instead to answer Cherise' question. "Perhaps I am overly cautious, my lady, when it comes to my daughter. But given my past with the Erenfords, and their apparent lack of interest in reaching amicable truce.. theirs is not a world I desire Hafwen to be near." That said, she pauses, arching her brows at the gracious offer of hospitality. "..you would welcome Hafwen to your household? That would be.." At an uncharacteristic loss for words, albeit a brief one, Ceinlys casts a tentatively delighted smile toward the Lady Charlton. "..an unexpected kindness, my lady. You would have my gratitude, if such came to pass." Following that glance over the chambers, not for the first time, she ventures a further enquiry. "Do you intend, then, to take up a more permanent residence in the vicinity?"
*
More sips from her cup, the tea was becoming too warm for her tastes. Because of this she motioned for the attention of her handmaid, a slight tilting motion to her cup and allowed it to exchange hands. A look was given that same servant to inquire with Ceinlys as well. "The true bonds of a family are ever strong in that manner." Though Charlton was her family now and those bonds were still questionable. Danae's presence was a comfort. An added pinch of Westerland spice. "I would be a poor lady to have you in the company of a child more often than with your own young one. Think nothing of it Lady Ceinlys." Her lips display a small smile, perhaps a bit warmed. "Perhaps, it is hard to say truthfully. It would depend on the success of our men in battle hmm?"
*
Quietly waving a dismissive gesture toward her cup as she sets it down and aside, Ceinlys implies with a mere flit of fingertips that she is sated, for the time being. "Most thoughtful, my lady. Though, I admit to being strangely pleased by the notion of being around a babe again." It's apparently a powerful thing, that maternal association.. even in one who might not have been considered capable of such a thing. "Tell me, Lady Charlton.. are you nervous? I recall being quite stricken, at times, with the approaching time. Of course, I was little more than a girl, then." Her head tilts just a touch, for a few beats. "..you seem perfectly content, if I may presume such. That bodes well. A calm mother, I am told, practically ensures a child of sweet nature." Folding her hands in her lap, Ceinlys turns her curious questions now upon her hostess - as far as she is permitted, at least. "I have, I'm afraid, never had the pleasure of coming even close to the lands held by your House, my lady. I understand much of their fortune is held in mining? Do you miss your home terribly, or does the Charlton House better suit your tastes? Forgive me if I speak out of turn.. places that I have yet to visit hold a certain fascination for me. You are, to me, a rarity in experiences."
*
When Cherise's tea returns, she waits only a few moments before sipping from it. Afterwards she answers without thought, "I had believed it would not happen for at least another year into our marriage. The Mother, bless her, perhaps felt it was time. And nervous? A little. Everything is strange and new. I will admit the sickness and the lack of interest in food and in practically everything was turning my mind to dour thoughts. Thankfully Danae provided some wonderful herbs to subside all those ailments. I am beginning to enjoy it truthfully." And the attention it awards. Had to complete her words by looking down at her rounded belly, "Perhaps I am content." She cants her head slightly at the revelation. "Aliester has been such a dream in all this. So very attentive and considerate. In this state I believe I can do no wrong." The lady laughs again, shaking her head. "Yes, House Westerling once owned a significant amount of mining hills since .. forever in my opinion. Due to the landscape a great many houses forged their wealth on the numerous hills and those mined for precious resources. The Westerlands are different as old wealth tends to be. I miss my family and the festivals. The tourneys … ah the hills. Grand hills and none of this depressing flat landscape barren of beauty. Hollyholt has been an adjustment though with all new marriage it usually is." She raises her cup, allowing the vapors to reach her face. "No need to forgive Lady Ceinlys, you are curious. Perhaps you'll find yourself in the Westerlands for whatever reason may bring you there." There particular favorites however she refrains from sharing too much. "Sadly House Westerling is near to becoming a shadow of their former glory." Separating and considering herself to be a Charlton for the present. "It is disheartening to witness over the years." Her words spoken absently over the cup of her tea. Soon she is drinking from it again.
*
The young lady smiles faintly as she watches and listens, noting Cherise' glance downward toward her subtly rounded belly with her expression warming still further for a moment. "Your union does seem to be a blessed one." she agrees, gently inclining her head as her hostess makes mention of her devoted spouse. "I, myself, had little time to truly acquaint myself with my late husband.. and if I may speak frankly, I doubt whether we ever would truly have been bound by anything more than necessity. The Erenfords are.. a strange people." Lapsing into contemplation of this for a moment or two, she then almost physically shakes off thoughts of the lesser house, focusing attentively upon the Lady's words once more. "I could not agree more, my lady, regarding the rather bleak surroundings. Broadmoor has scarce few hills, but the landscape is at least pleasant to look upon. I greatly miss the hunts and riding I used to enjoy.." One hand rises, absently tucking back an errant dark curl. "Perhaps, when you are well recovered from the birth of your babe, we might pursue such things together." Sighing softly, though with apparent satisfaction than any trace of boredom, she adds, "I would hope one day to visit your homeland, indeed. Do you foresee a return journey, in celebration of the Mother's blessings upon you, my lady? No doubt your kin are delighted by the news."
