IC Inbox}{Elizabeth Charlotte, Princess of Palatine, Duchess of Orleans

[thepalatine]

Comments

text; un: monsieur

[rulethenight]

I've been remiss in checking on you.
How goes the contract hunt?

[thepalatine]

You have other concerns than me.
One of the ladies I was courting has disappeared from the city.

[rulethenight]

I have one other concern and he is well cared for.
I am sorry to hear that, you seemed like you were getting on.

How are you, my dear?

[thepalatine]

She seemed a good fit but if God wished her returned I suppose I cannot argue Him.

I'm looking for jobs that will take me uncontracted. I try to keep busy. Yourself?

[rulethenight]

If you need a Dominant to press someone for you, you know that you can call on me.

[Honestly, it's the least he can do at this point.]

And you know I will offer you a contract if you find yourself in need.
I don't want you trapped down there, or worse.

[thepalatine]

I may prevail on your better nature for a writ of approval, yes. It seems Lady Tremontaine's has no meaning now that she isn't in the city.

[There's a brief pause between that and the next text she sends, and several moments of those little blinking dots that means she's been typing and retyping whatever she's about to say]

I do not wish to cause more reason for the Chevalier to run afield than he already does.

[rulethenight]

I am not sure either of us could rein him in if we tried.
Is there something in particular you're worried about?

[A pause, and a sigh.]

Has he said anything to you?

[thepalatine]

Oh, all the standard drivel on assuring I find a good match as soon as possible when he's perfectly happy farming me off to whatever will have me.

No I've just seen a bit of his public behavior here and there and it seems a bit more than he was ever like even when you were away.

[Come on, Liselotte, it's not your place to lecture...]

I do not wish to be the cause of any more strife than I might already be.

[rulethenight]

I suspect it's because he has a much larger audience here.
And I do not think you could possibly cause more strife than there already is.

[Just negotiating a contract had been an ordeal, never mind the rest.]

He hasn't given me any real cause to worry. Not yet.

[thepalatine]

If it does not worry you, monsieur, then it does not worry me.

If I am honest, I would prefer to be in both your graces, but I know that will take as much time as it did before. You would think there being no concern for children would put him at ease at my presence this time.

[rulethenight]

I think my good graces are far more reliable than his.
And, given our situation here, possibly more important.
I am disappointed he doesn't seem to recall your... getting closer, as I was preparing to leave again.

And we both know how fragile the Chevalier is.

[thepalatine]

I as well. Though I have heard from others that is not so uncommon. Still, to lose that has made adjusting difficult.

[Well, not that Chev would appreciate them talking about it, but yes, they certainly do. Liselotte has a little chuckle about it in the privacy of her own apartment.]

Perhaps if I just move myself in until I find a contract. Then he must suffer me until he remembers we are affectionate. I am not yet sure what I provide to this arrangement, but I shall think of something.

[rulethenight]

Sane companionship?

[She's seen them together, she knows exactly how dramatic this relationship can be.]

For both of us, if I'm quite honest.

[thepalatine]

It is true, I am very good at telling you both when you're shrieking like harpies at each other

[rulethenight]

I believe your word of choice was "turkeys."

[He's smiling, at least.]

What sort of occupation are you looking for?

[thepalatine]

I am glad you remember. Because you both are.

Hard to say when I haven't many skills to begin with. If there were a stable, I might go in for working with horses. I suppose no one hires for conversation.

[There's another brief pause.]

I did a bit when the uncontracted housing was being worked on. Working with my hands was actually quite nice.

[rulethenight]

You are not without skill.

Was it? I'm sure you could find something... crafty to do.

[thepalatine]

Just spend the rest of my life doing embroidery circle and gossiping when I'm not trying to make quota?

[rulethenight]

Hardly sounds like the worst way to spend time.

But I mean if, there has to be someone here willing to apprentice if you want to learn a new skill.

[thepalatine]

Right. Of course.

I suppose if you would be willing to vouch for my punctuality and work ethic, I could do just about anything.

[rulethenight]

Of course I will.
If it is any consolation, I find myself looking for work as well.
The stipend I get is liveable, but the Chevalier is expensive.

[thepalatine]

I suppose it might be a point of contention to tell him he needs one as well?
Would could make a decent little treasury if we all put in together.

[rulethenight]

I don't know if he would apply himself with any vigor if either of us were to suggest it.

I'm afraid it's going to have to be his idea. Or it will have to seem to be.

[thepalatine]

Of course. He does like to make things complicated for everyone involved.

[rulethenight]

Especially himself.
I do have faith in him... he can be terribly enterprising when he is motivated.

[he was running a drug ring out of Versailles, for God's sake.]

But until then, finances are tighter than I'd like.
And it would make bringing in another contract... difficult.
The city is quite clear that one must be able to support one's entire household.

[thepalatine]

[He did endeavor for the Protestants, as well. So when his heart is in the right place...

There's some more of those dots as Liselotte types and retypes and goes through her thoughts a few times before she manages to compose something.]

I appreciate that the idea of my contract is still being kept on the table no matter what. And if we did come to an agreeable arrangement for all of us, I would be sure to bring in my own income to help the household. You wouldn't be beholden to caring for my fiances any longer at least.

[rulethenight]

I know that you would.
If anything, you have probably been the most useful person in this triad of ours.

I don't want you to suffer, Liselotte.
I know that the Down itself is designed for that, but please know you may call on me.

switch to video

[thepalatine]

[Now there's a very long pause. Did she set her phone down perhaps?

But then there's a prompt for an incoming video call from her]

[rulethenight]

Did you miss my face that much, my darling?

[thepalatine]

I have, yes, if I must be entirely honest. My ladies were very impressed by your gallantry in chaperoning me to meet them back in January and I feel I have been remiss in not seeing more of you.

Could I? See more of you? I know there is no expectation of wifely duties, but I...I do miss you both, being down here.

[rulethenight]

Yes, we can certainly arrange that. I... have also been remiss. Especially given your current circumstances.

[He should be better for her. To her.]

I would like that. And, honestly, the least I can do is make sure you have something decent to eat as often as possible.

[thepalatine]

I don't want to make things complicated or strain your hospitality. But anything is a far sight better than this place, while I work on getting a contract in order.

[rulethenight]

I don't think they can be any less complicated. And you don't deserve to have been brought so low.

[thepalatine]

Well, I will gladly prevail upon your good nature and try not to take it too much for granted while I get myself shored away.

...Thank you, Philippe. I don't know what I would do without the both of you.