Falling Petals, Growing Vines

[Princess Emmaline Carlisle]

Lady Mariana Jardinier


Catching up on the news of Triadon upon her return, Emmaline learned that her older sister, brother in law and their children arrived at Court from Fairfield. She had not yet encountered Mariana or Hadrian, but intended to change that. Aware of her sister's fondness for the castle gardens, and of Mariana's excellent abilities as an involved and caring parent, she felt sure she could arrange an encounter accidentally on purpose. Carrying a basket with little gifts for the children, as well as one or two for the adults, Emma headed off into the sun-filled gardens with a wistful sigh for their verdant beauty and heavenly fragrances.

She would miss these gardens when off to Sarkozsy, but for now, it was making the most of the time she had. Pushing the thought from her mind as she began a systematic search of the paths and alcoves, listening for sounds of children at play or running feet. On such a day as this, the Jardinier family had to be enjoying the beautiful weather and each other's company, but where were they? The gardens, for all their outstanding loveliness, were rather extensive, making the search a little challenging.

Enlisting the aid of the gardeners to narrow down and refine her search, questions were posed to find her elusive sister... Where are you, Mariana?

[Lady Mariana Jardinier]

Quite unaware of her little sister’s plight to find her, Mariana has situated herself and her infant daughter in the middle of one of the larger, more secluded rose gardens. It had always been her favorite place, and now, with the roses still blooming, it made for a lovely spot to spend an afternoon in. Perhaps her youngest brother, with his habit of being everywhere at once, would know of the place, but she doubted everyone else would. As for Hadrian, the woman didn’t have any idea on where to find him but assumed he would do so for her if he needed to. For now, the woman lounged on a blanket she brought with her, playing hide and seek with Rowena, who was closing and opening her eyes and giggling up at her whenever she saw that her mother was still there.

As such, it was a bit of surprise to see Emmaline headed what looked like her way. She hadn’t seen her sister in quite some time, so Mariana took this time to admire the way her youngest sibling had grown since the last time they’ve seen each other. She had turned into a lovely young woman by all accounts, but it seemed like there was some purpose to her wanderings, if Mariana didn’t know which it were. Gently ensuring that the child would be safe for a few moments, the woman stood, hoping to attract her sister’s attention, even if she wasn’t always too noticeable to catch the eye of anyone. “Emma? Were you looking for someone, dearling?” Not entirely certain how the endearment would be taken, she none the less took care to attract her sister’s attention, loud enough to let the younger woman know where to look. Her spot almost never was noticed if one didn’t know what to look for, and it did not seem like many learned of its existence.

[Princess Emmaline Carlisle]

The gardeners were an excellent source of information, able to guide her where she herself had failed. Emmaline thanked them effusively before drifting in the direction indicated. One of the more private and secluded rose gardens, she realized, a garden their mother had been especially fond of. Small wonder Mariana enjoyed it there and availed herself of it during her visits to Triadon. Venturing closer, she received confirmation of her sister's presence with the sound of her voice, a smile coming to curve her lips. "You, actually. That is, if I'm not intruding?"

As the Duchess of Fairfield and Princess Royal of Fairfield, her sister remained an important and influential woman, Emma understood, both in court and amongst the higher rank of nobles in Demeria. Had she stopped to consider it, she might have realized Mariana could be holding a private meeting with someone and she was just... barging in. The endearment, however, helped to soothe her uncertainty as she paused, waiting for her sister's response. They had not been terribly close, thanks to a separation of six years, but Emma hoped to change that. Today was the first step in that plan.

[Lady Mariana Jardinier]

Ah, so that was the only matter, was it not? A warm smile of welcome always ready to greet one of her siblings, Mariana spread her arm invitingly toward the blanket. “As you can see, my only company at the moment is my baby girl, so you’re more than welcome to join,” she stated in her usual tone of voice, mentally getting ready for what she was certain was going to be among more difficult first meetings. She has caught rumors of some sort of difficulty her sister was experiencing, but for the moment remained silent upon the matter and caught her baby before the girl rolled off the blanket in pursuit of whatever caught her attention while her mother wasn’t looking. Emma would tell her, or whoever she was comfortable talking to, when she was ready for that particular talk. “Here, Rowena, say hi to your Aunt Emma, I don’t think you actually met before,” she smiled, unable to help a quiet laugh at her daughter’s giggle as the girl looked between her mother and Emmaline with what seemed like sheer curiosity. Giving an amused, warm look toward her sister, she wondered if the presence of the child with her would help Emma relax more. She had a feeling her sister was uncertain on whether to join, hopefully this little meeting that she could orchestrate would help everyone.