*
Should it be possible to send word back to the Westerlands she may do so. At least that side of her family will be pleased. "I have had yet to send word of our new blessing." The news was intentionally coveted from the ears of Hollyholt. "A venture to the Westerlands does seem likely. In time of course. I have not been home for a little over a year. Although, that is hardly a great amount of time to be absent…" Cherise drinks again from her tea. "It was a union out of necessity and duty. The needs of our house far outweigh the needs of our self. I had vied for House Baratheon myself. However House Charlton has a great deal of wealth House Westerling does not." The lady shrugs then, not affected in the slightest. "I benefited from this union as did my husband. Do I truly know him? I would like to believe I do however that will come in time." The woman then adjusts her seating, correcting her posture against the pillow pressed between she and the wooden chair. "How strange would you say? Every house has their ticks."
*
Ceinlys cannot help but laugh, albeit it softly and swiftly quelled, lingering traces of amusement evident in her blue eyes. "A lady of quality should always aim high. We are, after all, few and far between. Yours is a fine, and pragmatic match, I think. The Charltons have long held a place of great esteem in the Riverlands." She says so without apparent animosity - it's simply the way of things, that one house will always be superior to its fellows. When the conversation swings back toward the Erenfords, however, Ceinlys' expression darkens just a touch, the mere shadow of a frown crossing her features. "..it would seem the Erenfords are intent upon bearing ill will toward me, regardless of my birthing a daughter of their line. Or so I understand it, from the words of one of their number. Perhaps you have met the 'Lady' Emylie, my lady..?" The question is an uncertain one, implying none too subtly that she doubts the aforementioned girl travelling in circles anywhere near so high. "Their apparent representative in the region, who thinks well enough of herself to stand ankle-deep and barefoot in the dirt and threaten me. As if her little House had anything with which to make such claims." Her laugh brightens her expression once more as she shakes her head. "Quaint." After a splitsecond pause, she adds, with an air of wicked mischief previously unseen, "I suspect the girl most certainly carries most of those 'ticks' about her person, unless she sees fit to bathe in coming weeks."
*
"This is true." She counters a smirk at the noblewoman's laughter, amusing aspirations set so high. As her lips resettled into quiet contemplation over the name spoken Cherise answers first with a gentle shake of her head. "I am afraid I am not familiar with the name." Then again Ceinlys was correct, lesser houses were hardly remembered and noted beyond the fact of being lesser. Emblems and colors, their lords and status were engraved into memory. Within the circle Charlton kept themselves in many were considered excluded. "She has come here then?" Her interest is piqued, the natural snarky attitudes bred within the noble culture was aglow. "What could you have possibly don to incite their ire? Denied them a male child? Have crooked needlework?" There were a great many reasons why a house may suddenly take disinterest in the one married into it. Particularly if they were female. She knew this feeling all too well.
*
"Oh, my needlework is exemplary, my lady, I assure you." replies Ceinlys, affecting an airy manner in response to Cherise' subtle teasing, though quickly returning to a smile. "They hold to the gossip and slander of five years ago, when my late husband passed. Apparently they consider me in some way to blame for it, despite it having been a time of war when many lives were lost. Frankly, I think they are merely loathe to share any of the supposed wealth or standing they consider themselves to have or be entitled to, scrounged from the tables of their superiors. Currs." Raising and dropping her slender shoulders in a light shrug, the young lady seems unconcerned, and lends weight to that appearance with her further words. "It hardly troubles me, save for their spouting nonsense over the legitimacy of my daughter. If they wish to provoke, they should do so directly, not over the head of an innocent child. They will not return to the good favor of House Haigh.. and that is their own loss. The Gods take their continued small mindedness, my lady.. I have greater things to concern myself with. We all do."
