A Reunion of Old Friends [3/5, Spencer x Fiona ]

[Lady Fiona Lancaster]

The reminder was well received, at least. He was right. Even in the safety of the garden, she had to be careful not give away too much. After all, she had a strong reputation to maintain! A small smile was the only acknowledgement he received. How long had that method of communication existed between them? Fiona couldn't even remember. She supposed it didn't really matter how long it had been, but the mere fact she had such a connection.

"Oh, believe me. The Court is abuzz with who is going to be the next Master of Trade. I won't be surprised if a candidate comes forth from each house in Demeria. I know the Jardiniers are making noise about such. Lord Jardinier himself has been going around, looking for supporters. He hasn't approached me as of yet, though... I wouldn't dare to presume he needs my support." An impish smile was flashed up to him.

[Lord Spencer Lancaster]

He smiled, intrigued by that tidbit concerning Lord Jardinier. It was no surprise, considering the family's frequent contributions to trade endeavors, yet he was not certain this particular candidate was well suited for the job. Spencer kept his eyes focused again, but his tone was low, intended to keep the discussion between them as they navigated the twists and turns of the path. "A pity he is so foolish. Any who approached you and was able to gain your support would consider himself a strong candidate. You would not endorse anyone less than capable."

He himself could not hold a Council position due to his status as Duke of Indigane, but he had a vested interest in who sat on the Crown Council. If it was the right man, then he had a means of influencing the King and matters of trade within Demeria, as well as other options towards gaining his desired ends. If he could not see Selena wedded to the Crown Prince, perhaps he would survey those who sat on the Council and were in need of a wife. It was a prospective avenue to pursue.

[Lady Fiona Lancaster]

"Oh, my Lord, you flatter me," even though she knew he really wasn't. It was all part of the game at this point. "But I am curious, since you are a learned and capable man yourself. You obviously know the importance of the position. You stated that it needs fresh blood, so to speak. This leads me to wonder if you might have someone in mind for the position." Fiona had a few thoughts on the matter, but she had yet to share them. Indeed, she would gladly share them with Spencer, but Sedrick? Fiona honestly wondered if the man would even listen to her anymore.

"The rest of the council is stable for the time being. I'll admit that I had my concerns about the Master of Intelligence, but ... he's come around to me. One could say that he's grown on me, and I am rather fond of his niece. Have you had the opportunity to meet her? The Lady Marisa de Vere, that is."

[Lord Spencer Lancaster]

He didn't flatter her in the slightest; they both knew it. Spencer saw no need to flatter her when truth had the same impact on Fiona. "It does. Trade is the lifeblood of nearly every duchy and vassal in Demeria," he answered as he glanced towards her, studying her profile for a moment. Did he have someone in mind for the position? An excellent question, one he was not certain he had an answer for. "Not at present," he confessed, "but I will keep my eyes open for viable candidates and point them out to you."

He listened thoughtfully to her words, a nod of tentative agreement given to her assessment of the Council. "I was not aware you had grown... accustomed to Lord Rupert. What are your thoughts on him? And no, I have not had the pleasure of meeting the Lady Marisa. What can you tell me of her?"

[Lady Fiona Lancaster]

"Your words are far more diplomatic than mine," she gave him another impish grin. "He is difficult to read at first, but something to keep in mind when it comes to him is that he is an opportunist. Never give away anything to him, make him earn it. However, the man is disgustingly observant. He can see things that even escape my notice. It's a bit unnerving, I will admit." She shuddered, but her smile turned fond at the mention of Marisa.

"Lady Marisa is a great many things. I may argue that she is one of the prettier ladies of the Court and she knows it. What she possesses in looks, however, is matched in mind. She is quite keen, you see and knows exactly when to smile sweetly to you. Does that sound familiar?" A sweet smile was turned on him, her eyes dancing with mirth and a touch of pride.

[Lord Spencer Lancaster]

Spencer turned a curious look on his companion, examining her profile once more. The praises she sung of the Lady Marisa put him on his guard; he knew Fiona well enough that she did not compliment liberally or frequently. Was the girl as good as her patroness said? If so, he would need to see that he kept Selena far from her - such a one like Lady Marisa would not hesitate to hitch her wagon to Selena's rising star.

