[Open post] Further down the literary rabbit hole

[drownedfuchsia]

Fuchsia's been dealing with everything, the way she always does: completely ignoring reality.  She's managed to find herself a collection of terrible romances, and will part with them like her father did his own library, with depression and possible madness.

While she's managed to avoid anything about shades of grey (though she did make her way

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[regency_twihard]

Cathy has been reading a collection of essays which Paul had recommended -- no, kindly assigned her to read. She's not sure what to make of some of it, though she appreciates that the author has encouraged women to write and write as they see fit.

She might just be coming into the common room, when she spies her Twilight-loving friend. "Lady Fuschia, greetings," she says, curtseying. "It has been a long time since last we spoke. Have you found some new literary treasure?" she asks, eying the book.

[regency_twihard]

"Indeed: no man who does so is worthy to be called a gentleman," she says. "No doubt there are thieves and highwaymen who quit themselves more honorably toward ladies." She's met one of each (well, the thief for certain, the other claimed to have been a highwayman...) during her sojourn in the barn, following the quake.

[drownedfuchsia]

"Yet he is a lord! A Noble without any nobility in him."

Fuchsia looks behind her as if she thinks someone's watching. It's all in her imagination, as vast and untamed a thing as it is.

She has a secret for Cathy. "I once met someone so lacking in morality, but he was a kitchen rat! No one in my family could ever so horrid."

Fuchsia, have you met your mother?

[regency_twihard]

We've speculated that Countess Gertrude might have been something like the Wild Thing, only with a fondness for animals instead of scurrying through the treetops.

"I would imagine that such a lowly birth would afford one little chance to improve ones morals," she says, frankly concerned for her ladyship. "Does this person... work in the kitchen in this house?" she asks, needing to be sure.

[drownedfuchsia]

There are a variety of other things Gertrude may defined as, but none of them are appropriate for polite company.

Fuchsia can at least offer one level of reassurance, "No, he doesn't. His name is Steerpike, and he is a liar.and arsonist. Never go near him."

Unless he died in the recent event. Fuchsia, like most things, isn't sure about that.

[regency_twihard]

"Steerpike... I have met him in the library and he seemed a most gracious and intelligent young man," she says, confused. "He helped me to find a book that helped to inspire my second novel."

[drownedfuchsia]

"Don't let him near a library! He burns them!" Is there a worse crime for two such literary-minded women!

"Burned my father's!"

[regency_twihard]

"But he hasn't harmed the one here: Is it not possible that he might have reformed?" she blurts out. Parson's daughter that she is, she believes redemption isn't that far away for anyone. And she's likely been dazzled by Steerpike's wit and manners as well.

[drownedfuchsia]

"He once set up a room for me, and it was beautiful, but he only wanted to use me. Careful," She's going to reach out to take her friend's hands, typist willing. "He lies. Everything about him is a lie."

"He is like the lord in this book, but without any hope of changing."

Hopefully, that comparison will bring about the reaction she wants. Steerpike near someone like Cathy could cause a downfall. Hers.

[regency_twihard]

She breathes a bit tiredly. "Very well, on your advisement, I shall take care about him," she replies. But she still can't help but hope that the Mansion has changed Steerpike for the better.

[drownedfuchsia]

Well, Fuchsia's opinion on Steerpike changes hourly as well, but even her sense is saying it's best to keep such a lovely young girl away from the rat!

"I would be devastated if he hurt you. I feel you have to be warned."

So very mature of her, right?

[regency_twihard]

"I shall take care when he is about: I shan't let him hoodwink me," she says, reassuringly, and now a bit concerned.

[drownedfuchsia]

Cathy's honour now safely reassured in Fuchsia's mind, means she can breathe easier. "I'm so relieved. You deserve a worthy man, not a rat."

[regency_twihard]

She might smirk and lean in a bit. "To speak honestly, there is a young man of whom I am fond, and so Master Steerpike is of little concern to me," she says, conspiratorially, in a 'just between us girls' way. "And he is as wise as he is handsome."

[drownedfuchsia]

Fuchsia visibly shivers with excitement, and even twists the material of her skirts between her fingers. "Who is he? Have I met him? May I meet him?"

[regency_twihard]

"He is Master Paul, the historian, and he has been very encouraging toward me and toward my writing," she replies, beaming with delight and blushing at her own audacity in sharing this news.