*
Listening, once more drinking from her cup as Ceinlys speaks, Cherise is given to moments of various facial expressions ranging from surprised to intrigued and at times disgust. "This is a great thing Lady Ceinlys." The woman relays neutrally, a pause before the rest of her words follow. "It could also very well hinder any prospects should you wish to marry again. It would be the word of a House against you. A woman. A widow. Your former husband's house against your own. Such a small thing to squabble over and yet the ripples can become so widespread. I do not envy you." So with very little power on the noblewoman's side Cherise's brows knit low from deep thought. It was in a flash moment of clarity the Charlton woman chuckled light-heartedly. "And here you are…" She had sat her cup down gently the moved that same hand to lay against the softened bevel of her bosom. "Stonebridge may not be so stale afterall." Her smile for Ceinlys is a bit brighter, warmer as the name of the game was revealed. "You have suddenly become much more interesting."
*
"There is little to envy, my lady." agrees the dark-haired young woman, with seemingly genuine amusement as she hears her plight thus summarised. "Perhaps now you better understand the comfort I would find in simply being a part of a household, rather than doing as might be expected and seeking a new husband." Her blue eyes settle on Cherise, alight with her amusement. "And here I am." she echoes, lapsing to a slight grin, a mere glimpse of white teeth. "I am glad to have piqued your interest, Lady Cherise. A companion without quirks to ponder is a dull companion indeed, no?" Shifting her weight a little in her chair, Ceinlys resettles her own hands one atop the other. "You can be assured, at least, that when I say I have no fondness for those houses beneath your own.. I mean it most vehemently."
*
These truths needed a strong foundation to build upon and in doing so made the interaction a bit easier. "A wise move Lady Ceinlys." Cherise compliments before pushing from her seat, needing to stand or move. Something as she felt unsettled in the wooden chair. It felt good to stand upright if only for a moment while aligning a proper posturing. "A new husband would simply be the next to carry these burdens." The lady had distanced herself from the table, taking in a small walk around the chamber with arms folded over the apex of her abdomen. "Those troubles would be laid at his feet the moment a proposal is whispered. Although… do they wish something of you? A tarnished reputation or no longer wish to associate themselves with House Haigh?" She does keep her eyes in Ceinlys direction as she walks a casual pace across the muted expanse of these chambers. "Surely there must be something you can offer to quell their spite?"
*
"I think the truth of the matter, regarding my late husband, was long since lost and forgotten beneath their flurry of outrage and accusation, my lady. If they ever wanted anything at all, I cannot even hazard a guess at what it may be. Perhaps they are content merely to despise me.. those who still cling to the threads of the tapestry, anyway. How to remedy that.. I do not know. I admit, it has not been at the forefront of my thoughts for some time now." Ceinlys follows suit as the Lady rises, though remains standing by the table in a formal manner rather than trail in her wake. Canting her head to one side, she follows Cherise' movements all the same with those icy eyes, quiet for a time. "Perhaps my lady might put her mind to how best to assuage their ongoing animosity? Perspective often comes clearer from a further vantage point, I find. And I have been in the midst of this particular siege upon my reputation for longer than I care to think of." That wry twist returns to tug at the corner of her mouth as she clasps her hands loosely once again against her snug bodice. "On that note, Lady Charlton, I see you grow restless. If there is nothing I may do for you, at the moment, I will take my leave and allow you time to rest. And.. with your permission, perhaps I may return at a later time to discuss the intricacies of the service you may require of me, if such is not an outlandish presumption." With the men departing soon for the Roost, she is perhaps looking forward to a new routine and duties, to learning the lady's habits and preferences. To thoroughly immersing herself in something at least approaching proper etiquette.
*
In noticing Ceinlys bid to rise Cherise was almost about to protest against it, however she pushed that thought back. "When and if I do encounter this Lady Emylie perhaps she may provide some insight. Until then, under the colors and arms, along with my welcome, of House Charlton there is very little that may come to pass against you. They may remain quiet or this may be the very rod to stoke their embers. Time will tell though I believe most focus is upon the battles ahead." She paused in her movements, bidding her slippered feet to stop to a halt. "You are right, a few hours will be suitable for I should, undoubtedly remain here." Her eyes do glance in the direction of a large bed, suddenly laying a spark to her lust for it. "We will speak then Lady Ceinlys and until that time, I am grateful for your company this morning."
*
Sweeping her skirts aside subtly with one palm, Ceinlys drops the other floorward before herself as she dips an elegant curtsey. Let it never be said she lacks the grace of a courtier, even if, as warned, her words can become rather less honeyed, behind closed doors. Regardless of the condiments added to her tea. "M'lady.." the murmured formality serves as both thanks and farewell, it seems, with the young noblewoman's dour chaperone recognising a departure in the offing and moving to quietly open the door ahead of the strides that return the raven-haired Haigh toward the halls beyond.