Averting his gaze, he fought against the need to frown. "It sounds too familiar, to be candid. She sounds as if she might be cast from the same mould that brought you forth, my dear lady. Is the Court truly large enough to hold two of you, I wonder?" He smiled faintly back at that sweet smile, but the eyes were somber. "Take care, Fiona, that the student does not seek to supplant her teacher. Ambition can be a double-edged sword."

[Lady Fiona Lancaster]

Spencer's reaction caught her slightly off guard, though she reminded herself that he was not say such things with a cruel heart. When he was somber, there was often a good reason. He had always been the more pragmatic of the two. There were times when he was too pragmatic, but there were also times when she was too ambitious and bold. Thus, rather than bristle at his suggestion, she nodded thoughtfully and looked down for a moment.

"I am hoping that she would not seek to do so, but I suppose I can't put it past members of that family to think in such a manner. They do come with such a reputation, don't they?"

[Lord Spencer Lancaster]

He knew his words were not welcomed but he held Fiona's interests, and indeed Fiona herself, too dear not to speak plainly. Glad to see she heeded his warning in the spirit with which it was offered, he smiled faintly. "They do, but as we both have reason to know, there are exceptions to every rule. Perhaps you took her under your wing in time to subvert that aspect of her personality."

Spencer patted her hand discreetly in a brief gesture of comfort. "Besides," he added dryly, "I know you are clever enough to warn her before she gets any ideas, much less works to implement them. You are yet the Master; I have every confidence you will remain so."

[Lady Fiona Lancaster]

"Actually, the best thing I can do," she reasoned, "is keep her plenty busy. You know what they say about idle hands." A smile formed, then, "If I keep her properly occupied, she won't have the opportunity to cause me too much mischief. That and she continues to enjoy her uncle's company. It will harder to subvert that part of her than you realize."

"I have debated, actually, finding her a proper husband in the long run. Not certain who I would chose, not to mention I'd have to get her uncle's approval for any match and we know how selective he is."

[Lord Spencer Lancaster]

"Indeed. Wisely said, Highness," he agreed, returning his gaze ahead. "But then, this is why you are the master and she the student. There are few to no tricks she can endeavor that you have not already tried yourself." Spencer was privately glad that Marisa de Vere was not his problem; the girl sounded like an ongoing challenge that would merely exhaust him. Thankfully, his daughter was not half the minx the de Vere girl was!

At the mention of a husband, he snorted dryly. "I am sure in Lord Rupert's mind, no mere male is adequate to touch the hem of his niece's gown. The girl herself is likely most selective. I do not envy you the task before you if you decide to take on that challenge."

[Lady Fiona Lancaster]

"Oh, I don't know. I know she'll need a husband that can put up with who she is, since she is not the type that will be put down at all. She also does not want to be in full view of court at all times, so a man who appreciates discretion. The marriage, obviously, will need to be a meaningful one, something that will give her an advantage." In truth, Spencer was not a poor choice, but ... no. No one was going to touch Spencer if Fiona had anything to do with it. Of course, she'd never admit to such a thing.

[Lord Spencer Lancaster]

Spencer was silent for a very long time as he strolled beside her, thinking over something his daughter said. In the current situation, he grasped Selena's meaning and a part of him agreed with her. Now, he wanted to test Fiona's stance. "There are more to our young women than just marriage, Your Highness. I seem to recall a time when you found the idea of court as a marriage mart rather... distasteful." He continued forward as his words came out to finish his thought. "I did not bring Selena here simply to find her a husband. I do not need Court for that. I imagine your apprentice has greater ambitions as well."

[Lady Fiona Lancaster]

Fiona gave Spencer a curious look, wondering where the statement was coming from. "Unfortunately, my Lord, while I do agree with the sentiment and idea behind your statement, there is a matter of reality. While Demeria may be more liberal," her voice was growing increasingly bitter as she went on, "There are still instances were the only real power a woman can have is if it is wielded through a man. A woman's opinion can mean very little." And then she realized her tone, and that she was unfairly taking it out on him. She sighed, looking down. "I am sorry. I know you're right, it is ... difficult for me to think past the methods I had to use to get any kind of power or influence in this Kingdom." Especially with a man like Sedrick on the throne.