[Princess Emmaline Carlisle]

Glancing past Mariana to see the baby on the blanket, Emma's face softened noticeably. She'd not had a chance to see her niece since Rowena's birth, and the sight of the giggling infant made her wonder for just a heartbeat what sort of mother she would be. Emma hesitated, then awkwardly extended her arms. "Will she let me hold her?" She had precious little experience of babies, but found them fascinating. It would be lovely to hold the babe for just a few minutes, to know what it was like. Did Nikolai want children? What an idiotic question, of course he wanted children. He needed an heir.

Flushing a little at her thoughts, Emma was a little awkward around Mariana. "She's beautiful, Mariana. And looks so much like you." There was a definite resemblance between mother and child, though her nephews more greatly resembled Hadrian, in her opinion. "How are you enjoying your stay so far? You're all comfortable, I hope?"

[Lady Mariana Jardinier]

Wondering at Emma’s blush, Mariana looked down at her daughter, who cooed a little at the suggestion. “Thank you, Emma. What do you think, Rowena? Should we let your aunt hold you?” Shaking her head and giving an amused laugh as her daughter nodded hers instead, she carefully handed the girl to Emmaline, gently allowing her younger sister to adjust her hands holding a child. It was obvious right away that Emma hadn’t held a child before, so Mariana gently allowed her sister time she needed to adjust properly.

“Yes, thank you, we’re comfortable. Our old chambers were unoccupied, so we’ve taken them instead of misplacing some other unfortunate soul from theirs.” The last point was her personal insistence, since the chambers were close to her mother’s old ones and she felt the most at home. Much to her surprise, she found no resistance on it, though perhaps she shouldn’t be surprised. Hiding amusement at the thought, Mariana turned a concerned glance at her sister, studying the younger woman with much worry, though she hoped she would hide most of it. “What about yourselves? Dearling, you don’t look too well, if you don’t mind me saying so. Is ought amiss?” Cautious but asking to the point, the woman attempted to find out what was wrong, certain that Emma would be able to speak up once she was ready to do so but not able to do but ask. She had been worried with that letter, and seeing her sister would help her go directly to the source of the problem, if this source was able to speak.

[Princess Emmaline Carlisle]

Fortunately, Rowena made adjusting to the additional weight of a child in her arms easy, snuggling against her aunt. Emma smiled down at her, a gentle finger stroking the baby's soft, round cheek. She was starting to vaguely grasp some of what Aunt Fiona had told her - that in a marriage of state, a woman's greatest comfort could be her children. Perhaps that was the secret to surviving such a marriage. She managed to listen to her sister, a nod acknowledging what was said. "They're always kept ready for you. Aunt and I didn't feel right letting anyone else stay in those rooms, they're meant for family." Looking up, she felt assessing eyes on her, catching a glimpse of an expression on Mariana's face that made her stomach tighten.

Mariana's next words made that stomach plummet with dismay, her eyes lowering on a sigh. "Aught doesn't begin to cover it. If you asked if everything was amiss, you'd be a lot closer." Emma hesitated, then plunged forwards. "Father betrothed me to Prince Nikolai of Sarkozsy, but didn't tell me until a week or two before the Prince arrived. And the fact of the matter is, we don't really get along. He's warm, cordial and pleasant to everyone but me, but the minute he gets around me, he turns to ice. Except for one time when he was drunk." She wasn't particularly in favor of remembering that moment or the subsequent humiliation. Bleak, dark eyes met her sister's. "I don't know how to fix it, but I know I have to try, even if I have to confront him and demand to know what's so terrible about me."

[Lady Mariana Jardinier]

Surprised but grateful for the gesture of keeping their rooms for them, Mariana gave another of her warm smiles, caused as much by her child’s actions as by Emma’s words. “Thank you both, though I believe I shall thank our Aunt in person when I can find her. She seems to be more elusive than I am.” Amused, warm tone to her voice to describe their aunt, but she kept an eye for a change in Emma’s expression, and it hadn’t failed to follow.

Drawing her sister into a light hug, careful of the baby girl between them, Mariana held her for a moment before letting go, as she assessed the problem. Perhaps, a misunderstanding occurred, but she was not of the knowledge on the matter. “Father’s health must be failing him more and more,” she mused, deciding that her return to court was none too soon. “Tell me more if you can stand it, and perhaps a meeting with the Sarkozsy Prince would be of benefit. I wish to know more of this person.” Spoken in a gentle tone, the woman patted her blanket in invitation for Emmaline to sit down. A sister talk was much needed, it looked like. “As for fixing the problem, until I know more and have met him, I can only suggest you meet with him again, in presence of the siblings this time. Does he not have them, as well?” Perhaps a family gathering would benefit the pair, and she didn’t know what else would be needed.

[Princess Emmaline Carlisle]

The mention of Fiona reminded Emma she hadn't seen their aunt since her return either, something she needed to remedy soon. "She can be. I know she has a great deal on her mind lately, with Father's illness, matters of the Court and all of the foreign guests. We might want to see about a time, perhaps, for the four of us to enjoy tea together? You, me, Aunt and cousin Serah?" It would be nice to have the Carlisle ladies in one place, though she wondered if she shouldn't invite Selena as well, knowing that she was likely to be part of the family soon.

At the mention of their father's declining health, Emma sighed and went to sit on the blanket, still cuddling Rowena against her. The baby was an immeasurable comfort to her right now, smoothing away the frown that instinctively formed at the thought of Nikolai and all of the troubles as well. "I don't really know what to tell you, Mari... he's a handsome enough fellow with a fondness for music, intensely private and sometimes I think I glimpse a sense of humor, but it's rare. It's like he doesn't know how to act around me, if that makes sense? He's afraid to touch me, and one time, when I kissed his cheek to thank him for a gift, he turned red as a poppy. I..." Frustrated, Emma drew a deep breath, then nodded. "He does. A brother and two sisters. I am to spend the day with his sisters soon. Maybe they can offer me some advice. Would you want to go with us?"

[Lady Mariana Jardinier]

Mariana just shook her head in mock despair, unable to stop herself from commenting on it. “Honestly, my return is only about time, since I can take on half the worries Aunt Fiona carries – if only she’ll permit me. And the idea of having tea is marvelous.” She paused for a minute, thinking about it. “And perhaps I could organize a venture into the city for us to meet the Lady Selena, if you’d like? I’d like to meet her, as well, but uncertain of what her relations are like with Aunt and cousin Serah, respectively.” Being away from Court had its faults, and uncertainty over who knew whom and had which alliances was one such, a fault Mariana intended to correct as soon as she could do so safely.

Listening to her sister’s woes made her hide a fond grin, as she recalled a few instances of such. “I wonder if you recall myself going a mite red in the face about the time when Hadrian kissed me the first few times? Though of course I cannot link my past to your present, but embarrassment is entirely too natural when someone you like gives you a kiss as a thank you.” Winking at her sister, the woman gave the thought some consideration, before deciding she might like an excursion into the city herself. “Of course. I’d be happy to accompany you if it wouldn’t be too crowded of a group for everyone.” Posing the last few words as a question, she turned to look at Emma, thoughtfully considering the option. Two sisters, much like her and Emmaline, who could be amenable to sharing advice necessary before her poor sister became more frustrated than she already was. Perhaps it was a bit late for that, though, but Mariana believed it her prerogative to worry. After all, worrying about everyone and everything was what she did best, it seemed like.

[Princess Emmaline Carlisle]

Thinking on it, Emma smiled a little. "She might like someone to help her shoulder the burdens, especially with Father's illness. Poor Aunt Fiona has been running flat out, I'm sure she's tired and ready for a chance to rest." Now that it was on her mind, she thought she might drop a delicate hint to Lord Lancaster, as the duke was known to be a good friend to their aunt. If anyone could persuade Fiona to take a rest, surely it would be he. "Ah... well..." She shifted a little, the baby settling back in as she made a face, "Things between Aunt and Lady Selena are a little awkward, but Selena and Serah get on well enough. It's a little... complicated, you might say."

Her nose wrinkled at her sister. "That was different. You were in love with Hadrian, and he with you. You still are, but I can promise you that love is the furthest thing from Prince Nikolai's mind where I'm concerned. I don't expect him to be like Riordan, but I also would have thought he would be a bit less... uptight in my presence." It was frustrating to say the least, but she nodded. "Honestly, the more the merrier. I'd like a buffer between me and the Princesses in case it goes as poorly with them as it has between Nikolai and myself. Late morning, I think. I was going to take them into the city, show them around the markets and perhaps take in lunch while we are there."

[Lady Mariana Jardinier]

Mariana merely shook her head in mild exasperation at hearing Emma’s description at their Aunt’s busyness. “Of course, stubborn like every single one of us and she won’t ask for help until things turn dire! I believe one of us shall appeal to Lord Lancaster for help if the matter can’t be resolved over that tea.” Now mildly amused at the shift of their conversation, she quirked a curious eyebrow up in question, but decided not to test waters. Perhaps she would find out at the nearest chance to notice the interaction, which was the approaching summer festival. She intended to participate in it herself to the best of her ability, so she might be able to take note on who went well with which party. “Should I leave the organization to you or would you like me to do so and inform you of the place and time?” She asked gently, deciding that a tea with family was the last thing Emma needed to worry about, yet her sister liked to organize such events. Hence, the question. “And perhaps it’s time our whole family gathered together. Rare is the moment that all of us are in residence here in the castle,” she mused thoughtfully, wondering whether such a meeting wasn’t overdue.

Listening to the rest of her speech, Mariana nodded in agreement. “Indeed, and you’ve made me curious. I shall be there, dearling, but you may have to take point in leading us through town. Familiar sights they might be to me, but I hadn’t been around Triadon in a very long time, and as such might need leading around myself.” Laughing warmly at the suggestion, the woman watched her sister with her daughter with a warm smile. “Perchance we might run into the man himself should he become curious enough as to join our trip, though I highly doubt it. Men tend to avoid women’s gathering like fire, especially if shopping is concerned, and I fear we will not be able to avoid that pitfall of trip to the city.” Eyes laughing in amusement, for she wouldn’t have minded such a pitfall, Mariana wondered how any man would take such a trip. It would be most amusing to see, either case, if such a visit took place.

[Princess Emmaline Carlisle]

"Maybe you should speak to Lord Lancaster." Emma smiled at her sister, knowing Mariana was as aware of their aunt's long-buried affection for the widowed Duke. "He does seem to hold some sway over her, and he's always been someone whose counsel she's heeded." Spencer Lancaster wasn't as intimidating as Daven St. Claire either, which was good. The Dragon of St. Claire frankly frightened her at times with his temper and overly blunt speech. Seizing instead on the offer, she grasped her sister's hand. "Would you mind doing so? Organizing a family gathering? You have such a skill for it, and if the invitations come from you, everyone is likely to accept." Relief suffused her eyes, dark as her sister's were light. Mariana had considerable influence over the Carlisle family, being the most like their mother not only in looks but in manner.

The mention of the princesses and the forthcoming outing sobered her, but she nodded. Mariana was right; it was on her to lead the day and ensure their guests had an admirable time. The mention of shopping made her laugh softly, the more for the truth behind Mariana's words. "I don't think you yourself would mind a look through the shops to see what catches your eye, Mariana. If we run into anyone, I suspect it'll be Sir Sergei, or perhaps Grand Duke Frederick."

Lady Mariana Jardinier

[Lady Mariana Jardinier]

Returning Emma’s smile with hers, Mariana just stifled another exasperated sigh. She’d make certain she would find time to speak to that Duke, perhaps sometime soon if the opportunity made itself available, and perhaps take some moments to meet with the ladies, as well. “That just as well that someone does, means there is still hope she won’t tire herself out too much.” Warmly exasperated with their Aunt, which she thought she might be a bit overdoing, she turned her fingers over so she could clasp Emma’s hand in return. “I shall try my best and see which of our siblings will show up, and perhaps Father and Aunt Fiona would make an appearance, as well, and I’ll let you know when and where, for both events.” Truth be told, facing her father was one of the last things she wanted to do, but whole family meant just that, whole family, and she was going to see how things went and just what she managed to miss. Certainly an invitation for dinner wouldn’t be past the point, especially now.

As for the shopping itself, the thought made the woman to hum a bit. “Yes, you’re right, perhaps I shall find something to my liking.” Eyes alight in warm amusement, she gave a curious look at her sister as the latter mentioned the two men, obviously not of Demeria. “And I should be glad to meet these people. I do not believe either of them are of Demeria’s origin?” She was aware that her country was hosting several notables from other lands, though perhaps it was what made the thought of feast so alarming. Hopefully, it was merely Mariana’s habit of worrying too much about everything, but likely her worry had some place. Time would tell.


Princess Emmaline Carlisle

[Princess Emmaline Carlisle]

"Thank you." The pressures of keeping family relations up was wearing on her lately; thankfully, Riordan seemed to be on the road to success once more, but she'd barely seen or spoken with Tristan lately. He was spending a great deal of time with Princess Katya, something that roused her concern but Emma was trying to mind her own business on that point. There was a kind of strain between her brother and her since before she left for Meirin, and she wasn't entirely certain how to relieve it.

Gladly turning the subject to two of their foreign guests, she laughed. "Sir Sergei was the Prince of Sarkozsy's personal guard but he has been accompanying the Sarkozsy princesses about these past few weeks. A very charming and humorous man, you'll like him. As for Grand Duke Frederick, he's from Treniata, a cousin of the King's or some such. And the eyes he makes at Serah... goodness. I almost blush to see the way he looks at her!"


Lady Mariana Jardinier